1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to state government finance; appropriating and transferring money for 
1.3 	prekindergarten through grade 12 education, higher education, agriculture, state 
1.4 	government, environment and natural resources, energy, renewable development, 
1.5 	jobs and economic development, labor, public safety, and corrections; making 
1.6 	policy and technical changes related to those appropriations; deleting land from a 
1.7 	state park; authorizing the sale of certain state lands; modifying provisions relating 
1.8 	to peace officer compensation; renaming a state building; establishing a battery 
1.9 	stewardship program; modifying the Board of Barber Examiners and Board of 
1.10 	Cosmetologist Examiners; modifying Medicaid fraud, campaign finance, clemency 
1.11 	provisions, the Data Practices Act, and consumer protection restitution account; 
1.12 	authorizing administrative rulemaking; imposing penalties; requiring reports;
1.13 	amending Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 8.16, subdivision 1; 10A.01, by adding 
1.14 	subdivisions; 10A.02, subdivision 15; 10A.025, subdivisions 2, 3, 4, 5, by adding 
1.15 	a subdivision; 10A.20, subdivision 12, by adding a subdivision; 16A.152, 
1.16 	subdivision 2; 18J.01; 18J.02; 18J.03; 18J.04, subdivisions 1, 2, 3, 4; 18J.05, 
1.17 	subdivisions 1, 2, 6; 18J.06; 18J.07, subdivisions 3, 4, 5; 18J.09; 18K.02, 
1.18 	subdivisions 5, 6; 18K.04, subdivision 1; 21.111; 21.112, by adding a subdivision; 
1.19 	21.113; 21.115; 21.117; 21.119; 21.1195; 21.891, subdivision 2; 28A.0752; 29.21, 
1.20 	by adding a subdivision; 29.26; 32D.30, subdivision 5; 41A.19; 115A.03, by adding 
1.21 	subdivisions; 115A.554; 115A.9157; 115C.08, subdivision 4; 115C.09, by adding 
1.22 	a subdivision; 116.92, subdivision 6, by adding a subdivision; 122A.20, 
1.23 	subdivisions 1, 2; 124D.98, by adding a subdivision; 126C.10, subdivision 14; 
1.24 	136A.64, subdivision 1; 136A.675, by adding a subdivision; 136A.822, subdivision 
1.25 	9; 136A.823, subdivision 1; 154.001, subdivision 2; 154.003; 154.01; 154.02, 
1.26 	subdivisions 1, 4, by adding subdivisions; 154.05; 154.07, subdivision 1, by adding 
1.27 	a subdivision; 154.08; 154.09; 154.11, subdivision 1, by adding a subdivision; 
1.28 	155A.20; 155A.23, subdivisions 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 18, by adding a subdivision; 
1.29 	155A.25, subdivisions 1a, 3, 5, 7; 155A.27, subdivisions 5a, 10, by adding 
1.30 	subdivisions; 155A.271, subdivision 2; 155A.29, subdivision 2; 155A.30, 
1.31 	subdivisions 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12; 155A.31; 155A.32; 155A.33, subdivisions 
1.32 	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, by adding a subdivision; 177.27, subdivision 4; 181.03, subdivision 
1.33 	6; 260E.15; 260E.28, subdivision 1; 299A.41, subdivisions 3, 4, by adding 
1.34 	subdivisions; 299D.03, subdivisions 2, 2a; 325E.125, subdivision 5; 325E.1251, 
1.35 	subdivision 2; 471.6161, by adding a subdivision; 583.215; 609.352, subdivisions 
1.36 	1, 4, by adding subdivisions; 609.52, subdivision 2; 638.09, by adding a 
1.37 	subdivision; 638.12, subdivision 2; 638.14, subdivision 5; 638.16, subdivision 1; 
1.38 	Minnesota Statutes 2025 Supplement, sections 8.37, subdivisions 3, 5; 17.1017, 
2.1 	subdivision 9; 17.133, subdivisions 1, 2; 28A.04, subdivision 1; 28A.08, subdivision 
2.2 	3; 126C.10, subdivision 3; 126C.15, subdivision 2; 136A.69, subdivision 1; 
2.3 	136A.821, subdivision 5; 136A.824, subdivisions 1, 2; 136A.833, subdivision 2; 
2.4 	216B.16, subdivision 15; 256B.12; 260E.065, by adding a subdivision; 260E.20, 
2.5 	subdivision 1; 609.902, subdivision 4; 628.26; Laws 2023, chapter 40, article 4, 
2.6 	section 2, subdivision 6, as amended; Laws 2023, chapter 43, article 1, section 2, 
2.7 	subdivision 5, as amended; Laws 2023, chapter 55, article 8, section 19, subdivision 
2.8 	5, as amended; Laws 2023, chapter 70, article 20, section 12, as amended; Laws 
2.9 	2024, chapter 90, article 1, section 52; Laws 2024, chapter 104, article 1, section 
2.10 	2; Laws 2025, chapter 34, article 1, section 2, subdivisions 2, 3, as amended, 4, as 
2.11 	amended; Laws 2025, First Special Session chapter 10, article 8, section 18, 
2.12 	subdivision 5; article 12, section 8; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota 
2.13 	Statutes, chapters 13; 21; 115A; 181; 216B; 216C; 299A; 299D; 609; repealing 
2.14 	Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 18K.02, subdivision 7; 18K.03, subdivision 2; 
2.15 	28A.075; 115A.9155; 115A.961, subdivisions 1, 2, 3; 136A.657; 136A.834, 
2.16 	subdivisions 2, 3, 4; 155A.275; 325E.125, subdivisions 1, 2, 2a, 3, 4; 325E.1251, 
2.17 	subdivision 1; 609.466; Minnesota Statutes 2025 Supplement, section 136A.834, 
2.18 	subdivisions 1, 5; Laws 2017, First Special Session chapter 4, article 1, section 
2.19 	29; Minnesota Rules, parts 2100.2500; 2100.2600; 2100.2900; 2100.3000; 
2.20 	2100.3200; 2100.3300; 2100.4500; 2100.5200, subparts 1, 2, 5; 2100.5300; 
2.21 	2100.6000.
2.22 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

2.23 	ARTICLE 1
2.24 	PREKINDERGARTEN THROUGH GRADE 12 EDUCATION

2.25 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 122A.20, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
2.26 		Subdivision 1.Grounds for revocation, suspension, or denial. (a) The Professional 
2.27 	Educator Licensing and Standards Board or Board of School Administrators, whichever 
2.28 	has jurisdiction over a teacher's licensure, may, on the written complaint of the school board 
2.29 	employing a teacher, a teacher organization, or any other interested person, refuse to issue, 
2.30 	refuse to renew, suspend, or revoke a teacher's license to teach for any of the following 
2.31 	causes:
2.32 	(1) immoral character or conduct;
2.33 	(2) failure, without justifiable cause, to teach for the term of the teacher's contract;
2.34 	(3) gross inefficiency or willful neglect of duty;
2.35 	(4) failure to meet licensure requirements; or
2.36 	(5) fraud or misrepresentation in obtaining a license.
2.37 	The written complaint must specify the nature and character of the charges.
2.38 	(b) The Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board or Board of School 
2.39 	Administrators, whichever has jurisdiction over a teacher's licensure, shall refuse to issue, 
2.40 	refuse to renew, or automatically revoke a teacher's license to teach without the right to a 
3.1 	hearing upon receiving a certified copy of a conviction showing that the teacher has been 
3.2 	convicted of child abuse, as defined in section 609.185, sex trafficking in the first degree 
3.3 	under section 609.322, subdivision 1, sex trafficking in the second degree under section 
3.4 	609.322, subdivision 1a, engaging in hiring, or agreeing to hire a minor to engage in 
3.5 	prostitution under section 609.324, subdivision 1, sexual abuse under section 609.342, 
3.6 	609.343, 609.344, 609.345, 609.3451, subdivision 3, or 617.23, subdivision 3, solicitation 
3.7 	of children to engage in sexual conduct or communication of sexually explicit materials to 
3.8 	children, or grooming under section 609.352, interference with privacy under section 609.746
3.9 	or harassment or stalking under section 609.749 and the victim was a minor, using minors 
3.10 	in a sexual performance under section 617.246, possessing pornographic works involving 
3.11 	a minor under section 617.247, or any other offense not listed in this paragraph that requires 
3.12 	the person to register as a predatory offender under section 243.166, or a crime under a 
3.13 	similar law of another state or the United States. The board shall send notice of this licensing 
3.14 	action to the district in which the teacher is currently employed.
3.15 	(c) A person whose license to teach has been revoked, not issued, or not renewed under 
3.16 	paragraph (b), may petition the board to reconsider the licensing action if the person's 
3.17 	conviction for child abuse or sexual abuse is reversed by a final decision of the court of 
3.18 	appeals or the supreme court or if the person has received a pardon for the offense. The 
3.19 	petitioner shall attach a certified copy of the appellate court's final decision or the pardon 
3.20 	to the petition. Upon receiving the petition and its attachment, the board shall schedule and 
3.21 	hold a disciplinary hearing on the matter under section 214.10, subdivision 2, unless the 
3.22 	petitioner waives the right to a hearing. If the board finds that, notwithstanding the reversal 
3.23 	of the petitioner's criminal conviction or the issuance of a pardon, the petitioner is disqualified 
3.24 	from teaching under paragraph (a), clause (1), the board shall affirm its previous licensing 
3.25 	action. If the board finds that the petitioner is not disqualified from teaching under paragraph 
3.26 	(a), clause (1), it shall reverse its previous licensing action.
3.27 	(d) For purposes of this subdivision, the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards 
3.28 	Board is delegated the authority to suspend or revoke coaching licenses.

3.29 	Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 122A.20, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
3.30 		Subd. 2.Mandatory reporting. (a) A school board, superintendent, charter school 
3.31 	board, charter school executive director, or charter school authorizer must report to the 
3.32 	Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board, the Board of School Administrators, 
3.33 	or the Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, whichever has 
3.34 	jurisdiction over the teacher's or administrator's license, when its teacher or administrator 
4.1 	is discharged or resigns from employment after a charge is filed with the school board under 
4.2 	section 122A.41, subdivisions 6, paragraph (a), clauses (1), (2), and (3), and 7, or after 
4.3 	charges are filed that are grounds for discharge under section 122A.40, subdivision 13, 
4.4 	paragraph (a), clauses (1) to (5), or when a teacher or administrator is suspended or resigns 
4.5 	while an investigation is pending under section 122A.40, subdivision 13, paragraph (a), 
4.6 	clauses (1) to (5), or chapter 260E; or 122A.41, subdivisions 6, clauses (1), (2), and (3), 
4.7 	and 7; or when a teacher or administrator is suspended without an investigation under section 
4.8 	122A.41, subdivisions 6, paragraph (a), clauses (1), (2), and (3), and 7, or chapter 260E. 
4.9 	The report must be made to the appropriate licensing board within ten days after the 
4.10 	discharge, suspension, or resignation has occurred. The licensing board to which the report 
4.11 	is made must investigate the report for violation of subdivision 1 and the reporting board, 
4.12 	administrator, or authorizer must cooperate in the investigation. Notwithstanding any 
4.13 	provision in chapter 13 or any law to the contrary, upon written request from the licensing 
4.14 	board having jurisdiction over the license, a board, charter school, authorizer, charter school 
4.15 	executive director, or school superintendent shall provide the licensing board with information 
4.16 	about the teacher or administrator from the district's files, any termination or disciplinary 
4.17 	proceeding, any settlement or compromise, or any investigative file. Upon written request 
4.18 	from the appropriate licensing board, a board or school superintendent may, at the discretion 
4.19 	of the board or school superintendent, solicit the written consent of a student and the student's 
4.20 	parent to provide the licensing board with information that may aid the licensing board in 
4.21 	its investigation and license proceedings. The licensing board's request need not identify a 
4.22 	student or parent by name. The consent of the student and the student's parent must meet 
4.23 	the requirements of chapter 13 and Code of Federal Regulations, title 34, section 99.30. 
4.24 	The licensing board may provide a consent form to the district. Any data transmitted to any 
4.25 	board under this section is private data under section 13.02, subdivision 12, notwithstanding 
4.26 	any other classification of the data when it was in the possession of any other agency.
4.27 	(b) The licensing board to which a report is made must transmit to the Attorney General's 
4.28 	Office any record or data it receives under this subdivision for the sole purpose of having 
4.29 	the Attorney General's Office assist that board in its investigation. When the Attorney 
4.30 	General's Office has informed an employee of the appropriate licensing board in writing 
4.31 	that grounds exist to suspend or revoke a teacher's license to teach, that licensing board 
4.32 	must consider suspending or revoking or decline to suspend or revoke the teacher's or 
4.33 	administrator's license within 45 days of receiving a stipulation executed by the teacher or 
4.34 	administrator under investigation or a recommendation from an administrative law judge 
4.35 	that disciplinary action be taken.
5.1 	(c) The Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board and Board of School 
5.2 	Administrators must report to the appropriate law enforcement authorities a revocation, 
5.3 	suspension, or agreement involving a loss of license, relating to a teacher or administrator's 
5.4 	inappropriate sexual conduct with a minor. For purposes of this section, "law enforcement 
5.5 	authority" means a police department, county sheriff, or Tribal police department. A report 
5.6 	by the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board to appropriate law enforcement 
5.7 	authorities does not diminish, modify, or otherwise affect the responsibilities of a school 
5.8 	board or any person mandated to report abuse under chapter 260E.
5.9 	(d) A police department or county sheriff must notify the appropriate licensing board 
5.10 	when a teacher is criminally charged with an offense listed in subdivision 1, paragraph (b), 
5.11 	or is charged with any other offense not listed in this section that requires the person to 
5.12 	register as a predatory offender under section 243.166.

5.13 	Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 124D.98, is amended by adding a subdivision to 
5.14 	read:
5.15 		Subd. 6.Exclusion of 2025-2026 reading assessments. Notwithstanding subdivisions 
5.16 	2 and 3, for purposes of calculating proficiency aid and growth aid for fiscal years 2027, 
5.17 	2028, and 2029 only, tests administered during the 2025-2026 school year must be excluded 
5.18 	from the three-year average proficiency percentage and from the three-year average growth 
5.19 	percentage. The commissioner may adjust the dollar amounts for proficiency aid and growth 
5.20 	aid for fiscal years 2027, 2028, and 2029 only to ensure that the total aid amount under this 
5.21 	section is not less than the amount estimated for these fiscal years under the February 2026 
5.22 	forecast.

5.23 	Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2025 Supplement, section 126C.10, subdivision 3, is amended 
5.24 	to read:
5.25 		Subd. 3.Compensatory education revenue. (a) A district's compensatory revenue 
5.26 	equals the sum of its compensatory revenue for each building in the district and the amounts 
5.27 	designated under Laws 2015, First Special Session chapter 3, article 2, section 70, subdivision 
5.28 	8, for fiscal year 2017. Revenue shall be paid to the district and must be allocated according 
5.29 	to section 126C.15, subdivision 2.
5.30 	(b) For fiscal years 2024, 2025, and 2026, the compensatory education revenue for each 
5.31 	building in the district equals the formula allowance minus $839 times the compensation 
5.32 	revenue pupil units computed according to section 126C.05, subdivision 3.
6.1 	(c) For fiscal year 2027 and later, the compensatory education revenue for each building 
6.2 	in the district equals its compensatory pupils multiplied by the building compensatory 
6.3 	allowance.
6.4 	(d) When the district contracting with an alternative program under section 124D.69 
6.5 	changes prior to the start of a school year, the compensatory revenue generated by pupils 
6.6 	attending the program shall be paid to the district contracting with the alternative program 
6.7 	for the current school year, and shall not be paid to the district contracting with the alternative 
6.8 	program for the prior school year.
6.9 	(e) When the fiscal agent district for an area learning center changes prior to the start of 
6.10 	a school year, the compensatory revenue shall be paid to the fiscal agent district for the 
6.11 	current school year, and shall not be paid to the fiscal agent district for the prior school year.
6.12 	(f) Notwithstanding paragraph (c) (b), for fiscal year 2026, if the sum of the amounts 
6.13 	calculated under paragraph (c) (b) is less than $838,947,000, the commissioner must 
6.14 	proportionately increase the revenue to each building until the total statewide revenue 
6.15 	calculated for each building equals $838,947,000.
6.16 	(g) Notwithstanding paragraph (c), for fiscal year 2027 and later, if the sum of the 
6.17 	amounts calculated under paragraph (c) is less than $857,152,000, the commissioner must 
6.18 	proportionately increase the revenue to each building until the total statewide revenue 
6.19 	calculated for each building equals $857,152,000.
6.20 	(h) Notwithstanding paragraph (c), for fiscal year 2027 only, the compensatory education 
6.21 	revenue for each building equals the greater of:
6.22 	(1) the amount calculated for the building under paragraphs (c) and (g); or
6.23 	(2) the building minimum amount calculated under paragraph (i).
6.24 	(i) For purposes of paragraph (h), the building minimum amount equals the product of:
6.25 	(1) the compensatory education revenue for the building for fiscal year 2026;
6.26 	(2) the lesser of one or the ratio of the number of pupils enrolled in the building on 
6.27 	October 1, 2025, to the number of pupils enrolled in the building on October 1, 2024; and
6.28 	(3) 0.7746.

6.29 	Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 126C.10, subdivision 14, is amended to read:
6.30 		Subd. 14.Uses of total operating capital revenue. Total operating capital revenue may 
6.31 	be used only for the following purposes:
7.1 	(1) to acquire land for school purposes;
7.2 	(2) to acquire or construct buildings for school purposes;
7.3 	(3) to rent or lease buildings, including the costs of building repair or improvement that 
7.4 	are part of a lease agreement;
7.5 	(4) to improve and repair school sites and buildings, and equip or reequip school buildings 
7.6 	with permanent attached fixtures, including library media centers and gender-neutral 
7.7 	single-user restrooms, locker room privacy stalls, or other spaces with privacy features, 
7.8 	including single-user shower stalls, changing stalls, or other single-user facilities;
7.9 	(5) for a surplus school building that is used substantially for a public nonschool purpose;
7.10 	(6) to eliminate barriers or increase access to school buildings by individuals with a 
7.11 	disability;
7.12 	(7) to bring school buildings into compliance with the State Fire Code adopted according 
7.13 	to chapter 299F;
7.14 	(8) to remove asbestos from school buildings, encapsulate asbestos, or make 
7.15 	asbestos-related repairs;
7.16 	(9) to clean up and dispose of polychlorinated biphenyls found in school buildings;
7.17 	(10) to clean up, remove, dispose of, and make repairs related to storing heating fuel or 
7.18 	transportation fuels such as alcohol, gasoline, fuel oil, and special fuel, as defined in section 
7.19 	296A.01;
7.20 	(11) for energy audits for school buildings and to modify buildings if the audit indicates 
7.21 	the cost of the modification can be recovered within ten years;
7.22 	(12) to improve buildings that are leased according to section 123B.51, subdivision 4;
7.23 	(13) to pay special assessments levied against school property but not to pay assessments 
7.24 	for service charges;
7.25 	(14) to pay principal and interest on state loans for energy conservation according to 
7.26 	section 216C.37 or loans made under the Douglas J. Johnson Economic Protection Trust 
7.27 	Fund Act according to sections 298.292 to 298.297;
7.28 	(15) to purchase or lease interactive telecommunications equipment;
7.29 	(16) by board resolution, to transfer money into the debt redemption fund to: (i) pay the 
7.30 	amounts needed to meet, when due, principal and interest payments on certain obligations 
8.1 	issued according to chapter 475; or (ii) pay principal and interest on debt service loans or 
8.2 	capital loans according to section 126C.70;
8.3 	(17) to pay operating capital-related assessments of any entity formed under a cooperative 
8.4 	agreement between two or more districts;
8.5 	(18) to purchase or lease computers and related hardware, software, and annual licensing 
8.6 	fees, copying machines, telecommunications equipment, and other noninstructional 
8.7 	equipment;
8.8 	(19) to purchase or lease assistive technology or equipment for instructional programs;
8.9 	(20) to purchase textbooks as defined in section 123B.41, subdivision 2;
8.10 	(21) to purchase new and replacement library media resources or technology;
8.11 	(22) to lease or purchase vehicles;
8.12 	(23) to purchase or lease telecommunications equipment, computers, and related 
8.13 	equipment for integrated information management systems for:
8.14 	(i) managing and reporting learner outcome information for all students under a 
8.15 	results-oriented graduation rule;
8.16 	(ii) managing student assessment, services, and achievement information required for 
8.17 	students with individualized education programs; and
8.18 	(iii) other classroom information management needs;
8.19 	(24) to pay personnel costs directly related to the acquisition, operation, and maintenance 
8.20 	of telecommunications systems, computers, related equipment, and network and applications 
8.21 	software;
8.22 	(25) to pay the costs directly associated with closing a school facility, including moving 
8.23 	and storage costs;
8.24 	(26) to pay the costs of supplies and equipment necessary to provide access to menstrual 
8.25 	products at no charge to students in restrooms and as otherwise needed in school facilities; 
8.26 	and
8.27 	(27) to pay the costs of the opiate antagonists required under section 121A.224.; and
8.28 	(28) to pay utility service costs.

8.29 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for revenue in fiscal year 2027 and later.

9.1 	Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2025 Supplement, section 126C.15, subdivision 2, is amended 
9.2 	to read:
9.3 		Subd. 2.Building allocation. (a) A district or cooperative must allocate at least 80 
9.4 	percent of its compensatory revenue to each school building in the district or cooperative 
9.5 	where the children who have generated the revenue are served unless the school district or 
9.6 	cooperative has received permission under Laws 2005, First Special Session chapter 5, 
9.7 	article 1, section 50, to allocate compensatory revenue according to student performance 
9.8 	measures developed by the school board.
9.9 	(b) A district or cooperative may allocate no more than 20 percent of the amount of 
9.10 	compensatory revenue that the district receives to school sites according to a plan adopted 
9.11 	by the school board. The money reallocated under this paragraph must be spent for the 
9.12 	purposes listed in subdivision 1, but may be spent on students in any grade, including 
9.13 	students attending school readiness or other prekindergarten programs.
9.14 	(c) For the purposes of this section and section 126C.05, subdivision 3, "building" means 
9.15 	education site as defined in section 123B.04, subdivision 1.
9.16 	(d) Notwithstanding section 123A.26, subdivision 1, compensatory revenue generated 
9.17 	by students served at a cooperative unit shall be paid to the cooperative unit.
9.18 	(e) A district or cooperative with school building openings, school building closings, 
9.19 	changes in attendance area boundaries, or other changes in programs or student demographics 
9.20 	between the prior year and the current year may reallocate compensatory revenue among 
9.21 	sites to reflect these changes. A district or cooperative must report to the department any 
9.22 	adjustments it makes according to this paragraph and the department must use the adjusted 
9.23 	compensatory revenue allocations in preparing the report required under section 123B.76, 
9.24 	subdivision 3, paragraph (c).
9.25 	(f) For fiscal years 2026 and, 2027, and 2028 only, notwithstanding the percentages 
9.26 	specified in paragraphs (a) and (b), a district may allocate up to 40 percent of the amount 
9.27 	of compensatory revenue that the district receives to school sites according to a plan adopted 
9.28 	by the school board, consistent with the purposes listed in subdivision 1.

9.29 	Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2025 Supplement, section 260E.065, is amended by adding a 
9.30 	subdivision to read:
9.31 		Subd. 4.Commissioner of children, youth, and families; education-related mandated 
9.32 	reporter training module on grooming. (a) By August 1, 2027, the commissioner of 
9.33 	children, youth, and families must update the existing mandated reporter training that is 
10.1 	specifically applicable to professionals or professionals' delegates engaged in education, to 
10.2 	include but not be limited to:
10.3 	(1) the requirement to report allegations of maltreatment involving students ages 18 
10.4 	through 21, including students receiving special education services, up to and including 
10.5 	graduation and the issuance of a secondary or high school diploma; and
10.6 	(2) addressing grooming and threatened sexual abuse, including the duty to report 
10.7 	grooming as maltreatment under section 260E.06, and how to identify the signs of grooming.
10.8 	(b) The commissioner must consult with the Department of Education while updating 
10.9 	the training.

10.10 	Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 260E.15, is amended to read:
10.11 	260E.15 SCREENING GUIDELINES.
10.12 	(a) Child protection staff, supervisors, and others involved in child protection screening 
10.13 	shall follow the guidance provided in the maltreatment screening guidelines issued by the 
10.14 	commissioner and, when notified by the commissioner, shall immediately implement updated 
10.15 	procedures and protocols.
10.16 	(b) Any modification to the screening guidelines must be preapproved by the 
10.17 	commissioner and must not be less protective of children than is mandated by statute. The 
10.18 	county agency must consult with the county attorney before proposing modifications to the 
10.19 	commissioner. The guidelines may provide additional protection for children but must not 
10.20 	limit reports that are screened in or provide additional limits on consideration of reports 
10.21 	that were screened out in making a screening determination.
10.22 	(c) The screening guidelines issued by the commissioner must not limit an agency's 
10.23 	ability to screen in and investigate a report of alleged maltreatment that occurred more than 
10.24 	three years prior to the date of the report.

10.25 	Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2025 Supplement, section 260E.20, subdivision 1, is amended 
10.26 	to read:
10.27 		Subdivision 1.General duties. (a) The local welfare agency shall offer services to 
10.28 	prevent future maltreatment, safeguarding and enhancing the welfare of the maltreated child, 
10.29 	and supporting and preserving family life whenever possible.
10.30 	(b) If the report alleges a violation of a criminal statute involving maltreatment or child 
10.31 	endangerment under section 609.378, the local law enforcement agency and local welfare 
11.1 	agency shall coordinate the planning and execution of their respective investigation and 
11.2 	assessment efforts to avoid a duplication of fact-finding efforts and multiple interviews. 
11.3 	Each agency shall prepare a separate report of the results of the agency's investigation or 
11.4 	assessment.
11.5 	(c) In cases of alleged child maltreatment resulting in death, the local agency may rely 
11.6 	on the fact-finding efforts of a law enforcement investigation to make a determination of 
11.7 	whether or not maltreatment occurred.
11.8 	(d) When necessary, the local welfare agency shall seek authority to remove the child 
11.9 	from the custody of a parent, guardian, or adult with whom the child is living.
11.10 	(e) In performing any of these duties, the local welfare agency shall maintain an 
11.11 	appropriate record.
11.12 	(f) In conducting a family assessment, noncaregiver human trafficking assessment, or 
11.13 	investigation, the local welfare agency shall gather information on the existence of substance 
11.14 	abuse and domestic violence.
11.15 	(g) If the family assessment, noncaregiver human trafficking assessment, or investigation 
11.16 	indicates there is a potential for abuse of alcohol or other drugs by the parent, guardian, or 
11.17 	person responsible for the child's care, the local welfare agency must coordinate a 
11.18 	comprehensive assessment pursuant to section 245G.05.
11.19 	(h) The agency may use either a family assessment or investigation to determine whether 
11.20 	the child is safe when responding to a report resulting from birth match data under section 
11.21 	260E.03, subdivision 23, paragraph (c). If the child subject of birth match data is determined 
11.22 	to be safe, the agency shall consult with the county attorney to determine the appropriateness 
11.23 	of filing a petition alleging the child is in need of protection or services under section 
11.24 	260C.007, subdivision 6, clause (16), in order to deliver needed services. If the child is 
11.25 	determined not to be safe, the agency and the county attorney shall take appropriate action 
11.26 	as required under section 260C.503, subdivision 2.
11.27 	(i) When conducting any family assessment, noncaregiver human trafficking assessment, 
11.28 	or investigation, the agency shall ask the child, if age appropriate; parents; extended family; 
11.29 	and reporter about the child's heritage, including the child's Tribal lineage pursuant to section 
11.30 	260.761 and the child's race, culture, and ethnicity pursuant to section 260.63, subdivision 
11.31 	10.
12.1 	(j) Nothing in this chapter shall prevent a local welfare agency or local law enforcement 
12.2 	agency from investigating alleged maltreatment that occurred more than three years prior 
12.3 	to the date of the maltreatment report.

12.4 	Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 260E.28, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
12.5 		Subdivision 1.Immediate investigation for alleged maltreatment in a facility. (a) 
12.6 	The commissioner of human services; children, youth, and families; health; or education, 
12.7 	whichever is responsible for investigating the report, shall immediately investigate if the 
12.8 	report alleges that:
12.9 	(1) a child who is in the care of a facility as defined in section 260E.03 is the victim of 
12.10 	maltreatment in a facility by an individual in that facility or has been the victim of 
12.11 	maltreatment in a facility by an individual in that facility within the three years preceding 
12.12 	the report; or
12.13 	(2) a child is the victim of maltreatment in a facility by an individual in a facility defined 
12.14 	in section 260E.03, subdivision 6, while in the care of that facility within the three years 
12.15 	preceding the report.
12.16 	(b) The commissioner of the agency responsible for investigating the report shall arrange 
12.17 	for the transmittal to the commissioner of reports received by local agencies and may delegate 
12.18 	to a local welfare agency the duty to investigate reports. The commissioner of the agency 
12.19 	responsible for investigating the report or local welfare agency may interview any children 
12.20 	who are or have been in the care of a facility under investigation and the children's parents, 
12.21 	guardians, or legal custodians.
12.22 	(c) In conducting an investigation under this section, the commissioner has the powers 
12.23 	and duties specified for a local welfare agency under this chapter.
12.24 	(d) Nothing in this chapter shall prevent the agency responsible for screening and 
12.25 	investigating allegations of maltreatment from investigating alleged maltreatment that 
12.26 	occurred more than three years prior to the date of the maltreatment report.

12.27 	Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 471.6161, is amended by adding a subdivision 
12.28 	to read:
12.29 		Subd. 9.School districts and charter schools; reports. (a) For purposes of this 
12.30 	subdivision, an entity offering or providing group health insurance includes both health 
12.31 	plan companies and third-party administrators of health plans.
13.1 	(b) By July 15, 2026, and July 1 each year thereafter, the Legislative Budget Office must 
13.2 	send an annual survey regarding health insurance costs to all school districts and charter 
13.3 	schools in this state.
13.4 	(c) The annual survey must be completed by the school district or charter school using 
13.5 	data from its most recent plan year, be returned to the Legislative Budget Office by September 
13.6 	1 of each year, and provide the following information about school employees who meet 
13.7 	the definition of public employee under section 179A.03, subdivision 14:
13.8 	(1) the total number of salaried employees;
13.9 	(2) the total number of nonsalaried or hourly employees;
13.10 	(3) for those participating in the group health insurance offered by the school district or 
13.11 	charter school, the total number of people, as of May 1, in each of the following categories:
13.12 	(i) salaried employees;
13.13 	(ii) nonsalaried or hourly employees; and
13.14 	(iii) retirees and any other persons who continue to receive coverage through the school 
13.15 	district's or charter school's health plan after separation from employment;
13.16 	(4) the total number of employees not participating in the health plan;
13.17 	(5) the total number of insured persons covered by the health plan;
13.18 	(6) the total dollar amount the school district or charter school paid in health insurance 
13.19 	premiums on behalf of all employees, not including employee contributions transmitted to 
13.20 	an entity providing group health insurance coverage or payments made on behalf of former 
13.21 	employees;
13.22 	(7) if a school district or charter school funds an individual coverage health reimbursement 
13.23 	arrangement, the total amount contributed by the school district or charter school;
13.24 	(8) the total amount employees paid in health insurance premiums;
13.25 	(9) an accounting of all forms of compensation, either direct or indirect, including but 
13.26 	not limited to fees, commissions, incentives, or rewards of any kind paid to a broker or 
13.27 	agent, regardless of whether it was billed as a flat fee, or percentage of premium and whether 
13.28 	paid directly by the school district or charter school or through the entity offering group 
13.29 	health insurance;
13.30 	(10) the name of any entity providing group health insurance the school district or charter 
13.31 	school has contracted with and the expiration date of the contract;
14.1 	(11) the date range of the most recent plan year;
14.2 	(12) for each type of health plan offered to employees of a school district or charter 
14.3 	school:
14.4 	(i) the name of the plan and its actuarial value, using the minimum value calculator 
14.5 	information required in bid proposals under section 471.6161, subdivision 8, paragraph (d), 
14.6 	clause (2), and described in the Code of Federal Regulations, title 45, section 156.145. The 
14.7 	plan data must also delineate amounts for single, family, and two-party plans, if offered;
14.8 	(ii) the monthly contribution by the school district or charter school for each employee 
14.9 	group per plan, including contributions to individual coverage health reimbursement 
14.10 	arrangements;
14.11 	(iii) the amount per month an employee must pay in health insurance premiums for the 
14.12 	plan; and
14.13 	(iv) the plan design for each type of plan including:
14.14 	(A) in-network deductibles;
14.15 	(B) in-network out-of-pocket limits;
14.16 	(C) out-of-network limits;
14.17 	(D) co-payment;
14.18 	(E) the employee's share of coinsurance; and
14.19 	(F) the prescription annual out of pocket maximum, if separate from subitem (B);
14.20 	(13) the dollar or percentage cost for all prescription levels, commonly generic or tier 
14.21 	1, formulary or tier 2, and nonformulary or tier 3;
14.22 	(14) the total amount of annual contributions, per employee, paid by the school district 
14.23 	or charter school to an individual coverage health reimbursement arrangement or health 
14.24 	savings account, excluding amounts contributed solely to a health care retirement account;
14.25 	(15) the total amount assessed by the entity providing group health insurance as an 
14.26 	administrative fee and the rate of the fee assessed;
14.27 	(16) if a school district is self-insured, the total amount that is in a district set aside health 
14.28 	insurance reserve account; and
14.29 	(17) any additional items as determined by the Legislative Budget Office.
15.1 	(d) The Legislative Budget Office must compile information from the surveys described 
15.2 	above and provide a report by December 1 of each year to the chairs and ranking minority 
15.3 	members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over education and health insurance. 
15.4 	The Legislative Budget Office must post the report, including the executive summary and 
15.5 	all underlying data received from school districts and charter schools, on its public website. 
15.6 	Data posted on the Legislative Budget Office's website must be in a standardized format.

15.7 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

15.8 	Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 609.352, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
15.9 		Subdivision 1.Definitions. As used in this section:
15.10 	(a) "child" means a person 15 years of age or younger;
15.11 	(b) "pattern" means two or more instances of conduct;
15.12 	(b) (c) "sexual conduct" means sexual contact of the individual's primary genital area, 
15.13 	sexual penetration as defined in section 609.341, or sexual performance as defined in section 
15.14 	617.246; and
15.15 	(c) (d) "solicit" means commanding, entreating, or attempting to persuade a specific 
15.16 	person in person, by telephone, by letter, or by computerized or other electronic means.

15.17 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2026, and applies to crimes 
15.18 	committed on or after that date.

15.19 	Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 609.352, is amended by adding a subdivision 
15.20 	to read:
15.21 		Subd. 2c.Grooming. (a) A person 18 years of age or older commits the felony offense 
15.22 	of grooming, and may be sentenced as provided in subdivision 4, if the person:
15.23 	(1) expresses the desire or intent to engage in sexual conduct with a child; and
15.24 	(2) engages in a deliberate pattern of conduct to methodically develop a false trusting 
15.25 	relationship with the child that is intended to strategically manipulate the child to engage 
15.26 	in sexual conduct with the person at a future time, regardless of whether any sexual conduct 
15.27 	occurs.
15.28 	(b) For purposes of this subdivision, a deliberate pattern of conduct may include but is 
15.29 	not limited to:
16.1 	(1) communications or conversations sharing desires about sexual intimacy or sexual 
16.2 	contact between the person and the child;
16.3 	(2) normalizing sexualized physical conduct or attempts to initiate such conduct;
16.4 	(3) watching the child undress or appearing undressed in front of the child; or
16.5 	(4) use of threats or control in an attempt to ensure secrecy or compliance from the child.

16.6 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2026, and applies to crimes 
16.7 	committed on or after that date.

16.8 	Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 609.352, is amended by adding a subdivision 
16.9 	to read:
16.10 		Subd. 2d.Violations by persons in positions of authority. A person who commits any 
16.11 	of the acts described in subdivisions 2 through 2c is guilty of a felony if:
16.12 	(1) the person is in a current or recent position of authority, as defined in section 609.341, 
16.13 	subdivision 10, over the victim;
16.14 	(2) the person is more than 36 months older than the victim; and
16.15 	(3) the victim is under the age of 18 years.

16.16 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2026, and applies to crimes 
16.17 	committed on or after that date.

16.18 	Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 609.352, is amended by adding a subdivision 
16.19 	to read:
16.20 		Subd. 2e.School violations. A person who commits any of the acts described in 
16.21 	subdivisions 2 through 2c is guilty of a felony if:
16.22 	(1) the person is a licensed educator employed or contracted to provide service for an 
16.23 	elementary, middle, or secondary school; and
16.24 	(2) the victim, regardless of age, is enrolled as a student at the school.

16.25 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2026, and applies to crimes 
16.26 	committed on or after that date.

17.1 	Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 609.352, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
17.2 		Subd. 4.Penalty. A person convicted under subdivision 2 or, 2a, 2c, 2d, or 2e is guilty 
17.3 	of a felony and may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than five years, or to payment 
17.4 	of a fine of not more than $10,000, or both.

17.5 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2026, and applies to crimes 
17.6 	committed on or after that date.

17.7 	Sec. 17. Laws 2023, chapter 55, article 8, section 19, subdivision 5, as amended by Laws 
17.8 	2024, chapter 115, article 8, section 4, is amended to read:
17.9 		Subd. 5.Grants for gender-neutral single-user restrooms. (a) For grants to school 
17.10 	districts for remodeling, constructing, or repurposing space for gender-neutral single-user 
17.11 	restrooms:

17.12		$
	1,000,000
	.....
	2024
	
17.13		$
	1,000,000
	.....
	2025
	
17.14 	(b) A school district or a cooperative unit under Minnesota Statutes, section 123A.24, 
17.15 	subdivision 2, may apply for a grant of not more than $75,000 per site under this subdivision 
17.16 	in the form and manner specified by the commissioner. The commissioner must award at 
17.17 	least one grant under this subdivision to Independent School District No. 709, Duluth, for 
17.18 	a demonstration grant for a project awaiting construction.
17.19 	(c) The commissioner must ensure that grants are awarded to schools to reflect the 
17.20 	geographic diversity of the state.
17.21 	(d) Up to $75,000 each year is available for grant administration and monitoring.
17.22 	(e) By February 1 of each year, the commissioner must annually report to the committees 
17.23 	of the legislature with jurisdiction over education on the number of grants that were awarded 
17.24 	each year and the number of grant applications that were unfunded during that year.
17.25 	(f) Any balance in the first year does not cancel but is available in the second year.
17.26 	(g) These appropriations are available until June 30, 2029.

17.27 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

18.1 	Sec. 18. Laws 2025, First Special Session chapter 10, article 8, section 18, subdivision 5, 
18.2 	is amended to read:
18.3 		Subd. 5.Grants for gender-neutral single-user restrooms. (a) For grants to school 
18.4 	districts for remodeling, constructing, or repurposing space for gender-neutral single-user 
18.5 	restrooms:

18.6		$
	1,000,000
	.....
	2026
	
18.7		$
	1,000,000
	.....
	2027
	
18.8 	(b) A school district or a cooperative unit under Minnesota Statutes, section 123A.24, 
18.9 	subdivision 2, may apply for a grant of not more than $75,000 per site under this subdivision 
18.10 	in the form and manner specified by the commissioner.
18.11 	(c) The commissioner must ensure that grants are awarded to schools to reflect the 
18.12 	geographic diversity of the state.
18.13 	(d) Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 16B.98, subdivision 14, up to $75,000 
18.14 	of the appropriation in each year is available for grant administration.
18.15 	(e) By February 1 of each even-numbered year, the commissioner must annually report 
18.16 	to the legislative committees with jurisdiction over kindergarten through grade 12 education 
18.17 	on the number of grants that were awarded each year and the number of grant applications 
18.18 	that were unfunded each year.
18.19 	(f) Any balance remaining in fiscal year 2026 is available in fiscal year 2027.
18.20 	(g) These appropriations are available until June 30, 2031.

18.21 	Sec. 19. Laws 2025, First Special Session chapter 10, article 12, section 8, is amended to 
18.22 	read:
18.23 	Sec. 8. APPROPRIATIONS; DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.
 18.24 		Subdivision 1.Department of Education. The sums indicated in this section are 
18.25 	appropriated from the general fund to the Department of Education for the fiscal years 
18.26 	designated. Any balance remaining in fiscal year 2026 is available in fiscal year 2027.
18.27 		Subd. 2.Department. (a) For the Department of Education:

18.28		$
	46,508,000
	.....
	2026
	
18.3018.29
		$
	41,196,000
42,647,000
	.....
	2027
	
18.31 	Of these amounts:
19.1 	(1) $405,000 each year is for the Board of School Administrators;
19.2 	(2) $1,000,000 each year is for regional centers of excellence under Minnesota Statutes, 
19.3 	section 120B.115;
19.4 	(3) $720,000 each year is for implementing Minnesota's Learning for English Academic 
19.5 	Proficiency and Success Act (LEAPS) under Laws 2014, chapter 272, article 1, as amended;
19.6 	(4) $480,000 each year is for the Department of Education's mainframe update;
19.7 	(5) $6,000,000 in fiscal year 2026 only is for legal fees and costs associated with: (i) 
19.8 	litigation in which the department, commissioner, or department employee operating in 
19.9 	their official capacity is the defendant, respondent, appellant, or relator; (ii) litigation initiated 
19.10 	by the department, commissioner, or department employee operating in their official capacity 
19.11 	to stop payment or recover funds in cases of alleged malfeasance or misuse; (iii) expenses 
19.12 	for required administrative legal activities, including data practices operations and appeals 
19.13 	from administrative decisions; and (iv) legal staff required for clauses (i), (ii), and (iii);
19.14 	(6) $2,359,000 each year is for modernizing district data submissions;
19.15 	(7) $573,000 each year is for engagement and rulemaking related to Specific Learning 
19.16 	Disability;
19.17 	(8) $2,000,000 each year is for the Office of the Inspector General established under 
19.18 	Minnesota Statutes, section 127A.21;
19.19 	(9) $800,000 each year is for audit and internal control resources;
19.20 	(10) $175,000 each year is for administrative expenses for unemployment aid, and, in 
19.21 	consultation with the Department of Employment and Economic Development, guidance 
19.22 	to educational institutions eligible for reimbursement under Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 
19.23 	124D.995, including written guidance for school employees on eligibility for unemployment 
19.24 	benefits between academic terms;
19.25 	(11) $550,000 each year is for General Counsel and Inspector General staff and case 
19.26 	management and fiscal analysis technology to support program compliance and integrity; 
19.27 	and
19.28 	(12) $572,000 each year is for administration of the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer 
19.29 	Program; and
19.30 	(13) $1,451,000 in fiscal year 2027 only is for increasing the capacity of the student 
19.31 	maltreatment program. The base for the allocation under this clause is $1,441,000 in fiscal 
19.32 	year 2028 and $1,442,000 in fiscal year 2029 and later.
20.1 	(b) None of the amounts appropriated under this subdivision may be used for Minnesota's 
20.2 	Washington, D.C., office.
20.3 	(c) The expenditures of federal grants and aids as shown in the biennial budget document 
20.4 	and its supplements are approved and appropriated and must be spent as indicated.
20.5 	(d) The base for fiscal year 2028 and later is $41,326,000 $42,767,000. The base for 
20.6 	fiscal year 2029 and later is $42,768,000.

20.7 	Sec. 20. BASE ADJUSTMENT; DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS.
 20.8 	The commissioner of management and budget must increase the total budget base 
20.9 	established in law for incarceration and prerelease services at the Department of Corrections 
20.10 	by $13,000 for fiscal year 2028 and by $35,000 for fiscal year 2029 and later for bed costs 
20.11 	related to criminal grooming offenses.

20.12 	Sec. 21. APPROPRIATION; DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.
 20.13 	$25,489,000 in fiscal year 2027 is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner 
20.14 	of education for additional general education aid.

20.15 	Sec. 22. APPROPRIATION; LEGISLATIVE COORDINATING COMMISSION.
 20.16 	$18,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $74,000 in fiscal year 2027 are appropriated from the 
20.17 	general fund to the Legislative Coordinating Commission for the Legislative Budget Office 
20.18 	to complete the annual report required by Minnesota Statutes, section 471.6161, subdivision 
20.19 	9. The base for this appropriation is $36,000 in fiscal year 2028 and later.

20.20 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

20.21 	Sec. 23. SCHOOL DISTRICT FUND TRANSFERS.
 20.22 		Subdivision 1.Ivanhoe Public Schools. Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 
20.23 	123B.79, 123B.80, or 142D.11, subdivision 9, on June 30, 2026, Independent School District 
20.24 	No. 403, Ivanhoe, may permanently transfer up to $68,000 from its early childhood family 
20.25 	education reserve balance in the community service fund to its undesignated balance in the 
20.26 	general fund, provided that the school board approves the transfer.
20.27 		Subd. 2.Maple Lake Public Schools. Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 
20.28 	123B.79, 123B.80, or 475.61, subdivision 4, on June 30, 2026, Independent School District 
20.29 	No. 881, Maple Lake Public Schools, may permanently transfer up to $1,800,000 from its 
21.1 	building construction fund to the reserved account for operating capital in the general fund 
21.2 	without making a levy reduction, provided that the school board approves the transfer.
21.3 		Subd. 3.Moorhead Area Public Schools. (a) Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, 
21.4 	section 123B.79, 123B.80, or 124D.20, subdivision 10, on June 30, 2026, Independent 
21.5 	School District No. 152, Moorhead Area Public Schools, may permanently transfer up to 
21.6 	$80,114 from its restricted fund balance in the community service fund to its undesignated 
21.7 	balance in the general fund, provided that the school board approves the transfer.
21.8 	(b) Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 123B.595, subdivisions 10, 11, and 12; 
21.9 	123B.79; or 123B.80, on June 30, 2026, Independent School District No. 152, Moorhead 
21.10 	Area Public Schools, may permanently transfer up to $150,388 from its long-term facilities 
21.11 	maintenance reserve account in the general fund to its undesignated balance in the general 
21.12 	fund, provided that the school board approves the transfer.
21.13 		Subd. 4.West St. Paul-Mendota Heights-Eagan. Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, 
21.14 	section 123B.79, 123B.80, or 475.61, subdivision 4, on June 30, 2026, Independent School 
21.15 	District No. 197, West St. Paul-Mendota Heights-Eagan, may permanently transfer up to 
21.16 	$4,500,000 from its building construction fund to the reserve account for operating capital 
21.17 	in the general fund without making a levy reduction, provided that the school board approves 
21.18 	the transfer.

21.19 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

21.20 	ARTICLE 2
21.21 	HIGHER EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS

21.22 	Section 1. APPROPRIATION; OFFICE OF HIGHER EDUCATION.
 21.23 	$52,000,000 in fiscal year 2027 is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner 
21.24 	of the Office of Higher Education for the state grant program under Minnesota Statutes, 
21.25 	section 136A.121. This appropriation is in addition to the appropriation in Laws 2025, First 
21.26 	Special Session chapter 5, article 1, section 2, subdivision 2. This is a onetime appropriation.

21.27 	ARTICLE 3
21.28 	HIGHER EDUCATION POLICY

21.29 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 136A.64, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
21.30 		Subdivision 1.Schools to provide information. As a basis for registration, schools 
21.31 	shall provide the office with such information as the office needs to determine the nature 
22.1 	and activities of the school, including but not limited to the following which shall be 
22.2 	accompanied by an affidavit attesting to its accuracy and truthfulness:
22.3 	(1) articles of incorporation, constitution, bylaws, or other operating documents;
22.4 	(2) a duly adopted statement of the school's mission and goals;
22.5 	(3) evidence of current school or program licenses granted by departments or agencies 
22.6 	of any state;
22.7 	(4) compliance audits and audited financial statements that meet the requirements of 
22.8 	Code of Federal Regulations, title 34, section 668.23; United States Code, title 20, chapter 
22.9 	28, section 1094; Code of Federal Regulations, title 2, subpart A, part 200, subpart F, under 
22.10 	200.501 and 200.503; and United States Code, title 31, chapter 75, which shall be submitted 
22.11 	to the office on the same schedule stated under section 136A.675, subdivision 1a, paragraph 
22.12 	(a);
22.13 	(5) all current promotional and recruitment materials and advertisements; and
22.14 	(6) the current school catalog and, if not contained in the catalog:
22.15 	(i) the members of the board of trustees or directors, if any;
22.16 	(ii) the current institutional officers;
22.17 	(iii) current full-time and part-time faculty with degrees held or applicable experience;
22.18 	(iv) a description of all school facilities;
22.19 	(v) a description of all current course offerings;
22.20 	(vi) all requirements for satisfactory completion of courses, programs, and degrees;
22.21 	(vii) the school's policy about freedom or limitation of expression and inquiry;
22.22 	(viii) a current schedule of fees, charges for tuition, required supplies, student activities, 
22.23 	housing, and all other standard charges;
22.24 	(ix) the school's policy about refunds and adjustments;
22.25 	(x) the school's policy about granting credit for prior education, training, and experience;
22.26 	(xi) the school's policies about student admission, evaluation, suspension, and dismissal; 
22.27 	and
22.28 	(xii) the school's disclosure to students on the student complaint process under section 
22.29 	136A.672; and
23.1 	(7) enrollment data by academic term or calendar period following the submission 
23.2 	schedules in section 136A.675, subdivision 1a, paragraph (b).

23.3 	Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 136A.675, is amended by adding a subdivision 
23.4 	to read:
23.5 		Subd. 1a.Institutional reporting schedules for audits and enrollment data. (a) An 
23.6 	institution must submit to the office the required audit reports under section 136A.64, 
23.7 	subdivision 1, clause (4), by the earlier of 30 days after the issuance date of an audit or nine 
23.8 	months after the last day of the institution's fiscal year.
23.9 	(b) An institution must submit to the office the enrollment data required under section 
23.10 	136A.64, subdivision 1, clause (7), using one of the two following schedules:
23.11 	(1) a school with limited program start dates within its academic year shall provide the 
23.12 	office with a copy of the school's internal enrollment report for each academic term as soon 
23.13 	as it is released internally. The school may provide the report with no additional data or 
23.14 	required calculations; or
23.15 	(2) a school with multiple or rolling program start dates must provide enrollment data 
23.16 	to the office at least four times per year. Each school must determine four reporting dates 
23.17 	per year that would result in the most useful data being provided to the office and must 
23.18 	provide the office with the school's proposed enrollment reporting schedule.

23.19 	Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2025 Supplement, section 136A.69, subdivision 1, is amended 
23.20 	to read:
23.21 		Subdivision 1.Registration fees. (a) The office shall collect reasonable registration fees 
23.22 	that are sufficient to recover, but do not exceed, its costs of administering the registration 
23.23 	program. At the end of each fiscal year, the office must review the total amount of registration 
23.24 	fees collected and the total costs of administering the registration program. The office shall 
23.25 	charge the fees listed in paragraphs (b) to (d) and (c) for new registrations.
23.26 	(b) A new school must pay registration fees based on the institution's total full-time 
23.27 	equivalent enrollment in the following amounts:
23.28 	(1) $5,000 for institutions with 2,500 or fewer full-time equivalent enrollment;
23.29 	(2) $7,500 for institutions with 2,501 to 5,000 full-time equivalent enrollment;
23.30 	(3) $10,000 for institutions with 5,001 to 7,500 full-time equivalent enrollment;
23.31 	(4) $15,000 for institutions with 7,501 to 10,000 full-time equivalent enrollment; and
24.1 	(5) $20,000 for institutions with 10,001 or greater full-time equivalent enrollment, and 
24.2 	for institutions with no data on the previous year's full-time equivalent enrollment.
24.3 	Full-time equivalent enrollment is established using the previous year's full-time equivalent 
24.4 	enrollment as established in the United States Department of Education Integrated 
24.5 	Postsecondary Education Data System. If enrollment cannot be established using the United 
24.6 	States Department of Education Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, the office 
24.7 	may establish an institution's full-time equivalent enrollment through verification of its 
24.8 	enrollment data submitted in accordance with section 136A.64, subdivision 1, clause (7).
24.9 	(c) A new school must pay registration fees in an amount equal to the fee under paragraph 
24.10 	(b), plus fees for each nondegree program or degree as follows:

24.11	nondegree program
	$250
	
24.12	degree program
	$750
	
24.13 	(d) In addition to the fees under paragraphs (b) and (c), a fee of $600 must be paid for 
24.14 	an initial application that: (1) has had four revisions, corrections, amendment requests, or 
24.15 	application reminders for the same application or registration requirement; or (2) cumulatively 
24.16 	has had six revisions, corrections, amendment requests, or application reminders for the 
24.17 	same license application and the school seeks to continue with the application process with 
24.18 	additional application submissions. If this fee is paid, the school may submit two final 
24.19 	application submissions for review prior to application denial under section 136A.65, 
24.20 	subdivision 8. This provision excludes from its scope nonrepetitive questions or clarifications 
24.21 	initiated by the school before the submission of the application, initial interpretation questions 
24.22 	or inquiries from the office regarding a completed application, and initial requests from the 
24.23 	office for verification or validation of a completed application.
24.24 	(e) (d) The annual renewal registration fee is based on an institution's total full-time 
24.25 	equivalent enrollment in the following amounts:
24.26 	(1) $1,500 for institutions with 2,500 or fewer full-time equivalent enrollment;
24.27 	(2) $3,000 for institutions with 2,501 to 5,000 full-time equivalent enrollment;
24.28 	(3) $5,000 for institutions with 5,001 to 10,000 full-time equivalent enrollment; and
24.29 	(4) $7,500 for institutions with 10,001 or greater full-time equivalent enrollment, and 
24.30 	for institutions with no data on the previous year's full-time equivalent enrollment.
24.31 	Full-time equivalent enrollment is established using the previous year's full-time equivalent 
24.32 	enrollment as established in the United States Department of Education Integrated 
24.33 	Postsecondary Education Data System. If enrollment cannot be established using the United 
25.1 	States Department of Education Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, the office 
25.2 	may establish an institution's full-time equivalent enrollment through verification of its 
25.3 	enrollment data submitted in accordance with section 136A.64, subdivision 1, clause (7).
25.4 	(f) In addition to the fee under paragraph (e), a fee of $600 must be paid for a renewal 
25.5 	application that: (1) has had four revisions, corrections, amendment requests, or application 
25.6 	reminders for the same application or registration requirement; or (2) cumulatively has had 
25.7 	six revisions, corrections, amendment requests, or application reminders for the same license 
25.8 	application and the school seeks to continue with the application process with additional 
25.9 	application submissions. If this fee is paid, the school may submit two final application 
25.10 	submissions for review prior to application denial under section 136A.65, subdivision 8. 
25.11 	This provision excludes from its scope nonrepetitive questions or clarifications initiated by 
25.12 	the school before the submission of the application, initial interpretation questions or inquiries 
25.13 	from the office regarding a completed application, and initial requests from the office for 
25.14 	verification or validation of a completed application.

25.15 	Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2025 Supplement, section 136A.821, subdivision 5, is amended 
25.16 	to read:
25.17 		Subd. 5.Private career school. "Private career school" means a person who maintains 
25.18 	a physical presence for any program at less than an associate degree level. Private career 
25.19 	school does not extend to:
25.20 	(1) public postsecondary institutions with a physical presence in Minnesota;
25.21 	(2) postsecondary institutions registered under sections 136A.61 to 136A.71;
25.22 	(3) postsecondary institutions exempt from registration under section 136A.653, 
25.23 	subdivisions 1b, 2, 3, and 3a; 136A.657;, or 136A.658 due to the nature of the institution's 
25.24 	programs;
25.25 	(4) schools exclusively engaged in training physically or mentally disabled persons;
25.26 	(5) courses taught to students in an apprenticeship program registered by the United 
25.27 	States Department of Labor or Minnesota Department of Labor and taught by or required 
25.28 	by a trade union in which students are not responsible for tuition, fees, or any other charges, 
25.29 	regardless of payment or reimbursement method;
25.30 	(6) programs contracted by persons or government agencies for the training of their own 
25.31 	employees for which no fee is charged to the employee, regardless of whether that fee is 
25.32 	reimbursed by the employer or a third party after the employee successfully completes the 
26.1 	training, except for institutions or programs required to obtain a limited license exclusively 
26.2 	to receive the dual training grant;
26.3 	(7) schools with no physical presence in Minnesota engaged exclusively in offering 
26.4 	distance programs that are located in and approved by other states or jurisdictions if the 
26.5 	distance education program does not include internships, externships, field placements, or 
26.6 	clinical placements for residents of Minnesota;
26.7 	(8) schools licensed or approved by other state boards or agencies authorized under 
26.8 	Minnesota law to issue licenses for institutions or programs, except for institutions or 
26.9 	programs required to be licensed exclusively to participate in state financial aid or be listed 
26.10 	on the eligible training provider list, access WIOA funding, or receive the dual training 
26.11 	grant;
26.12 	(9) review classes, courses, or programs intended to prepare students to sit for 
26.13 	undergraduate, graduate, postgraduate, or occupational licensing, certification, or entrance 
26.14 	examinations;
26.15 	(10) classes, courses, or programs conducted by a bona fide trade, professional, or 
26.16 	fraternal organization, solely for that organization's membership and not available to the 
26.17 	public. In making the determination that the organization is bona fide, the office may request 
26.18 	the school provide three certified letters from persons that qualify as evaluators under section 
26.19 	136A.828, subdivision 3, paragraph (l), that the organization is recognized in Minnesota;
26.20 	(11) programs in the fine arts provided by organizations exempt from taxation under 
26.21 	section 290.05 and registered with the attorney general under chapter 309. For purposes of 
26.22 	this clause, "fine arts" means activities resulting in artistic creation or artistic performance 
26.23 	of works of the imagination which are engaged in for the primary purpose of creative 
26.24 	expression rather than commercial sale, vocational or career advancement, or employment; 
26.25 	or
26.26 	(12) classes, courses, or programs intended to fulfill the continuing education 
26.27 	requirements for a bona fide licensure or certification in a profession that have been approved 
26.28 	by a legislatively or judicially established board or agency responsible for regulating the 
26.29 	practice of the profession or by an industry-specific certification entity and that are offered 
26.30 	exclusively to individuals with the professional licensure or certification.

26.31 	Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 136A.822, subdivision 9, is amended to read:
26.32 		Subd. 9.Fees and terms of license. An application for an initial license under sections 
26.33 	136A.821 to 136A.833 shall be accompanied by a nonrefundable an application fee as 
27.1 	provided in section 136A.824 that is sufficient to recover, but not exceed, the administrative 
27.2 	costs of the office. At the end of each fiscal year, the office must review the total amount 
27.3 	of initial licensure application fees collected and the total administrative costs of the office 
27.4 	for initial licensures.
27.5 	All licenses shall expire one year from the date issued by the office, except as provided 
27.6 	in section 136A.823.

27.7 	Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 136A.823, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
27.8 		Subdivision 1.Application. Application for renewal of a license must be made at least 
27.9 	60 days before expiration of the current license on a form provided by the office. A renewal 
27.10 	application shall be accompanied by a nonrefundable fee as provided in section 136A.824
27.11 	that is sufficient to recover, but does not exceed, the administrative costs of the office. At 
27.12 	the end of each fiscal year, the office must review the total amount of renewal licensure 
27.13 	application fees collected and the total administrative costs of the office for renewal 
27.14 	licensures.

27.15 	Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2025 Supplement, section 136A.824, subdivision 1, is amended 
27.16 	to read:
27.17 		Subdivision 1.Initial licensure fee. (a) The office processing fee for an initial licensure 
27.18 	application is:
27.19 	(1) $3,730 for a private career school that will offer no more than one program during 
27.20 	its first year of operation;
27.21 	(2) $1,500 for a private career school licensed by another state agency and seeking a 
27.22 	limited license exclusively in order to participate in state financial aid; and
27.23 	(3) $3,730, plus $500 for each additional program offered by the private career school, 
27.24 	for a private career school during its first year of licensed operation.
27.25 	(b) In addition to the fee under paragraph (a), a fee of $600 must be paid for an initial 
27.26 	application that: (1) has had four revisions, corrections, amendment requests, or application 
27.27 	reminders for the same application or licensure requirement; or (2) cumulatively has had 
27.28 	six revisions, corrections, amendment requests, or application reminders for the same license 
27.29 	application and the private career school seeks to continue with the application process with 
27.30 	additional application submissions. If this fee is paid, the private career school may submit 
27.31 	two final application submissions for review prior to application denial under section 
27.32 	136A.829, subdivision 1, clause (2). This provision excludes from its scope nonrepetitive 
28.1 	questions or clarifications initiated by the school before the submission of the application, 
28.2 	initial interpretation questions or inquiries from the office regarding a completed application, 
28.3 	and initial requests from the office for verification or validation of a completed application.

28.4 	Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2025 Supplement, section 136A.824, subdivision 2, is amended 
28.5 	to read:
28.6 		Subd. 2.Renewal licensure fee; late fee. (a) The office processing fee for a renewal 
28.7 	licensure application is:
28.8 	(1) for a private career school, the license renewal fee is $3,160; and
28.9 	(2) for a private career school licensed by another state agency and that also has a limited 
28.10 	license with the office exclusively in order to participate in state financial aid, the license 
28.11 	renewal fee is $1,500.
28.12 	(b) If a license renewal application is not received by the office by the expiration of the 
28.13 	current license, a late fee of $100 per business day, not to exceed $3,000, shall be assessed.
28.14 	(c) In addition to the fee under paragraph (a), a fee of $600 must be paid for a renewal 
28.15 	application that: (1) has had four revisions, corrections, amendment requests, or application 
28.16 	reminders for the same application or licensure requirement; or (2) cumulatively has had 
28.17 	six revisions, corrections, amendment requests, or application reminders for the same license 
28.18 	application and the private career school seeks to continue with the application process with 
28.19 	additional application submissions. If this fee is paid, the private career school may submit 
28.20 	two final application submissions for review prior to application denial under section 
28.21 	136A.829, subdivision 1, clause (2). This provision excludes from its scope nonrepetitive 
28.22 	questions or clarifications initiated by the school before the submission of the application, 
28.23 	initial interpretation questions or inquiries from the office regarding a completed application, 
28.24 	and initial requests from the office for verification or validation of a completed application.

28.25 	Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2025 Supplement, section 136A.833, subdivision 2, is amended 
28.26 	to read:
28.27 		Subd. 2.Exemption reasons. Sections 136A.821 to 136A.832 shall not apply to the 
28.28 	following:
28.29 	(1) private career schools engaged exclusively in the teaching of avocational programs 
28.30 	that are engaged primarily for personal development, recreation, or remedial education, and 
28.31 	are not generally intended for vocational or career advancement, including adult basic 
29.1 	education, exercise or fitness teacher programs, modeling, or acting, as determined by the 
29.2 	office;
29.3 	(2) classes, courses, or programs providing 40 or fewer clock hours of instruction; and
29.4 	(3) (2) private career schools providing training, instructional programs, or courses where 
29.5 	tuition, fees, and any other charges for a student to participate do not exceed $500.

29.6 	Sec. 10. REPEALER.
 29.7 	(a) Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 136A.657; and 136A.834, subdivisions 2, 3, and 
29.8 	4, are repealed.
29.9 	(b) Minnesota Statutes 2025 Supplement, section 136A.834, subdivisions 1 and 5, are 
29.10 	repealed.

29.11 	ARTICLE 4
29.12 	AGRICULTURE APPROPRIATIONS

29.13 	Section 1. APPROPRIATION; AGRICULTURAL UTILIZATION RESEARCH 
29.14 	INSTITUTE.
 29.15 	$80,000 in fiscal year 2026 is appropriated from the general fund to the board of directors 
29.16 	of the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute for legal costs. This is a onetime 
29.17 	appropriation and is available until June 30, 2029.

29.18 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

29.19 	Sec. 2. Laws 2023, chapter 43, article 1, section 2, subdivision 5, as amended by Laws 
29.20 	2024, chapter 126, article 1, section 1, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

29.21
29.22	Subd. 5.Administration and Financial 
Assistance
 		16,643,000
		14,587,000
	
29.23 	(a) $474,000 the first year and $474,000 the 
29.24 	second year are for payments to county and 
29.25 	district agricultural societies and associations 
29.26 	under Minnesota Statutes, section 38.02, 
29.27 	subdivision 1. Aid payments to county and 
29.28 	district agricultural societies and associations 
29.29 	must be disbursed no later than July 15 of each 
29.30 	year. These payments are the amount of aid 
30.1 	from the state for an annual fair held in the 
30.2 	previous calendar year.
30.3 	(b) $350,000 the first year and $350,000 the 
30.4 	second year are for grants to the Minnesota 
30.5 	Agricultural Education and Leadership 
30.6 	Council for programs of the council under 
30.7 	Minnesota Statutes, chapter 41D. The base for 
30.8 	this appropriation is $250,000 in fiscal year 
30.9 	2026 and each year thereafter.
30.10 	(c) $2,000 the first year is for a grant to the 
30.11 	Minnesota State Poultry Association. This is 
30.12 	a onetime appropriation. Notwithstanding 
30.13 	Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.28, any 
30.14 	unencumbered balance does not cancel at the 
30.15 	end of the first year and is available for the 
30.16 	second year.
30.17 	(d) $18,000 the first year and $18,000 the 
30.18 	second year are for grants to the Minnesota 
30.19 	Livestock Breeders Association. This is a 
30.20 	onetime appropriation.
30.21 	(e) $60,000 the first year and $60,000 the 
30.22 	second year are for grants to the Northern 
30.23 	Crops Institute that may be used to purchase 
30.24 	equipment. This is a onetime appropriation.
30.25 	(f) $34,000 the first year and $34,000 the 
30.26 	second year are for grants to the Minnesota 
30.27 	State Horticultural Society. This is a onetime 
30.28 	appropriation.
30.29 	(g) $25,000 the first year and $25,000 the 
30.30 	second year are for grants to the Center for 
30.31 	Rural Policy and Development. This is a 
30.32 	onetime appropriation.
30.33 	(h) $75,000 the first year and $75,000 the 
30.34 	second year are appropriated from the general 
31.1 	fund to the commissioner of agriculture for 
31.2 	grants to the Minnesota Turf Seed Council for 
31.3 	basic and applied research on: (1) the 
31.4 	improved production of forage and turf seed 
31.5 	related to new and improved varieties; and (2) 
31.6 	native plants, including plant breeding, 
31.7 	nutrient management, pest management, 
31.8 	disease management, yield, and viability. The 
31.9 	Minnesota Turf Seed Council may subcontract 
31.10 	with a qualified third party for some or all of 
31.11 	the basic or applied research. Any 
31.12 	unencumbered balance does not cancel at the 
31.13 	end of the first year and is available in the 
31.14 	second year. The Minnesota Turf Seed Council 
31.15 	must prepare a report outlining the use of the 
31.16 	grant money and related accomplishments. No 
31.17 	later than January 15, 2025, the council must 
31.18 	submit the report to the chairs and ranking 
31.19 	minority members of the legislative 
31.20 	committees and divisions with jurisdiction 
31.21 	over agriculture finance and policy. This is a 
31.22 	onetime appropriation.
31.23 	(i) $100,000 the first year and $100,000 the 
31.24 	second year are for grants to GreenSeam for 
31.25 	assistance to agriculture-related businesses to 
31.26 	support business retention and development, 
31.27 	business attraction and creation, talent 
31.28 	development and attraction, and regional 
31.29 	branding and promotion. These are onetime 
31.30 	appropriations. No later than December 1, 
31.31 	2024, and December 1, 2025, GreenSeam 
31.32 	must report to the chairs and ranking minority 
31.33 	members of the legislative committees with 
31.34 	jurisdiction over agriculture and rural 
31.35 	development with information on new and 
31.36 	existing businesses supported, number of new 
32.1 	jobs created in the region, new educational 
32.2 	partnerships and programs supported, and 
32.3 	regional branding and promotional efforts.
32.4 	(j) $1,950,000 the first year and $1,950,000 
32.5 	the second year are for grants to Second 
32.6 	Harvest Heartland on behalf of Minnesota's 
32.7 	six Feeding America food banks for the 
32.8 	following purposes:
32.9 	(1) at least $850,000 each year must be 
32.10 	allocated to purchase milk for distribution to 
32.11 	Minnesota's food shelves and other charitable 
32.12 	organizations that are eligible to receive food 
32.13 	from the food banks. Milk purchased under 
32.14 	the grants must be acquired from Minnesota 
32.15 	milk processors and based on low-cost bids. 
32.16 	The milk must be allocated to each Feeding 
32.17 	America food bank serving Minnesota 
32.18 	according to the formula used in the 
32.19 	distribution of United States Department of 
32.20 	Agriculture commodities under The 
32.21 	Emergency Food Assistance Program. Second 
32.22 	Harvest Heartland may enter into contracts or 
32.23 	agreements with food banks for shared funding 
32.24 	or reimbursement of the direct purchase of 
32.25 	milk. Each food bank that receives funding 
32.26 	under this clause may use up to two percent 
32.27 	for administrative expenses. Notwithstanding 
32.28 	Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.28, any 
32.29 	unencumbered balance the first year does not 
32.30 	cancel and is available the second year;
32.31 	(2) to compensate agricultural producers and 
32.32 	processors for costs incurred to harvest and 
32.33 	package for transfer surplus fruits, vegetables, 
32.34 	and other agricultural commodities that would 
32.35 	otherwise go unharvested, be discarded, or be 
33.1 	sold in a secondary market. Surplus 
33.2 	commodities must be distributed statewide to 
33.3 	food shelves and other charitable organizations 
33.4 	that are eligible to receive food from the food 
33.5 	banks. Surplus food acquired under this clause 
33.6 	must be from Minnesota producers and 
33.7 	processors. Second Harvest Heartland may 
33.8 	use up to 15 percent of each grant awarded 
33.9 	under this clause for administrative and 
33.10 	transportation expenses; and
33.11 	(3) to purchase and distribute protein products, 
33.12 	including but not limited to pork, poultry, beef, 
33.13 	dry legumes, cheese, and eggs to Minnesota's 
33.14 	food shelves and other charitable organizations 
33.15 	that are eligible to receive food from the food 
33.16 	banks. Second Harvest Heartland may use up 
33.17 	to two percent of each grant awarded under 
33.18 	this clause for administrative expenses. Protein 
33.19 	products purchased under the grants must be 
33.20 	acquired from Minnesota processors and 
33.21 	producers.
33.22 	Second Harvest Heartland must submit 
33.23 	quarterly reports to the commissioner and the 
33.24 	chairs and ranking minority members of the 
33.25 	legislative committees with jurisdiction over 
33.26 	agriculture finance in the form prescribed by 
33.27 	the commissioner. The reports must include 
33.28 	but are not limited to information on the 
33.29 	expenditure of funds, the amount of milk or 
33.30 	other commodities purchased, and the 
33.31 	organizations to which this food was 
33.32 	distributed. The base for this appropriation is 
33.33 	$1,700,000 for fiscal year 2026 and each year 
33.34 	thereafter.
34.1 	(k) $25,000 the first year and $25,000 the 
34.2 	second year are for grants to the Southern 
34.3 	Minnesota Initiative Foundation to promote 
34.4 	local foods through an annual event that raises 
34.5 	public awareness of local foods and connects 
34.6 	local food producers and processors with 
34.7 	potential buyers.
34.8 	(l) $300,000 the first year and $300,000 the 
34.9 	second year are for grants to The Good Acre 
34.10 	for the Local Emergency Assistance Farmer 
34.11 	Fund (LEAFF) program to compensate 
34.12 	emerging farmers for crops donated to hunger 
34.13 	relief organizations in Minnesota. This is a 
34.14 	onetime appropriation.
34.15 	(m) $750,000 the first year and $750,000 the 
34.16 	second year are to expand the Emerging 
34.17 	Farmers Office and provide services to 
34.18 	beginning and emerging farmers to increase 
34.19 	connections between farmers and market 
34.20 	opportunities throughout the state. This 
34.21 	appropriation may be used for grants, 
34.22 	translation services, training programs, or 
34.23 	other purposes in line with the 
34.24 	recommendations of the Emerging Farmer 
34.25 	Working Group established under Minnesota 
34.26 	Statutes, section 17.055, subdivision 1. The 
34.27 	base for this appropriation is $1,000,000 in 
34.28 	fiscal year 2026 and each year thereafter.
34.29 	(n) $50,000 the first year is to provide 
34.30 	technical assistance and leadership in the 
34.31 	development of a comprehensive and 
34.32 	well-documented state aquaculture plan. The 
34.33 	commissioner must provide the state 
34.34 	aquaculture plan to the legislative committees 
35.1 	with jurisdiction over agriculture finance and 
35.2 	policy by February 15, 2025.
35.3 	(o) $337,000 the first year and $337,000 the 
35.4 	second year are for farm advocate services. 
35.5 	Of these amounts, $50,000 the first year and 
35.6 	$50,000 the second year are for the 
35.7 	continuation of the farmland transition 
35.8 	programs and may be used for grants to 
35.9 	farmland access teams to provide technical 
35.10 	assistance to potential beginning farmers. 
35.11 	Farmland access teams must assist existing 
35.12 	farmers and beginning farmers with 
35.13 	transitioning farm ownership and farm 
35.14 	operation. Services provided by teams may 
35.15 	include but are not limited to mediation 
35.16 	assistance, designing contracts, financial 
35.17 	planning, tax preparation, estate planning, and 
35.18 	housing assistance.
35.19 	(p) $260,000 the first year and $260,000 the 
35.20 	second year are for a pass-through grant to 
35.21 	Region Five Development Commission to 
35.22 	provide, in collaboration with Farm Business 
35.23 	Management, statewide mental health 
35.24 	counseling support to Minnesota farm 
35.25 	operators, families, and employees, and 
35.26 	individuals who work with Minnesota farmers 
35.27 	in a professional capacity. Region Five 
35.28 	Development Commission may use up to 6.5 
35.29 	percent of the grant awarded under this 
35.30 	paragraph for administration.
35.31 	(q) $1,000,000 the first year is for transfer to 
35.32 	the agricultural emergency account established 
35.33 	under Minnesota Statutes, section 17.041.
35.34 	(r) $1,084,000 the first year and $500,000 the 
35.35 	second year are to support IT modernization 
36.1 	efforts, including laying the technology 
36.2 	foundations needed for improving customer 
36.3 	interactions with the department for licensing 
36.4 	and payments. This is a onetime appropriation.
36.5 	(s) $275,000 the first year is for technical 
36.6 	assistance grants to certified community 
36.7 	development financial institutions that 
36.8 	participate in United States Department of 
36.9 	Agriculture loan or grant programs for small 
36.10 	or emerging farmers, including but not limited 
36.11 	to the Increasing Land, Capital, and Market 
36.12 	Access Program. For purposes of this 
36.13 	paragraph, "emerging farmer" has the meaning 
36.14 	given in Minnesota Statutes, section 17.055, 
36.15 	subdivision 1. The commissioner may use up 
36.16 	to 6.5 percent of this appropriation for costs 
36.17 	incurred to administer the program. 
36.18 	Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 
36.19 	16A.28, any unencumbered balance does not 
36.20 	cancel at the end of the first year and is 
36.21 	available in the second year. This is a onetime 
36.22 	appropriation.
36.23 	(t) $1,425,000 the first year and $1,425,000 
36.24 	the second year are for transfer to the 
36.25 	agricultural and environmental revolving loan 
36.26 	account established under Minnesota Statutes, 
36.27 	section 17.117, subdivision 5a, for low-interest 
36.28 	loans under Minnesota Statutes, section 
36.29 	17.117.
36.30 	(u) $150,000 the first year and $150,000 the 
36.31 	second year are for administrative support for 
36.32 	the Rural Finance Authority.
36.33 	(v) The base in fiscal years 2026 and 2027 is 
36.34 	$150,000 each year to coordinate 
36.35 	climate-related activities and services within 
37.1 	the Department of Agriculture and 
37.2 	counterparts in local, state, and federal 
37.3 	agencies and to hire a full-time climate 
37.4 	implementation coordinator. The climate 
37.5 	implementation coordinator must coordinate 
37.6 	efforts seeking federal funding for Minnesota's 
37.7 	agricultural climate adaptation and mitigation 
37.8 	efforts and develop strategic partnerships with 
37.9 	the private sector and nongovernment 
37.10 	organizations.
37.11 	(w) $1,200,000 the first year and $930,000 the 
37.12 	second year are to maintain the current level 
37.13 	of service delivery. The base for this 
37.14 	appropriation is $1,065,000 in fiscal year 2026 
37.15 	and $1,065,000 in fiscal year 2027 and each 
37.16 	year thereafter.
37.17 	(x) $250,000 the first year is for a grant to the 
37.18 	Board of Regents of the University of 
37.19 	Minnesota to purchase equipment for the 
37.20 	Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory to test for 
37.21 	chronic wasting disease, African swine fever, 
37.22 	avian influenza, and other animal diseases. 
37.23 	The Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory must 
37.24 	report expenditures under this paragraph to 
37.25 	the legislative committees with jurisdiction 
37.26 	over agriculture finance and higher education 
37.27 	with a report submitted by January 3, 2024, 
37.28 	and a final report submitted by December 31, 
37.29 	2024. The reports must include a list of 
37.30 	equipment purchased, including the cost of 
37.31 	each item.
37.32 	(y) $1,000,000 the first year and $1,000,000 
37.33 	the second year are to award and administer 
37.34 	down payment assistance grants under 
37.35 	Minnesota Statutes, section 17.133, with 
38.1 	priority given to eligible applicants with no 
38.2 	more than $100,000 in annual gross farm 
38.3 	product sales and eligible applicants who are 
38.4 	producers of industrial hemp, cannabis, or one 
38.5 	or more of the following specialty crops as 
38.6 	defined by the United States Department of 
38.7 	Agriculture for purposes of the specialty crop 
38.8 	block grant program: fruits and vegetables, 
38.9 	tree nuts, dried fruits, medicinal plants, 
38.10 	culinary herbs and spices, horticulture crops, 
38.11 	floriculture crops, and nursery crops. 
38.12 	Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 
38.13 	16A.28, any unencumbered balance at the end 
38.14 	of the first year does not cancel and is 
38.15 	available in the second year and appropriations 
38.16 	encumbered under contract by June 30, 2025, 
38.17 	are available until June 30, 2027.
38.18 	(z) $222,000 the first year and $322,000 the 
38.19 	second year are for meat processing training 
38.20 	and retention incentive grants under section 
38.21 	5. By December 1 each year in 2026 and 2027, 
38.22 	the commissioner must submit a report to the 
38.23 	chairs and ranking minority members of the 
38.24 	legislative committees with jurisdiction over 
38.25 	agriculture finance and policy detailing uses 
38.26 	of the funds in this paragraph, including award 
38.27 	amounts to each partner organization, how 
38.28 	much of each award was used, the types of 
38.29 	expenses paid for with the funds, and the 
38.30 	number of employees served. The 
38.31 	commissioner may use up to 6.5 percent of 
38.32 	this appropriation for costs incurred to 
38.33 	administer the program. Notwithstanding 
38.34 	Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.28, any 
38.35 	unencumbered balance does not cancel at the 
38.36 	end of the first year and is available in the 
39.1 	second year. This is a onetime appropriation
39.2 	and is available until June 30, 2027.
39.3 	(aa) $300,000 the first year and $300,000 the 
39.4 	second year are for transfer to the Board of 
39.5 	Regents of the University of Minnesota to 
39.6 	evaluate, propagate, and maintain the genetic 
39.7 	diversity of oilseeds, grains, grasses, legumes, 
39.8 	and other plants including flax, timothy, 
39.9 	barley, rye, triticale, alfalfa, orchard grass, 
39.10 	clover, and other species and varieties that 
39.11 	were in commercial distribution and use in 
39.12 	Minnesota before 1970, excluding wild rice. 
39.13 	This effort must also protect traditional seeds 
39.14 	brought to Minnesota by immigrant 
39.15 	communities. This appropriation includes 
39.16 	funding for associated extension and outreach 
39.17 	to small and Black, Indigenous, and People of 
39.18 	Color (BIPOC) farmers. This is a onetime 
39.19 	appropriation.
39.20 	(bb) $300,000 the second year is to award and 
39.21 	administer beginning farmer equipment and 
39.22 	infrastructure grants under Minnesota Statutes, 
39.23 	section 17.055. This is a onetime 
39.24 	appropriation.
39.25 	(cc) $25,000 the first year is for the credit 
39.26 	market report. Notwithstanding Minnesota 
39.27 	Statutes, section 16A.28, any unencumbered 
39.28 	balance does not cancel at the end of the first 
39.29 	year and is available in the second year. This 
39.30 	is a onetime appropriation.
39.31 	(dd) The commissioner shall continue to 
39.32 	increase connections with ethnic minority and 
39.33 	immigrant farmers to farming opportunities 
39.34 	and farming programs throughout the state.

40.1 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

40.2 	Sec. 3. Laws 2025, chapter 34, article 1, section 2, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

40.3	Subd. 2.Protection Services

40.4	Appropriations by Fund
	
40.640.5
	General
	20,828,000
	21,207,000
21,457,000
	
40.7	Remediation
	399,000
	399,000
	
40.8 	(a) $399,000 the first year and $399,000 the 
40.9 	second year are from the remediation fund for 
40.10 	administrative funding of the voluntary 
40.11 	cleanup program.
40.12 	(b) $639,000 the first year and $639,000 the 
40.13 	second year are for the soil health financial 
40.14 	assistance program under Minnesota Statutes, 
40.15 	section 17.134. The commissioner may award 
40.16 	no more than $50,000 of the appropriation 
40.17 	each year to a single recipient. 
40.18 	Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 
40.19 	16B.98, subdivision 14, the commissioner may 
40.20 	use up to 6.5 percent of this appropriation for 
40.21 	costs incurred to administer the program. Any 
40.22 	unencumbered balance does not cancel at the 
40.23 	end of the first year and is available in the 
40.24 	second year. Appropriations encumbered 
40.25 	under contract on or before June 30, 2027, for 
40.26 	soil health financial assistance grants are 
40.27 	available until June 30, 2029.
40.28 	(c) $275,000 the first year and $250,000 the 
40.29 	second year are for compensation for livestock 
40.30 	destroyed or crippled by a wolf under 
40.31 	Minnesota Statutes, section 3.737. The first 
40.32 	year appropriation may be spent to compensate 
40.33 	for livestock that were destroyed or crippled 
40.34 	during fiscal year 2025. If the amount in the 
41.1 	first year is insufficient, the amount in the 
41.2 	second year is available in the first year. The 
41.3 	commissioner may use up to $5,000 each year 
41.4 	to reimburse expenses incurred by university 
41.5 	extension educators to provide fair market 
41.6 	values of destroyed or crippled livestock. If 
41.7 	the commissioner receives federal money to 
41.8 	pay claims for destroyed or crippled livestock, 
41.9 	an equivalent amount of this appropriation 
41.10 	may be used to reimburse nonlethal prevention 
41.11 	methods performed by federal wildlife services 
41.12 	staff. The base for this appropriation is 
41.13 	$175,000 in fiscal year 2028 and each year 
41.14 	thereafter.
41.15 	(d) $255,000 the first year and $230,000 the 
41.16 	second year are for compensation for crop or 
41.17 	fence damage caused by elk under Minnesota 
41.18 	Statutes, section 3.7371. If the amount in the 
41.19 	first year is insufficient, the amount in the 
41.20 	second year is available in the first year. The 
41.21 	commissioner may use up to $10,000 of the 
41.22 	appropriation each year to reimburse expenses 
41.23 	incurred by the commissioner or the 
41.24 	commissioner's approved agent to investigate 
41.25 	and resolve claims, as well as for costs 
41.26 	associated with training for approved agents. 
41.27 	The commissioner may use up to $40,000 of 
41.28 	the appropriation each year for grants to 
41.29 	producers for measures to protect stored crops 
41.30 	from elk damage. If the commissioner 
41.31 	determines that claims made under Minnesota 
41.32 	Statutes, section 3.737 or 3.7371, are 
41.33 	unusually high, amounts appropriated for 
41.34 	either program may be transferred to the 
41.35 	appropriation for the other program. The base 
42.1 	for this appropriation is $155,000 in fiscal year 
42.2 	2028 and each year thereafter.
42.3 	(e) $825,000 the first year and $825,000 the 
42.4 	second year are to replace capital equipment 
42.5 	in the Department of Agriculture's analytical 
42.6 	laboratory.
42.7 	(f) $750,000 the first year and $750,000 the 
42.8 	second year are for additional meat and poultry 
42.9 	inspection services. The commissioner is 
42.10 	encouraged to seek inspection waivers, match 
42.11 	federal money, and offer more online 
42.12 	inspections for the purposes of this paragraph. 
42.13 	This is a onetime appropriation.
42.14 	(g) $500,000 the first year and $500,000 the 
42.15 	second year are for grants to counties to 
42.16 	support county agricultural inspectors. The 
42.17 	commissioner may use up to three percent of 
42.18 	the appropriation each year for administration. 
42.19 	This is a onetime appropriation. County 
42.20 	agricultural inspectors and county-designated 
42.21 	employees must annually submit an 
42.22 	application, on a form approved by the 
42.23 	commissioner, to be eligible for funding 
42.24 	during a given year. The commissioner must 
42.25 	equally divide available grant money among 
42.26 	eligible counties. To be eligible for grants 
42.27 	under this section, a county must employ a 
42.28 	county agricultural inspector or a 
42.29 	county-designated employee who:
42.30 	(1) has attended training for new county 
42.31 	agricultural inspectors offered by the 
42.32 	commissioner;
43.1 	(2) coordinates with the commissioner to 
43.2 	review applicable laws and enforcement 
43.3 	procedures;
43.4 	(3) compiles and submits to the commissioner 
43.5 	local weed inspector annual report data;
43.6 	(4) conducts an annual meeting and training 
43.7 	for local weed inspectors; and
43.8 	(5) assists the commissioner with control 
43.9 	programs and other agricultural programs 
43.10 	when requested under Minnesota Statutes, 
43.11 	section 18.81, subdivision 1b, as directed by 
43.12 	the county board.
43.13 	(h) $250,000 the first year and $250,000 the 
43.14 	second year are appropriated to establish and 
43.15 	administer the biofertilizer innovation and 
43.16 	efficiency program under Minnesota Statutes, 
43.17 	section 18C.113. The commissioner may use 
43.18 	up to 6.5 percent of this appropriation for costs 
43.19 	incurred to administer the program. 
43.20 	Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 
43.21 	16A.28, any unencumbered balance at the end 
43.22 	of fiscal year 2026 does not cancel and is 
43.23 	available until June 30, 2027. This is a onetime 
43.24 	appropriation.
43.25 	(j) (i) $75,000 the first year is to conduct an 
43.26 	evaluation of the practice performance and 
43.27 	economic performance of the Olmsted County 
43.28 	groundwater protection and soil health 
43.29 	initiative, including the cover crop program, 
43.30 	alternative crops program, and haying, 
43.31 	grazing, and pasture enhancement program. 
43.32 	The evaluation must look at environmental 
43.33 	outcomes, include a cost-benefit analysis, and 
43.34 	be submitted to the chairs and ranking 
44.1 	minority members of the legislative 
44.2 	committees and divisions with jurisdiction 
44.3 	over agriculture policy and finance by June 1, 
44.4 	2027. The commissioner may contract with 
44.5 	an independent third party to conduct the 
44.6 	evaluation.
44.7 	(k) (j) $420,000 the first year and $924,000 
44.8 	the second year are to support current services.

44.9 	Sec. 4. Laws 2025, chapter 34, article 1, section 2, subdivision 3, as amended by Laws 
44.10 	2025, First Special Session chapter 11, section 11, is amended to read:

44.11
44.12	Subd. 3.Agricultural Marketing and 
Development
 		23,551,000
		23,301,000
24,301,000
	
44.13 	(a) $634,000 the first year and $634,000 the 
44.14 	second year are for the continuation of the 
44.15 	dairy development and profitability 
44.16 	enhancement program, including dairy 
44.17 	profitability teams and dairy business planning 
44.18 	grants under Minnesota Statutes, section 
44.19 	32D.30.
44.20 	(b) The commissioner may use funds 
44.21 	appropriated in this subdivision for annual 
44.22 	cost-share payments to resident farmers or 
44.23 	entities that sell, process, or package 
44.24 	agricultural products in this state for the costs 
44.25 	of organic certification. The commissioner 
44.26 	may allocate these funds for assistance to 
44.27 	persons transitioning from conventional to 
44.28 	organic agriculture.
44.29 	(c) $100,000 the first year and $100,000 the 
44.30 	second year are for mental health outreach and 
44.31 	support to farmers, ranchers, farm workers 
44.32 	and employees, and others in the agricultural 
44.33 	community and profession and for farm and 
44.34 	farm worker safety grant and outreach 
45.1 	programs under Minnesota Statutes, section 
45.2 	17.1195. Mental health outreach and support 
45.3 	may include a 24-hour hotline, stigma 
45.4 	reduction, and education. Notwithstanding 
45.5 	Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.28, any 
45.6 	unencumbered balance does not cancel at the 
45.7 	end of the first year and is available in the 
45.8 	second year. The base for this appropriation 
45.9 	is $50,000 in fiscal year 2028 and each year 
45.10 	thereafter.
45.11 	(d) $700,000 the first year and $700,000 the 
45.12 	second year are for the local food purchasing 
45.13 	assistance grant program under article 3, 
45.14 	section 35. Notwithstanding Minnesota 
45.15 	Statutes, section 16A.28, any unencumbered 
45.16 	balance does not cancel at the end of the first 
45.17 	year and is available in the second year.
45.18 	(e) $1,000,000 the second year is to expand 
45.19 	the Emerging Farmers Office and provide 
45.20 	services to beginning and emerging farmers 
45.21 	to increase connections between farmers and 
45.22 	market opportunities throughout the state. This 
45.23 	appropriation may be used for grants, 
45.24 	translation services, training programs, or 
45.25 	other purposes in line with the 
45.26 	recommendations of the emerging farmer 
45.27 	working group established under Minnesota 
45.28 	Statutes, section 17.055, subdivision 1.
45.29 	(e) (f) $18,257,000 the first year and 
45.30 	$18,007,000 the second year are for the 
45.31 	agricultural growth, research, and innovation 
45.32 	program under Minnesota Statutes, section 
45.33 	41A.12. The base for this appropriation is 
45.34 	$17,449,000 in fiscal year 2028 and each year 
45.35 	thereafter.
46.1 	(f) (g) Except as provided in paragraph (g) (h), 
46.2 	the commissioner may allocate the 
46.3 	appropriation in paragraph (e) (f) each year 
46.4 	among the following areas: facilitating the 
46.5 	startup, modernization, improvement, or 
46.6 	expansion of livestock operations, including 
46.7 	beginning and transitioning livestock 
46.8 	operations with preference given to robotic 
46.9 	dairy-milking equipment; assisting 
46.10 	value-added agricultural businesses to begin 
46.11 	or expand, to access new markets, or to 
46.12 	diversify, including aquaponics systems, with 
46.13 	preference given to hemp fiber processing 
46.14 	equipment; facilitating the startup, 
46.15 	modernization, or expansion of other 
46.16 	beginning and transitioning farms, including 
46.17 	by providing loans under Minnesota Statutes, 
46.18 	section 41B.056; sustainable agriculture 
46.19 	on-farm research and demonstration; the 
46.20 	development or expansion of food hubs and 
46.21 	other alternative community-based food 
46.22 	distribution systems; enhancing renewable 
46.23 	energy infrastructure and use; crop research, 
46.24 	including basic and applied turf seed research; 
46.25 	Farm Business Management tuition assistance; 
46.26 	supporting the commercialization of an 
46.27 	innovative material additive utilizing 
46.28 	agricultural coproducts or waste streams to 
46.29 	produce fiber-based barrier packaging to 
46.30 	reduce perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl 
46.31 	substances (PFAS) and plastics in packaging 
46.32 	products; and good agricultural practices and 
46.33 	good handling practices certification 
46.34 	assistance. Notwithstanding Minnesota 
46.35 	Statutes, section 16B.98, subdivision 14, the 
46.36 	commissioner may use up to 7.5 percent of 
47.1 	the appropriation in paragraph (e) (f) for costs 
47.2 	incurred to administer the program.
47.3 	(g) (h) Of the amount appropriated for the 
47.4 	agricultural growth, research, and innovation 
47.5 	program under Minnesota Statutes, section 
47.6 	41A.12:
47.7 	(1) $1,000,000 the first year and $1,000,000 
47.8 	the second year are for distribution in equal 
47.9 	amounts to each of the state's county fairs to 
47.10 	preserve and promote Minnesota agriculture;
47.11 	(2) $3,000,000 the first year and $3,000,000 
47.12 	the second year are for incentive payments 
47.13 	under Minnesota Statutes, sections 41A.16, 
47.14 	41A.17, 41A.18, and 41A.20. If this 
47.15 	appropriation exceeds the total amount for 
47.16 	which all producers are eligible in a fiscal 
47.17 	year, the balance of the appropriation is 
47.18 	available for other purposes under this 
47.19 	paragraph;
47.20 	(3) $2,750,000 the first year and $2,750,000 
47.21 	the second year are for grants that enable retail 
47.22 	petroleum dispensers, fuel storage tanks, and 
47.23 	other equipment to dispense biofuels to the 
47.24 	public in accordance with the biofuel 
47.25 	replacement goals established under 
47.26 	Minnesota Statutes, section 239.7911. A retail 
47.27 	petroleum dispenser selling petroleum for use 
47.28 	in spark ignition engines for vehicle model 
47.29 	years after 2000 is eligible for grant money 
47.30 	under this clause if the retail petroleum 
47.31 	dispenser has no more than 20 retail petroleum 
47.32 	dispensing sites and each site is located in 
47.33 	Minnesota. The grant money must be used to 
47.34 	replace or upgrade equipment that does not 
47.35 	have the ability to be certified for E25. A grant 
48.1 	award must not exceed 65 percent of the cost 
48.2 	of the appropriate technology. A grant award 
48.3 	must not exceed $200,000 per station. The 
48.4 	commissioner must cooperate with biofuel 
48.5 	stakeholders in the implementation of the grant 
48.6 	program. The commissioner, in cooperation 
48.7 	with any economic or community development 
48.8 	financial institution and any other entity with 
48.9 	which the commissioner contracts, must 
48.10 	submit a the report on under Minnesota 
48.11 	Statutes, section 41A.12, subdivision 3, that 
48.12 	includes metrics of the biofuels infrastructure 
48.13 	financial assistance program by January 15
48.14 	each year to the chairs and ranking minority 
48.15 	members of the legislative committees and 
48.16 	divisions with jurisdiction over agriculture 
48.17 	policy and finance. The annual report must 
48.18 	include but not be limited to a summary of the 
48.19 	following metrics: (i) the number and types 
48.20 	of projects financed; (ii) the amount of dollars 
48.21 	leveraged or matched per project; (iii) the 
48.22 	geographic distribution of financed projects; 
48.23 	(iv) any market expansion associated with 
48.24 	upgraded infrastructure; (v) the demographics 
48.25 	of the areas served; (vi) the costs of the 
48.26 	program; and (vii) the number of grants to 
48.27 	minority-owned or female-owned businesses;
48.28 	(4) $350,000 the first year and $250,000 the 
48.29 	second year are for grants to facilitate the 
48.30 	startup, modernization, or expansion of meat, 
48.31 	poultry, egg, and milk processing facilities. A 
48.32 	grant award under this clause must not exceed 
48.33 	$200,000;
48.34 	(5) $1,594,000 the first year and $1,544,000 
48.35 	the second year are for providing more fruits, 
49.1 	vegetables, meat, poultry, grain, and dairy for 
49.2 	children in school and early childhood 
49.3 	education settings, including, at the 
49.4 	commissioner's discretion, providing grants 
49.5 	to reimburse schools and early childhood 
49.6 	education and child care providers for 
49.7 	purchasing equipment and agricultural 
49.8 	products. Of the amount appropriated, 
49.9 	$150,000 each year is for a statewide 
49.10 	coordinator of farm-to-institution strategy and 
49.11 	programming. The coordinator must consult 
49.12 	with relevant stakeholders and provide 
49.13 	technical assistance and training for 
49.14 	participating farmers and eligible grant 
49.15 	recipients. The base for this appropriation is 
49.16 	$1,636,000 in fiscal year 2028 and each year 
49.17 	thereafter. At the commissioner's discretion, 
49.18 	for state administration of federal cooperative 
49.19 	agreements for purchasing Minnesota grown 
49.20 	and raised foods for schools, child care 
49.21 	providers, food banks, and other institutions, 
49.22 	the commissioner may use an amount of state 
49.23 	funds equal to no more than 7.5 percent of the 
49.24 	total federal funds awarded to the state. The 
49.25 	commissioner shall expend any available 
49.26 	federal administrative funds awarded for this 
49.27 	purpose before using state funds;
49.28 	(6) up to $1,750,000 the first year and up to 
49.29 	$1,750,000 the second year are for grants to 
49.30 	facilitate the development of urban agriculture, 
49.31 	including projects related to youth education, 
49.32 	community and economic development, 
49.33 	value-added processing, and vocational 
49.34 	training;
50.1 	(7) $1,000,000 the first year and $1,000,000 
50.2 	the second year are for the food retail 
50.3 	improvement and development program under 
50.4 	Minnesota Statutes, section 17.1017;
50.5 	(8) up to $200,000 the first year and up to 
50.6 	$200,000 the second year are for cooperative 
50.7 	development grants under Minnesota Statutes, 
50.8 	section 17.1016;
50.9 	(9) $250,000 the first year and $150,000 the 
50.10 	second year are for the protecting livestock 
50.11 	grant program for producers to support the 
50.12 	installation of measures to prevent the 
50.13 	transmission of avian influenza. For the 
50.14 	appropriation in this clause, a grant applicant 
50.15 	must document a cost-share of 20 percent. An 
50.16 	applicant's cost-share amount may be reduced 
50.17 	up to $2,000 to cover time and labor costs. 
50.18 	This is a onetime appropriation; and
50.19 	(10) up to $525,000 the first year and up to 
50.20 	$525,000 the second year are to award AGRI 
50.21 	Works grants to institutions and organizations 
50.22 	to provide regional and statewide services. 
50.23 	Preference shall be given to legislatively 
50.24 	created entities and organizations that enhance 
50.25 	agricultural, horticultural, or rural community 
50.26 	and economic development, marketing, and 
50.27 	promotion, and research and education. A 
50.28 	grant award under this clause must not exceed 
50.29 	$200,000. Grants made under this paragraph 
50.30 	are subject to the requirements in Minnesota 
50.31 	Statutes, sections 16B.98 and 16B.981. This 
50.32 	is a onetime appropriation.
50.33 	(h) (i) Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, 
50.34 	section 16A.28, the appropriation in paragraph 
50.35 	(e) (f) does not cancel at the end of the second 
51.1 	year and is available until June 30, 2029. 
51.2 	Appropriations encumbered under contract on 
51.3 	or before June 30, 2029, for agricultural 
51.4 	growth, research, and innovation grants are 
51.5 	available until June 30, 2032. At the end of 
51.6 	fiscal year 2027, the commissioner must 
51.7 	prioritize any money resulting from canceled 
51.8 	contracts to be used for AGRI Works grants 
51.9 	under paragraph (g) (h), clause (10).

51.10 	Sec. 5. Laws 2025, chapter 34, article 1, section 2, subdivision 4, as amended by Laws 
51.11 	2025, First Special Session chapter 11, section 12, is amended to read:

51.12
51.13	Subd. 4.Administration and Financial 
Assistance
 		14,179,000
		11,145,000
9,895,000
	
51.14 	(a) $474,000 the first year and $474,000 the 
51.15 	second year are for payments to county and 
51.16 	district agricultural societies and associations 
51.17 	under Minnesota Statutes, section 38.02, 
51.18 	subdivision 1. Aid payments to county and 
51.19 	district agricultural societies and associations 
51.20 	must be disbursed no later than July 15 each 
51.21 	year. These payments are the amount of aid 
51.22 	from the state for an annual fair held in the 
51.23 	previous calendar year.
51.24 	(b) $300,000 the first year and $300,000 the 
51.25 	second year are for grants to the Minnesota 
51.26 	Agricultural Education and Leadership 
51.27 	Council for programs of the council under 
51.28 	Minnesota Statutes, chapter 41D. The base for 
51.29 	this appropriation is $250,000 in fiscal year 
51.30 	2028 and each year thereafter.
51.31 	(c) $1,250,000 the first year and $1,250,000 
51.32 	the second year are is to award and administer 
51.33 	farm down payment assistance grants under 
51.34 	Minnesota Statutes, section 17.133, with 
52.1 	priority given to eligible applicants with no 
52.2 	more than $100,000 in annual gross farm 
52.3 	product sales and eligible applicants who are 
52.4 	producers of industrial hemp, cannabis, or one 
52.5 	or more of the following specialty crops as 
52.6 	defined by the United States Department of 
52.7 	Agriculture for purposes of the specialty crop 
52.8 	block grant program: fruits and vegetables, 
52.9 	tree nuts, dried fruits, medicinal plants, 
52.10 	culinary herbs and spices, horticulture crops, 
52.11 	floriculture crops, and nursery crops. 
52.12 	Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 
52.13 	16A.28, any unencumbered balance at the end 
52.14 	of the first year does not cancel and is 
52.15 	available in the second year and appropriations 
52.16 	encumbered under contract by June 30, 2027, 
52.17 	are available and any unencumbered balance 
52.18 	at the end of the second year does not cancel 
52.19 	and is available until June 30, 2029. The base 
52.20 	for this appropriation is $1,000,000 in fiscal 
52.21 	year 2028 and each year thereafter This is a 
52.22 	onetime appropriation.
52.23 	(d) $1,000,000 the first year and $1,000,000 
52.24 	the second year are for the purchase of milk 
52.25 	for distribution to Minnesota's food shelves 
52.26 	and other charitable organizations that are 
52.27 	eligible to receive food from the food banks. 
52.28 	Milk purchased with grant money must be 
52.29 	acquired from Minnesota milk processors and 
52.30 	based on low-cost bids. The milk must be 
52.31 	allocated to each Feeding America food bank 
52.32 	serving Minnesota according to the formula 
52.33 	used in the distribution of United States 
52.34 	Department of Agriculture commodities under 
52.35 	The Emergency Food Assistance Program. 
52.36 	The commissioner may enter into contracts or 
53.1 	agreements with food banks for shared funding 
53.2 	or reimbursement of the direct purchase of 
53.3 	milk. Each food bank that receives funding 
53.4 	under this paragraph may use up to two 
53.5 	percent for administrative expenses. 
53.6 	Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 
53.7 	16A.28, any unencumbered balance the first 
53.8 	year does not cancel and is available the 
53.9 	second year.
53.10 	(e) $260,000 the first year and $260,000 the 
53.11 	second year are for a pass-through grant to 
53.12 	Region Five Development Commission to 
53.13 	provide, in collaboration with Farm Business 
53.14 	Management, statewide mental health 
53.15 	counseling support to Minnesota farm 
53.16 	operators, families, and employees, and 
53.17 	individuals who work with Minnesota farmers 
53.18 	in a professional capacity. Region Five 
53.19 	Development Commission may use up to 7.5 
53.20 	percent of the grant awarded under this 
53.21 	paragraph for administration.
53.22 	(f) $1,000,000 the first year and $1,000,000 
53.23 	the second year are is to expand the Emerging 
53.24 	Farmers Office and provide services to 
53.25 	beginning and emerging farmers to increase 
53.26 	connections between farmers and market 
53.27 	opportunities throughout the state. This 
53.28 	appropriation may be used for grants, 
53.29 	translation services, training programs, or 
53.30 	other purposes in line with the 
53.31 	recommendations of the emerging farmer 
53.32 	working group established under Minnesota 
53.33 	Statutes, section 17.055, subdivision 1.
53.34 	(g) $137,000 the first year and $203,000 the 
53.35 	second year are to support current services.
54.1 	(h) $337,000 the first year and $337,000 the 
54.2 	second year are for farm advocate services. 
54.3 	Of these amounts, $50,000 the first year and 
54.4 	$50,000 the second year are for the 
54.5 	continuation of the farmland transition 
54.6 	programs and may be used for grants to 
54.7 	farmland access teams to provide technical 
54.8 	assistance to potential beginning farmers. 
54.9 	Farmland access teams must assist existing 
54.10 	farmers and beginning farmers with 
54.11 	transitioning farm ownership and farm 
54.12 	operation. Services provided by teams may 
54.13 	include but are not limited to mediation 
54.14 	assistance, designing contracts, financial 
54.15 	planning, tax preparation, estate planning, and 
54.16 	housing assistance.
54.17 	(i) $3,000,000 the first year is for transfer to 
54.18 	the Public Facilities Authority for a grant to 
54.19 	First District Association to acquire land for 
54.20 	and to design, engineer, construct, equip, and 
54.21 	furnish a wastewater treatment project. This 
54.22 	appropriation is in addition to the 
54.23 	appropriation in Laws 2023, chapter 71, article 
54.24 	1, section 15, subdivision 7. This appropriation 
54.25 	is available until the project is completed or 
54.26 	abandoned, subject to Minnesota Statutes, 
54.27 	section 16A.642.
54.28 	(k) (j) $50,000 the first year is to be awarded 
54.29 	as a grant in a competitive bid process to an 
54.30 	entity that is not a for-profit entity to conduct 
54.31 	a study of market and workforce factors that 
54.32 	may contribute to the incorrect marking for 
54.33 	the installation of underground 
54.34 	telecommunications infrastructure that is 
54.35 	located within ten feet of existing underground 
55.1 	utilities or that crosses the existing 
55.2 	underground utilities. The study must include 
55.3 	recommendations to the legislature and be 
55.4 	submitted to the chairs and ranking minority 
55.5 	members of the legislative committees and 
55.6 	divisions with jurisdiction over agriculture 
55.7 	policy and finance by June 1, 2027.
55.8 	(r) (k) $50,000 the first year is to conduct a 
55.9 	study and develop recommendations for 
55.10 	establishing an incentive-based program to 
55.11 	support and encourage agricultural retailers 
55.12 	in promoting 4R nutrient management 
55.13 	practices. The 4R nutrient management 
55.14 	practices include: the right source of nutrients, 
55.15 	at the right rate and right time, in the right 
55.16 	place.
55.17 	(1) As part of the study, the department must 
55.18 	evaluate strategies for leveraging cost-share 
55.19 	programs, including the feasibility of 
55.20 	coordinating with the Agricultural Water 
55.21 	Quality Certification Program and other efforts 
55.22 	related to the state's Nutrient Reduction 
55.23 	Strategy.
55.24 	(2) The commissioner must submit a report 
55.25 	detailing its findings, including potential 
55.26 	funding sources and proposal outlines for 
55.27 	funding requests where appropriate. The 
55.28 	commissioner must submit the report to the 
55.29 	chairs and ranking minority members of the 
55.30 	legislative committees with jurisdiction over 
55.31 	agriculture and environment by March 15, 
55.32 	2026.
55.33 	(l) $1,250,000 the second year is to award and 
55.34 	administer farm down payment assistance 
55.35 	grants under Minnesota Statutes, section 
56.1 	17.133, with priority given to eligible 
56.2 	applicants with annual gross farm product 
56.3 	sales between $1,000 and $100,000. Of this 
56.4 	appropriation, up to 50 percent may be 
56.5 	awarded by lottery to priority applicants who 
56.6 	possess a purchase agreement as of June 30, 
56.7 	2026. Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, 
56.8 	section 16A.28, any unencumbered balance 
56.9 	at the end of the second year does not cancel 
56.10 	and is available until June 30, 2030. The base 
56.11 	for this appropriation is $1,000,000 in fiscal 
56.12 	year 2028 and each year thereafter.
56.13 	(s) (m) The commissioner shall continue to 
56.14 	increase connections with ethnic minority and 
56.15 	immigrant farmers to farming opportunities 
56.16 	and farming programs throughout the state.

56.17 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2026.

56.18 	ARTICLE 5
56.19 	AGRICULTURE POLICY

56.20 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2025 Supplement, section 17.1017, subdivision 9, is amended 
56.21 	to read:
56.22 		Subd. 9.Legislative report. The commissioner, in cooperation with any economic or 
56.23 	community development financial institution and any other entity with which it contracts, 
56.24 	shall submit an annualthe report onunder section 41A.12, subdivision 3, that includes 
56.25 	metrics of the food retail improvement and development program by January 15 of each 
56.26 	year to the chairs and ranking minority members of the house of representatives and senate 
56.27 	committees and divisions with jurisdiction over agriculture policy and finance. The annual
56.28 	report shall include, but not be limited to, a summary of the following metrics:
56.29 	(1) the number and types of projects financed;
56.30 	(2) the amount of dollars leveraged or matched per project;
56.31 	(3) the geographic distribution of financed projects;
56.32 	(4) the number and types of technical assistance recipients;
57.1 	(5) the demographics of the areas served;
57.2 	(6) the costs of the program;
57.3 	(7) the number of SNAP dollars spent;
57.4 	(8) any increase in retail square footage;
57.5 	(9) the number of loans or grants to businesses owned by women and Black, Indigenous, 
57.6 	or Persons of Color; and
57.7 	(10) measurable economic and health outcomes, including, but not limited to, increases 
57.8 	in sales and consumption of locally sourced and other fresh fruits and vegetables, the number 
57.9 	of construction and retail jobs retained or created, and any health initiatives associated with 
57.10 	the program.

57.11 	Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2025 Supplement, section 17.133, subdivision 1, is amended 
57.12 	to read:
57.13 		Subdivision 1.Definitions. (a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have 
57.14 	the meanings given.
57.15 	(b) "Eligible farmer" means an individual who at the time that the grant is awarded:
57.16 	(1) is a resident of Minnesota who intends to acquire farmland located within the state 
57.17 	and provide the majority of the day-to-day physical labor and management of the farm;
57.18 	(2) grosses no more than $250,000 per year from the sale of farm products;
57.19 	(3) has earned at least $1,000 in farm income or has evidence of farming experience;
57.20 	(4) has a net worth that does not exceed the limit under section 41B.03, subdivision 3, 
57.21 	paragraph (a), clause (2);
57.22 	(3) (5) has not, and whose spouse has not, at any time had a direct or indirect ownership 
57.23 	interest in farmland; and
57.24 	(4) (6) is not, and whose spouse is not, a family member of the owner of the farmland 
57.25 	that the individual intends to acquire. "Family member" has the meaning given in section 
57.26 	267(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code.
57.27 	(c) "Evidence of farming experience" means that an individual has:
57.28 	(1) completed an approved farm business management program;
57.29 	(2) a four-year degree in an agriculture-related field; or
57.30 	(3) at least three years of experience managing a comparable farm.
58.1 	(c) (d) "Farm down payment" means an initial, partial payment required by a lender or 
58.2 	seller to purchase farmland.
58.3 	(d) (e) "Incubator farm" means a farm where:
58.4 	(1) individuals are given temporary, exclusive, and affordable access to small parcels 
58.5 	of land, infrastructure, and often training, for the purpose of honing skills and launching a 
58.6 	farm business; and
58.7 	(2) a majority of the individuals farming the small parcels of land grow industrial hemp, 
58.8 	cannabis, or one or more of the following specialty crops as defined by the United States 
58.9 	Department of Agriculture for purposes of the specialty crop block grant program: fruits 
58.10 	and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, medicinal plants, culinary herbs and spices, horticulture 
58.11 	crops, floriculture crops, and nursery crops.
58.12 	(e) (f) "Limited land access" means farming without ownership of land and:
58.13 	(1) the individual or the individual's child rents or leases the land, with the term of each 
58.14 	rental or lease agreement not exceeding three years in duration, from a person who is not 
58.15 	related to the individual or the individual's spouse by blood or marriage; or
58.16 	(2) the individual rents the land from an incubator farm.
58.17 	(f) (g) "Limited market access" means the individual has gross sales of no more than 
58.18 	$100,000 per year from the sale of farm products.

58.19 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2026.

58.20 	Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2025 Supplement, section 17.133, subdivision 2, is amended 
58.21 	to read:
58.22 		Subd. 2.Grants. The commissioner may award farm down payment assistance grants 
58.23 	of up to 30 percent of the purchase price of a farm, with a maximum grant of $20,000 per 
58.24 	eligible farmer. Each award must be matched with at least $8,000 of other funding. Grants 
58.25 	under this subdivision may be awarded by a randomized selection process after applications 
58.26 	are collected over a period of no less than 30 calendar days. An eligible farmer must commit 
58.27 	to own and farm the land purchased with assistance provided under this section for at least 
58.28 	five years. For the first five years, each recipient must verify gross farm income of at least 
58.29 	$1,000 or demonstrate investment of at least $1,000 in farm business infrastructure, 
58.30 	equipment, perennial crops, or livestock. For each year that a grant recipient does not own 
58.31 	and farm the land during the five-year period, the grant recipient must pay a penalty to the 
58.32 	commissioner equal to 20 percent of the grant amount.

59.1 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2026.

59.2 	Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 18J.01, is amended to read:
59.3 	18J.01 DEFINITIONS.
59.4 	(a) The definitions in this section; chapters 18G, 18H, 18K, 27, 223, 231, and 232; and 
59.5 	sections 18G.02, 18H.02, 18K.02, 27.01, 223.16, 231.01, and 232.21 21.111 to 21.125 and 
59.6 	21.80 to 21.92 apply to this chapter.
59.7 	(b) For purposes of this chapter, "associated rules" means rules adopted under this 
59.8 	chapter, chapter 18G, 18H, 18K, 27, 223, 231, or 232, or sections 21.111 to 21.125 and 
59.9 	21.80 to 21.92.

59.10 	Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 18J.02, is amended to read:
59.11 	18J.02 DUTIES OF COMMISSIONER.
59.12 	The commissioner shall administer and enforce this chapter, chapters 18G, 18H, 18K, 
59.13 	27, 223, 231, and 232; sections 21.111 to 21.125, and 21.80 to 21.92; and associated rules.

59.14 	Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 18J.03, is amended to read:
59.15 	18J.03 CIVIL LIABILITY.
59.16 	A person regulated by this chapter, chapter 18G, 18H, 18K, 27, 223, 231, or 232, or 
59.17 	sections 21.111 to 21.125 or 21.80 to 21.92, is civilly liable for any violation of one of those 
59.18 	statutes or associated rules by the person's employee or agent.

59.19 	Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 18J.04, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
59.20 		Subdivision 1.Access and entry. The commissioner, upon presentation of official 
59.21 	department credentials, must be granted immediate access at reasonable times to sites where 
59.22 	a person manufactures, distributes, uses, handles, disposes of, stores, or transports seeds, 
59.23 	plants, grain, household goods, general merchandise, produce, or other living or nonliving 
59.24 	products or other objects regulated under chapter 18G, 18H, 18K, 27, 223, 231, or 232; 
59.25 	sections 21.111 to 21.125 or 21.80 to 21.92; or associated rules.

59.26 	Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 18J.04, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
59.27 		Subd. 2.Purpose of entry. (a) The commissioner may enter sites for:
60.1 	(1) inspection of inventory and equipment for the manufacture, storage, handling, 
60.2 	distribution, disposal, or any other process regulated under chapter 18G, 18H, 18K, 27, 223, 
60.3 	231, or 232; sections 21.111 to 21.125 or 21.80 to 21.92; or associated rules;
60.4 	(2) sampling of sites, seeds, plants, products, grain, household goods, general 
60.5 	merchandise, produce, or other living or nonliving objects that are manufactured, stored, 
60.6 	distributed, handled, or disposed of at those sites and regulated under chapter 18G, 18H, 
60.7 	18K, 27, 223, 231, or 232; sections 21.111 to 21.125 or 21.80 to 21.92; or associated rules;
60.8 	(3) inspection of records related to the manufacture, distribution, storage, handling, or 
60.9 	disposal of seeds, plants, products, grain, household goods, general merchandise, produce, 
60.10 	or other living or nonliving objects regulated under chapter 18G, 18H, 18K, 27, 223, 231, 
60.11 	or 232; sections 21.111 to 21.125 or 21.80 to 21.92; or associated rules;
60.12 	(4) investigating compliance with chapter 18G, 18H, 18K, 27, 223, 231, or 232; sections 
60.13 	21.111 to 21.125 or 21.80 to 21.92; or associated rules; or
60.14 	(5) other purposes necessary to implement chapter 18G, 18H, 18K, 27, 223, 231, or 232; 
60.15 	sections 21.111 to 21.125 or 21.80 to 21.92; or associated rules.
60.16 	(b) The commissioner may enter any public or private premises during or after regular 
60.17 	business hours without notice of inspection when a suspected violation of chapter 18G, 
60.18 	18H, 18K, 27, 223, 231, or 232; sections 21.111 to 21.125 or 21.80 to 21.92; or associated 
60.19 	rules may threaten public health or the environment.

60.20 	Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 18J.04, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
60.21 		Subd. 3.Notice of inspection samples and analyses. (a) The commissioner shall provide 
60.22 	the owner, operator, or agent in charge with a receipt describing any samples obtained. If 
60.23 	requested, the commissioner shall split any samples obtained and provide them to the owner, 
60.24 	operator, or agent in charge. If an analysis is made of the samples, a copy of the results of 
60.25 	the analysis must be furnished to the owner, operator, or agent in charge within 30 days 
60.26 	after an analysis has been performed. If an analysis is not performed, the commissioner 
60.27 	must notify the owner, operator, or agent in charge within 30 days of the decision not to 
60.28 	perform the analysis.
60.29 	(b) The sampling and analysis must be done according to methods provided for under 
60.30 	applicable provisions of chapter 18G, 18H, 18K, 27, 223, 231, or 232; sections 21.111 to 
60.31 	21.125 or 21.80 to 21.92; or associated rules. In cases not covered by those sections and 
60.32 	methods or in cases where methods are available in which improved applicability has been 
60.33 	demonstrated the commissioner may adopt appropriate methods from other sources.

61.1 	Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 18J.04, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
61.2 		Subd. 4.Inspection requests by others. (a) A person who believes that a violation of 
61.3 	chapter 18G, 18H, 18K, 27, 223, 231, or 232; sections 21.111 to 21.125 or 21.80 to 21.92; 
61.4 	or associated rules has occurred may request an inspection by giving notice to the 
61.5 	commissioner of the violation. The notice must be in writing, state with reasonable 
61.6 	particularity the grounds for the notice, and be signed by the person making the request.
61.7 	(b) If after receiving a notice of violation the commissioner reasonably believes that a 
61.8 	violation has occurred, the commissioner shall make a special inspection in accordance with 
61.9 	the provisions of this section as soon as practicable, to determine if a violation has occurred.
61.10 	(c) An inspection conducted pursuant to a notice under this subdivision may cover an 
61.11 	entire site and is not limited to the portion of the site specified in the notice. If the 
61.12 	commissioner determines that reasonable grounds to believe that a violation occurred do 
61.13 	not exist, the commissioner must notify the person making the request in writing of the 
61.14 	determination.

61.15 	Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 18J.05, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
61.16 		Subdivision 1.Enforcement required. (a) A violation of chapter 18G, 18H, 18K, 27, 
61.17 	223, 231, or 232; sections 21.111 to 21.125 or 21.80 to 21.92; or an associated rule is a 
61.18 	violation of this chapter.
61.19 	(b) Upon the request of the commissioner, county attorneys, sheriffs, and other officers 
61.20 	having authority in the enforcement of the general criminal laws must take action to the 
61.21 	extent of their authority necessary or proper for the enforcement of chapter 18G, 18H, 18K, 
61.22 	27, 223, 231, or 232; sections 21.111 to 21.125 or 21.80 to 21.92; or associated rules or 
61.23 	valid orders, standards, stipulations, and agreements of the commissioner.

61.24 	Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 18J.05, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
61.25 		Subd. 2.Commissioner's discretion. If minor violations of chapter 18G, 18H, 18K, 
61.26 	27, 223, 231, or 232; sections 21.111 to 21.125 or 21.80 to 21.92; or associated rules occur 
61.27 	or the commissioner believes the public interest will be best served by a suitable notice of 
61.28 	warning in writing, this section does not require the commissioner to:
61.29 	(1) report the violation for prosecution;
61.30 	(2) institute seizure proceedings; or
61.31 	(3) issue a withdrawal from distribution, stop-sale, or other order.

62.1 	Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 18J.05, subdivision 6, is amended to read:
62.2 		Subd. 6.Agent for service of process. All persons licensed, permitted, registered, or 
62.3 	certified under chapter 18G, 18H, 18K, 27, 223, 231, or 232; sections 21.111 to 21.125 or 
62.4 	21.80 to 21.92; or associated rules must appoint the commissioner as the agent upon whom 
62.5 	all legal process may be served and service upon the commissioner is deemed to be service 
62.6 	on the licensee, permittee, registrant, or certified person.

62.7 	Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 18J.06, is amended to read:
62.8 	18J.06 FALSE STATEMENT OR RECORD.
62.9 	A person must not knowingly make or offer a false statement, record, or other information 
62.10 	as part of:
62.11 	(1) an application for registration, license, certification, or permit under chapter 18G, 
62.12 	18H, 18K, 27, 223, 231, or 232; sections 21.111 to 21.125 or 21.80 to 21.92; or associated 
62.13 	rules;
62.14 	(2) records or reports required under chapter 18G, 18H, 18K, 27, 223, 231, or 232; 
62.15 	sections 21.111 to 21.125 or 21.80 to 21.92; or associated rules; or
62.16 	(3) an investigation of a violation of chapter 18G, 18H, 18K, 27, 223, 231, or 232; 
62.17 	sections 21.111 to 21.125 or 21.80 to 21.92; or associated rules.

62.18 	Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 18J.07, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
62.19 		Subd. 3.Cancellation of registration, permit, license, certification. The commissioner 
62.20 	may cancel or revoke a registration, permit, license, or certification provided for under 
62.21 	chapter 18G, 18H, 18K, 27, 223, 231, or 232; sections 21.111 to 21.125 or 21.80 to 21.92; 
62.22 	or associated rules or refuse to register, permit, license, or certify under provisions of chapter 
62.23 	18G, 18H, 18K, 27, 223, 231, or 232; sections 21.111 to 21.125 or 21.80 to 21.92; or 
62.24 	associated rules if the registrant, permittee, licensee, or certified person has used fraudulent 
62.25 	or deceptive practices in the evasion or attempted evasion of a provision of chapter 18G, 
62.26 	18H, 18K, 27, 223, 231, or 232; sections 21.111 to 21.125 or 21.80 to 21.92; or associated 
62.27 	rules.

62.28 	Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 18J.07, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
62.29 		Subd. 4.Service of order or notice. (a) If a person is not available for service of an 
62.30 	order, the commissioner may attach the order to the facility, site, seed or seed container, 
62.31 	plant or other living or nonliving object regulated under chapter 18G, 18H, 18K, 27, 223, 
63.1 	231, or 232; sections 21.111 to 21.125 or 21.80 to 21.92; or associated rules and notify the 
63.2 	owner, custodian, other responsible party, or registrant.
63.3 	(b) The seed, seed container, plant, or other living or nonliving object regulated under 
63.4 	chapter 18G, 18H, 18K, 27, 223, 231, or 232; sections 21.111 to 21.125 or 21.80 to 21.92; 
63.5 	or associated rules may not be sold, used, tampered with, or removed until released under 
63.6 	conditions specified by the commissioner, by an administrative law judge, or by a court.

63.7 	Sec. 17. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 18J.07, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
63.8 		Subd. 5.Unsatisfied judgments. (a) An applicant for a license, permit, registration, or 
63.9 	certification under provisions of this chapter, chapter 18G, 18H, 18K, 27, 223, 231, or 232; 
63.10 	sections 21.111 to 21.125 or 21.80 to 21.92; or associated rules may not allow a final 
63.11 	judgment against the applicant for damages arising from a violation of those statutes or 
63.12 	rules to remain unsatisfied for a period of more than 30 days.
63.13 	(b) Failure to satisfy, within 30 days, a final judgment resulting from a violation of this 
63.14 	chapter results in automatic suspension of the license, permit, registration, or certification.

63.15 	Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 18J.09, is amended to read:
63.16 	18J.09 CREDITING OF PENALTIES, FEES, AND COSTS.
63.17 	Penalties, cost reimbursements, fees, and other money collected under this chapter must 
63.18 	be deposited into the state treasury and credited to the appropriate nursery and phytosanitary
63.19 	account under section 18H.17, industrial hemp account under section 18K.07, or seed potato 
63.20 	inspection account under section 21.115, seed inspection account under section 21.92, or 
63.21 	grain buyers and storage account under sections 223.17 and 232.22.

63.22 	Sec. 19. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 18K.02, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
63.23 		Subd. 5.Processing. "Processing" means rendering by refinement hemp plants or hemp 
63.24 	plant parts from their natural or original state after harvest. Processing includes but is not 
63.25 	limited to decortication, devitalization, chopping, crushing, extraction of plant substances 
63.26 	other than cannabinoids, and packaging pressing. Processing does not include typical farm 
63.27 	operations such as sorting, grading, baling, and harvesting. Processing does not include 
63.28 	extraction of cannabinoids or the production of artificially derived cannabinoids as defined 
63.29 	in section 342.01, subdivision 6.

64.1 	Sec. 20. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 18K.02, subdivision 6, is amended to read:
64.2 		Subd. 6.Processing location. "Processing location" means any area, building, plant, or 
64.3 	facility registered with and approved by the commissioner in which a licensee converts raw 
64.4 	industrial hemp into a marketable product.

64.5 	Sec. 21. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 18K.04, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
64.6 		Subdivision 1.Requirement; issuance; presumption. (a) A person must obtain a license 
64.7 	from the commissioner before (1) growing industrial hemp, (2) processing industrial hemp, 
64.8 	or (3) researching industrial hemp.
64.9 	(b) To obtain a license under paragraph (a), a person must apply to the commissioner 
64.10 	in the form prescribed by the commissioner and must pay the annual registration and 
64.11 	inspection fee established by the commissioner in accordance with section 16A.1285, 
64.12 	subdivision 2.
64.13 	(c) For a license to grow or process industrial hemp, the license application must include 
64.14 	the name and address of the applicant and the legal description of the land area or areas 
64.15 	where industrial hemp will be grown or processed by the applicant and any other information 
64.16 	required under Code of Federal Regulations, title 7, part 990.
64.17 	(d) For a license to process industrial hemp, the license application must include the 
64.18 	name and address of the applicant, the legal description of the processing location, and any 
64.19 	other information required by the commissioner.
64.20 	(e)(d) A licensee is responsible for compliance with the license requirements irrespective 
64.21 	of the acts or omissions of an authorized representative acting on behalf of the licensee.
64.22 	(f)(e) When an applicant has paid the fee and completed the application process to the 
64.23 	satisfaction of the commissioner, the commissioner must issue a license which is valid until 
64.24 	December 31 of the year of application.
64.25 	(g)(f) A person licensed under paragraph (a) to grow industrial hemp is presumed to be 
64.26 	growing industrial hemp for commercial or research purposes.

64.27 	Sec. 22. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 21.111, is amended to read:
64.28 	21.111 DEFINITIONS.
64.29 		Subdivision 1.Scope. When used in sections 21.111 to 21.122 21.125 the terms defined 
64.30 	in this section shall have the meanings ascribed to them.
65.1 		Subd. 2.Inspected. "Inspected" means that the potato plants are examined in the field 
65.2 	and that the harvested potatoes produced by the potato plants are examined by or under the 
65.3 	authority of the commissioner. For seed potatoes produced in a lab, inspected means that 
65.4 	the lab's records, including records related to the lab's procedures and protocols, as well as 
65.5 	the seed potatoes, have been examined under the authority of the commissioner.
65.6 		Subd. 3.Certified. "Certified" means that the potatoes were have been inspected while 
65.7 	growing in the field and, when possible, again after being harvested, and were thereafter 
65.8 	duly certified by or under the authority of the commissioner, as provided the potatoes meet 
65.9 	the requirements in sections 21.111 to 21.122, and as provided by rules adopted and published 
65.10 	by the commissioner 21.125. For seed potatoes produced in a lab an indoor facility or 
65.11 	greenhouse, certified means that:
65.12 	(1) the seed potato lab facilities,and the lab's procedures, and protocols have been 
65.13 	examined under the authority of the commissioner; and.
65.14 	(2) the seed potatoes have been inspected after they have been harvested, removed, or 
65.15 	released from the lab, and were duly certified by or under the authority of the commissioner, 
65.16 	as provided in sections 21.111 to 21.122.
65.17 		Subd. 3a.Interstate cooperation. In order to best use state resources, the commissioner 
65.18 	may enter into agreements with other seed potato certification entities to carry out the 
65.19 	purposes of sections 21.111 to 21.122. Any agreement may provide for field inspections, 
65.20 	shipping point inspections, winter tests, and other certification functions to be carried out 
65.21 	by personnel employed by either entity according to methods determined by the certification 
65.22 	entities of the respective areas. The commissioner may extend seed potato certification 
65.23 	services to states where growers wish to grow certified seed potatoes and the state does not 
65.24 	have a seed potato certification program. Any agreement must be reported to the chairs of 
65.25 	the legislative committees responsible for the budget or policy of the seed potato inspection 
65.26 	program and to the commissioner of management and budget.
65.27 		Subd. 3b.Certified seed potatoes. "Certified seed potatoes" means potatoes that have 
65.28 	been produced, graded, sacked or placed in bulk, inspected, and certified in accordance with 
65.29 	this chapter.
65.30 		Subd. 3c.Class. "Class" means the seed quality level related to compliance with 
65.31 	tolerances for diseases and varietal purity.
65.32 		Subd. 3d.Clone. "Clone" means a unit of seed potatoes that is the progeny of one plant, 
65.33 	which has been tested to become eligible to produce Generation 1 class seed potatoes.
66.1 		Subd. 3e.Commissioner. "Commissioner" means the commissioner of agriculture or 
66.2 	the commissioner's designee.
66.3 		Subd. 3f.Crop. "Crop" means all lots produced on a farm in one year.
66.4 		Subd. 3g.Department. "Department" means the Department of Agriculture.
66.5 		Subd. 3h.Explant. "Explant" means an in vitro potato plant or a plantlet that is produced 
66.6 	by rooting an excised tip of a tuber sprout or an axillary bud from a growing plant and that 
66.7 	serves as a parent for a whole clone or accession of micropropagated plants or plantlets.
66.8 		Subd. 3i.Farm. "Farm" means a potato-growing enterprise. Farm includes all land, 
66.9 	equipment, storage facilities, and laborers used to produce potatoes.
66.10 		Subd. 3j.Field. "Field" means a plot of land on a farm where potatoes are grown.
66.11 		Subd. 3k.Inspected. (a) For plants growing in a field, "inspected" means that the 
66.12 	commissioner has examined the plants in the field where the plants are grown and has 
66.13 	visually assessed the plants for disease and factors impacting quality.
66.14 	(b) For harvested potatoes, inspected means that the commissioner has observed the 
66.15 	tubers and, when requested, the commissioner has evaluated the tubers for quality and 
66.16 	conditions described in section 21.125.
66.17 	(c) For seed potatoes produced in a facility or greenhouse, inspected means that the 
66.18 	commissioner has examined the seed potatoes and the facility's records, including records 
66.19 	related to the facility's procedures and protocols.
66.20 		Subd. 3l.Lot. "Lot" means a group of seed potatoes of one variety, planted in one 
66.21 	continuous plot, grown on the same farm, and physically separated from other lots while 
66.22 	being grown and stored.
66.23 		Subd. 3m.Material in maintenance. "Material in maintenance" means propagative 
66.24 	material, plantlets, or tubers that are maintained, not multiplied, under controlled laboratory 
66.25 	conditions.
66.26 		Subd. 3n.Roguing. "Roguing" is the process of removing infected plants from a field 
66.27 	of certified seed potatoes.
66.28 		Subd. 3o.Stand. "Stand" is the live plant population in a certified seed potato lot.
66.29 		Subd. 5.Seed potatoes. "Seed potatoes" means potatoes used, sold, offered or exposed 
66.30 	for sale, or held with intent to sell or as a sample representing any lot or stock of potatoes 
66.31 	offered or exposed for sale or held with intent to sell within this state, for the purpose of 
66.32 	planting.
67.1 		Subd. 6.Person. "Person" includes an individual, a partnership, a corporation, a company, 
67.2 	a society, an association, and firms a firm.
67.3 		Subd. 7.Physically separated. "Physically separated" means separated by at least the 
67.4 	width of one row and markings such as flags at every corner of the lot.
67.5 		Subd. 8.Rejected. "Rejected" means that a field or lot fails to meet the certification 
67.6 	standards in this chapter.
67.7 		Subd. 9.Tuber units. "Tuber units" means the separate pieces of one tuber that are 
67.8 	planted consecutively in two or more hills in a row.
67.9 		Subd. 10.Winter testing. "Winter testing" means growing out and visually inspecting 
67.10 	a representative sample of tubers from each seed lot for stand, vigor, varietal purity, and 
67.11 	disease.

67.12 	Sec. 23. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 21.112, is amended by adding a subdivision to 
67.13 	read:
67.14 		Subd. 1a.Interstate cooperation. In order to best use state resources, the commissioner 
67.15 	may enter into agreements with other seed potato certification entities to carry out the 
67.16 	purposes of sections 21.111 to 21.125. An agreement under this subdivision may provide 
67.17 	for field inspections, shipping point inspections, winter testing, and other certification 
67.18 	functions to be carried out by personnel employed by either the commissioner or other seed 
67.19 	potato certification entities according to methods determined by the seed potato certification 
67.20 	entities. The commissioner may extend seed potato certification services to a state where 
67.21 	growers wish to grow certified seed potatoes and where the state does not have a seed potato 
67.22 	certification program. Any agreement under this subdivision must be reported to the chairs 
67.23 	and ranking minority members of the legislative committees responsible for the budget or 
67.24 	policy of the seed potato inspection program and to the commissioner of management and 
67.25 	budget.

67.26 	Sec. 24. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 21.113, is amended to read:
67.27 	21.113 SHIPPING POINT CERTIFICATES OF INSPECTION; CERTIFICATES 
67.28 	OF ORIGIN; AND BULK CERTIFICATES.
67.29 		Subdivision 1.Shipping point inspections. (a) The commissioner shall issue shipping 
67.30 	point certificates of inspection only when seed potatoes have been inspected while growing 
67.31 	in the field and again after being harvested.
68.1 	(b) For seed potatoes produced in a lab, the commissioner shall issue certificates of 
68.2 	inspection only after:
68.3 	(1) the seed potato lab facility and the lab's records have been inspected; and
68.4 	(2) the seed potatoes have been inspected after they have been harvested, removed, or 
68.5 	released from the lab.
68.6 	(c) (b) Certificates of inspection under this section shall show the varietal purity and the 
68.7 	freedom from disease and physical injury of such potatoes and any other information as 
68.8 	may be prescribed by rules adopted and published under sections 21.111 to 21.122 21.125.
68.9 		Subd. 2.Other certificates. (a) The use of a certificate of origin requires the approval 
68.10 	of the seller and the purchaser and must only be used for intrastate shipments between 
68.11 	certified seed potato producers. The certificate of origin must contain information considered 
68.12 	necessary by the commissioner and must at a minimum identify the producer, receiver, 
68.13 	variety, classification, quantity, date of shipment, and lot of the seed potatoes. The limitation 
68.14 	of warranty as described in paragraph (c) must not include any representation of the condition 
68.15 	of the potatoes at the time of shipment. A certificate of origin must only be used for intrastate 
68.16 	shipment if a shipping point inspection is not available. Use of a certificate of origin must 
68.17 	be approved by the commissioner prior to shipment.
68.18 	(b) A bulk certificate must include the date of issuance, class, grade, lot number, and 
68.19 	approximate weight of the load.
68.20 	(c) A certification does not represent a warranty of any kind, express or implied, including 
68.21 	merchantability, as to the quality of the crop produced from the certified seed potatoes. A 
68.22 	certification must only represent that the seed potatoes were produced, graded, sacked or 
68.23 	placed in bulk, and inspected in accordance with this chapter. A certification under this 
68.24 	subdivision must not include any representation of the condition of the potatoes at the time 
68.25 	of shipment.

68.26 	Sec. 25. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 21.115, is amended to read:
68.27 	21.115 FEES; SEED POTATO INSPECTION ACCOUNT.
68.28 	The commissioner shall fix the fees for all inspections and certifications in such amounts 
68.29 	as from time to time may be found necessary to pay the expenses of carrying out and 
68.30 	enforcing the purposes of sections 21.111 to 21.122 21.125, with a reasonable reserve, and 
68.31 	shall require the same to be paid before such inspections or certifications are made. All 
68.32 	moneys collected as fees or as penalties for violations of any of the provisions of such 
68.33 	sections shall be paid into the agricultural fund and credited to the seed potato inspection 
69.1 	account of the commissioner, which account is hereby created and appropriated for carrying 
69.2 	out the purposes of sections 21.111 to 21.122 21.125. Interest, if any, received on deposits 
69.3 	of these moneys shall be credited to the account, and there shall be paid into this fund any 
69.4 	sum provided by the legislature for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of such 
69.5 	sections.

69.6 	Sec. 26. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 21.117, is amended to read:
69.7 	21.117 APPLICATIONS FOR INSPECTIONS; WITHDRAWALS; 
69.8 	AMENDMENTS.
69.9 	(a) Any person may make application to the commissioner for inspection or certification 
69.10 	of seed potatoes growing or to be grown. Upon receiving such application and the required 
69.11 	fee and such other information as may be required, the commissioner shall cause such 
69.12 	potatoes to be inspected or certified in accordance with the provisions of sections 21.111 
69.13 	to 21.122 and the rules adopted and published thereunder 21.125.
69.14 	(b) If a grower wishes to withdraw a field or lab an application after having made a 
69.15 	timely application for inspection and such withdrawal is requested before the field or lab
69.16 	facility inspection has been made, the fee paid shall be refunded to said grower. A grower 
69.17 	must submit a withdrawal request in writing and include a reason for withdrawal. A grower 
69.18 	must remove withdrawn acres from production before the first field inspection.
69.19 	(c) If a grower wishes to amend an application after submitting a timely application for 
69.20 	inspection, the grower must submit the request in writing, including a reason for the 
69.21 	amendment.

69.22 	Sec. 27. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 21.119, is amended to read:
69.23 	21.119 USE OF CERTAIN TERMS FORBIDDEN; EXCEPTIONS.
69.24 	It shall be unlawful to use or employ the term "certified" or the term "inspected," or any 
69.25 	term or terms conveying a meaning substantially equivalent to the meaning of either of 
69.26 	these terms, either orally or in writing, printing, marking, or otherwise in reference to or in 
69.27 	connection with, or in advertising or characterizing or labeling seed potatoes or the containers 
69.28 	thereof, unless such potatoes shall have been duly inspected and certified pursuant to the 
69.29 	provisions of sections 21.111 to 21.122 21.125.

70.1 	Sec. 28. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 21.1195, is amended to read:
70.2 	21.1195 MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR PLANTING.
70.3 	(a) Seed potatoes may not be planted in the state in lots of totaling ten or more acres 
70.4 	unless the seed meets the minimum disease standards prescribed by the commissioner. Seed 
70.5 	potatoes may meet the standards by being certified in accordance with this chapter and rules 
70.6 	adopted by the commissioner, or under the certification program of another state or province 
70.7 	which, in the judgment of the commissioner, provides equivalent assurances of seed potato 
70.8 	quality. Seed potatoes may be planted without certification if they have had at least field 
70.9 	inspection as required for certified seed potatoes, have passed the field inspection standards 
70.10 	of disease tolerance, and are free from ring rot. A person that plants seed potatoes in violation 
70.11 	of this section is subject to a civil penalty of $20 per acre for each acre or part of an acre 
70.12 	planted in violation of this section. Failure to maintain complete and accurate records in 
70.13 	accordance with this section or rules adopted by the commissioner is an additional violation 
70.14 	resulting in a separate civil penalty of $200 for each failure is a violation and subject to 
70.15 	enforcement under chapter 18J.
70.16 	(b) If there is not available to be planted in this state, in any year, a sufficient volume 
70.17 	of potato seed meeting certified seed potato disease standards, in any or all varieties, the 
70.18 	commissioner may, upon application by one or more growers, permit seed that does not 
70.19 	comply with this section to be planted for that growing season if the seed does not pose a 
70.20 	serious disease threat.
70.21 	(c) Each grower shall keep records of each lot of seed potatoes planted. For each growing 
70.22 	season, the records must include, by field, the variety, planting location, number of acres 
70.23 	planted, and source of the seed potatoes. Each grower shall register fields and file records 
70.24 	as prescribed by the commissioner. All records must be made available for inspection by 
70.25 	the commissioner or the commissioner's agents during normal business hours.
70.26 	(d) In addition to the enforcement powers and penalties in this section, the commissioner 
70.27 	may issue a subpoena to a grower in order to compel delivery of records which are required 
70.28 	under this section. These subpoenas are enforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction.

70.29 	Sec. 29. [21.123] SEED POTATO CERTIFICATION.
70.30 		Subdivision 1.Eligibility. In order to produce certified seed potatoes, a grower must 
70.31 	comply with the following requirements:
70.32 	(1) a grower must ensure that potatoes meet the tolerances prescribed by this chapter 
70.33 	and the potatoes have been inspected by the commissioner while growing in a field;
71.1 	(2) a grower must ensure that all potatoes planted on the grower's farm have been entered 
71.2 	for certification by the commissioner;
71.3 	(3) a grower must ensure that each lot is grown while physically separated from other 
71.4 	lots. Markers must be visible to a person from any position in the field;
71.5 	(4) a grower must submit an application for certification before June 16 each year on 
71.6 	forms provided by the commissioner. The commissioner must charge a ten percent late 
71.7 	registration fee to a grower who submitted an application postmarked after June 15 and 
71.8 	before July 1. The commissioner may extend the deadline due to special circumstances, 
71.9 	such as a natural disaster, that make it impractical or impossible for planting to be completed 
71.10 	by the deadline and that affect an area or large number of growers. A grower must make a 
71.11 	request for an extension in writing before June 16;
71.12 	(5) an application for certification must include a North American Health Certificate 
71.13 	and a shipping point certificate, bulk seed certificate, or certificate of origin. The 
71.14 	commissioner may accept an incomplete application for certification;
71.15 	(6) an application for certification must demonstrate that the seed potatoes being entered 
71.16 	for certification originated from a class system in Minnesota or another state or province 
71.17 	under the supervision of another certifying agency; and
71.18 	(7) a grower must comply with sections 21.111 to 21.125. A grower's violation of sections 
71.19 	21.111 to 21.125 is cause for the commissioner to reject the grower's field or lot. A grower 
71.20 	must not sell or label potatoes as certified seed potatoes when the potatoes were grown in 
71.21 	a rejected field or lot.
71.22 		Subd. 2.Certification process. (a) As part of the certification process, the commissioner 
71.23 	must visually inspect sample plants from each field and lot belonging to the grower, except 
71.24 	that the commissioner is not required to visually inspect sample plants and tubers when 
71.25 	certifying prenuclear class potatoes.
71.26 	(b) For seed potato varieties that do not exhibit visible symptoms of a specific pathogen, 
71.27 	the commissioner must subject the seed potatoes to laboratory tests to determine the level 
71.28 	of a pathogen in a seed lot. Testing under this paragraph may occur during the growing 
71.29 	season, the storage season, or winter testing.
71.30 	(c) The commissioner may not accept an application for certification from a grower in 
71.31 	a community or county without sufficient acreage for total inspection fee charges to cover 
71.32 	the cost of wages and expenses of the commissioner to complete an inspection. The 
72.1 	commissioner may make a determination of sufficient acreage under this paragraph before 
72.2 	conducting an inspection as part of the certification process.
72.3 	(d) The commissioner must not inspect a field for certification unless both the planted 
72.4 	seed potato variety and the particular planted lot have been authorized by the commissioner. 
72.5 	When considering the authorization of a particular seed potato variety for planting as certified 
72.6 	seed potatoes, the commissioner must consider scientific evidence and the expert opinions 
72.7 	of inspectors.
72.8 	(e) The following classes of seed potatoes are eligible for planting as certified seed 
72.9 	potatoes: Prenuclear (PN), Generation 1 (G1), Generation 2 (G2), Generation 3 (G3), 
72.10 	Generation 4 (G4), Generation 5 (G5), and experimental class seed potatoes. The 
72.11 	commissioner may authorize the planting of Certified (C) class or Generation 6 (G6) class 
72.12 	seed potatoes if the commissioner determines that the seeds do not pose a serious threat of 
72.13 	disease to the public.
72.14 		Subd. 3.Bacterial ring rot or potato spindle tuber viroid. If the commissioner finds 
72.15 	the presence of bacterial ring rot or potato spindle tuber viroid in a field or lot, the 
72.16 	commissioner must reject the entire field or lot. If the commissioner discovers a single plant 
72.17 	in a field or a tuber in storage that is infected with bacterial ring rot or potato spindle tuber 
72.18 	viroid, the commissioner must reject the entire field or lot where the plant was grown. If 
72.19 	the commissioner has not found bacterial ring rot or potato spindle tuber viroid in a field 
72.20 	or lot, the field or lot is not necessarily free from either disease.
72.21 		Subd. 4.Winter testing. (a) In order to detect certain virus diseases, the commissioner 
72.22 	must conduct winter testing of a sample from each class seeking eligibility for recertification, 
72.23 	except PN and experimental classes. The commissioner must grow out and visually inspect 
72.24 	a representative sample of tubers from each seed lot for stand, vigor, varietal purity, and 
72.25 	disease. If, during a visual inspection, a plant shows signs of potato virus Y or potato leafroll 
72.26 	virus, or if the plant is of a variety that does not express visual symptoms of infection, the 
72.27 	commissioner must ensure that a sample of the plant is lab tested for potato virus Y and 
72.28 	potato leafroll virus. The commissioner must determine whether a field or lot contains the 
72.29 	threshold amount of disease permitted under section 21.124, subdivision 9. The commissioner 
72.30 	must include any lot that passes winter testing in the approved list of certified seed lots 
72.31 	eligible for recertification.
72.32 	(b) If the commissioner determines that a winter test of a lot or field has a serious 
72.33 	malfunction, the commissioner must base classification of the lot or field on summer field 
72.34 	readings from the previous year or lab testing.
73.1 	(c) Instead of winter testing a sample, the commissioner may accept comprehensive lab 
73.2 	testing if the commissioner determines that special circumstances exist, such as a natural 
73.3 	disaster, that would make submission of samples for inclusion in winter testing impractical 
73.4 	or impossible.
73.5 	(d) The commissioner must reject a field or lot if the commissioner determines that a 
73.6 	large number of plants are missing from the field or lot due to disease.
73.7 	(e) The commissioner must reject a field or lot if the commissioner determines that the 
73.8 	field or lot contains a large number of weak plants.
73.9 	(f) The commissioner may reject a field or lot if the field or lot contains a large number 
73.10 	of plants that have a mixture of variety.
73.11 		Subd. 5.Seed potato certification classes. Seed potato certification classes must be 
73.12 	differentiated by the potatoes' compliance with disease tolerances, varietal purity, and seed 
73.13 	origin. Seed potato certification classes are: Prenuclear (PN), Generation 1 (G1), Generation 
73.14 	2 (G2), Generation 3 (G3), Generation 4 (G4), Generation 5 (G5), Generation 6 (G6), and 
73.15 	Certified (C).
73.16 		Subd. 6.Experimental status. (a) Lots from a breeder's seed that have not been tested 
73.17 	and have not been determined to be virus-free are considered experimental. The commissioner 
73.18 	must designate seedlings or numbered selections in experimental status as a class and 
73.19 	determine requirements of that class.
73.20 	(b) To obtain experimental status under this subdivision, an applicant must submit a 
73.21 	written statement from the seedlings' or numbered selections' breeder, originator, or 
73.22 	originator's designee verifying that the applicant has full and unrestricted rights to introduce 
73.23 	the seedlings or numbered selections into the commercial market and that the applicant may 
73.24 	apply to enter the seedlings or numbered selections into the certification system. The written 
73.25 	statement must accompany the certification application submitted by the applicant.
73.26 	(c) After reviewing the applicant's written statement and certification application, the 
73.27 	commissioner may designate seedlings or numbered selections described in the application 
73.28 	as having experimental status.
73.29 	(d) After an applicant is notified by the commissioner that the seedlings or numbered 
73.30 	selections have experimental status, the applicant must ensure that the seedlings or numbered 
73.31 	selections are tagged with the word "EXPERIMENTAL."
73.32 		Subd. 7.Protected varieties. If an applicant seeks to enter a seed potato variety protected 
73.33 	under the Plant Variety Protection Act Amendments of 1994 into the certification system, 
74.1 	the applicant must submit a written statement from the breeder, originator, or originator's 
74.2 	designee that the applicant has full and unrestricted rights to introduce the protected variety 
74.3 	into the certification system. The applicant must ensure that the written statement 
74.4 	accompanies the certification application for any protected seed potato variety.
74.5 		Subd. 8.Certification factors; field inspection. (a) The commissioner must consider 
74.6 	the following factors when conducting a field inspection pursuant to a certification 
74.7 	application:
74.8 	(1) the commissioner must reject a field or lot if a large number of plants are missing 
74.9 	due to disease;
74.10 	(2) the commissioner must reject a field or lot if the field or lot contains a large number 
74.11 	of weak plants;
74.12 	(3) the commissioner must inspect a field or lot for bacterial ring rot.  The commissioner 
74.13 	must reject a field or lot if the commissioner finds the presence of bacterial ring rot.  If 
74.14 	bacterial ring rot is present in a field or lot, the remaining crop is not eligible for certification 
74.15 	planting;
74.16 	(4) the commissioner must reject a field or lot if the field or lot contains potatoes with 
74.17 	a level of disease higher than the acceptable tolerance for the disease for the potatoes' seed 
74.18 	potato certification class according to section 21.124, subdivision 9;
74.19 	(5) the commissioner must reject a field or lot if the field or lot contains a percentage 
74.20 	of diseased plants that exceeds the acceptable percentage of disease listed in section 21.124 
74.21 	for the seed potato certification class;
74.22 	(6) the commissioner must reject a field or lot if any of the following are present in the 
74.23 	field or lot to such an extent that the commissioner is unable to complete a satisfactory 
74.24 	inspection for diseases: early or late blight, blackleg or wilt of any kind, weeds, plant injury 
74.25 	from insects, or chemical damage; and
74.26 	(7) the commissioner must reject a field or lot if any other conditions are present to such 
74.27 	an extent that the commissioner is unable to make a satisfactory inspection for diseases.
74.28 	(b) The commissioner must determine that a field is ineligible for certification if cull 
74.29 	piles are in such close vicinity to the field that it is likely that the field is contaminated.
74.30 	(c) The commissioner must make at least two field inspections of a field during the 
74.31 	growing season. The commissioner must conduct a final inspection of a field for bacterial 
74.32 	ring rot during the time of year that symptoms of bacterial ring rot are most likely to be 
74.33 	observed. If the commissioner is unable to conduct a final inspection under this paragraph 
75.1 	due to management practices of the grower or for a reason that is out of the grower's control, 
75.2 	such as a natural disaster, the grower must ensure that laboratory testing is conducted to 
75.3 	maintain eligibility for certification. An additional inspection or additional laboratory testing 
75.4 	may be necessary to meet phytosanitary requirements in established markets in another state 
75.5 	or in a Canadian province.
75.6 		Subd. 9.Roguing. If any of the diseases listed in section 21.124, subdivision 1, are 
75.7 	present in a field in amounts greater than the maximum disease tolerance level, the grower 
75.8 	must rogue the field and remove the infected plants before the final inspection by the 
75.9 	commissioner. If a grower has completed roguing a field after tubers have formed, the 
75.10 	grower must remove and destroy all tubers from rogued plants.
75.11 		Subd. 10.Storage. (a) A grower must ensure that a lot is stored under conditions that 
75.12 	prevent disease contamination. A grower must not store a lot in any warehouse where other 
75.13 	potatoes are stored, unless the grower labels the lot according to paragraph (b).
75.14 	(b) If more than one grower stores lots in the same warehouse, each grower must identify 
75.15 	the grower's lots by labeling the bin containing the lot with the grower's name, the grower's 
75.16 	address, the variety of potatoes in the bin, and the number of potatoes in the bin.
75.17 	(c) If a grower plans to store a lot in a public warehouse or storage unit that is not directly 
75.18 	under the grower's control, the grower must send a complete record of storage to the 
75.19 	commissioner prior to storing the lot.  The record must include the address and location of 
75.20 	the public warehouse or storage unit, the variety of potatoes in each bin, and the number of 
75.21 	potatoes in each bin. If a warehouse receipt for the lot is available, the grower must submit 
75.22 	a copy of the warehouse receipt to the commissioner. If more than one grower stores lots 
75.23 	in the same public warehouse or storage unit, the grower must label each lot according to 
75.24 	paragraph (b).
75.25 	(d) A grower must not use the same equipment for grading and handling lots of certified 
75.26 	seed potatoes and other potatoes. If a grower has used the same equipment for grading and 
75.27 	handling certified seed potatoes and other potatoes, the commissioner must reject the grower's 
75.28 	lots.
75.29 	(e) A firm that handles lots under contract must label each bin containing a lot with the 
75.30 	name of the grower whose lots are being stored. A firm handling lots under contract must 
75.31 	properly label and handle bins containing lots. A certification tag or bulk certificate must 
75.32 	not be issued unless all bins are properly labeled according to this paragraph.
75.33 	(f) By November 1 of each crop year, a grower must submit to the commissioner a 
75.34 	completed storage and yield report for each lot on a form prescribed by the commissioner. 
76.1 	The commissioner may extend the deadline after November 1 due to special circumstances, 
76.2 	such as a natural disaster, that would make it impractical or impossible for a grower to 
76.3 	complete harvesting and storage by November 1 and that affect an area or a large number 
76.4 	of growers. A grower must submit a written request for an extension to the commissioner 
76.5 	before November 1 of the crop year for which the extension is sought.
76.6 		Subd. 11.Tags; bulk certificates. (a) Once the commissioner has informed a grower 
76.7 	that the grower's potatoes meet the certification requirements in sections 21.111 to 21.125, 
76.8 	a grower may tag the potatoes using an approved tag indicating the grade of potatoes as 
76.9 	blue-tag-certified seed potato grade, yellow-tag-certified seed potato grade, or 
76.10 	white-tag-certified seed potato grade. A grower's name, the city where the farm is located, 
76.11 	the potato variety, and the crop year must be printed on a tag under this subdivision.
76.12 	(b) When fastening a tag to a potato sack, a grower must fasten the tag to the sack to 
76.13 	form a seal at the time that the lot or shipment is prepared.
76.14 	(c) A bulk certificate must include the date that the certificate was issued, class, grade, 
76.15 	lot number, shipping point certificate number, and approximate weight of the lot.
76.16 	(d) Only the person who grew the potatoes may order or print tags for the potatoes once 
76.17 	the commissioner has informed the person that the potatoes meet certification requirements 
76.18 	under sections 21.111 to 21.125.
76.19 	(e) A grower may print a tag for potatoes if the grower has provided proof of each lot 
76.20 	to the commissioner for review before using the tag. A tag printed by a grower must contain 
76.21 	the following statement: "The quality and condition of each lot is only confirmed through 
76.22 	a shipping point inspection certificate. This tag, without an accompanying shipping point 
76.23 	inspection certificate, is not proof that the potatoes contained within have been duly 
76.24 	inspected."
76.25 		Subd. 12.Certified seed potato grades. Certified seed potatoes must be classified by 
76.26 	certified seed potato grades based on the number of physical defects of tubers. A grower 
76.27 	must only use a certified seed potato grade for potatoes after a shipping point inspection of 
76.28 	the potatoes has been completed. The following three grades of certified seed potatoes must 
76.29 	be used for Minnesota-certified seed potatoes:
76.30 	(1) the blue-tag-certified seed potato grade is the first grade of certified seed potatoes. 
76.31 	The blue-tag-certified seed potato grade is stricter than other grades. The blue-tag-certified 
76.32 	seed potato grade does not allow as many physical defects of tubers as other grades. A 
76.33 	grower may use the blue-tag-certified seed potato grade for intrastate and interstate shipments 
76.34 	of certified seed potatoes;
77.1 	(2) the yellow-tag-certified seed potato grade is the second grade of certified seed 
77.2 	potatoes. The yellow-tag-certified seed potato grade allows more physical defects of tubers 
77.3 	than the blue-tag-certified seed potato grade. A grower may use the yellow-tag-certified 
77.4 	seed potato grade for intrastate and interstate shipments of certified seed potatoes; and
77.5 	(3) the white-tag-certified seed potato grade is the third grade of certified seed potatoes. 
77.6 	The number of physical defects that the white-tag-certified seed potato grade allows is 
77.7 	determined by an agreement between the purchaser and seller of the certified seed potatoes. 
77.8 	A grower may use the white-tag-certified seed potato grade for intrastate and interstate 
77.9 	shipments of certified seed potatoes.
77.10 		Subd. 13.Grading. (a) A grower must ensure that a lot is inspected at the shipping point 
77.11 	if the lot requires a grade statement.
77.12 	(b) If an inspection at the shipping point is impossible, a grower must request a grading 
77.13 	inspection in transit.
77.14 	(c) A grower must ensure that a bagged lot or shipment offered for sale and tagged with 
77.15 	approved certification tags is contained in new even-weight sacks.
77.16 	(d) A grower must ensure that a bulk shipment is identified with a bulk certificate.
77.17 	(e) A grower must ensure that a bagged lot and bulk lot or shipment meets grade standards 
77.18 	in section 21.125.
77.19 	(f) A grower must recondition a lot or shipment that fails to meet the grade standards in 
77.20 	section 21.125.
77.21 	(g) If a lot or shipment fails to meet grade standards and is contained in sacks, a grower 
77.22 	must remove approved certification tags from the lot or shipment before the lot or shipment 
77.23 	may proceed to its destination.
77.24 	(h) If a shipment is in bulk and fails to meet grade standards in section 21.125, a bulk 
77.25 	certificate must not be issued.
77.26 	(i) If a lot or shipment fails to meet grade standards, the shipper must bear the costs of 
77.27 	reconditioning potatoes to meet the grade standards in section 21.125.

77.28 	Sec. 30. [21.124] REQUIREMENTS FOR PRODUCTION OF DIFFERENT 
77.29 	CLASSES OF CERTIFIED SEED POTATOES.
77.30 		Subdivision 1.Prenuclear class certified seed potatoes.  (a) A lot grown as and intended 
77.31 	to be prenuclear class certified seed potatoes must be grown from plants tested and shown 
77.32 	to be free from the following pathogens:
78.1 	(1) Clavibacter michiganensis ssp. sepedonicus (ring rot);
78.2 	(2) Pectobacterium atrosepticum ssp. Atrosepticum, carotovora (blackleg);
78.3 	(3) potato virus X;
78.4 	(4) potato virus S;
78.5 	(5) potato virus A;
78.6 	(6) potato virus M;
78.7 	(7) potato virus Y;
78.8 	(8) potato spindle tuber viroid; and
78.9 	(9) potato leafroll virus.
78.10 	(b) When growing prenuclear class seed potatoes, a grower must ensure that each explant 
78.11 	or tuber is tested for organisms for which testing is required by the state or province of 
78.12 	destination. A grower must ensure that material in maintenance is tested during the year of 
78.13 	producing prenuclear class seed potatoes.
78.14 	(c) A grower must produce prenuclear class seed potatoes in a greenhouse, facility, or 
78.15 	screenhouse under sanitary conditions, free from insects and weeds that can harbor or 
78.16 	transmit potato diseases or other conditions that would allow possible disease contamination. 
78.17 	A grower must ensure that a facility used for growing prenuclear seed potatoes is sufficiently 
78.18 	insulated from insects by screens and double doors.  The commissioner may inspect any 
78.19 	facility or equipment used for growing, handling, and storing prenuclear class seed potatoes 
78.20 	to verify that the facility or equipment complies with this paragraph.
78.21 	(d) A grower must ensure that one percent of each lot or ten plants or tubers from each 
78.22 	lot, whichever is greater, is tested during the growing season to verify that the crop is free 
78.23 	from potato virus X, potato virus Y, potato leafroll virus, C. michiganensis, and P. 
78.24 	atrosepticum.
78.25 	(e) Prenuclear tubers may originate from greenhouse tubers for one year only if the 
78.26 	greenhouse tubers have remained at the same growing operation and have remained isolated 
78.27 	from field-grown tubers.
78.28 	(f) Prenuclear class certified seed potatoes must not contain more than the allowable 
78.29 	tolerances for disease and varietal mixture in subdivision 9.
78.30 		Subd. 2.Generation 1 class certified seed potatoes. (a) Generation 1 class seed potatoes 
78.31 	must meet the following requirements:
79.1 	(1) the seed source must be either prenuclear tubers, clones, or plantlets; and
79.2 	(2) tuber units or plantlets must be planted in identifiable family units.
79.3 	(b) Subject to the commissioner's approval, lots in Generation 1 class may be exempt 
79.4 	from winter testing requirements if leaves collected during the growing season are laboratory 
79.5 	tested and shown to be within the allowable tolerance of potato virus X, potato virus Y, and 
79.6 	other pathogens identified by the commissioner.
79.7 	(c) Each lot must be stored in an individual identifiable unit.
79.8 	(d) Generation 1 seed potatoes must not contain more than the allowable tolerances for 
79.9 	disease and varietal mixture for seed potatoes in subdivision 9.
79.10 		Subd. 3.Generation 2 class certified seed potatoes. Generation 2 class seed potatoes 
79.11 	must originate from Generation 1 class seed potatoes. Generation 2 class seed potatoes must 
79.12 	not contain more than the allowable tolerances of disease and varietal mixture in subdivision 
79.13 	9.
79.14 		Subd. 4.Generation 3 class certified seed potatoes. Generation 3 class seed potatoes 
79.15 	must originate from Generation 2 class seed potatoes. Generation 3 class seed potatoes must 
79.16 	not contain more than the allowable tolerances of disease and varietal mixture in subdivision 
79.17 	9.
79.18 		Subd. 5.Generation 4 class certified seed potatoes. Generation 4 class seed potatoes 
79.19 	must originate from Generation 3 class seed potatoes. Generation 4 class seed potatoes must 
79.20 	not contain more than the allowable tolerances for disease and varietal mixture in subdivision 
79.21 	9.
79.22 		Subd. 6.Generation 5 class certified seed potatoes. Generation 5 class seed potatoes 
79.23 	must originate from Generation 4 class seed potatoes. Generation 5 class seed potatoes must 
79.24 	not contain more than the allowable tolerances for disease and varietal mixture in subdivision 
79.25 	9.
79.26 		Subd. 7.Generation 6 class certified seed potatoes. Generation 6 class seed potatoes 
79.27 	must originate from Generation 5 class seed potatoes. Generation 6 class seed potatoes must 
79.28 	not contain more than the allowable tolerances for disease and varietal mixture in subdivision 
79.29 	9.
79.30 		Subd. 8.Certified class certified seed potatoes. Certified class seed potatoes must 
79.31 	originate from generation classes of seed potatoes. Certified class seed potatoes must not 
79.32 	contain more than the allowable tolerances for disease and varietal mixture in subdivision 
79.33 	9.
80.1 		Subd. 9.Allowable tolerances for diseases and varietal mixture by generation 
80.2 	class. The numbers represent the percentage of potatoes that may be affected out of an 
80.3 	individual lot.

80.4		PN
	G1
	G2
	G3
	G4
	G5
	G6
	C
	
80.5	Tolerances:
									
80.6
80.7
80.8	Severe Mosaic from 
potato virus Y, A, M, 
X, and/or S
	0
	0.5
	0.5
	0.5
	0.5
	0.5
	0.5
	1
	
80.9	Leafroll
	0
	0.5
	0.5
	0.5
	0.5
	0.5
	0.5
	1
	
80.10	Total
	0
	0.5
	0.5
	0.5
	0.5
	0.5
	0.5
	1
	
80.11	Other viruses
	0
	0.5
	0.5
	0.5
	0.5
	0.5
	0.5
	0.5
	
80.12
80.13
80.14	Mycoplasms (haywire, 
witches broom, yellow 
dwarf)
	0
	0.5
	0.5
	0.5
	0.5
	0.5
	0.5
	0.5
	
80.15	Total
	0
	0.5
	0.5
	0.5
	0.5
	0.5
	0.5
	0.5
	
80.16	Blackleg
	0
	0
	0.2
	0.5
	1
	exc.
	exc.
	exc.
	
80.17	Varietal mixture
	0
	0
	0
	0.1
	0.1
	0.1
	0.2
	0.2
	
80.18
80.19	Ring Rot and Spindle 
Tuber
	0
	0
	0
	0
	0
	0
	0
	0
	
80.20	Winter Test:
									
80.21
80.22
80.23	Virus or expressing 
symptoms of chemical 
damage
	-
	0.5
	0.5
	0.5
	0.5
	0.5
	0.5
	0.5

80.24 	Sec. 31. [21.125] MINNESOTA CERTIFIED SEED POTATO GRADES AND 
80.25 	TOLERANCES.
80.26 		Subdivision 1.Certified seed potato grading. Potatoes must meet the requirements of 
80.27 	sections 21.111 to 21.125 to be graded as certified seed potatoes.
80.28 		Subd. 2.Definitions. (a) For the purposes of this section, the following terms have the 
80.29 	meanings given.
80.30 	(b) "Damage" means any defect or combination of defects that materially affects the 
80.31 	appearance of the individual potato, or that cannot be removed without a loss of more than 
80.32 	five percent of the total weight of the potato, including the peel covering the defective area.
80.33 	(c) "Diameter" means the greatest dimension at right angles to the longitudinal axis. 
80.34 	Diameter means the long axis.
80.35 	(d) "Dry rot" means decaying tissue that is dry.
81.1 	(e) "Fairly clean" means that the individual potato is reasonably free from dirt, staining, 
81.2 	or other foreign matter.
81.3 	(f) "Fairly well-shaped" means that the individual potato is not materially pointed, 
81.4 	dumbbell-shaped, or otherwise ill-formed.
81.5 	(g) "Mature" means that the outer skin does not loosen or feather readily during the 
81.6 	ordinary methods of handling.
81.7 	(h) "Serious damage" means any defect or combination of defects that seriously affects 
81.8 	the appearance of the individual potato or that cannot be removed without a loss of more 
81.9 	than ten percent of the total weight of the potato, including the peel covering the defective 
81.10 	area.
81.11 	(i) "Slightly dirty" means the appearance is not materially affected by dirt, staining, or 
81.12 	other foreign matter.
81.13 	(j) "Soft rot" or "wet breakdown" means any soft, mushy, or leaky condition of potato 
81.14 	tissues.
81.15 	(k) "Well-shaped" means the normal shape for a variety.
81.16 		Subd. 3.Damage. The commissioner must find that one or more of the following defects 
81.17 	constitutes damage:
81.18 	(1) a russet scab that materially detracts from the appearance of a potato;
81.19 	(2) second growth or growth cracks that materially affect the appearance of an individual 
81.20 	potato;
81.21 	(3) air cracks when removal of the air cracks causes a loss of more than five percent of 
81.22 	the total weight of a potato;
81.23 	(4) a potato that is more than moderately shriveled, spongy, or flabby;
81.24 	(5) an individual potato that has sprouts over one inch in length;
81.25 	(6) a surface scab, powdery scab, or pitted scab that covers more than five percent of 
81.26 	the surface of a potato or a surface scab, powdery scab, or pitted scab that, when removed, 
81.27 	causes a potato to lose more than five percent of the potato's total weight, including peel 
81.28 	covering a defective area of the potato; or
81.29 	(7) more than 50 percent of a potato's surface contains scattered, lightly caked soil or 
81.30 	more than 15 percent of a potato's surface is badly caked with soil.
82.1 		Subd. 4.Serious damage. The commissioner must find that one or more of the following 
82.2 	defects constitutes serious damage:
82.3 	(1) a russet scab that seriously detracts from the appearance of a potato;
82.4 	(2) the appearance of a potato is seriously affected by caked or smeared dirt or other 
82.5 	foreign matter;
82.6 	(3) both ends of a potato are cut or clipped, more than an estimated one-fourth of a potato 
82.7 	is cut away from one end, or a remaining portion of a clipped potato weighs less than six 
82.8 	ounces;
82.9 	(4) one or more cuts that seriously affect the appearance of a potato or that cannot be 
82.10 	removed without the loss of more than ten percent of a potato's total weight, including peel 
82.11 	covering the defective area;
82.12 	(5) a potato that is excessively shriveled, spongy, or flabby;
82.13 	(6) a surface scab, powdery scab, or pitted scab that covers more than 25 percent of the 
82.14 	surface of a potato or a surface scab, powdery scab, or pitted scab that, when removed, 
82.15 	causes a loss of more than ten percent of a potato's total weight, including peel covering the 
82.16 	defective area; or
82.17 	(7) wireworm or air cracks that, when removed, cause a loss of more than ten percent 
82.18 	of a potato's total weight.
82.19 		Subd. 5.Application of tolerance. If the average of an entire lot is within the disease 
82.20 	tolerances specified for the grade in section 21.124, subdivision 9, an individual container 
82.21 	in the lot may contain no more than double the disease tolerance specified in section 21.124, 
82.22 	subdivision 9, except that sprouts, at least one defective specimen with a defect other than 
82.23 	bacterial ring rot, and one off size specimen is permitted. This subdivision does not apply 
82.24 	to bulk conveyances.
82.25 		Subd. 6.Condition after transit. Deterioration that developed in transit must affect the 
82.26 	condition of potatoes. Deterioration that developed in transit must not affect the grade of 
82.27 	potatoes.
82.28 		Subd. 7.Minnesota blue-tag-certified seed potato grade. (a) To be graded as Minnesota 
82.29 	blue-tag-certified seed potatoes, potatoes must meet the following requirements:
82.30 	(1) at the time of the shipping point inspection, potatoes must be of one variety; 
82.31 	unwashed; fairly well-shaped; free from bacterial ring rot, late blight, freezing, black heart, 
82.32 	and soft rot or wet breakdown; free from damage caused by soil or other foreign matter, 
83.1 	second growth, air cracks, cuts, shriveling, sprouts, pitted scabs, surface scabs, powdery 
83.2 	scabs, russet scabs, dry rot, other diseases, insects or worms, mechanical or other means, 
83.3 	or flattened or depressed areas with underlying flesh discoloration; and free from serious 
83.4 	damage caused by hollow heart, wireworm, growth cracks, or internal discoloration other 
83.5 	than hollow heart. Sunburn and silver scurf must not be considered factors that affect the 
83.6 	grading of potatoes. This clause does not apply to hollow heart if the potatoes are labeled 
83.7 	"hollow heart exempt" on the affixed tag or accompanying certificate; and
83.8 	(2) for round or intermediate shaped varieties, the maximum potato size is 12 ounces 
83.9 	(340.2 grams) and, unless otherwise specified, the minimum size must not be less than 1-1/2 
83.10 	inches (38.1 millimeters) in diameter. For long varieties, the maximum size is 14 ounces 
83.11 	(396.9 grams) and, unless otherwise specified, the minimum size must not be less than 1-1/2 
83.12 	inches (38.1 millimeters) in diameter. For all varieties, the minimum diameter for size "B" 
83.13 	must not be less than 1-1/2 inches (38.1 millimeters) and the maximum size must not be 
83.14 	more than 2-1/4 inches (57.1 millimeters) in diameter. The department may grade potatoes 
83.15 	that do not meet the maximum and minimum size specifications as Minnesota 
83.16 	blue-tag-certified seed potatoes if the buyer agrees to accept potatoes of alternate size 
83.17 	specifications from the grower and the specifications are listed on the affixed tag or 
83.18 	accompanying bulk certificate issued by the department.
83.19 	(b) To allow for variations incident to proper grading and handling, the following lot 
83.20 	tolerances are permitted:
83.21 	(1) for defects:
83.22 	(i) up to ten percent of a lot may be seriously damaged by hollow heart, unless labeled 
83.23 	"hollow heart exempt" on the affixed tag or accompanying certificate;
83.24 	(ii) up to five percent of a lot may be seriously damaged by internal discoloration due 
83.25 	to causes other than hollow heart;
83.26 	(iii) up to ten percent of a lot may be damaged by soil or other foreign matter;
83.27 	(iv) up to 20 percent of a lot may be damaged by sprouts;
83.28 	(v) up to ten percent of a lot may be seriously damaged by wireworm;
83.29 	(vi) for potatoes that fail to meet the remaining requirements of the potatoes' grade, a 
83.30 	lot may contain up to a total of six percent of the following defects combined and must not 
83.31 	contain more than the following percentage of defects:
83.32 	(A) soft rot, frozen, or wet breakdown, 0.5 percent;
84.1 	(B) damage by surface scab, powdery scab, or pitted scab, 2.0 percent;
84.2 	(C) damage by dry rot, 2.0 percent, of which not more than 1.0 percent is late blight 
84.3 	tuber rot;
84.4 	(D) bacterial ring rot, 0.0 percent; and
84.5 	(E) late blight tuber rot, 1.0 percent; and
84.6 	(vii) the presence of the following does not affect seed quality and must not be scored 
84.7 	against the potatoes' grade:
84.8 	(A) brown discoloration following skinning;
84.9 	(B) dried stems;
84.10 	(C) flattened or depressed areas showing no underlying flesh discoloration;
84.11 	(D) greening;
84.12 	(E) sunburn;
84.13 	(F) skin checks; and
84.14 	(G) silver scurf; and
84.15 	(2) for off size:
84.16 	(i) up to five percent of potatoes may fail to meet the required or specified minimum 
84.17 	size; and
84.18 	(ii) up to ten percent of potatoes may fail to meet the required maximum size.
84.19 		Subd. 8.Minnesota yellow-tag-certified seed potato grade. (a) To be graded as 
84.20 	Minnesota yellow-tag-certified seed potatoes, potatoes must meet the following requirements:
84.21 	(1) at the time of the shipping point inspection, the potatoes must be of one variety; 
84.22 	unwashed; fairly well-shaped; free from bacterial ring rot, late blight, freezing, black heart, 
84.23 	and soft rot or wet breakdown; free from damage caused by second growth, air cracks, cuts, 
84.24 	shriveling, pitted scabs, surface scabs, powdery scabs, dry rot, other diseases, insects or 
84.25 	worms, or mechanical means or other means; and free from serious damage caused by soil 
84.26 	or other foreign matter, hollow heart, wireworm, growth cracks, russet scabs, or internal 
84.27 	discoloration other than hollow heart. Sunburn and silver scurf must not be considered 
84.28 	factors that affect the grading of potatoes. This clause does not apply to hollow heart if 
84.29 	labeled "hollow heart exempt" on the affixed tag or accompanying certificate; and
85.1 	(2) for all varieties, the maximum potato size is 14 ounces (396.9 grams) and the 
85.2 	minimum size is 1-1/2 inch (38.1 millimeter) in diameter. For all varieties, the minimum 
85.3 	diameter for size "B" must not be less than 1-1/2 inches (38.1 millimeters) and the maximum 
85.4 	diameter must not be more than 2-1/4 inches (57.1 millimeters). The department may grade 
85.5 	potatoes that do not meet the maximum and minimum size specifications as Minnesota 
85.6 	yellow-tag-certified seed potatoes if the buyer agrees to accept potatoes with alternate size 
85.7 	specifications from the grower and the size specifications are listed on the affixed tag or 
85.8 	accompanying bulk certificate issued by the department.
85.9 	(b) To allow for variations incident to proper grading and handling, the following lot 
85.10 	tolerances are permitted:
85.11 	(1) for defects:
85.12 	(i) up to 20 percent of potatoes may be seriously damaged by hollow heart, unless labeled 
85.13 	"hollow heart exempt" on the affixed tag or accompanying certificate;
85.14 	(ii) up to five percent of potatoes may be seriously damaged by internal discoloration 
85.15 	due to a cause other than hollow heart;
85.16 	(iii) up to ten percent of potatoes may be seriously damaged by soil or other foreign 
85.17 	matter;
85.18 	(iv) up to ten percent of potatoes may be seriously damaged by wireworm;
85.19 	(v) up to 20 percent of a lot may have defects if the potatoes fail to meet the remaining 
85.20 	requirements of the grade. Of the 20 percent of defects allowed, a lot may contain a total 
85.21 	of six percent of the following defects combined and must not contain more than the 
85.22 	following percentage of defects:
85.23 	(A) soft rot, frozen, or wet breakdown, 0.5 percent;
85.24 	(B) damage by surface scab, powdery scab, or pitted scab, 5.0 percent;
85.25 	(C) damage by dry rot, 2.0 percent, of which not more than 1.0 percent is late blight 
85.26 	tuber rot;
85.27 	(D) bacterial ring rot, 0.0 percent; and
85.28 	(E) late blight tuber rot, 1.0 percent; and
85.29 	(vi) the presence of the following does not affect seed quality and must not be scored 
85.30 	against the grade:
85.31 	(A) brown discoloration following skinning;
86.1 	(B) dried stems;
86.2 	(C) flattened or depressed areas showing no underlying flesh discoloration;
86.3 	(D) greening;
86.4 	(E) sunburn;
86.5 	(F) skin checks;
86.6 	(G) silver scurf; and
86.7 	(H) sprouts; and
86.8 	(2) for off size:
86.9 	(i) five percent for potatoes that fail to meet the required or specified minimum size; 
86.10 	and
86.11 	(ii) ten percent for potatoes that fail to meet the required maximum size.
86.12 	(c) The potatoes must be fairly well-shaped, with an exception for long varieties when 
86.13 	specified as "except for shape." When specified as "except for shape," the tubers may be 
86.14 	misshapen.
86.15 		Subd. 9.Minnesota white-tag-certified seed potato grade. Minnesota white-tag-certified 
86.16 	seed potato grade consists of certified seed potatoes that are graded according to agreement 
86.17 	between the seller and the purchaser as to size and defects, except that not more than one-half 
86.18 	percent of soft rot, frozen, or wet breakdown and two percent dry rot, of which not more 
86.19 	than one percent late blight tuber rot is allowed.

86.20 	Sec. 32. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 21.891, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
86.21 		Subd. 2.Seed fee permits. (a) A labeler who wishes to sell seed in Minnesota must 
86.22 	comply with section 21.89, subdivisions 1 and 2, and the procedures in this subdivision. 
86.23 	Each labeler who wishes to sell seed in Minnesota must apply to the commissioner to obtain 
86.24 	a permit. The application must contain the name and address of the applicant, the application 
86.25 	date, and the name and title of the applicant's contact person. Permit fees are based on the 
86.26 	initial sale of seed in Minnesota.
86.27 	(b) The application for a seed permit covered by section 21.89, subdivision 2, clause 
86.28 	(1), must be accompanied by an application fee of $75.
86.29 	(c) The application for a seed permit covered by section 21.89, subdivision 2, clause 
86.30 	(2), must be accompanied by an application fee based on the level of annual gross sales as 
86.31 	follows:
87.1 	(1) for gross sales of $0 to $25,000, the annual permit fee is $75;
87.2 	(2) for gross sales of $25,001 to $50,000, the annual permit fee is $150;
87.3 	(3) for gross sales of $50,001 to $100,000, the annual permit fee is $300;
87.4 	(4) for gross sales of $100,001 to $250,000, the annual permit fee is $750;
87.5 	(5) for gross sales of $250,001 to $500,000, the annual permit fee is $1,500;
87.6 	(6) for gross sales of $500,001 to $1,000,000, the annual permit fee is $3,000; and
87.7 	(7) for gross sales of $1,000,001 and above, the annual permit fee is $4,500.
87.8 	(d) The application for a seed permit covered by section 21.89, subdivision 2, clause 
87.9 	(3), must be accompanied by an application fee of $75. Labelers holding seed fee permits 
87.10 	covered under this paragraph need not apply for a new permit or pay the application fee. 
87.11 	Under this permit category, the fees for the following kinds of agricultural seed sold either 
87.12 	in bulk or containers are:
87.13 	(1) oats, wheat, and barley, 9 cents per hundredweight;
87.14 	(2) rye, field beans, buckwheat, and flax, 12 cents per hundredweight;
87.15 	(3) field corn, 17 cents per 80,000 seed unit;
87.16 	(4) forage, hemp, lawn and turf grasses, and legumes, 69 cents per hundredweight;
87.17 	(5) sunflower, $1.96 per hundredweight;
87.18 	(6) sugar beet, 12 cents per 100,000 seed unit;
87.19 	(7) soybeans, 7.5 cents per 140,000 seed unit;
87.20 	(8) for any agricultural seed not listed in clauses (1) to (7), the fee for the crop most 
87.21 	closely resembling it in normal planting rate applies; and
87.22 	(9) for native grasses and wildflower seed, $1 per hundredweight.
87.23 	(e) If, for reasons beyond the control and knowledge of the labeler, seed is shipped into 
87.24 	Minnesota by a person other than the labeler, the responsibility for the seed fees are 
87.25 	transferred to the shipper. An application for a transfer of this responsibility must be made 
87.26 	to the commissioner. Upon approval by the commissioner of the transfer, the shipper is 
87.27 	responsible for payment of the seed permit fees.
87.28 	(f) Seed permit fees may be included in the cost of the seed either as a hidden cost or as 
87.29 	a line item cost on each invoice for seed sold. To identify the fee on an invoice, the words 
87.30 	"Minnesota seed permit fees" must be used.
88.1 	(g) All seed fee permit holders must file semiannual reports with the commissioner, 
88.2 	even if no seed was sold during the reporting period. Each semiannual report must be 
88.3 	submitted within 30 days of the end of each reporting period. The reporting periods are 
88.4 	October 1 to March 31 and April 1 to September 30 of each year or July 1 to December 31 
88.5 	and January 1 to June 30 of each year must be determined by the commissioner and 
88.6 	communicated annually to permit holders. Permit holders may change their reporting periods 
88.7 	with the approval of the commissioner.
88.8 	(h) The holder of a seed fee permit must pay fees on all seed for which the permit holder 
88.9 	is the labeler and which are covered by sections 21.80 to 21.92 and sold during the reporting 
88.10 	period.
88.11 	(i) If a seed fee permit holder fails to submit a semiannual report and pay the seed fee 
88.12 	within 30 days after the end of each reporting period, the commissioner shall assess a penalty 
88.13 	of $100 or eight percent, calculated on an annual basis, of the fee due, whichever is greater, 
88.14 	but no more than $500 for each late semiannual report. A $15 penalty must be charged when 
88.15 	the semiannual report is late, even if no fee is due for the reporting period. Seed fee permits 
88.16 	may be revoked for failure to comply with the applicable provisions of this paragraph or 
88.17 	the Minnesota seed law.

88.18 	Sec. 33. Minnesota Statutes 2025 Supplement, section 28A.04, subdivision 1, is amended 
88.19 	to read:
88.20 		Subdivision 1.Application; date of issuance. (a) Except as provided under section 
88.21 	28A.152, no person shall may engage in the business of manufacturing, processing, selling, 
88.22 	handling, or storing food without having first obtained from the commissioner a license for 
88.23 	doing such business. Applications for such license shall must be made to the commissioner 
88.24 	in such manner and time as required and upon such forms as provided by the commissioner 
88.25 	and shall must contain the name and address of the applicant, address or description of each 
88.26 	place of business, and the nature of the business to be conducted at each place, and such 
88.27 	other pertinent information as the commissioner may require.
88.28 	(b) An applicant for a license must submit a nonrefundable application fee of $50 with 
88.29 	each license application. The fee under this paragraph does not apply to annual license 
88.30 	renewals. The fee under this paragraph is not required for applications to operate solely as 
88.31 	a special event food stand or custom exempt food handler.
88.32 	(c) A food handler license shall must be issued for the period January 1 to December 
88.33 	31 and shall must be renewed thereafter by the licensee on or before January 1 of each year, 
88.34 	except that:
89.1 	(1) retail and wholesale food handler licenses issued for the period of July 1, 2025, to 
89.2 	June 30, 2026, must be renewed on or before July 1, 2026, for the period of July 1, 2026, 
89.3 	to December 31, 2026. The renewal fee for the period of July 1, 2026, to December 31, 
89.4 	2026, is one-half of the fee for a food handler specified in section 28A.08, subdivision 3;
89.5 	(2) licenses for all mobile food concession units and retail mobile units must be issued 
89.6 	for the period April 1 to March 31, and must be renewed thereafter by the licensee on or 
89.7 	before April 1 of each year. A license issued for a temporary food concession stand must 
89.8 	have a license issuance and renewal date consistent with appropriate statutory provisions; 
89.9 	and
89.10 	(3) a license for a food handler operating only at the State Fair must be issued for the 
89.11 	period of July 1 to June 30 and must be renewed thereafter by the licensee on or before July 
89.12 	1 of each year.
89.13 	(d) A penalty for late renewal under paragraph (b) (c) must be assessed in accordance 
89.14 	with section 28A.08.
89.15 	(e) A custom exempt food handler license shall must be issued for the period July 1 to 
89.16 	June 30 and must be renewed thereafter by the licensee on or before July 1 each year. The 
89.17 	custom exempt food handler license is for businesses that only conduct custom exempt 
89.18 	operations and mark all products as "Not For Sale." Food handlers that conduct retail exempt 
89.19 	operations or other operations other than custom exempt processing or slaughter are not 
89.20 	eligible for this license.
89.21 	(f) On a quarterly basis during the licensing period, the commissioner must prorate the 
89.22 	fee for an initial license issued under this chapter, except that:
89.23 	(1) a person applying for a new license up to 14 calendar days before the effective date 
89.24 	of the new license period under paragraph (c) must be issued a license for the 14 days and 
89.25 	the next license year as a single license and pay a single license fee as if the 14 days were 
89.26 	part of the upcoming license period.; and
89.27 	(2) a person applying for a license to operate as a special event food stand must pay the 
89.28 	entire fee specified in section 28A.08, subdivision 3, regardless of when the application is 
89.29 	filed.

90.1 	Sec. 34. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 28A.0752, is amended to read:
90.2 	28A.0752 DELEGATION OF POWERS AND DUTIES.
90.3 		Subdivision 1.Agreements to perform duties of commissioner. (a) The commissioner 
90.4 	may enter into agreements to delegate licensing and inspection duties of the commissioner 
90.5 	to community health boards pertaining to retail food handlers shall whose primary mode 
90.6 	of business is to sell or to process and sell food directly to the ultimate consumer. An 
90.7 	agreement under this section may include duties of licensing, inspection, reporting, and 
90.8 	enforcement duties authorized under sections this chapter and chapters 29 and 30; section
90.9 	17.04, 29.21, 29.23, 29.235, 29.236, 29.237, 29.24, 29.25, 29.26, 29.27, and 30.49,;
90.10 	appropriate sections of the Minnesota Food Law, chapters 31 and 34A,; and applicable 
90.11 	Minnesota food rules.
90.12 	(b) Agreements under this section are subject to subdivision 3.
90.13 	(c) This subdivision does not affect agreements entered into under section 28A.075 or 
90.14 	current cooperative agreements which base inspections and licensing responsibility on the 
90.15 	firm's most predominant mode of business. The commissioner must not delegate duties 
90.16 	under this section pertaining to custom exempt food handlers and food handlers inspected 
90.17 	under the state meat inspection program under chapter 31A.
90.18 	(d) The commissioner must not delegate duties under this section pertaining to food 
90.19 	handlers whose principal mode of business is to sell food to other business entities or 
90.20 	establishments for resale.
90.21 	(e) The commissioner must not delegate duties under this section pertaining to food 
90.22 	handlers who conduct activities regulated under Code of Federal Regulations, title 21, part 
90.23 	111; 112; 113; 114; 117, subpart C; 120; or 123.
90.24 		Subd. 2.Approval of agreements. (a) An agreement under this section to delegate 
90.25 	licensing and inspection of retail food handlers duties to a community health board must 
90.26 	be approved by the commissioner and is subject to subdivision 3.
90.27 	(b) An agreement to delegate the commissioner's duties to a designated agent established 
90.28 	before January 1, 2025, remains in effect if the designated agent's performance continues 
90.29 	to meet the standards necessary to substitute for the commissioner's duties and complies 
90.30 	with the requirements of subdivisions 1 and 3.
90.31 		Subd. 3.Terms of agreements. (a) Agreements authorized under this section must be 
90.32 	in writing and signed by the delegating authority commissioner and the designated agent.
91.1 	(b) The An agreement under this section must list criteria that the delegating authority
91.2 	commissioner will use to determine if the designated agent's performance meets appropriate 
91.3 	standards and is sufficient to replace performance by the delegating authority commissioner.
91.4 	(c) The An agreement under this section may specify minimum staff requirements and 
91.5 	qualifications, set procedures for the assessment of costs, and provide for termination 
91.6 	procedures if the delegating authority commissioner determines that the designated agent 
91.7 	has failed to comply with the agreement.
91.8 	(d) A designated agent must operate according to the requirements of section 28A.06.
91.9 	(e) By December 31, 2028, a designated agent that entered into an agreement to delegate 
91.10 	the commissioner's duties to the designated agent before January 1, 2025, must comply with 
91.11 	section 28A.06.
91.12 	(d) (f) The delegating authority commissioner and the designated agent are required to 
91.13 	perform inspections utilizing the Minnesota Food Code's minimum and maximum standards.
91.14 	(e) (g) A designated agent must not perform licensing, inspection, reporting, or 
91.15 	enforcement duties under the an agreement under this section in a territory outside its 
91.16 	jurisdiction unless approved by the commissioner and governing body for that territory 
91.17 	through a separate agreement.
91.18 	(h) A designated agent may charge a fee to recover the estimated costs of performing 
91.19 	duties according to terms of an agreement under this section if the duties involve enforcing 
91.20 	the Minnesota Food Law and applicable Minnesota food rules. The fee charged by the 
91.21 	designated agent must be fair, reasonable, and proportionate to the actual cost of the duties 
91.22 	performed by the designated agent. A designated agent must only use a fee under this 
91.23 	paragraph to cover the costs of performing duties according to terms of the agreement under 
91.24 	this section.
91.25 	(f) (i) The scope of agreements established under this section is limited to duties and 
91.26 	responsibilities agreed upon by the parties. The agreement may provide for automatic 
91.27 	renewal and for notice of intent to terminate by either party.
91.28 	(g) (j) During the life of the an agreement under this section, the delegating authority 
91.29 	shall commissioner must not perform duties that the designated agent is required to perform 
91.30 	under the agreement, except inspections necessary to determine compliance with the 
91.31 	agreement and this section or as agreed to by the parties.
91.32 	(h) (k) The delegating authority shall commissioner must consult with, advise, and assist 
91.33 	a designated agent in the performance of its duties under the agreement.
92.1 	(i) (l) This section does not alter the responsibility of the delegating authority
92.2 	commissioner for the performance of duties specified by law and rule.

92.3 	Sec. 35. Minnesota Statutes 2025 Supplement, section 28A.08, subdivision 3, is amended 
92.4 	to read:
92.5 		Subd. 3.Fees effective August 1, 2025.
 
92.6						Penalties
	
92.792.8		Type of food handler
		Risk 
Category
	License 
Fee
	Late 
Renewal
	No
License
	
92.9	1.
	Custom exempt food handler

92.10
92.11
92.12		(a) Having  $50,000 or less gross sales or 
service for the immediately previous 
license or fiscal year
			$135
	$45
	$90
	
92.13
92.14
92.15		(b) Having $50,001 to  $125,000 gross sales 
or service for the immediately previous 
license or fiscal year
			$200
	$67
	$133
	
92.16
92.17
92.18		(c) Having  $125,001 to  $500,000 gross 
sales or service for the immediately 
previous license or fiscal year
			$370
	$123
	$247
	
92.19
92.20
92.21		(d)  Having  $500,001 to  $1,000,000 gross 
sales or service for the immediately 
previous license or fiscal year
			$475
	$158
	$317
	
92.22
92.23
92.24		(e) Having  $1,000,001 to  $5,000,000 gross 
sales or service for the immediately 
previous license or fiscal year
			$1,350
	$450
	$900
	
92.25
92.26
92.27		(f) Having $5,000,001 to $10,000,000 gross 
sales or service for the immediately 
previous license or fiscal year
			$1,750
	$583
	$1,167
	
92.28
92.29
92.30		(g) Having $10,000,001 to $15,000,000 
gross sales or service for the immediately 
previous license or fiscal year
			$2,150
	$717
	$1,433
	
92.31
92.32
92.33		(h) Having $15,000,001 to $20,000,000 
gross sales or service for the immediately 
previous license or fiscal year
			$2,550
	$849
	$1,700
	
92.34
92.35
92.36		(i) Having $20,000,001 to $25,000,000 
gross sales or service for the immediately 
previous license or fiscal year
			$2,950
	$984
	$1,967
	
92.37
92.38
92.39		(j) Having over $25,000,001 gross sales or 
service for the immediately previous 
license or fiscal year
			$3,350
	$1,117
	$2,233
	
92.40	2.
	Food handler
						
92.41
92.42
92.43
93.1
93.2		(a) Having gross sales of only prepackaged 
nonperishable food of less than $30,000 
for the immediately previous license or 
fiscal year and filing a statement with the 
commissioner
			$90
	$30
	$60
	
93.3
93.4
93.5		(b) Having gross sales or service of less 
than  $50,000 for the immediately previous 
license or fiscal year
		High
Medium
Low
	$285
$195
$135
	$95
$65
$45
	$190
$130
$90
	
93.6
93.7
93.8		(c) Having  $50,001 to  $125,000 gross sales 
or service for the immediately previous 
license or fiscal year
		High
Medium
Low
	$350
$260
$200
	$117
$87
$67
	$233
$173
$133
	
93.993.10
93.11
		(d) Having  $125,001 to  $250,000 gross 
sales or service  for the immediately 
previous license or fiscal year
		High
Medium
Low
	$415
$350
$265
	$138
$117
$88
	$277
$233
$177
	
93.12
93.13
93.14		(e) Having $250,001 to  $500,000 gross 
sales or service  for the immediately 
previous license or fiscal year
		High
Medium
Low
	$520
$430
$370
	$173
$143
$123
	$347
$287
$247
	
93.15
93.16
93.17		(f) Having  $500,001 to  $1,000,000 gross 
sales or service for the immediately 
previous license or fiscal year
		High
Medium
Low
	$625
$535
$475
	$208
$178
$158
	$417
$357
$317
	
93.18
93.19
93.20		(g) Having  $1,000,001 to  $5,000,000 gross 
sales or service for the immediately 
previous license or fiscal year
		High
Medium
Low
	$1,500
$1,425
$1,350
	$500
$475
$450
	$1,000
$950
$900
	
93.21
93.22
93.23		(h) Having $5,000,001 to $10,000,000 
gross sales or service for the immediately 
previous license or fiscal year
		High
Medium
Low
	$1,900
$1,825
$1,750
	$633
$608
$583
	$1,267
$1,217
$1,167
	
93.24
93.25
93.26		(i) Having $10,000,001 to $15,000,000 
gross sales or service for the immediately 
previous license or fiscal year
		High
Medium
Low
	$2,300
$2,225
$2,150
	$767
$742
$717
	$1,533
$1,483
$1,433
	
93.27
93.28
93.29		(j) Having $15,000,001 to $20,000,000 
gross sales or service for the immediately 
previous license or fiscal year
		High
Medium
Low
	$2,700
$2,625
$2,550
	$900
$875
$849
	$1,800
$1,750
$1,700
	
93.30
93.31
93.32		(k) Having $20,000,001 to $25,000,000 
gross sales or service for the immediately 
previous license or fiscal year
		High
Medium
Low
	$3,100
$3,025
$2,950
	$1,033
$1,008
$984
	$2,067
$2,017
$1,967
	
93.33
93.34
93.35		(l) Having  $25,000,001  to $50,000,000 
gross sales or service for the immediately 
previous license or fiscal year
		High
Medium
Low
	$3,500
$3,425
$3,350
	$1,167
$1,142
$1,117
	$2,333
$2,283
$2,233
	
93.36
93.37
93.38		(m) Having $50,000,001 to $100,000,000 
gross sales or service for the immediately 
previous license or fiscal year
		High
Medium
Low
	$4,000
$3,925
$3,850
	$1,334
$1,309
$1,284
	$2,667
$2,617
$2,567
	
93.39
93.40
93.41		(n) Having $100,000,001 or more gross 
sales or service for the immediately 
previous license or fiscal year
		High
Medium
Low
	$4,500
$4,425
$4,350
	$1,500
$1,475
$1,450
	$3,000
$2,950
$2,900
	
93.4293.43
93.44
93.45	3.
	Food handler operating under authority of 
this chapter solely as a special event food 
stand as defined in Minnesota Statutes, 
section 157.15
			$75
	$25
	$50
	
93.4693.47
93.48	4.
	Meat or poultry  processing solely under 
supervision of the U.S. Department of 
Agriculture
						
94.1
94.2
94.3		(a) Having gross sales or service of less 
than $125,000 for the immediately previous 
license or fiscal year
			$190
	$63
	$127
	
94.4
94.5
94.6		(b) Having $125,001 to $250,000 gross 
sales or service for the immediately 
previous license or fiscal year
			$365
	$122
	$243
	
94.7
94.8
94.9		(c) Having $250,001 to  $500,000 gross 
sales or service for the immediately 
previous license or fiscal year
			$450
	$150
	$300
	
94.10
94.11
94.12		(d) Having $500,001 to $1,000,000 gross 
sales or service for the immediately 
previous license or fiscal year
			$565
	$188
	$377
	
94.13
94.14
94.15		(e) Having $1,000,001 to $5,000,000 gross 
sales or service for the immediately 
previous license or fiscal year
			$725
	$241
	$483
	
94.16
94.17
94.18		(f) Having $5,000,001 to $10,000,000 gross 
sales or service for the immediately 
previous license or fiscal year
			$885
	$295
	$590
	
94.19
94.20
94.21		(g) Having $10,000,001 to $15,000,000 
gross sales or service for the immediately 
previous license or fiscal year
			$1,305
	$435
	$807
	
94.22
94.23
94.24		(h) Having $15,000,001 to $20,000,000 
gross sales or service for the immediately 
previous license or fiscal year
			$1,515
	$505
	$1,010
	
94.25
94.26
94.27		(i) Having $20,000,001 to $25,000,000 
gross sales or service for the immediately 
previous license or fiscal year
			$1,745
	$582
	$1,163
	
94.28
94.29
94.30		(j) Having $25,000,001 to $50,000,000 
gross sales or service for the immediately 
previous license or fiscal year
			$1,975
	$658
	$1,317
	
94.31
94.32
94.33		(k) Having $50,000,001 to $100,000,000 
gross sales or service for the immediately 
previous license or fiscal year
			$2,215
	$738
	$1,477
	
94.34
94.35
94.36		(l) Having $100,000,001 or more gross 
sales or service for the immediately 
previous license or fiscal year
			$2,465
	$822
	$1,643

94.37 	Sec. 36. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 29.21, is amended by adding a subdivision to 
94.38 	read:
94.39 		Subd. 12.Quality assurance date. "Quality assurance date" means any date after which 
94.40 	the manufacturer or processor reasonably determines that the product may, by spoilage, 
94.41 	wiltage, drying, or any other foreseeable and natural phenomenon, lose palatability or desired 
94.42 	or nutritive properties.

95.1 	Sec. 37. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 29.26, is amended to read:
95.2 	29.26 EGGS IN POSSESSION OF RETAILER.
95.3 	(a) All eggs sold or offered for sale at retail must have been candled and graded and 
95.4 	must be clearly labeled according to Minnesota consumer grades as established by rule 
95.5 	under section 29.23. No eggs shall be sold or offered for sale as "ungraded," "unclassified," 
95.6 	or by any other name that does not clearly designate the grade. All eggs in possession of 
95.7 	the retailer, either in temporary storage or on display, must be held at a temperature not to 
95.8 	exceed 45 degrees Fahrenheit (7 degrees Celsius).
95.9 	(b) Grade AA eggs held 31 days past the coded pack date for Grade AA eggs, or Grade 
95.10 	A eggs held 46 days past the coded pack date for Grade A eggs, lose their grades and must 
95.11 	be removed from sale., except eggs that are past their quality assurance date may be donated 
95.12 	to and distributed by charitable food assistance programs if the eggs:
95.13 	(1) are contained in their original packaging;
95.14 	(2) have previously been candled and graded;
95.15 	(3) are continuously refrigerated;
95.16 	(4) are distributed to the end consumer prior to 30 days past the original quality assurance 
95.17 	date; and
95.18 	(5) are contained in packaging affixed with a label that includes the following information:
95.19 	(i) the name of the charitable food assistance program distributing the eggs;
95.20 	(ii) a "distribute by" date of no more than 30 days past the original quality assurance 
95.21 	date; and
95.22 	(iii) the following statement: "Donated Eggs - Not for Resale."

95.23 	Sec. 38. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 32D.30, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
95.24 		Subd. 5.Reporting. No later than July 1 September 15 of  each even-numbered year, 
95.25 	the commissioner must submit a detailed accomplishment report and work plan detailing 
95.26 	future plans for, and the actual and anticipated accomplishments from, expenditures under 
95.27 	this section to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees and 
95.28 	divisions with jurisdiction over agriculture policy and finance. If the commissioner 
95.29 	significantly modifies a submitted work plan during the fiscal year, the commissioner must 
95.30 	notify the chairs and ranking minority members.

96.1 	Sec. 39. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 41A.19, is amended to read:
96.2 	41A.19 REPORT; INCENTIVE PROGRAMS.
96.3 	By January 15 Each year, the commissioner shall report on the incentive programs under 
96.4 	sections 41A.16, 41A.17, 41A.18, and 41A.20 to the legislative committees with jurisdiction 
96.5 	over environment and agriculture policy and finance in the report under section 41A.12, 
96.6 	subdivision 3. The report shall include information on production and incentive expenditures 
96.7 	under the programs.

96.8 	Sec. 40. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 583.215, is amended to read:
96.9 	583.215 EXPIRATION.
96.10 	Sections 336.9-601, subsections (h) and (i); 550.365; 559.209; 582.039; and 583.20 to 
96.11 	583.32, expire June 30, 2027 2032.

96.12 	Sec. 41. REPEALER.
 96.13 	Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 18K.02, subdivision 7; 18K.03, subdivision 2; and 
96.14 	28A.075, are repealed.

96.15 	ARTICLE 6
96.16 	ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES

96.17 	Section 1. Laws 2023, chapter 40, article 4, section 2, subdivision 6, as amended by Laws 
96.18 	2025, chapter 36, article 4, section 15, is amended to read:

96.19	Subd. 6.Department of Administration
 		17,040,000
		14,105,000
	
96.20 	(a) The amounts in this subdivision are 
96.21 	appropriated to the commissioner of 
96.22 	administration for grants to the named 
96.23 	organizations for the purposes specified in this 
96.24 	subdivision. The commissioner of 
96.25 	administration may use a portion of this 
96.26 	appropriation for costs that are directly related 
96.27 	to and necessary for the administration of 
96.28 	grants in this subdivision.
96.29 	(b) Grant agreements entered into by the 
96.30 	commissioner and recipients of appropriations 
96.31 	under this subdivision must ensure that money 
97.1 	appropriated in this subdivision is used to 
97.2 	supplement and not substitute for traditional 
97.3 	sources of funding.

97.4	(c) Minnesota Public Radio
					
97.5 	$2,050,000 each year is for Minnesota Public 
97.6 	Radio to create programming and expand news 
97.7 	service on Minnesota's cultural heritage and 
97.8 	history.

97.997.10
	(d) Association of Minnesota Public Educational 
Radio Stations
					
97.11 	$2,050,000 the first year and $2,050,000 the 
97.12 	second year are to the Association of 
97.13 	Minnesota Public Educational Radio Stations 
97.14 	for production and acquisition grants in 
97.15 	accordance with Minnesota Statutes, section 
97.16 	129D.19.

97.17	(e) Public Television
					
97.18 	$5,000,000 the first year and $4,500,000 the 
97.19 	second year are to the Minnesota Public 
97.20 	Television Association for production and 
97.21 	acquisition grants according to Minnesota 
97.22 	Statutes, section 129D.18. Of the amount in 
97.23 	the first year, $1,000,000 is for producing 
97.24 	Minnesota military and veterans' history 
97.25 	stories and unique immigrant stories from 
97.26 	around the state.

97.27	(f) Wilderness Inquiry
					
97.28 	$500,000 the first year and $600,000 the 
97.29 	second year are to Wilderness Inquiry to 
97.30 	preserve Minnesota's outdoor history, culture, 
97.31 	and heritage by connecting Minnesota youth 
97.32 	and families to natural resources.

97.33	(g) Como Park Zoo
					
98.1 	$1,725,000 each year is to the Como Park Zoo 
98.2 	and Conservatory for program development 
98.3 	that features educational programs and habitat 
98.4 	enhancement, special exhibits, music 
98.5 	appreciation programs, and historical garden 
98.6 	access and preservation.

98.7	(h) Science Museum of Minnesota
					
98.8 	$825,000 each year is to the Science Museum 
98.9 	of Minnesota for arts, arts education, and arts 
98.10 	access and to preserve Minnesota's history and 
98.11 	cultural heritage, including student and teacher 
98.12 	outreach, statewide educational initiatives, and 
98.13 	community-based exhibits that preserve 
98.14 	Minnesota's history and cultural heritage.

98.15	(i) Appetite for Change
					
98.16 	$200,000 the first year is to the nonprofit 
98.17 	Appetite for Change for the Community Cooks 
98.18 	programming, which will preserve the cultural 
98.19 	heritage of growing and cooking food in 
98.20 	Minnesota.

98.21	(j) Lake Superior Zoo
					
98.22 	$150,000 each year is to the Lake Superior 
98.23 	Zoo to develop educational exhibits and 
98.24 	programs.

98.25	(k) Great Lakes Aquarium
					
98.26 	$250,000 each year is to the Lake Superior 
98.27 	Center Authority to prepare, fabricate, and 
98.28 	install a hands-on exhibit with interactive 
98.29 	learning components to educate Minnesotans 
98.30 	on the history of the natural landscape of the 
98.31 	state.

98.32	(l) State Band
					
99.1 	$25,000 the first year and $25,000 the second 
99.2 	year are to the Minnesota state band to provide 
99.3 	free concerts throughout the state.

99.4	(m) Veterans Memorial Park in Wyoming
					
99.5 	$100,000 the first year is for a grant to the city 
99.6 	of Wyoming to build the Veterans Memorial 
99.7 	Plaza and related interpretive walk in Railroad 
99.8 	Park.

99.9	(n) Great Northern Festival
					
99.10 	$75,000 the first year and $75,000 the second 
99.11 	year are for a grant to support the Great 
99.12 	Northern Festival, which connects attendees 
99.13 	to parks, outdoor spaces, and cultural venues 
99.14 	through a festival.

99.15
99.16	(o) Governor's Council on Developmental 
Disabilities
					
99.17 	$50,000 the first year is to the Minnesota 
99.18 	Governor's Council on Developmental 
99.19 	Disabilities to continue to preserve and raise 
99.20 	awareness of the history of Minnesotans with 
99.21 	developmental disabilities.

99.22	(p) Minnesota Council on Disability
					
99.23 	$125,000 the first year and $125,000 the 
99.24 	second year are to the Minnesota Council on 
99.25 	Disability to provide educational opportunities 
99.26 	in the arts, history, and cultural heritage of 
99.27 	Minnesotans with disabilities in conjunction 
99.28 	with the 50th anniversary of the Minnesota 
99.29 	Council on Disability. This appropriation is 
99.30 	available until June 30, 2027.

99.31	(q) Keller Regional Park
					
99.32 	$500,000 the first year is for a grant to Ramsey 
99.33 	County to preserve Minnesota's cultural 
100.1 	heritage by enhancing the tuj lub courts at 
100.2 	Keller Regional Park.

100.3	(r) Vietnam War Anniversary
					
100.4 	$250,000 the first year is for a grant to the 
100.5 	commissioner of veterans affairs to prepare 
100.6 	and host a commemoration program for the 
100.7 	50th anniversary of the Vietnam War.

100.8	(s) St. Paul Cultural Art Installation
					
100.9 	$500,000 the first year is for a grant to 
100.10 	Forecast Public Art for an the city of St. Paul 
100.11 	for a public art installation celebrating 
100.12 	Olympic gold medalist Suni Lee. The project 
100.13 	funded by this paragraph must be located in 
100.14 	St. Paul at the Conway Recreation Center or, 
100.15 	if that site is not practicable, at Lake Phalen 
100.16 	at the platform containing the bust of Suni 
100.17 	Lee. This appropriation is available until June 
100.18 	30, 2027 2028.

100.19	(t) One Heartland Center
					
100.20 	$50,000 each year is for a grant to One 
100.21 	Heartland Center for programming and 
100.22 	outdoor activities for families and youth in 
100.23 	Minnesota.

100.24	(u) Forest Lake Veterans Memorial
					
100.25 	$100,000 the first year is for a grant to the 
100.26 	Forest Lake Veterans Memorial Committee 
100.27 	to construct a memorial to veterans of the 
100.28 	United States armed forces at Lakeside 
100.29 	Memorial Park in the city of Forest Lake. This 
100.30 	appropriation is available until June 30, 2027.

100.31	(v) Hmong Plaza
					
101.1 	$450,000 the first year is for a grant to the city 
101.2 	of St. Paul to construct the Hmong Plaza at 
101.3 	Phalen Lake.

101.4	(w) Camille Gage Artist Fellowship
					
101.5 	$55,000 the first year and $55,000 the second 
101.6 	year are for a grant to YWCA Minneapolis to 
101.7 	fund an annual fellowship to be known as the 
101.8 	Camille J. Gage Artist Fellowship. Of this 
101.9 	amount, up to $5,000 each year may be used 
101.10 	for administrative expenses. YWCA 
101.11 	Minneapolis must select a person for the 
101.12 	Camille J. Gage Artist Fellowship after an 
101.13 	application process that allows both 
101.14 	applications by interested persons and 
101.15 	nominations of persons by third parties. By 
101.16 	October 1, 2026, YWCA Minneapolis must 
101.17 	report to the chairs and ranking minority 
101.18 	members of the legislative committees and 
101.19 	divisions with jurisdiction over legacy on the 
101.20 	use of money appropriated under this 
101.21 	paragraph and on the activities of the person 
101.22 	selected for the Camille J. Gage Artist 
101.23 	Fellowship under this paragraph. This 
101.24 	appropriation is available until June 30, 2026.

101.25
101.26	(x) Minnesota African American Heritage 
Museum and Gallery
					
101.27 	$235,000 the first year and $125,000 the 
101.28 	second year are for arts and cultural heritage 
101.29 	programming celebrating African American 
101.30 	and Black communities in Minnesota. Of the 
101.31 	amount in the first year, $110,000 is for C. 
101.32 	Caldwell Fine Arts for an outdoor mural 
101.33 	project in North Minneapolis to work with 
101.34 	young people to develop skills while using art 
101.35 	as the impetus.

102.1	(y) Tibetan American Foundation of Minnesota
					
102.2 	$25,000 the first year and $25,000 the second 
102.3 	year are for a grant to the Tibetan American 
102.4 	Foundation of Minnesota to celebrate and 
102.5 	teach the art, culture, and heritage of Tibetan 
102.6 	Americans in Minnesota.

102.7	(z) Hong De Wu Guan
					
102.8 	$25,000 the first year is for a grant to Hong 
102.9 	De Wu Guan to create cultural arts projects 
102.10 	like Lion Dance for after-school programs for 
102.11 	youth.

102.12	(aa) Sepak Takraw of USA
					
102.13 	$50,000 the first year is for a grant to the 
102.14 	Sepak Takraw of USA to work with youth and 
102.15 	after-school programs in the community to 
102.16 	teach the cultural games of tuj lub and sepak 
102.17 	takraw. This appropriation may not be used 
102.18 	to hold events.

102.19	(bb) 30,000 Feet
					
102.20 	$75,000 the first year and $75,000 the second 
102.21 	year are for a grant to 30,000 Feet, a nonprofit 
102.22 	organization, to help youth and community 
102.23 	artists further develop their artistic skills, to 
102.24 	create community art and artistic 
102.25 	performances, and to promote and share 
102.26 	African American history and culture through 
102.27 	the arts.

102.28	(cc) Siengkane Lao Minnesota
					
102.29 	$50,000 the first year and $50,000 the second 
102.30 	year are for a grant to Siengkane Lao MN to 
102.31 	create cultural arts projects and to preserve 
102.32 	traditional performances.

102.33	(dd) Hmong Cultural Center
					
103.1 	$150,000 the first year and $150,000 the 
103.2 	second year are for a grant to the Hmong 
103.3 	Cultural Center of Minnesota for 
103.4 	museum-related programming and educational 
103.5 	outreach activities to teach the public about 
103.6 	the historical, cultural, and folk arts heritage 
103.7 	of Hmong Minnesotans.

103.8	(ee) Comunidades Latinas Unidas En Servicio
					
103.9 	$250,000 the first year and $250,000 the 
103.10 	second year are for a grant to Comunidades 
103.11 	Latinas Unidas En Servicio (CLUES) to 
103.12 	expand arts programming to celebrate Latino 
103.13 	cultural heritage; support local artists; and 
103.14 	provide professional development, networking, 
103.15 	and presentation opportunities.

103.16	(ff) Hmong RPA Writing System
					
103.17 	$300,000 the first year and $300,000 the 
103.18 	second year are for grants to recipients who 
103.19 	have demonstrated knowledge and interest in 
103.20 	preserving Hmong culture to preserve Hmong 
103.21 	Minnesotans' heritage, history, language, and 
103.22 	culture. Grants must be used in conjunction 
103.23 	with Minnesota universities to improve and 
103.24 	develop a unified and standardized Latin 
103.25 	alphabet form of the Hmong RPA writing 
103.26 	system. No portion of this appropriation may 
103.27 	be used to encourage religious membership 
103.28 	or to conduct personal ceremonies or events. 
103.29 	This appropriation is available until June 30, 
103.30 	2028.

103.31	(gg) Somali Museum of Minnesota
					
103.32 	$125,000 the first year and $125,000 the 
103.33 	second year are for a grant to the Somali 
103.34 	Museum of Minnesota for heritage arts and 
104.1 	cultural vitality programs to provide classes, 
104.2 	exhibits, presentations, and outreach about the 
104.3 	Somali community and heritage in Minnesota.

104.4	(hh) Minnesota Museum of American Art
					
104.5 	$200,000 the first year and $200,000 the 
104.6 	second year are for a grant to the Minnesota 
104.7 	Museum of American Art for exhibit 
104.8 	programming and for a Native American 
104.9 	Fellowship at the museum.

104.10	(ii) Fanka Programs
					
104.11 	$250,000 the first year and $250,000 the 
104.12 	second year are for a grant to Ka Joog 
104.13 	statewide Somali-based collaborative 
104.14 	programs for arts and cultural heritage. The 
104.15 	funding must be used for Fanka programs to 
104.16 	provide arts education and workshops, mentor 
104.17 	programs, and community presentations and 
104.18 	community engagement events throughout 
104.19 	Minnesota.

104.20	(jj) The Bakken Museum
					
104.21 	$150,000 the first year is for a grant to The 
104.22 	Bakken Museum for interactive exhibits and 
104.23 	outreach programs on arts and cultural 
104.24 	heritage.

104.25	(kk) 4-H Shooting Sports
					
104.26 	$50,000 the first year is to the University of 
104.27 	Minnesota Extension Office to provide grants 
104.28 	to Minnesota 4-H chapters that have members 
104.29 	participating in state and national 
104.30 	4-H-sanctioned shooting sports events. 
104.31 	Eligible costs for grant money include 
104.32 	shooting sports equipment and supplies and 
104.33 	event fees associated with participating in state 
104.34 	shooting sports events.

105.1	(ll) Public Art Saint Paul
		
105.2 	$75,000 each year is for a grant to Public Art 
105.3 	Saint Paul for art programming at the Wakpa 
105.4 	Triennial Art Festival to showcase new art 
105.5 	across the Twin Cities by Minnesota artists in 
105.6 	outdoor and indoor settings and to encourage 
105.7 	visitors to experience the arts and culture 
105.8 	produced by local arts and culture 
105.9 	organizations.

105.10 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

105.11 	Sec. 2. Laws 2024, chapter 90, article 1, section 52, is amended to read:
105.12 	Sec. 52. EFFECTIVE DATE.
 105.13 	(a) Sections 1 to 51 4, 7, 10 to 12, 14 to 17, and 19 to 51, and the amendments to 
105.14 	Minnesota Rules, parts 6100.5002, 6213.0100, 6213.0400, 6213.0500, 6232.0200, 6232.0300, 
105.15 	6232.0400, 6232.0500, 6232.0900, 6232.1250, 6232.1300, 6232.1600, 6232.1950, 6232.1970, 
105.16 	6232.1980, 6232.2550, 6232.2800, 6232.3100, 6232.4400, 6234.1600, 6234.1700, 6234.2000, 
105.17 	6234.2600, 6236.0300, 6236.0500, 6236.0950, 6237.0200, 6262.1000, 6262.3200, 6264.0400, 
105.18 	and 6266.0700, and the repealer as adopted by the commissioner of natural resources and 
105.19 	published in the State Register, volume 49, page 1416, June 30, 2025, are effective upon 
105.20 	full implementation of the replacement electronic license, permits, and pass portions of the 
105.21 	electronic license system.
105.22 	(b) Sections 5, 6, 8, 9, 13, and 18 are effective upon full implementation of the vehicle 
105.23 	registration portions of the electronic license system.
105.24 	(c) The commissioner of natural resources must notify the revisor of statutes when the 
105.25 	replacement electronic license system is fully implemented.portions of the replacement 
105.26 	electronic licensing system governed by the sections and rule modifications described in 
105.27 	paragraph (a) are fully implemented and when the portions of the replacement electronic 
105.28 	licensing system governed by the sections described in paragraph (b) are fully implemented.

105.29 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

106.1 	Sec. 3. DELETION FROM STATE PARK.
 106.2 	[85.012] [Subd. 42.] Mille Lacs Kathio State Park, Mille Lacs County. The following 
106.3 	area is deleted from Mille Lacs Kathio State Park: that part of Government Lot 3, Section 
106.4 	33, Township 43 North, Range 27 West, Mille Lacs County, Minnesota, lying easterly of 
106.5 	the easterly right-of-way line of U.S. Trunk Highway 169. Excepting therefrom the following 
106.6 	described tract of land: commencing at the northwest corner of said Government Lot 3, said 
106.7 	corner being marked by a 2-½-inch aluminum post with brass cap (Bureau of Land 
106.8 	Management Monument); thence North 89 degrees 43 minutes 55 seconds East, assumed 
106.9 	bearing, along the north line of said Government Lot 3, a distance of 1,076.85 feet to the 
106.10 	point of beginning of the land to be described; thence continuing North 89 degrees 43 
106.11 	minutes 55 seconds East, along said north line, a distance of 40.88 feet to a ¾-inch iron rod 
106.12 	with disk stamped MN DNR PROPERTY; thence continuing North 89 degrees 43 minutes 
106.13 	55 seconds East, along said north line, a distance of 299.64 feet to a ¾-inch rebar with 
106.14 	plastic cap stamped MN DNR LS 47461; thence South 14 degrees 26 minutes 27 seconds 
106.15 	East, a distance of 170.18 feet to a ¾-inch iron rod with disk stamped MN DNR PROPERTY; 
106.16 	thence South 89 degrees 43 minutes 55 seconds West, a distance of 413.14 feet to a ¾-inch 
106.17 	iron rod; thence continuing South 89 degrees 43 minutes 55 seconds West, a distance of 
106.18 	10.50 feet; thence North 07 degrees 53 minutes 17 seconds East, a distance of 70.68 feet; 
106.19 	thence North 18 degrees 01 minute 43 seconds East, a distance of 100.09 feet to the point 
106.20 	of beginning.

106.21 	Sec. 4. PRIVATE SALE OF SURPLUS LAND BORDERING PUBLIC WATER; 
106.22 	MILLE LACS COUNTY.
 106.23 	(a) Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, sections 92.45, 94.09, and 94.10, the 
106.24 	commissioner of natural resources may sell by private sale the surplus land bordering public 
106.25 	water that is described in paragraph (c) to a federally recognized Indian Tribe, subject to 
106.26 	the state's reservation of access and dam easements over the land described in paragraph 
106.27 	(c) if the state elects to reserve such easements.
106.28 	(b) The land must not be sold for less than the appraised value. The buyer must reimburse 
106.29 	the commissioner for all costs and expenses, including staff costs, incurred by the 
106.30 	commissioner in making the property salable and in selling the property. The commissioner 
106.31 	may make necessary changes to the legal description to correct errors and ensure accuracy.
106.32 	(c) The land that may be sold is all of or a portion of the land located in Mille Lacs 
106.33 	County and described as: that part of Government Lot 3, Section 33, Township 43 North, 
106.34 	Range 27 West, Mille Lacs County, Minnesota, lying easterly of the easterly right-of-way 
107.1 	line of U.S. Trunk Highway 169.  Excepting therefrom the following described tract of land: 
107.2 	commencing at the northwest corner of said Government Lot 3, said corner being marked 
107.3 	by a 2-½-inch aluminum post with brass cap (Bureau of Land Management Monument); 
107.4 	thence North 89 degrees 43 minutes 55 seconds East, assumed bearing, along the north line 
107.5 	of said Government Lot 3, a distance of 1,076.85 feet to the point of beginning of the land 
107.6 	to be described; thence continuing North 89 degrees 43 minutes 55 seconds East, along said 
107.7 	north line, a distance of 40.88 feet to a ¾-inch iron rod with disk stamped MN DNR 
107.8 	PROPERTY; thence continuing North 89 degrees 43 minutes 55 seconds East, along said 
107.9 	north line, a distance of 299.64 feet to a ¾-inch rebar with plastic cap stamped MN DNR 
107.10 	LS 47461; thence South 14 degrees 26 minutes 27 seconds East, a distance of 170.18 feet 
107.11 	to a ¾-inch iron rod with disk stamped MN DNR PROPERTY; thence South 89 degrees 
107.12 	43 minutes 55 seconds West, a distance of 413.14 feet to a ¾-inch iron rod; thence continuing 
107.13 	South 89 degrees 43 minutes 55 seconds West, a distance of 10.50 feet; thence North 07 
107.14 	degrees 53 minutes 17 seconds East, a distance of 70.68 feet; thence North 18 degrees 01 
107.15 	minute 43 seconds East, a distance of 100.09 feet to the point of beginning.
107.16 	(d) The land to be sold borders on Mille Lacs Lake. The Department of Natural Resources 
107.17 	has determined that the state's land management interests would best be served if the land 
107.18 	was conveyed to a federally recognized Indian Tribe.

107.19 	Sec. 5. APPROPRIATION EXTENSIONS.
 107.20 		Subdivision 1.Parks and trails fund appropriation extensions. (a) The availability 
107.21 	of the grant to the St. Louis and Lake Counties Regional Railroad Authority for the Mesabi 
107.22 	Trail project from the parks and trails fund fiscal year 2024 appropriation under Laws 2023, 
107.23 	chapter 40, article 3, section 3, paragraph (c), is extended to June 30, 2027.
107.24 	(b) The availability of the grant to Olmsted County for the Oxbow Park and Zollman 
107.25 	Zoo project from the parks and trails fund fiscal year 2024 appropriation under Laws 2023, 
107.26 	chapter 40, article 3, section 3, paragraph (c), is extended to June 30, 2027.
107.27 	(c) The availability of the grant to Stearns County for the Kraemer Lake and Wildwood 
107.28 	County Park project from the parks and trails fund fiscal year 2024 appropriation under 
107.29 	Laws 2023, chapter 40, article 3, section 3, paragraph (c), is extended to June 30, 2027.
107.30 	(d) The availability of the grant to Redwood County for the Plum Creek Park project 
107.31 	from the parks and trails fund fiscal year 2024 appropriation under Laws 2023, chapter 40, 
107.32 	article 3, section 3, paragraph (c), is extended to June 30, 2027.
108.1 	(e) The availability of the grant to the city of Sandstone for the Robinson Quarry Park 
108.2 	project from the parks and trails fund fiscal year 2025 appropriation under Laws 2023, 
108.3 	chapter 40, article 3, section 3, paragraph (c), is extended to June 30, 2027.
108.4 	(f) The availability of the appropriation for coordination and projects between partners 
108.5 	from the parks and trails fund in fiscal year 2024 under Laws 2023, chapter 40, article 3, 
108.6 	section 3, paragraph (f), is extended to June 30, 2027.
108.7 		Subd. 2.Department of Natural Resources appropriation extensions. (a) The 
108.8 	appropriation in Laws 2024, chapter 116, article 1, section 3, subdivision 5, for an electronic 
108.9 	licensing system is available until June 30, 2027.
108.10 	(b) The appropriation in Laws 2023, chapter 60, article 1, section 3, subdivision 6, 
108.11 	paragraph (h), for a grant to expand Minnesota's wild elk population and range is available 
108.12 	until June 30, 2027.
108.13 		Subd. 3.Metropolitan Council appropriation extensions. (a) The general fund 
108.14 	appropriation in Laws 2024, chapter 116, article 1, section 5, for community tree-planting 
108.15 	grants is available until June 30, 2027.
108.16 	(b) The natural resources fund appropriation in Laws 2024, chapter 116, article 1, section 
108.17 	5, for grants to implementing agencies to plant trees is available until June 30, 2027.

108.18 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

108.19 	Sec. 6. APPROPRIATION; MINNESOTA ZOOLOGICAL BOARD.
 108.20 	$3,800,000 in fiscal year 2026 is appropriated from the general fund to the Minnesota 
108.21 	Zoological Board. This is a onetime appropriation.

108.22 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

108.23 	Sec. 7. APPROPRIATION; STUDY OF UNLAWFUL SHIPMENT OF INFECTIOUS 
108.24 	OR PATHOLOGICAL WASTE.
 108.25 	(a) By January 15, 2027, the commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency must submit 
108.26 	a study to the chairs and ranking minority members of the senate and house of representatives 
108.27 	committees and divisions with primary jurisdiction over environment and health and human 
108.28 	services on the unlawful transportation of infectious or pathological waste to solid waste 
108.29 	management facilities. The study must include:
109.1 	(1) an assessment of the extent and frequency of unlawful transfer of infectious or 
109.2 	pathological waste to solid waste management facilities and an assessment of the costs 
109.3 	associated with those unlawful transfers;
109.4 	(2) a survey of a representative sample of known generators of infectious and pathological 
109.5 	waste regarding current practices for ensuring infectious and pathological waste is segregated 
109.6 	from other waste material as required by Minnesota Statutes, section 116.78; and
109.7 	(3) recommendations for legislative or policy changes that could be adopted to reduce 
109.8 	the frequency and cost of unlawful transfers of infectious or pathological waste, including 
109.9 	an estimate of the costs to state agencies. In formulating these recommendations, the 
109.10 	commissioner must consider whether the following measures might contribute to a reduction 
109.11 	in unlawful transfers of infectious or pathological waste to solid waste management facilities:
109.12 	(i) imposing fines on those who unlawfully transport infectious or pathological waste 
109.13 	to solid waste management facilities; and
109.14 	(ii) undertaking unannounced inspections of infectious or pathological waste generators.
109.15 	(b) $75,000 in fiscal year 2027 is appropriated from the environmental fund to the 
109.16 	commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency to conduct the study required by this section. 
109.17 	This is a onetime appropriation.

109.18 	Sec. 8. TRANSFER; DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES.
 109.19 	Upon request from the commissioner of natural resources, the commissioner of 
109.20 	management and budget may transfer up to $1,600,000 in fiscal year 2026 from any 
109.21 	Department of Natural Resources fiscal year 2024 or fiscal year 2025 general fund nongrant 
109.22 	operating appropriations that were carried forward to fiscal year 2026 to the Division of 
109.23 	Enforcement. This transfer may only be used for nonbudgeted public safety costs that 
109.24 	occurred in fiscal year 2026. By September 15, 2026, the commissioner of natural resources 
109.25 	must report the amount and source of the transfer authorized under this section to the chairs 
109.26 	and ranking minority members of the legislative committees and divisions with jurisdiction 
109.27 	over environment and natural resources.

109.28 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

110.1 	ARTICLE 7
110.2 	BATTERY STEWARDSHIP

110.3 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 115A.03, is amended by adding a subdivision 
110.4 	to read:
110.5 		Subd. 3b.Battery. "Battery" means one or more galvanic cells, including any structural 
110.6 	members, casing, and terminals.

110.7 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2026.

110.8 	Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 115A.03, is amended by adding a subdivision to 
110.9 	read:
110.10 		Subd. 10d.Facilitate a sale. "Facilitate a sale" means to assist a person in transferring 
110.11 	title or possession of a product, regardless of whether title or possession is ever acquired 
110.12 	by the person facilitating a sale, such as by operating an online marketplace, publishing an 
110.13 	offer for sale on a website, physically storing inventory of products, entering into a contract 
110.14 	to allow another person to list a product for sale, processing payment on behalf of another 
110.15 	person, entering into a contract with a buyer or a seller related to a sale, or otherwise 
110.16 	providing a sales process. Facilitate a sale does not include acting solely as:
110.17 	(1) an advertiser;
110.18 	(2) a payment processor; or
110.19 	(3) a common carrier.

110.20 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2026.

110.21 	Sec. 3. [115A.1331] STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM FOR COVERED BATTERIES; 
110.22 	DEFINITIONS.
110.23 	(a) The terms used in sections 115A.1331 to 115A.1347 have the meanings given in this 
110.24 	section and section 115A.03.
110.25 	(b) "Battery-containing product" means a product:
110.26 	(1) in which a covered battery is contained;
110.27 	(2) to which a covered battery is attached; or
110.28 	(3) with which a covered battery is packaged.
111.1 	(c) "Brand" means a mark, a registered or unregistered trademark, a logo, a name, a 
111.2 	symbol, a word, or an identifier that attributes a product to the owner or licensee of the 
111.3 	brand.
111.4 	(d) "Collection" means receipt of discarded covered batteries from a person, including 
111.5 	sorting and storage that are necessary for receipt and that are performed by the covered 
111.6 	battery collector. Collection does not include transport of a covered battery that occurs after 
111.7 	a covered battery collector receives the covered battery, except for transport by the covered 
111.8 	battery collector to or between a covered battery collection site or sites operated by the 
111.9 	covered battery collector.
111.10 	(e) "Covered battery" means a loose battery or a battery that is easily removable. A 
111.11 	covered battery may be of any brand, type, or chemistry. A covered battery includes a 
111.12 	covered small battery or covered medium battery. A covered battery does not include:
111.13 	(1) a lead acid battery regulated under sections 325E.115 and 325E.1151;
111.14 	(2) a battery designed, manufactured, and intended solely for use in a motor vehicle;
111.15 	(3) a battery contained within a medical device, as specified in United States Code, title 
111.16 	21, section 321(h), as it existed as of the effective date of this section, that is not designed 
111.17 	and marketed for sale or resale principally to consumers for personal use;
111.18 	(4) a battery removed from a permanent, stationary, energy storage system that requires 
111.19 	installation and removal by an electrician licensed under chapter 326B;
111.20 	(5) a battery transported into the state after the battery is collected in another state; or
111.21 	(6) a battery subject to recall for safety reasons.
111.22 	(f) "Covered battery collection site" means a physical location where a covered battery 
111.23 	collector collects covered batteries from other persons, regardless of whether the covered 
111.24 	battery collector operates the location permanently, temporarily, or for purposes of a 
111.25 	collection event.
111.26 	(g) "Covered battery collector" means a person that collects covered batteries on behalf 
111.27 	of and under agreement with a covered battery stewardship organization and receives 
111.28 	reimbursement at the rates determined according to section 115A.1335 from a covered 
111.29 	battery stewardship organization for the covered battery collector's costs for collection of 
111.30 	the covered batteries.
111.31 	(h) "Covered battery producer" means the following person responsible for compliance 
111.32 	with requirements under sections 115A.1331 to 115A.1347 for a covered battery sold, 
112.1 	including online sales, offered for sale or promotional purposes, or distributed in or into the 
112.2 	state:
112.3 	(1) for a covered battery:
112.4 	(i) if the covered battery is sold, offered, or distributed under a brand owned by the 
112.5 	person that manufactured the covered battery, the producer is the person that manufactured 
112.6 	the covered battery;
112.7 	(ii) if the covered battery is sold, offered, or distributed under a brand owned by a person 
112.8 	other than the person that manufactured the covered battery, the producer is the person that 
112.9 	owned the brand;
112.10 	(iii) if the covered battery is sold, offered, or distributed under a brand licensed to a 
112.11 	person, the producer is the person that is the licensee of the brand under which the covered 
112.12 	battery is sold, offered, or distributed, whether or not the brand is registered in the state;
112.13 	(iv) if there is no person described in items (i) to (iii) within the United States, the 
112.14 	producer is the person that imported the covered battery into the United States to be sold, 
112.15 	offered, or distributed; and
112.16 	(v) if there is no person described in items (i) to (iv), the producer is the person that first 
112.17 	sold, offered, or distributed the covered battery in or into the state;
112.18 	(2) for a covered battery contained in, attached to, or packaged with a battery-containing 
112.19 	product:
112.20 	(i) if the battery-containing product is sold, offered, or distributed under a brand owned 
112.21 	by the person that manufactured it, the producer is the person that manufactured the 
112.22 	battery-containing product;
112.23 	(ii) if the battery-containing product is sold, offered, or distributed under a brand owned 
112.24 	by a person other than the person that manufactured the battery-containing product, the 
112.25 	producer is the person that  owned the brand;
112.26 	(iii) if the battery-containing product is sold, offered, or distributed under a brand licensed 
112.27 	to a person, the producer is the person that is the licensee of the brand under which the 
112.28 	battery-containing product is sold, offered, or distributed, whether or not the brand is 
112.29 	registered in the state;
112.30 	(iv) if there is no person described in items (i) to (iii) within the United States, the 
112.31 	producer is the person that imported the battery-containing product into the United States 
112.32 	to be sold, offered, or distributed; and
113.1 	(v) if there is no person described in items (i) to (iv), the producer is the person that first 
113.2 	sold, offered, or distributed the battery-containing product in or into the state;
113.3 	(3) notwithstanding clause (2), a producer does not include any person that manufactured, 
113.4 	imported into the United States, or sold, offered, or distributed in or into the state a 
113.5 	battery-containing product if the producer of the only covered batteries contained in, attached 
113.6 	to, or packaged with the battery-containing product is named as a participant by a covered 
113.7 	battery stewardship organization and both the person and the participant acknowledge such 
113.8 	in writing to the covered battery stewardship organization; and
113.9 	(4) notwithstanding clauses (1) and (2), a person that voluntarily assumes the 
113.10 	responsibility of a producer of a covered battery and certifies that they have assumed the 
113.11 	responsibility of a producer in writing to the commissioner is the producer of the covered 
113.12 	battery.
113.13 	(i) "Covered battery stewardship organization" means an organization that contracts 
113.14 	with one or more covered battery producers to meet the producers' obligations under sections 
113.15 	115A.1331 to 115A.1347.
113.16 	(j) "Covered battery stewardship plan" or "stewardship plan" means a plan that is prepared 
113.17 	according to section 115A.1335 and submitted to the commissioner by a covered battery 
113.18 	stewardship organization.
113.19 	(k) "Covered battery stewardship program" means a system implemented by a covered 
113.20 	battery stewardship organization to manage all covered batteries offered to a covered battery 
113.21 	collector by arranging and paying for the collection, covered services, and all other activities 
113.22 	described in a covered battery stewardship plan published on the agency's publicly accessible 
113.23 	website under section 115A.1335, subdivision 4, paragraph (e), or 5, paragraph (a).
113.24 	(l) "Covered medium battery" means a covered battery that weighs more than 11 pounds 
113.25 	but equal to or less than 25 pounds or has an energy capacity greater than 300 watt-hours 
113.26 	but equal to or less than 2,000 watt-hours.
113.27 	(m) "Covered medium battery collection site" means a covered battery collection site 
113.28 	that meets the requirements of section 115A.1341, subdivision 1, paragraphs (a), (b), and 
113.29 	(d).
113.30 	(n) "Covered services" means transportation, processing, recycling, and disposal of 
113.31 	covered batteries and residual materials after collection. Covered services does not include:
113.32 	(1) repair or reuse of a covered battery by the collector; or
114.1 	(2) transport of a covered battery by the covered battery collector that collected it to or 
114.2 	between a covered battery collection site or sites that are operated by the covered battery 
114.3 	collector.
114.4 	(o) "Covered small battery" means a covered battery that weighs 11 pounds or less and 
114.5 	has an energy capacity of 300 watt-hours or less.
114.6 	(p) "Covered small battery collection site" means a covered battery collection site that 
114.7 	meets the requirements of section 115A.1341, subdivision 1, paragraphs (a), (c), and (d).
114.8 	(q) "Distribute" means to sell, offer, supply, ship, transport, or deliver a product to a 
114.9 	person that sells, offers, supplies, ships, transports, or delivers the product in or into the 
114.10 	state, regardless of whether title to the product is ever acquired by a person distributing the 
114.11 	product.
114.12 	(r) "Easily removable" or "easily removed" means that a battery can be removed by a 
114.13 	single person from a product by hand or by hand and the use of only:
114.14 	(1) a flathead, crosshead, or Phillips screwdriver;
114.15 	(2) a paper clip;
114.16 	(3) a coin; or
114.17 	(4) a hex key.
114.18 	(s) "Household hazardous waste management program" means a program established 
114.19 	under section 115A.96 to collect and manage household hazardous waste, as defined in 
114.20 	section 115A.96, that is established or operated by the agency or another public entity, 
114.21 	including but not limited to a political subdivision, state agency, or federally recognized 
114.22 	Tribe.
114.23 	(t) "Independent auditor" means a certified public accountant that:
114.24 	(1) holds a current active license under chapter 326A and rules adopted thereunder;
114.25 	(2) is retained by a covered battery stewardship organization;
114.26 	(3) is not otherwise employed by or affiliated with the commissioner or a covered battery 
114.27 	stewardship organization; and
114.28 	(4) is qualified to conduct an audit under section 115A.1337, subdivision 6, clause (8).
114.29 	(u) "Loose battery" means a battery that is not contained in or attached to a product. A 
114.30 	loose battery does not include a battery that is contained in an enclosure when the enclosure 
114.31 	is not integral to the operation of the battery.
115.1 	(v) "Motor vehicle" has the meaning given in section 168.002.
115.2 	(w) "Participant" means a covered battery producer that is named by a covered battery 
115.3 	stewardship organization as meeting the covered battery producer's obligations under sections 
115.4 	115A.1331 to 115A.1347. If one covered battery producer is named as a participant by 
115.5 	voluntarily assuming responsibility for a covered battery on behalf of other covered battery 
115.6 	producers under paragraph (h), clause (4), then all those covered battery producers are also 
115.7 	participants.
115.8 	(x) "Rechargeable battery" means a battery that is designed and intended to have electrical 
115.9 	energy added to it by electrical or physical means after use.
115.10 	(y) "Residual material" means material and waste resulting from processing, recycling, 
115.11 	or disposal of a covered battery.
115.12 	(z) "Responsible market" means a market for covered batteries, for reclaimed materials 
115.13 	from collected covered batteries, or for any other recyclable residual material from collected 
115.14 	covered batteries that:
115.15 	(1) reuses, recycles, or otherwise recovers materials and disposes of contaminants in a 
115.16 	manner that protects the environment and minimizes risks to public health and worker health 
115.17 	and safety;
115.18 	(2) complies with all applicable federal, state, and local statutes, rules, ordinances, and 
115.19 	other laws governing environmental, health, safety, and financial responsibility;
115.20 	(3) possesses all licenses and permits required by a federal or state agency or political 
115.21 	subdivision;
115.22 	(4) if operating in the state, recycles batteries to the maximum extent practicable in 
115.23 	accordance with section 115A.02, paragraph (b); and
115.24 	(5) minimizes adverse impacts to environmental justice areas.
115.25 	(aa) "Specialized covered battery recycler" means a person that, if and as applicable, is 
115.26 	properly authorized by the commissioner or, if operating in another state or country, an 
115.27 	equivalent state, federal, or other governmental body, to process or recycle useful materials 
115.28 	from covered batteries.

115.29 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2026.

115.30 	Sec. 4. [115A.1335] COVERED BATTERY STEWARDSHIP PLAN AND BUDGET.
115.31 		Subdivision 1.Due dates. (a) By July 1, 2027:
116.1 	(1) a covered battery producer must contract with a covered battery stewardship 
116.2 	organization to act on the covered battery producer's behalf for purposes of complying with 
116.3 	the producer's obligations under sections 115A.1331 to 115A.1347; and
116.4 	(2) a covered battery stewardship organization must:
116.5 	(i) notify the commissioner that it has been designated by covered battery producers to 
116.6 	act on their behalf; and
116.7 	(ii) provide to the commissioner its identity and contact information.
116.8 	(b) By January 1, 2029, a covered battery stewardship organization must submit to the 
116.9 	commissioner a covered battery stewardship plan that meets all requirements of subdivision 
116.10 	2 for review under subdivision 4.
116.11 		Subd. 2.Plan content; budget requirement. (a) A covered battery stewardship plan 
116.12 	must include:
116.13 	(1) identification of and contact information for the covered battery stewardship 
116.14 	organization;
116.15 	(2) a description and example of contracts, including a list of all parties to the contracts, 
116.16 	that must:
116.17 	(i) clearly grant the covered battery stewardship organization the authority to act on 
116.18 	behalf of the participants that the covered battery stewardship organization represents to 
116.19 	implement the covered battery stewardship plan;
116.20 	(ii) include a statement of responsibility of the participants that the covered battery 
116.21 	stewardship organization represents to comply with the approved covered battery stewardship 
116.22 	plan; and
116.23 	(iii) include a statement of responsibility of the participants that the covered battery 
116.24 	stewardship organization represents to fund the covered battery stewardship organization 
116.25 	as necessary to implement the covered battery stewardship plan, pay for associated costs, 
116.26 	and pay for fees and penalties assessed by the commissioner;
116.27 	(3) identification of and contact information for all participants in the covered battery 
116.28 	stewardship program;
116.29 	(4) identification of and contact information for each covered battery collector or 
116.30 	prospective covered battery collector that has agreed to operate covered battery collection 
116.31 	sites to collect covered batteries on behalf of the covered battery stewardship organization 
117.1 	and documentation of such agreements. A covered battery collection site may only be 
117.2 	included in one covered battery stewardship plan at a time;
117.3 	(5) identification of and contact information for each person providing covered services 
117.4 	and the location of all facilities where covered services will be provided;
117.5 	(6) identification and contact information for those persons that the covered battery 
117.6 	stewardship organization has contracted with and that will administer and implement the 
117.7 	covered battery stewardship program in accordance with section 115A.1337, subdivision 
117.8 	7. The relationship of the other persons to the covered battery stewardship organization and 
117.9 	their role in administering and implementing the covered battery stewardship program must 
117.10 	be described;
117.11 	(7) the address, county of location, and, in a form prescribed by the commissioner, 
117.12 	geolocation data for each covered battery collection site to be served through the covered 
117.13 	battery stewardship organization under the covered battery stewardship program and 
117.14 	identification of those covered battery collection sites that are operated by a household 
117.15 	hazardous waste management program;
117.16 	(8) a list of the brands covered under the covered battery stewardship program;
117.17 	(9) eligibility criteria for prospective covered battery collectors;
117.18 	(10) a description of how the covered battery stewardship program will provide 
117.19 	convenient, statewide collection according to subdivision 3 without collection of covered 
117.20 	batteries performed by collection sites on behalf of another covered battery stewardship 
117.21 	organization;
117.22 	(11) a description of how the covered battery stewardship organization will annually 
117.23 	monitor and ensure continuing compliance with the convenience standards under subdivision 
117.24 	3;
117.25 	(12) a description of how the covered battery stewardship organization will ensure each 
117.26 	covered battery collector is provided with the materials specified in section 115A.1337, 
117.27 	subdivision 1;
117.28 	(13) a description of how covered battery collection sites will be accessible according 
117.29 	to section 115A.1337, subdivision 2;
117.30 	(14) the performance standards for persons providing covered services for the covered 
117.31 	battery stewardship organization and the oversight methods by which the covered battery 
117.32 	stewardship organization will ensure continuing compliance with the performance standards. 
118.1 	The covered battery stewardship organization may determine performance standards, which 
118.2 	at a minimum must:
118.3 	(i) accord with clauses (17) to (20), (22), (23), and (36);
118.4 	(ii) ensure that covered services other than transportation are provided only by specialized 
118.5 	covered battery recyclers; and
118.6 	(iii) ensure covered batteries and residual materials are managed through responsible 
118.7 	markets;
118.8 	(15) a description of the oversight methods by which the covered battery stewardship 
118.9 	organization will ensure continuing compliance with the performance standards under clause 
118.10 	(14);
118.11 	(16) a description of how the covered battery stewardship organization will ensure that 
118.12 	there are multiple persons providing covered services to ensure resiliency in the system;
118.13 	(17) a description of methods by which the covered battery stewardship organization 
118.14 	will ensure that discarded covered batteries and residual materials managed under the covered 
118.15 	battery stewardship program are managed while in the state in compliance with rules adopted 
118.16 	under section 116.07 for managing solid waste and hazardous waste, when applicable, and, 
118.17 	when outside the state, with all applicable legal requirements for managing solid waste and 
118.18 	hazardous waste, as applicable;
118.19 	(18) a description of the actions the covered battery stewardship organization will take 
118.20 	upon receiving information of potential or actual noncompliance under clause (17) by any 
118.21 	person handling covered batteries under the covered battery stewardship program;
118.22 	(19) a description of methods by which the covered battery stewardship organization 
118.23 	will ensure that covered batteries and residual materials managed under the covered battery 
118.24 	stewardship program are managed in compliance with safety and health requirements for 
118.25 	employees administered by the Department of Labor and Industry and with fire protection 
118.26 	requirements administered by the Department of Public Safety while in the state and, when 
118.27 	outside the state, with all applicable federal, state, and local employee safety and health 
118.28 	requirements and fire protection requirements;
118.29 	(20) a description of the actions the covered battery stewardship organization will take 
118.30 	upon receiving information of potential or actual noncompliance under clause (19) by any 
118.31 	person handling covered batteries under the covered battery stewardship program;
118.32 	(21) a description of how the covered battery stewardship organization will ensure 
118.33 	sufficient and timely pickup and transport of covered batteries are provided to each covered 
119.1 	battery collection site so that the covered battery collection site can continuously and safely 
119.2 	collect and store covered batteries;
119.3 	(22) a description of methods by which the covered battery stewardship organization 
119.4 	will ensure that covered batteries and residual materials managed under the covered battery 
119.5 	stewardship program are transported in compliance with applicable regulations incorporated 
119.6 	by reference under section 221.033 for transporting hazardous materials while in the state 
119.7 	and, when outside the state, with all applicable legal requirements for transporting hazardous 
119.8 	materials;
119.9 	(23) a description of the actions the covered battery stewardship organization will take 
119.10 	upon receiving information of potential or actual noncompliance under clause (22) by any 
119.11 	person handling covered batteries under the covered battery stewardship program;
119.12 	(24) a statement of indemnification by the covered battery stewardship organization to 
119.13 	covered battery collectors for potential liability for improper downstream management of 
119.14 	covered batteries or residual materials by providers of covered services arranged for by the 
119.15 	covered battery stewardship organization and identified in the covered battery stewardship 
119.16 	plan under clause (5);
119.17 	(25) a description of how the covered battery stewardship organization will determine 
119.18 	and annually report the quantity of covered batteries collected under the covered battery 
119.19 	stewardship program by chemistry by weight;
119.20 	(26) a description of the outreach and education methods and activities that the covered 
119.21 	battery stewardship organization will ensure are provided according to section 115A.1337, 
119.22 	subdivision 4;
119.23 	(27) a description of how the covered battery stewardship organization will ensure that 
119.24 	there is at least one full-time representative of the covered battery stewardship organization 
119.25 	who is dedicated to implementing the covered battery stewardship program in this state and 
119.26 	serves as the primary contact between the covered battery stewardship organization and the 
119.27 	agency;
119.28 	(28) the proposed reimbursement rates for covered battery collectors that are household 
119.29 	hazardous waste management programs, according to the following:
119.30 	(i) the proposed reimbursement rates must cover all costs of collection incurred by the 
119.31 	covered battery collectors, which include but are not limited to:
119.32 	(A) labor, overhead, and supplies;
119.33 	(B) necessary collection and storage;
120.1 	(C) employee training; and
120.2 	(D) necessary safety materials;
120.3 	(ii) the covered battery stewardship organization may, on agreement with the covered 
120.4 	battery collectors, provide materials or services to covered battery collectors in lieu of 
120.5 	covering specific costs;
120.6 	(iii) necessary safety materials described in item (i), subitem (D), do not include fire 
120.7 	safety infrastructure, such as fire sprinklers or fire detection systems; and
120.8 	(iv) the covered battery stewardship organization must meet and agree on the proposed 
120.9 	reimbursement rates with covered battery collectors and prospective covered battery 
120.10 	collectors that are household hazardous waste management programs;
120.11 	(29) the proposed reimbursement rates for covered battery collectors that are not 
120.12 	household hazardous waste management programs, according to the following:
120.13 	(i) the proposed reimbursement rates must cover all of the following costs of collection 
120.14 	incurred by the covered battery collectors:
120.15 	(A) necessary collection and storage;
120.16 	(B) supplies;
120.17 	(C) employee training; and
120.18 	(D) necessary safety materials;
120.19 	(ii) the proposed reimbursement rates may, on agreement with the covered battery 
120.20 	collectors, cover costs of collection in addition to those described in item (i);
120.21 	(iii) the covered battery stewardship organization may, on agreement with the covered 
120.22 	battery collectors, provide materials or services to covered battery collectors in lieu of 
120.23 	covering specific costs;
120.24 	(iv) necessary safety materials described in item (i), subitem (C), do not include fire 
120.25 	safety infrastructure, such as fire sprinklers or fire detection systems; and
120.26 	(v) the covered battery stewardship organization must meet and agree on the proposed 
120.27 	reimbursement rates with covered battery collectors and prospective covered battery 
120.28 	collectors that are not household hazardous waste management programs;
120.29 	(30) documentation that the covered battery collectors and prospective covered battery 
120.30 	collectors identified in clause (4) have agreed to the proposed reimbursement rates in clauses 
120.31 	(28) and (29);
121.1 	(31) documentation that the number of covered battery collection sites identified in 
121.2 	clause (7) to be operated by the covered battery collectors identified in clause (4) are 
121.3 	sufficient to ensure that the covered battery stewardship organization will comply with the 
121.4 	convenience standards of subdivision 3;
121.5 	(32) a description of the system by which the covered battery stewardship organization 
121.6 	will provide advance payment or reimbursement to covered battery collectors in a manner 
121.7 	that provides:
121.8 	(i) periodic automatic payment of reimbursements at least annually; or
121.9 	(ii) a process for submitting reimbursement requests and reasonable timelines for 
121.10 	reimbursement, at intervals no longer than monthly unless otherwise agreed to by the covered 
121.11 	battery collector;
121.12 	(33) a description of the system by which the covered battery stewardship organization 
121.13 	will pay persons providing covered services in a manner that provides:
121.14 	(i) a clear process for submitting invoices; and
121.15 	(ii) reasonable timelines for payment, at intervals agreed to by the person providing 
121.16 	covered services;
121.17 	(34) a description of how the covered battery stewardship program costs will be allocated 
121.18 	among participants, either individually or among groups of participants identified by the 
121.19 	covered battery stewardship organization, such that the costs of managing covered batteries 
121.20 	are allocated equitably. As part of this description, a clear assignment of responsibility for 
121.21 	costs of managing covered batteries subject to a voluntary or mandatory recall to the 
121.22 	participant or participants associated with those covered batteries and not other participants 
121.23 	must be included;
121.24 	(35) a description of how the covered battery stewardship organization will comply with 
121.25 	subdivision 6, paragraph (b);
121.26 	(36) a description of how the covered battery stewardship organization will ensure that 
121.27 	covered batteries and residual materials managed under the covered battery stewardship 
121.28 	program are managed to the maximum extent practicable in accordance with section 115A.02, 
121.29 	paragraph (b);
121.30 	(37) a description of how the covered battery stewardship organization will take actions 
121.31 	within its purview and provide feedback for covered battery producers to enable 
121.32 	improvements in product design and material use, technology, and personnel training that 
122.1 	could raise the future maximum extent practicable for management described in clause (36), 
122.2 	including consideration of covered battery reuse, repair, and product life cycle;
122.3 	(38) a description of how the covered battery stewardship organization will annually 
122.4 	report to the commissioner, by chemistry by weight, the end management through recycling 
122.5 	or disposal of covered batteries for which the covered battery stewardship program was 
122.6 	responsible during each calendar year; and
122.7 	(39) a description of how the covered battery stewardship organization will take action 
122.8 	to decrease the incidence of covered batteries in solid waste in the state, including providing 
122.9 	collection opportunities under section 115A.1337, subdivision 2, paragraph (b).
122.10 	(b) By January 1, 2029, and annually thereafter, a covered battery stewardship 
122.11 	organization must submit an anticipated annual budget for the covered battery stewardship 
122.12 	program for that calendar year, broken down into the covered battery stewardship program's 
122.13 	estimated costs for administration, collection, sorting after collection, storage after collection, 
122.14 	transportation after collection, processing, recycling, disposal, and communication, including 
122.15 	the cost of fees under section 115A.1339. The budget is not subject to review and approval 
122.16 	under subdivisions 4 and 5.
122.17 		Subd. 3.Convenience standards. (a) A covered battery stewardship plan must provide 
122.18 	convenient, statewide collection for all covered batteries that are offered to covered battery 
122.19 	collectors by a person in the state, regardless of:
122.20 	(1) a covered battery's type, physical size, energy capacity, or chemistry;
122.21 	(2) a covered battery's brand; or
122.22 	(3) the producer of a covered battery.
122.23 	(b) A covered battery stewardship plan submitted by a covered battery stewardship 
122.24 	organization must independently meet the convenience standards in paragraphs (c) to (d) 
122.25 	without cost sharing, collaboration, or consideration of activities of another covered battery 
122.26 	stewardship organization.
122.27 	(c) For covered small batteries, a covered battery stewardship organization must:
122.28 	(1) in each county with a population of 10,000 or less, maintain at least two covered 
122.29 	small battery collection sites;
122.30 	(2) in each county with a population greater than 10,000 but less than or equal to 100,000, 
122.31 	maintain at least two covered small battery collection sites and at least one additional covered 
123.1 	small battery collection site for each additional 10,000 in population above a population of 
123.2 	10,000;
123.3 	(3) in each county with a population greater than 100,000, maintain at least 11 covered 
123.4 	small battery collection sites and at least one additional covered small battery collection 
123.5 	site for each additional 50,000 in population above a population of 100,000; and
123.6 	(4) maintain a covered small battery collection site located within ten miles of the 
123.7 	household of at least 95 percent of the residents of the state.
123.8 	(d) For covered medium batteries, a covered battery stewardship organization must:
123.9 	(1) in each county with a population of 100,000 or less, maintain at least one covered 
123.10 	medium battery collection site;
123.11 	(2) in each county with a population greater than 100,000, maintain at least two covered 
123.12 	medium battery collection sites and at least one additional covered medium battery collection 
123.13 	site for each additional 100,000 in population above a population of 100,000; and
123.14 	(3) maintain a covered medium battery collection site located within ten miles of the 
123.15 	household of at least 95 percent of the residents of the state.
123.16 	(e) When demonstrating compliance with paragraphs (c) and (d), a covered battery 
123.17 	stewardship organization may count a covered medium battery collection site as a covered 
123.18 	small battery collection site.
123.19 	(f) A covered battery stewardship organization must ensure no net loss in estimated 
123.20 	collection convenience and capacity for covered batteries from the program in place on 
123.21 	January 1, 2026.
123.22 	(g) Upon a showing by a covered battery stewardship organization that meeting the 
123.23 	convenience standard of paragraph (c) or (d), for a specific county or development region 
123.24 	would cause undue hardship to the covered battery stewardship organization, the 
123.25 	commissioner may approve an alternative convenience standard if the proposed alternative 
123.26 	convenience standard would reasonably result in equivalent covered battery collection 
123.27 	convenience.
123.28 		Subd. 4.Review of covered battery stewardship plan; implementation. (a) Within 
123.29 	120 days after receiving a complete covered battery stewardship plan submitted under this 
123.30 	section, the commissioner must determine whether the stewardship plan complies with this 
123.31 	section and will ensure that elements required by subdivision 2, paragraph (a), will be met 
123.32 	to the maximum extent practicable. The commissioner must provide a written notice of 
123.33 	determination according to this subdivision.
124.1 	(b) In conducting a review of a covered battery stewardship plan, the commissioner may 
124.2 	consult with interested parties.
124.3 	(c) For at least 30 days before approving a covered battery stewardship plan, the 
124.4 	commissioner must place the stewardship plan on the agency's publicly accessible website 
124.5 	for public review and comment.
124.6 	(d) If the commissioner determines that a covered battery stewardship plan fails to 
124.7 	comply with this section or will not ensure that elements required by subdivision 2, paragraph 
124.8 	(a), will be met to the maximum extent practicable, the commissioner must reject the covered 
124.9 	battery stewardship plan. The commissioner must provide a written notice of determination 
124.10 	to the covered battery stewardship organization describing the reasons for the rejection.
124.11 	(e) After any consultation under paragraph (b) and review of public comments received 
124.12 	under paragraph (c), if the commissioner determines that a covered battery stewardship plan 
124.13 	complies with this section and will ensure that elements required by subdivision 2, paragraph 
124.14 	(a), will be met to the maximum extent practicable, the commissioner must approve the 
124.15 	covered battery stewardship plan. The commissioner must provide a written notice of 
124.16 	determination to the covered battery stewardship organization and must publish the approved 
124.17 	covered battery stewardship plan on the agency's publicly accessible website within 30 days 
124.18 	after approval.
124.19 	(f) The covered battery stewardship organization must implement the covered battery 
124.20 	stewardship plan approved by the commissioner, including any amendments to the 
124.21 	stewardship plan that are approved by the commissioner according to subdivision 5, within 
124.22 	60 days after receiving written notice of approval.
124.23 	(g) For each covered battery stewardship plan or amendment submitted to the 
124.24 	commissioner for review, the commissioner may consider the data submitted according to 
124.25 	section 115A.1337, subdivision 6, and other relevant information to establish requirements 
124.26 	to improve the effectiveness, performance, and awareness of the covered battery stewardship 
124.27 	program.
124.28 		Subd. 5.Amending or terminating a covered battery stewardship plan. (a) A covered 
124.29 	battery stewardship organization may amend a covered battery stewardship plan approved 
124.30 	under subdivision 4 without review or approval by the commissioner to make the changes 
124.31 	specified in clauses (1) to (3). Within 30 days after adopting an amendment under this 
124.32 	paragraph, a covered battery stewardship organization must report the amendment to the 
124.33 	commissioner and the commissioner must publish the amended stewardship plan on the 
124.34 	agency's publicly accessible website. A covered battery stewardship organization must 
125.1 	implement amendments made to a stewardship plan under this paragraph within 60 days 
125.2 	after adopting the amendment. A covered battery stewardship organization may:
125.3 	(1) add; terminate, when authorized under section 115A.1337, subdivision 1, if applicable; 
125.4 	or replace a covered battery collector, collection site, person providing covered services, 
125.5 	or facility where covered services will be performed;
125.6 	(2) add or remove participants or brands covered under a covered battery stewardship 
125.7 	plan; or
125.8 	(3) change contact staff or contact staff information for a covered battery stewardship 
125.9 	organization, participants, covered battery collectors, or persons providing covered services.
125.10 	(b) Except for an amendment under paragraph (a), a covered battery stewardship plan 
125.11 	containing any amendment must be submitted to and reviewed and approved by the 
125.12 	commissioner before it may be implemented by a covered battery stewardship organization. 
125.13 	The commissioner must review and approve or reject the covered battery stewardship plan 
125.14 	containing the proposed amendment according to subdivision 4.
125.15 	(c) A covered battery stewardship organization must submit an amended covered battery 
125.16 	stewardship plan for review:
125.17 	(1) at least every five years according to this subdivision and subdivision 4; or
125.18 	(2) within 60 days if the commissioner determines that an amended stewardship plan is 
125.19 	necessary to implement sections 115A.1331 to 115A.1347.
125.20 	(d) A covered battery stewardship organization may terminate a covered battery 
125.21 	stewardship plan only:
125.22 	(1) by providing at least 90 days' written notice to the commissioner and to all covered 
125.23 	battery stewardship organizations and participants in the covered battery stewardship 
125.24 	program; and
125.25 	(2) after a replacement covered battery stewardship plan submitted by the covered battery 
125.26 	stewardship organization or a new covered battery stewardship organization is approved 
125.27 	by the commissioner under subdivision 4.
125.28 	(e) The commissioner may terminate a covered battery stewardship plan for good cause, 
125.29 	as defined in paragraph (f). If the commissioner terminates a covered battery stewardship 
125.30 	plan, the commissioner must provide the covered battery stewardship organization with 
125.31 	written notice of termination describing the good cause for termination. The commissioner 
125.32 	must also notify all participants in the covered battery stewardship program in writing of 
126.1 	the termination, using the contact information for the participants provided in the covered 
126.2 	battery stewardship plan.
126.3 	(f) For purposes of paragraph (e), "good cause" includes but is not limited to:
126.4 	(1) failure by a covered battery stewardship organization to:
126.5 	(i) fully and accurately disclose required or requested information to the commissioner;
126.6 	(ii) comply with the terms of sections 115A.1331 to 115A.1347; or
126.7 	(iii) pay fees or penalties owed to the commissioner or comply with an order lawfully 
126.8 	issued by the commissioner; and
126.9 	(2) a finding that a covered battery stewardship organization's activities endanger human 
126.10 	health or the environment and the danger cannot reasonably be removed by an amendment 
126.11 	to a covered battery stewardship plan.
126.12 		Subd. 6.Compliance. (a) A covered battery stewardship organization must comply with 
126.13 	a covered battery stewardship plan approved by the commissioner, including any amendments 
126.14 	to the stewardship plan that are made according to subdivision 5, paragraph (a) or (b). A 
126.15 	covered battery stewardship organization must ensure that all participants, covered battery 
126.16 	collectors, and persons providing covered services acting on behalf of the covered battery 
126.17 	stewardship organization also comply with the stewardship plan and are responsible to the 
126.18 	covered battery stewardship organization and to the commissioner for compliance.
126.19 	(b) A covered battery stewardship organization must ensure that covered battery collectors 
126.20 	are reimbursed according to the reimbursement rates approved by the commissioner according 
126.21 	to this section and the system described in a covered battery stewardship plan.
126.22 	(c) A covered battery stewardship organization must ensure that all costs of a covered 
126.23 	battery stewardship program as specified in sections 115A.1331 to 115A.1347 are fully 
126.24 	paid for by participants. All costs of a covered battery stewardship program must be allocated 
126.25 	fairly between groups of participants without any fee, charge, surcharge, or any other cost 
126.26 	to:
126.27 	(1) any member of the public;
126.28 	(2) any business other than a covered battery producer;
126.29 	(3) any covered battery collector;
126.30 	(4) any person providing covered services;
126.31 	(5) the state or any political subdivision; or
127.1 	(6) any other person that is not a covered battery producer.

127.2 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2026.

127.3 	Sec. 5. [115A.1337] COVERED BATTERY STEWARDSHIP ORGANIZATION; 
127.4 	DUTIES AND STRUCTURE.
127.5 		Subdivision 1.Duties to covered battery collectors. (a) A covered battery stewardship 
127.6 	organization must ensure that the following are provided to each covered battery collector:
127.7 	(1) reimbursement at the rates determined according to section 115A.1335 and the system 
127.8 	described in a covered battery stewardship plan;
127.9 	(2) pickup and transport of collected covered batteries from each covered battery 
127.10 	collection site in sufficient time and quantity to allow a covered battery collector to safely 
127.11 	receive covered batteries without interruption or cost to the covered battery collector;
127.12 	(3) appropriate containers for storage and transportation of covered batteries and supplies 
127.13 	necessary for the collection of covered batteries;
127.14 	(4) signage to identify collection sites and the covered batteries accepted at the collection 
127.15 	sites;
127.16 	(5) training for covered battery collection site employees on identifying and safely 
127.17 	handling and storing covered batteries, including damaged, defective, or recalled batteries, 
127.18 	also known as DDR batteries; and
127.19 	(6) educational materials that address the information described in subdivision 4, 
127.20 	paragraph (a), clause (3), for distribution to members of the public and businesses in 
127.21 	Minnesota. The educational materials must be made available in English and at least the 
127.22 	three languages most commonly spoken at homes in the state other than English, according 
127.23 	to the state demographer.
127.24 	(b) A covered battery stewardship organizations must consider the request of a covered 
127.25 	battery collector to perform covered services if the covered battery collector meets the 
127.26 	performance standards in a covered battery stewardship plan under section 115A.1335, 
127.27 	subdivision 2, paragraph (a), clause (14), and the covered battery collector and the covered 
127.28 	battery stewardship organization agree after negotiation in good faith on the fees to be paid 
127.29 	to the covered battery collector for performing the covered services. A covered battery 
127.30 	stewardship plan must identify the covered battery collector as providing covered services 
127.31 	according to section 115A.1335, subdivision 2, paragraph (a), clause (5).
128.1 	(c) A covered battery stewardship organizations must allow the following persons to 
128.2 	serve as a covered battery collector:
128.3 	(1) a person that agrees to operate or continues to operate a covered battery collection 
128.4 	site in compliance with:
128.5 	(i) section 115A.1341, subdivision 1, paragraphs (a) and (d);
128.6 	(ii) section 115A.1341, subdivision 1, paragraph (b) or (c), as applicable;
128.7 	(iii) the conditions in section 115A.1335, subdivision 2, paragraph (a), clauses (17) to 
128.8 	(20), (22), and (23); and
128.9 	(iv) any other applicable provisions of a covered battery stewardship plan in section 
128.10 	115A.1335; and
128.11 	(2) a household hazardous waste management program.
128.12 	(d) A covered battery stewardship organization may not require a person that sells, offers 
128.13 	for sale or promotional purposes, distributes, or facilitates a sale of a covered battery or 
128.14 	battery-containing product in or into the state to be a covered battery collector or operate a 
128.15 	covered battery collection site.
128.16 	(e) A covered battery stewardship organization may terminate a covered battery collector, 
128.17 	except a household hazardous waste management program, and cease payment to the covered 
128.18 	battery collector for good cause. Good cause under this paragraph does not include accepting 
128.19 	a battery subject to recall. A covered battery stewardship organization may suspend a covered 
128.20 	battery collector that is a household hazardous waste management program and cease 
128.21 	payment to the covered battery collector for good cause with the approval of the 
128.22 	commissioner, until the commissioner determines that the household hazardous waste 
128.23 	management program is compliant with sections 115A.1331 to 115A.1347.
128.24 		Subd. 2.Accessibility. (a) A covered battery stewardship program must provide 
128.25 	convenient, equitable, and accessible service to all persons in Minnesota, including but not 
128.26 	limited to people of color; Minnesota Tribal governments as defined in section 10.65, 
128.27 	subdivision 2; those that are non-English speaking; immigrant and refugee communities; 
128.28 	those with limited access to transportation; and those in environmental justice areas.
128.29 	(b) A covered battery stewardship program must include collection opportunities beyond 
128.30 	those required under section 115A.1335, subdivision 3, to better serve populations under 
128.31 	paragraph (a).
129.1 	(c) Where feasible, a covered battery stewardship program must encourage establishing 
129.2 	covered battery collection sites in proximity to local public transit.
129.3 		Subd. 3.Oversight. A covered battery stewardship organization must ensure that covered 
129.4 	batteries and residual materials managed under a covered battery stewardship program are 
129.5 	managed according to the performance standards in section 115A.1335, subdivision 2, 
129.6 	paragraph (a), clause (14), by all persons providing covered services.
129.7 		Subd. 4.Program effectiveness. (a) To support the effectiveness of a covered battery 
129.8 	stewardship program, a covered battery stewardship organization must provide outreach 
129.9 	and education to:
129.10 	(1) persons that might sell, offer for sale or promotional purposes, distribute, or facilitate 
129.11 	a sale of covered batteries in or into the state, to inform them of the requirements of section 
129.12 	115A.1347, subdivision 2;
129.13 	(2) potential covered battery collectors and persons that are collecting covered batteries 
129.14 	before the effective date of this section to inform them how to request coverage by a covered 
129.15 	battery stewardship program; and
129.16 	(3) members of the public to raise awareness of:
129.17 	(i) public health and safety and environmental risks caused by improperly charging, 
129.18 	storing, and disposing of covered batteries;
129.19 	(ii) the need to safely charge and store covered batteries;
129.20 	(iii) the benefits of recycling covered batteries in contrast to disposal; and
129.21 	(iv) the existence of a covered battery stewardship program and the ability to manage 
129.22 	covered batteries at no cost, including the location and convenience of covered battery 
129.23 	collection sites in the state.
129.24 	(b) A covered battery stewardship organization must maintain a publicly accessible 
129.25 	website to locate covered battery collection sites through map-based and text-based searches.
129.26 	(c) The commissioner may determine the effectiveness of a covered battery stewardship 
129.27 	program using information from waste composition studies under section 115A.412 and 
129.28 	other information available to the commissioner. The commissioner may require a covered 
129.29 	battery stewardship organization to submit for approval proposals that when implemented 
129.30 	would decrease the incidence of covered batteries in solid waste in accordance with section 
129.31 	115A.1335, subdivision 2, paragraph (a), clause (39). A covered battery stewardship 
129.32 	organization must implement a proposal that is approved by the commissioner.
130.1 		Subd. 5.Stakeholder consultation. (a) A covered battery stewardship organization 
130.2 	must regularly consult with stakeholders associated with covered batteries. If there is more 
130.3 	than one covered battery stewardship organization, each covered battery stewardship 
130.4 	organization must jointly fulfill the requirements of this subdivision. At least one consultation 
130.5 	meeting must occur before a covered battery stewardship plan is submitted to the 
130.6 	commissioner.
130.7 	(b) A consultation meeting is to:
130.8 	(1) assist with drafting and continuous review of a covered battery stewardship 
130.9 	organization's outreach and education activities, including but not limited to signage and 
130.10 	educational materials; and
130.11 	(2) make recommendations to a covered battery stewardship organization and the 
130.12 	commissioner to continuously improve the effectiveness of the outreach and education 
130.13 	activities and maximize participation in a covered battery stewardship program.
130.14 	(c) A meeting must include representatives of stakeholders of a covered battery 
130.15 	stewardship program, including but not limited to the commissioner, household hazardous 
130.16 	waste management programs, covered battery collectors that are not household waste 
130.17 	management programs, persons providing or that might provide covered services, producers, 
130.18 	and other persons providing statewide representation.
130.19 		Subd. 6.Reporting. By June 1 each year after a covered battery stewardship plan is 
130.20 	approved under section 115A.1335, subdivision 4, a covered battery stewardship organization 
130.21 	must report to the commissioner, in a form and manner prescribed by the commissioner, 
130.22 	on the covered battery stewardship organization's activities during the preceding calendar 
130.23 	year. A report must include:
130.24 	(1) the address, county of location, and geolocation data for each covered battery 
130.25 	collection site served by the covered battery stewardship program during the preceding 
130.26 	calendar year;
130.27 	(2) the chemistry by weight of covered batteries collected during each calendar year, in 
130.28 	accordance with section 115A.1335, subdivision 2, paragraph (a), clause (25);
130.29 	(3) a description by chemistry by weight of the end management through recycling or 
130.30 	disposal of the covered batteries shipped from covered battery collection sites under the 
130.31 	covered battery stewardship program, in accordance with section 115A.1335, subdivision 
130.32 	2, paragraph (a), clause (38);
131.1 	(4) the method or methods of verification used by the covered battery stewardship 
131.2 	organization to ensure that the description in clause (3) accurately reflects the actual end 
131.3 	management of the covered batteries;
131.4 	(5) the effectiveness of the covered battery stewardship organization's efforts to decrease 
131.5 	the incidence of covered batteries in solid waste in the state, in accordance with section 
131.6 	115A.1335, subdivision 2, paragraph (a), clause (39);
131.7 	(6) a summary of the results of the oversight according to section 115A.1335, subdivision 
131.8 	2, paragraph (a), clause (14);
131.9 	(7) a description of outreach and education activities provided by the covered battery 
131.10 	stewardship organization during the preceding calendar year according to subdivision 4;
131.11 	(8) a financial report on the covered battery stewardship program, including actual costs 
131.12 	and funding compared to the budget for the year submitted under section 115A.1335, 
131.13 	subdivision 2, paragraph (b). The financial report must include an audit report of the covered 
131.14 	battery stewardship program, including the covered battery stewardship organization and 
131.15 	any additional covered battery stewardship organizations, by an independent auditor. The 
131.16 	independent auditor may be selected by the covered battery stewardship organization and 
131.17 	may be rejected by the commissioner for good cause. If the commissioner rejects an 
131.18 	independent auditor, the covered battery stewardship organization must select a different 
131.19 	independent auditor, which may be rejected by the commissioner for good cause;
131.20 	(9) the proposed and actual budget for the period covered by the report; and
131.21 	(10) starting in the second year after the covered battery stewardship organization's first 
131.22 	covered battery stewardship plan is approved by the commissioner, and then every third 
131.23 	year thereafter, a performance audit of the covered battery stewardship program. The 
131.24 	performance audit must conform to audit standards established by the United States 
131.25 	Government Accountability Office; the National Association of State Auditors, Comptrollers 
131.26 	and Treasurers; or another nationally recognized organization approved by the commissioner.
131.27 		Subd. 7.Organization of a covered battery stewardship organization. (a) A covered 
131.28 	battery stewardship organization must comply with section 5.36.
131.29 	(b) A covered battery stewardship organization may contract with any persons to 
131.30 	implement or administer a portion or portions of a covered battery stewardship plan or to 
131.31 	coordinate with a group or groups of participants.
131.32 	(c) A contract established under paragraph (b) must be described under section 
131.33 	115A.1335, subdivision 2, paragraph (a), clause (6).
132.1 	(d) Notwithstanding any contract established under paragraph (b), a covered battery 
132.2 	stewardship organization must:
132.3 	(1) submit a covered battery stewardship plan to the commissioner meeting the 
132.4 	requirements of sections 115A.1331 to 115A.1347;
132.5 	(2) submit a report to the commissioner according to subdivision 6 meeting the 
132.6 	requirements of sections 115A.1331 to 115A.1347;
132.7 	(3) serve as the single point of contact for reporting, reimbursement, and payment to the 
132.8 	agency; and
132.9 	(4) maintain all responsibility and liability for compliance with all other requirements 
132.10 	of sections 115A.1331 to 115A.1347 applicable to a covered battery stewardship organization.

132.11 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2026.

132.12 	Sec. 6. [115A.1339] FEES.
132.13 		Subdivision 1.Administrative fees. (a) By October 1, 2027, the commissioner must 
132.14 	calculate the sum of all costs that the agency incurred to implement and administer sections 
132.15 	115A.1331 to 115A.1347 from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027.
132.16 	(b) By December 1, 2027, the commissioner must assess an administrative fee and 
132.17 	equally split the fee among all covered battery stewardship organizations at an amount that 
132.18 	is adequate to reimburse the agency's costs calculated under paragraph (a). A covered battery 
132.19 	stewardship organization must pay the assessed administrative fee by the due date set by 
132.20 	the commissioner.
132.21 	(c) By April 1, 2028, and annually thereafter, the commissioner must calculate the sum 
132.22 	of all costs that the agency incurred to implement and administer sections 115A.1331 to 
132.23 	115A.1347 during the six months of July through December of the preceding calendar year. 
132.24 	By October 1, 2028, and annually thereafter, the commissioner must calculate the sum of 
132.25 	all costs that the agency incurred to implement and administer sections 115A.1331 to 
132.26 	115A.1347 during the six months of January through June of that calendar year.
132.27 	(d) Notwithstanding section 16A.1283, the commissioner must semiannually assess the 
132.28 	annual administrative fees and equally split the fees among all covered battery stewardship 
132.29 	organizations at an amount that is adequate to reimburse the agency's costs calculated under 
132.30 	paragraph (c). A covered battery stewardship organization must pay the assessed 
132.31 	administrative fees by the due dates set by the commissioner.
133.1 	(e) All agency costs calculated under this subdivision may be recovered in a civil action 
133.2 	brought by the attorney general against any person that may be liable under this subdivision 
133.3 	or any other law. Any costs that are recovered by the attorney general, including any award 
133.4 	of attorney fees, must be deposited in the covered battery stewardship account in the special 
133.5 	revenue fund.
133.6 		Subd. 2.Disposition of fees. The total amount of net fees collected under this section 
133.7 	must not exceed the amount necessary to reimburse agency costs as calculated under 
133.8 	subdivision 1. All fees received under subdivision 1 must be deposited in the state treasury 
133.9 	and credited to a covered battery stewardship account in the special revenue fund. The 
133.10 	amount collected under this section is annually appropriated to the commissioner to 
133.11 	implement and enforce sections 115A.1331 to 115A.1347.

133.12 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2026.

133.13 	Sec. 7. [115A.1341] COVERED BATTERY COLLECTOR DUTIES.
133.14 		Subdivision 1.Accepting covered batteries. (a) A covered battery collector must accept 
133.15 	covered batteries of any brand, type, or chemistry without imposing a fee, charge, surcharge, 
133.16 	or other cost to any person other than a covered battery stewardship organization.
133.17 	(b) At a covered medium battery collection site, a covered battery collector must accept 
133.18 	from any person daily at least:
133.19 	(1) ten covered small batteries; and
133.20 	(2) four covered medium batteries.
133.21 	(c) At a covered small battery collection site, a covered battery collector must accept 
133.22 	from any person daily at least ten covered small batteries.
133.23 	(d) A covered battery collection site must be open to receiving covered batteries at least 
133.24 	12 operating hours per week, 50 weeks each calendar year.
133.25 	(e) A household hazardous waste management program may accept covered batteries 
133.26 	at any covered battery collection site that the program operates.
133.27 	(f) A covered battery stewardship organization may count a covered battery collection 
133.28 	site when demonstrating compliance with the convenience standards under section 
133.29 	115A.1335, subdivision 3, only if the covered battery collection site complies with paragraph 
133.30 	(b) or (c).
133.31 		Subd. 2.Storing accepted covered batteries. A covered battery collector must manage 
133.32 	and store all accepted covered batteries safely and in compliance with all applicable federal, 
134.1 	state, and local laws, including but not limited to applicable rules adopted under section 
134.2 	116.07 for managing solid waste and hazardous waste.
134.3 		Subd. 3.Training. A covered battery collector must ensure and document that training 
134.4 	is provided for covered battery collection site employees on identifying and safely handling 
134.5 	and storing covered batteries, including damaged, defective, or recalled batteries, also known 
134.6 	as DDR batteries. A covered battery collector may provide the training or may receive 
134.7 	training through a covered battery stewardship organization.
134.8 		Subd. 4.Record keeping. (a) A covered battery collector must maintain records as 
134.9 	specified in this paragraph for at least three years and make the records available to the 
134.10 	commissioner for inspection. The records must include the chemistry by weight of covered 
134.11 	batteries and any additional information required by the commissioner. The records must 
134.12 	document for each calendar year the covered batteries:
134.13 	(1) accepted at a covered battery collection site; and
134.14 	(2) shipped from a covered battery collection site.
134.15 	(b) A covered battery collector must maintain documentation of each employee's training 
134.16 	related to covered batteries starting on the date of training and for at least three years 
134.17 	following the last day that the employee worked for the covered battery collector.

134.18 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2026.

134.19 	Sec. 8. [115A.1345] OTHER AUTHORITIES AND DUTIES.
134.20 		Subdivision 1.Limited private right of action against producers. (a) Except as 
134.21 	provided in paragraph (d), a covered battery stewardship organization may maintain a civil 
134.22 	action against one or more covered battery producers to recover a portion of the covered 
134.23 	battery stewardship organization's costs and additional amounts according to this subdivision.
134.24 	(b) Damages recoverable under this subdivision may not exceed a fair share of the actual 
134.25 	costs incurred by the plaintiff covered battery stewardship organization under sections 
134.26 	115A.1331 to 115A.1347; of managing covered batteries of other covered battery producers 
134.27 	that were not participants; or that should otherwise have been due to the covered battery 
134.28 	stewardship organization. Additional amounts recoverable under this subdivision include 
134.29 	an award of reasonable attorney fees and costs. If a defendant covered battery producer did 
134.30 	not participate in a covered battery stewardship program during the period when covered 
134.31 	batteries of the defendant were managed by the plaintiff covered battery stewardship 
134.32 	organization, a punitive sum of up to three times the damages awarded may be assessed.
135.1 	(c) A plaintiff covered battery stewardship organization may establish a defendant 
135.2 	covered battery producer's fair share of the plaintiff's actual costs by providing the court 
135.3 	with information establishing the process by which the defendant covered battery producer's 
135.4 	share of covered battery stewardship program costs would have been allocated had the 
135.5 	defendant covered battery producer been a participant in the program or paid its allocated 
135.6 	share if it was a participant. A plaintiff covered battery stewardship organization may use 
135.7 	data from covered battery producers similar in covered battery, financial status, or market 
135.8 	share to the defendant covered battery producer to provide the information.
135.9 	(d) An action may not be commenced under this subdivision against a potential defendant 
135.10 	until 60 days after the plaintiff provides to all potential defendants a written notice of the 
135.11 	claim setting forth the amount of the claim and the basis for the calculation of the amount.
135.12 	(e) No action may be brought under this subdivision against a person other than a covered 
135.13 	battery producer.
135.14 	(f) The commissioner may not be a party to or be required to provide assistance or 
135.15 	otherwise participate in a civil action authorized under this subdivision unless subject to a 
135.16 	subpoena before a court of jurisdiction.
135.17 		Subd. 2.Conduct authorized. A covered battery producer or covered battery stewardship 
135.18 	organization that organizes collection and covered services for covered batteries under 
135.19 	sections 115A.1331 to 115A.1347 is immune from liability for the conduct under state laws 
135.20 	relating to antitrust, restraint of trade, unfair trade practices, and other regulation of trade 
135.21 	or commerce only to the extent that the conduct is necessary to plan and implement the 
135.22 	covered battery producer's or covered battery stewardship organization's chosen system.
135.23 		Subd. 3.Duty to retain and provide information. (a) Upon request of the commissioner 
135.24 	for purposes of implementing sections 115A.1331 to 115A.1347, 115A.9157, or 325E.125, 
135.25 	a person must furnish to the commissioner any information that the person has or may 
135.26 	reasonably obtain.
135.27 	(b) A covered battery stewardship organization must retain any information referenced 
135.28 	in a covered battery stewardship plan or report required under section 115A.1337 for at 
135.29 	least three years after the termination of the covered battery stewardship plan.
135.30 		Subd. 4.Contracts. (a) Any person awarded a contract under chapter 16C for purchase 
135.31 	or lease of covered batteries that is found to be in violation of sections 115A.1331 to 
135.32 	115A.1347 is subject to the following sanctions:
136.1 	(1) the contract must be voided if the commissioner of administration determines that 
136.2 	the potential adverse impact to the state is exceeded by the benefit obtained from voiding 
136.3 	the contract; and
136.4 	(2) the contractor is subject to suspension and disbarment under Minnesota Rules, part 
136.5 	1230.1150.
136.6 	(b) If the attorney general establishes that any money, property, or benefit was obtained 
136.7 	by a contractor as a result of violating sections 115A.1331 to 115A.1347, the court may, in 
136.8 	addition to any other remedy, order the disgorgement of the unlawfully obtained money, 
136.9 	property, or benefit.
136.10 		Subd. 5.Multistate implementation. The commissioner may participate in establishing 
136.11 	a regional multistate organization or compact to assist in carrying out the requirements of 
136.12 	sections 115A.1331 to 115A.1347.
136.13 		Subd. 6.Rules. The commissioner may adopt rules to implement sections 115A.1331 
136.14 	to 115A.1347. The 18-month time limit under section 14.125 does not apply to rulemaking 
136.15 	under this subdivision.
136.16 		Subd. 7.Batteries subject to recall for safety reasons. All costs for receipt, sorting, 
136.17 	storage, transport, processing, recycling, and disposal of a battery subject to recall for safety 
136.18 	reasons that would otherwise be a covered battery are the responsibility of the person that 
136.19 	would otherwise be the covered battery producer of the battery. A covered battery stewardship 
136.20 	organization may charge that person for any costs incurred by the covered battery stewardship 
136.21 	organization managing such a battery. The covered battery stewardship organization may 
136.22 	take action under subdivision 1 to recover such costs. A covered battery stewardship 
136.23 	organization is responsible only for collection and management of such a battery if received 
136.24 	by a covered battery collector, and not any other actions associated with recall of the battery.

136.25 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2026.

136.26 	Sec. 9. [115A.1347] DISPOSAL PROHIBITIONS; BATTERY LABELING; 
136.27 	COVERED BATTERY SALES RESTRICTION.
136.28 		Subdivision 1.Disposal prohibition. (a) A person may not place a covered battery into:
136.29 	(1) solid waste; or
136.30 	(2) a recycling container that a covered battery collector, or another person that will 
136.31 	ensure proper management of collected covered batteries, has not clearly marked for use 
136.32 	for collecting covered batteries.
137.1 	(b) A person must manage a covered battery that is discarded by delivering the covered 
137.2 	battery to a covered battery collection site or to a recycling facility for covered batteries.
137.3 	(c) Until recycled, covered batteries are not exempt from any applicable rules adopted 
137.4 	under section 116.07 for managing hazardous waste.
137.5 	(d) An owner or operator of a waste facility or recycling facility may only be found in 
137.6 	violation of paragraph (a) or (b) for a covered battery placed by another person if:
137.7 	(1) the commissioner first determines that the owner or operator has not complied with 
137.8 	the applicable requirements of the solid waste permit issued by the commissioner or 
137.9 	established by rule, such as requirements for the management of materials that are prohibited 
137.10 	for placement in solid waste; and
137.11 	(2) the owner or operator does not immediately remove and properly manage the covered 
137.12 	battery when the owner or operator discovers it.
137.13 		Subd. 2.Labeling and sale; requirements. (a) A person may not sell, including online 
137.14 	sales; offer for sale or promotional purposes; distribute; or facilitate a sale of a covered 
137.15 	battery in or into the state unless the covered battery is labeled as required under clauses 
137.16 	(1) and (2). Labeling under this paragraph must be permanently marked on or affixed to the 
137.17 	covered battery and must use language, graphics, or a QR code. A QR code must be 
137.18 	compliant with International Organization of Standardization 18004:2015 and access 
137.19 	equivalent data via the Internet that is available without a fee or a requirement to create an 
137.20 	account. The labeling must identify:
137.21 	(1) the battery chemistry employed to store energy in the battery; and
137.22 	(2) the manufacturer of the battery or the brand under which the battery will be sold.
137.23 	(b) A person may not sell, including online sales; offer for sale or promotional purposes; 
137.24 	distribute; or facilitate a sale of a covered battery or a battery-containing product in or into 
137.25 	the state unless:
137.26 	(1) the covered battery producer is named as a participant in a covered battery stewardship 
137.27 	plan published on the agency's publicly accessible website under section 115A.1335, 
137.28 	subdivision 4, paragraph (e), or 5, paragraph (a);
137.29 	(2) the brand is named as covered in a covered battery stewardship plan published on 
137.30 	the agency's publicly accessible website under section 115A.1335, subdivision 4, paragraph 
137.31 	(e), or 5, paragraph (a); or
138.1 	(3) the covered battery stewardship organization with which the covered battery producer 
138.2 	is a participant has obtained approval of reimbursement rates according to section 115A.1335.
138.3 	(c) A person may not sell, including online sales; offer for sale or promotional purposes; 
138.4 	distribute; or facilitate a sale of a covered battery or a battery-containing product in or into 
138.5 	the state if the covered battery stewardship plan under which the covered battery was covered 
138.6 	has been terminated under section 115A.1335, subdivision 5, until a new covered battery 
138.7 	stewardship plan is approved under section 115A.1335, subdivision 4.
138.8 	(d) This subdivision does not apply to sales, including online sales; offers for sale or 
138.9 	promotional purposes; distribution; or facilitation of a sale of a used covered battery or used 
138.10 	battery-containing product.
138.11 	(e) A person is not in violation of paragraph (b) or (c) if, within six months before the 
138.12 	date the person sells, offers for sale or promotional purposes, distributes, or facilitates a sale 
138.13 	of a covered battery or battery-containing product in or into the state, a covered battery 
138.14 	stewardship plan published on the agency's publicly accessible website under section 
138.15 	115A.1335, subdivision 4, paragraph (e), or 5, paragraph (a), identified the covered battery 
138.16 	producer as a participant or the brand as covered in a covered battery stewardship program.

138.17 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2029.

138.18 	Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 115A.554, is amended to read:
138.19 	115A.554 AUTHORITY OF SANITARY DISTRICTS.
138.20 	A sanitary district has the authorities and duties of counties within the district's boundary 
138.21 	for purposes of sections 115A.0716; 115A.46, subdivisions 4 and 5; 115A.48; 115A.551; 
138.22 	115A.552; 115A.553; 115A.919; 115A.929; 115A.93; 115A.96, subdivision 6; 115A.961;
138.23 	116.072; 375.18, subdivision 14; 400.04; 400.06; 400.07; 400.08; 400.16; and 400.161.

138.24 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2026.

138.25 	Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 115A.9157, is amended to read:
138.26 	115A.9157 RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES AND PRODUCTS.
138.27 		Subdivision 1.Definition. For the purpose of this section, "rechargeable battery" means 
138.28 	a sealed nickel-cadmium battery, a sealed lead acid battery, or any other rechargeable battery, 
138.29 	except a rechargeable battery governed by section 115A.9155 or exempted by the 
138.30 	commissioner under subdivision 9. The terms used in this section have the meanings given 
138.31 	in sections 115A.03 and 115A.1331.
139.1 		Subd. 2.Prohibition. Effective August 1, 1991, a person may not place in mixed 
139.2 	municipal solid waste a rechargeable battery, a rechargeable battery pack, a product with a 
139.3 	nonremovable rechargeable battery, or a product powered by rechargeable batteries or 
139.4 	rechargeable battery pack, from which all batteries or battery packs have not been removed.
139.5 	A person may not place a product powered by rechargeable batteries in solid waste unless 
139.6 	all batteries have been removed from the product.
139.7 		Subd. 3.Collection and management costs. A manufacturer of rechargeable batteries 
139.8 	or products powered by rechargeable batteries that are not easily removable from the products
139.9 	is responsible for the costs of collecting and managing its waste rechargeable batteries and 
139.10 	waste products under subdivision 5 to ensure that the products and batteries are not part of 
139.11 	the solid waste stream.
139.12 		Subd. 5.Collection and management programs. (a) By September 20, 1995, the 
139.13 	manufacturers A manufacturer under subdivision 3 or their representative organization shall 
139.14 	implement a permanent programs, based on the results of the pilot projects required in 
139.15 	Minnesota Statutes 1994, section 115A.9157, subdivision 4, program that may be reasonably 
139.16 	expected to collect 90 percent of the waste rechargeable batteries and the participating 
139.17 	manufacturers' manufacturer's products powered by rechargeable batteries that are not easily 
139.18 	removable from the products and that are generated as waste in the state. The batteries and
139.19 	products collected must be recycled or otherwise managed or disposed of properly.
139.20 	(b) In every odd-numbered year after 1995, each manufacturer or a representative 
139.21 	organization shall provide information to the commissioner and the senate and house of 
139.22 	representatives committees having jurisdiction over environment and natural resources and 
139.23 	environment and natural resources finance that specifies at least the estimated amount of 
139.24 	battery-containing products powered by rechargeable batteries that are not easily removed 
139.25 	from the products subject to this section sold generated as waste in the state by each
139.26 	manufacturer and, the amount of batteries each such products collected during the previous 
139.27 	two years, and the methodology used to calculate those amounts. A representative 
139.28 	organization may report the amounts in aggregate for all the members of the organization.
139.29 		Subd. 6.List of participants Program notice. A manufacturer or its representative 
139.30 	organization shall inform the commissioner and the committees listed in subdivision 5 when 
139.31 	they begin participating in the projects and programs implementing a program under 
139.32 	subdivision 5 and immediately if they withdraw participation stop implementing a program.
139.33 		Subd. 7.Contracts. A manufacturer or a representative organization of manufacturers 
139.34 	may contract with the state or a political subdivision any person to provide collection services 
140.1 	under this section. The manufacturer or organization shall fully reimburse the state or 
140.2 	political subdivision person for the value of any contractual services rendered under this 
140.3 	subdivision.
140.4 		Subd. 8.Anticompetitive conduct. A manufacturer or organization of manufacturers 
140.5 	and its officers, members, employees, and agents who participate in projects or programs 
140.6 	to collect and properly manage waste rechargeable batteries or products powered by 
140.7 	rechargeable batteries a program under this section are immune from liability under state 
140.8 	law relating to antitrust, restraint of trade, unfair trade practices, and other regulation of 
140.9 	trade or commerce for activities related to the collection and management of batteries and
140.10 	products required under this section.
140.11 		Subd. 9.Exemptions. To ensure that new types of batteries do not add additional 
140.12 	hazardous or toxic materials to the mixed municipal solid waste stream, the commissioner 
140.13 	of the agency may exempt a new type of rechargeable battery from the requirements of this 
140.14 	section if it poses no unreasonable hazard when placed in and processed or disposed of as 
140.15 	part of a mixed municipal solid waste.

140.16 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2026.

140.17 	Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 116.92, subdivision 6, is amended to read:
140.18 		Subd. 6.Mercury thermometers prohibited. (a) A manufacturer, wholesaler, or retailer 
140.19 	may not sell or distribute at no cost a thermometer containing mercury that was manufactured 
140.20 	after June 1, 2001.
140.21 	(b) Paragraph (a) does not apply to an electronic thermometer with a battery containing 
140.22 	mercury if the battery is in compliance with section 325E.125 subdivision 8l.
140.23 	(c) A manufacturer is in compliance with this subdivision if the manufacturer:
140.24 	(1) has received an exclusion or exemption from a state that is a member of the Interstate 
140.25 	Mercury Education and Reduction Clearinghouse (IMERC) for replacement parts when no 
140.26 	alternative is available or for an application when no feasible alternative is available;
140.27 	(2) submits a copy of the approved exclusion or exemption to the commissioner; and
140.28 	(3) meets all of the requirements in the approved exclusion or exemption for the 
140.29 	manufacturer's activities within the state.

140.30 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2026.

141.1 	Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 116.92, is amended by adding a subdivision to 
141.2 	read:
141.3 		Subd. 8l.Ban; mercury in batteries. A person may not sell, offer for sale, or distribute 
141.4 	in or into the state:
141.5 	(1) an alkaline manganese battery that contains mercury that is not a button cell 
141.6 	nonrechargeable battery;
141.7 	(2) a nonrechargeable button cell battery that contains more than 25 milligrams of 
141.8 	mercury; or
141.9 	(3) a dry cell battery containing a mercuric oxide electrode.

141.10 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2026.

141.11 	Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 325E.125, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
141.12 		Subd. 5.Prohibitions. A manufacturer of rechargeable batteries or products powered 
141.13 	by rechargeable batteries that does not participate in the pilot projects and programs required 
141.14 	in section 115A.9157 A person may not sell, including online sales, facilitate a sale of, 
141.15 	distribute, or offer for sale in or into this state rechargeable batteries or products powered 
141.16 	by rechargeable batteries after January 1, 1992.
141.17 	After January 1, 1992, a person who first purchases rechargeable batteries or products 
141.18 	powered by rechargeable batteries for importation into the state for resale may not purchase 
141.19 	rechargeable batteries or products powered by rechargeable batteries made by any person 
141.20 	other than a that are not easily removable unless the manufacturer that participates in the 
141.21 	projects and programs program required under section 115A.9157.

141.22 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2026.

141.23 	Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 325E.1251, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
141.24 		Subd. 2.Recovery of costs. Section 325E.125 may be enforced under section sections
141.25 	115.071 and 116.072. In an enforcement action under this section in which the state prevails, 
141.26 	the state may recover reasonable administrative expenses, court costs, and attorney fees 
141.27 	incurred to take the enforcement action, in an amount to be determined by the court.

141.28 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2026.

142.1 	Sec. 16. REPEALER.
 142.2 	Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 115A.9155; 115A.961, subdivisions 1, 2, and 3; 
142.3 	325E.125, subdivisions 1, 2, 2a, 3, and 4; and 325E.1251, subdivision 1, are repealed.

142.4 	ARTICLE 8
142.5 	ENERGY FINANCE

142.6 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 115C.08, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
142.7 		Subd. 4.Expenditures. (a) Money in the fund may only be spent:
142.8 	(1) to administer the petroleum tank release cleanup program established in this chapter;
142.9 	(2) for agency administrative costs under sections 116.46 to 116.50, sections 115C.03
142.10 	to 115C.06, and costs of corrective action taken by the agency under section 115C.03, 
142.11 	including investigations;
142.12 	(3) for costs of recovering expenses of corrective actions under section 115C.04;
142.13 	(4) for training, certification, and rulemaking under sections 116.46 to 116.50;
142.14 	(5) for agency administrative costs of enforcing rules governing the construction, 
142.15 	installation, operation, and closure of aboveground and underground petroleum storage 
142.16 	tanks;
142.17 	(6) for reimbursement of the environmental response, compensation, and compliance 
142.18 	account under subdivision 5 and section 115B.26, subdivision 4;
142.19 	(7) for administrative and staff costs as set by the board to administer the petroleum tank 
142.20 	release program established in this chapter;
142.21 	(8) for corrective action performance audits under section 115C.093;
142.22 	(9) for contamination cleanup grants, as provided in paragraph (c);
142.23 	(10) to assess and remove abandoned underground storage tanks under section 115C.094
142.24 	and, if a release is discovered, to pay for the specific consultant and contractor services 
142.25 	costs necessary to complete the tank removal project, including, but not limited to, excavation 
142.26 	soil sampling, groundwater sampling, soil disposal, and completion of an excavation report; 
142.27 	and
142.28 	(11) to acquire interests in real or personal property, including easements, environmental 
142.29 	covenants under chapter 114E, and leases, that the agency determines are necessary for 
142.30 	corrective actions or to ensure the protectiveness of corrective actions. A donation of an 
143.1 	interest in real property to the agency is not effective until the agency executes a certificate 
143.2 	of acceptance. The state is not liable under this chapter solely as a result of acquiring an 
143.3 	interest in real property under this clause. Agency approval of an environmental covenant 
143.4 	under chapter 114E is sufficient evidence of acceptance of an interest in real property when 
143.5 	the agency is expressly identified as a holder in the covenant. Acquisition of real property 
143.6 	under this clause, except environmental covenants under chapter 114E, is subject to approval 
143.7 	by the board.; and
143.8 	(12) to partially reimburse the cost of replacing pressurized single-walled steel piping 
143.9 	related equipment in underground petroleum storage tank systems under section 115C.09, 
143.10 	subdivision 3l.
143.11 	(b) Except as provided in paragraph (c), money in the fund is appropriated to the board 
143.12 	to make reimbursements or payments under this section.
143.13 	(c) In fiscal years 2010 and 2011, $3,700,000 is annually appropriated from the fund to 
143.14 	the commissioner of employment and economic development for contamination cleanup 
143.15 	grants under section 116J.554. Beginning in fiscal year 2012 and each year thereafter, 
143.16 	$6,200,000 is annually appropriated from the fund to the commissioner of employment and 
143.17 	economic development for contamination cleanup grants under section 116J.554. Of this 
143.18 	amount, the commissioner may spend up to $225,000 annually for administration of the 
143.19 	contamination cleanup grant program. The appropriation does not cancel and is available 
143.20 	until expended. The appropriation shall not be withdrawn from the fund nor the fund balance 
143.21 	reduced until the funds are requested by the commissioner of employment and economic 
143.22 	development. The commissioner shall schedule requests for withdrawals from the fund to 
143.23 	minimize the necessity to impose the fee authorized by subdivision 2. Unless otherwise 
143.24 	provided, the appropriation in this paragraph may be used for:
143.25 	(1) project costs at a qualifying site if a portion of the cleanup costs are attributable to 
143.26 	petroleum contamination or new and used tar and tar-like substances, including but not 
143.27 	limited to bitumen and asphalt, but excluding bituminous or asphalt pavement, that consist 
143.28 	primarily of hydrocarbons and are found in natural deposits in the earth or are distillates, 
143.29 	fractions, or residues from the processing of petroleum crude or petroleum products as 
143.30 	defined in section 296A.01; and
143.31 	(2) the costs of performing contamination investigation if there is a reasonable basis to 
143.32 	suspect the contamination is attributable to petroleum or new and used tar and tar-like 
143.33 	substances, including but not limited to bitumen and asphalt, but excluding bituminous or 
143.34 	asphalt pavement, that consist primarily of hydrocarbons and are found in natural deposits 
144.1 	in the earth or are distillates, fractions, or residues from the processing of petroleum crude 
144.2 	or petroleum products as defined in section 296A.01.

144.3 	Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 115C.09, is amended by adding a subdivision to 
144.4 	read:
144.5 		Subd. 3l.Reimbursement; single-walled steel piping. (a) For the purposes of this 
144.6 	subdivision, the following terms have the meanings given:
144.7 	(1) "eligible equipment" means all equipment between the underground petroleum storage 
144.8 	tank and the dispenser, including piping, probes, monitors, pumps, containment, and electrical 
144.9 	equipment to support the equipment. Eligible equipment does not include underground 
144.10 	petroleum storage tanks, dispensers, canopies, site improvements, or signage replacement;
144.11 	(2) "eligible location" means an underground petroleum storage tank system that is 
144.12 	located in Minnesota, has pressurized single-walled steel piping, and was installed before 
144.13 	the effective date of this subdivision; and
144.14 	(3) "qualified person" means someone who is registered as a contractor under sections 
144.15 	115C.11 to 115C.12 and, as part of the person's trade or business, installs or repairs 
144.16 	pressurized underground petroleum storage tank systems.
144.17 	(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter or any rules adopted under this 
144.18 	chapter, for replacement projects beginning after January 1, 2027, the board must reimburse 
144.19 	an owner 50 percent of the cost of replacing existing eligible equipment at eligible locations 
144.20 	with eligible equipment that meets all current applicable federal and Minnesota regulations 
144.21 	and standards, provided that:
144.22 	(1) the owner considered at least two bids and selected the bid with the lowest total cost; 
144.23 	and
144.24 	(2) the board determines that the costs incurred were reasonable.
144.25 	(c) The board must not reimburse costs that the board determines were unreasonable.
144.26 	(d) Reimbursement under paragraph (b) must not exceed $100,000 per eligible location.
144.27 	(e) The maximum annual expenditure from the fund established under section 115C.08 
144.28 	for purposes of this subdivision must not exceed $4,000,000.
144.29 	(f) An owner that owns or operates multiple eligible locations must not receive 
144.30 	reimbursement for more than two eligible locations per calendar year.
144.31 	(g) An owner may be reimbursed for the costs of:
145.1 	(1) all eligible equipment;
145.2 	(2) labor completed by a qualified person and associated with eligible equipment 
145.3 	installation;
145.4 	(3) labor completed by a qualified person and associated with dirt and concrete work 
145.5 	directly associated with installing eligible equipment; and
145.6 	(4) permits, freight, and shipping directly related to eligible equipment.
145.7 	(h) Nothing in this subdivision prohibits an owner from receiving reimbursement from 
145.8 	other sources for costs that are not reimbursed under this subdivision.
145.9 	(i) This subdivision expires June 30, 2037.

145.10 	Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2025 Supplement, section 216B.16, subdivision 15, is amended 
145.11 	to read:
145.12 		Subd. 15.Low-income affordability programs. (a) The commission must consider 
145.13 	ability to pay as a factor in setting utility rates and may establish affordability programs for 
145.14 	low-income residential ratepayers in order to ensure affordable, reliable, and continuous 
145.15 	service to low-income utility customers. A public utility serving low-income residential 
145.16 	ratepayers who use natural gas or service from a thermal energy network, as defined in 
145.17 	section 216B.2427, subdivision 1, for heating must file an affordability program with the 
145.18 	commission.
145.19 	(b) Any affordability program the commission orders a utility to implement must:
145.20 	(1) lower the percentage of income that participating low-income households devote to 
145.21 	energy bills;
145.22 	(2) increase participating customer payments over time by increasing the frequency of 
145.23 	payments;
145.24 	(3) decrease or eliminate participating customer arrears;
145.25 	(4) lower the utility costs associated with customer account collection activities; and
145.26 	(5) coordinate the program with other available low-income bill payment assistance and 
145.27 	conservation resources.
145.28 	(c) In ordering affordability programs, the commission may require public utilities to 
145.29 	file program evaluations that measure the effect of the affordability program on:
145.30 	(1) the percentage of income that participating households devote to energy bills;
146.1 	(2) service disconnections; and
146.2 	(3) frequency of customer payments, utility collection costs, arrearages, and bad debt.
146.3 	(d) The commission must issue orders necessary to implement, administer, and evaluate 
146.4 	affordability programs, and to allow a utility to recover program costs, including 
146.5 	administrative costs, on a timely basis. The commission may not allow a utility to recover 
146.6 	administrative costs, excluding start-up costs, in excess of five percent of total program 
146.7 	costs, or program evaluation costs in excess of two percent of total program costs. The 
146.8 	commission must permit deferred accounting, with carrying costs, for recovery of program 
146.9 	costs incurred during the period between general rate cases.
146.10 	(e) Public utilities may use information collected or created for the purpose of 
146.11 	administering energy assistance to administer affordability programs.

146.12 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

146.13 	Sec. 4. [216B.2429] THERMAL ENERGY NETWORKS.
146.14 		Subdivision 1.Definitions. For the purposes of this section, "thermal energy network" 
146.15 	or "TEN" has the meaning given in section 216B.2427, subdivision 1.
146.16 		Subd. 2.Thermal energy network service. A public utility may offer service by a 
146.17 	thermal energy network.
146.18 		Subd. 3.Cost recovery. A public utility must, subject to commission review and 
146.19 	approval, recover reasonable and prudently incurred costs of implementing an approved 
146.20 	TEN in a general rate case or, before December 31, 2036, in a thermal energy network 
146.21 	service rider.
146.22 		Subd. 4.TEN consumer protection. A utility's provision of service by a TEN is subject 
146.23 	to the same laws, protections, and commission authority to which a utility's provision of 
146.24 	natural gas service is subject under this chapter.
146.25 		Subd. 5.TEN siting; priorities. In assessing locations at which to site a TEN, a utility 
146.26 	must give preference to an area:
146.27 	(1) whose residents have expressed a desire to have a TEN installed;
146.28 	(2) whose characteristics resemble those of an area in which a successful TEN was 
146.29 	completed under a natural gas innovation plan filed under section 216B.2427; or
146.30 	(3) that includes or is within an environmental justice area, as defined in section 116.065, 
146.31 	subdivision 1, paragraph (e).

147.1 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

147.2 	Sec. 5. [216C.392] SUPPLEMENTAL ENERGY ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM.
147.3 		Subdivision 1.Definitions. (a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have 
147.4 	the meanings given.
147.5 	(b) "Crisis grant" means a grant to a low-income household to prevent shut-off of 
147.6 	residential energy services, reinstate residential energy services, or enable delivery of 
147.7 	residential fuels.
147.8 	(c) "LIHEAP" has the meaning given in section 142G.02, subdivision 59.
147.9 	(d) "Primary energy grant" means a grant to help a low-income household maintain and 
147.10 	continue affordable energy service.
147.11 		Subd. 2.Establishment. A supplemental energy assistance grant program is established 
147.12 	in the department to award grants to eligible applicants. The purpose of the program is to 
147.13 	assist low-income households experiencing energy burden to pay the costs of heating, 
147.14 	cooling, and other home energy costs throughout the year.
147.15 		Subd. 3.Applications; procedures. (a) The commissioner must develop policies and 
147.16 	procedures governing the grant application and award process, and must leverage existing 
147.17 	LIHEAP application processes and infrastructure to the maximum degree practicable.
147.18 	(b) An eligible applicant must file an application with the commissioner on a form 
147.19 	developed by the commissioner. The form must be available to eligible applicants in both 
147.20 	a paper and electronic format.
147.21 		Subd. 4.Eligibility. (a) A Minnesota resident whose household income is below the 
147.22 	income eligibility threshold identified in the Minnesota LIHEAP Detailed Model Plan 
147.23 	submitted to the United States Department of Health and Human Services for the applicable 
147.24 	program year is eligible to receive a grant award under this section. If the LIHEAP Detailed 
147.25 	Model Plan is not available, the commissioner may develop a similar income eligibility 
147.26 	threshold.
147.27 	(b) An organization with experience conducting outreach for programs designed for 
147.28 	low-income households is eligible for grants awarded under subdivision 6, clause (4).
147.29 		Subd. 5.Grant awards. (a) When awarding grants under this section, the commissioner 
147.30 	may give priority to expanding the number of households receiving energy assistance over 
147.31 	increasing grant amounts to households that already received assistance under LIHEAP 
147.32 	during the same year.
148.1 	(b) To the extent practicable, available LIHEAP funds must be awarded to all eligible 
148.2 	applicants for primary energy and crisis grants before energy and crisis grants are awarded 
148.3 	under this section.
148.4 		Subd. 6.Types of grants. The commissioner may award grants under this section for:
148.5 	(1) crisis grants to households that received a LIHEAP primary energy grant from federal 
148.6 	funds but did not receive the maximum crisis grant amount while federal funds allocated 
148.7 	for crisis grants were available;
148.8 	(2) primary energy and crisis grants to eligible households that did not receive LIHEAP 
148.9 	primary energy and crisis grants from federal funds;
148.10 	(3) emergency heating system repair or replacement; and
148.11 	(4) outreach activities.
148.12 		Subd. 7.Reporting. (a) Beginning January 31, 2028, and annually thereafter until January 
148.13 	31, 2030, the commissioner must submit a report to the chairs and ranking minority members 
148.14 	of the senate and house of representatives committees with primary jurisdiction over energy 
148.15 	policy and finance that documents state supplemental energy assistance grant awards made 
148.16 	under this section during the previous program year from October 1 to September 30.
148.17 	(b) To the extent practicable, the following information on grants awarded under this 
148.18 	section must be reported by statewide total, by county, and by census tract within cities with 
148.19 	populations over 30,000:
148.20 	(1) the number of households awarded a grant;
148.21 	(2) the number of households served that did not receive a LIHEAP primary energy 
148.22 	grant;
148.23 	(3) the average primary energy grant award;
148.24 	(4) the average crisis grant award; and
148.25 	(5) average annual costs of heating and electricity for households served.
148.26 	(c) The following information on grants awarded under this section may be reported as 
148.27 	statewide totals:
148.28 	(1) the average household income of grant recipients;
148.29 	(2) a distribution of grant awards by grant recipients' household income, expressed as a 
148.30 	percentage of the federal poverty level established by the United States Department of 
148.31 	Health and Human Services;
149.1 	(3) the number of households that include a person over 60 years old;
149.2 	(4) the number of households that include a disabled person;
149.3 	(5) the number of households that include a child under six years old; and
149.4 	(6) the number of households served by race or ethnicity.
149.5 	(d) A report under this section must comply with chapter 13, including provisions 
149.6 	establishing data on individuals as not public in order to ensure the individual privacy of 
149.7 	applicants.

149.8 	Sec. 6. APPROPRIATION; PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION.
 149.9 	$40,000 in fiscal year 2027 is appropriated from the general fund to the Public Utilities 
149.10 	Commission for thermal energy network services provided under Minnesota Statutes, section 
149.11 	216B.2429.

149.12 	Sec. 7. APPROPRIATION; DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE.
 149.13 	(a) $15,000,000 in fiscal year 2027 is appropriated from the general fund to the 
149.14 	commissioner of commerce for the supplemental energy assistance grant program under 
149.15 	Minnesota Statutes, section 216C.392. This is a onetime appropriation and is available until 
149.16 	December 31, 2029.
149.17 	(b) Of the amount appropriated in paragraph (a):
149.18 	(1) up to 12.5 percent may be used for staffing and other costs associated with 
149.19 	administering the supplemental energy assistance grant program under Minnesota Statutes, 
149.20 	section 216C.392, including program planning and preparation, reviewing applications and 
149.21 	verifying information, and entering data into a central electronic system maintained by the 
149.22 	Department of Commerce. Of this funding, up to 2.5 percent may be used by the Department 
149.23 	of Commerce. The remaining amount allocated under this clause may be used to reimburse 
149.24 	reasonable administrative costs incurred under Minnesota Statutes, section 216C.392, by 
149.25 	service providers contracted by the Department of Commerce to deliver LIHEAP services; 
149.26 	and
149.27 	(2) up to five percent may be used to reimburse the reasonable costs incurred under 
149.28 	Minnesota Statutes, section 216C.392, by organizations the department has contracted with 
149.29 	to provide outreach and assistance to households to complete grant applications under 
149.30 	Minnesota Statutes, section 216C.392. Priority for grants awarded under this clause must 
150.1 	be given to organizations that have the ability to conduct outreach to underserved 
150.2 	communities and populations, including current service providers and other organizations.

150.3 	ARTICLE 9
150.4 	RENEWABLE DEVELOPMENT FINANCE

150.5	Section 1. RENEWABLE DEVELOPMENT FINANCE.
 	
150.6 	The sums shown in the columns marked "Appropriations" are appropriated to the agencies 
150.7 	and for the purposes specified in this article. Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 
150.8 	116C.779, subdivision 1, paragraph (j), the appropriations are from the renewable 
150.9 	development account in the special revenue fund established in Minnesota Statutes, section 
150.10 	116C.779, subdivision 1, and are available for the fiscal years indicated for each purpose. 
150.11 	The figures "2026" and "2027" used in this article mean that the appropriations listed under 
150.12 	them are available for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, or June 30, 2027, respectively. 
150.13 	"The first year" is fiscal year 2026. "The second year" is fiscal year 2027. "The biennium" 
150.14 	is fiscal years 2026 and 2027. The appropriations in this article are onetime.

150.15				APPROPRIATIONS
	
150.16				Available for the Year
	
150.17				Ending June 30
	
150.18					2026
		2027

150.19	Sec. 2. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

150.20	Subdivision 1.Total Appropriation
 	$
	-0-
	$
	22,335,000
	
150.21 	The amounts that may be spent for each 
150.22 	purpose are specified in the following 
150.23 	subdivisions.

150.24	Subd. 2.Microgrid Research and Application
 					
150.25 	$800,000 the second year is for a grant to the 
150.26 	University of St. Thomas Center for Microgrid 
150.27 	Research, which must be used to:
150.28 	(1) increase the center's capacity to provide 
150.29 	industry partners with opportunities to test 
150.30 	near-commercial microgrid products on a 
150.31 	real-world scale and to multiply opportunities 
150.32 	for innovative research;
151.1 	(2) procure advanced equipment and controls 
151.2 	to enable the extension of the university's 
151.3 	microgrid to additional buildings; and
151.4 	(3) expand (i) hands-on educational 
151.5 	opportunities for undergraduate and graduate 
151.6 	electrical engineering students to increase 
151.7 	understanding of microgrid operations, and 
151.8 	(ii) partnerships with community colleges. 
151.9 	This appropriation is available until June 30, 
151.10 	2029.

151.11	Subd. 3.Green Hydrogen Project
 					
151.12 	$3,500,000 the second year is for a grant to 
151.13 	the city of St. Cloud for the Green Hydrogen 
151.14 	Project to incorporate a battery and renewable 
151.15 	energy system. This appropriation is available 
151.16 	until June 30, 2029.

151.17	Subd. 4.Anaerobic Digester Energy System
 					
151.18 	$5,000,000 the second year is for a grant to 
151.19 	Ramsey/Washington Recycling and Energy, 
151.20 	in partnership with Dem-Con HZI Bioenergy, 
151.21 	LLC, to construct an anaerobic digester energy 
151.22 	system in Louisville Township. For the 
151.23 	purposes of this subdivision, "anaerobic 
151.24 	digester energy system" means a facility that 
151.25 	uses diverted food and organic waste to create 
151.26 	renewable natural gas and biochar. This 
151.27 	appropriation is available until June 30, 2029.

151.28	Subd. 5.Como Zoo Geothermal Energy System
 					
151.29 	$2,250,000 the second year is for a grant to 
151.30 	Como Zoo in the city of St. Paul to construct 
151.31 	a geothermal energy system that provides 
151.32 	space heating and cooling to the large cats 
151.33 	building. For the purposes of this subdivision, 
151.34 	"geothermal energy system" means a system 
152.1 	composed of a heat pump that moves a 
152.2 	heat-transferring fluid through piping 
152.3 	embedded in the earth and absorbs the earth's 
152.4 	constant temperature, a heat exchanger, and 
152.5 	ductwork to distribute heated and cooled air 
152.6 	to a building. This appropriation is available 
152.7 	until June 30, 2029.

152.8	Subd. 6.Minnesota Energy Alley
 					
152.9 	(a) $2,000,000 the first year is for a grant to 
152.10 	Clean Energy Economy Minnesota for the 
152.11 	Minnesota Energy Alley initiative. The 
152.12 	initiative is designed to promote energy 
152.13 	innovation through supporting energy 
152.14 	entrepreneurs and emerging businesses to 
152.15 	commercialize energy solutions by matching 
152.16 	promising innovators with established and 
152.17 	trustworthy Minnesota-based public and 
152.18 	private partners to demonstrate emerging 
152.19 	technologies in real-world applications. The 
152.20 	grant may be used to provide seed funding for 
152.21 	businesses, develop a training and 
152.22 	development program, support recruitment of 
152.23 	entrepreneurs to Minnesota, and secure 
152.24 	funding from federal programs and corporate 
152.25 	partners to establish a self-sustaining, 
152.26 	long-term revenue model. This appropriation 
152.27 	is available until June 30, 2028.
152.28 	(b) By January 15, 2028, the commissioner of 
152.29 	commerce must submit a written report to the 
152.30 	chairs and ranking minority members of the 
152.31 	house of representatives and senate 
152.32 	committees with jurisdiction over energy 
152.33 	finance and policy on the activities and 
152.34 	accomplishments of the Minnesota Energy 
152.35 	Alley initiative during the previous fiscal year 
153.1 	and the disposition of this appropriation, 
153.2 	including a separate statement of the amount 
153.3 	of administrative costs.

153.4
153.5	Subd. 7.Ammonia, Hydrogen, and Renewable 
Energy Certificate Tracking
 					
153.6 	(a) $2,000,000 the second year is for a grant 
153.7 	to CleanCounts for technology that enables 
153.8 	tradable ammonia, hydrogen, and renewable 
153.9 	energy certificates.
153.10 	(b) Beginning January 1, 2027, and through 
153.11 	January 1, 2031, an entity that receives a grant 
153.12 	under this subdivision must submit a report to 
153.13 	the legislative auditor that details how the 
153.14 	grant money received has been spent.
153.15 	(c) Beginning January 1, 2031, and through 
153.16 	January 1, 2036, an entity that receives a grant 
153.17 	under this subdivision must report to the 
153.18 	commissioners of commerce and agriculture 
153.19 	regarding the number of ammonia certificates 
153.20 	issued in Minnesota as a result of the grant 
153.21 	money received.
153.22 	(d) This appropriation is available until June 
153.23 	30, 2029.

153.24	Subd. 8.Great Plains Institute
 					
153.25 	$500,000 the second year is for a grant to the 
153.26 	Great Plains Institute for work related to 
153.27 	identifying existing and future areas of the 
153.28 	state that are suitable for additional distributed 
153.29 	ammonia production and that have nearby 
153.30 	wind or other curtailed power. This 
153.31 	appropriation is available until June 30, 2029.

154.1
154.2	Subd. 9.Macalester College Geothermal Energy 
System
 					
154.3 	(a) $2,570,000 the second year is for a grant 
154.4 	to Macalester College in St. Paul to construct 
154.5 	an aquifer-based geothermal energy system 
154.6 	that provides space heating and cooling to a 
154.7 	new campus residence hall and welcome 
154.8 	center, with the capacity for future expansion 
154.9 	to serve as a district heating and cooling plant 
154.10 	for all campus buildings north of Grand 
154.11 	Avenue. This appropriation is available until 
154.12 	June 30, 2029.
154.13 	(b) For purposes of this section, "aquifer-based 
154.14 	geothermal energy system" means a system 
154.15 	composed of wells that access underground 
154.16 	aquifers, heat pumps that transfer thermal 
154.17 	energy between buildings and the aquifer, heat 
154.18 	exchangers, and associated distribution 
154.19 	infrastructure.

154.20	Subd. 10.Biomass Energy Facility
 					
154.21 	(a) $715,000 the second year is for a grant to 
154.22 	Liberty Paper, Inc. to study and plan for an 
154.23 	anaerobic digester or a biomass thermal 
154.24 	generation facility in the city of Becker. This 
154.25 	is a onetime appropriation and is available 
154.26 	until June 30, 2029.
154.27 	(b) For purposes of this section, the following 
154.28 	terms have the meanings given: (1) "anaerobic 
154.29 	digester" means a facility that uses diverted 
154.30 	food and organic waste to generate renewable 
154.31 	natural gas and biochar; (2) "biochar" means 
154.32 	a solid substance, made from burning organic 
154.33 	material, that sequesters carbon and is capable 
154.34 	of being used as a soil application; and (3) 
154.35 	"biomass thermal generation facility" means 
155.1 	a facility that generates energy for commercial 
155.2 	heat or industrial process heat from the 
155.3 	combustion of organic material.

155.4
155.5	Subd. 11.Geothermal Energy System; The 
Heights Community Energy
 					
155.6 	(a) $3,000,000 in the second year is for a grant 
155.7 	to The Heights Community Energy to 
155.8 	construct a geothermal energy system.
155.9 	(b) For purposes of this section, "geothermal 
155.10 	energy system" means a system composed of 
155.11 	one or more heat pumps connected to piping 
155.12 	embedded in the earth that exchanges thermal 
155.13 	energy with the earth and associated 
155.14 	distribution and building mechanical 
155.15 	infrastructure to provide heating and cooling 
155.16 	to one or more buildings.

155.17	Subd. 12.Grant Administration
 					
155.18 	Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 
155.19 	16B.98, subdivision 14, the commissioner may 
155.20 	use up to $250,000 of the amount in this 
155.21 	section for the administrative costs of the 
155.22 	grants in this section.

155.23	Sec. 3. UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
 	$
	-0-
	$
	2,900,000
	
155.24 	(a) $1,500,000 the second year is for research, 
155.25 	development, outreach, and demonstration of 
155.26 	energy systems that use hydrogen and 
155.27 	ammonia production from renewable energy 
155.28 	resources and other sources of clean energy 
155.29 	as a means of storing and generating 
155.30 	electricity. This appropriation is available until 
155.31 	June 30, 2029.
155.32 	(b) $650,000 the second year is for the Natural 
155.33 	Resources Research Institute to evaluate the 
155.34 	state's geological hydrogen potential. The 
156.1 	evaluation must include: (1) the availability 
156.2 	of the mined hydrogen resource; (2) the 
156.3 	feasibility of extracting the hydrogen from 
156.4 	underground deposits; (3) the potential 
156.5 	groundwater management challenges; and (4) 
156.6 	cost-effective strategies for storing and 
156.7 	transporting mined hydrogen. The Natural 
156.8 	Resources Research Institute must submit the 
156.9 	evaluation and an interim report to the chairs 
156.10 	and ranking minority members of the 
156.11 	legislative committees with jurisdiction over 
156.12 	energy policy and finance by May 15, 2028, 
156.13 	and a final report by May 15, 2029.
156.14 	(c) $750,000 the second year is for the Natural 
156.15 	Resources Research Institute to evaluate new 
156.16 	feedstock resources for a globally competitive, 
156.17 	next generation iron ore industry. The study 
156.18 	must include but is not limited to 
156.19 	quantification and characterization of 
156.20 	resources related to iron ore, energy, water, 
156.21 	hydrogen, biomass, carbon materials, process 
156.22 	technologies, transportation, and 
156.23 	manufacturing infrastructure that support 
156.24 	cross-coupling of iron production with 
156.25 	industries such as liquid fuels and ammonia. 
156.26 	The Natural Resources Research Institute must 
156.27 	submit the results of the study and an interim 
156.28 	report to the chairs and ranking minority 
156.29 	members of the legislative committees with 
156.30 	jurisdiction over energy policy and finance by 
156.31 	May 15, 2028, and a final report by May 15, 
156.32 	2029.

156.33	Sec. 4. POLLUTION CONTROL AGENCY
 	$
	-0-
	$
	3,000,000
	
156.34 	$3,000,000 the second year is for a grant to 
156.35 	the owner of a biomass energy generation 
157.1 	plant in Shakopee that uses waste heat from 
157.2 	the generation of electricity in the malting 
157.3 	process to purchase equipment to facilitate the 
157.4 	disposal of wood that is infested by emerald 
157.5 	ash borer. This appropriation is available until 
157.6 	June 30, 2029. Notwithstanding Minnesota 
157.7 	Statutes, section 16B.98, subdivision 14, the 
157.8 	commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency 
157.9 	may use up to $25,000 of the amount in this 
157.10 	section for the administrative costs of this 
157.11 	grant.

157.12	Sec. 5. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
 	$
	-0-
	$
	4,000,000
	
157.13 	$4,000,000 the second year is for a grant to 
157.14 	TalusAg for the production and operation of 
157.15 	at least two green fertilizer production systems 
157.16 	located in Minnesota. This appropriation is 
157.17 	available until June 30, 2029. Notwithstanding 
157.18 	Minnesota Statutes, section 16B.98, 
157.19 	subdivision 14, the commissioner of 
157.20 	agriculture may use up to $25,000 of the 
157.21 	amount in this section for the administrative 
157.22 	costs of this grant.

157.23	Sec. 6. PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
 	$
	-0-
	$
	300,000
	
157.24 	(a) $300,000 the second year is to contract 
157.25 	with a third party to conduct a study to inform 
157.26 	policymakers regarding the potential impact 
157.27 	of new nuclear generation on the public 
157.28 	interest of Minnesota, including affordability, 
157.29 	reliability, environmental protection, public 
157.30 	health, and equitable outcomes.
157.31 	(b) The commission must issue a competitive 
157.32 	request for proposals and contract with an 
157.33 	independent, qualified entity or consortium 
157.34 	with demonstrated expertise in relevant subject 
158.1 	matter, and with no material financial interest 
158.2 	in the expansion of nuclear generation. The 
158.3 	commission must ensure balanced 
158.4 	representation of perspectives in the study. 
158.5 	The selected entity must disclose any potential 
158.6 	conflicts of interest to the commission. If the 
158.7 	commission determines that issuing a 
158.8 	competitive request for proposals would 
158.9 	unreasonably delay completion of the study 
158.10 	within the required timeline, the commission 
158.11 	may contract on a sole-source basis, provided 
158.12 	that the selected entity meets the qualifications 
158.13 	and independence requirements under this 
158.14 	paragraph.
158.15 	(c) The study must be completed no later than 
158.16 	January 30, 2027, and must include, at a 
158.17 	minimum, discussion of:
158.18 	(1) changes in federal regulations governing 
158.19 	the licensing of nuclear-powered facilities that 
158.20 	may speed the review and approval process;
158.21 	(2) technological advances made with respect 
158.22 	to conventional nuclear-powered facilities that 
158.23 	affect safety and cost;
158.24 	(3) full life cycle costs, including capital costs, 
158.25 	financing costs, construction risk, cost 
158.26 	overruns, decommissioning costs, waste 
158.27 	management, and long-term liability exposure 
158.28 	compared to alternative resource options. The 
158.29 	analysis must include historical evidence from 
158.30 	comparable projects in the United States and 
158.31 	internationally;
158.32 	(4) ratepayer impacts where new nuclear 
158.33 	generation has been developed, including 
158.34 	effects on electricity rates, cost and schedule 
159.1 	overruns, and the allocation of financial risk 
159.2 	between ratepayers and developers;
159.3 	(5) public finance protections such as public 
159.4 	subsidies, tax expenditures, and financial 
159.5 	incentives required, and the opportunity cost 
159.6 	of those public investments;
159.7 	(6) the prospects for small modular reactors 
159.8 	and factory-built portable modules with a 
159.9 	capacity up to 300 megawatts, including:
159.10 	(i) the types of technologies available;
159.11 	(ii) current licensing status; and
159.12 	(iii) estimated costs;
159.13 	(7) siting issues, including:
159.14 	(i) the degree to which the requirement for 
159.15 	proximity to water resources sufficient for 
159.16 	cooling purposes restricts possible locations 
159.17 	of nuclear facilities, and what locations 
159.18 	meeting that requirement are available in this 
159.19 	state;
159.20 	(ii) the potential for colocating nuclear 
159.21 	facilities with businesses that demand very 
159.22 	large amounts of electricity;
159.23 	(iii) the environmental impacts of nuclear 
159.24 	facilities, including impacts on the health of 
159.25 	nearby residents;
159.26 	(iv) the prospects for acceptance of nuclear 
159.27 	facilities by host communities, and best 
159.28 	practices for engaging communities on this 
159.29 	issue; and
159.30 	(v) how interconnection and transmission 
159.31 	issues affect potential plant locations;
159.32 	(8) nuclear waste issues, including:
160.1 	(i) the amount and toxicity of radioactive 
160.2 	waste produced by both conventional nuclear 
160.3 	technologies and small modular reactors;
160.4 	(ii) the costs of on-site storage;
160.5 	(iii) the prospects for developing permanent 
160.6 	storage of radioactive waste at either a 
160.7 	federally owned or privately owned repository 
160.8 	to which Minnesota's waste could be 
160.9 	transported; and
160.10 	(iv) the feasibility and cost of reprocessing 
160.11 	nuclear waste;
160.12 	(9) the economic impacts of various nuclear 
160.13 	technologies on a host community, including:
160.14 	(i) increased employment levels during 
160.15 	construction and operations;
160.16 	(ii) increased local economic activity resulting 
160.17 	from purchases made by the nuclear-powered 
160.18 	facility and the facility's employees; and
160.19 	(iii) potential tax revenue to local 
160.20 	communities, local schools, and the state;
160.21 	(10) impacts of new nuclear-powered electric 
160.22 	generating plants on public safety officials and 
160.23 	emergency responders in host communities 
160.24 	and adjacent areas with respect to emergency 
160.25 	planning efforts;
160.26 	(11) system integration, including impacts on 
160.27 	grid flexibility, compatibility with high levels 
160.28 	of renewable energy, ramping capability, and 
160.29 	implications for achieving Minnesota's 
160.30 	greenhouse gas reduction goals;
160.31 	(12) how new nuclear generation could 
160.32 	accelerate or delay achievement of, and assist 
160.33 	or hinder ongoing compliance with, 
161.1 	Minnesota's statutory greenhouse gas 
161.2 	reduction and carbon-free electricity goals, 
161.3 	including comparison of deployment 
161.4 	timelines;
161.5 	(13) expected timelines from permitting 
161.6 	through operation, including historical 
161.7 	averages and delays for similar projects;
161.8 	(14) current Minnesota statutes and 
161.9 	administrative rules that would require 
161.10 	modification in order to enable the 
161.11 	construction and operation of advanced 
161.12 	nuclear reactors;
161.13 	(15) the feasibility of replacing retiring 
161.14 	generation assets in host communities with 
161.15 	advanced nuclear reactors; and
161.16 	(16) the workforce required and available, and 
161.17 	the training capacity necessary to construct 
161.18 	and operate new nuclear reactors.
161.19 	(d) The study must be conducted transparently, 
161.20 	with all data, assumptions, and models 
161.21 	publicly available.
161.22 	(e) No later than February 1, 2027, the 
161.23 	commission must submit the study to the 
161.24 	chairs and ranking minority members of the 
161.25 	senate and house of representatives 
161.26 	committees responsible for energy policy and 
161.27 	finance.

161.28 	Sec. 7. TRANSFERS.
 161.29 	(a) $2,000,000 in fiscal year 2027 is transferred from the renewable development account 
161.30 	in the special revenue fund to the geothermal planning grant account under Minnesota 
161.31 	Statutes, section 216C.47, subdivision 3. This is a onetime transfer.
162.1 	(b) $4,465,000 in fiscal year 2027 is transferred from the renewable development account 
162.2 	in the special revenue fund to the preweatherization account under Minnesota Statutes, 
162.3 	section 216C.264, subdivision 1c. This is a onetime transfer.

162.4 	ARTICLE 10
162.5 	JOBS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS

162.6 	Section 1. WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT FUND APPROPRIATIONS.
 162.7 		Subdivision 1.Appropriations. The amounts specified in the following subdivisions 
162.8 	are appropriated from the workforce development fund to the commissioner of employment 
162.9 	and economic development for the purposes specified in each subdivision. The appropriations 
162.10 	are in fiscal year 2027 and onetime. Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, sections 16B.98, 
162.11 	subdivision 14, and 116J.035, subdivision 7, the commissioner may use up to three percent 
162.12 	of the amounts appropriated for administrative costs.
162.13 		Subd. 2.Wallin Education Partners. $100,000 is for a grant to Wallin Education 
162.14 	Partners to support its career development program, which provides career exploration, skill 
162.15 	building, mentoring, direct talent pipeline development, and early employment readiness 
162.16 	for underresourced participants. Money may also be used to expand Wallin's construction 
162.17 	and health care pathways programs, which offer advising, hands-on learning, and work-based 
162.18 	experience to prepare participants for careers in construction and health care.
162.19 		Subd. 3.New Pathways. $130,000 is for a grant to New Pathways in Cambridge to 
162.20 	support preemployment and job readiness programming for families with children 
162.21 	experiencing homelessness. Money may be used to provide individualized employment 
162.22 	preparation, resume and job application assistance, interview readiness, and connections to 
162.23 	local employers and training programs. This programming must help parents overcome 
162.24 	barriers to employment while working toward stable housing and self-sufficiency through 
162.25 	case management, family education, and partnerships with community resources.
162.26 		Subd. 4.People Serving People. $250,000 is for a grant to People Serving People in 
162.27 	Minneapolis to provide preemployment and job readiness services for parents and adults 
162.28 	experiencing homelessness. Money may be used for resume and cover letter writing support, 
162.29 	job search and application assistance, mock interviews, interview and work clothing, uniform 
162.30 	and licensure fee assistance, technology access, financial fitness classes, and child care and 
162.31 	transportation support to help families overcome barriers to employment, achieve financial 
162.32 	stability, and build pathways to long-term self-sufficiency.
163.1 		Subd. 5.Local News Talent Pipeline Program. $250,000 is for a grant to the Minnesota 
163.2 	News Media Institute for a local news talent pipeline program, a statewide initiative to 
163.3 	encourage Minnesotans to seek careers in journalism and local news operations and 
163.4 	strengthen the capacity of Minnesota news outlets. Grant money must be used by the 
163.5 	recipients to provide paid internships with Minnesota newspapers, television and radio 
163.6 	broadcasters, and digital news platforms for individuals to gain experience in reporting, 
163.7 	editing, media design, and other operational functions. To the extent practicable, the 
163.8 	Minnesota News Media Institute should seek a balanced geographic distribution of grants 
163.9 	and allocation of grants across different news mediums. The Minnesota News Media Institute 
163.10 	must consult with local Minnesota-based news organization associations, including the 
163.11 	Minnesota Broadcasters Association and Minnesota Newspaper Association, on the 
163.12 	administration of the grant program. The Minnesota News Media Institute may retain up 
163.13 	to five percent of funding to cover administrative expenses of operating the grant program.
163.14 		Subd. 6.Appetite for Change. $150,000 is for a grant to Appetite For Change for the 
163.15 	Youth Training and Opportunities Program to provide workforce training for local youth 
163.16 	in urban agriculture, culinary arts, and leadership development.
163.17 		Subd. 7.180 Degrees. $250,000 is for a grant to 180 Degrees, serving teens in Hennepin, 
163.18 	Ramsey, Stearns, Carver, and Olmsted Counties and surrounding areas, to support youth 
163.19 	and young adult employment readiness and exposure to career opportunities. Money may 
163.20 	be used for career exploration, resume development, mock interviews, and work readiness 
163.21 	training that fosters hope, self-sufficiency, and positive career pathways for young people 
163.22 	at risk of or experiencing homelessness, helping them break cycles of poverty and avoid 
163.23 	exploitation or chronic instability.
163.24 		Subd. 8.The Cookie Cart. $300,000 is for a grant to The Cookie Cart for earn and learn 
163.25 	workforce training for youth ages 14 to 18 to provide life, leadership, and employment skills 
163.26 	through on-the-job and classroom experiences in a nonprofit bakery.
163.27 		Subd. 9.Hmong American Partnership. $500,000 is for a grant to the Hmong American 
163.28 	Partnership for job training and employment services.
163.29 		Subd. 10.Getting to Work Grant Program. $1,000,000 is for the getting to work grant 
163.30 	program under Minnesota Statutes, section 116J.545.
163.31 		Subd. 11.Enterprise Minnesota, Inc. $2,000,000 is for a grant to Enterprise Minnesota, 
163.32 	Inc., to directly invest in Minnesota manufacturers under the Made in Minnesota program 
163.33 	under Minnesota Statutes, section 116O.115, and for operations of Enterprise Minnesota, 
163.34 	Inc.

164.1 	Sec. 2. RURAL CANCER INSTITUTE PILOT PROGRAM APPROPRIATION 
164.2 	MODIFICATION.
 164.3 	(a) The appropriation for the Rural Cancer Institute pilot program in Laws 2025, First 
164.4 	Special Session chapter 6, article 1, section 2, subdivision 3, paragraph (bbb), must prioritize 
164.5 	Minnesota clinicians and students. The Rural Cancer Institute may work with clinicians and 
164.6 	students from elsewhere in the United States if the clinician or student receives the 
164.7 	recommendation of a practicing Minnesota oncologist and all care is provided in Minnesota.
164.8 	(b) The appropriations in fiscal years 2026 and 2027 for the Rural Cancer Institute pilot 
164.9 	program in Laws 2025, First Special Session chapter 6, article 1, section 2, subdivision 3, 
164.10 	paragraph (bbb), are available until June 30, 2028.

164.11 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

164.12 	ARTICLE 11
164.13 	LABOR APPROPRIATIONS

164.14 	Section 1. APPROPRIATIONS.
 164.15 		Subdivision 1.Appropriations. The amounts specified in the following subdivisions 
164.16 	are appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner of labor and industry for the 
164.17 	purposes specified in each subdivision.
164.18 		Subd. 2.Additional support for Safe Workplaces for Meat and Poultry Processing 
164.19 	Workers Act. $163,000 in fiscal year 2027 is for one added full-time equivalent position 
164.20 	to support activities under the Safe Workplaces for Meat and Poultry Processing Workers 
164.21 	Act under Minnesota Statutes, sections 179.87 to 179.877.
164.22 		Subd. 3.Suitable seating enforcement. $200,000 in fiscal year 2027 is for enforcement 
164.23 	of Minnesota Statutes, section 181.995.

164.24 	ARTICLE 12
164.25 	LABOR POLICY

164.26 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 177.27, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
164.27 		Subd. 4.Compliance orders. The commissioner may issue an order requiring an 
164.28 	employer to comply with sections 177.21 to 177.435, 177.50, 179.86, 181.02, 181.03, 
164.29 	181.031, 181.032, 181.10, 181.101, 181.11, 181.13, 181.14, 181.145, 181.15, 181.165, 
164.30 	181.172, paragraph (a) or (d), 181.214 to 181.217, 181.275, subdivision 2a, 181.635, 181.64, 
164.31 	181.722, 181.723, 181.79, 181.85 to 181.89, 181.939 to 181.943, 181.9445 to 181.9448, 
165.1 	181.987, 181.991, 181.995, 268B.09, subdivisions 1 to 6, and 268B.14, subdivision 3, with 
165.2 	any rule promulgated under section 177.28, 181.213, or 181.215. The commissioner shall 
165.3 	issue an order requiring an employer to comply with sections 177.41 to 177.435, 181.165, 
165.4 	or 181.987 if the violation is repeated. For purposes of this subdivision only, a violation is 
165.5 	repeated if at any time during the two years that preceded the date of violation, the 
165.6 	commissioner issued an order to the employer for violation of sections 177.41 to 177.435, 
165.7 	181.165, or 181.987 and the order is final or the commissioner and the employer have 
165.8 	entered into a settlement agreement that required the employer to pay back wages that were 
165.9 	required by sections 177.41 to 177.435. The department shall serve the order upon the 
165.10 	employer or the employer's authorized representative in person or by certified mail at the 
165.11 	employer's place of business. An employer who wishes to contest the order must file written 
165.12 	notice of objection to the order with the commissioner within 15 calendar days after being 
165.13 	served with the order. A contested case proceeding must then be held in accordance with 
165.14 	sections 14.57 to 14.69 or 181.165. If, within 15 calendar days after being served with the 
165.15 	order, the employer fails to file a written notice of objection with the commissioner, the 
165.16 	order becomes a final order of the commissioner. For the purposes of this subdivision, an 
165.17 	employer includes a contractor that has assumed a subcontractor's liability within the meaning 
165.18 	of section 181.165.

165.19 	Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 181.03, subdivision 6, is amended to read:
165.20 		Subd. 6.Retaliation. An employer shall not discharge, discipline, penalize, interfere 
165.21 	with, threaten, restrain, coerce, or otherwise retaliate or discriminate against an employee 
165.22 	for asserting rights or remedies under this section, sections 177.21 to 177.44, 181.01 to 
165.23 	181.723, or181.79, or 181.995, including, but not limited to, filing a complaint with the 
165.24 	department or telling the employer of the employee's intention to file a complaint. In addition 
165.25 	to any other remedies provided by law, an employer who violates this subdivision is liable 
165.26 	for a civil penalty of not less than $700 nor more than $3,000 per violation.

165.27 	Sec. 3. [181.995] SUITABLE SEATING FOR EMPLOYEES.
165.28 		Subdivision 1.Suitable seating for employees required. An employer must provide 
165.29 	suitable seating for employees and must permit the use of those seats by employees when 
165.30 	the nature of the work reasonably permits the use of seats. For purposes of this section, 
165.31 	"suitable seating" means an adequate number of seats placed in reasonable proximity to the 
165.32 	work area and includes chairs, benches, or stools.
166.1 		Subd. 2.Enforcement. This section shall be enforced by the commissioner under section 
166.2 	177.27. A violation of this section is subject to a penalty of up to $250 for each violation.
166.3 		Subd. 3.Effect on other laws. Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect any 
166.4 	provision of law relating to occupational health and safety or in any way diminish the 
166.5 	coverage of laws relating to pregnancy, disability, or health conditions related to pregnancy 
166.6 	or childbirth under any other provisions of any other law.

166.7 	ARTICLE 13
166.8 	STATE GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS

166.9 	Section 1. Laws 2023, chapter 70, article 20, section 12, as amended by Laws 2023, chapter 
166.10 	75, section 13, and Laws 2024, chapter 127, article 67, section 15, is amended to read:

166.11
166.12	Sec. 12. COMMISSIONER OF 
MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET
 	$
	12,932,000
	$
	3,412,000
2,412,000
	
166.13 	(a) Outcomes and evaluation consultation. 
166.14 	$450,000 in fiscal year 2024 and $450,000 in 
166.15 	fiscal year 2025 are for outcomes and 
166.16 	evaluation consultation requirements.
166.17 	(b) Department of Children, Youth, and 
166.18 	Families. $11,931,000 in fiscal year 2024 and 
166.19 	$2,066,000 $1,066,000 in fiscal year 2025 are 
166.20 	to establish the Department of Children, 
166.21 	Youth, and Families. This is a onetime 
166.22 	appropriation.
166.23 	(c) Health care subcabinet. $551,000 in fiscal 
166.24 	year 2024 and $664,000 in fiscal year 2025 
166.25 	are to hire an executive director for the health 
166.26 	care subcabinet and to provide staffing and 
166.27 	administrative support for the health care 
166.28 	subcabinet.
166.29 	(d) Base level adjustment. The general fund 
166.30 	base is $1,114,000 in fiscal year 2026 and 
166.31 	$1,114,000 in fiscal year 2027.

166.32 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

167.1 	Sec. 2. APPROPRIATION; ATTORNEY GENERAL.
 167.2 	$1,231,000 in fiscal year 2027 is appropriated from the general fund to the attorney 
167.3 	general for the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.

167.4 	Sec. 3. APPROPRIATION; DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION.
 167.5 	$1,925,000 in fiscal year 2026 is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner 
167.6 	of administration for grants to public television stations for operations. Of this amount, 
167.7 	$350,000 is for a grant to Pioneer PBS; $475,000 is for a grant to Lakeland PBS; $650,000 
167.8 	is for a grant to KSMQ; $250,000 is for a grant to PBS North; and $200,000 is for a grant 
167.9 	to Prairie Public television.

167.10 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

167.11 	ARTICLE 14
167.12 	BOARD OF BARBER EXAMINERS

167.13 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 154.001, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
167.14 		Subd. 2.Board of Barber Examiners. (a) A Board of Barber Examiners is established 
167.15 	to consist of four barber members and one public member, as defined in section 214.02, 
167.16 	appointed by the governor.
167.17 	(b) The barber members shall be persons who have practiced as registered barbers in 
167.18 	this state for at least five years immediately prior to their appointment; shall be graduates 
167.19 	from the 12th grade of a high school or have equivalent education, and shall have knowledge 
167.20 	of the matters to be taught in registered barber schools, as set forth in section 154.07. One 
167.21 	of the barber members shall be a member of, or recommended by, a union of journeymen 
167.22 	barbers that has existed at least two years, and one barber member shall be a member of, 
167.23 	or recommended by, a professional organization of barbers.

167.24 	Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 154.003, is amended to read:
167.25 	154.003 FEES.
167.26 	(a) The fees collected, as required in this chapter, chapter 214, and the rules of the board, 
167.27 	shall be paid to the board. The board shall deposit the fees in the general fund in the state 
167.28 	treasury.
167.29 	(b) The board shall charge the following fees:
167.30 	(1) practical examination and certificate, registered barber, $85 $80;
168.1 	(2) retake of written examination, $10;
168.2 	(2) initial barber registration, $80;
168.3 	(3) examination and certificate, instructor, $180;
168.4 	(4) certificate, instructor, $65;
168.5 	(5) temporary teacher permit, $80;
168.6 	(6) temporary registered barber, military, $85;
168.7 	(7) temporary barber instructor, military, $180;
168.8 	(8) renewal of registration, registered barber, $80;
168.9 	(9) renewal of registration, instructor, $80;
168.10 	(10) renewal of temporary teacher permit, $65;
168.11 	(11) student permit, $45;
168.12 	(12) renewal of student permit, $25;
168.13 	(13) initial shop registration, $85;
168.14 	(14) initial school registration, $1,030;
168.15 	(15) renewal shop registration, $85;
168.16 	(16) renewal school registration, $280;
168.17 	(17) restoration of registered barber registration, $95;
168.18 	(18) restoration of shop registration, $105;
168.19 	(19) change of ownership or location, $55;
168.20 	(20) duplicate registration, $40;
168.21 	(21) home study course, $75;
168.22 	(22) letter of registration verification, $25; and
168.23 	(23) reinspection, $100.
168.24 	(c) If the board uses a board-approved examination provider for any portion of the 
168.25 	comprehensive registered barber examination and the provider charges a fee, an examinee 
168.26 	must pay the fee directly to the provider. A fee charged by a provider under this paragraph 
168.27 	is separate from and not included in the fees that an examinee pays to the board.

169.1 	Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 154.01, is amended to read:
169.2 	154.01 REGISTRATION MANDATORY.
169.3 	(a) The registration of the practice of barbering serves the public health and safety of 
169.4 	the people of the state of Minnesota by ensuring that individuals seeking to practice the 
169.5 	profession of barbering are appropriately trained in the use of the chemicals, tools, and 
169.6 	implements of barbering and demonstrate the skills necessary to conduct barber services in 
169.7 	a safe, sanitary, and appropriate environment required for infection control.
169.8 	(b) No person shall practice, offer to practice, or attempt to practice barbering without 
169.9 	a current certificate of registration as a registered barber, issued pursuant to provisions of 
169.10 	sections 154.001, 154.002, 154.003, 154.01 to 154.162, 154.19 to 154.21, and 154.24 to 
169.11 	154.28 by the Board of Barber Examiners.
169.12 	(c) A registered barber must only provide barbering services in a registered barber shop 
169.13 	or barber school, unless prior authorization is given by the board.
169.14 	(d) No person shall operate a barber shop unless it is at all times under the direct 
169.15 	supervision and management of a registered barber and the owner or operator of the barber 
169.16 	shop possesses a current shop registration card, issued to the barber shop establishment 
169.17 	address, under sections 154.001, 154.002, 154.003, 154.01 to 154.162, 154.19 to 154.21, 
169.18 	and 154.24 to 154.28 by the Board of Barber Examiners.
169.19 	(e) No person shall serve, offer to serve, or attempt to serve as an instructor of barbering 
169.20 	without a current certificate of registration as a registered instructor of barbering or a 
169.21 	temporary permit as an instructor of barbering, as provided for the board by rule, issued 
169.22 	under sections 154.001, 154.002, 154.003, 154.01 to 154.162, 154.19 to 154.21, and 154.24
169.23 	to 154.28 by the Board of Barber Examiners. Barber instruction must be provided in 
169.24 	registered barber schools only.
169.25 	(f) No person shall operate a barber school unless the owner or operator possesses a 
169.26 	current certificate of registration as a barber school, issued under sections 154.001, 154.002, 
169.27 	154.003, 154.01 to 154.162, 154.19 to 154.21, and 154.24 to 154.28 by the Board of Barber 
169.28 	Examiners.

169.29 	Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 154.02, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
169.30 		Subdivision 1.What constitutes barbering. Any one or any combination of the 
169.31 	following practices when done upon the head, face, and neck for cosmetic purposes and not 
169.32 	for the treatment of disease or physical or mental ailments and when done for payment 
169.33 	directly or indirectly or without payment for the public generally constitutes the practice of 
170.1 	barbering within the meaning of sections 154.001, 154.002, 154.003, 154.01 to 154.162, 
170.2 	154.19 to 154.21, and 154.24 to 154.28 this chapter: to shave the face or neck using a straight 
170.3 	razor or other tool, trim the beard, clean, condition, cut, color, shape, or straighten the hair 
170.4 	of any person of either sex for compensation or other reward received by the person 
170.5 	performing such service or any other person; to give facial and scalp massage with oils, 
170.6 	creams, lotions, or other preparations either by hand or mechanical appliances; to singe, 
170.7 	shampoo the hair, or apply hair tonics; or to apply cosmetic preparations, antiseptics, 
170.8 	powders, oils, clays, or lotions to hair, scalp, face, or neck. The removal of hair through the 
170.9 	process of waxing is not barbering.

170.10 	Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 154.02, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
170.11 		Subd. 4.Certificate of registration. A "certificate of registration" means the certificate 
170.12 	issued to an individual, a barber shop, or a barber school that is in compliance with the 
170.13 	requirements of sections 154.001, 154.002, 154.003, 154.01 to 154.162, 154.19 to 154.21, 
170.14 	and 154.24 to 154.28 this chapter.

170.15 	Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 154.02, is amended by adding a subdivision to 
170.16 	read:
170.17 		Subd. 7.Straight razor. A straight razor is a razor with a rigid steel cutting blade or a 
170.18 	replaceable blade that is hinged to a case that forms a handle when the razor is open for use.

170.19 	Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 154.02, is amended by adding a subdivision to 
170.20 	read:
170.21 		Subd. 8.Waxing. Waxing is the process of removing hair from a part of the body by 
170.22 	applying wax and peeling off the wax.

170.23 	Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 154.05, is amended to read:
170.24 	154.05 WHO MAY RECEIVE CERTIFICATES OF REGISTRATION AS A 
170.25 	REGISTERED BARBER.
170.26 	(a) A person is qualified to receive a certificate of registration as a registered barber if 
170.27 	the person:
170.28 	(1) has successfully completed ten grades of education is at least 17 years of age;
170.29 	(2) has successfully completed 1,500 hours of study of which 281 hours are classroom 
170.30 	hours and 1,219 hours are practical hours in a board-approved barber school; and
171.1 	(3) has passed an a comprehensive examination conducted by the board in accordance 
171.2 	with section 154.09 to determine the person's fitness to practice barbering.
171.3 	(b) A first-time applicant for a certificate of registration to practice as a registered barber 
171.4 	who fails to pass the comprehensive examination conducted by the board and who fails to 
171.5 	pass a onetime retake of the written examination, shall complete an additional 500 hours 
171.6 	of barber education before being eligible to retake the comprehensive examination as many 
171.7 	times as necessary to pass.

171.8 	Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 154.07, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
171.9 		Subdivision 1.Admission requirements; course of instruction. No barber school shall 
171.10 	be approved by the board unless it the barber school requires, as a prerequisite to admission, 
171.11 	ten grades of an approved school or its equivalent, as determined by educational transcript, 
171.12 	high school diploma, high school equivalency certificate, or an examination conducted by 
171.13 	the commissioner of education, which shall issue a certificate that the student has passed 
171.14 	the required examination, and unless it requires, as a prerequisite to graduation, a course of 
171.15 	instruction of at least 1,500 hours of not more than ten hours of schooling in any one working 
171.16 	day. The course of instruction must include the following subjects: scientific fundamentals 
171.17 	for barbering; hygiene; practical study of the hair, skin, muscles, and nerves; structure of 
171.18 	the head, face, and neck; elementary chemistry relating to sanitation; disinfection; sterilization 
171.19 	and antiseptics; diseases of the skin, hair, and glands; massaging and manipulating the 
171.20 	muscles of the face and neck; haircutting; shaving; trimming the beard; bleaching, tinting 
171.21 	and dyeing the hair; and the chemical waving and straightening of hair.

171.22 	Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 154.07, is amended by adding a subdivision to 
171.23 	read:
171.24 		Subd. 7.Application review process. (a) Upon receipt of an application to establish a 
171.25 	barber school, the board must consider the application during a meeting that is open to the 
171.26 	public. At the meeting, the applicant must demonstrate that:
171.27 	(1) the contents of the application are true, as required by chapter 154 and the rules of 
171.28 	the board; and
171.29 	(2) the applicant has sufficient financial resources to fund the barber school.
171.30 	(b) The board may deny an application if the board determines that the applicant's 
171.31 	financial resources would be insufficient to:
171.32 	(1) maintain and operate a barber school; and
172.1 	(2) ensure that the barber school would be open long enough for all registered students 
172.2 	to graduate from the barber school.

172.3 	Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 154.08, is amended to read:
172.4 	154.08 APPLICATION; FEE.
172.5 	Each applicant for an examination shall:
172.6 	(1) make an application to the Board of Barber Examiners or a board-approved 
172.7 	examination provider on blank forms prepared and furnished by it, the application to the 
172.8 	board or the board-approved provider. The application must contain proof under the 
172.9 	applicant's oath of the particular qualifications and identity of the applicant;
172.10 	(2) provide all documentation required in support of the application;
172.11 	(3) pay to the board the required fee; and
172.12 	(4) upon acceptance of the notarized application, present a corresponding 
172.13 	government-issued photo identification when the applicant appears for the examination.; 
172.14 	and
172.15 	(5) file an application with the board no later than the twentieth day of the month 
172.16 	preceding the month when the practical portion of the exam is administered.

172.17 	Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 154.09, is amended to read:
172.18 	154.09 EXAMINATIONS, CONDUCT AND SCOPE.
172.19 		Subdivision 1.Examination dates. The board or a board-approved examination provider 
172.20 	shall conduct practical examinations of applicants for certificates of registration to practice 
172.21 	as registered barbers not more than six eight times each year, at such time and place as the 
172.22 	board may determine. Additional Written examinations may be scheduled by the board and 
172.23 	conducted by board staff or a board-approved provider as designated by the board.
172.24 		Subd. 2.Documentation required. The proprietor owner or operator of a barber school 
172.25 	must file an affidavit with the board of hours completed by students applying to take the 
172.26 	registered barber comprehensive examination. Students must complete the full 1,500-hour 
172.27 	curriculum in a barber school approved by the board within the past four years to be eligible 
172.28 	for the examination. Barber students who have completed barber school more than four 
172.29 	years prior to application, that have not obtained a barber registration, license, or certificate 
172.30 	in any jurisdiction must complete an additional 500 hours of barber school education to be 
172.31 	eligible for the registered barber examination.
173.1 		Subd. 3.Examinations for registration restoration. Registered barbers that fail An 
173.2 	individual who fails to renew their the individual's barber registration for four or more years 
173.3 	are is required to purchase and complete the "Home Study Course for Barbers" program 
173.4 	that was prepared and approved by the board before the individual is eligible to apply to 
173.5 	take the registered barber comprehensive examination to reinstate the individual's registration.
173.6 		Subd. 4.Examinations for individuals seeking reciprocity. An individual who must 
173.7 	pass the comprehensive examination under section 154.11 must purchase and complete the 
173.8 	"Home Study Course for Barbers" program that was prepared and approved by the board 
173.9 	before the individual is eligible to take the comprehensive examination.
173.10 		Subd. 5.Contents of examination. The comprehensive examination of applicants for 
173.11 	certificates of registration as barbers shall must include:
173.12 	(1) a practical demonstration portion that consists of a haircut and three of the following 
173.13 	practical services that the board shall determine: a shave, a beard trim, a shampoo, a perm 
173.14 	wrap, a facial, or a color application; and
173.15 	(2) a written test. The examination must cover portion that covers the subjects taught in 
173.16 	barber schools registered with the board, including as required by this chapter, applicable 
173.17 	state statute statutes, and rule rules.
173.18 		Subd. 6.Examination grading. The comprehensive examination must be graded as 
173.19 	follows:
173.20 	(1) the grading for the practical portion of the examination must be on a scale of one to 
173.21 	100, with 100 representing a perfect score. A score of 75 must be the minimum passing 
173.22 	grade for the haircut portion and 75 must be the minimum passing score for the average of 
173.23 	the remaining parts of the practical examination; and
173.24 	(2) the minimum passing score for the written portion of the examination is 75 percent.
173.25 		Subd. 7.Failure of examination. (a) An individual who does not pass one portion of 
173.26 	the comprehensive examination within a year of passing the other portion of the 
173.27 	comprehensive examination must retake the entire comprehensive examination.
173.28 	(b) An individual who has failed a portion of the comprehensive examination may retake 
173.29 	that portion of the examination within a year of passing the other portion after meeting the 
173.30 	requirements of this chapter, paying any required fees, and making an application to the 
173.31 	board as required by section 154.08.

174.1 	Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 154.11, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
174.2 		Subdivision 1.Examination of nonresidents. (a) A person who meets all of the 
174.3 	requirements for barber registration in sections 154.001, 154.002, 154.003, 154.01 to 
174.4 	154.162, 154.19 to 154.21, and 154.24 to 154.28 this chapter and either has a currently 
174.5 	active license, certificate of registration, or equivalent as a practicing barber or instructor 
174.6 	of barbering as verified from another state or, if presenting foreign country credentials as 
174.7 	verified by a board-approved professional credential evaluation provider, which in the 
174.8 	discretion of the board has substantially the same requirements for registering barbers and 
174.9 	instructors of barbering as required by sections 154.001, 154.002, 154.003, 154.01 to 
174.10 	154.162, 154.19 to 154.21, and 154.24 to 154.28 in this chapter shall, upon payment of the 
174.11 	required fee, be issued a certificate of registration without examination.
174.12 	(b) Individuals without a current documented license, certificate of registration, or 
174.13 	equivalent, as verified in paragraph (a), must have a minimum of 1,500 hours of barber 
174.14 	education as verified by the barber school attended in the other state or if presenting foreign 
174.15 	country education as verified by a board-approved professional credential evaluation provider, 
174.16 	completed within the previous four years, which, in the discretion of the board, has 
174.17 	substantially the same requirements as required in sections 154.001, 154.002, 154.003, 
174.18 	154.01 to 154.162, 154.19 to 154.21, and 154.24 to 154.28 this chapter will be eligible for 
174.19 	examination.
174.20 	(c) Individuals unable to meet the requirements in paragraph (a) or (b) shall be subject 
174.21 	to all the requirements of section 154.05.

174.22 	Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 154.11, is amended by adding a subdivision to 
174.23 	read:
174.24 		Subd. 4.Examination of cosmetologists. (a) A person may be credited with up to 1,000 
174.25 	hours of study toward the 1,500 hours of study required under section 154.05 if the person:
174.26 	(1) has hours of study that the board determines are substantially similar to the 
174.27 	requirements in section 154.07;
174.28 	(2) has a currently active license verified by the issuing state or a certificate of registration 
174.29 	verified by the issuing state, or equivalent, as a practicing cosmetologist; or
174.30 	(3) has credentials as a practicing cosmetologist from a foreign country that are verified 
174.31 	by a board-approved professional credential evaluation provider and the board has determined 
174.32 	that the foreign country's curriculum requirements are substantially similar to the 
174.33 	requirements in section 154.07.
175.1 	(b) After a person with credited hours under paragraph (a) completes the remaining 
175.2 	required hours in a board-approved barber school and meets the requirements of section 
175.3 	154.05, clause (1), the person is eligible for the comprehensive examination.

175.4 	Sec. 15. REPEALER.
 175.5 	Minnesota Rules, parts 2100.2500; 2100.2600; 2100.2900; 2100.3000; 2100.3200; 
175.6 	2100.3300; 2100.4500; 2100.5200, subparts 1, 2, and 5; 2100.5300; and 2100.6000, are 
175.7 	repealed.

175.8 	ARTICLE 15
175.9 	BOARD OF COSMETOLOGIST EXAMINERS

175.10 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 155A.20, is amended to read:
175.11 	155A.20 BOARD OF COSMETOLOGIST EXAMINERS CREATED; TERMS.
175.12 	(a) A Board of Cosmetologist Examiners is established to consist of seven members, 
175.13 	appointed by the governor as follows:
175.14 	(1) two cosmetologists, one of whom is recommended by a professional association of 
175.15 	cosmetologists, nail technicians, and estheticians;
175.16 	(2) two school instructors, one of whom is teaching at a public cosmetology school in 
175.17 	the state and one of whom is teaching at a private cosmetology school in the state;
175.18 	(3) one advanced practice esthetician;
175.19 	(4) one nail technician; and
175.20 	(5) one public member, as defined in section 214.02.
175.21 	(b) All cosmetologist, advanced practice esthetician, and nail technician members must 
175.22 	be currently licensed in the field of cosmetology, nail technology, or esthetology, advanced 
175.23 	practice esthiology in Minnesota,; have practiced in the licensed occupation for at least five 
175.24 	years immediately prior to their appointment, be graduates from grade 12 of high school or 
175.25 	have equivalent education,; and have knowledge of sections 155A.21 to 155A.36 and 
175.26 	Minnesota Rules, chapters 2105 and 2110.
175.27 	(c) Membership terms, compensation of members, removal of members, the filling of 
175.28 	membership vacancies, and fiscal year and reporting requirements shall must be as provided 
175.29 	in sections 214.07 to 214.09. The provision of staff, administrative services, and office 
175.30 	space; the review and processing of complaints; the setting of board fees; and other provisions 
175.31 	relating to board operations shall must be as provided in chapter 214.
176.1 	(d) Members appointed to fill vacancies caused by death, resignation, or removal shall
176.2 	must serve during the unexpired term of their predecessors.

176.3 	Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 155A.23, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
176.4 		Subd. 4.Cosmetologist. A "cosmetologist" is any person who, for compensation, 
176.5 	performs the personal services, as defined in subdivision 3 for the cosmetic care of the hair, 
176.6 	nails, and stratum corneum of the epidermal layer of the skin surface.

176.7 	Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 155A.23, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
176.8 		Subd. 5.Esthetician. An "esthetician" is any person who, for compensation, performs 
176.9 	personal services for the cosmetic care of the stratum corneum of the epidermal layer of the
176.10 	skin surface only.

176.11 	Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 155A.23, subdivision 8, is amended to read:
176.12 		Subd. 8.Manager. A "manager" is any person who is a cosmetologist, esthetician, 
176.13 	advanced practice esthetician, hair technician, nail technician practitioner, or eyelash 
176.14 	technician, and who has a manager license and provides any services under that license, as 
176.15 	defined in subdivision 3.

176.16 	Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 155A.23, subdivision 9, is amended to read:
176.17 		Subd. 9.Salon. A "salon" is an indoor area, room, or rooms employed to offer personal 
176.18 	services, as defined in subdivision 3. "Salon" Salon does not include the home of a customer 
176.19 	but the board may adopt health and infection control rules governing practice in the homes 
176.20 	of customers.

176.21 	Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 155A.23, subdivision 10, is amended to read:
176.22 		Subd. 10.School. A "school" is a place where any person operates and maintains a class 
176.23 	to teach cosmetology instruction or training is offered to the public for compensation. 
176.24 	"School" School does not include a place where the only teaching of cosmetology is done 
176.25 	by a licensed cosmetologist as part of a community education program of less than ten hours 
176.26 	duration, provided that the program does not permit practice on persons other than students 
176.27 	in the program, and provided that the program is intended solely for the self-improvement 
176.28 	of the students that only offers continuing education according to this chapter, additional 
176.29 	instruction or training to licensees on services within the licensee's scope of practice, or 
177.1 	community education programs for personal enrichment and not as preparation for 
177.2 	professional practice.

177.3 	Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 155A.23, is amended by adding a subdivision to 
177.4 	read:
177.5 		Subd. 10a.School administrator. "School administrator" means the proprietor, if the 
177.6 	applicant is a proprietorship; the managing partner, if the applicant is a partnership; the 
177.7 	authorized officers, if the applicant is a corporation, association, company, firm, society, 
177.8 	or trust; or the dean, principal, or other authorized signatory, if the applicant is a school in 
177.9 	the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system or a secondary school.

177.10 	Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 155A.23, subdivision 18, is amended to read:
177.11 		Subd. 18.Practitioner. A "practitioner" is any person licensed as an operator or manager 
177.12 	in the practice of cosmetology, esthiology, advanced practice esthiology, hair technology 
177.13 	services, nail technology services, or eyelash technology services.

177.14 	Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 155A.25, subdivision 1a, is amended to read:
177.15 		Subd. 1a.Schedule. (a) The schedule for fees and penalties is as provided in this 
177.16 	subdivision.
177.17 	(b) Three-year license fees are as follows:
177.18 	(1) $195 initial practitioner, manager, or instructor license, divided as follows:
177.19 	(i) $155 for each initial license; and
177.20 	(ii) $40 for each initial license application fee;
177.21 	(2) $115 renewal of practitioner license, divided as follows:
177.22 	(i) $100 for each renewal license; and
177.23 	(ii) $15 for each renewal application fee;
177.24 	(3) $145 renewal of manager or instructor license, divided as follows:
177.25 	(i) $130 for each renewal license; and
177.26 	(ii) $15 for each renewal application fee;
177.27 	(4) $350 initial salon license, divided as follows:
177.28 	(i) $250 for each initial license; and
178.1 	(ii) $100 for each initial license application fee;
178.2 	(5) $225 renewal of salon license, divided as follows:
178.3 	(i) $175 for each renewal; and
178.4 	(ii) $50 for each renewal application fee;
178.5 	(6) $4,000 initial school license, divided as follows:
178.6 	(i) $3,000 for each initial license; and
178.7 	(ii) $1,000 for each initial license application fee; and
178.8 	(7) $2,500 renewal of school license, divided as follows:
178.9 	(i) $2,000 for each renewal; and
178.10 	(ii) $500 for each renewal application fee.
178.11 	(c) Penalties may be assessed in amounts up to the following:
178.12 	(1) reinspection fee, $150;
178.13 	(2) manager and owner with expired practitioner or instructor found on inspection, $150 
178.14 	each;
178.15 	(3) expired practitioner or instructor found on inspection, $200;
178.16 	(4) expired salon found on inspection, $500;
178.17 	(5) expired school found on inspection, $1,000;
178.18 	(6) failure to display current license, $100;
178.19 	(7) failure to dispose of single-use equipment, implements, or materials as provided 
178.20 	under section 155A.355, subdivision 1, $500;
178.21 	(8) use of prohibited razor-type callus shavers, rasps, or graters under section 155A.355, 
178.22 	subdivision 2, $500;
178.23 	(9) performing nail or cosmetology services in esthetician salon, or performing esthetician 
178.24 	or cosmetology services in a nail salon, $500;
178.25 	(10) owner and manager allowing an operator to work as an independent contractor, 
178.26 	$200;
178.27 	(11) operator working as an independent contractor, $100;
178.28 	(12) (9) refusal or failure to cooperate with an inspection, $500;
179.1 	(13) (10) practitioner late renewal fee, $45; and
179.2 	(14) (11) salon or school late renewal fee, $50.
179.3 	(d) Administrative fees are as follows:
179.4 	(1) homebound service permit, $50 three-year fee;
179.5 	(2) name change, $20;
179.6 	(3) certification of licensure, $30 each;
179.7 	(4) duplicate license, $20;
179.8 	(5) special event permit, $75 per year;
179.9 	(6) $100 (5) no fee for each a temporary military license for a cosmetologist, nail 
179.10 	technician, esthetician, or advanced practice esthetician one-year fee, or eyelash technician;
179.11 	(7) (6) expedited initial individual license, $150;
179.12 	(8) (7) expedited initial salon license, $300;
179.13 	(9) (8) instructor continuing education provider approval, $150 each year; and
179.14 	(10) (9) practitioner continuing education provider approval, $150 each year.

179.15 	Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 155A.25, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
179.16 		Subd. 3.Other licenses. A licensee who applies for licensing in a second category shall
179.17 	must pay the full license fee and application fee for the second category of license. If 
179.18 	maintaining more than one license, a licensee must pay the renewal and application fee for 
179.19 	each license except as provided in section 155A.27, subdivision 6b.

179.20 	Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 155A.25, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
179.21 		Subd. 5.Board must approve or deny application; timeline. Within 15 working days 
179.22 	of receiving a complete application and the required fees, if any, to apply for or renew an 
179.23 	individual or salon license that is not an expedited license or a military license, the board 
179.24 	must (1) issue the license, (2) deny the license and notify the applicant of the denial, or (3) 
179.25 	if the conditions in subdivision 6 are met, notify the applicant that the board must conduct 
179.26 	additional review.

179.27 	Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 155A.25, subdivision 7, is amended to read:
179.28 		Subd. 7.Temporary military license or expedited license. Within five business days 
179.29 	of receiving a completed application and the required fees, if any, for an individual or salon 
180.1 	license that meets requirements for an expedited license or a temporary military license, 
180.2 	the board must: (1) issue the license; (2) deny the license and notify the applicant of the 
180.3 	denial; or (3) notify the applicant that the board must conduct additional review if the 
180.4 	application meets the conditions in subdivision 8.

180.5 	Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 155A.27, subdivision 5a, is amended to read:
180.6 		Subd. 5a.Temporary military license. The board shall must establish temporary licenses 
180.7 	for a cosmetologist, a hair technician, a nail technician, an eyelash technician, an esthetician,
180.8 	and an advanced practice esthetician in accordance with section 197.4552, subdivision 2.
180.9 	A temporary license issued under section 197.4552, subdivision 2, is valid for a three-year 
180.10 	licensing period. The board must only issue one temporary license per applicant.

180.11 	Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 155A.27, is amended by adding a subdivision 
180.12 	to read:
180.13 		Subd. 6a.Instructor license renewal. (a) When issuing an instructor license to an 
180.14 	individual who holds an operator or a salon manager license in the same classification, the 
180.15 	board must extend the expiration date of the operator or salon manager license so that both 
180.16 	licenses in the same classification expire on the same date.
180.17 	(b) When an individual simultaneously renews an instructor license and an operator or 
180.18 	a salon manager license in the same classification, the board must charge the individual 
180.19 	only the instructor renewal license and renewal application fee according to section 155A.25, 
180.20 	subdivision 1a, paragraph (b), clause (3), and must not charge a fee for renewing the operator 
180.21 	or salon manager license.

180.22 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective January 1, 2028.

180.23 	Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 155A.27, subdivision 10, is amended to read:
180.24 		Subd. 10.Nonresident licenses. (a) A nonresident cosmetologist, a hair technician, an 
180.25 	advanced practice esthetician, a nail technician, an esthetician, or an eyelash technician may 
180.26 	be licensed in Minnesota if the individual has completed cosmetology school in a state or 
180.27 	country with the same or greater school hour requirements, has an active license in that state 
180.28 	or country, and has passed a board-approved theory and practice-based examination, and 
180.29 	has passed the Minnesota-specific written operator examination for cosmetologist, hair 
180.30 	technician, nail technician, esthetician. If a test is used to verify the qualifications of trained 
180.31 	cosmetologists, the test should must be translated into the nonresident's native language 
181.1 	within the limits of available resources. Licenses shall must not be issued under this 
181.2 	subdivision for managers or instructors.
181.3 	(b) If an individual has less than the required number of school hours, the individual 
181.4 	must have had a current active license in another state or country for at least three years and 
181.5 	have passed a board-approved theory and practice-based examination, and the 
181.6 	Minnesota-specific written operator examination for cosmetologist, hair technician, nail 
181.7 	technician, esthetician. If a test is used to verify the qualifications of trained cosmetologists, 
181.8 	the test should must be translated into the nonresident's native language within the limits 
181.9 	of available resources. Licenses must not be issued under this subdivision for managers or 
181.10 	instructors.
181.11 	(c) Applicants claiming training and experience in a foreign country shall must supply 
181.12 	official English-language translations of all required documents from a board-approved 
181.13 	source.

181.14 	Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 155A.27, is amended by adding a subdivision 
181.15 	to read:
181.16 		Subd. 11.Reciprocity for barbers. A person who is a registered barber under chapter 
181.17 	154 may be granted credit up to 500 hours, as determined by a Minnesota-licensed 
181.18 	cosmetology school, toward the required hours of study for a license in cosmetology or hair 
181.19 	technology if the person:
181.20 	(1) provides the cosmetology school with a verification of registration issued from the 
181.21 	Minnesota Board of Barber Examiners verifying that the person has an active Minnesota 
181.22 	barber registration; and
181.23 	(2) holds an active Minnesota barber registration at the time that the person applies for 
181.24 	a license in cosmetology or hair technology.

181.25 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective on January 1, 2027.

181.26 	Sec. 17. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 155A.271, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
181.27 		Subd. 2.Continuing education providers. (a) Only a board-licensed school of 
181.28 	cosmetology, a postsecondary institution as defined described in section 136A.103,
181.29 	subdivision 1, paragraph (a), or a board-recognized professional association organized under 
181.30 	chapter 317A may be approved by the board to offer continuing education for credit under 
181.31 	subdivision 1, paragraph (a). Continuing education under subdivision 1, paragraph (b), may 
181.32 	be offered by a:
182.1 	(1) board-licensed school of cosmetology;
182.2 	(2) board-recognized professional association organized under chapter 317A; or
182.3 	(3) board-licensed salon.
182.4 	An approved school or professional association may offer web-based continuing education 
182.5 	instruction to achieve maximum involvement of licensees. Continuing education providers 
182.6 	are encouraged to offer classes available in foreign language formats.
182.7 	(b) Board approval of any continuing education provider is valid for one calendar year 
182.8 	and is contingent upon submission and preapproval of the lesson plan or plans with learning 
182.9 	objectives for the class to be offered and the payment of the application fee in section 
182.10 	155A.25, subdivision 1a, paragraph (d), clause (10) (9). The board shall must maintain a 
182.11 	list of approved providers and courses on the board's website. The board may revoke 
182.12 	authorization of a continuing education provider at any time for just cause and the board 
182.13 	may demand return of documents required under subdivision 3.

182.14 	Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 155A.29, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
182.15 		Subd. 2.Requirements.  The conditions and process by which a salon is licensed shall
182.16 	must be established by the board by rule. In addition to those requirements, no a license 
182.17 	shall must not be issued unless the board first determines that the conditions in clauses (1) 
182.18 	to (4) have been satisfied:
182.19 	(1) compliance with all local and state laws, particularly relating to matters of infection 
182.20 	control, health, and safety;
182.21 	(2) the employment appointment of a manager, as defined in section 155A.23, subdivision 
182.22 	8;
182.23 	(3) if applicable, evidence of compliance with workers' compensation section 176.182; 
182.24 	and
182.25 	(4) evidence of continued professional liability insurance coverage of at least $25,000 
182.26 	for each claim and $50,000 total coverage for each policy year for each operator practitioner.

182.27 	Sec. 19. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 155A.30, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
182.28 		Subd. 3.Applications. Application for a license shall must be prepared on forms 
182.29 	furnished by the board and shall must contain the following and such other information as 
182.30 	may be required:
183.1 	(1) the name of the school, together with ownership and controlling officers, members, 
183.2 	and managing employees;
183.3 	(2) the specific fields of instruction which will be offered and reconciliation of the course 
183.4 	content and length to meet the minimum standards, as prescribed in subdivision 2;
183.5 	(3) the place or places where instruction will be given;
183.6 	(4) a listing of the equipment available for instruction in each course offered;
183.7 	(5) the maximum enrollment to be accommodated;
183.8 	(6) a listing of instructors, all of whom shall must be licensed as provided in section 
183.9 	155A.27, subdivision 2, except that any school may use occasional instructors or lecturers 
183.10 	who would add to the general or specialized knowledge of the students but who need not 
183.11 	be licensed;
183.12 	(7) a current balance sheet, income statement or documentation to show sufficient 
183.13 	financial worth and responsibility to properly conduct a school and to assure financial 
183.14 	resources ample to meet the school's financial obligations;
183.15 	(8) other financial guarantees which that would assure protection of the public as 
183.16 	determined by rule; and
183.17 	(9) a copy of all written material which materials that the school uses to solicit prospective 
183.18 	students, including but not limited to a tuition and fee schedule, and all catalogues, brochures 
183.19 	and other recruitment advertisements. Each school shall annually, on a date determined by 
183.20 	the board, file with the board any new or amended materials which it has distributed during 
183.21 	the past year for prospective student enrollment, including the enrollment contract, the 
183.22 	student handbook, and tuition and fee information.

183.23 	Sec. 20. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 155A.30, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
183.24 		Subd. 4.Verification of application. Each application shall must be signed and certified 
183.25 	to under oath by the proprietor if the applicant is a proprietorship, by the managing partner 
183.26 	if the applicant is a partnership, or by the authorized officers of the applicant if the applicant 
183.27 	is a corporation, association, company, firm, society or trust a school administrator as defined 
183.28 	in section 155A.23, subdivision 10a.

183.29 	Sec. 21. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 155A.30, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
183.30 		Subd. 5.Conditions precedent to issuance. A license must not be issued unless the 
183.31 	board first determines that the applicant has met the requirements in clauses (1) to (9):
184.1 	(1) the applicant must have a sound financial condition with sufficient resources available 
184.2 	to meet the school's financial obligations; to refund all tuition and other charges, within a 
184.3 	reasonable period of time, in the event of dissolution of the school or in the event of any 
184.4 	justifiable claims for refund against the school; to provide adequate service to its students 
184.5 	and prospective students; and to maintain proper use and support of the school;
184.6 	(2) the applicant must have satisfactory training facilities with sufficient tools and 
184.7 	equipment and the necessary number of work stations to adequately train the students 
184.8 	currently enrolled, and those proposed to be enrolled;
184.9 	(3) the applicant must employ a sufficient number of qualified instructors trained by 
184.10 	experience and education to give the training contemplated;
184.11 	(4) the premises and conditions under which the students work and study must be sanitary, 
184.12 	healthful, and safe according to modern standards;
184.13 	(5) each occupational course or program of instruction or study must be of such quality 
184.14 	and content as to provide education and training that will adequately prepare enrolled 
184.15 	students for testing, licensing, and entry level positions;
184.16 	(6) the school must have coverage by professional liability insurance of at least $25,000 
184.17 	per incident and an accumulation of $150,000 for each premium year;
184.18 	(7) the applicant shall must provide evidence of the school's compliance with section 
184.19 	176.182;
184.20 	(8) the applicant, except the state and its political subdivisions as described in section 
184.21 	13.02, subdivision 11, must file with the board a continuous corporate surety bond in the 
184.22 	amount of no less than ten percent of the preceding year's gross income from student tuition, 
184.23 	fees, and other required institutional charges, but in no event less than $10,000, conditioned 
184.24 	upon the faithful performance of all contracts and agreements with students made by the 
184.25 	applicant. New schools must base the bond amount on the anticipated gross income from 
184.26 	student tuition, fees, and other required institutional charges for the third year of operation, 
184.27 	but in no event less than $10,000. The applicant must compute the amount of the surety 
184.28 	bond and verify that the amount of the surety bond complies with this subdivision. The 
184.29 	bond shall must run to the board and to any person who may have a cause of action against 
184.30 	the applicant arising at any time after the bond is filed and before it is canceled for breach 
184.31 	of any contract or agreement made by the applicant with any student. The surety of the bond 
184.32 	may cancel it upon giving 60 days' notice in writing to the board and shall must be relieved 
184.33 	of liability for any breach of condition occurring after the effective date of cancellation; 
184.34 	and
185.1 	(9) the applicant must appoint a designated school manager.

185.2 	Sec. 22. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 155A.30, subdivision 6, is amended to read:
185.3 		Subd. 6.Fees; renewals. (a) Applications for initial license under sections 155A.21 to 
185.4 	155A.36shall must be accompanied by a nonrefundable application fee set forth in section 
185.5 	155A.25.
185.6 	(b) License duration shall must be three years. Each renewal application shall must be 
185.7 	accompanied by a nonrefundable renewal fee set forth in section 155A.25.
185.8 	(c) Application for renewal of license shall must be made as provided in rules adopted 
185.9 	by the board and on forms supplied by the board.

185.10 	Sec. 23. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 155A.30, subdivision 7, is amended to read:
185.11 		Subd. 7.Inspections. All schools may be inspected as often as the board considers 
185.12 	necessary to affirm compliance. The board shall have has the authority to assess the cost of 
185.13 	the inspection to the school.

185.14 	Sec. 24. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 155A.30, subdivision 8, is amended to read:
185.15 		Subd. 8.List of licensed schools; availability. The board shall must maintain and make 
185.16 	available to the public a list of licensed schools.

185.17 	Sec. 25. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 155A.30, subdivision 9, is amended to read:
185.18 		Subd. 9.Separation of School and professional departments salon separation. A 
185.19 	school shall must display in the entrance reception room of its the school's student section 
185.20 	a sign prominently and conspicuously indicating that all work therein is done performed
185.21 	exclusively by students. Professional departments of a school shall be run Any salon or 
185.22 	business on the same premises as a school must be operated as an entirely separate and 
185.23 	distinct businesses business and shall must have a separate entrances. entrance from the 
185.24 	school. If a salon or business is located on the same premises as a school: (1) staff of the 
185.25 	salon or business must not provide services or training in the space used by the school; and 
185.26 	(2) staff and students of the school must not provide services or training in the space used 
185.27 	by the salon or business.
185.28 	Nothing contained in sections 155A.21 to 155A.36shall prevent prevents a school from 
185.29 	charging for student work done in the school to cover the cost of materials used and expenses 
185.30 	incurred in and for the operation of the school. All of the student work shall must be 
186.1 	prominently and conspicuously advertised and held forth as being student work and not 
186.2 	otherwise.

186.3 	Sec. 26. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 155A.30, subdivision 11, is amended to read:
186.4 		Subd. 11.Instruction requirements. (a) Instruction may be offered for no more than 
186.5 	ten hours per day per student.
186.6 	(b) Instruction must be given within a licensed school building except as provided in 
186.7 	paragraphs (c) and (d). Online instruction is permitted for board-approved theory-based 
186.8 	classes.
186.9 	(c) A school may offer online instruction for theory-based portions of training. A school 
186.10 	must not give practice-based classes must not be given training online.
186.11 	(d) A school may offer activities related to the training for industry educational purposes 
186.12 	outside of a school building when accompanied by an instructor for a maximum of one 
186.13 	percent of the total training hours for a course.

186.14 	Sec. 27. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 155A.30, subdivision 12, is amended to read:
186.15 		Subd. 12.Minnesota state authorization. A cosmetology school licensed or applying 
186.16 	for licensure under this section shall must maintain recognition as an institution of 
186.17 	postsecondary study by meeting the following conditions, in addition to Minnesota Rules, 
186.18 	part 2110.0310:
186.19 	(1) the school must admit as regular students only those individuals who have a high 
186.20 	school diploma or a diploma based on passing commissioner of education-selected high 
186.21 	school equivalency tests or their equivalent, or who are beyond the age of compulsory 
186.22 	education as prescribed by section 120A.22; and
186.23 	(2) the school must be licensed by name and authorized by the Office of Higher Education 
186.24 	and the board to offer one or more training programs beyond the secondary level.

186.25 	Sec. 28. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 155A.31, is amended to read:
186.26 	155A.31 INSPECTIONS.
186.27 	The board is responsible for inspecting salons and schools licensed pursuant to sections 
186.28 	155A.21 to 155A.36 to assure compliance with the requirements of sections 155A.21 to 
186.29 	155A.36. The board shall must direct board resources first to the inspection of those licensees 
186.30 	who fail to meet the requirements of law, have indicated that they present a greater risk to 
187.1 	the public, or have otherwise, in the opinion of the board, demonstrated that they require a 
187.2 	greater degree of regulatory attention.

187.3 	Sec. 29. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 155A.32, is amended to read:
187.4 	155A.32 DISPLAY OF LICENSE.
187.5 	Every holder of a license granted by the board shall must display it the license in a 
187.6 	conspicuous place in the place of business.

187.7 	Sec. 30. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 155A.33, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
187.8 		Subdivision 1.Proceedings. If the board, or a complaint committee if authorized by the 
187.9 	board, has a reasonable basis for believing that a person has engaged in or is about to engage 
187.10 	in a violation of a statute, rule, or order that the board has adopted or issued or is empowered 
187.11 	to enforce, the board or complaint committee may proceed as provided in subdivision 2 or 
187.12 	3. Except as otherwise provided in this section, all hearings must be conducted in accordance 
187.13 	with the Administrative Procedure Act chapter 14.

187.14 	Sec. 31. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 155A.33, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
187.15 		Subd. 2.Legal actions. (a) When necessary to prevent an imminent violation of a statute, 
187.16 	rule, or order that the board has adopted or issued or is empowered to enforce, the board, 
187.17 	or a complaint committee if authorized by the board, may bring an action in the name of 
187.18 	the state in the District Court of Ramsey County in which jurisdiction is proper to enjoin 
187.19 	the act or practice and to enforce compliance with the statute, rule, or order. On a showing 
187.20 	that a person has engaged in or is about to engage in an act or practice that constitutes a 
187.21 	violation of a statute, rule, or order that the board has adopted or issued or is empowered 
187.22 	to enforce, the court shall must grant a permanent or temporary injunction, restraining order, 
187.23 	or other appropriate relief.
187.24 	(b) For purposes of injunctive relief under this subdivision, irreparable harm exists when 
187.25 	the board shows that a person has engaged in or is about to engage in an act or practice that 
187.26 	constitutes violation of a statute, rule, or order that the board has adopted or issued or is 
187.27 	empowered to enforce.
187.28 	(c) Injunctive relief granted under paragraph (a) does not relieve an enjoined person 
187.29 	from criminal prosecution by a competent authority, or from action by the board under 
187.30 	subdivision 3, 4, 5, or 6 with respect to the person's license or registration, or application 
187.31 	for examination, license, registration, or renewal.

188.1 	Sec. 32. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 155A.33, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
188.2 		Subd. 3.Cease and desist orders. (a) The board, or complaint committee if authorized 
188.3 	by the board, may issue and have served upon an unlicensed or unregistered person, or a 
188.4 	holder of a license or registration, an order requiring the person to cease and desist from an 
188.5 	act or practice that constitutes a violation of a statute, rule, or order that the board has adopted 
188.6 	or issued or is empowered to enforce. The order must (1) give reasonable notice of the rights 
188.7 	of the person named in the order to request a hearing, and (2) state the reasons for the entry 
188.8 	of the order. No order may be issued under this subdivision until an investigation of the 
188.9 	facts has been conducted under section 214.10.
188.10 	(b) Service of the order under this subdivision is effective when the order is personally 
188.11 	served on the person or counsel of record, or served by certified mail to the most recent 
188.12 	address provided to the board for the person or counsel of record.
188.13 	(c) The board must hold a hearing under this subdivision not later than 30 days after the 
188.14 	board receives the request for the hearing, unless otherwise agreed between the board, or 
188.15 	complaint committee if authorized by the board, and the person requesting the hearing.
188.16 	(d) Notwithstanding any rule to the contrary, the administrative law judge must issue a 
188.17 	report within 30 days of the close of the contested case hearing. Within 30 days after 
188.18 	receiving the report and subsequent exceptions and argument, the board shall must issue a 
188.19 	further order vacating, modifying, or making permanent the cease and desist order. If no 
188.20 	hearing is requested within 30 days of service of the order, the order becomes final and 
188.21 	remains in effect until modified or vacated by the board.

188.22 	Sec. 33. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 155A.33, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
188.23 		Subd. 4.Licensing and registration actions. (a) With respect to a person who is a 
188.24 	holder of or applicant for a license or registration under this chapter, the board may by order 
188.25 	deny, refuse to renew, suspend, temporarily suspend, or revoke the application, license, or 
188.26 	registration, censure or reprimand the person, refuse to permit the person to sit for 
188.27 	examination, or refuse to release the person's examination grades, if the board finds that 
188.28 	such an order is in the public interest and that, based on a preponderance of the evidence 
188.29 	presented, the person has:
188.30 	(1) violated a statute, rule, or order that the board has adopted or issued or is empowered 
188.31 	to enforce;
188.32 	(2) engaged in conduct or acts that are fraudulent, deceptive, or dishonest, related to the 
188.33 	practice of a profession regulated by this chapter, if the fraudulent, deceptive, or dishonest 
189.1 	conduct or acts reflect adversely on the person's ability or fitness to engage in the practice 
189.2 	of the profession;
189.3 	(3) engaged in conduct or acts that constitute malpractice, are negligent, demonstrate 
189.4 	incompetence, or are otherwise in violation of the standards in the rules of the board, where 
189.5 	the conduct or acts relate to the practice of a profession regulated by this chapter;
189.6 	(4) employed fraud or deception in obtaining a license, registration, renewal, or 
189.7 	reinstatement, or in passing all or a portion of the examination;
189.8 	(5) had a license, registration, right to examine, or other similar authority revoked in 
189.9 	another jurisdiction;
189.10 	(6) failed to meet any requirement for issuance or renewal of the person's license or 
189.11 	registration;
189.12 	(7) advertised by means of false or deceptive statements;
189.13 	(8) performed licensed services while consuming or under the influence of an intoxicant 
189.14 	or controlled substance;
189.15 	(9) demonstrated unprofessional conduct or practice;
189.16 	(10) permitted an unlicensed person under the person's supervision or control to offer 
189.17 	or practice services regulated by this chapter for compensation;
189.18 	(11) practices, offered to practice, or attempted to practice by misrepresentation;
189.19 	(12) failed to display a license or permit as required by rules adopted by the board;
189.20 	(13) violated the board's rules governing infection control;
189.21 	(14) refused to permit the board to make an inspection permitted or required by this 
189.22 	chapter, or failed to provide the board or the attorney general on behalf of the board with 
189.23 	any documents or records they request; or
189.24 	(15) with respect to temporary suspension orders, has committed an act, engaged in 
189.25 	conduct, or committed practices that the board, or complaint committee if authorized by 
189.26 	the board, has determined may result or may have resulted in an immediate threat to the 
189.27 	public.
189.28 	(b) In lieu of or in addition to any remedy under paragraph (a), the board may, as a 
189.29 	condition of continued licensure or registration, termination of suspension, reinstatement 
189.30 	of licensure or registration, examination, or release of examination results, require that the 
189.31 	person:
190.1 	(1) submit to a quality review of the person's ability, skills, or quality of work, conducted 
190.2 	in a manner and by a person or entity that the board determines; or
190.3 	(2) completes to the board's satisfaction continuing education as the board requires.
190.4 	(c) Service of an order under this subdivision is effective if the order is served in person, 
190.5 	or is served by certified mail to the most recent address provided to the board by the licensee, 
190.6 	registrant, applicant, or counsel of record. The order must state the reason for the entry of 
190.7 	the order.
190.8 	(c) The board or complaint committee, if authorized by the board, may issue an order 
190.9 	under this subdivision. The order may include conditions under paragraph (b) and civil 
190.10 	penalties and fees permitted under subdivision 6. The order may require a person to cease 
190.11 	and desist from acting in violation of paragraph (a). The order must include:
190.12 	(1) a summary of the facts that constitute each violation;
190.13 	(2) the applicable law that has been violated;
190.14 	(3) the licensing or registration action taken under paragraph (a); and
190.15 	(4) a notice to the individual that unless the individual requests a hearing within 30 days 
190.16 	of service of the order, the order becomes a final order of the board.
190.17 	(d) If an order under this subdivision assesses civil penalties, the order must include a 
190.18 	statement that, when the order becomes final, the board may file and enforce any unpaid 
190.19 	amount of a penalty as a judgment in district court without further notice or additional 
190.20 	proceedings.
190.21 	(e) A person issued an order under this subdivision may request a hearing within 30 
190.22 	days of the date the order is served. If a person's written request for a hearing is not received 
190.23 	within 30 days of the date of service of the order, the order becomes a final order and is not 
190.24 	subject to review by any court or agency. If a person submits to the board a timely request 
190.25 	for hearing, the order is stayed pending a final order. The request for a hearing under this 
190.26 	paragraph must:
190.27 	(1) be in writing;
190.28 	(2) provide the reason for the person's request for a hearing; and
190.29 	(3) be mailed or delivered to the board within 30 days of service of the order.
190.30 	(f) An order under this subdivision must be personally served or sent by first-class or 
190.31 	certified mail to the most recent address provided to the board by the licensee or applicant 
190.32 	according to Minnesota Rules, part 1400.5550, subparts 2 and 3.
191.1 	(d) (g) Except as provided in subdivision 5, paragraph (c), all hearings under this 
191.2 	subdivision must be conducted in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act chapter 
191.3 	14.
191.4 	(h) Nothing in this chapter prevents the board from resolving any violation through 
191.5 	informal disposition under section 14.59.

191.6 	Sec. 34. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 155A.33, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
191.7 		Subd. 5.Temporary suspension. (a) When the board, or complaint committee if 
191.8 	authorized by the board, issues a temporary suspension order, the suspension provided for 
191.9 	in the order is effective on service of a written copy of the order on the licensee, registrant, 
191.10 	or counsel of record. The order must specify the statute, rule, or order violated by the licensee 
191.11 	or registrant. The order remains in effect until the board issues a final order in the matter 
191.12 	after a hearing, or on agreement between the board and the licensee or registrant.
191.13 	(b) An order under this subdivision may (1) prohibit the licensee or registrant from 
191.14 	engaging in the practice of a profession regulated by the board in whole or in part, as the 
191.15 	facts require, and (2) condition the termination of the suspension on compliance with a 
191.16 	statute, rule, or order that the board has adopted or issued or is empowered to enforce. The 
191.17 	order must state the reasons for entering the order and must set forth the right to a hearing 
191.18 	as provided in this subdivision.
191.19 	(c) Within ten days after service of an order under this subdivision, the licensee or 
191.20 	registrant may request a hearing in writing. The board must hold a hearing before its own 
191.21 	members within five working days of the request for a hearing. The sole issue at the hearing 
191.22 	must be whether there is a reasonable basis to continue, modify, or terminate the temporary 
191.23 	suspension. The hearing is not subject to the Administrative Procedure Act chapter 14. 
191.24 	Evidence presented to the board or the licensee or registrant may be in affidavit form only. 
191.25 	The licensee, registrant, or counsel of record may appear for oral argument.
191.26 	(d) Within five working days after the hearing, the board shall must issue its order and, 
191.27 	if the order continues the suspension, shall must schedule a contested case hearing within 
191.28 	30 days of the issuance of the order. Notwithstanding any rule to the contrary, the 
191.29 	administrative law judge shall must issue a report within 30 days after the closing of the 
191.30 	contested case hearing record. The board shall must issue a final order within 30 days of 
191.31 	receiving the report.

192.1 	Sec. 35. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 155A.33, subdivision 6, is amended to read:
192.2 		Subd. 6.Violations; penalties; costs. (a) The board may impose a civil penalty of up 
192.3 	to $2,000 per violation on a person who violates a statute, rule, or order that the board has 
192.4 	adopted or issued or is empowered to enforce.
192.5 	(b) In addition to any penalty under paragraph (a), the board may impose a fee to 
192.6 	reimburse the board for all or part of the cost of (1) the proceedings resulting in disciplinary 
192.7 	action authorized under this section, (2) the imposition of a civil penalty under paragraph 
192.8 	(a), or (3) the issuance of a cease and desist order. The board may impose a fee under this 
192.9 	paragraph when the board shows that the position of the person who has violated a statute, 
192.10 	rule, or order that the board has adopted or issued or is empowered to enforce is not 
192.11 	substantially justified unless special circumstances make such a fee unjust, notwithstanding 
192.12 	any rule to the contrary. Costs under this paragraph include, but are not limited to, the 
192.13 	amount paid by the board for services from the Office Court of Administrative Hearings, 
192.14 	attorney fees, court reporter costs, witness costs, reproduction of records, board members' 
192.15 	compensation, board staff time, and expenses incurred by board members and staff.
192.16 	(c) All hearings under this subdivision must be conducted in accordance with the 
192.17 	Administrative Procedure Act chapter 14.

192.18 	Sec. 36. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 155A.33, is amended by adding a subdivision 
192.19 	to read:
192.20 		Subd. 8.Corrective action. (a) When the board or complaint committee, if authorized 
192.21 	by the board, determines that a complaint alleging that an applicant or a licensee violated 
192.22 	this chapter, rules adopted under this chapter, or an order issued by the board may be 
192.23 	appropriately resolved through corrective action, the board or complaint committee may 
192.24 	enter into an agreement for corrective action with an applicant or a licensee.
192.25 	(b) An agreement for corrective action must:
192.26 	(1) be in writing;
192.27 	(2) describe the facts upon which the agreement is based;
192.28 	(3) describe the corrective action agreed upon by the board or complaint committee and 
192.29 	the applicant or licensee; and
192.30 	(4) state that the complaint upon which the agreement was based must be dismissed by 
192.31 	the board or complaint committee when the board or committee finds that the applicant or 
192.32 	licensee has successfully performed the corrective action.
193.1 	(c) The board or complaint committee may determine that the applicant or licensee has 
193.2 	successfully performed the corrective action if the applicant or licensee submits a request 
193.3 	for dismissal that documents the applicant's or licensee's successful performance of the 
193.4 	corrective action.
193.5 	(d) An agreement under this subdivision is not disciplinary action. An agreement under 
193.6 	this section is public data under chapter 13.
193.7 	(e) The board may assess a fee on an applicant or a licensee to reimburse the board for 
193.8 	costs related to the corrective action. The board must include a fee under this paragraph in 
193.9 	the corrective action agreement.
193.10 	(f) If an applicant or a licensee fails to successfully perform the corrective action within 
193.11 	the time specified in the agreement, the matter may be resolved through any enforcement 
193.12 	action authorized under this section.

193.13 	Sec. 37. REVISOR INSTRUCTION.
 193.14 	The revisor of statutes must change the term "Board of Cosmetologist Examiners" to 
193.15 	"Board of Cosmetology" wherever the term appears in Minnesota Statutes.

193.16 	Sec. 38. REPEALER.
 193.17 	(a) Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 155A.275, is repealed.
193.18 	(b) Laws 2017, First Special Session chapter 4, article 1, section 29, is repealed.

193.19 	ARTICLE 16
193.20 	STATE GOVERNMENT MISCELLANEOUS

193.21 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 16A.152, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
193.22 		Subd. 2.Additional revenues; priority. (a) If on the basis of a forecast of general fund 
193.23 	revenues and expenditures, the commissioner of management and budget determines that 
193.24 	there will be a positive unrestricted budgetary general fund balance at the close of the 
193.25 	biennium, the commissioner of management and budget must allocate money to the following 
193.26 	accounts and purposes in priority order:
193.27 	(1) the cash flow account established in subdivision 1 until that account reaches 
193.28 	$350,000,000;
193.29 	(2) the budget reserve account established in subdivision 1a until that account reaches 
193.30 	$2,852,098,000 $3,421,764,000;
194.1 	(3) the amount necessary to increase the aid payment schedule for school district aids 
194.2 	and credits payments in section 127A.45 to not more than 90 percent rounded to the nearest 
194.3 	tenth of a percent without exceeding the amount available and with any remaining funds 
194.4 	deposited in the budget reserve; and
194.5 	(4) the amount necessary to restore all or a portion of the net aid reductions under section 
194.6 	127A.441 and to reduce the property tax revenue recognition shift under section 123B.75, 
194.7 	subdivision 5, by the same amount.
194.8 	(b) The amounts necessary to meet the requirements of this section are appropriated 
194.9 	from the general fund within two weeks after the forecast is released or, in the case of 
194.10 	transfers under paragraph (a), clauses (3) and (4), as necessary to meet the appropriations 
194.11 	schedules otherwise established in statute.
194.12 	(c) The commissioner of management and budget shall certify the total dollar amount 
194.13 	of the reductions under paragraph (a), clauses (3) and (4), to the commissioner of education. 
194.14 	The commissioner of education shall increase the aid payment percentage and reduce the 
194.15 	property tax shift percentage by these amounts and apply those reductions to the current 
194.16 	fiscal year and thereafter.

194.17 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

194.18 	Sec. 2. BRUCE ANDERSON VETERANS SERVICE BUILDING.
 194.19 	The Veterans Service Building located at 20 West 12th Street in the city of St. Paul is 
194.20 	renamed as the Bruce Anderson Veterans Service Building.

194.21 	Sec. 3. SIGNAGE COSTS.
 194.22 	The commissioner of administration must pay for the cost of modifying or replacing 
194.23 	signage as necessary to conform with section 2 using general fund appropriations available 
194.24 	for operations under Laws 2025, chapter 39, article 1, section 11. The commissioner must 
194.25 	not include these costs in determining lease rates for fiscal years 2028 and 2029 or otherwise 
194.26 	pass the cost of signage on to tenants of the building in section 2.

194.27 	Sec. 4. REVISOR INSTRUCTION.
 194.28 	The revisor of statutes must replace "Veterans Service Building" with "Bruce Anderson 
194.29 	Veterans Service Building" wherever it appears in Minnesota Statutes and Minnesota Rules.

195.1 	ARTICLE 17
195.2 	MEDICAID FRAUD

195.3 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 8.16, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
195.4 		Subdivision 1.Authority. (a) The attorney general, or any deputy, assistant, or special 
195.5 	assistant attorney general whom the attorney general authorizes in writing, has the authority 
195.6 	in any county of the state to subpoena and require the production of: (1) any records of: (i)
195.7 	telephone companies, cellular phone companies, and paging companies,; (ii) subscribers of 
195.8 	private computer networks, including Internet service providers or computer bulletin board 
195.9 	systems,; (iii) electric companies, gas companies, and water utilities,; (iv) chemical suppliers,;
195.10 	(v) hotels and motels,; (vi) pawn shops,; (vii) airlines, buses, taxis, and other entities engaged 
195.11 	in the business of transporting people,; and (viii) freight companies, self-service storage 
195.12 	facilities, warehousing companies, package delivery companies, and other entities engaged 
195.13 	in the businesses of transport, storage, or delivery, and; (2) wage and employment records 
195.14 	relating to an investigation conducted under the attorney general's authority under section 
195.15 	256B.12; (3) records of the existence of safe deposit box account numbers and customer 
195.16 	savings and checking account numbers maintained by financial institutions and safe deposit 
195.17 	companies; (4) insurance records related to claim settlement relating to an investigation 
195.18 	conducted under the attorney general's authority under section 256B.12; and (5) the banking, 
195.19 	credit card, and financial records, including but not limited to a safe deposit, loan and account 
195.20 	application and agreement, signature card, statement, check, transfer, account authorization, 
195.21 	safe deposit access record, and documentation of fraud, that belong to the subject of an 
195.22 	investigation conducted pursuant to the attorney general's authority under section 256B.12, 
195.23 	whether the record is held in the investigation subject's name or in another person's name.
195.24 	(b) Subpoenas may only be issued for records that are relevant to an ongoing legitimate 
195.25 	law enforcement investigation.

195.26 	Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2025 Supplement, section 256B.12, is amended to read:
195.27 	256B.12 LEGAL REPRESENTATION.
195.28 	The attorney general or the appropriate county attorney appearing at the direction of the 
195.29 	attorney general shall be the attorney for the state agency, and the county attorney of the 
195.30 	appropriate county shall be the attorney for the county agency in all matters pertaining 
195.31 	hereto. To prosecute under this chapter or sections 609.466 609.467; 609.52, subdivision 
195.32 	2; and 609.542 or to recover payments wrongfully made under this chapter, the attorney 
195.33 	general or the appropriate county attorney, acting independently or at the direction of the 
195.34 	attorney general may institute a criminal or civil action.

196.1 	Sec. 3. [609.467] MEDICAL ASSISTANCE FRAUD.
196.2 		Subdivision 1.Medical assistance fraud prohibited. A person who does any of the 
196.3 	following is guilty of medical assistance fraud and may be sentenced as provided in 
196.4 	subdivision 2:
196.5 	(1) acting with intent to defraud, executes or participates in, or attempts or conspires to 
196.6 	execute or participate in, a scheme or artifice to obtain, by means of any false or fraudulent 
196.7 	pretenses, representations, or promises, or concealment of any material fact, any money or 
196.8 	credits relating to the payment of medical assistance funds under chapter 256B;
196.9 	(2) acting with intent to defraud, presents, submits, tenders, offers, or participates in, or 
196.10 	attempts or conspires to execute or participate in, the preparation of a claim for payment, 
196.11 	claim for reimbursement, cost report, or rate application, knowing or having reason to know 
196.12 	that any part of the claim, report, or application is ineligible for payment or reimbursement;
196.13 	(3) acting with intent to defraud, knowingly provides false information or intentionally 
196.14 	omits material information as part of any enrollment application, provider agreement, or 
196.15 	ownership and management disclosure required by any state or federal law as a medical 
196.16 	assistance provider under chapter 245A or 256B;
196.17 	(4) owns, operates, manages, or exercises control over any entity receiving medical 
196.18 	assistance funds, while knowing or having reason to know that the person has been suspended 
196.19 	or prohibited from enrolling as a medical assistance provider by any state agency or under 
196.20 	any state law, or is excluded or prohibited from enrolling as a medical assistance provider 
196.21 	by any federal agency or under any federal law;
196.22 	(5) knowingly and intentionally permits another person to own, operate, manage, or 
196.23 	exercise control over any entity receiving medical assistance funds, while knowing or having 
196.24 	reason to know the other person is suspended or prohibited from enrolling as a medical 
196.25 	assistance provider by any state agency or under any state law, or excluded or prohibited 
196.26 	from enrolling as a medical assistance provider by any federal agency or under any federal 
196.27 	law;
196.28 	(6) falsely makes or alters any record relating to the delivery of medical assistance 
196.29 	services, so that it purports to have been made by another or by the maker or alterer under 
196.30 	an assumed or fictitious name, or at another time, or with different provisions, or by the 
196.31 	authority of one who did not give such authority;
196.32 	(7) acting with intent to defraud, presents, submits, tenders, offers, or participates in, or 
196.33 	attempts or conspires to execute or participate in, the preparation of a claim for 
197.1 	reimbursement for personal care assistant services, community first services and supports, 
197.2 	or other services under chapter 256B, knowing or having reason to know that qualified 
197.3 	professional supervision or other supervision required by state or federal law was not 
197.4 	provided according to law; or
197.5 	(8) after receiving a lawful request for records by any state agency or law enforcement 
197.6 	agency, intentionally destroys, or attempts or conspires to destroy, medical, health care, and 
197.7 	financial records required to be maintained under chapter 245A or 256B or rules adopted 
197.8 	pursuant to chapter 245A or 256B.
197.9 		Subd. 2.Penalties. (a) A person who is convicted under subdivision 1 may be sentenced 
197.10 	to imprisonment for not more than five years or to payment of a fine of not more than 
197.11 	$10,000, or both.
197.12 	(b) A person who is convicted under subdivision 1 may be sentenced to imprisonment 
197.13 	for not more than ten years or to payment of a fine of not more than $20,000, or both, if the 
197.14 	violation causes a loss to any victim or victims in an aggregate amount of more than $10,000, 
197.15 	but not more than $100,000.
197.16 	(c) A person who is convicted under subdivision 1 may be sentenced to imprisonment 
197.17 	for not more than 20 years or to payment of a fine of not more than $100,000, or both, if 
197.18 	the violation causes a loss to any victim or victims in an aggregate amount of more than 
197.19 	$100,000, but not more than $1,000,000.
197.20 	(d) A person who is convicted under subdivision 1 may be sentenced to imprisonment 
197.21 	for not more than 30 years or to payment of a fine of not more than $1,000,000, or both, if 
197.22 	the violation causes a loss to any victim or victims in an aggregate amount of more than 
197.23 	$1,000,000.
197.24 		Subd. 3.Failure to keep or maintain medical assistance records. A person who 
197.25 	submits a claim for reimbursement, claim for payment, claim for reimbursement cost report, 
197.26 	or rate application and knowingly and intentionally fails to maintain medical, health care, 
197.27 	and financial records as required under chapter 245A or 256B or rules adopted pursuant to 
197.28 	chapter 245A or 256B is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
197.29 		Subd. 4.Continuing offense. For purposes of calculating the statute of limitations 
197.30 	identified in section 628.26, any violation of subdivision 1 or 3 is a continuing offense. Any 
197.31 	violation of subdivision 1 or 3 extends to any act committed during the course of the scheme, 
197.32 	conspiracy, or conduct and is within the statute of limitations identified in section 628.26 
197.33 	so long as any part of the continuing scheme, conspiracy, or conduct comprising a violation 
197.34 	occurred within the identified statute of limitations.
198.1 		Subd. 5.Venue. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in section 627.01, a violation 
198.2 	of this section may be prosecuted in:
198.3 	(1) the county where any part of the offense occurred; or
198.4 	(2) the county where the entity who received a claim for payment, claim for 
198.5 	reimbursement, cost report, or rate application is located.
198.6 		Subd. 6.Restitution. The court may order a person convicted of violating this section 
198.7 	to pay restitution for any costs, expenses, or losses resulting from the crime and for costs, 
198.8 	expenses, or losses resulting from similar conduct that was related to the offense but was 
198.9 	not charged. The court may order restitution for similar conduct that was related to the 
198.10 	offense if the related conduct occurred within the applicable statute of limitations and the 
198.11 	prosecutor provides notice of intent to seek restitution for that conduct at least five business 
198.12 	days before the sentencing hearing. The offender may challenge restitution as provided in 
198.13 	section 611A.045, subdivision 3. A dispute as to whether restitution is for similar conduct 
198.14 	that was related to the offense must be resolved by the court by the preponderance of the 
198.15 	evidence. The burden of demonstrating that the court may order restitution for any costs, 
198.16 	expense, or loss described in this subdivision is on the prosecution.

198.17 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2026, and applies to crimes 
198.18 	committed on or after that date.

198.19 	Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 609.52, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
198.20 		Subd. 2.Acts constituting theft. (a) Whoever does any of the following commits theft 
198.21 	and may be sentenced as provided in subdivision 3:
198.22 	(1) intentionally and without claim of right takes, uses, transfers, conceals or retains 
198.23 	possession of movable property of another without the other's consent and with intent to 
198.24 	deprive the owner permanently of possession of the property; or
198.25 	(2) with or without having a legal interest in movable property, intentionally and without 
198.26 	consent, takes the property out of the possession of a pledgee or other person having a 
198.27 	superior right of possession, with intent thereby to deprive the pledgee or other person 
198.28 	permanently of the possession of the property; or
198.29 	(3) obtains for the actor or another the possession, custody, or title to property of or 
198.30 	performance of services by a third person by intentionally deceiving the third person with 
198.31 	a false representation which is known to be false, made with intent to defraud, and which 
198.32 	does defraud the person to whom it is made. "False representation" includes without 
198.33 	limitation:
199.1 	(i) the issuance of a check, draft, or order for the payment of money, except a forged 
199.2 	check as defined in section 609.631, or the delivery of property knowing that the actor is 
199.3 	not entitled to draw upon the drawee therefor or to order the payment or delivery thereof; 
199.4 	or
199.5 	(ii) a promise made with intent not to perform. Failure to perform is not evidence of 
199.6 	intent not to perform unless corroborated by other substantial evidence; or
199.7 	(iii) the preparation or filing of a claim for reimbursement, a rate application, or a cost 
199.8 	report used to establish a rate or claim for payment for medical care provided to a recipient 
199.9 	of medical assistance under chapter 256B, which intentionally and falsely states the costs 
199.10 	of or actual services provided by a vendor of medical care; or
199.11 	(iv) (iii) the preparation or filing of a claim for reimbursement for providing treatment 
199.12 	or supplies required to be furnished to an employee under section 176.135 which intentionally 
199.13 	and falsely states the costs of or actual treatment or supplies provided; or
199.14 	(v) (iv) the preparation or filing of a claim for reimbursement for providing treatment 
199.15 	or supplies required to be furnished to an employee under section 176.135 for treatment or 
199.16 	supplies that the provider knew were medically unnecessary, inappropriate, or excessive; 
199.17 	or
199.18 	(4) by swindling, whether by artifice, trick, device, or any other means, obtains property 
199.19 	or services from another person; or
199.20 	(5) intentionally commits any of the acts listed in this subdivision but with intent to 
199.21 	exercise temporary control only and:
199.22 	(i) the control exercised manifests an indifference to the rights of the owner or the 
199.23 	restoration of the property to the owner; or
199.24 	(ii) the actor pledges or otherwise attempts to subject the property to an adverse claim; 
199.25 	or
199.26 	(iii) the actor intends to restore the property only on condition that the owner pay a 
199.27 	reward or buy back or make other compensation; or
199.28 	(6) finds lost property and, knowing or having reasonable means of ascertaining the true 
199.29 	owner, appropriates it to the finder's own use or to that of another not entitled thereto without 
199.30 	first having made reasonable effort to find the owner and offer and surrender the property 
199.31 	to the owner; or
200.1 	(7) intentionally obtains property or services, offered upon the deposit of a sum of money 
200.2 	or tokens in a coin or token operated machine or other receptacle, without making the 
200.3 	required deposit or otherwise obtaining the consent of the owner; or
200.4 	(8) intentionally and without claim of right converts any article representing a trade 
200.5 	secret, knowing it to be such, to the actor's own use or that of another person or makes a 
200.6 	copy of an article representing a trade secret, knowing it to be such, and intentionally and 
200.7 	without claim of right converts the same to the actor's own use or that of another person. It 
200.8 	shall be a complete defense to any prosecution under this clause for the defendant to show 
200.9 	that information comprising the trade secret was rightfully known or available to the 
200.10 	defendant from a source other than the owner of the trade secret; or
200.11 	(9) leases or rents personal property under a written instrument and who:
200.12 	(i) with intent to place the property beyond the control of the lessor conceals or aids or 
200.13 	abets the concealment of the property or any part thereof; or
200.14 	(ii) sells, conveys, or encumbers the property or any part thereof without the written 
200.15 	consent of the lessor, without informing the person to whom the lessee sells, conveys, or 
200.16 	encumbers that the same is subject to such lease or rental contract with intent to deprive the 
200.17 	lessor of possession thereof; or
200.18 	(iii) does not return the property to the lessor at the end of the lease or rental term, plus 
200.19 	agreed-upon extensions, with intent to wrongfully deprive the lessor of possession of the 
200.20 	property; or
200.21 	(iv) returns the property to the lessor at the end of the lease or rental term, plus 
200.22 	agreed-upon extensions, but does not pay the lease or rental charges agreed upon in the 
200.23 	written instrument, with intent to wrongfully deprive the lessor of the agreed-upon charges.
200.24 	For the purposes of items (iii) and (iv), the value of the property must be at least $100.
200.25 	Evidence that a lessee used a false, fictitious, or not current name, address, or place of 
200.26 	employment in obtaining the property or fails or refuses to return the property or pay the 
200.27 	rental contract charges to lessor within five days after written demand for the return has 
200.28 	been served personally in the manner provided for service of process of a civil action or 
200.29 	sent by certified mail to the last known address of the lessee, whichever shall occur later, 
200.30 	shall be evidence of intent to violate this clause. Service by certified mail shall be deemed 
200.31 	to be complete upon deposit in the United States mail of such demand, postpaid and addressed 
200.32 	to the person at the address for the person set forth in the lease or rental agreement, or, in 
200.33 	the absence of the address, to the person's last known place of residence; or
201.1 	(10) alters, removes, or obliterates numbers or symbols placed on movable property for 
201.2 	purpose of identification by the owner or person who has legal custody or right to possession 
201.3 	thereof with the intent to prevent identification, if the person who alters, removes, or 
201.4 	obliterates the numbers or symbols is not the owner and does not have the permission of 
201.5 	the owner to make the alteration, removal, or obliteration; or
201.6 	(11) with the intent to prevent the identification of property involved, so as to deprive 
201.7 	the rightful owner of possession thereof, alters or removes any permanent serial number, 
201.8 	permanent distinguishing number or manufacturer's identification number on personal 
201.9 	property or possesses, sells or buys any personal property knowing or having reason to 
201.10 	know that the permanent serial number, permanent distinguishing number or manufacturer's 
201.11 	identification number has been removed or altered; or
201.12 	(12) intentionally deprives another of a lawful charge for cable television service by:
201.13 	(i) making or using or attempting to make or use an unauthorized external connection 
201.14 	outside the individual dwelling unit whether physical, electrical, acoustical, inductive, or 
201.15 	other connection; or by
201.16 	(ii) attaching any unauthorized device to any cable, wire, microwave, or other component 
201.17 	of a licensed cable communications system as defined in chapter 238. Nothing herein shall 
201.18 	be construed to prohibit the electronic video rerecording of program material transmitted 
201.19 	on the cable communications system by a subscriber for fair use as defined by Public Law 
201.20 	94-553, section 107; or
201.21 	(13) except as provided in clauses (12) and (14), obtains the services of another with 
201.22 	the intention of receiving those services without making the agreed or reasonably expected 
201.23 	payment of money or other consideration; or
201.24 	(14) intentionally deprives another of a lawful charge for telecommunications service 
201.25 	by:
201.26 	(i) making, using, or attempting to make or use an unauthorized connection whether 
201.27 	physical, electrical, by wire, microwave, radio, or other means to a component of a local 
201.28 	telecommunication system as provided in chapter 237; or
201.29 	(ii) attaching an unauthorized device to a cable, wire, microwave, radio, or other 
201.30 	component of a local telecommunication system as provided in chapter 237.
201.31 	The existence of an unauthorized connection is prima facie evidence that the occupier 
201.32 	of the premises:
201.33 	(A) made or was aware of the connection; and
202.1 	(B) was aware that the connection was unauthorized;
202.2 	(15) with intent to defraud, diverts corporate property other than in accordance with 
202.3 	general business purposes or for purposes other than those specified in the corporation's 
202.4 	articles of incorporation; or
202.5 	(16) with intent to defraud, authorizes or causes a corporation to make a distribution in 
202.6 	violation of section 302A.551, or any other state law in conformity with it; or
202.7 	(17) takes or drives a motor vehicle without the consent of the owner or an authorized 
202.8 	agent of the owner, knowing or having reason to know that the owner or an authorized agent 
202.9 	of the owner did not give consent; or
202.10 	(18) intentionally, and without claim of right, takes motor fuel from a retailer without 
202.11 	the retailer's consent and with intent to deprive the retailer permanently of possession of 
202.12 	the fuel by driving a motor vehicle from the premises of the retailer without having paid 
202.13 	for the fuel dispensed into the vehicle; or
202.14 	(19) commits wage theft under subdivision 1, clause (13).
202.15 	(b) Proof that the driver of a motor vehicle into which motor fuel was dispensed drove 
202.16 	the vehicle from the premises of the retailer without having paid for the fuel permits the 
202.17 	factfinder to infer that the driver acted intentionally and without claim of right, and that the 
202.18 	driver intended to deprive the retailer permanently of possession of the fuel. This paragraph 
202.19 	does not apply if: (1) payment has been made to the retailer within 30 days of the receipt 
202.20 	of notice of nonpayment under section 604.15; or (2) a written notice as described in section 
202.21 	604.15, subdivision 4, disputing the retailer's claim, has been sent. This paragraph does not 
202.22 	apply to the owner of a motor vehicle if the vehicle or the vehicle's license plate has been 
202.23 	reported stolen before the theft of the fuel.

202.24 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2026, and applies to crimes 
202.25 	committed on or after that date.

202.26 	Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2025 Supplement, section 609.902, subdivision 4, is amended 
202.27 	to read:
202.28 		Subd. 4.Criminal act. "Criminal act" means conduct constituting, or a conspiracy or 
202.29 	attempt to commit, a felony violation of chapter 152, or a felony violation of section 299F.79; 
202.30 	299F.80; 299F.82; 609.185; 609.19; 609.195; 609.20; 609.205; 609.221; 609.222; 609.223; 
202.31 	609.2231; 609.228; 609.235; 609.245; 609.25; 609.27; 609.322; 609.342; 609.343; 609.344; 
202.32 	609.345; 609.42; 609.467;609.48; 609.485; 609.495; 609.496; 609.497; 609.498; 609.52, 
202.33 	subdivision 2, if the offense is punishable under subdivision 3, clause (1), if the property is 
203.1 	a firearm, clause (3)(b), or clause (3)(d)(v); section 609.52, subdivision 2, paragraph (a), 
203.2 	clause (1) or (4); 609.527, if the crime is punishable under subdivision 3, clause (4); 609.528, 
203.3 	if the crime is punishable under subdivision 3, clause (4); 609.53; 609.561; 609.562; 609.582, 
203.4 	subdivision 1 or 2; 609.668, subdivision 6, paragraph (a); 609.67; 609.687; 609.713; 609.86; 
203.5 	609.894, subdivision 3 or 4; 609.895; 624.713; 624.7191; or 626A.02, subdivision 1, if the 
203.6 	offense is punishable under section 626A.02, subdivision 4, paragraph (a). "Criminal act" 
203.7 	also includes conduct constituting, or a conspiracy or attempt to commit, a felony violation 
203.8 	of section 609.52, subdivision 2, clause (3), (4), (15), or (16), if the violation involves an 
203.9 	insurance company as defined in section 60A.02, subdivision 4, a nonprofit health service 
203.10 	plan corporation regulated under chapter 62C, a health maintenance organization regulated 
203.11 	under chapter 62D, or a fraternal benefit society regulated under chapter 64B, or any state 
203.12 	agency.

203.13 	Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2025 Supplement, section 628.26, is amended to read:
203.14 	628.26 LIMITATIONS.
203.15 	(a) Indictments or complaints for any crime resulting in the death of the victim may be 
203.16 	found or made at any time after the death of the person killed.
203.17 	(b) Indictments or complaints for a violation of section 609.25 may be found or made 
203.18 	at any time after the commission of the offense.
203.19 	(c) Indictments or complaints for violation of section 609.282 may be found or made at 
203.20 	any time after the commission of the offense if the victim was under the age of 18 at the 
203.21 	time of the offense.
203.22 	(d) Indictments or complaints for violation of section 609.282 where the victim was 18 
203.23 	years of age or older at the time of the offense, or 609.42, subdivision 1, clause (1) or (2), 
203.24 	shall be found or made and filed in the proper court within six years after the commission 
203.25 	of the offense.
203.26 	(e) Indictments or complaints for violation of sections 609.322, 609.342 to 609.345, and 
203.27 	609.3458 may be found or made at any time after the commission of the offense.
203.28 	(f) Indictments or complaints for a violation of section 609.561 shall be found or made 
203.29 	and filed in the proper court within ten years after the commission of the offense.
203.30 	(g) Indictments or complaints for violation of sections 609.466 609.467 and 609.52, 
203.31 	subdivision 2, paragraph (a), clause (3), item (iii), shall be found or made and filed in the 
203.32 	proper court within six years after the commission of the offense.
204.1 	(h) Indictments or complaints for violation of section 609.2335, 609.52, subdivision 2, 
204.2 	paragraph (a), clause (3), items (i) and (ii), (4), (15), or (16), 609.631, or 609.821, where 
204.3 	the value of the property or services stolen is more than $35,000, or for violation of section 
204.4 	609.527 where the offense involves eight or more direct victims or the total combined loss 
204.5 	to the direct and indirect victims is more than $35,000, shall be found or made and filed in 
204.6 	the proper court within five years after the commission of the offense.
204.7 	(i) Except for violations relating to false material statements, representations or omissions, 
204.8 	indictments or complaints for violations of section 609.671 shall be found or made and filed 
204.9 	in the proper court within five years after the commission of the offense.
204.10 	(j) Indictments or complaints for violation of sections 609.562 and 609.563, shall be 
204.11 	found or made and filed in the proper court within five years after the commission of the 
204.12 	offense.
204.13 	(k) Indictments or complaints for violation of section 609.746 shall be found or made 
204.14 	and filed in the proper court within the later of three years after the commission of the 
204.15 	offense or three years after the offense was reported to law enforcement authorities.
204.16 	(l) In all other cases, indictments or complaints shall be found or made and filed in the 
204.17 	proper court within three years after the commission of the offense.
204.18 	(m) The limitations periods contained in this section shall exclude any period of time 
204.19 	during which the defendant was not an inhabitant of or usually resident within this state.
204.20 	(n) The limitations periods contained in this section for an offense shall not include any 
204.21 	period during which the alleged offender participated under a written agreement in a pretrial 
204.22 	diversion program relating to that offense.
204.23 	(o) The limitations periods contained in this section shall not include any period of time 
204.24 	during which physical evidence relating to the offense was undergoing DNA analysis, as 
204.25 	defined in section 299C.155, unless the defendant demonstrates that the prosecuting or law 
204.26 	enforcement agency purposefully delayed the DNA analysis process in order to gain an 
204.27 	unfair advantage.

204.28 	Sec. 7. REPEALER.
 204.29 	Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 609.466, is repealed.

205.1 	ARTICLE 18
205.2 	CAMPAIGN FINANCE

205.3 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.01, is amended by adding a subdivision 
205.4 	to read:
205.5 		Subd. 9b.Campaign finance report. "Campaign finance report" means a report or 
205.6 	statement required under section 10A.20, 10A.202, or 10A.323.

205.7 	Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.01, is amended by adding a subdivision to 
205.8 	read:
205.9 		Subd. 16d.Enhanced penalty. "Enhanced penalty" means a late fee or civil penalty 
205.10 	imposed by the board that applies after a $25,000 or $100,000 threshold is exceeded and is 
205.11 	determined using a multiplier or percentage.

205.12 	Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.01, is amended by adding a subdivision to 
205.13 	read:
205.14 		Subd. 26c.Total contributions. "Total contributions" means the total of all contributions. 
205.15 	Contributions include all contributions received, in-kind contributions received, loans, and 
205.16 	any other types of contributions.

205.17 	Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.01, is amended by adding a subdivision to 
205.18 	read:
205.19 		Subd. 26d.Total disbursements. "Total disbursements" means the total of all 
205.20 	disbursements. Disbursements include expenditures, in-kind expenditures, approved 
205.21 	expenditures, contributions made, in-kind contributions made, independent expenditures, 
205.22 	noncampaign disbursements, electioneering communications, and any other types of 
205.23 	expenditures and disbursements.

205.24 	Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.02, subdivision 15, is amended to read:
205.25 		Subd. 15. Fees and penalties. (a) Upon written request, certified pursuant to section 
205.26 	10A.025, subdivision 2, the board must waive that portion of a late filing fee or a civil 
205.27 	penalty imposed for the late filing of a report or statement under this chapter for which the 
205.28 	requester demonstrates good cause for the late filing or submission.
205.29 	(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), the board must not waive any portion of an enhanced 
205.30 	penalty.
206.1 	(b)(c) The board must deposit all the first $49,000 in fees and civil penalties collected 
206.2 	each fiscal year under this chapter into the general fund in the state treasury. The board 
206.3 	must deposit any additional fees and civil penalties collected under this chapter into the 
206.4 	general account of the state elections campaign account in the special revenue fund.

206.5 	Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.025, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
206.6 		Subd. 2.Penalty for false statements. (a) A report or statement required to be filed 
206.7 	under this chapter must be signed and certified as true by the individual required to file the 
206.8 	report. The signature may be an electronic signature consisting of a password assigned by 
206.9 	the board.
206.10 	(b) An individual shall must not willfully sign and certify to be true a report or statement 
206.11 	knowing it contains false information or knowing it omits required information.
206.12 	(c) An individual shall must not knowingly willfully provide false or incomplete 
206.13 	information to a treasurer with the intent that the treasurer will rely on that information in 
206.14 	signing and certifying to be true a report or statement.
206.15 	(d) The board must impose a civil penalty on a person who violates paragraph (b) or (c) 
206.16 	is subject to a civil penalty imposed by the board of. For campaign finance reports, the 
206.17 	penalty is up to four times the sum of the following amounts that were willfully false or 
206.18 	omitted: the beginning cash balance, total contributions, and total disbursements. For 
206.19 	campaign finance reports where more than $25,000 was willfully false or omitted, the 
206.20 	penalty must instead be equal to four times the amount that was willfully false or willfully 
206.21 	omitted. For all other reports, the penalty is up to $3,000.
206.22 	(e) A violation of paragraph (b) or (c) is a gross misdemeanor.
206.23 	(e) (f) The board may impose an additional civil penalty of up to $3,000 on the principal 
206.24 	campaign committee or candidate, party unit, political committee, or association that has a 
206.25 	political fund that is affiliated with an individual who violated paragraph (b) or (c) an 
206.26 	additional civil penalty of an amount up to four times the amount of the beginning cash 
206.27 	balance, total contributions, and total disbursements that were willfully false or willfully 
206.28 	omitted from the report.

206.29 	Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.025, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
206.30 		Subd. 3.Record keeping; penalty. (a) A person required to file a report or statement 
206.31 	or who has accepted record-keeping responsibility for the filer must maintain records on 
206.32 	the matters required to be reported, including vouchers, canceled checks, bills, invoices, 
207.1 	worksheets, and receipts, that will provide in sufficient detail the necessary information 
207.2 	from which the filed reports and statements may be verified, explained, clarified, and checked 
207.3 	for accuracy and completeness. The person must keep the records available for audit, 
207.4 	inspection, or examination by the board or its authorized representatives for four years from 
207.5 	the date of filing of the reports or statements or of changes or corrections to them.
207.6 	(b) The board may must impose a civil penalty of up to $3,000 on a person who 
207.7 	knowingly willfully violates this subdivision. For violations related to campaign finance 
207.8 	reports, the penalty is up to four times the amount reflected on the missing records. For 
207.9 	violations where the amount reflected on the missing campaign finance records exceeds 
207.10 	$25,000, the penalty must be equal to four times the amount reflected on the missing 
207.11 	campaign finance records. For all other violations, the civil penalty is up to $3,000.
207.12 	(c) The board may impose a separate civil penalty of up to $3,000 an amount equal to 
207.13 	four times the amount reflected on the missing campaign finance records on the principal 
207.14 	campaign committee or candidate, party unit, political committee, or association that has a 
207.15 	political fund that is affiliated with an individual who violated this subdivision.
207.16 	(c) (d) A knowing willful violation of this subdivision is a misdemeanor.

207.17 	Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.025, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
207.18 		Subd. 4.Changes and corrections. (a) Material changes in information previously 
207.19 	submitted and corrections to a report or statement must be reported in writing to the board 
207.20 	within ten days following the date of the event prompting the change or the date upon which 
207.21 	the person filing became aware of the inaccuracy. The change or correction must identify 
207.22 	the form and the paragraph containing the information to be changed or corrected. A request 
207.23 	from the board to a lobbyist to provide more detailed information about a specific subject 
207.24 	of interest disclosed on a lobbyist disbursement report is a change or correction governed 
207.25 	by this subdivision.
207.26 	(b) The board must impose a civil penalty on a person who willfully fails to report a 
207.27 	material change or correction is subject to a civil penalty imposed by the board of. For 
207.28 	campaign finance reports, the penalty is up to four times the amount of the required change 
207.29 	or correction that the person willfully failed to report. For a violation related to a campaign 
207.30 	finance report where the amount of the required change or correction exceeds $25,000, the 
207.31 	penalty must be equal to four times the amount of the required change or correction that 
207.32 	the person willfully failed to report. For all other reports, the penalty is up to $3,000.
207.33 	(c) A willful violation of this subdivision is a gross misdemeanor.
208.1 	(d) The board must send a written notice to any individual who fails to file a report 
208.2 	required by this subdivision. If the individual fails to file the required report within ten 
208.3 	business days after the notice was sent, the board may impose a late filing fee of $25 per 
208.4 	day up to $1,000 starting on the 11th day after the notice was sent.
208.5 	(e) The board may send an additional notice by certified mail to an individual who fails 
208.6 	to file a report within ten business days after the first notice was sent by the board. The 
208.7 	certified notice must state that if the individual does not file the requested report within ten 
208.8 	business days after the certified notice was sent, the individual may be subject to a civil 
208.9 	penalty for failure to file a report. An individual who fails to file a report required by this 
208.10 	subdivision within ten business days after the certified notice was sent by the board is subject 
208.11 	to a civil penalty imposed by the board of up to $1,000.

208.12 	Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.025, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
208.13 		Subd. 5.Reconciliation information; penalty. (a) An individual or association required 
208.14 	to file a report under this chapter must provide information requested by the board to 
208.15 	reconcile discrepancies between the report and reports filed by other individuals or 
208.16 	associations. The board's request for information must be in writing. If the individual or 
208.17 	association fails to provide the requested information within ten business days after the 
208.18 	request was sent, the board may impose a late filing fee of $25 per day up to $1,000.
208.19 	(b) The board may send notice by certified mail to an individual or association that has 
208.20 	not timely responded to the board's written request for reconciliation information. The 
208.21 	certified notice must state that if the individual or association does not respond to the board's 
208.22 	request for information within ten business days after the certified notice was sent, the 
208.23 	individual or association may be subject to a civil penalty for failure to provide information 
208.24 	to the board. An individual or association that does not provide the requested information 
208.25 	within ten business days after the certified notice was sent is subject to a civil penalty 
208.26 	imposed by the board of up to $1,000.
208.27 	(c) The board must impose a civil penalty on a person who willfully fails to cooperate 
208.28 	with the board to reconcile a report discrepancy is subject to a civil penalty imposed by the 
208.29 	board of. For discrepancies related to campaign finance reports, the penalty is up to four 
208.30 	times the amount of the discrepancy about which the person willfully failed to cooperate. 
208.31 	For violations related to a campaign finance report where the amount of the discrepancy 
208.32 	exceeds $25,000, the penalty must be equal to four times the amount of the discrepancy 
208.33 	about which the person willfully failed to cooperate. For all other reports, the penalty is up 
208.34 	to $3,000.

209.1 	Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.025, is amended by adding a subdivision 
209.2 	to read:
209.3 		Subd. 6.Penalty. A late fee or civil penalty related to a campaign finance report assessed 
209.4 	to a treasurer or candidate pursuant to this section may be paid by the treasurer's or candidate's 
209.5 	principal campaign committee, party unit, political committee, or association that has a 
209.6 	political fund.

209.7 	Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.20, subdivision 12, is amended to read:
209.8 		Subd. 12.Failure to file; late fees; penalty. (a) If This subdivision governs late filing 
209.9 	fees and civil penalties in instances when an individual or association fails to file a report 
209.10 	required by this section or section 10A.202, the board may impose a late filing fee and a 
209.11 	civil penalty as provided in this subdivision.
209.12 	(b) If a candidate, political committee, political fund, principal campaign committee, or 
209.13 	party unit fails to file a report required by this section that is due January 31, the board may 
209.14 	impose a late filing fee of $25 per day, not to exceed $1,000, commencing the day after the 
209.15 	report was due.
209.16 	(c) Except for reports governed by paragraph (b), if an individual, political committee, 
209.17 	political fund, principal campaign committee, party unit, or association fails to file a report 
209.18 	required by subdivision 2, 2a, or 5, 5a, 6, or 14, or by section 10A.202, late filing fees are 
209.19 	as follows:
209.20 	(1) for reports not governed by clause (2), (3), or (4), the board may impose a late filing 
209.21 	fee of $50 per day, not to exceed $1,000, commencing on the day after the date the statement
209.22 	report was due. If;
209.23 	(2) for reports due 15 days or less before the primary and reports due ten days or less 
209.24 	before the general election on which the total contributions or total disbursements that should 
209.25 	have been newly reported exceed $100,000 that are not required by subdivision 5 or 5a or 
209.26 	section 10A.202, the board must impose a late filing fee of one percent of the total 
209.27 	contributions or total disbursements that should have been newly reported, whichever is 
209.28 	greater, per day, commencing on the day after the report was due;
209.29 	(3) for a report required by subdivision 5 or 5a or section 10A.202 on which the total 
209.30 	expenditures or contributions or total disbursements that occurred during the reporting 
209.31 	period exceeds exceed $25,000, then the board may also must impose a late filing fee of up 
209.32 	to two four percent of the expenditures or total contributions or total disbursements that 
209.33 	should have been reported, whichever is greater, per day, commencing on the day after the 
210.1 	report was due, not to exceed 100 percent of the amount that should have been reported.; 
210.2 	or
210.3 	(4) for willful violations of clause (2) or (3), the board must instead impose a late filing 
210.4 	fee of twice that required by that clause, per day, commencing on the day after the report 
210.5 	was due.
210.6 	(d) If an individual, political committee, political fund, principal campaign committee, 
210.7 	party unit, or association has been assessed a late filing fee or civil penalty under this 
210.8 	subdivision during the prior four years, the board may impose a late filing fee, a civil penalty, 
210.9 	or both of up to twice the amount otherwise authorized by this subdivision. If an individual, 
210.10 	political committee, political fund, principal campaign committee, party unit, or association 
210.11 	has been assessed a late filing fee or civil penalty under this subdivision more than two 
210.12 	times during the prior four years, the board may impose a late filing fee or civil penalty, or 
210.13 	both, of up to three times the amount otherwise authorized by this subdivision. If a late 
210.14 	filing fee and civil penalty are related to the same report or statement, the late filing fee and 
210.15 	civil penalty count as a single penalty for purposes of this paragraph.
210.16 	(e) If an individual, political committee, political fund, principal campaign committee, 
210.17 	party unit, or association has been assessed an enhanced penalty during the prior four years, 
210.18 	the board must impose a late filing fee, a civil penalty, or both, of up to twice the amount 
210.19 	otherwise authorized by this subdivision. If an individual, political committee, political 
210.20 	fund, principal campaign committee, party unit, or association has been assessed an enhanced 
210.21 	penalty more than two times during the prior four years, the board must impose a late filing 
210.22 	fee, a civil penalty, or both, of up to three times the amount otherwise authorized by this 
210.23 	subdivision. If a late filing fee and civil penalty are related to the same report or statement, 
210.24 	the late filing fee and civil penalty count as a single penalty for purposes of this paragraph.
210.25 	(e) (f) Within ten business days after the report was due or receipt by the board of 
210.26 	information disclosing the potential failure to file a report required by this section, the board 
210.27 	must send notice by certified mail that the individual or association may be subject to a civil 
210.28 	penalty for failure to file the report. If an individual who fails to file the report within seven 
210.29 	days after the certified mail notice was sent by the board, civil penalties are as follows:
210.30 	(1) for reports not governed by clause (2), (3), or (4), the individual is subject to a civil 
210.31 	penalty imposed by the board of up to $2,000 in addition to the late filing fees imposed by 
210.32 	this subdivision.;
210.33 	(2) for reports due 15 days or less before the primary and reports due ten days or less 
210.34 	before the general election on which the total contributions or total disbursements that should 
211.1 	have been newly reported exceed $100,000 that are not required by subdivision 5 or 5a or 
211.2 	section 10A.202, the board must impose a civil penalty of 100 percent of the total 
211.3 	contributions or total disbursements that should have been newly reported, whichever is 
211.4 	greater;
211.5 	(3) for a report required by subdivision 5 or 5a or section 10A.202 in which total 
211.6 	contributions or total disbursements exceed $25,000, the board must impose a civil penalty 
211.7 	of 100 percent of the total contributions or total disbursements that should have been reported, 
211.8 	whichever is greater; or
211.9 	(4) for willful violations of clauses (2) and (3), the board must instead impose a civil 
211.10 	penalty of twice that required by that clause.

211.11 	Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.20, is amended by adding a subdivision to 
211.12 	read:
211.13 		Subd. 16.Penalty. A late filing fee or civil penalty assessed to a treasurer or candidate 
211.14 	pursuant to this section may be paid by the treasurer's or candidate's principal campaign 
211.15 	committee, party unit, political committee, or association that has a political fund.

211.16 	Sec. 13. EFFECTIVE DATE.
 211.17 	This article is effective August 12, 2026, and applies to reports and statements due on 
211.18 	or after that date.

211.19 	ARTICLE 19
211.20 	CLEMENCY PROVISIONS

211.21 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 638.09, is amended by adding a subdivision 
211.22 	to read:
211.23 		Subd. 6.Panel of members; prescreening applications. (a) The commission may 
211.24 	appoint panels of three members to prescreen clemency and waiver applications. Each panel 
211.25 	must be comprised of a member appointed by the governor, the attorney general, and the 
211.26 	chief justice of the supreme court.
211.27 	(b) A panel's meeting must be open to the public. The third-party notification provisions 
211.28 	of section 638.11 do not apply to panel meetings. The applicant is not required to attend 
211.29 	the panel meeting where the panel reviews the applicant's application. In addition to the 
211.30 	information contained in the application, the panel may consider any other statements or 
211.31 	information submitted by an interested party.
212.1 	(c) Except as otherwise provided for in paragraph (d), a panel may take one of the 
212.2 	following actions:
212.3 	(1) recommend that the board deny the application without a commission hearing, if the 
212.4 	vote is unanimous; or
212.5 	(2) refer the application to the commission for a hearing.
212.6 	(d) Panels may be used to review requests for expedited processing of pardon applications 
212.7 	if the commission and board adopt rules that establish objective criteria for determining 
212.8 	which applications are eligible for expedited processing. A panel may take one of the 
212.9 	following actions on applications eligible for expedited processing:
212.10 	(1) recommend that the board deny the application without a commission hearing, if the 
212.11 	vote is unanimous;
212.12 	(2) refer the application to the commission for a hearing; or
212.13 	(3) recommend that the board grant the application without a hearing, if the vote is 
212.14 	unanimous.

212.15 	Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 638.12, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
212.16 		Subd. 2.Pardon eligibility; waiver. (a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c), 
212.17 	an individual convicted of a crime in a court of this state may apply for a pardon of the 
212.18 	individual's conviction on or after five years from the sentence's expiration or discharge 
212.19 	date.
212.20 	(b) An individual convicted before August 1, 2023, of a violation of section 609.19, 
212.21 	subdivision 1, clause (1), under the theory of liability for crimes of another may apply for 
212.22 	a pardon upon the sentence's expiration or discharge date if the individual:
212.23 	(1) was charged with a violation of section 609.185, paragraph (a), clause (3), and:
212.24 	(i) thereafter pled guilty to a violation of section 609.19, subdivision 1, clause (1);
212.25 	(ii) did not cause the death of a human being; and
212.26 	(iii) did not intentionally aid, advise, hire, counsel, or conspire with or otherwise procure 
212.27 	another with the intent to cause the death of a human being; or
212.28 	(2) was charged with a violation of section 609.19, subdivision 2, and:
212.29 	(i) thereafter pled guilty to a violation of section 609.19, subdivision 1, clause (1);
212.30 	(ii) did not cause the death of a human being; and
213.1 	(iii) was not a major participant, as defined in section 609.05, subdivision 2a, paragraph 
213.2 	(c), in the underlying felony or did not act with extreme indifference to human life.
213.3 	(c) An individual may request the board to waive the waiting period if there is a showing 
213.4 	of unusual circumstances and special need.
213.5 	(d) The commission must review a waiver request and recommend to the board whether 
213.6 	to grant the request. When considering a waiver request, the commission is and the board 
213.7 	are exempt from the meeting requirements under section 638.14 and chapter 13D.
213.8 	(e) The board must grant a waiver request unless the governor or a board majority opposes 
213.9 	the waiver.

213.10 	Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 638.14, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
213.11 		Subd. 5.Applicant appearance; third-party statements. (a) Except as provided for 
213.12 	in paragraph (e), an applicant for clemency must appear before the commission either in 
213.13 	person or through available forms of telecommunication.
213.14 	(b) The victim of an applicant's crime may appear and speak at the meeting or submit a 
213.15 	written statement to the commission. The commission may treat a victim's written statement 
213.16 	as confidential and not disclose the statement to the applicant or the public if there is or has 
213.17 	been an order for protection, harassment restraining order, or other no-contact order 
213.18 	prohibiting the applicant from contacting the victim. At the request of the victim, the 
213.19 	commission may treat a victim's written statement as confidential and not disclose the 
213.20 	statement to the public.
213.21 	(c) A law enforcement agency's representative may provide the agency's position on 
213.22 	whether the commission should recommend clemency by:
213.23 	(1) appearing and speaking at the meeting; or
213.24 	(2) submitting a written statement to the commission.
213.25 	(d) The sentencing judge and the prosecuting attorney, or their successors, may provide 
213.26 	their positions on whether the commission should recommend clemency by:
213.27 	(1) appearing and speaking at the meeting; or
213.28 	(2) submitting their statements under section 638.11, subdivision 2.
213.29 	(e) The governor may waive the hearing requirement under paragraph (a) if:
213.30 	(1) the applicant's petition requires immediate review by the board;
213.31 	(2) waiver of the hearing serves a significant public interest;
214.1 	(3) the applicant has previously appeared before the board; or
214.2 	(4) the applicant provides good cause to do so.

214.3 	Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 638.16, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
214.4 		Subdivision 1.Frequency. (a) The board must meet at least two times each year to 
214.5 	consider and vote on clemency applications.
214.6 	(b) If the commission recommends that an application receive a hearing, the board must 
214.7 	hold a hearing on the application unless all the board members decline a hearing.
214.8 	(c) If the commission recommends that an application not receive a hearing, the board 
214.9 	must not hold a hearing on the application unless at least one board member requests a 
214.10 	hearing.
214.11 	(d) Pursuant to section 638.09, subdivision 6, if a panel of the commission recommends 
214.12 	granting or denying an application without a full commission hearing, the board may:
214.13 	(1) adopt the panel's recommendation; or
214.14 	(2) direct the full commission to conduct a hearing on the application.
214.15 	(e) If the governor waives the hearing requirement for an application pursuant to section 
214.16 	638.14, subdivision 5, paragraph (e), the board must hold a hearing on that application.

214.17 	Sec. 5. APPROPRIATION.
 214.18 	$375,000 in fiscal year 2027 is appropriated from the general fund to the Clemency 
214.19 	Review Commission to increase the commission's capacity to process clemency petitions. 
214.20 	This is a onetime appropriation.

214.21 	ARTICLE 20
214.22 	PUBLIC SAFETY

214.23 	Section 1. MINNESOTA VICTIMS OF CRIME ACCOUNT; TRANSFER.
 214.24 	$1,000,000 in fiscal year 2027 is transferred from the general fund to the Minnesota 
214.25 	victims of crime account in the special revenue fund established under Minnesota Statutes, 
214.26 	section 299A.708. This is a onetime transfer.

215.1 	ARTICLE 21
215.2 	PEACE OFFICER COMPENSATION

215.3 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 299A.41, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
215.4 		Subd. 3.Killed in the line of duty. (a) "Killed in the line of duty" does not include any 
215.5 	deaths from natural causes, except as expressly provided in this subdivision. In the case of 
215.6 	a public safety officer, killed in the line of duty includes the death of a public safety officer 
215.7 	caused by accidental means while the public safety officer is acting in the course and scope 
215.8 	of duties as a public safety officer. Killed in the line of duty also means includes if a public 
215.9 	safety officer dies as the direct and proximate result of a heart attack, stroke, or vascular 
215.10 	rupture, that officer shall beis presumed to have died as the direct and proximate result of 
215.11 	a personal injury sustained in the line of duty if:
215.12 	(1) that officer, while on duty:
215.13 	(i) engaged in a situation, and that engagement involved nonroutine stressful or strenuous 
215.14 	physical activity in law enforcement, fire suppression, rescue, hazardous material response, 
215.15 	emergency medical services, prison security, disaster relief, or other emergency response 
215.16 	activity; or
215.17 	(ii) participated in a training exercise, and that participation involved nonroutine stressful 
215.18 	or strenuous physical activity;
215.19 	(2) that officer died as a result of a heart attack, stroke, or vascular rupture suffered:
215.20 	(i) while engaging or participating under clause (1);
215.21 	(ii) while still on duty after engaging or participating under clause (1); or
215.22 	(iii) not later than 24 hours after engaging or participating under clause (1); and
215.23 	(3) the presumption is not overcome by competent medical evidence to the contrary.
215.24 	(b) "Killed in the line of duty" also means includes that the officer died due to suicide:
215.25 	(1) secondary to a diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder as described in the most 
215.26 	recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders published by 
215.27 	the American Psychiatric Association; or
215.28 	(2) within 45 days of the end of exposure, while on duty, to a traumatic event.
215.29 	(c) "Killed in the line of duty" also includes that the officer died as a result of 
215.30 	complications caused by exposure sustained in the line of duty to any of the following 
215.31 	infectious diseases, viruses, or bacteria, if medical records identify the disease, virus, or 
216.1 	bacteria as a cause of or contributing factor to the death: COVID-19, influenza, hepatitis 
216.2 	B, hepatitis C, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, meningitis, MRSA, whooping cough, or 
216.3 	streptococcus pneumoniae.

216.4 	EFFECTIVE DATE; APPLICATION. This section is effective the day following 
216.5 	final enactment and applies retroactively from February 1, 2020.

216.6 	Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 299A.41, is amended by adding a subdivision to 
216.7 	read:
216.8 		Subd. 3a.Nonroutine strenuous physical activity. "Nonroutine strenuous physical 
216.9 	activity" means line-of-duty activity that:
216.10 	(1) is not an action of a clerical, administrative, or nonmanual nature;
216.11 	(2) is not performed as a matter of routine; and
216.12 	(3) entails an unusually high level of physical exertion.

216.13 	EFFECTIVE DATE; APPLICATION. This section is effective the day following 
216.14 	final enactment and applies retroactively from February 1, 2020.

216.15 	Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 299A.41, is amended by adding a subdivision to 
216.16 	read:
216.17 		Subd. 3b.Nonroutine stressful or strenuous physical activity. "Nonroutine stressful 
216.18 	or strenuous physical activity" means nonroutine stressful physical activity or nonroutine 
216.19 	strenuous physical activity.

216.20 	EFFECTIVE DATE; APPLICATION. This section is effective the day following 
216.21 	final enactment and applies retroactively from February 1, 2020.

216.22 	Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 299A.41, is amended by adding a subdivision to 
216.23 	read:
216.24 		Subd. 3c.Nonroutine stressful physical activity. "Nonroutine stressful physical activity" 
216.25 	means line-of-duty activity that:
216.26 	(1) is not an action of a clerical, administrative, or nonmanual nature;
216.27 	(2) is not performed as a matter of routine;
216.28 	(3) entails nonnegligible physical exertion; and
216.29 	(4) occurs:
217.1 	(i) with respect to a situation in which a public safety officer is engaged under 
217.2 	circumstances that objectively and reasonably:
217.3 	(A) pose or appear to pose significant dangers, threats, or hazards, or reasonably 
217.4 	foreseeable risks thereof, not faced by similarly situated members of the public in the 
217.5 	ordinary course; and
217.6 	(B) provoke, cause, or occasion an unusually high level of alarm, fear, or anxiety; or
217.7 	(ii) with respect to a training exercise in which a public safety officer participates under 
217.8 	circumstances that objectively and reasonably:
217.9 	(A) simulate in realistic fashion situations that pose significant dangers, threats, or 
217.10 	hazards; and
217.11 	(B) provoke, cause, or occasion an unusually high level of alarm, fear, or anxiety.

217.12 	EFFECTIVE DATE; APPLICATION. This section is effective the day following 
217.13 	final enactment and applies retroactively from February 1, 2020.

217.14 	Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 299A.41, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
217.15 		Subd. 4.Public safety officer. "Public safety officer" includes:
217.16 	(1) a peace officer defined in section 626.84, subdivision 1, paragraph (c) or (d);
217.17 	(2) a correction officer employed at a correctional facility and charged with maintaining 
217.18 	the safety, security, discipline, and custody of inmates at the facility;
217.19 	(3) a corrections staff person working in a public agency and supervising offenders in 
217.20 	the community as defined in sections 243.05, subdivision 6; 244.19, subdivision 1; and 
217.21 	401.01, subdivision 2;
217.22 	(4) an individual employed on a full-time or part-time basis by the state or by a fire 
217.23 	department of a governmental subdivision of the state, who is engaged in any of the following 
217.24 	duties:
217.25 	(i) firefighting;
217.26 	(ii) emergency motor vehicle operation;
217.27 	(iii) investigation into the cause and origin of fires;
217.28 	(iv) the provision of emergency medical services; or
217.29 	(v) hazardous material responder;
218.1 	(5) a legally enrolled member of a volunteer or paid on-call fire department or member 
218.2 	of an independent nonprofit firefighting corporation who is engaged in the hazards of 
218.3 	firefighting;
218.4 	(6) a good samaritan while complying with the request or direction of a public safety 
218.5 	officer to assist the officer;
218.6 	(7) a reserve police officer or a reserve deputy sheriff while acting under the supervision 
218.7 	and authority of a political subdivision;
218.8 	(8) a driver or attendant with a licensed basic or advanced life-support transportation 
218.9 	service who is engaged in providing emergency care;
218.10 	(9) a first responder who is certified by the director of the Office of Emergency Medical 
218.11 	Services to perform basic emergency skills before the arrival of a licensed ambulance service 
218.12 	and who is a member of an organized service recognized by a local political subdivision to 
218.13 	respond to medical emergencies to provide initial medical care before the arrival of an 
218.14 	ambulance; and
218.15 	(10) a person, other than a state trooper, employed by the commissioner of public safety 
218.16 	and assigned to the State Patrol, whose primary employment duty is either Capitol security 
218.17 	or the enforcement of commercial motor vehicle laws and regulations.; and
218.18 	(11) a person formerly employed as a public safety officer under clauses (1) to (5) or 
218.19 	(7) to (10) if the person separated from service due to a duty disability, as defined in section 
218.20 	353.01, subdivision 41.

218.21 	EFFECTIVE DATE; APPLICATION. This section is effective the day following 
218.22 	final enactment and applies retroactively from February 1, 2020.

218.23 	Sec. 6. [299A.412] DETERMINING WHAT IS ROUTINE.
218.24 	Neither of the following is dispositive in determining whether an activity or action is 
218.25 	understood to have been performed as a matter of routine under section 299A.41:
218.26 	(1) being generally described by the public safety agency as routine or ordinary; or
218.27 	(2) the frequency with which the activity or action may be performed.

218.28 	EFFECTIVE DATE; APPLICATION. This section is effective the day following 
218.29 	final enactment and applies retroactively from February 1, 2020.

219.1 	Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 299D.03, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
219.2 		Subd. 2.Salary and reimbursement. (a) Each employee other than the chief supervisor, 
219.3 	lieutenant colonel, majors, captains, lieutenants, corporals, and sergeants hereinafter 
219.4 	designated shall be known as patrol troopers.
219.5 	(b) There may be appointed one lieutenant colonel; and such majors, captains, lieutenants, 
219.6 	corporals, sergeants, and troopers as the commissioner deems necessary to carry out the 
219.7 	duties and functions of the State Patrol. Persons in above-named positions shall be appointed 
219.8 	by law and have such duties as the commissioner may direct and, except for troopers, shall 
219.9 	be selected from the patrol troopers, corporals, sergeants, captains, lieutenants, and majors 
219.10 	who shall have had at least five years' experience as either patrol troopers, corporals, 
219.11 	sergeants, or supervisors.
219.12 	(c) The salary rates for all State Patrol troopers, corporals, and sergeants shall be deemed 
219.13 	to include $6 per day reimbursement for shift differential, meal and business expenses 
219.14 	incurred by State Patrol troopers, corporals, and sergeants in the performance of their 
219.15 	assigned duties in their patrol areas; business expenses include, but are not limited to: 
219.16 	uniform costs, home garaging of squad cars, and maintenance of home office.

219.17 	Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 299D.03, subdivision 2a, is amended to read:
219.18 		Subd. 2a.Salary and benefits survey. (a) By January 1 of 2021, 2024, 2027, and 2030
219.19 	every odd-numbered year thereafter, the legislative auditor must conduct a compensation 
219.20 	and benefit survey of law enforcement officers in every police department:
219.21 	(1) in a city with a population in excess of 25,000, located in a metropolitan county, as 
219.22 	defined in section 473.121, subdivision 4, that is represented by a union certified by the 
219.23 	Bureau of Mediation Services; or
219.24 	(2) in a city of the first class.
219.25 	The State Patrol must also be included in the survey.
219.26 	(b) The legislative auditor must base the survey on compensation and benefits for the 
219.27 	past completed calendar year. The survey must be based on full-time equivalent employees. 
219.28 	The legislative auditor must calculate compensation using base salary, overtime wages, and 
219.29 	premium pay. Premium pay is payment that is received by a majority of employees and 
219.30 	includes but is not limited to education pay and longevity pay. The legislative auditor must 
219.31 	not include any payments made to officers or troopers for work performed for an entity 
219.32 	other than the agency that employs the officer or trooper, regardless of who makes the 
219.33 	payment. The legislative auditor must also include in the survey all benefits, including 
220.1 	insurance, retirement, and pension benefits. The legislative auditor must include contributions 
220.2 	from both the employee and employer when determining benefits.
220.3 	(c) The legislative auditor must compile the survey results into a report. The report must 
220.4 	show each department separately. For each department, the survey must include:
220.5 	(1) an explanation of the salary structure, and include minimum and maximum salaries 
220.6 	for each range or step; and.
220.7 	(2) an explanation of benefits offered, including the options that are offered and the 
220.8 	employee and employer contribution for each option.
220.9 	Wherever possible, the report must be designed so that the data for each department is in 
220.10 	the same table or grid format to facilitate easy comparison.
220.11 	(d) By January 15 of 2021, 2024, 2027, and 2030 every odd-numbered year thereafter, 
220.12 	the legislative auditor must transmit the survey report to the chairs and ranking minority 
220.13 	members of the house of representatives and senate committees with jurisdiction over the 
220.14 	State Patrol budget.
220.15 	(e) It is the legislature's intent to use the information in this study to compare salaries 
220.16 	between the identified police departments and the State Patrol and to make appropriate 
220.17 	increases to patrol trooper, captain, and lieutenant salaries. Nothing in this subdivision 
220.18 	precludes the collective bargaining of salaries or compensation in excess of salaries or 
220.19 	compensation supported by the salary survey. Salary adjustments for supervisory ranks, 
220.20 	including corporals, sergeants, lieutenants, and captains, must be proportionate to the salary 
220.21 	adjustments made for patrol troopers resulting from the survey. This subdivision does not 
220.22 	expand the scope of the salary survey beyond patrol troopers. For purposes of this paragraph, 
220.23 	"patrol troopers" has the meaning given in subdivision 2, paragraph (a).

220.24 	Sec. 9. [299D.14] VOLUNTEER CHAPLAINS.
220.25 		Subdivision 1.Volunteers permitted. The commissioner or the chief supervisor of the 
220.26 	State Patrol may recruit, train, and accept, without regard to personnel laws or rules, the 
220.27 	services of individuals without compensation as volunteer chaplains to support members 
220.28 	of the State Patrol in their roles and responsibilities under this chapter.
220.29 		Subd. 2.Incidental expenses. The chief supervisor may provide for the incidental 
220.30 	expenses of a volunteer chaplain, including transportation, lodging, and subsistence.
220.31 		Subd. 3.Application of law. Except as otherwise provided in this section, a volunteer 
220.32 	chaplain is not a state employee and is not subject to the provisions of law relating to state 
221.1 	employment, including but not limited to those governing hours of work, rates of 
221.2 	compensation, leave, unemployment benefits, and state employee benefits.

221.3 	Sec. 10. Laws 2024, chapter 104, article 1, section 2, the effective date, is amended to 
221.4 	read:

221.5 	EFFECTIVE DATE; APPLICATION. This section is effective the day following 
221.6 	final enactment and expires January 1, 2032. This section applies to contracts entered into 
221.7 	on or after the effective date but before January 1, 2032.

221.8 	Sec. 11. PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICER DEATH BENEFIT RETROACTIVE CLAIMS.
 221.9 	(a) Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 299A.47, claims for benefits arising 
221.10 	out of deaths occurring before July 1, 2026, that are eligible due to the retroactive changes 
221.11 	made in this act are timely if filed before July 1, 2028. Claims for benefits arising out of 
221.12 	deaths that occur on or after July 1, 2026, are subject to the limitation period under Minnesota 
221.13 	Statutes, section 299A.47.
221.14 	(b) Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 299A.47, the commissioner of public 
221.15 	safety must:
221.16 	(1) review previously denied benefit claims for deaths occurring between February 1, 
221.17 	2020, and the effective date of this act;
221.18 	(2) determine whether the applicant is eligible for benefits based on the retroactive 
221.19 	application of the amendments made in this act; and
221.20 	(3) award applicable benefits according to Minnesota Statutes, sections 299A.41 to 
221.21 	299A.46.

221.22 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

221.23 	ARTICLE 22
221.24 	CONSUMER PROTECTION RESTITUTION ACCOUNT

221.25 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2025 Supplement, section 8.37, subdivision 3, is amended 
221.26 	to read:
221.27 		Subd. 3.Money deposited in the account. 50 Fifty percent of all money recovered by 
221.28 	the attorney general in a consumer enforcement action that is payable to the state and not 
221.29 	designated as consumer enforcement public compensation or for another specific purpose 
221.30 	up to the first $5,000,000 $10,000,000 each fiscal year must be deposited into the account. 
222.1 	The remaining 50 percent of money recovered by the attorney general in a consumer 
222.2 	enforcement action that is payable to the state and not designated as consumer enforcement 
222.3 	public compensation or for another specific purpose must be deposited into the general 
222.4 	fund. For purposes of this subdivision, the amount of money recovered in a consumer 
222.5 	enforcement action that must be deposited into the fund is determined at the time when the 
222.6 	money otherwise would have been deposited into the general fund.

222.7 	Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2025 Supplement, section 8.37, subdivision 5, is amended to 
222.8 	read:
222.9 		Subd. 5.Distributions to eligible consumers. (a) Money in the account may be 
222.10 	distributed to any eligible consumer with an identified amount of unpaid consumer 
222.11 	enforcement public compensation. If the amount of money in the account is insufficient to 
222.12 	pay all distributions to eligible consumers with an identified amount of unpaid consumer 
222.13 	enforcement public compensation, the Money must be distributed first to consumers eligible 
222.14 	for unpaid consumer enforcement public compensation based on a consumer enforcement 
222.15 	action with a final order of the oldest date.
222.16 	(b) If the attorney general projects that there will be insufficient funding to pay all eligible 
222.17 	consumers from the funds available on an ongoing basis, the attorney general may 
222.18 	recommend to the legislature that the legislature prescribe a formula for prorating or capping 
222.19 	payments to eligible consumers so that more eligible consumers will receive payment from 
222.20 	the fund.
222.21 	(b) If money is distributed to an eligible consumer, the distribution is limited to:
222.22 	(1) the full identified amount of unpaid consumer enforcement public compensation, up 
222.23 	to $50,000; and
222.24 	(2) 50 percent of the identified amount of unpaid consumer enforcement public 
222.25 	compensation over $50,000, or $50,000, whichever is less.

222.26 	ARTICLE 23
222.27 	DATA PRACTICES

222.28 	Section 1. [13.205] TOWNS; PHYSICIAN REQUESTS.
222.29 	Notwithstanding section 13.02, subdivision 11, a town is subject to this chapter for 
222.30 	purposes of this section. A town must provide data of any classification requested by a 
222.31 	physician licensed under chapter 147 for the purposes of treating a patient.

	ARTICLE 1	PREKINDERGARTEN THROUGH GRADE 12 EDUCATION........	Page.Ln 2.23	
	ARTICLE 2	HIGHER EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS........	Page.Ln 21.20	
	ARTICLE 3	HIGHER EDUCATION POLICY........	Page.Ln 21.27	
	ARTICLE 4	AGRICULTURE APPROPRIATIONS........	Page.Ln 29.11	
	ARTICLE 5	AGRICULTURE POLICY........	Page.Ln 56.18	
	ARTICLE 6	ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES........	Page.Ln 96.15	
	ARTICLE 7	BATTERY STEWARDSHIP........	Page.Ln 110.1	
	ARTICLE 8	ENERGY FINANCE........	Page.Ln 142.4	
	ARTICLE 9	RENEWABLE DEVELOPMENT FINANCE........	Page.Ln 150.3	
	ARTICLE 10	JOBS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS........	Page.Ln 162.4	
	ARTICLE 11	LABOR APPROPRIATIONS........	Page.Ln 164.12	
	ARTICLE 12	LABOR POLICY........	Page.Ln 164.24	
	ARTICLE 13	STATE GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS........	Page.Ln 166.7	
	ARTICLE 14	BOARD OF BARBER EXAMINERS........	Page.Ln 167.11	
	ARTICLE 15	BOARD OF COSMETOLOGIST EXAMINERS........	Page.Ln 175.8	
	ARTICLE 16	STATE GOVERNMENT MISCELLANEOUS........	Page.Ln 193.19	
	ARTICLE 17	MEDICAID FRAUD........	Page.Ln 195.1	
	ARTICLE 18	CAMPAIGN FINANCE........	Page.Ln 205.1	
	ARTICLE 19	CLEMENCY PROVISIONS........	Page.Ln 211.19	
	ARTICLE 20	PUBLIC SAFETY........	Page.Ln 214.21	
	ARTICLE 21	PEACE OFFICER COMPENSATION........	Page.Ln 215.1	
	ARTICLE 22	CONSUMER PROTECTION RESTITUTION ACCOUNT........	Page.Ln 221.23	
	ARTICLE 23	DATA PRACTICES........	Page.Ln 222.26	

APPENDIX 

Repealed Minnesota Statutes: S4059-2 

18K.02 DEFINITIONS.Subd. 7.Processor. 
"Processor" means a person or business that converts raw hemp into a product. 

18K.03 AGRICULTURAL CROP; POSSESSION AUTHORIZED.Subd. 2.Sale to medical cannabis manufacturers. 
A licensee under this chapter may sell hemp products derived from industrial hemp grown in this state to medical cannabis manufacturers as authorized under sections 152.22 to 152.37. 

28A.075 DELEGATION TO LOCAL COMMUNITY HEALTH BOARD.
(a) At the request of a local community health board that licensed and inspected grocery and convenience stores on January 1, 1999, the commissioner must enter into agreements before January 1, 2001, with local community health boards to delegate to the appropriate local community health board the licensing and inspection duties of the commissioner pertaining to retail food handlers that are grocery or convenience stores. At the request of a local community health board that licensed and inspected part of any grocery or convenience store on January 1, 1999, the commissioner must enter into agreements before July 1, 2001, with local community health boards to delegate to the appropriate local community health board the licensing and inspection duties of the commissioner pertaining to retail food handlers that are grocery or convenience stores. At any time thereafter, the commissioner may enter into an agreement with a local community health board that licensed and inspected all or part of any grocery or convenience store on January 1, 1999, to delegate to the appropriate local community health board the licensing and inspection duties of the commissioner pertaining to retail food handlers such as grocery or convenience stores. Retail food handlers inspected under the state meat inspection program of chapter 31A are exempt from delegation. 

(b) A local community health board must adopt an ordinance consistent with the Minnesota Food Code, Minnesota Rules, chapter 4626, for all of its jurisdiction to regulate retail food handlers and the ordinance (Food Code) must not be in conflict with standards set in law or rule. 

(c) A fee to recover the estimated costs of enforcement of this chapter must be established by ordinance and must be fair, reasonable, and proportionate to the actual cost of the licensing and inspection services. The fee must only be maintained and used for the estimated costs of enforcing this chapter. 

115A.9155 DISPOSING OF CERTAIN DRY CELL BATTERIES.Subdivision 1.Prohibition. 
A person may not place in mixed municipal solid waste a dry cell battery containing mercuric oxide electrode, silver oxide electrode, nickel-cadmium, or sealed lead-acid that was purchased for use or used by a government agency, or an industrial, communications, or medical facility. 

Subd. 2.Manufacturer responsibility. 
(a) A manufacturer of batteries subject to subdivision 1 shall: 

(1) ensure that a system for the proper collection, transportation, and processing of waste batteries exists for purchasers in Minnesota; and 

(2) clearly inform each final purchaser of the prohibition on disposal of waste batteries and of the system or systems for proper collection, transportation, and processing of waste batteries available to the purchaser. 

(b) To ensure that a system for the proper collection, transportation, and processing of waste batteries exists, a manufacturer shall: 

(1) identify collectors, transporters, and processors for the waste batteries and contract or otherwise expressly agree with a person or persons for the proper collection, transportation, and processing of the waste batteries; or 

(2) accept waste batteries returned to its manufacturing facility. 

(c) At the time of sale of a battery subject to subdivision 1, a manufacturer shall provide in a clear and conspicuous manner a telephone number that the final consumer of the battery can call to obtain information on specific procedures to follow in returning the battery for recycling or proper disposal. The manufacturer may include the telephone number and notice of return procedures on an invoice or other transaction document held by the purchaser. The manufacturer shall provide the telephone number to the commissioner of the agency. 

(d) A manufacturer shall ensure that the cost of proper collection, transportation, and processing of the waste batteries is included in the sales transaction or agreement between the manufacturer and any purchaser. 

(e) A manufacturer that has complied with this subdivision is not liable under subdivision 1 for improper disposal by a person other than the manufacturer of waste batteries. 

115A.961 HOUSEHOLD BATTERIES; COLLECTION, PROCESSING, AND DISPOSAL.Subdivision 1.Definition. 
For the purposes of this section, "household batteries" means disposable or rechargeable dry cells commonly used as power sources for household or consumer products including, but not limited to, nickel-cadmium, alkaline, mercuric oxide, silver oxide, zinc oxide, lithium, and carbon-zinc batteries, but excluding lead acid batteries. 

Subd. 2.Program. 
(a) The commissioner, in consultation with other state agencies, political subdivisions, and representatives of the household battery industry, may develop household battery programs. The commissioner must coordinate the programs with the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources study on batteries. 

(b) The commissioner shall investigate options and develop guidelines for collection, processing, and disposal of household batteries. The options the commissioner may investigate include: 

(1) establishing a grant program for counties to plan and implement household battery collection, processing, and disposal projects; 

(2) establishing collection and transportation systems; 

(3) developing and disseminating educational materials regarding environmentally sound battery management; and 

(4) developing markets for materials recovered from the batteries. 

(c) The commissioner may also distribute funds to political subdivisions to develop battery management plans and implement those plans. 

Subd. 3.Participation. 
A political subdivision, on its own or in cooperation with others, may implement a program to collect, process, or dispose of household batteries. A political subdivision may provide financial incentives to any person, including public or private civic groups, to collect the batteries. 

136A.657 EXEMPTION; RELIGIOUS SCHOOLS.Subdivision 1.Exemption. 
(a) A program is exempt from the provisions of sections 136A.61 to 136A.71 if it is: 

(1) offered by a school or any department or branch of a school that is substantially owned, operated, or supported by a bona fide church or religious organization; 

(2) primarily designed for, aimed at and attended by persons who sincerely hold or seek to learn the particular religious faith or beliefs of that church or religious organization; and 

(3) primarily intended to prepare its students to become ministers of, to enter into some other vocation closely related to, or to conduct their lives in consonance with, the particular faith of that church or religious organization. 

(b) A school or a department or branch of a school is exempt from the provisions of sections 136A.61 to 136A.71 if all of its programs are exempt under paragraph (a). 

Subd. 2.Limitation. 
(a) This exemption shall not extend to any program or school or to any department or branch of a school that through advertisements or solicitations represents to any students or prospective students that the school, its aims, goals, missions or purposes or its programs are different from those described in subdivision 1. 

(b) This exemption shall not extend to any school that represents to any student or prospective student that the major purpose of its programs is to: 

(1) prepare the student for a vocation not closely related to that particular religious faith; or 

(2) provide the student with a general educational program recognized by other schools or the broader educational, business or social community as being substantially equivalent to the educational programs offered by schools or departments or branches of schools that are not exempt from sections 136A.61 to 136A.71, and rules adopted pursuant thereto. 

(c) This exemption shall not extend to any school that uses any publication or advertisement that is not truthful and gives any false, fraudulent, deceptive, inaccurate, or misleading impressions about the school; its personnel, programs, or services; or occupational opportunities for its graduates for promotion and student recruitment. Exemptions denied under this section are subject to appeal under section 136A.65, subdivision 8, paragraph (c). If an appeal is initiated, the denial of the exemption is not effective until the final determination of the appeal, unless immediate effect is ordered by the court. 

Subd. 3.Scope. 
Nothing in sections 136A.61 to 136A.71, or the rules adopted pursuant thereto, shall be interpreted as permitting the office to determine the truth or falsity of any particular set of religious beliefs. 

Subd. 4.Statement required; religious nature. 
Any degree awarded upon completion of a religiously exempt program shall include descriptive language to make the religious nature of the award clear. 

Subd. 5.Application. 
A school that seeks an exemption under this section from the provisions of sections 136A.61 to 136A.71 must apply to the office to establish that the school meets the requirements of an exemption. An exemption expires two years from the date of approval or when a school adds a new program or makes a modification equal to or greater than 25 percent to an existing educational program. If a school is reapplying for an exemption, the application must be submitted to the office 90 days before the current exemption expires. 

136A.834 EXEMPTION; RELIGIOUS SCHOOLS.Subdivision 1.Exemption. 
(a) A program is exempt from the provisions of sections 136A.821 to 136A.832 if it is: 

(1) offered by a school or any department or branch of a school that is substantially owned, operated, or supported by a bona fide church or religious organization; 

(2) primarily designed for, aimed at, and attended by persons who sincerely hold or seek to learn the particular religious faith or beliefs of that church or religious organization; and 

(3) primarily intended to prepare its students to become ministers of, to enter into some other vocation closely related to, or to conduct their lives in consonance with the particular faith of that church or religious organization. 

(b) Any school or any department or branch of a school is exempt from the provisions of sections 136A.821 to 136A.832 if all of its programs are exempt under paragraph (a). 

Subd. 2.Limitations. 
(a) An exemption shall not extend to any private career school, department or branch of a private career school, or program of a private career school that through advertisements or solicitations represents to any students or prospective students that the school, its aims, goals, missions, purposes, or programs are different from those described in subdivision 1. 

(b) An exemption shall not extend to any private career school or program that represents to any student or prospective student that the major purpose of its programs is to: 

(1) prepare the student for a vocation not closely related to that particular religious faith; or 

(2) provide the student with a general educational program recognized by other private career schools or the broader educational, business, or social community as being substantially equivalent to the educational programs offered by private career schools or departments or branches of private career schools which are not religious in nature and are not exempt from sections 136A.82 to 136A.834 and from rules adopted under sections 136A.82 to 136A.834. 

(c) This exemption shall not extend to any school that uses any publication or advertisement that is not truthful and gives any false, fraudulent, deceptive, inaccurate, or misleading impressions about the school or its personnel, programs, services, or occupational opportunities for graduates for promotion and student recruitment. Exemptions denied under this section are subject to appeal under section 136A.65, subdivision 8, paragraph (c). If an appeal is initiated, the denial of the exemption is not effective until the final determination of the appeal, unless immediate effect is ordered by the court. 

Subd. 3.Scope. 
Nothing in sections 136A.82 to 136A.834 or the rules adopted under them shall be interpreted as permitting the office to determine the truth or falsity of any particular set of religious beliefs. 

Subd. 4.Descriptive language required. 
Any certificate, diploma, degree, or other formal recognition awarded upon completion of any religiously exempt program shall include such descriptive language as to make the religious nature of the award clear. 

Subd. 5.Application. 
A school that seeks an exemption from the provisions of sections 136A.82 to 136A.834 must apply to the office to establish that the school meets the requirements of an exemption. An exemption expires two years from the date of approval or when a school adds a new program or makes a modification equal to or greater than 25 percent to an existing educational program. If a school is reapplying for an exemption, the application must be submitted to the office 90 days before the current exemption expires. If a school fails to apply within 90 days of expiration, the school is subject to the fees and penalties under sections 136A.831 and 136A.832. 

155A.275 SPECIAL EVENTS.Subdivision 1.Special event services. 
For purposes of this section, "special event services" means services rendered for compensation and performed at a location other than a licensed salon. These services are limited to the practice of nonpermanent manipulation of the hair, including: styling, setting, reinforcing, or extending the hair; the application of nail polish to the nails; and the application of makeup to the skin. 

Subd. 2.Special event services permit. 
(a) No person shall perform special event services without first obtaining a special event services permit from the board. To be eligible for a special event services permit, a person must have a valid manager's license issued by the board under the authority of section 155A.27. 

(b) An individual applying for a special event services permit must submit to the board, on a form approved by the board, an application for a special event services permit. 

(c) An individual providing services under a special event services permit may only perform services within the individual's specific field of licensure and as defined by the permit. The services provided pursuant to the special event services permit must comply with the requirements of this chapter and all federal, state, and local laws. 

325E.125 GENERAL AND SPECIAL PURPOSE BATTERY REQUIREMENTS.Subdivision 1.Labeling. 
(a) The manufacturer of a button cell battery that is to be sold in this state shall ensure that each battery contains no intentionally introduced mercury or is labeled to clearly identify for the final consumer of the battery the type of electrode used in the battery. 

(b) The manufacturer of a rechargeable battery that is to be sold in this state shall ensure that each rechargeable battery is labeled to clearly identify for the final consumer of the battery the type of electrode and the name of the manufacturer. The manufacturer of a rechargeable battery shall also provide clear instructions for properly recharging the battery. 

Subd. 2.Mercury content. 
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (c), a manufacturer may not sell, distribute, or offer for sale in this state an alkaline manganese battery that contains more than 0.025 percent mercury by weight. 

(b) On application, the commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency may exempt a specific type of battery from the requirements of paragraph (a) or (d) if there is no battery meeting the requirements that can be reasonably substituted for the battery for which the exemption is sought. A battery exempted by the commissioner under this paragraph is subject to the requirements of section 115A.9155, subdivision 2. 

(c) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), a manufacturer may not sell, distribute, or offer for sale in this state a button cell nonrechargeable battery not subject to paragraph (a) that contains more than 25 milligrams of mercury. 

(d) A manufacturer may not sell, distribute, or offer for sale in this state a dry cell battery containing a mercuric oxide electrode. 

(e) After January 1, 1996, a manufacturer may not sell, distribute, or offer for sale in this state an alkaline manganese battery, except an alkaline manganese button cell, that contains mercury unless the commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency determines that compliance with this requirement is not technically and commercially feasible. 

Subd. 2a.Approval of new batteries. 
A manufacturer may not sell, distribute, or offer for sale in this state a nonrechargeable battery other than a zinc air, zinc carbon, silver oxide, lithium, or alkaline manganese battery, without first having received approval of the battery from the commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency. The commissioner shall approve only batteries that comply with subdivision 1 and do not pose an undue hazard when disposed of. This subdivision is intended to ensure that new types of batteries do not add additional hazardous or toxic materials to the state's mixed municipal waste stream. 

Subd. 3.Rechargeable tools and appliances. 
(a) A manufacturer may not sell, distribute, or offer for sale in this state a rechargeable consumer product unless: 

(1) the battery can be easily removed by the consumer or is contained in a battery pack that is separate from the product and can be easily removed; and 

(2) the product and the battery are both labeled in a manner that is clearly visible to the consumer indicating that the battery must be recycled or disposed of properly and the battery must be clearly identifiable as to the type of electrode used in the battery. 

(b) "Rechargeable consumer product" as used in this subdivision means any product that contains a rechargeable battery and is primarily used or purchased to be used for personal, family, or household purposes. 

(c) On application by a manufacturer, the commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency may exempt a rechargeable consumer product from the requirements of paragraph (a) if: 

(1) the product cannot be reasonably redesigned and manufactured to comply with the requirements prior to the effective date of Laws 1990, chapter 409, section 2; 

(2) the redesign of the product to comply with the requirements would result in significant danger to public health and safety; or 

(3) the type of electrode used in the battery poses no unreasonable hazards when placed in and processed or disposed of as part of mixed municipal solid waste. 

(d) An exemption granted by the commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency under paragraph (c), clause (1), must be limited to a maximum of two years and may be renewed. 

Subd. 4.Rechargeable batteries and products; notice. 
(a) A person who sells rechargeable batteries or products powered by rechargeable batteries governed by section 115A.9157 at retail shall post the notice in paragraph (b) in a manner clearly visible to a consumer making purchasing decisions. 

(b) The notice must be at least four inches by six inches and state: 

"ATTENTION USERS OF RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES AND CORDLESS PRODUCTS: 

Under Minnesota law, manufacturers of rechargeable batteries, rechargeable battery packs, and products powered by nonremovable rechargeable batteries will provide a special collection system for these items by April 15, 1994. It is illegal to put rechargeable batteries in the garbage. Use the special collection system that will be provided in your area. Take care of our environment. 

DO NOT PUT RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES OR PRODUCTS POWERED BY NONREMOVABLE RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES IN THE GARBAGE." 

(c) Notice is not required for home solicitation sales, as defined in section 325G.06, or for catalogue sales. 

325E.1251 PENALTY ENFORCEMENT.Subdivision 1.Penalty. 
Violation of section 325E.125 is a misdemeanor. A manufacturer who violates section 325E.125 is also subject to a minimum fine of $100 per violation. 

609.466 MEDICAL ASSISTANCE FRAUD.
Any person who, with the intent to defraud, presents a claim for reimbursement, a cost report or a rate application, relating to the payment of medical assistance funds pursuant to chapter 256B, to the state agency, which is false in whole or in part, is guilty of an attempt to commit theft of public funds and may be sentenced accordingly. 

Repealed Minnesota Session Laws: S4059-2 

Laws 2017, First Special Session chapter 4, article 1, section 29

	Sec. 29. BOARD OF COSMETOLOGIST EXAMINERS 	$	2,775,000	$	2,785,000	

The executive director must report quarterly to the chairs and ranking minority members of the committees in the house of representatives and senate with jurisdiction over state government finance on the number of inspections conducted by license type in the past quarter, number and percent of total salons and schools inspected within the last year, total number of licensees by type, and the number of inspectors employed by the board. The first report must be submitted by July 15, 2017. 

2100.2500EXAMINATION DATES. 
Examinations for a certificate as a registered barber shall be held in the second week of February, May, August, and November of each year. Notice of the examination shall be given during the first week of the month preceding the month in which the examination is to be held. Two additional examinations may be held when the board determines it is cost efficient. 

2100.2600APPLICATION FOR EXAMINATION. 
An applicant for examination as a registered barber shall file an application for examination on forms furnished by the board. This application must be filed with the board no later than the 20th day of the month preceding the month in which the examination is to be given; provided, however, that the board shall, upon the showing of a hardship, accept applications at a later date. 

Applicants for registered barber status must complete the program entitled "Home Study Course for Barbers" prepared or approved by the Board of Barber Examiners before the examination may be taken. 

2100.2900CONTENTS OF EXAMINATION. 
An examination consists of five parts: a written examination and four practical services. The type of haircut, shave or beard trim, and two of the following practical services: shampoo, perm wrap, facial, or color application, will be determined at the discretion of the board. 

2100.3000GRADING OF EXAMINATION. 
The registered barber examinations given pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 154.09, shall be graded as follows: The grading criteria for the written part of the examination and the passing grade will be established for each written examination at the time of its preparation; however, the lowest passing grade established shall never be less than 55. The grading for the practical performances part of the examination will be on a scale of 1 to 100 with 100 representing a perfect score. A score of 75 will be the minimum passing grade for the haircut portion, and 75 will also be the minimum passing score for the average of the remaining parts of the practical performances. If an applicant does not receive at least the established minimum passing grade on the written portion of the examination, or at least a grade of 75 on the haircut portion of the examination, or score an average of at least 75 on the remaining parts of the practical examination, the applicant will have failed the examination, and may only retake the examination after paying the necessary fee and meeting the requirements of Minnesota Statutes, section 154.05. 

2100.3200FAILURE OF EXAMINATION. 
An individual who has not held a Minnesota barber registration prior to examination and who fails the examination and onetime written retake, if applicable, shall complete an additional 500 hours of barber school to be eligible to retake the examination as many times as necessary to pass. 

An individual who has previously held a Minnesota barber registration as an apprentice or registered barber may take the examination as many times as necessary to reinstate the registration without additional barber school hours. 

2100.3300FAILURE TO RENEW CERTIFICATE WITHIN FOUR YEARS. 
A registered barber who has failed to renew the certificate of registration for four years or more from the date of expiration must complete the current program entitled "Home Study Course for Barbers" prepared or approved by the Board of Barber Examiners and take and pass the registered barber examination before a certificate of registration may be issued. Home Study Course for Barbers is required prior to examination for all examinees. 

2100.4500INSTRUCTOR REGISTRATION QUALIFICATION. 
To qualify for an instructor's examination, an applicant must be a registered barber with three years' experience. 

2100.5200CONSIDERATIONS IN REGISTRATION ISSUANCE. Subpart 1.Factors.  
Upon receipt of an application for establishment of a barber school, the board shall give consideration to the factors in subparts 2 and 5. 

Subp. 2.Public welfare.  
The board shall give consideration to any detriment to the public welfare and the need for barber school facilities in the community and neighborhood where the proposed barber school is to be located, giving particular consideration to: 

A.
 the economic character of the community and neighborhood; 

B.
 the effect on existing barber shops and barber schools in the community; 

C.
 the availability of adequate support for the proposed barber school in the community and neighborhood with particular regard to adequate practice for students; 

D.
 the extent to which the proposed barber school would draw patrons from adjacent communities or neighborhoods and the character thereof; and 

E.
 the effect of the establishment of a barber school on the social and economic aspects of the community and neighborhood and adjacent communities and neighborhoods in regard to the proposed site. 

Subp. 5.Student-registered instructor ratio.  
There must be at least one instructor for every 17 students enrolled. 

2100.5300PUBLIC HEARING ON REGISTRATION APPLICATION. 
Upon receipt of an application for the establishment of a barber school, the board shall conduct a public hearing in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, chapter 14, and rules promulgated thereunder. The applicant shall show at such hearing, by competent evidence, the factual basis of the assertions of the application and the applicant's qualifications as required by Minnesota Statutes, chapter 154, and the rules of the board. The applicant shall further show financial qualifications and it shall be a sufficient reason for denial of the application that the board considers the financial resources of the applicant to be insufficient to maintain and operate a barber school and assure the graduation of students who are registered in such school and have paid their tuition. 

2100.6000HOURS OF INSTRUCTION. 
Each student, including each part-time student, must complete at least 281 classroom hours and 1,219 practical hours in the required 1,500-hour course.