HF 1315

as introduced - 85th Legislature (2007 - 2008) Posted on 12/15/2009 12:00am

A bill for an act
relating to state government; establishing the Minnesota Commission on New
Americans; providing appointments; appropriating money; proposing coding for
new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 3.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

new text begin [3.9228] MINNESOTA COMMISSION ON NEW AMERICANS.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Commission established. new text end

new text begin The Minnesota Commission on New
Americans is established to capitalize upon and develop the strengths of the immigrant
community in Minnesota. The commission shall enable state government to more
effectively identify the underutilized resources within the immigrant community and to
facilitate the full participation of immigrants in social, cultural, and political life in this
state.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Membership. new text end

new text begin The Minnesota Commission on New Americans consists
of ten members. The governor shall appoint two public members; the Subcommittee on
Committees of the Committee on Rules and Administration of the senate shall appoint two
public members and two senators; and the speaker of the house of representatives shall
appoint two public members and two members of the house of representatives. Appointees
must have proven experience and dedication to working with the immigrant community,
including training, special skills, and experience that would benefit the commission,
including training and experience in business, management, economics, public policy,
legal affairs, and social work. The appointing authorities shall seek to collaborate with
each other and with the councils established in sections 3.9223, 3.9225, and 3.9226, to
ensure that the public membership of the commission is ethnically and geographically
diverse and is reasonably balanced by gender. Compensation and the filling of vacancies
for appointed members are as provided in section 15.0575. The appointments required
under this subdivision must be completed no later than September 1, 2007.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Organization. new text end

new text begin As soon as possible after the appointments under
subdivision 2 have been completed, the executive director of the Legislative Coordinating
Commission shall convene the first meeting of the commission. The members of the
commission shall select their chairperson at the first meeting.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Assistance. new text end

new text begin The Legislative Coordinating Commission shall provide the
administrative and clerical support services necessary for the operation of the Minnesota
Commission on New Americans.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Duties. new text end

new text begin The Minnesota Commission on New Americans shall study and
consider opportunities and issues for the immigrant community in this state, including:
new text end

new text begin (1) steps to eliminate underutilization of immigrants in the state's work force;
new text end

new text begin (2) the development of entrepreneurial and small business opportunities for
immigrants;
new text end

new text begin (3) the use of the immigrant community to enhance and expand state trade relations
with other countries;
new text end

new text begin (4) improving the opportunity for the study of English as a second language;
new text end

new text begin (5) improving the efficient use of existing state programs and services; and
new text end

new text begin (6) other appropriate steps to improve the economic and social condition of
immigrants in this state.
new text end

new text begin By December 1, 2008, the commission shall report to the chairs of the legislative
committees and divisions with jurisdiction over issues affecting immigrants. The
report must include a discussion of the items listed in this subdivision together with
recommendations for state agencies and the legislature, including any proposed legislation
necessary to accomplish the recommendations. The executive director of the Legislative
Coordinating Commission shall ensure that copies of the report are available on the
Legislative Coordinating Commission's Web site.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Expiration. new text end

new text begin This section expires on June 30, 2009.
new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin APPROPRIATION; MINNESOTA COMMISSION ON NEW
AMERICANS.
new text end

new text begin $....... in fiscal year 2008 and $....... in fiscal year 2009 are appropriated from the
general fund to the Legislative Coordinating Commission for the Minnesota Commission
on New Americans established in section 1.
new text end