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HF 2183

as introduced - 93rd Legislature (2023 - 2024) Posted on 03/30/2023 02:49pm

KEY: stricken = removed, old language.
underscored = added, new language.

Bill Text Versions

Engrossments
Introduction Posted on 02/21/2023

Current Version - as introduced

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A bill for an act
relating to transportation; driver and vehicle services; establishing full-service
providers; allowing full-service providers to provide copies of certain driver and
vehicle records; increasing filing fees for driver's license applications; eliminating
requirement for new Minnesota residents to take written driver's license exam;
modifying provisions regarding access to driver and vehicle services information
system; making various changes to driver and vehicle services procedures; requiring
a report; appropriating money; amending Minnesota Statutes 2022, sections
168.002, by adding a subdivision; 168.327, subdivisions 1, 2, 3, by adding a
subdivision; 168.345, subdivision 2; 169.09, subdivision 13, by adding a
subdivision; 171.01, by adding a subdivision; 171.06, by adding a subdivision;
171.061, subdivision 4; 171.0705, by adding a subdivision; 171.12, subdivision
1a; 171.13, subdivisions 1, 1a; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes,
chapter 171; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 168.345, subdivision 1.

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

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 168.002, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:


new text begin Subd. 12a. new text end

new text begin Full-service provider. new text end

new text begin "Full-service provider" means a person who is
appointed by the commissioner as both a deputy registrar under this chapter and a driver's
license agent under chapter 171 who provides all driver services, excluding International
Registration Plan and International Fuel Tax Agreement transactions. The commissioner is
not a full-service provider.
new text end

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 168.327, subdivision 1, is amended to read:


Subdivision 1.

Records and fees.

(a) Upon request by any person authorized in this
section, the commissioner deleted text beginshalldeleted text endnew text begin or full-service provider mustnew text end furnish a certified copy of any
driver's license record, instruction permit record, Minnesota identification card record,
vehicle registration record, vehicle title record, or accident record.

(b) Except as provided in subdivisions 4, 5a, and 5b, and other than accident records
governed under section 169.09, subdivision 13, the requester deleted text beginshalldeleted text endnew text begin mustnew text end pay a fee of $10
for each certified record specified in paragraph (a) or a fee of $9 for each record that is not
certified.

(c) Except as provided in subdivisions 4, 5a, and 5b, in addition to the record fee in
paragraph (b), the fee for a copy of the history of any vehicle title not in electronic format
is $1 for each page of the historical record.

(d) deleted text beginFeesdeleted text endnew text begin Of the feenew text end collectednew text begin by the commissionernew text end under paragraph (b) for driver's license,
instruction permit, and Minnesota identification card recordsnew text begin,new text end deleted text beginmust be paid into the state
treasury with
deleted text end 50 cents deleted text beginof each fee credited todeleted text endnew text begin must be deposited innew text end the general funddeleted text begin.deleted text endnew text begin, andnew text end
the remainder deleted text beginof the fees collected must be credited todeleted text endnew text begin must be deposited innew text end the driver
services operating account deleted text beginin the special revenue funddeleted text end under section 299A.705.new text begin Of the fee
collected by a full-service provider under paragraph (b) for driver's license, instruction
permit, and Minnesota identification card records, the provider must transmit 50 cents to
the commissioner to be deposited in the general fund, and the provider must retain the
remainder.
new text end

(e) deleted text beginFeesdeleted text endnew text begin Of the feenew text end collectednew text begin by the commissionernew text end under paragraphs (b) and (c) for vehicle
registration or title recordsnew text begin,new text end deleted text beginmust be paid into the state treasury withdeleted text end 50 cents deleted text beginof each fee
credited to
deleted text endnew text begin must be deposited innew text end the general funddeleted text begin.deleted text endnew text begin, andnew text end the remainder deleted text beginof the fees collected
must be credited to
deleted text endnew text begin must be deposited innew text end the vehicle services operating account deleted text beginin the special
revenue fund specified in
deleted text endnew text begin undernew text end section 299A.705.new text begin Of the fee collected by a full-service
provider under paragraphs (b) and (c) for vehicle registration or title records, the provider
must transmit 50 cents of each fee to the commissioner to be deposited in the general fund,
and the provider must retain the remainder.
new text end

(f) Except as provided in subdivisions 4, 5a, and 5b, the commissioner deleted text beginshalldeleted text endnew text begin mustnew text end permit
a person to inquire into a record by the person's own electronic means for a fee of $4.50 for
each inquiry, except that no fee may be charged when the requester is the subject of the
data. Of the feenew text begin collected by the commissionernew text end:

(1) $2.70 must be deposited in the general fund;

(2) for driver's license, instruction permit, or Minnesota identification card records, the
remainder must be deposited in the driver services operating account deleted text beginin the special revenue
fund
deleted text end under section 299A.705; and

(3) for vehicle title or registration records, the remainder must be deposited in the vehicle
services operating account deleted text beginin the special revenue funddeleted text end under section 299A.705.

(g) Fees and the deposit of the fees for accident records and reports are governed by
section 169.09, subdivision 13.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective January 1, 2024, and applies to record
requests made on or after that date.
new text end

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 168.327, subdivision 2, is amended to read:


Subd. 2.

Requests for information; surcharge on fee.

(a) Except as otherwise provided
in subdivision 3, the commissioner deleted text beginshalldeleted text endnew text begin or full-service provider mustnew text end impose a surcharge
of 50 cents on each fee charged by the commissionernew text begin or full-service providernew text end under section
13.03, subdivision 3, for copies or electronic transmittals of public information about the
registration of a vehicle or an applicant, or holder of a driver's license, instruction permit,
or Minnesota identification card.

(b) The surcharge only applies to a fee imposed in response to a request made in person
deleted text begin ordeleted text endnew text begin,new text end by mail, or deleted text beginto a request for transmittal through a computer modemdeleted text endnew text begin onlinenew text end. The surcharge
does not apply to the request of an individual for information about that individual's driver's
license, instruction permit, or Minnesota identification card or about vehicles registered or
titled in the individual's name.

(c) The surcharges collectednew text begin by the commissionernew text end under this subdivision must be credited
to the general fund.new text begin The surcharges collected by a full-service provider must be transmitted
to the commissioner to be deposited in the general fund.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective January 1, 2024, and applies to record
requests made on or after that date.
new text end

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 168.327, subdivision 3, is amended to read:


Subd. 3.

Exception to fee and surcharge.

(a) Notwithstanding subdivision 2 or section
13.03, a fee or surcharge may not be imposed in response to a request for public information
about the registration of a vehicle if the commissionernew text begin or full-service providernew text end is satisfied
that:

(1) the requester seeks the information on behalf of a community-based, nonprofit
organization designated by a local law enforcement agency to be a requester; and

(2) the information is needed to identify suspected prostitution law violators, controlled
substance law violators, or health code violators.

(b) The commissioner deleted text beginshalldeleted text endnew text begin or full-service provider mustnew text end not require a requester under
paragraph (a) to make a minimum number of data requests or limit the requester to a
maximum number of data requests.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective January 1, 2024, and applies to record
requests made on or after that date.
new text end

Sec. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 168.327, is amended by adding a subdivision to
read:


new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin Monitoring and auditing. new text end

new text begin The commissioner must monitor and audit the
furnishing of records by full-service providers under this section to ensure full-service
providers are complying with this section, chapter 13, and United States Code, title 18,
section 2721, et seq.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective January 1, 2024.
new text end

Sec. 6.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 168.345, subdivision 2, is amended to read:


Subd. 2.

Lessees; information.

The commissioner may not furnish information about
registered owners of passenger automobiles who are lessees under a lease for a term of 180
days or more to any person except thenew text begin owner of the vehicle, the lessee,new text end personnel of law
enforcement agencies and trade associations performing a member service under section
604.15, subdivision 4a, and federal, state, and local governmental units, and, at the
commissioner's discretion, to persons who use the information to notify lessees of automobile
recalls. The commissioner may release information about lessees in the form of summary
data, as defined in section 13.02, to persons who use the information in conducting statistical
analysis and market research.

Sec. 7.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 169.09, subdivision 13, is amended to read:


Subd. 13.

Reports confidential; evidence, fee, penalty, appropriation.

(a) All reports
and supplemental information required under this section must be for the use of the
commissioner of public safety and other appropriate state, federal, county, and municipal
governmental agencies for accident analysis purposes, except:

(1) upon written request, the commissioner of public safetynew text begin, a full-service provider as
defined in section 171.01, subdivision 33a,
new text end or any law enforcement agency deleted text beginshalldeleted text endnew text begin mustnew text end
disclose the report required under subdivision 8 to:

(i) any individual involved in the accident, the representative of the individual's estate,
or the surviving spouse, or one or more surviving next of kin, or a trustee appointed under
section 573.02;

(ii) any other person injured in person, property, or means of support, or who incurs
other pecuniary loss by virtue of the accident;

(iii) legal counsel of a person described in item (i) or (ii);

(iv) a representative of the insurer of any person described in item (i) or (ii); or

(v) a city or county attorney or an attorney representing the state in an implied consent
action who is charged with the prosecution of a traffic or criminal offense that is the result
of a traffic crash investigation conducted by law enforcement;

deleted text begin (2) the commissioner of public safety shall, upon written request, provide the driver
filing a report under subdivision 7 with a copy of the report filed by the driver;
deleted text end

deleted text begin (3)deleted text endnew text begin (2)new text end the commissioner of public safety may verify with insurance companies vehicle
insurance information to enforce sections 65B.48, 169.792, 169.793, 169.796, and 169.797;

deleted text begin (4)deleted text endnew text begin (3)new text end the commissioner of public safety deleted text beginshalldeleted text endnew text begin mustnew text end provide the commissioner of
transportation the information obtained for each traffic accident involving a commercial
motor vehicle, for purposes of administering commercial vehicle safety regulations;

deleted text begin (5)deleted text endnew text begin (4)new text end upon specific request, the commissioner of public safety deleted text beginshalldeleted text endnew text begin mustnew text end provide the
commissioner of transportation the information obtained regarding each traffic accident
involving damage to identified state-owned infrastructure, for purposes of debt collection
under section 161.20, subdivision 4; and

deleted text begin (6)deleted text endnew text begin (5)new text end the commissioner of public safety may give to the United States Department of
Transportation commercial vehicle accident information in connection with federal grant
programs relating to safety.

(b) Accident reports and data contained in the reports are not discoverable under any
provision of law or rule of court. deleted text beginNo report shalldeleted text endnew text begin A report must notnew text end be used as evidence in
any trial, civil or criminal, or any action for damages or criminal proceedings arising out
of an accident. However, the commissioner of public safety deleted text beginshalldeleted text endnew text begin mustnew text end furnish, upon the
demand of any person who has or claims to have made a report or upon demand of any
court, a certificate showing that a specified accident report has or has not been made to the
commissioner solely to prove compliance or failure to comply with the requirements that
the report be made to the commissioner.

(c) Nothing in this subdivision prevents any individual who has made a report under
this section from providing information to any individuals involved in an accident or their
representatives or from testifying in any trial, civil or criminal, arising out of an accident,
as to facts within the individual's knowledge. It is intended by this subdivision to render
privileged the reports required, but it is not intended to prohibit proof of the facts to which
the reports relate.

(d) Disclosing any information contained in any accident report, except as provided in
this subdivision, section 13.82, subdivision 3 or 6, or other statutes, is a misdemeanor.

(e) The commissioner of public safety deleted text beginshalldeleted text endnew text begin or full-service provider as defined in section
171.01, subdivision 33a, must
new text end charge authorized persons as described in paragraph (a) a $5
fee for a copy of an accident report. Ninety percent of the $5 fee collectednew text begin by the
commissioner
new text end under this paragraph must be deposited in deleted text beginthe special revenue fund and
credited to
deleted text end the driver services operating account established in section 299A.705 and ten
percent must be deposited in the general fund. new text beginOf the $5 fee collected by a full-service
provider, the provider must transmit 50 cents to the commissioner to be deposited into the
general fund, and the provider must retain the remainder.
new text endThe commissioner may also furnish
an electronic copy of the database of accident records, which must not contain personal or
private data on an individual, to private agencies as provided in paragraph (g), for not less
than the cost of preparing the copies on a bulk basis as provided in section 13.03, subdivision
3
.

(f) The fees specified in paragraph (e) notwithstanding, the commissioner and law
enforcement agencies deleted text beginshalldeleted text endnew text begin mustnew text end charge commercial users who request access to response
or incident data relating to accidents a fee not to exceed 50 cents per record. "Commercial
user" is a user who in one location requests access to data in more than five accident reports
per month, unless the user establishes that access is not for a commercial purpose. Of the
money collected by the commissioner under this paragraph, 90 percent must be deposited
in deleted text beginthe special revenue fund and credited todeleted text end the driver services operating account established
in section 299A.705 and ten percent must be deposited in the general fund.

(g) The fees in paragraphs (e) and (f) notwithstanding, the commissioner deleted text beginshalldeleted text endnew text begin mustnew text end
provide an electronic copy of the accident records database to the public on a case-by-case
basis using the cost-recovery charges provided for under section 13.03, subdivision 3. The
database provided must not contain personal or private data on an individual. However,
unless the accident records database includes the vehicle identification number, the
commissioner deleted text beginshalldeleted text endnew text begin mustnew text end include the vehicle registration plate number if a private agency
certifies and agrees that the agency:

(1) is in the business of collecting accident and damage information on vehicles;

(2) will use the vehicle registration plate number only for identifying vehicles that have
been involved in accidents or damaged, to provide this information to persons seeking access
to a vehicle's history and not for identifying individuals or for any other purpose; and

(3) will be subject to the penalties and remedies under sections 13.08 and 13.09.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective January 1, 2024, and applies to record
requests made on or after that date.
new text end

Sec. 8.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 169.09, is amended by adding a subdivision to
read:


new text begin Subd. 20. new text end

new text begin Monitoring and auditing. new text end

new text begin The commissioner must monitor and audit the
furnishing of records by full-service providers under this section to ensure full-service
providers are complying with this section, chapter 13, and United States Code, title 18,
section 2721, et seq.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective January 1, 2024.
new text end

Sec. 9.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 171.01, is amended by adding a subdivision to
read:


new text begin Subd. 33a. new text end

new text begin Full-service provider. new text end

new text begin "Full-service provider" has the meaning given in
section 168.002, subdivision 12a.
new text end

Sec. 10.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 171.06, is amended by adding a subdivision to
read:


new text begin Subd. 8. new text end

new text begin Preapplication. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner must establish a process for an applicant
to submit an electronic preapplication for a driver's license or identification card. The
commissioner must design the preapplication so that the applicant must enter information
required for the application. The preapplication process must generate a list of documents
the applicant is required to submit in person at the time of the application. At the time an
individual schedules an appointment to apply for a driver's license or identification card,
the commissioner, full-service provider, or driver's license agent who is scheduling the
appointment must provide to the applicant a link to the preapplication website.
new text end

new text begin (b) An applicant who submitted a preapplication is required to appear in person before
the commissioner, a full-service provider, or a driver's license agent to submit a completed
application for the driver's license or identification card.
new text end

Sec. 11.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 171.061, subdivision 4, is amended to read:


Subd. 4.

Fee; equipment.

(a) The agent may charge and retain a filing fee deleted text beginof $8deleted text end for each
applicationdeleted text begin.deleted text endnew text begin as follows:
new text end

new text begin (1)
new text end
new text begin New application for a noncompliant, REAL ID-compliant, or
enhanced driver's license or identification card
new text end
new text begin $
new text end
new text begin 16.00
new text end
new text begin (2)
new text end
new text begin Renewal application for a noncompliant, REAL ID-compliant, or
enhanced driver's license or identification card
new text end
new text begin $
new text end
new text begin 11.00
new text end

Except as provided in paragraph (c), the fee deleted text beginshalldeleted text endnew text begin mustnew text end cover all expenses involved in
receiving, accepting, or forwarding to the department the applications and fees required
under sections 171.02, subdivision 3; 171.06, subdivisions 2 and 2a; and 171.07, subdivisions
3 and 3a.

(b) The statutory fees and the filing fees imposed under paragraph (a) may be paid by
credit card or debit card. The driver's license agent may collect a convenience fee on the
statutory fees and filing fees not greater than the cost of processing a credit card or debit
card transaction. The convenience fee must be used to pay the cost of processing credit card
and debit card transactions. The commissioner deleted text beginshalldeleted text endnew text begin mustnew text end adopt rules to administer this
paragraph using the exempt procedures of section 14.386, except that section 14.386,
paragraph (b), does not apply.

(c) The department deleted text beginshalldeleted text endnew text begin mustnew text end maintain the photo identification new text beginand vision examination
new text end equipment for all agents deleted text beginappointed as of January 1, 2000. Upon the retirement, resignation,
death, or discontinuance of an existing agent, and if a new agent is appointed in an existing
office pursuant to Minnesota Rules, chapter 7404, and notwithstanding the above or
Minnesota Rules, part 7404.0400, the department shall provide and maintain photo
identification equipment without additional cost to a newly appointed agent in that office
if the office was provided the equipment by the department before January 1, 2000
deleted text end. All
photo identification new text beginand vision examination new text endequipment must be compatible with standards
established by the department.

(d) A filing fee retained by the agent employed by a county board must be paid into the
county treasury and credited to the general revenue fund of the county. An agent who is not
an employee of the county deleted text beginshalldeleted text endnew text begin mustnew text end retain the filing fee in lieu of county employment or
salary and is considered an independent contractor for pension purposes, coverage under
the Minnesota State Retirement System, or membership in the Public Employees Retirement
Association.

(e) Before the end of the first working day following the final day of the reporting period
established by the department, the agent must forward to the department all applications
and fees collected during the reporting period except as provided in paragraph (d).

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective October 1, 2023, and applies to
applications made on or after that date.
new text end

Sec. 12.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 171.0705, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:


new text begin Subd. 11. new text end

new text begin Manual and study material availability. new text end

new text begin The commissioner must publish
the driver's manual and study support materials for the written exam and skills exam. The
study support materials must focus on the subjects and skills that are most commonly failed
by exam takers. The commissioner must ensure that the driver's manual and study support
materials are easily located and are available for no cost.
new text end

Sec. 13.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 171.12, subdivision 1a, is amended to read:


Subd. 1a.

Driver and vehicle services information system; security and auditing.

(a)
The commissioner must establish written procedures to ensure that only individuals
authorized by law may enter, update, or access not public data collected, created, or
maintained by the driver and vehicle services information system. An authorized individual's
ability to enter, update, or access data in the system must correspond to the official duties
or training level of the individual and to the statutory authorization granting access for that
purpose. All queries and responses, and all actions in which data are entered, updated,
accessed, shared, or disseminated, must be recorded in a data audit trail. new text beginIf an authorized
individual accesses data to resolve an issue and the access does not result in a completed
transaction, the individual must include a notation on the record for the transaction explaining
the business need for accessing the data.
new text endData contained in the audit trail are public to the
extent the data are not otherwise classified by law.

(b) new text beginIf new text endthe commissioner deleted text beginmust immediately and permanently revoke the authorization of
any
deleted text endnew text begin determines that annew text end individual deleted text beginwhodeleted text end willfully entered, updated, accessed, shared, or
disseminated data in violation of state or federal lawnew text begin, the commissioner must impose
disciplinary action
new text end. If an individual willfully gained access to data without authorization by
law, the commissioner must forward the matter to the appropriate prosecuting authority for
prosecution.new text begin The commissioner must not impose disciplinary action against an individual
who properly accessed data to complete an authorized transaction or to resolve an issue that
did not result in a completed authorized transaction.
new text end

(c) new text beginThe commissioner must establish a process that allows an individual who was subject
to disciplinary action to appeal the action. If the commissioner imposes disciplinary action,
the commissioner must notify the individual in writing of the action, explain the reason for
the action, and explain how to appeal the action. The commissioner must transmit the
notification within five calendar days of the action.
new text end

new text begin (d) new text endThe commissioner must arrange for an independent biennial audit of the driver and
vehicle services information system to determine whether data currently in the system are
classified correctly, how the data are used, and to verify compliance with this subdivision.
The results of the audit are public. No later than 30 days following completion of the audit,
the commissioner must provide a report summarizing the audit results to the commissioner
of administration; the chairs and ranking minority members of the committees of the house
of representatives and the senate with jurisdiction over transportation policy and finance,
public safety, and data practices; and the Legislative Commission on Data Practices and
Personal Data Privacy. The report must be submitted as required under section 3.195, except
that printed copies are not required.

new text begin (e) For purposes of this subdivision, "disciplinary action" means a formal or informal
disciplinary measure, including but not limited to requiring corrective action or suspending
or revoking the individual's access to the driver and vehicle information system.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective October 1, 2023. Paragraphs (b), (c),
and (e) apply to audits of data use that are open on or after October 1, 2023.
new text end

Sec. 14.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 171.13, subdivision 1, is amended to read:


Subdivision 1.

Examination subjects and locations; provisions for color blindness,
disabled veterans.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, the commissioner deleted text beginshalldeleted text endnew text begin
must
new text end examine each applicant for a driver's license by such agency as the commissioner
directs. This examination must include:

(1) a test of the applicant's eyesight, provided that this requirement is met by submission
of a vision examination certificate under section 171.06, subdivision 7;

(2) a test of the applicant's ability to read and understand highway signs regulating,
warning, and directing traffic;

(3) a test of the applicant's knowledge of (i) traffic laws; (ii) the effects of alcohol and
drugs on a driver's ability to operate a motor vehicle safely and legally, and of the legal
penalties and financial consequences resulting from violations of laws prohibiting the
operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs; (iii) railroad
grade crossing safety; (iv) slow-moving vehicle safety; (v) laws relating to pupil
transportation safety, including the significance of school bus lights, signals, stop arm, and
passing a school bus; (vi) traffic laws related to bicycles; and (vii) the circumstances and
dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning;

(4) an actual demonstration of ability to exercise ordinary and reasonable control in the
operation of a motor vehicle; and

(5) other physical and mental examinations as the commissioner finds necessary to
determine the applicant's fitness to operate a motor vehicle safely upon the highways.

(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), the commissioner must not deny an application for
a driver's license based on the exclusive grounds that the applicant's eyesight is deficient in
color perception or that the applicant has been diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. War veterans
operating motor vehicles especially equipped for disabled persons, if otherwise entitled to
a license, must be granted such license.

deleted text begin (c) The commissioner shall make provision for giving the examinations under this
subdivision either in the county where the applicant resides or at a place adjacent thereto
reasonably convenient to the applicant.
deleted text end

deleted text begin (d) The commissioner shall ensure that an applicant is able to obtain an appointment for
an examination to demonstrate ability under paragraph (a), clause (4), within 14 days of the
applicant's request if, under the applicable statutes and rules of the commissioner, the
applicant is eligible to take the examination.
deleted text end

new text begin (c) The commissioner must ensure there are 50 or more exam stations located so that
an applicant may take an exam either in the county where the applicant resides or in an
adjacent county at a reasonably convenient location. One or more exam stations must be
located in each county with a population of 130,000 or more, as determined by the 2020
decennial census, that is located outside of the metropolitan area as defined in section
473.121, subdivision 2. Each exam station must be open a minimum of one day per week.
The schedule for each exam station must be posted on the department's website.
new text end

new text begin (d) The commissioner must provide real-time information on the department's website
about the availability and location of exam appointments. The website must show the next
available exam dates and times for each exam station. The website must also provide an
option for a person to enter an address to see the date and time of the next available exam
at each exam station sorted by distance from the address provided. The information must
be easily accessible and must not require a person to sign in or provide any other information,
except an address, in order to see available exam dates.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective July 1, 2024, except that paragraph (d)
is effective January 1, 2024.
new text end

Sec. 15.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 171.13, subdivision 1a, is amended to read:


Subd. 1a.

Waiver when license issued by another jurisdiction.

(a) new text beginIf the commissioner
determines that an applicant 21 years of age or older possesses a valid driver's license issued
by another state or jurisdiction that requires a comparable examination for obtaining a
driver's license,
new text endthe commissioner deleted text beginmaydeleted text endnew text begin mustnew text end waive the deleted text beginrequirementdeleted text endnew text begin requirementsnew text end that the
applicantnew text begin pass a written knowledge examination andnew text end demonstrate ability to exercise ordinary
and reasonable control in the operation of a motor vehicle deleted text beginon determining that the applicant
possesses a valid driver's license issued by a jurisdiction that requires a comparable
demonstration for license issuance
deleted text end.

(b) new text beginIf the commissioner determines that an applicant 21 years of age or older possesses
a valid driver's license with a two-wheeled vehicle endorsement issued by another state or
jurisdiction that requires a comparable examination for obtaining the endorsement, the
commissioner must waive the requirements that the applicant for a two-wheeled vehicle
endorsement pass a written knowledge examination and demonstrate the ability to exercise
ordinary and reasonable control in the operation of a motor vehicle.
new text end

new text begin (c) new text endFor purposes of this subdivision, "jurisdiction" includes, but is not limited to, both
the active and reserve components of any branch or unit of the United States armed forces,
and "valid driver's license" includes any driver's license that is recognized by that branch
or unit as currently being valid, or as having been valid at the time of the applicant's
separation or discharge from the military within a period of time deemed reasonable and
fair by the commissioner, up to and including one year past the date of the applicant's
separation or discharge.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective August 1, 2023, and applies to applications
made on or after that date.
new text end

Sec. 16.

new text begin [171.375] STUDENT PASS RATE.
new text end

new text begin (a) For each driver training school, the commissioner must determine the percentage of
students from that school who pass the written exam or road test on the student's first attempt,
second attempt, or third or subsequent attempt. The commissioner must publicly post the
information collected under this section on the department's website. At a minimum, the
commissioner must update this information on the department's website at least every six
months. The information must be searchable by the name of a school or a location.
new text end

new text begin (b) By January 1 and July 1 of each year, each driver training school must provide to
the commissioner a list of all students who completed coursework at the school during the
previous six months.
new text end

Sec. 17. new text beginREPORT; DRIVER AND VEHICLE SERVICES RECOMMENDATIONS.
new text end

new text begin (a) By January 15, 2024, the commissioner of public safety must report to the chairs and
ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over transportation
finance and policy on driver and vehicle services recommendations and operations. The
report must:
new text end

new text begin (1) review recommendations from the independent expert review of driver and vehicle
services issued January 12, 2022, as identified under paragraph (b);
new text end

new text begin (2) review the recommendations made to the commissioner in the legislative auditor's
report on driver examination stations issued in March 2021;
new text end

new text begin (3) provide the commissioner's plan for exam station locations, including how many
exam stations will remain open and the locations of the exam stations;
new text end

new text begin (4) identify whether any limited driver's license agents are unable to become full-service
providers because of the restrictions in Minnesota Statutes, section 171.061, and Minnesota
Rules, chapter 7404, and, if so, whether the commissioner would recommend any exceptions
to allow the limited driver's license agent to participate in the fee-sharing provisions of this
act; and
new text end

new text begin (5) propose any changes to statutes necessary or beneficial in implementing
recommendations under clauses (1) and (2).
new text end

new text begin (b) The report must include information on the independent expert review
recommendations to:
new text end

new text begin (1) revise the deputy registrar and driver's license agent contracts to encourage all deputy
registrars and driver's license agents to become or remain full-service providers as defined
in Minnesota Statutes, section 168.002, subdivision 12a;
new text end

new text begin (2) determine how best to utilize certified and impartial third parties for administration
of knowledge and road tests;
new text end

new text begin (3) implement data and reporting practices to assist the commissioner in making decisions
focused on the residents of the state;
new text end

new text begin (4) conduct a staffing review that balances staff quantity and quality, leverages technology
automations and configurations, and establishes performance standards and targets that
meet the needs of the state;
new text end

new text begin (5) identify performance and service standards and create a deputy registrar performance
scorecard and a driver's license agent performance scorecard that monitors user performance
to ensure a consistently positive experience for Minnesotans;
new text end

new text begin (6) provide a rapid response communication method for situations where deputy registrars
or driver's license agents need immediate support;
new text end

new text begin (7) explore ways to speed up background checks of new employees at the division of
driver and vehicle services offices and deputy registrar offices, including using a police
department or county sheriff;
new text end

new text begin (8) promote the preapplication process and expand the use of preapplications to all
possible, relevant areas;
new text end

new text begin (9) evaluate and make recommendations to the legislature on areas where it is appropriate
to make preapplications mandatory;
new text end

new text begin (10) adjust policies and practices to automate as many approval transactions as possible;
new text end

new text begin (11) determine the proper user level field needed by transaction type and explore
additional differentiated user levels in MNDRIVE;
new text end

new text begin (12) allow deputy registrars to have increased visibility to and influence on the
MNDRIVE enhancement process;
new text end

new text begin (13) engage a learning consultant and create a content strategy and communications
campaign to meet the needs of Minnesota residents, including a feedback loop for continuous
improvement and evolution;
new text end

new text begin (14) provide additional training and clear guidance regarding permissible use of records
and enable in-application notation of usage other than for paid transactions;
new text end

new text begin (15) consider what security measures are appropriate at each deputy registrar or driver's
license agent location, including the possible need for a security officer or for cameras with
recording capabilities;
new text end

new text begin (16) offer training in de-escalation and negotiation techniques to all public-facing staff;
new text end

new text begin (17) examine the potential of allowing online applications for replacement class D drivers'
licenses;
new text end

new text begin (18) explore options to encourage people to conduct transactions online or in person
instead of by mail; and
new text end

new text begin (19) study the feasibility of splitting revenue from mail or online vehicle transactions
between the commissioner and deputy registrars and full-service providers.
new text end

new text begin (c) For each of the recommendations under paragraph (a), clauses (1) and (2), and
paragraph (b), the report must specify the status from one of the following categories:
new text end

new text begin (1) the recommendation is under ongoing active consideration or review, including to:
new text end

new text begin (i) describe the current state of the analysis; and
new text end

new text begin (ii) provide the anticipated timeline to conclude the review;
new text end

new text begin (2) the recommendation is in the process of being implemented, including to:
new text end

new text begin (i) describe how the recommendation is being implemented;
new text end

new text begin (ii) provide the anticipated timeline for implementation; and
new text end

new text begin (iii) provide an estimated cost of implementing the recommendation;
new text end

new text begin (3) the recommendation has been implemented, including to:
new text end

new text begin (i) describe when and how the recommendation was implemented;
new text end

new text begin (ii) describe the outcome of implementing the recommendation; and
new text end

new text begin (iii) provide an estimated cost of implementing the recommendation; or
new text end

new text begin (4) the recommendation will not be implemented, including to:
new text end

new text begin (i) provide a detailed explanation of why the recommendation will not be implemented;
new text end

new text begin (ii) provide an estimated cost to implement the recommendation;
new text end

new text begin (iii) provide an estimated timeline to implement the recommendation; and
new text end

new text begin (iv) describe any unmet needs that, if met, would allow the commissioner to implement
the recommendation.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Sec. 18. new text beginAPPROPRIATIONS.
new text end

new text begin (a) $7,000,000 in fiscal year 2024 and $7,000,000 in fiscal year 2025 are appropriated
from the vehicle services operating account under Minnesota Statutes, section 299A.705,
to the commissioner of public safety for payments to deputy registrars. The commissioner
must make quarterly payments to each deputy registrar that was in operation during the
previous quarter based proportionally on the total number of transactions completed by each
deputy registrar. For purposes of this paragraph, "deputy registrar" includes a deputy registrar
who is a full-service provider. This is a onetime appropriation, and the first quarterly
distribution must be made on or before July 15, 2023.
new text end

new text begin (b) $750,000 in fiscal year 2024 is appropriated from the vehicle services operating
account under Minnesota Statutes, section 299A.705, to the commissioner of public safety
for reimbursement to limited-service driver's license agents for the purchase of equipment
necessary for a full-service provider, as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 171.01,
subdivision 33a, following application to the commissioner. The commissioner may provide
no more than $15,000 to each driver's license agent. This is a onetime appropriation.
new text end

new text begin (c) $101,000 in fiscal year 2024 and $101,000 in fiscal year 2025 are appropriated from
the vehicle services operating account under Minnesota Statutes, section 299A.705, to the
commissioner of public safety for staff costs related to monitoring and auditing records
issued by full-service providers.
new text end

new text begin (d) $54,000 in fiscal year 2024 and $54,000 in fiscal year 2025 are appropriated from
the vehicle services operating account under Minnesota Statutes, section 299A.705, to the
commissioner of public safety for an appeals process for information technology system
data access revocations, including costs of staff and equipment.
new text end

new text begin (e) The commissioner may expend up to $20,000 in fiscal year 2024 from the driver and
vehicle services technology account under Minnesota Statutes, section 299A.705, for records
access enhancements to the MNCrash information technology system.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective July 1, 2023.
new text end

Sec. 19. new text beginREPEALER.
new text end

new text begin Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 168.345, subdivision 1, new text end new text begin is repealed.
new text end

Sec. 20. new text beginEFFECTIVE DATE.
new text end

new text begin Except where otherwise specified, this act is effective August 1, 2023.
new text end

APPENDIX

Repealed Minnesota Statutes: 23-03676

168.345 USE OF VEHICLE REGISTRATION INFORMATION.

Subdivision 1.

Information by telephone.

Information about vehicle registrations shall not be furnished on the telephone to any person except the personnel of law enforcement agencies and the personnel of governmental motor vehicle and registration offices.