HF 2886

as introduced - 90th Legislature (2017 - 2018) Posted on 02/20/2018 10:25am

A bill for an act
relating to state government; establishing a legislative study group on Lake Mille
Lacs - 1837 Ceded Territory comanagement; providing appointments.

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

Section 1. new text begin LEGISLATIVE STUDY GROUP ON LAKE MILLE LACS - 1837 CEDED
TERRITORY COMANAGEMENT.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Study group established; duties. new text end

new text begin (a) A 12-member legislative study
group on comanagement of Lake Mille Lacs - 1837 Ceded Territory is created to review
the commissioner of natural resources' comanagement of Lake Mille Lacs - 1837 Ceded
Territory, including the impact of the comanagement structure on the local economy.
new text end

new text begin (b) The study group must consider issues of accountability and transparency, including
a cost-benefit analysis of comanagement, and reviews and analysis of:
new text end

new text begin (1) all fisheries technical agreements that date to the beginning of comanagement;
new text end

new text begin (2) the process for reaching agreements in negotiations with the eight Ojibwe bands;
new text end

new text begin (3) property value loss and revenue loss in the area resulting from decisions made by
the commissioner of natural resources related to comanagement; and
new text end

new text begin (4) all data from previous research projects assigned by the commissioner of natural
resources related to comanagement.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Consultation required. new text end

new text begin (a) The study group must consult with members of
the commissioner's Mille Lacs Lake Fisheries Advisory Committee and members and
residents of the communities affected in Aitkin, Crow Wing, and Mille Lacs Counties,
including small businesses, resort owners, guides, and other industry-related interests.
new text end

new text begin (b) In developing recommendations, the study group must consult with the commissioner
of natural resources, experts in management of a fishery, and affected stakeholders.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Membership; appointments. new text end

new text begin (a) The legislative study group includes:
new text end

new text begin (1) six current members of the house of representatives, three appointed by the speaker
of the house and three appointed by the minority leader of the house of representatives. One
appointee must be the chair of the house of representatives Environment and Natural
Resources Policy and Finance Committee; and
new text end

new text begin (2) six current senators, three appointed by the senate majority leader and three appointed
by the senate minority leader. One appointee must be the current chair of the senate
Environment and Natural Resources Committee.
new text end

new text begin (b) The appointments must be made by June 1, 2018. If a vacancy occurs, the leader of
the caucus in the house of representatives or senate to which the vacating study group
member belonged must fill the vacancy.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Meetings; staff assistance. new text end

new text begin (a) The chair of the house of representatives
Environment and Natural Resources Policy and Finance Committee must convene the first
meeting of the study group. The study group must elect a chair or cochairs from among the
members at the first meeting. The study group must meet periodically.
new text end

new text begin (b) The Legislative Coordinating Commission must provide technical and administrative
assistance to the study group upon request.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Report to legislature. new text end

new text begin The study group must submit a report to the chairs and
ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over environment
and natural resources policy and finance no later than February 2, 2019, describing its work
and recommendations. The study group is encouraged to identify and include in its report
any statutory changes needed to implement its recommendations.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Expiration. new text end

new text begin The study group expires February 2, 2019.
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