HF 3648

as introduced - 90th Legislature (2017 - 2018) Posted on 03/12/2018 02:19pm

A bill for an act
relating to natural resources; modifying snowmobile education and training
requirements; amending Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 84.86, subdivision 1.

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

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 84.86, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Required rules.

With a view of achieving maximum use of snowmobiles
consistent with protection of the environment the commissioner of natural resources shall
adopt rules in the manner provided by chapter 14, for the following purposes:

(1) Registration of snowmobiles and display of registration numbers.

(2) Use of snowmobiles insofar as game and fish resources are affected.

(3) Use of snowmobiles on public lands and waters, or on grant-in-aid trails.

(4) Uniform signs to be used by the state, counties, and cities, which are necessary or
desirable to control, direct, or regulate the operation and use of snowmobiles.

(5) Specifications relating to snowmobile mufflers.

(6) A comprehensive snowmobile information and safety education and training program,
including but not limited to the preparation and dissemination of snowmobile information
and safety advice to the public, the training of snowmobile operators, and the issuance of
snowmobile safety certificates to snowmobile operators who successfully complete the
snowmobile safety education and training course. For the purpose of administering such
program and to defray expenses of training and certifying snowmobile operators, the
commissioner shall collect a fee from each person who receives the youth or adult training.
The commissioner shall collect a fee, to include a $1 issuing fee for licensing agents, for
issuing a duplicate snowmobile safety certificate. The commissioner shall establish both
fees in a manner that neither significantly overrecovers nor underrecovers costs, including
overhead costs, involved in providing the services. The fees are not subject to the rulemaking
provisions of chapter 14 and section 14.386 does not apply. The fees may be established
by the commissioner notwithstanding section 16A.1283. The fees, except for the issuing
fee for licensing agents under this subdivision, shall be deposited in the snowmobile trails
and enforcement account in the natural resources fund and the amount thereof, except for
the electronic licensing system commission established by the commissioner under section
84.027, subdivision 15, and issuing fees collected by the commissioner, is appropriated
annually to the Enforcement Division of the Department of Natural Resources for the
administration of such programs. In addition to the fee established by the commissioner,
instructors may charge each person new text begin any fee paid by the instructor for the person's online
training course and new text end up to the established fee amount for class materials and expenses. The
commissioner shall cooperate with private organizations and associations, private and public
corporations, and local governmental units in furtherance of the program established under
this clause. School districts may cooperate with the commissioner and volunteer instructors
to provide space for the classroom portion of the training. The commissioner shall consult
with the commissioner of public safety in regard to training program subject matter and
performance testing that leads to the certification of snowmobile operators.

(7) The operator of any snowmobile involved in an accident resulting in injury requiring
medical attention or hospitalization to or death of any person or total damage to an extent
of $500 or more, shall forward a written report of the accident to the commissioner on such
form as the commissioner shall prescribe. If the operator is killed or is unable to file a report
due to incapacitation, any peace officer investigating the accident shall file the accident
report within ten business days.