SF 1160

2nd Engrossment - 88th Legislature (2013 - 2014) Posted on 04/20/2013 09:47am

A bill for an act
relating to agriculture; making policy, technical, conforming, and clarifying
changes to provisions related to agricultural law; modifying provisions related
to pesticide control, agricultural resource loan and ethanol development, the
Rural Finance Authority, grain buyers, and other agriculture-related provisions;
providing a sunset date for the cellulosic ethanol production goal; extending
the sunset for the Minnesota Agricultural Education Leadership Council and
farmer-lender mediation; directing the NextGen Energy Board to examine
biobased chemical production; converting the ethanol minimum content
requirement to a biofuel requirement; expanding the petroleum replacement
goal; repealing E20 mandate language; modifying noxious weed law; modifying
definition of E85; requiring reports; amending Minnesota Statutes 2012, sections
17.118, subdivision 2; 18.77, subdivisions 3, 4, 10, 12; 18.78, subdivision 3;
18.79, subdivisions 6, 13; 18.82, subdivision 1; 18.91, subdivisions 1, 2; 18B.01,
by adding a subdivision; 18B.07, subdivisions 4, 5, 7; 18B.26, subdivision 3;
18B.305; 18B.316, subdivisions 1, 3, 4, 8, 9; 18B.37, subdivision 4; 31.94;
41A.10, subdivision 2, by adding a subdivision; 41A.105, subdivisions 1a,
3, 5; 41A.12, subdivision 3, by adding a subdivision; 41B.04, subdivision 9;
41D.01, subdivision 4; 116J.437, subdivision 1; 116V.01, subdivision 2; 223.17,
by adding a subdivision; 232.22, by adding a subdivision; 239.051, by adding
subdivisions; 239.761, subdivision 3; 239.791, subdivisions 1, 2a, 2b; 239.7911;
296A.01, subdivision 19, by adding a subdivision; 583.215; proposing coding for
new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 18; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2012,
sections 18.91, subdivisions 3, 5; 18B.07, subdivision 6; 239.791, subdivision 1a.

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

ARTICLE 1

POLICY AND TECHNICAL CHANGES

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 17.118, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Definitions.

(a) For the purposes of this section, the terms defined in this
subdivision have the meanings given them.

(b) "Livestock" means beef cattle, dairy cattle, swine, poultry, goats, mules, farmed
cervidae, ratitae, bison, sheep, horses, and llamas.

(c) "Qualifying expenditures" means the amount spent for:

(1) the acquisition, construction, or improvement of buildings or facilities for the
production of livestock or livestock products;

(2) the development of pasture for use by livestock including, but not limited to, the
acquisition, development, or improvement of:

(i) lanes used by livestock that connect pastures to a central location;

(ii) watering systems for livestock on pasture including water lines, booster pumps,
and well installations;

(iii) livestock stream crossing stabilization; and

(iv) fences; or

(3) the acquisition of equipment for livestock housing, confinement, feeding, and
waste management including, but not limited to, the following:

(i) freestall barns;

(ii) watering facilities;

(iii) feed storage and handling equipment;

(iv) milking parlors;

(v) robotic equipment;

(vi) scales;

(vii) milk storage and cooling facilities;

(viii) bulk tanks;

(ix) computer hardware and software and associated equipment used to monitor
the productivity and feeding of livestock;

(x) manure pumping and storage facilities;

(xi) swine farrowing facilities;

(xii) swine and cattle finishing barns;

(xiii) calving facilities;

(xiv) digesters;

(xv) equipment used to produce energy;

(xvi) on-farm processing facilities equipment;

(xvii) fences; and

(xviii) livestock pens and corrals and sorting, restraining, and loading chutes.

Except for qualifying pasture development expenditures under clause (2), qualifying
expenditures only include amounts that are allowed to be capitalized and deducted under
either section 167 or 179 of the Internal Revenue Code in computing federal taxable
income. Qualifying expenditures do not include an amount paid to refinance existing debt.

deleted text begin (d) "Qualifying period" means, for a grant awarded during a fiscal year, that full
calendar year of which the first six months precede the first day of the current fiscal year. For
example, an eligible person who makes qualifying expenditures during calendar year 2008
is eligible to receive a livestock investment grant between July 1, 2008, and June 30, 2009.
deleted text end

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 18B.01, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:

new text begin Subd. 4a. new text end

new text begin Bulk pesticide storage facility. new text end

new text begin "Bulk pesticide storage facility" means a
facility that is required to have a permit under section 18B.14.
new text end

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 18B.07, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Pesticide new text begin storage new text end safeguards deleted text begin at application sites deleted text end .

A person may not
allow a pesticide, rinsate, or unrinsed pesticide container to be stored, kept, or to remain in
or on any site without safeguards adequate to prevent an incident. new text begin Pesticides may not be
stored in the immediate area of an open drain, unless a safeguard is provided.
new text end

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 18B.07, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Use of deleted text begin public deleted text end water supplies for filling new text begin application new text end equipment.

new text begin (a) new text end A
person may not fill pesticide application equipment directly from a public water supply,
as defined in section 144.382, new text begin or from public waters, as defined in section 103G.005,
subdivision 15, new text end unless the outlet from the deleted text begin public deleted text end water supply is equipped with a backflow
prevention device that complies new text begin with and is installed in accordance new text end with the new text begin Minnesota
Plumbing Code under Minnesota Rules. A nurse tank not connected to the water supply,
an atmospheric vacuum breaker, an air gap that is 2.0 times the effective diameter of the
outlet, a pressurized vacuum breaker, or a reduced pressure principle backflow prevention
device must also comply with the requirements under the new text end Minnesota Plumbing Code
under Minnesota Rules deleted text begin , parts 4715.2000 to 4715.2280 deleted text end .

new text begin (b) Cross connections between a water supply use for filling pesticide application
equipment are prohibited.
new text end

new text begin (c) This subdivision does not apply to permitted applications of aquatic pesticides to
public waters.
new text end

Sec. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 18B.07, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Subd. 7.

deleted text begin Cleaning equipment in or near surface water deleted text end new text begin Pesticide handling
restrictions new text end .

(a) A person may not:

(1) clean pesticide application equipment in surface waters of the state; or

(2) fill or clean pesticide application equipment adjacent to surface waters,
ditches, or wells where, because of the slope or other conditions, pesticides or materials
contaminated with pesticides could enter or contaminate the surface waters, groundwater,
or wells, as a result of overflow, leakage, or other causes.

(b) This subdivision does not apply to permitted application of aquatic pesticides to
public waters.

Sec. 6.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 18B.26, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Registration application and gross sales fee.

(a) For an agricultural
pesticide, a registrant shall pay an annual registration application fee for each agricultural
pesticide of $350. The fee is due by December 31 preceding the year for which the
application for registration is made. The fee is nonrefundable.

(b) For a nonagricultural pesticide, a registrant shall pay a minimum annual
registration application fee for each nonagricultural pesticide of $350. The fee is due by
December 31 preceding the year for which the application for registration is made. The
fee is nonrefundable. The registrant of a nonagricultural pesticide shall pay, in addition to
the $350 minimum fee, a fee of 0.5 percent of annual gross sales of the nonagricultural
pesticide in the state and the annual gross sales of the nonagricultural pesticide sold into
the state for use in this state. deleted text begin The commissioner may not assess a fee under this paragraph
if the amount due based on percent of annual gross sales is less than $10 deleted text end new text begin No fee is required
if the fee due amount based on percent of annual gross sales of a nonagricultural pesticide
is less than $10 new text end . The registrant shall secure sufficient sales information of nonagricultural
pesticides distributed into this state from distributors and dealers, regardless of distributor
location, to make a determination. Sales of nonagricultural pesticides in this state and
sales of nonagricultural pesticides for use in this state by out-of-state distributors are not
exempt and must be included in the registrant's annual report, as required under paragraph
(g), and fees shall be paid by the registrant based upon those reported sales. Sales of
nonagricultural pesticides in the state for use outside of the state are exempt from the
gross sales fee in this paragraph if the registrant properly documents the sale location and
distributors. A registrant paying more than the minimum fee shall pay the balance due by
March 1 based on the gross sales of the nonagricultural pesticide by the registrant for the
preceding calendar year. A pesticide determined by the commissioner to be a sanitizer or
disinfectant is exempt from the gross sales fee.

(c) For agricultural pesticides, a licensed agricultural pesticide dealer or licensed
pesticide dealer shall pay a gross sales fee of 0.55 percent of annual gross sales of the
agricultural pesticide in the state and the annual gross sales of the agricultural pesticide
sold into the state for use in this state.

(d) In those cases where a registrant first sells an agricultural pesticide in or into the
state to a pesticide end user, the registrant must first obtain an agricultural pesticide dealer
license and is responsible for payment of the annual gross sales fee under paragraph (c),
record keeping under paragraph (i), and all other requirements of section 18B.316.

(e) If the total annual revenue from fees collected in fiscal year 2011, 2012, or 2013,
by the commissioner on the registration and sale of pesticides is less than $6,600,000, the
commissioner, after a public hearing, may increase proportionally the pesticide sales and
product registration fees under this chapter by the amount necessary to ensure this level
of revenue is achieved. The authority under this section expires on June 30, 2014. The
commissioner shall report any fee increases under this paragraph 60 days before the fee
change is effective to the senate and house of representatives agriculture budget divisions.

(f) An additional fee of 50 percent of the registration application fee must be paid by
the applicant for each pesticide to be registered if the application is a renewal application
that is submitted after December 31.

(g) A registrant must annually report to the commissioner the amount, type and
annual gross sales of each registered nonagricultural pesticide sold, offered for sale, or
otherwise distributed in the state. The report shall be filed by March 1 for the previous
year's registration. The commissioner shall specify the form of the report or approve
the method for submittal of the report and may require additional information deemed
necessary to determine the amount and type of nonagricultural pesticide annually
distributed in the state. The information required shall include the brand name, United
States Environmental Protection Agency registration number, and amount of each
nonagricultural pesticide sold, offered for sale, or otherwise distributed in the state, but
the information collected, if made public, shall be reported in a manner which does not
identify a specific brand name in the report.

(h) A licensed agricultural pesticide dealer or licensed pesticide dealer must annually
report to the commissioner the amount, type, and annual gross sales of each registered
agricultural pesticide sold, offered for sale, or otherwise distributed in the state or into the
state for use in the state. The report must be filed by January 31 for the previous year's
sales. The commissioner shall specify the form, contents, and approved electronic method
for submittal of the report and may require additional information deemed necessary to
determine the amount and type of agricultural pesticide annually distributed within the
state or into the state. The information required must include the brand name, United States
Environmental Protection Agency registration number, and amount of each agricultural
pesticide sold, offered for sale, or otherwise distributed in the state or into the state.

(i) A person who registers a pesticide with the commissioner under paragraph (b),
or a registrant under paragraph (d), shall keep accurate records for five years detailing
all distribution or sales transactions into the state or in the state and subject to a fee and
surcharge under this section.

(j) The records are subject to inspection, copying, and audit by the commissioner
and must clearly demonstrate proof of payment of all applicable fees and surcharges
for each registered pesticide product sold for use in this state. A person who is located
outside of this state must maintain and make available records required by this subdivision
in this state or pay all costs incurred by the commissioner in the inspecting, copying, or
auditing of the records.

(k) The commissioner may adopt by rule regulations that require persons subject
to audit under this section to provide information determined by the commissioner to be
necessary to enable the commissioner to perform the audit.

(l) A registrant who is required to pay more than the minimum fee for any pesticide
under paragraph (b) must pay a late fee penalty of $100 for each pesticide application fee
paid after March 1 in the year for which the license is to be issued.

Sec. 7.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 18B.305, is amended to read:

18B.305 PESTICIDE EDUCATION AND TRAINING.

Subdivision 1.

Education and training.

(a) The commissioner new text begin , as the lead agency,
new text end shall develop, new text begin implement or approve, and evaluate, new text end in deleted text begin conjunction deleted text end new text begin consultation new text end with the
University of Minnesota Extension Service new text begin , the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities
system, and other educational institutions new text end , innovative educational and training programs
addressing pesticide concerns including:

(1) water quality protection;

(2) endangered species new text begin protection new text end ;

(3) new text begin minimizing new text end pesticide residues in food and water;

(4) worker protection new text begin and applicator safety new text end ;

(5) chronic toxicity;

(6) integrated pest management new text begin and pest resistance new text end ; deleted text begin and
deleted text end

(7) pesticide disposal new text begin ;
new text end

new text begin (8) pesticide drift;
new text end

new text begin (9) relevant laws including pesticide labels and labeling and state and federal rules
and regulations; and
new text end

new text begin (10) current science and technology updates new text end .

(b) The commissioner shall appoint educational planning committees which must
include representatives of industry new text begin and applicators new text end .

(c) Specific current regulatory concerns must be discussed and, if appropriate,
incorporated into each training session. new text begin Relevant changes to pesticide product labels or
labeling or state and federal rules and regulations may be included.
new text end

(d) The commissioner may approve programs from private industry new text begin , higher
education institutions, new text end and nonprofit organizations that meet minimum requirements for
education, training, and certification.

Subd. 2.

Training manual and examination development.

The commissioner, in
deleted text begin conjunction deleted text end new text begin consultation new text end with the University of Minnesota Extension Service new text begin and other
higher education institutions new text end , shall continually revise and update pesticide applicator
training manuals and examinations. The manuals and examinations must be written to meet
or exceed the minimum standards required by the United States Environmental Protection
Agency and pertinent state specific information. Questions in the examinations must be
determined by the new text begin commissioner in consultation with other new text end responsible agencies. Manuals
and examinations must include pesticide management practices that discuss prevention of
pesticide occurrence in deleted text begin groundwaters deleted text end new text begin groundwater and surface water new text end of the state.

Sec. 8.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 18B.316, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Requirement.

(a) A person must not deleted text begin distribute deleted text end new text begin offer for sale new text end or sell
an agricultural pesticide in the state or into the state without first obtaining an agricultural
pesticide dealer license.

(b) Each location or place of business from which an agricultural pesticide is
deleted text begin distributed deleted text end new text begin offered for sale new text end or sold in the state or into the state is required to have a
separate agricultural pesticide dealer license.

(c) A person who is a licensed pesticide dealer under section 18B.31 is not required
to also be licensed under this subdivision.

Sec. 9.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 18B.316, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Resident agent.

A person required to be licensed under subdivisions 1
and 2, or a person licensed as a pesticide dealer pursuant to section 18B.31 and who
operates from a location or place of business outside the state and who deleted text begin distributes deleted text end new text begin offers
for sale new text end or sells an agricultural pesticide into the state, must continuously maintain in
this state the following:

(1) a registered office; and

(2) a registered agent, who may be either a resident of this state whose business
office or residence is identical with the registered office under clause (1), a domestic
corporation or limited liability company, or a foreign corporation of limited liability
company authorized to transact business in this state and having a business office identical
with the registered office.

A person licensed under this section or section 18B.31 shall annually file with the
commissioner, either at the time of initial licensing or as part of license renewal, the name,
address, telephone number, and e-mail address of the licensee's registered agent.

For licensees under section 18B.31 who are located in the state, the licensee is
the registered agent.

Sec. 10.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 18B.316, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Responsibility.

The resident agent is responsible for the acts of a licensed
agricultural pesticide dealer, or of a licensed pesticide dealer under section 18B.31 who
operates from a location or place of business outside the state and who deleted text begin distributes deleted text end new text begin offers
for sale new text end or sells an agricultural pesticide into the state, as well as the acts of the employees
of those licensees.

Sec. 11.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 18B.316, subdivision 8, is amended to read:

Subd. 8.

Report of sales and payment to commissioner.

A person who is an
agricultural pesticide dealer, or is a licensed pesticide dealer under section 18B.31, who
deleted text begin distributes deleted text end new text begin offers for sale new text end or sells an agricultural pesticide in or into the state, and a
pesticide registrant pursuant to section 18B.26, subdivision 3, paragraph (d), shall no
later than January 31 of each year report and pay applicable fees on annual gross sales
of agricultural pesticides to the commissioner pursuant to requirements under section
18B.26, subdivision 3, paragraphs (c) and (h).

Sec. 12.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 18B.316, subdivision 9, is amended to read:

Subd. 9.

Application.

(a) A person must apply to the commissioner for an
agricultural pesticide dealer license on forms and in a manner approved by the
commissioner.

(b) The applicant must be the person in charge of each location or place of business
from which agricultural pesticides are deleted text begin distributed deleted text end new text begin offered for sale new text end or sold in or into the state.

(c) The commissioner may require that the applicant provide information regarding
the applicant's proposed operations and other information considered pertinent by the
commissioner.

(d) The commissioner may require additional demonstration of licensee qualification
if the licensee has had a license suspended or revoked, or has otherwise had a history of
violations in another state or violations of this chapter.

(e) A licensed agricultural pesticide dealer who changes the dealer's address or place
of business must immediately notify the commissioner of the change.

(f) Beginning January 1, 2011, an application for renewal of an agricultural pesticide
dealer license is complete only when a report and any applicable payment of fees under
subdivision 8 are received by the commissioner.

Sec. 13.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 18B.37, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

deleted text begin Storage, handling, deleted text end Incident response deleted text begin , and disposal deleted text end plan.

A pesticide
dealer, agricultural pesticide dealer, or a commercial, noncommercial, or structural pest
control deleted text begin applicator or the business that the applicator is employed by deleted text end new text begin business new text end must develop
and maintain deleted text begin a deleted text end new text begin an incident response new text end plan that describes deleted text begin its pesticide storage, handling,
incident response, and disposal practices deleted text end new text begin the actions that will be taken to prevent and
respond to pesticide incidents. The plan must contain the same information as forms
provided by the commissioner new text end . The plan must be kept at a principal business site or location
within this state and must be submitted to the commissioner upon request deleted text begin on forms provided
by the commissioner. The plan must be available for inspection by the commissioner deleted text end .

Sec. 14.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 31.94, is amended to read:

31.94 COMMISSIONER DUTIES.

(a) In order to promote opportunities for organic agriculture in Minnesota, the
commissioner shall:

(1) survey producers and support services and organizations to determine
information and research needs in the area of organic agriculture practices;

(2) work with the University of Minnesota to demonstrate the on-farm applicability
of organic agriculture practices to conditions in this state;

(3) direct the programs of the department so as to work toward the promotion of
organic agriculture in this state;

(4) inform agencies of how state or federal programs could utilize and support
organic agriculture practices; and

(5) work closely with producers, the University of Minnesota, the Minnesota Trade
Office, and other appropriate organizations to identify opportunities and needs as well
as ensure coordination and avoid duplication of state agency efforts regarding research,
teaching, marketing, and extension work relating to organic agriculture.

(b) By November 15 of each year that ends in a zero or a five, the commissioner,
in conjunction with the task force created in paragraph (c), shall report on the status of
organic agriculture in Minnesota to the legislative policy and finance committees and
divisions with jurisdiction over agriculture. The report must include available data on
organic acreage and production, available data on the sales or market performance of
organic products, and recommendations regarding programs, policies, and research efforts
that will benefit Minnesota's organic agriculture sector.

(c) A Minnesota Organic Advisory Task Force shall advise the commissioner and the
University of Minnesota on policies and programs that will improve organic agriculture in
Minnesota, including how available resources can most effectively be used for outreach,
education, research, and technical assistance that meet the needs of the organic agriculture
community. The task force must consist of the following residents of the state:

(1) three new text begin organic new text end farmers deleted text begin using organic agriculture methods deleted text end ;

(2) one wholesaler or distributor of organic products;

(3) one representative of organic certification agencies;

(4) two organic processors;

(5) one representative from University of Minnesota Extension;

(6) one University of Minnesota faculty member;

(7) one representative from a nonprofit organization representing producers;

(8) two public members;

(9) one representative from the United States Department of Agriculture;

(10) one retailer of organic products; and

(11) one organic consumer representative.

The commissioner, in consultation with the director of the Minnesota Agricultural
Experiment Station; the dean and director of University of Minnesota Extension; and the
dean of the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences new text begin , new text end shall appoint
members to serve deleted text begin staggered two deleted text end new text begin three new text end -year terms.

Compensation and removal of members are governed by section 15.059, subdivision
6. The task force must meet at least twice each year and expires on June 30, deleted text begin 2013 deleted text end new text begin 2016 new text end .

(d) For the purposes of expanding, improving, and developing production and
marketing of the organic products of Minnesota agriculture, the commissioner may
receive funds from state and federal sources and spend them, including through grants or
contracts, to assist producers and processors to achieve certification, to conduct education
or marketing activities, to enter into research and development partnerships, or to address
production or marketing obstacles to the growth and well-being of the industry.

(e) The commissioner may facilitate the registration of state organic production
and handling operations including those exempt from organic certification according to
Code of Federal Regulations, title 7, section 205.101, and certification agents operating
within the state.

Sec. 15.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 41A.105, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Expiration.

This section expires June 30, deleted text begin 2014 deleted text end new text begin 2015 new text end .

Sec. 16.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 41A.12, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Oversight.

The commissioner, in consultation with the chairs and ranking
minority members of the house of representatives and senate committees with jurisdiction
over agriculture finance, must allocate available funds among eligible uses, develop
competitive eligibility criteria, and award funds on a needs basis. new text begin By February 1 each
year, the commissioner shall report to the legislature on the allocation among eligible uses
and any financial assistance provided under this section.
new text end

Sec. 17.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 41A.12, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:

new text begin Subd. 3a. new text end

new text begin Grant awards. new text end

new text begin Grant projects may continue for up to three years.
Multiyear projects must be reevaluated by the commissioner before second- and third-year
funding is approved. A project is limited to one grant for its funding.
new text end

Sec. 18.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 41B.04, subdivision 9, is amended to read:

Subd. 9.

Restructured loan agreement.

(a) For a deferred restructured loan, all
payments on the primary and secondary principal, all payments of interest on the secondary
principal, and an agreed portion of the interest payable to the eligible agricultural lender
on the primary principal must be deferred to the end of the term of the loan.

(b) Interest on secondary principal must accrue at a below market interest rate.

(c) At the conclusion of the term of the restructured loan, the borrower owes primary
principal, secondary principal, and deferred interest on primary and secondary principal.
However, part of this balloon payment may be forgiven following an appraisal by the
lender and the authority to determine the current market value of the real estate subject to
the mortgage. If the current market value of the land after appraisal is less than the amount
of debt owed by the borrower to the lender and authority on this obligation, that portion of
the obligation that exceeds the current market value of the real property must be forgiven
by the lender and the authority in the following order:

(1) deferred interest on secondary principal;

(2) secondary principal;

(3) deferred interest on primary principal;

(4) primary principal as provided in an agreement between the authority and the
lender; and

(5) accrued but not deferred interest on primary principal.

(d) For an amortized restructured loan, payments must include installments on
primary principal and interest on the primary principal. An amortized restructured loan
must be amortized over a time period and upon terms to be established by the authority by
rule.

(e) A borrower may prepay the restructured loan, with all primary and secondary
principal and interest and deferred interest at any time deleted text begin without prepayment penalty deleted text end .

(f) The authority may not participate in refinancing a restructured loan at the
conclusion of the restructured loan.

Sec. 19.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 41D.01, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Expiration.

This section expires on June 30, deleted text begin 2013 deleted text end new text begin 2018 new text end .

Sec. 20.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 116V.01, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Board of directors.

new text begin (a) new text end The board of directors of the Agricultural
Utilization Research Institute is comprised of:

(1) the chairs of the senate and the house of representatives standing committees
with jurisdiction over agriculture finance or the chair's designee;

(2) two representatives of statewide farm organizations;

(3) two representatives of agribusiness; and

(4) deleted text begin three deleted text end new text begin five new text end representatives of the commodity promotion councils.

new text begin (b) A person who has been appointed pursuant to paragraph (a), clauses (2) to (4),
and has served for four or more terms, shall not be reappointed to the board of directors.
new text end

Sec. 21.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 223.17, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:

new text begin Subd. 7a. new text end

new text begin Bond requirements; claims. new text end

new text begin For entities licensed under this chapter
and chapter 232, the bond requirements and claims against the bond are governed under
section 232.22, subdivision 6a.
new text end

Sec. 22.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 232.22, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:

new text begin Subd. 6a. new text end

new text begin Bond determinations. new text end

new text begin If a public grain warehouse operator is licensed
under both this chapter and chapter 223, the warehouse shall have its bond determined
by its gross annual grain purchase amount or its annual average grain storage value,
whichever is greater. For those entities licensed under this chapter and chapter 223, the
entire bond shall be available to any claims against the bond for claims filed under this
chapter and chapter 223.
new text end

Sec. 23.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 296A.01, subdivision 19, is amended to read:

Subd. 19.

E85.

"E85" means a petroleum product that is a blend of agriculturally
derived denatured ethanol and gasoline or natural gasoline that deleted text begin typically deleted text end contains new text begin not more
than new text end 85 percent ethanol by volume deleted text begin , but at a minimum must contain 60 percent ethanol by
volume. For the purposes of this chapter, the energy content of E85 will be considered to be
82,000 BTUs per gallon deleted text end . E85 produced for use as a motor fuel in alternative fuel vehicles
as defined in subdivision 5 must comply with ASTM specification deleted text begin D5798-07 deleted text end new text begin D5798-11 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. 24.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 583.215, is amended to read:

583.215 EXPIRATION.

Sections 336.9-601, subsections (h) and (i); 550.365; 559.209; 582.039; and 583.20
to 583.32, expire June 30, deleted text begin 2013 deleted text end new text begin 2015 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. 25. new text begin WASTE PESTICIDE REPORTING; 2013, 2014, AND 2015.
new text end

new text begin Notwithstanding the recording and reporting requirements of Minnesota Statutes,
section 18B.065, subdivision 2a, paragraph (d), persons are not required to record or
report agricultural or nonagricultural waste pesticide collected after the effective date of
this section in 2013, 2014, and 2015. The commissioner shall analyze existing collection
data to identify trends that will inform future collection strategies to better meet the needs
and nature of current waste pesticide streams. By January 15, 2015, the commissioner
shall report analysis, recommendations, and proposed policy changes to this program to
legislative committees with jurisdiction over agriculture finance and policy.
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. 26. new text begin UPDATE REQUIRED; REPORT.
new text end

new text begin No later than December 31, 2017, the commissioner of agriculture must use
existing pesticide regulatory account resources to update and modify applicator education
and training materials as required in section 7. No later than January 15, 2015, the
commissioner must report to the legislative committees and divisions with jurisdiction over
agriculture policy and finance regarding the agency's progress and a schedule of additional
activities the commissioner will accomplish to meet the December 31, 2017, deadline.
new text end

Sec. 27. new text begin REVISOR'S INSTRUCTION.
new text end

new text begin The revisor of statutes shall renumber Minnesota Statutes, section 18B.01,
subdivision 4a, as subdivision 4b and correct any cross-references.
new text end

Sec. 28. new text begin REPEALER.
new text end

new text begin Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 18B.07, subdivision 6, new text end new text begin is repealed.
new text end

ARTICLE 2

BIOFUELS

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 41A.10, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Cellulosic biofuel production goal.

The state cellulosic biofuel production
goal is one-quarter of the total amount necessary for deleted text begin ethanol deleted text end new text begin biofuel new text end use required under
section 239.791, subdivision deleted text begin 1a deleted text end new text begin 1 new text end , by 2015 or when cellulosic biofuel facilities in the state
attain a total annual production level of 60,000,000 gallons, whichever is first.

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 41A.10, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Expiration. new text end

new text begin This section expires January 1, 2015.
new text end

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 41A.105, subdivision 1a, is amended to read:

Subd. 1a.

Definitions.

For the purpose of this section:

new text begin (1) "biobased chemical" means a polymer, monomer, chemical, plastic, or
formulated product that is not sold primarily for the use as food, feed, or fuel and that has a
biobased content percentage of at least 25 percent as determined by testing representative
samples using American Society for Testing and Materials specification D6866;
new text end

deleted text begin (1) deleted text end new text begin (2) new text end "biobutanol facility" means a facility at which biobutanol is produced; and

deleted text begin (2) deleted text end new text begin (3) new text end "biobutanol" means fermentation isobutyl alcohol that is derived from
agricultural products, including potatoes, cereal grains, cheese whey, and sugar beets;
forest products; or other renewable resources, including residue and waste generated
from the production, processing, and marketing of agricultural products, forest products,
and other renewable resources.

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 41A.105, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Duties.

The board shall research and report to the commissioner of
agriculture and to the legislature recommendations as to how the state can invest its
resources to most efficiently achieve energy independence, agricultural and natural
resources sustainability, and rural economic vitality. The board shall:

(1) examine the future of fuels, such as synthetic gases, biobutanol, hydrogen,
methanol, biodiesel, and ethanol within Minnesota;

new text begin (2) examine the opportunity for biobased chemical production by integrated
biorefineries or stand-alone facilities that use agricultural and forestry feedstocks;
new text end

deleted text begin (2) deleted text end new text begin (3) new text end develop equity grant programs to assist locally owned facilities;

deleted text begin (3) deleted text end new text begin (4) new text end study the proper role of the state in creating financing and investing and
providing incentives;

deleted text begin (4) deleted text end new text begin (5) new text end evaluate how state and federal programs, including the Farm Bill, can best
work together and leverage resources;

deleted text begin (5) deleted text end new text begin (6) new text end work with other entities and committees to develop a clean energy program;
and

deleted text begin (6) deleted text end new text begin (7) new text end report to the legislature before February 1 each year with recommendations
as to appropriations and results of past actions and projects.

Sec. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 116J.437, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Definitions.

(a) For the purpose of this section, the following terms
have the meanings given.

(b) "Green economy" means products, processes, methods, technologies, or services
intended to do one or more of the following:

(1) increase the use of energy from renewable sources, including through achieving
the renewable energy standard established in section 216B.1691;

(2) achieve the statewide energy-savings goal established in section 216B.2401,
including energy savings achieved by the conservation investment program under section
216B.241;

(3) achieve the greenhouse gas emission reduction goals of section 216H.02,
subdivision 1, including through reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, as defined in
section 216H.01, subdivision 2, or mitigation of the greenhouse gas emissions through,
but not limited to, carbon capture, storage, or sequestration;

(4) monitor, protect, restore, and preserve the quality of surface waters, including
actions to further the purposes of the Clean Water Legacy Act as provided in section
114D.10, subdivision 1;

(5) expand the use of biofuels, including by expanding the feasibility or reducing the
cost of producing biofuels or the types of equipment, machinery, and vehicles that can
use biofuels, including activities to achieve the deleted text begin biofuels 25 by 2025 initiative in sections
41A.10, subdivision 2, and 41A.11 deleted text end new text begin petroleum replacement goal in section 239.7911 new text end ; or

(6) increase the use of green chemistry, as defined in section 116.9401.

For the purpose of clause (3), "green economy" includes strategies that reduce carbon
emissions, such as utilizing existing buildings and other infrastructure, and utilizing mass
transit or otherwise reducing commuting for employees.

Sec. 6.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 239.051, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:

new text begin Subd. 1a. new text end

new text begin Advanced biofuel. new text end

new text begin "Advanced biofuel" has the meaning given in Public
Law 110-140, title 2, subtitle A, section 201.
new text end

Sec. 7.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 239.051, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:

new text begin Subd. 5a. new text end

new text begin Biofuel. new text end

new text begin "Biofuel" means a renewable fuel with an approved pathway
under authority of the federal Energy Policy Act of 2005, Public Law 109-58, as amended
by the federal Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, Public Law 110–140,
and approved for sale by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. The term
"biofuel" includes both advanced and conventional biofuels.
new text end

Sec. 8.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 239.051, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:

new text begin Subd. 7a. new text end

new text begin Conventional biofuel. new text end

new text begin "Conventional biofuel" means ethanol derived
from cornstarch, as defined in Public Law 110-140, title 2, subtitle A, section 201.
new text end

Sec. 9.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 239.761, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Gasoline.

(a) Gasoline that is not blended with deleted text begin ethanol deleted text end new text begin biofuel new text end must not be
contaminated with water or other impurities and must comply with ASTM specification
D4814-08b. Gasoline that is not blended with deleted text begin ethanol deleted text end new text begin biofuel new text end must also comply with the
volatility requirements in Code of Federal Regulations, title 40, part 80.

(b) After gasoline is sold, transferred, or otherwise removed from a refinery or
terminal, a person responsible for the product:

(1) may blend the gasoline with agriculturally derived ethanol as provided in
subdivision 4;

(2) shall not blend the gasoline with any oxygenate other than deleted text begin denatured,
agriculturally derived ethanol deleted text end new text begin biofuel new text end ;

(3) shall not blend the gasoline with other petroleum products that are not gasoline
or deleted text begin denatured, agriculturally derived ethanol deleted text end new text begin biofuel new text end ;

(4) shall not blend the gasoline with products commonly and commercially known
as casinghead gasoline, absorption gasoline, condensation gasoline, drip gasoline, or
natural gasoline; and

(5) may blend the gasoline with a detergent additive, an antiknock additive, or an
additive designed to replace tetra-ethyl lead, that is registered by the EPA.

Sec. 10.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 239.791, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Minimum deleted text begin ethanol deleted text end new text begin biofuel new text end content required.

(a) Except as provided
in subdivisions 10 to 14, a person responsible for the product shall ensure that all gasoline
sold or offered for sale in Minnesota must contain at least the quantity of deleted text begin ethanol deleted text end new text begin biofuel
new text end required by clause (1) or (2), deleted text begin whichever is greater deleted text end new text begin at the option of the person responsible
for the product new text end :

(1) new text begin the greater of:
new text end

new text begin (i) new text end 10.0 percent deleted text begin denatured ethanol deleted text end new text begin conventional biofuel new text end by volume; or

deleted text begin (2) deleted text end new text begin (ii) new text end the maximum percent of deleted text begin denatured ethanol deleted text end new text begin conventional biofuel new text end by volume
authorized in a waiver granted by the United States Environmental Protection Agency new text begin ; or
new text end

new text begin (2) 10.0 percent of a biofuel, other than a conventional biofuel, by volume authorized
in a waiver granted by the United States Environmental Protection Agency or a biofuel
formulation registered by the United States Environmental Protection Agency under
United States Code, title 42, section 7545 new text end .

(b) For purposes of enforcing the deleted text begin minimum ethanol deleted text end requirement of paragraph (a),
clause (1), new text begin item (i), new text end a deleted text begin gasoline/ethanol deleted text end new text begin gasoline/biofuel new text end blend will be construed to be in
compliance if the deleted text begin ethanol deleted text end new text begin biofuel new text end content, exclusive of denaturants and other permitted
components, comprises not less than 9.2 percent by volume and not more than 10.0 percent
by volume of the blend as determined by an appropriate United States Environmental
Protection Agency or American Society of Testing Materials standard method of analysis
deleted text begin of alcohol/ether content in engine fuels deleted text end .

(c) deleted text begin The provisions of this subdivision are suspended during any period of time that
subdivision 1a, paragraph (a), is in effect. deleted text end new text begin The aggregate amount of biofuel blended
pursuant to this subdivision may be any biofuel; however, conventional biofuel must
comprise no less than the portion specified on and after the specified dates:
new text end

new text begin (1) new text end	new text begin July 1, 2013 new text end	new text begin 90 percent new text end
new text begin (2) new text end	new text begin January 1, 2015 new text end	new text begin 80 percent new text end
new text begin (3) new text end	new text begin January 1, 2017 new text end	new text begin 70 percent new text end
new text begin (4) new text end	new text begin January 1, 2020 new text end	new text begin 60 percent new text end
new text begin (5) new text end	new text begin January 1, 2025 new text end	new text begin no minimum new text end

Sec. 11.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 239.791, subdivision 2a, is amended to read:

Subd. 2a.

Federal Clean Air Act waivers; conditions.

(a) Before a waiver granted
by the United States Environmental Protection Agency under deleted text begin section 211(f)(4) of the
Clean Air Act, deleted text end United States Code, title 42, section 7545, deleted text begin subsection (f), paragraph (4),
deleted text end may alter the minimum content level required by subdivision 1, paragraph (a), clause deleted text begin (2),
or subdivision 1a, paragraph (a), clause (2) deleted text end new text begin (1), item (ii) new text end , the waiver must:

(1) apply to all gasoline-powered motor vehicles irrespective of model year; and

(2) allow for special regulatory treatment of Reid vapor pressure under Code of
Federal Regulations, title 40, section 80.27, paragraph (d), for blends of gasoline and
ethanol up to the maximum percent of denatured ethanol by volume authorized under
the waiver.

(b) The minimum deleted text begin ethanol deleted text end new text begin biofuel new text end requirement in subdivision 1, paragraph (a), clause
deleted text begin (2), or subdivision 1a, paragraph (a), clause (2), deleted text end new text begin (1), item (ii), new text end shall, upon the grant of the
federal waiver, be effective the day after the commissioner of commerce publishes notice
in the State Register. In making this determination, the commissioner shall consider the
amount of time required by refiners, retailers, pipeline and distribution terminal companies,
and other fuel suppliers, acting expeditiously, to make the operational and logistical changes
required to supply fuel in compliance with the minimum deleted text begin ethanol deleted text end new text begin biofuel new text end requirement.

Sec. 12.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 239.791, subdivision 2b, is amended to read:

Subd. 2b.

Limited liability waiver.

No motor fuel shall be deemed to be a defective
product by virtue of the fact that the motor fuel is formulated or blended pursuant to
the requirements of subdivision 1, paragraph (a), clause deleted text begin (2), or subdivision 1a deleted text end new text begin (1), item
(ii) new text end , under any theory of liability except for simple or willful negligence or fraud. This
subdivision does not preclude an action for negligent, fraudulent, or willful acts. This
subdivision does not affect a person whose liability arises under chapter 115, water
pollution control; 115A, waste management; 115B, environmental response and liability;
115C, leaking underground storage tanks; or 299J, pipeline safety; under public nuisance
law for damage to the environment or the public health; under any other environmental or
public health law; or under any environmental or public health ordinance or program of a
municipality as defined in section 466.01.

Sec. 13.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 239.7911, is amended to read:

239.7911 PETROLEUM REPLACEMENT PROMOTION.

Subdivision 1.

Petroleum replacement goal.

The tiered petroleum replacement
goal of the state of Minnesota is that new text begin biofuel comprises at least the specified portion of
total gasoline sold or offered for sale in this state by each specified year new text end :

deleted text begin (1) at least 20 percent of the liquid fuel sold in the state is derived from renewable
sources by December 31, 2015; and
deleted text end

deleted text begin (2) at least 25 percent of the liquid fuel sold in the state is derived from renewable
sources by December 31, 2025.
deleted text end

new text begin (1) new text end	new text begin 2015 new text end	new text begin 14 percent new text end
new text begin (2) new text end	new text begin 2017 new text end	new text begin 18 percent new text end
new text begin (3) new text end	new text begin 2020 new text end	new text begin 25 percent new text end
new text begin (4) new text end	new text begin 2025 new text end	new text begin 30 percent new text end

Subd. 2.

Promotion of renewable liquid fuels.

(a) The commissioner of agriculture,
in consultation with the commissioners of commerce and the Pollution Control Agency,
shall identify and implement activities necessary deleted text begin for the widespread use of renewable
liquid fuels in the state deleted text end new text begin to achieve the goals in subdivision 1 new text end . Beginning November 1,
2005, and continuing through 2015, the commissioners, or their designees, shall work with
representatives from the renewable fuels industry, petroleum retailers, refiners, automakers,
small engine manufacturers, and other interested groups deleted text begin , to deleted text end new text begin . The representatives shall assist
the commissioners in carrying out the activities in paragraph (b) and eliminating barriers to
the use of greater biofuel blends in this state. The representatives must coordinate efforts
with the NextGen Energy Board, the biodiesel task force, and the Renewable Energy
Roundtable and new text end develop annual recommendations for administrative and legislative action.

(b) The activities of the commissioners under this subdivision shall include, but not
be limited to:

(1) developing recommendations for new text begin specific, cost-effective new text end incentives new text begin necessary
to expedite the use of greater biofuel blends in this state including, but not limited to,
incentives new text end for retailers to install equipment necessary deleted text begin for dispensing deleted text end new text begin to dispense new text end renewable
liquid fuels to the public;

(2) expanding the renewable-fuel options available to Minnesota consumers by
obtaining federal approval for the use of deleted text begin E20 and deleted text end additional blends that contain a greater
percentage of deleted text begin ethanol, including but not limited to E30 and E50, as gasoline deleted text end new text begin biofuel new text end ;

(3) developing recommendations deleted text begin for ensuring deleted text end new text begin to ensure new text end that motor vehicles and
small engine equipment have access to an adequate supply of fuel;

(4) working with the owners and operators of large corporate automotive fleets in the
state to increase their use of renewable fuels; deleted text begin and
deleted text end

(5) working to maintain an affordable retail price for liquid fuels new text begin ;
new text end

new text begin (6) facilitating the production and use of advanced biofuels in this state; and
new text end

new text begin (7) developing procedures for reporting the amount and type of biofuel under
subdivision 1, and section 239.791, subdivision 1, paragraph (c) new text end .

Sec. 14.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 296A.01, is amended by adding a
subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 8b. new text end

new text begin Biobutanol. new text end

new text begin "Biobutanol" means isobutyl alcohol produced by
fermenting agriculturally generated organic material that is to be blended with gasoline,
and meets either:
new text end

new text begin (1) the initial ASTM Standard Specification for Butanol for Blending with Gasoline
for use as an Automotive Spark-Ignition Engine Fuel once it has been released by ASTM
for general distribution; or
new text end

new text begin (2) in the absence of an ASTM Standard Specification, the following list of
requirements:
new text end

new text begin (i) visually free of sediment and suspended matter;
new text end

new text begin (ii) clear and bright at the ambient temperature of 21 degrees Celsius or the ambient
temperature, whichever is higher;
new text end

new text begin (iii) free of any adulterant or contaminant that can render it unacceptable for its
commonly used applications;
new text end

new text begin (iv) contains not less than 96 volume percent isobutyl alcohol;
new text end

new text begin (v) contains not more than 0.4 volume percent methanol;
new text end

new text begin (vi) contains not more than 1.0 volume percent water as determined by ASTM
standard test method E203 or E1064;
new text end

new text begin (vii) acidity (as acetic acid) of not more than 0.007 mass percent as determined
by ASTM standard test method D1613;
new text end

new text begin (viii) solvent washed gum content of not more than 5.0 milligrams per 100 milliliters
as determined by ASTM standard test method D381;
new text end

new text begin (ix) sulfur content of not more than 30 parts per million as determined by ASTM
standard test method D2622 or D5453; and
new text end

new text begin (x) contains not more than 4 parts per million total inorganic sulfate.
new text end

Sec. 15. new text begin REPEALER.
new text end

new text begin Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 239.791, subdivision 1a, new text end new text begin is repealed.
new text end

ARTICLE 3

MINNESOTA NOXIOUS WEED LAW

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 18.77, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Control.

"Control" means to deleted text begin destroy all or part of the aboveground
growth of noxious weeds deleted text end new text begin manage or prevent the maturation and spread of propagating
parts of noxious weeds from one area to another new text end by a lawful method that does not cause
unreasonable adverse effects on the environment as defined in section 18B.01, subdivision
31 deleted text begin , and prevents the maturation and spread of noxious weed propagating parts from one
area to another deleted text end .

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 18.77, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Eradicate.

"Eradicate" means to destroy the aboveground deleted text begin growth and the
roots deleted text end new text begin and belowground plant parts new text end of noxious weeds by a lawful method deleted text begin that deleted text end new text begin which new text end prevents
the maturation and spread of noxious weed propagating parts from one area to another.

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 18.77, subdivision 10, is amended to read:

Subd. 10.

Permanent pasture, hay meadow, woodlot, deleted text begin and deleted text end new text begin or new text end other noncrop
area.

"Permanent pasture, hay meadow, woodlot, deleted text begin and deleted text end new text begin or new text end other noncrop area" means an
area of predominantly native or seeded perennial plants that can be used for grazing or hay
purposes but is not harvested on a regular basis and is not considered to be a growing crop.

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 18.77, subdivision 12, is amended to read:

Subd. 12.

Propagating parts.

"Propagating parts" means new text begin all new text end plant parts, including
seeds, that are capable of producing new plants.

Sec. 5.

new text begin [18.771] NOXIOUS WEED CATEGORIES.
new text end

new text begin (a) For purposes of designation under section 18.79, subdivision 13, noxious weed
category means each of the following categories.
new text end

new text begin (b) "Prohibited noxious weed" includes noxious weeds that must be controlled or
eradicated on all lands within the state. Transportation of a prohibited noxious weed's
propagating parts shall be restricted by permit except as allowed by section 18.82.
Prohibited noxious weeds cannot be sold or propagated in Minnesota. There are two
regulatory listings for prohibited noxious weeds in Minnesota:
new text end

new text begin (1) The "Noxious Weed Eradicate List" is established. Prohibited noxious weeds
placed on the Noxious Weed Eradicate List are plants that are not currently known to be
present in Minnesota or are not widely established. These species must be eradicated.
new text end

new text begin (2) The "Noxious Weed Control List" is established. Prohibited noxious weeds
placed on the Noxious Weed Control List are plants that are already established throughout
Minnesota or regions of the state. Species on this list must at least be controlled.
new text end

new text begin (c) "Restricted noxious weeds" includes noxious weeds that are widely distributed
in Minnesota, but whose only feasible means of control is to prevent their spread by
prohibiting the importation, sale, and transportation of their propagating parts in the state
except as allowed by section 18.82.
new text end

new text begin (d) "Specially regulated plants" includes noxious weeds that may be native
species or have demonstrated economic value, but also have the potential to cause harm
in noncontrolled environments. Plants designated as specially regulated have been
determined to pose ecological, economical, or human or animal health concerns. Species
specific management plans or rules that define the use and management requirements
for these plants must be developed by the commissioner of agriculture for each plant
designated as specially regulated. The commissioner must also take measures to minimize
the potential for harm caused by these plants.
new text end

new text begin (e) "County noxious weeds" includes noxious weeds that are designated by
individual county boards to be enforced as prohibited noxious weeds within the county's
jurisdiction and must be approved by the commissioner of agriculture, in consultation with
the Noxious Weed Advisory Committee. Each county board must submit newly proposed
county noxious weeds to the commissioner of agriculture for review. Approved county
noxious weeds shall also be posted with the county's general weed notice prior to May 15
each year. Counties are solely responsible for developing county noxious weed lists and
their enforcement.
new text end

Sec. 6.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 18.78, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

deleted text begin Cooperative deleted text end Weed control agreement.

The commissioner, municipality,
or county agricultural inspector or county-designated employee may enter into a
deleted text begin cooperative deleted text end weed control agreement with a landowner or weed management area
group to establish a mutually agreed-upon noxious weed management plan for up to
three years duration, whereby a noxious weed problem will be controlled without
additional enforcement action. If a property owner fails to comply with the noxious weed
management plan, an individual notice may be served.

Sec. 7.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 18.79, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6.

Training for control or eradication of noxious weeds.

The commissioner
shall conduct initial training considered necessary for inspectors and county-designated
employees in the enforcement of the Minnesota Noxious Weed Law. The director of
the Minnesota Extension deleted text begin Service deleted text end may conduct educational programs for the general
public that will aid compliance with the Minnesota Noxious Weed Law. Upon request,
the commissioner may provide information and other technical assistance to the county
agricultural inspector or county-designated employee to aid in the performance of
responsibilities specified by the county board under section 18.81, subdivisions 1a and 1b.

Sec. 8.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 18.79, subdivision 13, is amended to read:

Subd. 13.

Noxious weed designation.

The commissioner, in consultation with the
Noxious Weed Advisory Committee, shall determine which plants are noxious weeds
subject to deleted text begin control deleted text end new text begin regulation new text end under sections 18.76 to 18.91. The commissioner shall
prepare, publish, and revise as necessary, but at least once every three years, a list of
noxious weeds and their designated classification. The list must be distributed to the public
by the commissioner who may request the help of the University of Minnesota Extension,
the county agricultural inspectors, and any other organization the commissioner considers
appropriate to assist in the distribution. The commissioner may, in consultation with
the Noxious Weed Advisory Committee, accept and consider noxious weed designation
petitions from Minnesota citizens or Minnesota organizations or associations.

Sec. 9.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 18.82, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Permits.

Except as provided in section 21.74, if a person wants to
transport along a public highway materials or equipment containing the propagating
parts of weeds designated as noxious by the commissioner, the person must secure a
written permit for transportation of the material or equipment from an inspector or
county-designated employee. Inspectors or county-designated employees may issue
permits to persons residing or operating within their jurisdiction. deleted text begin If the noxious weed
propagating parts are removed from materials and equipment or devitalized before
being transported, a permit is not needed deleted text end new text begin A permit is not required for the transport of
noxious weeds for the purpose of destroying propagating parts at a Department of
Agriculture-approved disposal site. Anyone transporting noxious weed propagating parts
for the purpose of disposal at an approved site shall ensure that all materials are contained
in a manner that prevents escape during transport new text end .

Sec. 10.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 18.91, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Duties.

The commissioner shall consult with the Noxious Weed
Advisory Committee to advise the commissioner concerning responsibilities under
the noxious weed control program. The committee shall deleted text begin also deleted text end evaluate species for
invasiveness, difficulty of control, cost of control, benefits, and amount of injury caused
by them. For each species evaluated, the committee shall recommend to the commissioner
on which noxious weed list or lists, if any, the species should be placed. Species deleted text begin currently
deleted text end designated as prohibited or restricted noxious weeds new text begin or specially regulated plants new text end must
be reevaluated every three years for a recommendation on whether or not they need to
remain on the noxious weed lists. new text begin The committee shall also advise the commissioner on
the implementation of the Minnesota Noxious Weed Law and assist the commissioner in
the development of management criteria for each noxious weed category. new text end Members of
the committee are not entitled to reimbursement of expenses nor payment of per diem.
Members shall serve two-year terms with subsequent reappointment by the commissioner.

Sec. 11.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 18.91, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Membership.

The commissioner shall appoint members, which shall
include representatives from the following:

(1) horticultural science, agronomy, and forestry at the University of Minnesota;

(2) the nursery and landscape industry in Minnesota;

(3) the seed industry in Minnesota;

(4) the Department of Agriculture;

(5) the Department of Natural Resources;

(6) a conservation organization;

(7) an environmental organization;

(8) at least two farm organizations;

(9) the county agricultural inspectors;

(10) city, township, and county governments;

(11) the Department of Transportation;

(12) the University of Minnesota Extension;

(13) the timber and forestry industry in Minnesota;

(14) the Board of Water and Soil Resources; deleted text begin and
deleted text end

(15) soil and water conservation districts deleted text begin . deleted text end new text begin ;
new text end

new text begin (16) Minnesota Association of County Land Commissioners; and
new text end

new text begin (17) members as needed.
new text end

Sec. 12. new text begin REPEALER.
new text end

new text begin Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 18.91, subdivisions 3 and 5, new text end new text begin are repealed.
new text end