SF 1784

1st Engrossment - 89th Legislature (2015 - 2016) Posted on 08/24/2015 10:52am

A bill for an act
relating to capital investment; requiring that certain equipment to accommodate
hearing-impaired people be included in a capital improvement project using state
funds; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 16C.

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

Section 1.

new text begin [16C.053] ACCOMMODATION FOR HARD-OF-HEARING IN
STATE-FUNDED CAPITAL PROJECTS.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Accommodation for hard-of-hearing in state-funded capital
projects. new text end

new text begin No commissioner or agency head may approve a contract for, or grant state
funds for, a capital improvement project to construct or renovate a building unless:
new text end

new text begin (1) the project includes equipping public gathering space in the building with
audio-induction loops to provide an electromagnetic signal for hearing aids and cochlear
implants; and
new text end

new text begin (2) public gathering spaces in the building meet the American National Standards
Institute Acoustical Performance Criteria, Design Requirements and Guidelines for
Schools on maximum background noise level and reverberation times.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Exception. new text end

new text begin A commissioner or agency head may approve a contract for, or
grant state funds for, a capital improvement project to construct or renovate a building
that does not meet the requirement of subdivision 1, clause (2), when the commissioner
or agency head determines that it is not feasible, is in conflict with other requirements in
law, or is in conflict with other project requirements. The commissioner will consult with
the Commission of Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard-of-Hearing Minnesotans before making
the determination.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Definition. new text end

new text begin For purposes of this section, "public gathering space" means a
space that is constructed or renovated as part of the project and that accommodates and is
intended to be used for gatherings of 15 or more people.
new text end