SF 2808

as introduced - 90th Legislature (2017 - 2018) Posted on 03/02/2018 09:09am

A bill for an act
relating to environment; establishing the Legislative Environmental Justice
Commission; providing appointments; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota
Statutes, chapter 3.

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

Section 1.

new text begin [3.8865] LEGISLATIVE ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE COMMISSION.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Establishment. new text end

new text begin A Legislative Environmental Justice Commission is
established.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Environmental justice principle. new text end

new text begin The state of Minnesota acknowledges the
historical and disproportionately high or adverse effects of environmental pollution on
certain communities based on race, color, national origin, geography, and economic status.
The Legislative Environmental Justice Commission must strive for the fair treatment and
meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or economic
status with respect to developing, implementing, and enforcing environmental laws,
regulations, and policies.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Membership. new text end

new text begin (a) The Legislative Environmental Justice Commission consists
of 12 members appointed as follows:
new text end

new text begin (1) six members of the senate, including three majority party members appointed by the
majority leader and three minority party members appointed by the minority leader; and
new text end

new text begin (2) six members of the house of representatives, including three majority party members
appointed by the speaker of the house and three minority party members appointed by the
minority leader.
new text end

new text begin (b) Members serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority and continue to serve until
their successors are appointed or until a member is no longer a member of the legislative
body that appointed the member to the commission. Vacancies must be filled in the same
manner as the original positions. Vacancies occurring on the commission do not affect the
authority of the remaining members of the Legislative Environmental Justice Commission
to carry out the functions of the commission.
new text end

new text begin (c) Members must elect a chair, vice chair, and other officers as determined by the
commission. The chair may convene meetings as necessary to conduct the duties prescribed
by this section.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Commission staffing. new text end

new text begin The Legislative Coordinating Commission must employ
staff and contract with consultants as necessary to enable the Legislative Environmental
Justice Commission to carry out its duties and functions.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Powers and duties. new text end

new text begin (a) The Legislative Environmental Justice Commission
must:
new text end

new text begin (1) review and analyze the impact of state laws, rules, and policies on environmental
justice;
new text end

new text begin (2) assess the adequacy of state laws to address environmental justice;
new text end

new text begin (3) develop criteria to assess whether communities in the state may be experiencing
environmental justice issues;
new text end

new text begin (4) recommend options to the legislature for addressing issues, concerns, or problems
related to environmental justice, including prioritizing areas of the state that need immediate
attention; and
new text end

new text begin (5) investigate incidents where environmental justice issues have arisen.
new text end

new text begin (b) The commission may conduct public hearings and otherwise secure data and
comments.
new text end

new text begin (c) Data or information compiled by the commission or its subcommittees must be made
available to the standing and interim committees of the legislature on request of the chair
of the respective committee.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Compensation. new text end

new text begin Members of the commission may receive per diem and expense
reimbursement incurred doing the work of the commission in the manner and amount
prescribed for per diem and expense payments by the senate Committee on Rules and
Administration and the house of representatives Committee on Rules and Legislative
Administration.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin Expiration. new text end

new text begin This section expires July 1, 2023.
new text end