Minnesota Session Laws - 1983, Regular Session

  

                         Laws of Minnesota 1983 

                        CHAPTER 119--S.F.No. 808
           An act relating to the state seal; providing a 
          description of the official state seal; amending 
          Minnesota Statutes 1982, section 1.143; proposing new 
          law coded in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 1 and 5; 
          repealing Minnesota Statutes 1982, sections 1.144 and 
          358.02. 
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA: 
    Section 1.  [1.135] [STATE SEAL.] 
    Subdivision 1.  [PURPOSE.] This section prescribes the 
design and states the historical symbolism of the Great Seal of 
the State of Minnesota.  
    Subd. 2.  [OFFICIAL SEAL.] The seal described in 
subdivision 3 is the "Great Seal of the State of Minnesota." 
When the seal, the impression of the seal, the scene within the 
seal, or its likeness is reproduced at state expense, it must 
conform to subdivision 3 and section 4.04.  A seal, impression, 
scene, or likeness which does not conform to these provisions is 
not official.  
    Subd. 3.  [DESIGN.] The design of the seal is as described 
in this subdivision.  
    (a) The seal is composed of two concentric borders.  The 
outside forms the border of the seal and the inside forms the 
border for the illustrations within the seal.  The area between 
the two borders contains lettering.  
    (b) The seal is two inches in diameter.  The outside border 
has a radius of one inch and resembles the serrated edge of a 
coin.  The width of the border is 1/16 of an inch.  
    (c) The inside border has a radius of three-fourths of an 
inch and is composed of a series of closely spaced dots 
measuring 1/32 of an inch in diameter.  
     (d) Within the area between the borders "The Great Seal of 
the State of Minnesota." is printed in capital letters.  Under 
that is the date "1858." with two dagger symbols separating the 
date and the letters.  The lettering is 14 point century bold.  
    (e) In the area within the inside border is the portrayal 
of an 1858 Minnesota scene made up of various illustrations that 
serve to depict a settler plowing the ground near the falls of 
St. Anthony while he watches an Indian on horseback riding in 
the distance.  
    (f) For the purposes of description, when the area within 
the inside border is divided into quadrants, the following 
illustrations should be clearly visible in the area described.  
    (1) In the upper parts of quadrants one and two, the 
inscription "L'Etoile du Nord" is found on the likeness of a 
scroll whose length is equal to twice the length of the 
inscription, but whose ends are twice folded underneath and 
serve to enhance the inscription.  The lettering is seven point 
century bold.  
    (2) In quadrant two is found a likeness of a rising sun 
whose ambient rays form a background for a male Indian in 
loincloth and plume riding on horseback at a gallop.  The Indian 
is sitting erect and is holding a spear in his left hand at an 
upward 60-degree angle to himself and is looking toward the 
settler in quadrant four.  
    (3) In quadrant one, three pine trees form a background for 
a picturesque resemblance of St. Anthony Falls in 1858.  
    (4) In quadrants three and four, cultivated ground is found 
across the lower half of the seal, which provides a background 
for the scenes in quadrants three and four.  
    (5) In quadrant three, a tree stump is found with an ax 
embedded in the stump and a period muzzle loader resting on it. 
A powder flask is hanging towards the end of the barrel.  
    (6) In quadrant four, a white barefoot male pioneer wearing 
clothing and a hat of that period is plowing the earth, using an 
animal-drawn implement from that period.  The animal is not 
visible.  The torso of the man continues into quadrant two, and 
he has his legs spread apart to simulate movement.  He is 
looking at the Indian.  
    Subd. 4.  [ADDITIONAL EFFECTS; SIZE.] Every effort shall be 
made to reproduce the seal with justification to the 12 o'clock 
position and with attention to the authenticity of the 
illustrations used to create the scene within the seal.  The 
description of the scene in this section does not preclude the 
graphic inclusion of the effects of movement, sunlight, or 
falling water when the seal is reproduced.  Nor does this 
section prohibit the enlargement, proportioned reduction, or 
embossment of the seal for its use in unofficial acts.  
    Subd. 5.  [HISTORICAL SYMBOLISM OF SEAL.] The sun, visible 
on the western horizon, signifies summer in the northern 
hemisphere.  The horizon's visibility signifies the flat plains 
covering much of Minnesota.  The Indian on horseback is riding 
due south and represents the great Indian heritage of 
Minnesota.  The Indian's horse and spear and the Pioneer's ax, 
rifle, and plow represent tools that were used for hunting and 
labor.  The stump symbolizes the importance of the lumber 
industry in Minnesota's history.  The Mississippi River and St. 
Anthony Falls are depicted to note the importance of these 
resources in transportation and industry.  The cultivated ground 
and the plow symbolize the importance of agriculture in 
Minnesota.  Beyond the falls three pine trees represent the 
state tree and the three great pine regions of Minnesota; the 
St. Croix, Mississippi, and Lake Superior.  
    Subd. 6.  [STATE'S DUTIES.] State agencies and departments 
using the seal, its impression, the scene within the seal or its 
likeness shall make every effort to bring any seal, impression, 
scene, or likeness currently fixed to a permanent object into 
accordance with this section and section 4.04.  Expendable 
material to which the seal or any impression, scene, or likeness 
is currently affixed may be used until the supply is exhausted. 
All unused dies and engravings of the Great Seal shall be given 
to the Minnesota historical society, along with all historical 
information available about the seal, to be retained in the 
society's permanent collection.  
    Sec. 2.  Minnesota Statutes 1982, section 1.143, is amended 
to read:  
    1.143 [STATE TREE, DESIGNATION.] 
    Subdivision 1.  The Red pine (Pinus resinosa), more 
commonly known as Norway pine, is hereby designated as the 
official state tree of the State of Minnesota.  
    Subd. 2.  A photograph of the Red pine, to be obtained and 
approved by the commissioner of natural resources, shall be 
certified and preserved in the office of the secretary of state. 
    Sec. 3.  [5.071] [SECRETARY OF STATE'S DUTIES.] 
    The secretary of state shall secure, file, and retain 
custodial control over a description, photograph, and 
reproduction proof of the impression of the seal for viewing by 
the public.  The secretary shall also secure and file all 
historical information pertaining to the reproduction and use of 
the seal.  The department of administration shall respond to any 
inquiries about duplication of the seal for state agencies.  
    Sec. 4.  [REPEALER.] 
    Minnesota Statutes 1982, sections 1.144 and 358.02, are 
repealed. 
    Approved May 10, 1983