Skip to main content Skip to office menu Skip to footer
Capital IconMinnesota Legislature

Office of the Revisor of Statutes

Key: (1) language to be deleted (2) new language

                            CHAPTER 226-S.F.No. 254 
                  An act relating to natural resources; modifying fish 
                  habitat, harvest, and propagation provisions; 
                  authorizing the commissioner to establish special 
                  hunts for youth; permitting youth residents to hunt 
                  deer without a license tag; authorizing the 
                  commissioner to sell merchandise; modifying watercraft 
                  provisions; modifying trapping provisions; modifying 
                  stamp provisions; modifying the procedure for vacating 
                  or modifying a state game refuge; defining terms; 
                  modifying hunting provisions; modifying license 
                  provisions; modifying recreational motor vehicle 
                  provisions; modifying special license plate 
                  provisions; modifying provisions relating to personal 
                  flotation devices; establishing firearms safety pilot 
                  program; requiring reports; providing civil penalties; 
                  appropriating money; amending Minnesota Statutes 1996, 
                  sections 17.4982, by adding subdivisions; 17.4983, by 
                  adding a subdivision; 17.4998; 84.0855; 84.82, 
                  subdivision 2; 84.87, subdivision 2; 84.872, by adding 
                  a subdivision; 84.873; 86B.201, by adding a 
                  subdivision; 97A.015, subdivisions 49, 53, and by 
                  adding a subdivision; 97A.045, subdivision 7; 97A.075, 
                  subdivision 3; 97A.085, subdivision 8; 97A.101, by 
                  adding a subdivision; 97A.411, subdivisions 1 and 3; 
                  97A.421, subdivision 1; 97A.465, subdivision 4; 
                  97A.475, subdivisions 2 and 3; 97A.485, subdivisions 
                  6, 9, and by adding a subdivision; 97B.055, 
                  subdivision 2; 97B.075; 97B.211, subdivision 1; 
                  97B.301, subdivision 6; 97B.655, subdivision 1; 
                  97C.035, subdivision 1; 97C.211, subdivision 1, and by 
                  adding a subdivision; 97C.321, subdivision 1; 97C.505, 
                  by adding a subdivision; 97C.801, subdivision 2; 
                  168.1291; 168.1296, subdivision 1; and 609.487, by 
                  adding a subdivision; Laws 1993, chapter 273, as 
                  amended; Laws 1996, chapter 410, section 56; proposing 
                  coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 97B; 
                  repealing Minnesota Statutes 1996, sections 97A.111; 
                  and 97C.801, subdivision 1. 
        BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA: 
           Section 1.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 17.4982, is 
        amended by adding a subdivision to read: 
           Subd. 18a.  [NONINDIGENOUS SPECIES.] "Nonindigenous species"
        means a species of fish or other aquatic life that is: 
           (1) not known to have been historically present in the 
        state; 
           (2) not known to be naturally occurring in a particular 
        part of the state; or 
           (3) designated by rule as a prohibited or restricted exotic 
        species. 
           Sec. 2.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 17.4982, is 
        amended by adding a subdivision to read: 
           Subd. 18b.  [NONINDIGENOUS STRAIN.] "Nonindigenous strain" 
        means a species of fish or other aquatic life that: 
           (1) has an original source outside of this state and 
        contiguous states; 
           (2) is an unnaturally occurring hybrid or genetically 
        engineered species; or 
           (3) in areas north of marked state highway 210, is a 
        walleye, the original source of which is from south of marked 
        state highway 210 or from outside the state. 
           Sec. 3.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 17.4982, is 
        amended by adding a subdivision to read: 
           Subd. 18c.  [PROCESSING.] "Processing" means rendering a 
        species of aquatic life for food, bait, or other purposes so 
        that it is no longer alive. 
           Sec. 4.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 17.4983, is 
        amended by adding a subdivision to read: 
           Subd. 8.  [INTERFERENCE PROHIBITED.] A person may not 
        knowingly damage, disturb, or interfere with legal aquatic farm 
        operations. 
           Sec. 5.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 17.4998, is 
        amended to read: 
           17.4998 [VIOLATIONS; PENALTY.] 
           Subdivision 1.  [MISDEMEANOR.] Unless a different penalty 
        is prescribed, a violation of a provision of sections 17.4981 to 
        17.4997 or a rule of the commissioner governing the operation of 
        an aquatic farm, private fish hatchery, or quarantine facility 
        is a misdemeanor. 
           Subd. 2.  [PETTY MISDEMEANOR.] A first and second 
        violation, within a three-year period, of sections 17.4981 to 
        17.4997 or a rule of the commissioner governing the operation of 
        an aquatic farm, private fish hatchery, or quarantine facility 
        is a petty misdemeanor if it does not involve intentionally 
        falsifying records and does not put public waters or other fish 
        hatchery facilities at risk from harmful nonindigenous species, 
        nonindigenous strains, or emergency fish diseases. 
           Subd. 3.  [LICENSE VOID.] The license of a person convicted 
        of a violation of sections 17.4981 to 17.4997 or a rule of the 
        commissioner governing the operation of an aquatic farm, private 
        fish hatchery, or quarantine facility is void for a period of 
        one year after the conviction if the person is convicted of two 
        or more misdemeanors within a three-year period.  If the 
        commissioner determines that the public welfare will not be 
        injured, the commissioner may reinstate a license voided under 
        this subdivision. 
           Sec. 6.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 84.0855, is 
        amended to read: 
           84.0855 [SPECIAL SALES; RECEIPTS; APPROPRIATION.] 
           Subdivision 1.  [SALES AUTHORIZED; GIFT CERTIFICATES.] The 
        commissioner may sell natural resources-related publications and 
        maps; federal migratory waterfowl, junior duck, and other 
        federal stamps; and other nature-related merchandise, and may 
        rent or sell items for the convenience of persons using 
        department of natural resources facilities or services.  The 
        commissioner may sell gift certificates for any items rented or 
        sold.  Notwithstanding section 16A.1285, a fee charged by the 
        commissioner under this section may include a reasonable amount 
        in excess of the actual cost to support department of natural 
        resources programs.  The commissioner may advertise the 
        availability of a program or item offered under this section.  
           Subd. 2.  [RECEIPTS; APPROPRIATION.] Money received by the 
        commissioner of natural resources as fees for seminars or 
        workshops, from the sale of publications and maps, from the sale 
        of other natural resource related merchandise, under this 
        section or to buy supplies for the use of volunteers, may be 
        credited to one or more special accounts in the state treasury 
        and is appropriated to the commissioner for the purposes for 
        which the money was received.  Money received from sales at the 
        state fair shall be available for state fair related costs.  
           Sec. 7.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 84.82, 
        subdivision 2, is amended to read: 
           Subd. 2.  [APPLICATION, ISSUANCE, REPORTS, ADDITIONAL FEE.] 
        (a) Application for registration or reregistration shall be made 
        to the commissioner of natural resources, or the commissioner of 
        public safety or an authorized deputy registrar of motor 
        vehicles in such form as the commissioner of public safety shall 
        prescribe, and shall state the legal name and address of every 
        owner of the snowmobile and be signed by at least one owner.  
           (b) A person who purchases a snowmobile from a retail 
        dealer shall make application for registration to the dealer at 
        the point of sale.  The dealer shall issue a temporary 
        registration permit to each purchaser who applies to the dealer 
        for registration.  The temporary registration is valid for 60 
        days from the date of issue.  Each retail dealer shall submit 
        completed registration and fees to the deputy registrar at least 
        once a week.  Upon receipt of the application and the 
        appropriate fee as hereinafter provided, such snowmobile shall 
        be registered and a registration number assigned which shall be 
        affixed to the snowmobile in such a clearly visible and 
        permanent manner for enforcement purposes as the commissioner of 
        natural resources shall prescribe. 
           (c) Each deputy registrar of motor vehicles acting pursuant 
        to section 168.33, shall also be a deputy registrar of 
        snowmobiles.  The commissioner of natural resources in agreement 
        with the commissioner of public safety may prescribe the 
        accounting and procedural requirements necessary to assure 
        efficient handling of registrations and registration fees.  
        Deputy registrars shall strictly comply with these accounting 
        and procedural requirements.  
           (d) A fee of $2 in addition to that otherwise prescribed by 
        law shall be charged for: 
           (1) each snowmobile registered by the registrar or a deputy 
        registrar and the additional fee shall be disposed of in the 
        manner provided in section 168.33, subdivision 2; or 
           (2) each snowmobile registered by the commissioner and the 
        additional fee shall be deposited in the state treasury and 
        credited to the snowmobile trails and enforcement account in the 
        natural resources fund.  
           Sec. 8.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 84.87, 
        subdivision 2, is amended to read: 
           Subd. 2.  [OPERATION GENERALLY.] It shall be unlawful for 
        any person to drive or operate any snowmobile in the following 
        unsafe or harassing ways: 
           (a) (1) at a rate of speed greater than reasonable or 
        proper under all the surrounding circumstances; 
           (b) (2) in a careless, reckless or negligent manner so as 
        to endanger the person or property of another or to cause injury 
        or damage thereto; 
           (c) (3) without a lighted head and taillight when required 
        for safety; or 
           (d) (4) in any tree nursery or planting in a manner which 
        damages or destroys growing stock. 
           Sec. 9.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 84.872, is 
        amended by adding a subdivision to read: 
           Subd. 1a.  [HELMET REQUIRED.] (a) No person under the age 
        of 18 shall operate or ride a snowmobile in this state without 
        wearing protective headgear that complies with standards 
        established by the commissioner of public safety. 
           (b) The provisions of this subdivision shall not apply to 
        persons during their participation in a parade that has been 
        granted a permit or other official authorization by a local unit 
        of government or to a person operating a snowmobile on land that 
        is owned by the person or the person's parents, grandparents, 
        siblings, uncles, or aunts. 
           Sec. 10.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 84.873, is 
        amended to read: 
           84.873 [SIGNAL FROM OFFICER TO STOP.] 
           It is unlawful for a snowmobile operator, after having 
        received a visual or audible signal from any law enforcement 
        officer to come to a stop, to (a) (1) operate a snowmobile in 
        willful or wanton disregard of such signal, or (b) (2) interfere 
        with or endanger the law enforcement officer or any other person 
        or vehicle, or (c) increase speed or attempt to flee or elude 
        the officer. 
           Sec. 11.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 86B.201, is 
        amended by adding a subdivision to read: 
           Subd. 3.  [NONMOTORIZED CARRY-ON ACCESS.] A person may 
        access any public waters through public land with a hand-carried 
        nonmotorized watercraft. 
           Sec. 12.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 97A.015, is 
        amended by adding a subdivision to read: 
           Subd. 37a.  [PROCESSING.] "Processing" means rendering a 
        species of aquatic life for food, bait, or other purposes so 
        that it is no longer alive. 
           Sec. 13.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 97A.015, 
        subdivision 49, is amended to read: 
           Subd. 49.  [UNDRESSED BIRD.] "Undressed bird" means:  
           (1) a bird, excluding migratory waterfowl, pheasant, 
        Hungarian partridge, or grouse, with feet and feathered head 
        intact; 
           (2) a migratory waterfowl, excluding geese, with a fully 
        feathered wing and head attached; or 
           (3) a pheasant, Hungarian partridge, or grouse with one leg 
        and foot or the fully feathered head or wing intact; or 
           (4) a goose with a fully feathered wing attached. 
           Sec. 14.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 97A.015, 
        subdivision 53, is amended to read: 
           Subd. 53.  [UNPROTECTED WILD ANIMALS.] "Unprotected wild 
        animals" means wild animals that are not protected wild animals 
        including weasel, coyote (brush wolf), gopher, 
        porcupine, striped skunk, civet cat, and unprotected birds. 
           Sec. 15.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 97A.045, 
        subdivision 7, is amended to read: 
           Subd. 7.  [DUTY TO ENCOURAGE STAMP DESIGN AND PURCHASES.] 
        (a) The commissioner shall encourage the purchase of: 
           (1) Minnesota migratory waterfowl stamps by nonhunters 
        interested in the migratory waterfowl preservation and habitat 
        development; 
           (2) pheasant stamps by persons interested in pheasant 
        habitat improvement; and 
           (3) trout and salmon stamps by persons interested in trout 
        and salmon stream and lake improvement; and 
           (4) turkey stamps by persons interested in wild turkey 
        management and habitat improvement.  
           (b) The commissioner shall make rules governing contests 
        for selecting a design for each stamp. 
           Sec. 16.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 97A.075, 
        subdivision 3, is amended to read: 
           Subd. 3.  [TROUT AND SALMON STAMP.] (a) Ninety percent of 
        the revenue from trout and salmon stamps must be credited to the 
        trout and salmon management account.  Money in the account may 
        be used only for: 
           (1) the development, restoration, maintenance, and 
        preservation of trout streams and lakes; and 
           (2) rearing and stocking of trout and salmon and stocking 
        of trout and salmon in trout streams and lakes and Lake 
        Superior; 
           (3) acquisition of easements and fee title along trout 
        waters; 
           (4) identifying easement and fee title areas along trout 
        waters; and 
           (5) research and special management projects on Lake 
        Superior and the anadromous portions of its tributaries.  
           (b) Money in the account may not be used for costs unless 
        they are directly related to a specific parcel of land or body 
        of water under paragraph (a) or to specific fish rearing 
        activities under paragraph (a), clause (2). 
           Sec. 17.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 97A.085, 
        subdivision 8, is amended to read: 
           Subd. 8.  [MODIFICATION OR ABANDONMENT.] A state game 
        refuge may be vacated or modified by the commissioner under the 
        same procedures required for establishment of the refuge, except 
        that a refuge established or modified under subdivision 2 or 3 
        may be vacated or modified following a public hearing as 
        specified in subdivision 4a.  
           Sec. 18.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 97A.101, is 
        amended by adding a subdivision to read: 
           Subd. 4.  [RESTRICTIONS ON AIRBOATS, WATERCRAFT, AND 
        RECREATIONAL VEHICLES.] (a) The use of airboats is prohibited at 
        all times on lakes designated for wildlife management purposes 
        under this section unless otherwise authorized by the 
        commissioner. 
           (b) The commissioner may restrict the use of motorized 
        watercraft and recreational vehicles on lakes designated for 
        wildlife management purposes by posting all public access points 
        on the designated lake. 
           Sec. 19.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 97A.411, 
        subdivision 1, is amended to read: 
           Subdivision 1.  [LICENSE PERIOD.] (a) Except as provided in 
        paragraph (b), a license is valid during the lawful time within 
        the license year that the licensed activity may be performed.  A 
        license year begins on the first day of March and ends on the 
        last day of February. 
           (b) A license issued under section 97A.475, subdivision 6, 
        clause (5), or section 97A.475, subdivision 7, clause (2), (3), 
        (5), or (6), or 97A.475, subdivision 12, clause (2), is valid 
        for the full license period even if this period extends into the 
        next license year, provided that the license period selected by 
        the licensee begins at the time of issuance. 
           Sec. 20.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 97A.411, 
        subdivision 3, is amended to read: 
           Subd. 3.  [ARCHERY DEER LICENSE.] (a) Except as provided in 
        paragraph paragraphs (b) and c, a license to take deer by 
        archery, firearms, or muzzleloader issued after the opening of 
        the related archery, firearms, or muzzleloader deer season, 
        respectively, is not valid until the fifth second day after it 
        is issued.  
           (b) The commissioner may issue a license to take a second 
        additional deer by archery under section 97B.301, subdivision 4, 
        that is valid immediately upon issuance. 
           (c) Paragraph (a) does not apply to deer licenses for 
        discharged military personnel under section 97A.465, subdivision 
        4. 
           Sec. 21.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 97A.421, 
        subdivision 1, is amended to read: 
           Subdivision 1.  [GENERAL.] (a) The license of a person 
        convicted of a violation of the game and fish laws relating to 
        the license or wild animals covered by the license is void when: 
           (1) a second conviction occurs within three years under a 
        license to take small game or to take fish by angling or 
        spearing; 
           (2) a third conviction occurs within one year under a 
        minnow dealer's license; 
           (3) a second conviction occurs within three years for 
        violations of section 97A.425 that do not involve falsifications 
        or intentional omissions of information required to be recorded, 
        or attempts to conceal unlawful acts within the records; or 
           (4) two or more misdemeanor convictions occur within a 
        three-year period under a private fish hatchery license; or 
           (5) the conviction occurs under a license not described in 
        clause (1) or, (2), or (4) or is for a violation of section 
        97A.425 not described in clause (3).  
           (b) Except for big game licenses and as otherwise provided 
        in this section, for one year after the conviction the person 
        may not obtain the kind of license relating to the game and fish 
        law violation.  
           Sec. 22.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 97A.465, 
        subdivision 4, is amended to read: 
           Subd. 4.  [DISCHARGED RESIDENT; OBTAINING DEER LICENSE 
        DURING SEASON.] Notwithstanding section 97A.485, subdivision 9, 
        A resident who is discharged from the United States armed forces 
        during, or within ten days before, the firearms deer season may, 
        upon showing the official discharge paper, obtain a firearm deer 
        license during the season that is valid immediately upon 
        issuance.  
           Sec. 23.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 97A.475, 
        subdivision 2, is amended to read: 
           Subd. 2.  [RESIDENT HUNTING.] Fees for the following 
        licenses, to be issued to residents only, are: 
           (1) for persons under age 65 to take small game, $10; 
           (2) for persons age 65 or over, $5; 
           (3) to take turkey, $16; 
           (4) to take deer with firearms, $22; 
           (5) to take deer by archery, $22; 
           (6) to take moose, for a party of not more than six 
        persons, $275; 
           (7) to take bear, $33; 
           (8) to take elk, for a party of not more than two persons, 
        $220; and 
           (9) to take antlered deer in more than one zone, $44; and 
           (10) to take Canada geese during a special season, $3.  
           Sec. 24.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 97A.475, 
        subdivision 3, is amended to read: 
           Subd. 3.  [NONRESIDENT HUNTING.] Fees for the following 
        licenses, to be issued to nonresidents, are: 
           (1) to take small game, $56; 
           (2) to take deer with firearms, $110; 
           (3) to take deer by archery, $110; 
           (4) to take bear, $165; 
           (5) to take turkey, $56; 
           (6) to take raccoon, bobcat, fox, coyote, or lynx, $137.50; 
        and 
           (7) to take antlered deer in more than one zone, $220; and 
           (8) to take Canada geese during a special season, $3. 
           Sec. 25.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 97A.485, 
        subdivision 6, is amended to read: 
           Subd. 6.  [LICENSES TO BE SOLD AND ISSUING FEES.] (a) 
        Persons authorized to sell licenses under this section must sell 
        the following licenses for the license fee and the following 
        issuing fees:  
           (1) to take deer or bear with firearms and by archery, the 
        issuing fee is $1; 
           (2) Minnesota sporting, the issuing fee is $1; and 
           (3) to take small game, for a person under age 65 to take 
        fish by angling or for a person of any age to take fish by 
        spearing, and to trap fur-bearing animals, the issuing fee is 
        $1; 
           (4) for a trout and salmon stamp that is not issued 
        simultaneously with an angling or sporting license, an issuing 
        fee of 50 cents may be charged at the discretion of the 
        authorized seller; and 
           (5) for stamps other than a trout and salmon stamp, and for 
        a special season Canada goose license, there is no fee. 
           (b) An issuing fee may not be collected for issuance of a 
        trout and salmon stamp if a stamp is issued simultaneously with 
        the related angling or sporting license.  Only one issuing fee 
        may be collected when selling more than one trout and salmon 
        stamp in the same transaction after the end of the season for 
        which the stamp was issued. 
           (c) The auditor or subagent shall keep the issuing fee as a 
        commission for selling the licenses.  
           (d) The commissioner shall collect the issuing fee on 
        licenses sold by the commissioner. 
           (e) A license, except stamps, must state the amount of the 
        issuing fee and that the issuing fee is kept by the seller as a 
        commission for selling the licenses. 
           (f) For duplicate licenses, the issuing fees are: 
           (1) for licenses to take big game, 75 cents; and 
           (2) for other licenses, 50 cents. 
           Sec. 26.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 97A.485, 
        subdivision 9, is amended to read: 
           Subd. 9.  [CERTAIN LICENSES NOT TO BE ISSUED AFTER SEASON 
        OPENS.] (a) The following licenses may not be issued after the 
        day before the opening of the related firearms season: 
           (1) to take deer with firearms, except a license to take 
        more than one deer under section 97B.301, subdivision 4; 
           (2) to guide bear hunters; and 
           (3) (2) to guide turkey hunters.  
           (b) Paragraph (a) does not apply to deer licenses for 
        discharged military personnel under section 97A.465, subdivision 
        4.  
           (c) A nonresident license or tag to take and possess 
        raccoon, bobcat, Canada lynx, or fox may not be issued after the 
        fifth day of the open season.  
           Sec. 27.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 97A.485, is 
        amended by adding a subdivision to read: 
           Subd. 12.  [YOUTH DEER LICENSE.] The commissioner may, for 
        a fee of $5, issue to a resident under the age of 16 a license, 
        without a tag, to take deer with firearms.  A youth holding a 
        license issued under this subdivision may hunt under the license 
        only if accompanied by a licensed hunter who is at least 18 
        years of age and possesses a valid tag.  A deer taken by a youth 
        holding a license issued under this subdivision must be promptly 
        tagged by the licensed hunter accompanying the youth.  Section 
        97B.301, subdivision 6, does not apply to a youth holding a 
        license issued under this subdivision. 
           Sec. 28.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 97B.055, 
        subdivision 2, is amended to read: 
           Subd. 2.  [RESTRICTIONS RELATED TO MOTOR VEHICLE.] A person 
        may not take a wild animal with a firearm or by archery from a 
        motor vehicle except as permitted in this section.  An archer in 
        a permitted bow fishing tournament may transport the bow uncased 
        while in an electric motor-powered boat. 
           Sec. 29.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 97B.075, is 
        amended to read: 
           97B.075 [HUNTING RESTRICTED BETWEEN EVENING AND MORNING.] 
           A person may not take protected wild animals, except 
        raccoon and fox, with a firearm between the evening and morning 
        times established by commissioner's rule, except big game may be 
        taken from one-half hour before sunrise until one-half hour 
        after sunset, and, except as otherwise prescribed by the 
        commissioner during the first eight days of the season, until 
        January 1, 2001, waterfowl may be taken from one-half hour 
        before sunrise until sunset during the entire season prescribed 
        by the commissioner. 
           Sec. 30.  [97B.112] [SPECIAL HUNTS FOR YOUTH.] 
           The commissioner may by rule establish criteria, special 
        seasons, and limits for youth hunters to take big game and small 
        game by firearms or archery in designated areas or times.  The 
        criteria may also include provisions for an unlicensed adult to 
        assist a youth hunter during a special season or special hunt 
        established under this section. 
           Sec. 31.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 97B.211, 
        subdivision 1, is amended to read: 
           Subdivision 1.  [POSSESSION OF FIREARMS PROHIBITED.] (a) 
        Except as provided in paragraph (b) when hunting bear, a person 
        may not take big game by archery while in possession of a 
        firearm. 
           (b) A person may take bear by archery while in possession 
        of a handgun specified in section 97B.031, subdivision 1. 
           Sec. 32.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 97B.301, 
        subdivision 6, is amended to read: 
           Subd. 6.  [RESIDENTS UNDER AGE 16 MAY TAKE DEER OF EITHER 
        SEX.] A resident under the age of 16 may take a deer of either 
        sex except in those antlerless permit areas and seasons where no 
        antlerless permits are offered.  In antlerless permit areas 
        where no antlerless permits are offered, the commissioner may 
        provide a limited number of youth either sex permits to 
        residents under age 16, under the procedures provided in section 
        97B.305, and may give preference to residents under the age of 
        16 that have not previously been selected.  This subdivision 
        does not authorize the taking of an antlerless deer by another 
        member of a party under subdivision 3. 
           Sec. 33.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 97B.655, 
        subdivision 1, is amended to read: 
           Subdivision 1.  [OWNERS AND OCCUPANTS MAY TAKE CERTAIN 
        ANIMALS.] A person may take mink, squirrel, rabbit, hare, 
        raccoon, lynx, bobcat, fox, opossum, muskrat, or beaver on land 
        owned or occupied by the person where the animal is causing 
        damage.  The person may take the animal without a license and in 
        any manner except by poison, or artificial lights in the closed 
        season.  Raccoons may be taken under this subdivision with 
        artificial lights during open season.  A person that kills mink, 
        raccoon, lynx, bobcat, fox, opossum, muskrat, or beaver under 
        this subdivision must bring the entire animal to notify a 
        conservation officer or employee of the division within 24 hours 
        after the animal is killed. 
           Sec. 34.  [97B.802] [SPECIAL CANADA GOOSE SEASON LICENSE 
        REQUIRED.] 
           Except as provided in this section, a person required to 
        possess a small game license may not take Canada geese during a 
        special season without a valid special season Canada goose 
        license in possession.  Residents under age 18 or over age 65 
        and persons hunting on their own property are not required to 
        possess the license. 
           Sec. 35.  [97B.926] [PINE MARTEN AND FISHER ZONE.] 
           Where a combined pine marten and fisher trapping zone 
        exists, the commissioner must provide an option of a combined 
        limit of fisher and marten. 
           Sec. 36.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 97C.035, 
        subdivision 1, is amended to read: 
           Subdivision 1.  [CONDITIONS.] If the commissioner 
        determines that fish in shallow waters are endangered by lack of 
        oxygen in the winter in danger of dying, or if waters will be 
        restored with the use of piscicides, the commissioner shall may 
        rescue the fish under subdivision 2 or allow taking of the fish 
        under subdivision 3.  
           Sec. 37.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 97C.211, 
        subdivision 1, is amended to read: 
           Subdivision 1.  [LICENSE REQUIRED.] A person may not 
        operate a private fish hatchery without a private fish hatchery 
        license.  A private fish hatchery is a facility for raising 
        fish, including minnows, for sale, stocking waters, angling, or 
        processing.  A private fish hatchery license is valid for five 
        years but must be renewed annually. 
           Sec. 38.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 97C.211, is 
        amended by adding a subdivision to read: 
           Subd. 6.  [NONPUBLIC RECORDS.] Information on production, 
        harvest, and sales of aquatic life by a private fish hatchery is 
        nonpublic information. 
           Sec. 39.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 97C.321, 
        subdivision 1, is amended to read: 
           Subdivision 1.  [GENERAL PROHIBITION.] A person may not 
        take fish by angling with a set line or an unattended line 
        except as provided in this section and section 97C.801 rules 
        adopted under the game and fish laws. 
           Sec. 40.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 97C.505, is 
        amended by adding a subdivision to read: 
           Subd. 7.  [INTERFERENCE PROHIBITED.] A person may not 
        knowingly damage, disturb, or interfere with legal commercial 
        minnow harvest operations. 
           Sec. 41.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 97C.801, 
        subdivision 2, is amended to read: 
           Subd. 2.  [COMMERCIAL FISH NETTING AND SET LINES ON 
        MISSISSIPPI RIVER.] (a) A license is required to commercially 
        take rough fish with seines and set lines in the Mississippi 
        river from the St. Croix river junction to St. Anthony Falls.  
           (b) A person may take rough fish in the Mississippi river, 
        from the St. Croix river junction to St. Anthony Falls, only 
        with the following equipment and methods: 
           (1) operations shall be conducted only in the flowing 
        waters of the river and in tributary backwaters prescribed by 
        the commissioner; 
           (2) only one set line may be used that has an 
        identification tag and not more than 100 hooks; 
           (3) seines may be used only as prescribed by this section 
        and rules adopted by the commissioner; 
           (4) (3) seines must be hauled to a landing immediately 
        after being placed; 
           (5) (4) two seines may not be joined together in the water; 
        and 
           (6) (5) a net seine may not be raised, laid out, or 
        landed, between sunset and sunrise; and 
           (7) the location of a net or seine may not be changed from 
        the place specified in the license application without notifying 
        the commissioner of the proposed change.  
           Sec. 42.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 168.1291, is 
        amended to read: 
           168.1291 [SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES; DESIGN.] 
           Subdivision 1.  [DEFINITION.] For purposes of this section 
        "special license plates" means license plates issued under 
        sections 168.12, subdivisions 2b to 2e; 168.123; 168.129; and 
        168.1292; and 168.1296. 
           Subd. 2.  [DESIGN OF SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES.] The 
        commissioner shall design a single special license plate that 
        will contain a unique number and a space for a unique symbol.  
        The commissioner shall design a unique symbol related to the 
        purpose of each special license plate.  Any provision of 
        sections 168.12, subdivisions 2b to 2e; 168.123; 168.129; and 
        168.1292; and 168.1296 that requires the placement of a 
        specified letter or letters on a special license plate applies 
        to those license plates only to the extent that the commissioner 
        includes the letter or letters in the design.  Where a law 
        authorizing a special license plate contains a specific 
        requirement for graphic design of that license plate, that 
        requirement applies to the appropriate unique symbol the 
        commissioner designs. 
           Subd. 3.  [ISSUANCE OF SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES WITH UNIQUE 
        SYMBOLS.] Notwithstanding section 168.12, subdivisions 2b to 2e; 
        168.123; 168.129; or 168.1292; or 168.1296, beginning with 
        special license plates issued in calendar year 1996 the 
        commissioner shall issue each class of special license plates 
        permanently marked with specific designs under those laws only 
        until the commissioner's supply of those license plates is 
        exhausted.  Thereafter the commissioner shall issue under those 
        laws only the license plate authorized under subdivision 2, with 
        the appropriate unique symbol attached. 
           Subd. 4.  [FEES.] Notwithstanding section 168.12, 
        subdivisions 2b to 2e; 168.123; 168.129; or 168.1292; or 
        168.1296, the commissioner shall charge a fee of $10 for each 
        set of license plates issued under this section. 
           Subd. 5.  [APPLICATION.] This section does not apply to a 
        special motorcycle license plate designed by the registrar under 
        section 168.123, subdivision 1, clause (2). 
           Sec. 43.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 168.1296, 
        subdivision 1, is amended to read: 
           Subdivision 1.  [GENERAL REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURES.] (a) 
        The registrar shall issue special critical habitat license 
        plates to an applicant who: 
           (1) is an owner or joint owner of a passenger automobile, 
        pickup truck, or van; 
           (2) pays a fee of $10 to cover the costs of handling and 
        manufacturing the plates; 
           (3) pays the registration tax required under section 
        168.013; 
           (4) pays the fees required under this chapter; 
           (5) contributes at least a minimum of $30 annually to the 
        Minnesota critical habitat private sector matching account 
        established in section 84.943; and 
           (6) complies with laws and rules governing registration and 
        licensing of vehicles and drivers. 
           (b) The critical habitat license application form must 
        clearly indicate that the annual contribution specified under 
        paragraph (a), clause (5), is a minimum contribution to receive 
        the license plate and that the applicant may make an additional 
        contribution to the account. 
           Sec. 44.  Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 609.487, is 
        amended by adding a subdivision to read: 
           Subd. 2a.  [MOTOR VEHICLE; DEFINITION.] For the purposes of 
        this section, "motor vehicle" has the meaning given it in 
        section 169.01, subdivision 3, and includes a snowmobile, as 
        defined in section 84.81. 
           Sec. 45.  Laws 1993, chapter 273, section 1, as amended by 
        Laws 1994, chapter 623, article 1, section 41, and Laws 1995, 
        chapter 186, section 110, is amended to read: 
           Section 1.  [AUTHORIZATION TO TAKE TWO DEER IN CERTAIN 
        COUNTIES.] 
           Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 97B.301, 
        subdivision 2, during the 1994, 1995, and 1996 1997 and 1998 
        hunting seasons in Kittson, Lake of the Woods, Marshall, 
        Pennington, and Roseau counties a person may obtain one firearms 
        deer license and one archery deer license in the same license 
        year and may take one deer under each license. 
           Sec. 46.  Laws 1996, chapter 410, section 56, is amended to 
        read: 
           Sec. 56.  [PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICE RULES; VIOLATIONS.] 
           A violation prior to May 1, 1997 1999, of requirements 
        added in the proposed rule published in the State Register, 
        Volume 19, Number 45, pages 2207 to 2210, May 8, 1995, and 
        subsequently adopted on October 2, 1995, shall not result in a 
        penalty, but is punishable only by a safety warning. 
           Sec. 47.  [STUDY.] 
           The commissioner of natural resources must survey and 
        identify, with the cooperation of local grant-in-aid trail 
        groups, possible one-way circular trail systems for snowmobile 
        use.  A recommendation must be made to the 1998 legislature. 
           Sec. 48.  [GAME AND FISH FUND REPORT; 1997.] 
           (a) In the 1997 report required under Minnesota Statutes, 
        section 97A.055, subdivision 4, paragraph (a), clause (3), the 
        commissioner must include: 
           (1) an analysis and discussion of the appropriate level of 
        expenditure from the game and fish fund for field operations 
        support, administrative management, statewide indirect costs, 
        fleet management, ecological services, office rent, statewide 
        communications, unemployment compensation, regional indirect 
        costs, and workers' compensation; 
           (2) a comparison of expenditures for each of the purposes 
        listed in clause (1) from all funds and accounts used by the 
        department; and 
           (3) recommendations for changes in the allocation of 
        funding from the game and fish fund for the purposes listed in 
        clause (1). 
           (b) The commissioner must establish a citizens advisory 
        committee of 20 members to recommend to the commissioner and the 
        house and senate natural resources policy committees actions 
        that are necessary to promote Minnesota's hunting, trapping, and 
        fishing heritage and to ensure the continuation of the 
        heritage.  Upon request, the commissioner may provide 
        information and staff support to the committee.  The committee 
        members may not be compensated for their expenses in serving on 
        the committee. 
           The committee also must evaluate the 1984 report entitled, 
        the Governor's Citizen Commission to Promote Hunting and Fishing 
        in Minnesota, and make any recommendations to complete the 
        eleven-point reinvestment program mentioned in the report and to 
        achieve the goals of the reinvest in Minnesota resources program.
           Sec. 49.  [FIREARMS SAFETY PILOT PROGRAM.] 
           The commissioner of natural resources is authorized to 
        establish a two-year firearms safety pilot demonstration program 
        promoting awareness and understanding of the safe use and 
        storage of firearms that is value-neutral concerning firearms 
        ownership.  The demonstration program shall be conducted in two 
        school districts, one of which shall be located in the 
        metropolitan area and one of which shall be conducted in 
        outstate Minnesota.  The commissioner shall submit a report to 
        the legislature by January 15, 1999, regarding the efficacy of 
        the program and recommending whether the commissioner should 
        continue and expand the program. 
           Sec. 50.  [APPROPRIATION.] 
           Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 84.943, 
        subdivision 3, $65,000 is appropriated from the Minnesota 
        critical habitat private sector matching account to the 
        commissioner of public safety for costs of handling and 
        manufacturing 10,000 special critical habitat license plates.  
        Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 168.1296, 
        subdivision 5, $65,000 of the fees collected from applicants for 
        the license plates must be deposited in the state treasury and 
        credited to the Minnesota critical habitat private sector 
        matching account.  Fees collected in excess of $65,000 must be 
        deposited in the highway user tax distribution fund.  This 
        appropriation is available until expended. 
           Sec. 51.  [REPEALER.] 
           Minnesota Statutes 1996, sections 97A.111; and 97C.801, 
        subdivision 1, are repealed. 
           Sec. 52.  [EFFECTIVE DATE.] 
           Sections 6, 28, and 46 are effective the day following 
        final enactment. 
           Presented to the governor May 27, 1997 
           Signed by the governor May 30, 1997, 1:20 p.m.

Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes