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

CHAPTER 3--H.F.No. 6

An act

relating to taxation; conforming certain income, franchise, and property tax refund provisions for tax year 2012 to the provisions of the Federal Aviation Administration Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 and the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012; changing provisions relating to the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board;

amending Minnesota Statutes 2012, sections 116J.424; 270C.13, subdivision 1; 290.01, subdivisions 19, 31; 290A.03, subdivision 15; 298.22, subdivisions 5a, 8, 10, 11, by adding a subdivision; 298.221; 298.2211, subdivision 3; 298.2213, subdivision 4; 298.2214, subdivision 6; 298.223, subdivisions 1, 2; 298.227; 298.28, subdivision 9d; 298.292, subdivision 2; 298.294; 298.296, subdivisions 1, 2; 298.2961, subdivisions 2, 4, 5; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 298.22, subdivision 2.

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

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 116J.424, is amended to read:

116J.424 IRON RANGE RESOURCES AND REHABILITATION BOARD CONTRIBUTION.

The commissioner of the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board with approval by deleted text begin at least seven Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board membersdeleted text end new text begin the boardnew text end , shall provide an equal match for any loan or equity investment made for a facility located in the tax relief area defined in section 273.134, paragraph (b), by the Minnesota minerals 21st century fund created by section 116J.423. The match may be in the form of a loan or equity investment, notwithstanding whether the fund makes a loan or equity investment. The state shall not acquire an equity interest because of an equity investment or loan by the board and the board at its sole discretion shall decide what interest it acquires in a project. The commissioner of employment and economic development may require a commitment from the board to make the match prior to disbursing money from the fund.

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 270C.13, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Biennial report.

The commissioner shall report to the legislature by March 1 of each odd-numbered year on the overall incidence of the income tax, sales and excise taxes, and property tax. The report shall present information on the distribution of the tax burden as follows: (1) for the overall income distribution, using a systemwide incidence measure such as the Suits index or other appropriate measures of equality and inequality; (2) by income classes, including at a minimum deciles of the income distribution; and (3) by other appropriate taxpayer characteristics. deleted text begin The report must also include information on the distribution of the burden of federal taxes borne by Minnesota residents.deleted 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. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 290.01, subdivision 19, is amended to read:

Subd. 19.

Net income.

The term "net income" means the federal taxable income, as defined in section 63 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended through the date named in this subdivision, incorporating the federal effective dates of changes to the Internal Revenue Code and any elections made by the taxpayer in accordance with the Internal Revenue Code in determining federal taxable income for federal income tax purposes, and with the modifications provided in subdivisions 19a to 19f.

In the case of a regulated investment company or a fund thereof, as defined in section 851(a) or 851(g) of the Internal Revenue Code, federal taxable income means investment company taxable income as defined in section 852(b)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code, except that:

(1) the exclusion of net capital gain provided in section 852(b)(2)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code does not apply;

(2) the deduction for dividends paid under section 852(b)(2)(D) of the Internal Revenue Code must be applied by allowing a deduction for capital gain dividends and exempt-interest dividends as defined in sections 852(b)(3)(C) and 852(b)(5) of the Internal Revenue Code; and

(3) the deduction for dividends paid must also be applied in the amount of any undistributed capital gains which the regulated investment company elects to have treated as provided in section 852(b)(3)(D) of the Internal Revenue Code.

The net income of a real estate investment trust as defined and limited by section 856(a), (b), and (c) of the Internal Revenue Code means the real estate investment trust taxable income as defined in section 857(b)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code.

The net income of a designated settlement fund as defined in section 468B(d) of the Internal Revenue Code means the gross income as defined in section 468B(b) of the Internal Revenue Code.

The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended through April 14, 2011, shall be in effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 1996deleted text begin . The provisions of the act of January 22, 2010, Public Law 111-126, to accelerate the benefits for charitable cash contributions for the relief of victims of the Haitian earthquake, are effective at the same time they became effective for federal purposes and apply to the subtraction under subdivision 19b, clause (6). The provisions of title II, section 2112, of the act of September 27, 2010, Public Law 111-240, rollovers from elective deferral plans to designated Roth accounts, are effective at the same time they became effective for federal purposes and taxable rollovers are included in net income at the same time they are included in gross income for federal purposesdeleted text end new text begin , and before January 1, 2012, and for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2012. The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended through January 3, 2013, is in effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2011, and before January 1, 2013new text end .

Except as otherwise provided, references to the Internal Revenue Code in subdivisions 19 to 19f mean the code in effect for purposes of determining net income for the applicable year.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment. new text end

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 290.01, subdivision 31, is amended to read:

Subd. 31.

Internal Revenue Code.

Unless specifically defined otherwise, new text begin for taxable years beginning before January 1, 2012, and after December 31, 2012, new text end "Internal Revenue Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended through April 14, 2011new text begin ; and for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2011, and before January 1, 2013, "Internal Revenue Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended through January 3, 2013new text end . Internal Revenue Code also includes any uncodified provision in federal law that relates to provisions of the Internal Revenue Code that are incorporated into Minnesota law. When used in this chapter, the reference to "subtitle A, chapter 1, subchapter N, part 1, of the Internal Revenue Code" is to the Internal Revenue Code as amended through March 18, 2010.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment, except the changes incorporated by federal changes are effective at the same time as the changes were effective for federal purposes. new text end

Sec. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 290A.03, subdivision 15, is amended to read:

Subd. 15.

Internal Revenue Code.

new text begin For taxable years beginning before January 1, 2012, and after December 31, 2012,new text end "Internal Revenue Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended through April 14, 2011new text begin ; and for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2011, and before January 1, 2013, "Internal Revenue Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended through January 3, 2013new text end .

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective for property tax refunds based on property taxes payable after December 31, 2012, and rent paid after December 31, 2011. new text end

Sec. 6.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 298.22, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 1a. new text end

new text begin Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board. new text end

new text begin The Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board consists of the state senators and representatives elected from state senatorial or legislative districts in which one-third or more of the residents reside in a taconite assistance area as defined in section 273.1341. One additional state senator shall also be appointed by the senate Subcommittee on Committees of the Committee on Rules and Administration. All expenditures and projects made by the commissioner shall first be submitted to the board for approval. The expenses of the board shall be paid by the state from the funds raised pursuant to this section. Members of the board may be reimbursed for expenses in the manner provided in sections 3.099, subdivision 1, and 3.101, and may receive per diem payments during the interims between legislative sessions in the manner provided in section 3.099, subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin The members shall be appointed in January of every odd-numbered year, and shall serve until January of the next odd-numbered year. Vacancies on the board shall be filled in the same manner as original members were chosen. new text end

Sec. 7.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 298.22, subdivision 5a, is amended to read:

Subd. 5a.

Forest trust.

The commissioner, upon deleted text begin the affirmative vote of at least seven Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board membersdeleted text end new text begin approval by the boardnew text end , may purchase forest lands in the taconite assistance area defined in under section 273.1341 with funds specifically authorized for the purchase. The acquired forest lands must be held in trust for the benefit of the citizens of the taconite assistance area as the Iron Range Miners' Memorial Forest. The forest trust lands shall be managed and developed for recreation and economic development purposes. The commissioner, upon deleted text begin the affirmative vote of at least seven Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board membersdeleted text end new text begin approval by the boardnew text end , may sell forest lands purchased under this subdivision if the board finds that the sale advances the purposes of the trust. Proceeds derived from the management or sale of the lands and from the sale of timber or removal of gravel or other minerals from these forest lands shall be deposited into an Iron Range Miners' Memorial Forest account that is established within the state financial accounts. Funds may be expended from the account upon approval by deleted text begin at least seven Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board membersdeleted text end new text begin the boardnew text end , to purchase, manage, administer, convey interests in, and improve the forest lands. deleted text begin By an affirmative vote of at least seven Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board membersdeleted text end new text begin With approval by the boardnew text end , money in the Iron Range Miners' Memorial Forest account may be transferred into the corpus of the Douglas J. Johnson economic protection trust fund established under sections 298.291 to 298.294. The property acquired under the authority granted by this subdivision and income derived from the property or the operation or management of the property are exempt from taxation by the state or its political subdivisions while held by the forest trust.

Sec. 8.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 298.22, subdivision 8, is amended to read:

Subd. 8.

Spending priority.

In making or approving any expenditures on programs or projects, the commissioner and the board shall give the highest priority to programs and projects that target relief to those areas of the taconite assistance area as defined in section 273.1341, that have the largest percentages of job losses and population losses directly attributable to the economic downturn in the taconite industry since the 1980s. The commissioner and the board shall compare the 1980 population and employment figures with the 2000 population and employment figures, and shall specifically consider the job losses in 2000 and 2001 resulting from the closure of LTV Steel Mining Company, in making or approving expenditures consistent with this subdivision, as well as the areas of residence of persons who suffered job loss for which relief is to be targeted under this subdivision. The commissioner may lease, for a term not exceeding 50 years and upon the terms determined by the commissioner and approved by deleted text begin at least seven Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board membersdeleted text end new text begin the boardnew text end , surface and mineral interests owned or acquired by the state of Minnesota acting by and through the office of the commissioner of Iron Range resources and rehabilitation within those portions of the taconite assistance area affected by the closure of the LTV Steel Mining Company facility near Hoyt Lakes. The payments and royalties from these leases must be deposited into the fund established in section 298.292. This subdivision supersedes any other conflicting provisions of law and does not preclude the commissioner and the board from making expenditures for programs and projects in other areas.

Sec. 9.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 298.22, subdivision 10, is amended to read:

Subd. 10.

Sale or privatization of functions.

The commissioner of Iron Range resources and rehabilitation may not sell or privatize the Ironworld Discovery Center or Giants Ridge Golf and Ski Resort without prior approval by deleted text begin at least seven Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board membersdeleted text end new text begin the boardnew text end .

Sec. 10.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 298.22, subdivision 11, is amended to read:

Subd. 11.

Budgeting.

The commissioner of Iron Range resources and rehabilitation shall annually prepare a budget for operational expenditures, programs, and projects, and submit it to the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board deleted text begin and the governordeleted text end . After the budget is approved by deleted text begin at least seven Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board membersdeleted text end new text begin the boardnew text end and the governor, the commissioner may spend money in accordance with the approved budget.

Sec. 11.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 298.221, is amended to read:

298.221 RECEIPTS FROM CONTRACTS; APPROPRIATION.

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (c), all money paid to the state of Minnesota pursuant to the terms of any contract entered into by the state under authority of section 298.22 and any fees which may, in the discretion of the commissioner of Iron Range resources and rehabilitation, be charged in connection with any project pursuant to that section as amended, shall be deposited in the state treasury to the credit of the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board account in the special revenue fund and are hereby appropriated for the purposes of section 298.22.

(b) Notwithstanding section 16A.013, merchandise may be accepted by the commissioner of the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board for payment of advertising contracts if the commissioner determines that the merchandise can be used for special event prizes or mementos at facilities operated by the board. Nothing in this paragraph authorizes the commissioner or a member of the board to receive merchandise for personal use.

(c) All fees charged by the commissioner in connection with public use of the state-owned ski and golf facilities at the Giants Ridge Recreation Area and all other revenues derived by the commissioner from the operation or lease of those facilities and from the lease, sale, or other disposition of undeveloped lands at the Giants Ridge Recreation Area must be deposited into an Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board account that is created within the state enterprise fund. All funds deposited in the enterprise fund account are appropriated to the commissioner to be expended, subject to approval by deleted text begin at least seven Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board membersdeleted text end new text begin the boardnew text end , as follows:

(1) to pay costs associated with the construction, equipping, operation, repair, or improvement of the Giants Ridge Recreation Area facilities or lands;

(2) to pay principal, interest and associated bond issuance, reserve, and servicing costs associated with the financing of the facilities; and

(3) to pay the costs of any other project authorized under section 298.22.

Sec. 12.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 298.2211, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Project approval.

All projects authorized by this section shall be submitted by the commissioner to the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board for approval by deleted text begin at least seven Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board membersdeleted text end new text begin the boardnew text end . Prior to the commencement of a project involving the exercise by the commissioner of any authority of sections 469.174 to 469.179, the governing body of each municipality in which any part of the project is located and the county board of any county containing portions of the project not located in an incorporated area shall by majority vote approve or disapprove the project. Any project approved by deleted text begin at least seven Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board membersdeleted text end new text begin the boardnew text end and the applicable governing bodies, if any, together with detailed information concerning the project, its costs, the sources of its funding, and the amount of any bonded indebtedness to be incurred in connection with the project, shall be transmitted to the governor, who shall approve, disapprove, or return the proposal for additional consideration within 30 days of receipt. No project authorized under this section shall be undertaken, and no obligations shall be issued and no tax increments shall be expended for a project authorized under this section until the project has been approved by the governor.

Sec. 13.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 298.2213, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Project approval.

The board and commissioner shall by August 1 each year prepare a list of projects to be funded from the money appropriated in this section with necessary supporting information including descriptions of the projects, plans, and cost estimates. A project must not be approved by the board unless it finds that:

(1) the project will materially assist, directly or indirectly, the creation of additional long-term employment opportunities;

(2) the prospective benefits of the expenditure exceed the anticipated costs; and

(3) in the case of assistance to private enterprise, the project will serve a sound business purpose.

Each project must be approved by deleted text begin at least seven Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board membersdeleted text end new text begin the boardnew text end and the commissioner of Iron Range resources and rehabilitation. The list of projects must be submitted to the governor, who shall, by November 15 of each year, approve, disapprove, or return for further consideration, each project. The money for a project may be spent only upon approval of the project by the governor. The board may submit supplemental projects for approval at any time.

Sec. 14.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 298.2214, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6.

Per diem.

Members of the committee may be reimbursed for expenses deleted text begin in the manner provided in section 298.22, subdivision 2deleted text end new text begin by the state from funds raised pursuant to section 298.22new text end .

Sec. 15.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 298.223, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Creation; purposes.

A fund called the taconite environmental protection fund is created for the purpose of reclaiming, restoring and enhancing those areas of northeast Minnesota located within the taconite assistance area defined in section 273.1341, that are adversely affected by the environmentally damaging operations involved in mining taconite and iron ore and producing iron ore concentrate and for the purpose of promoting the economic development of northeast Minnesota. The taconite environmental protection fund shall be used for the following purposes:

(1) to initiate investigations into matters the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board determines are in need of study and which will determine the environmental problems requiring remedial action;

(2) reclamation, restoration, or reforestation of mine lands not otherwise provided for by state law;

(3) local economic development projects but only if those projects are approved by deleted text begin at least seven Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board membersdeleted text end new text begin the boardnew text end , and public works, including construction of sewer and water systems located within the taconite assistance area defined in section 273.1341;

(4) monitoring of mineral industry related health problems among mining employees;

(5) local public works projects under section 298.227, paragraph (c); and

(6) local public works projects as provided under this clause. The following amounts shall be distributed in 2009 based upon the taxable tonnage of production in 2008:

(i) .4651 cent per ton to the city of Aurora for street repair and renovation;

(ii) .4264 cent per ton to the city of Biwabik for street and utility infrastructure improvements to the south side industrial site;

(iii) .6460 cent per ton to the city of Buhl for street repair;

(iv) 1.0336 cents per ton to the city of Hoyt Lakes for public utility improvements;

(v) 1.1628 cents per ton to the city of Eveleth for water and sewer infrastructure upgrades;

(vi) 1.0336 cents per ton to the city of Gilbert for water and sewer infrastructure upgrades;

(vii) .7752 cent per ton to the city of Mountain Iron for water and sewer infrastructure;

(viii) 1.2920 cents per ton to the city of Virginia for utility upgrades and accessibility modifications for the miners' memorial;

(ix) .6460 cent per ton to the town of White for Highway 135 road upgrades;

(x) 1.9380 cents per ton to the city of Hibbing for public infrastructure projects;

(xi) 1.1628 cents per ton to the city of Chisholm for water and sewer repair;

(xii) .6460 cent per ton to the town of Balkan for community center repairs;

(xiii) .9044 cent per ton to the city of Babbitt for city garage construction;

(xiv) .5168 cent per ton to the city of Cook for public infrastructure projects;

(xv) .5168 cent per ton to the city of Ely for reconstruction of 2nd Avenue West;

(xvi) .6460 cent per ton to the city of Tower for water infrastructure upgrades;

(xvii) .1292 cent per ton to the city of Orr for water infrastructure upgrades;

(xviii) .1292 cent per ton to the city of Silver Bay for emergency cleanup;

(xix) .3230 cent per ton to Lake County for trail construction;

(xx) .1292 cent per ton to Cook County for construction of tennis courts in Grand Marais;

(xxi) .3101 cent per ton to the city of Two Harbors for water infrastructure improvements;

(xxii) .1938 cent per ton for land acquisition for phase one of Cook Airport project;

(xxiii) 1.0336 cents per ton to the city of Coleraine for water and sewer improvements along Gayley Avenue;

(xxiv) .3876 cent per ton to the city of Marble for construction of a city administration facility;

(xxv) .1292 cent per ton to the city of Calumet for repairs at city hall and the community center;

(xxvi) .6460 cent per ton to the city of Nashwauk for electrical infrastructure upgrades;

(xxvii) 1.0336 cents per ton to the city of Keewatin for water and sewer upgrades along Depot Street;

(xxviii) .2584 cent per ton to the city of Aitkin for water, sewer, street, and gutter improvements;

(xxix) 1.1628 cents per ton to the city of Grand Rapids for water and sewer infrastructure upgrades at Pokegema Golf Course and Park Place;

(xxx) .1809 cent per ton to the city of Grand Rapids for water and sewer upgrades for 1st Avenue from River Road to 3rd Street SE; and

(xxxi) .9044 cent per ton to the city of Cohasset for upgrades to the railroad crossing at Highway 2 and County Road 62.

Sec. 16.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 298.223, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Administration.

(a) The taconite area environmental protection fund shall be administered by the commissioner of the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board. The commissioner shall by September 1 of each year submit to the board a list of projects to be funded from the taconite area environmental protection fund, with such supporting information including description of the projects, plans, and cost estimates as may be necessary.

(b) Each year no less than one-half of the amounts deposited into the taconite environmental protection fund must be used for public works projects, including construction of sewer and water systems, as specified under subdivision 1, clause (3). The Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board deleted text begin with approval by at least seven Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board members,deleted text end may waive the requirements of this paragraph.

(c) Upon approval by deleted text begin at least seven Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board membersdeleted text end new text begin the boardnew text end , the list of projects approved under this subdivision shall be submitted to the governor by November 1 of each year. By December 1 of each year, the governor shall approve or disapprove, or return for further consideration, each project. Funds for a project may be expended only upon approval of the project by deleted text begin at least seven Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board members,deleted text end new text begin the boardnew text end and the governor. The commissioner may submit supplemental projects to the board and governor for approval at any time.

Sec. 17.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 298.227, is amended to read:

298.227 TACONITE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FUND.

(a) An amount equal to that distributed pursuant to each taconite producer's taxable production and qualifying sales under section 298.28, subdivision 9a, shall be held by the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board in a separate taconite economic development fund for each taconite and direct reduced ore producer. Money from the fund for each producer shall be released by the commissioner after review by a joint committee consisting of an equal number of representatives of the salaried employees and the nonsalaried production and maintenance employees of that producer. The District 11 director of the United States Steelworkers of America, on advice of each local employee president, shall select the employee members. In nonorganized operations, the employee committee shall be elected by the nonsalaried production and maintenance employees. The review must be completed no later than six months after the producer presents a proposal for expenditure of the funds to the committee. The funds held pursuant to this section may be released only for workforce development and associated public facility improvement, or for acquisition of plant and stationary mining equipment and facilities for the producer or for research and development in Minnesota on new mining, or taconite, iron, or steel production technology, but only if the producer provides a matching expenditure to be used for the same purpose of at least 50 percent of the distribution based on 14.7 cents per ton beginning with distributions in 2002. Effective for proposals for expenditures of money from the fund beginning May 26, 2007, the commissioner may not release the funds before the next scheduled meeting of the board. If a proposed expenditure is not approved by deleted text begin at least seven Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board membersdeleted text end new text begin the boardnew text end , the funds must be deposited in the Taconite Environmental Protection Fund under sections 298.222 to 298.225. If a producer uses money which has been released from the fund prior to May 26, 2007 to procure haulage trucks, mobile equipment, or mining shovels, and the producer removes the piece of equipment from the taconite tax relief area defined in section 273.134 within ten years from the date of receipt of the money from the fund, a portion of the money granted from the fund must be repaid to the taconite economic development fund. The portion of the money to be repaid is 100 percent of the grant if the equipment is removed from the taconite tax relief area within 12 months after receipt of the money from the fund, declining by ten percent for each of the subsequent nine years during which the equipment remains within the taconite tax relief area. If a taconite production facility is sold after operations at the facility had ceased, any money remaining in the fund for the former producer may be released to the purchaser of the facility on the terms otherwise applicable to the former producer under this section. If a producer fails to provide matching funds for a proposed expenditure within six months after the commissioner approves release of the funds, the funds are available for release to another producer in proportion to the distribution provided and under the conditions of this section. Any portion of the fund which is not released by the commissioner within one year of its deposit in the fund shall be divided between the taconite environmental protection fund created in section 298.223 and the Douglas J. Johnson economic protection trust fund created in section 298.292 for placement in their respective special accounts. Two-thirds of the unreleased funds shall be distributed to the taconite environmental protection fund and one-third to the Douglas J. Johnson economic protection trust fund.

(b)(i) Notwithstanding the requirements of paragraph (a), setting the amount of distributions and the review process, an amount equal to ten cents per taxable ton of production in 2007, for distribution in 2008 only, that would otherwise be distributed under paragraph (a), may be used for a loan or grant for the cost of providing for a value-added wood product facility located in the taconite tax relief area and in a county that contains a city of the first class. This amount must be deducted from the distribution under paragraph (a) for which a matching expenditure by the producer is not required. The granting of the loan or grant is subject to approval by deleted text begin at least seven Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board membersdeleted text end new text begin the boardnew text end . If the money is provided as a loan, interest must be payable on the loan at the rate prescribed in section 298.2213, subdivision 3. (ii) Repayments of the loan and interest, if any, must be deposited in the taconite environment protection fund under sections 298.222 to 298.225. If a loan or grant is not made under this paragraph by July 1, 2012, the amount that had been made available for the loan under this paragraph must be transferred to the taconite environment protection fund under sections 298.222 to 298.225. (iii) Money distributed in 2008 to the fund established under this section that exceeds ten cents per ton is available to qualifying producers under paragraph (a) on a pro rata basis.

(c) Repayment or transfer of money to the taconite environmental protection fund under paragraph (b), item (ii), must be allocated by the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board for public works projects in house legislative districts in the same proportion as taxable tonnage of production in 2007 in each house legislative district, for distribution in 2008, bears to total taxable tonnage of production in 2007, for distribution in 2008. Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, expenditures under this paragraph do not require approval by the governor. For purposes of this paragraph, "house legislative districts" means the legislative districts in existence on May 15, 2009.

Sec. 18.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 298.28, subdivision 9d, is amended to read:

Subd. 9d.

Iron Range higher education account.

Five cents per taxable ton must be allocated to the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board to be deposited in an Iron Range higher education account that is hereby created, to be used for higher education programs conducted at educational institutions in the taconite assistance area defined in section 273.1341. The Iron Range Higher Education committee under section 298.2214, and the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board deleted text begin by an affirmative vote of at least seven Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board members,deleted text end must approve all expenditures from the account.

Sec. 19.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 298.292, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Use of money.

Money in the Douglas J. Johnson economic protection trust fund may be used for the following purposes:

(1) to provide loans, loan guarantees, interest buy-downs and other forms of participation with private sources of financing, but a loan to a private enterprise shall be for a principal amount not to exceed one-half of the cost of the project for which financing is sought, and the rate of interest on a loan to a private enterprise shall be no less than the lesser of eight percent or an interest rate three percentage points less than a full faith and credit obligation of the United States government of comparable maturity, at the time that the loan is approved;

(2) to fund reserve accounts established to secure the payment when due of the principal of and interest on bonds issued pursuant to section 298.2211;

(3) to pay in periodic payments or in a lump-sum payment any or all of the interest on bonds issued pursuant to chapter 474 for the purpose of constructing, converting, or retrofitting heating facilities in connection with district heating systems or systems utilizing alternative energy sources;

(4) to invest in a venture capital fund or enterprise that will provide capital to other entities that are engaging in, or that will engage in, projects or programs that have the purposes set forth in subdivision 1. No investments may be made in a venture capital fund or enterprise unless at least two other unrelated investors make investments of at least $500,000 in the venture capital fund or enterprise, and the investment by the Douglas J. Johnson economic protection trust fund may not exceed the amount of the largest investment by an unrelated investor in the venture capital fund or enterprise. For purposes of this subdivision, an "unrelated investor" is a person or entity that is not related to the entity in which the investment is made or to any individual who owns more than 40 percent of the value of the entity, in any of the following relationships: spouse, parent, child, sibling, employee, or owner of an interest in the entity that exceeds ten percent of the value of all interests in it. For purposes of determining the limitations under this clause, the amount of investments made by an investor other than the Douglas J. Johnson economic protection trust fund is the sum of all investments made in the venture capital fund or enterprise during the period beginning one year before the date of the investment by the Douglas J. Johnson economic protection trust fund; and

(5) to purchase forest land in the taconite assistance area defined in section 273.1341 to be held and managed as a public trust for the benefit of the area for the purposes authorized in section 298.22, subdivision 5a. Property purchased under this section may be sold by the commissioner upon approval by deleted text begin at least seven Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board membersdeleted text end new text begin the boardnew text end . The net proceeds must be deposited in the trust fund for the purposes and uses of this section.

Money from the trust fund shall be expended only in or for the benefit of the taconite assistance area defined in section 273.1341.

Sec. 20.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 298.294, is amended to read:

298.294 INVESTMENT OF FUND.

(a) The trust fund established by section 298.292 shall be invested pursuant to law by the State Board of Investment and the net interest, dividends, and other earnings arising from the investments shall be transferred, except as provided in paragraph (b), on the first day of each month to the trust and shall be included and become part of the trust fund. The amounts transferred, including the interest, dividends, and other earnings earned prior to July 13, 1982, together with the additional amount of $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1983, which is appropriated April 21, 1983, are appropriated from the trust fund to the commissioner of Iron Range resources and rehabilitation for deposit in a separate account for expenditure for the purposes set forth in section 298.292. Amounts appropriated pursuant to this section shall not cancel but shall remain available unless expended.

(b) For fiscal years 2010 and 2011 only, $1,500,000 of the net interest, dividends, and other earnings under paragraph (a) shall be transferred to a special account. Funds in the special account are available for loans or grants to businesses, with priority given to businesses with 25 or fewer employees. Funds may be used for wage subsidies for up to 52 weeks of up to $5 per hour or other activities, including, but not limited to, short-term operating expenses and purchase of equipment and materials by businesses under financial duress, that will create additional jobs in the taconite assistance area under section 273.1341. Expenditures from the special account must be approved by deleted text begin at least seven Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board membersdeleted text end new text begin the boardnew text end .

(c) To qualify for a grant or loan, a business must be currently operating and have been operating for one year immediately prior to its application for a loan or grant, and its corporate headquarters must be located in the taconite assistance area.

Sec. 21.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 298.296, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Project approval.

The board and commissioner shall by August 1 of each year prepare a list of projects to be funded from the Douglas J. Johnson economic protection trust with necessary supporting information including description of the projects, plans, and cost estimates. These projects shall be consistent with the priorities established in section 298.292 and shall not be approved by the board unless it finds that:

(a) the project will materially assist, directly or indirectly, the creation of additional long-term employment opportunities;

(b) the prospective benefits of the expenditure exceed the anticipated costs; and

(c) in the case of assistance to private enterprise, the project will serve a sound business purpose.

Each project must be approved by deleted text begin at least eight Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Boarddeleted text end new text begin over one-half of all of thenew text end membersnew text begin of the boardnew text end and the commissioner of Iron Range resources and rehabilitation. The list of projects shall be submitted to the governor, who shall, by November 15 of each year, approve or disapprove, or return for further consideration, each project. The money for a project may be expended only upon approval of the project by the governor. The board may submit supplemental projects for approval at any time.

Sec. 22.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 298.296, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Expenditure of funds.

(a) Before January 1, 2028, funds may be expended on projects and for administration of the trust fund only from the net interest, earnings, and dividends arising from the investment of the trust at any time, including net interest, earnings, and dividends that have arisen prior to July 13, 1982, plus $10,000,000 made available for use in fiscal year 1983, except that any amount required to be paid out of the trust fund to provide the property tax relief specified in Laws 1977, chapter 423, article X, section 4, and to make school bond payments and payments to recipients of taconite production tax proceeds pursuant to section 298.225, may be taken from the corpus of the trust.

(b) Additionally, upon recommendation by the board, up to $13,000,000 from the corpus of the trust may be made available for use as provided in subdivision 4, and up to $10,000,000 from the corpus of the trust may be made available for use as provided in section 298.2961.

(c) Additionally, an amount equal to 20 percent of the value of the corpus of the trust on May 18, 2002, not including the funds authorized in paragraph (b), plus the amounts made available under section 298.28, subdivision 4, and Laws 2002, chapter 377, article 8, section 17, may be expended on projects. Funds may be expended for projects under this paragraph only if the project:

(1) is for the purposes established under section 298.292, subdivision 1, clause (1) or (2); and

(2) is approved bynew text begin two-thirds of all of the members ofnew text end the board deleted text begin upon an affirmative vote of at least ten of its membersdeleted text end .

No money made available under this paragraph or paragraph (d) can be used for administrative or operating expenses of the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board or expenses relating to any facilities owned or operated by the board on May 18, 2002.

(d) Upon recommendation by a unanimous vote of all members of the board, amounts in addition to those authorized under paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) may be expended on projects described in section 298.292, subdivision 1.

(e) Annual administrative costs, not including detailed engineering expenses for the projects, shall not exceed five percent of the net interest, dividends, and earnings arising from the trust in the preceding fiscal year.

(f) Principal and interest received in repayment of loans made pursuant to this section, and earnings on other investments made under section 298.292, subdivision 2, clause (4), shall be deposited in the state treasury and credited to the trust. These receipts are appropriated to the board for the purposes of sections 298.291 to 298.298.

(g) Additionally, notwithstanding section 298.293, upon the deleted text begin affirmative vote of at least seven Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board membersdeleted text end new text begin approval of the boardnew text end , money from the corpus of the trust may be expanded to purchase forest lands within the taconite assistance area as provided in sections 298.22, subdivision 5a, and 298.292, subdivision 2, clause (5).

Sec. 23.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 298.2961, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Projects; approval.

(a) Projects funded must be for:

(1) environmentally unique reclamation projects; or

(2) pit or plant repairs, expansions, or modernizations other than for a value added iron products plant.

(b) To be proposed by the board, a project must be approved by deleted text begin at least eight Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board membersdeleted text end new text begin the boardnew text end . The money for a project may be spent only upon approval of the project by the governor. The board may submit supplemental projects for approval at any time.

(c) The board may require that it receive an equity percentage in any project to which it contributes under this section.

Sec. 24.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 298.2961, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Grant and loan fund.

(a) A fund is established to receive distributions under section 298.28, subdivision 9b, and to make grants or loans as provided in this subdivision. Any grant or loan made under this subdivision must be approved by deleted text begin at least seven Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board membersdeleted text end new text begin the boardnew text end , established under section 298.22.

(b) Distributions received in calendar year 2005 are allocated to the city of Virginia for improvements and repairs to the city's steam heating system.

(c) Distributions received in calendar year 2006 are allocated to a project of the public utilities commissions of the cities of Hibbing and Virginia to convert their electrical generating plants to the use of biomass products, such as wood.

(d) Distributions received in calendar year 2007 must be paid to the city of Tower to be used for the East Two Rivers project in or near the city of Tower.

(e) For distributions received in 2008, the first $2,000,000 of the 2008 distribution must be paid to St. Louis County for deposit in its county road and bridge fund to be used for relocation of St. Louis County Road 715, commonly referred to as Pike River Road. The remainder of the 2008 distribution must be paid to St. Louis County for a grant to the city of Virginia for connecting sewer and water lines to the St. Louis County maintenance garage on Highway 135, further extending the lines to interconnect with the city of Gilbert's sewer and water lines. All distributions received in 2009 and subsequent years are allocated for projects under section 298.223, subdivision 1.

Sec. 25.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 298.2961, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Public works and local economic development fund.

For distributions in 2007 only, a special fund is established to receive 38.4 cents per ton that otherwise would be allocated under section 298.28, subdivision 6. The following amounts are allocated to St. Louis County acting as the fiscal agent for the recipients for the specific purposes:

(1) 13.4 cents per ton for the Central Iron Range Sanitary Sewer District for construction of a combined wastewater facility and notwithstanding section 298.28, subdivision 11, paragraph (a), or any other law, interest accrued on this money while held by St. Louis County shall also be distributed to the recipient;

(2) six cents per ton to the city of Eveleth to redesign and design and construct improvements to renovate its water treatment facility;

(3) one cent per ton for the East Range Joint Powers Board to acquire land for and to design a central wastewater collection and treatment system;

(4) 0.5 cents per ton to the city of Hoyt Lakes to repair Leeds Road;

(5) 0.7 cents per ton to the city of Virginia to extend Eighth Street South;

(6) 0.7 cents per ton to the city of Mountain Iron to repair Hoover Road;

(7) 0.9 cents per ton to the city of Gilbert for alley repairs between Michigan and Indiana Avenues and for repayment of a loan to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development;

(8) 0.4 cents per ton to the city of Keewatin for a new city well;

(9) 0.3 cents per ton to the city of Grand Rapids for planning for a fire and hazardous materials center;

(10) 0.9 cents per ton to Aitkin County Growth for an economic development project for peat harvesting;

(11) 0.4 cents per ton to the city of Nashwauk to develop a comprehensive city plan;

(12) 0.4 cents per ton to the city of Taconite for development of a city comprehensive plan;

(13) 0.3 cents per ton to the city of Marble for water and sewer infrastructure;

(14) 0.8 cents per ton to Aitkin County for improvements to the Long Lake Environmental Learning Center;

(15) 0.3 cents per ton to the city of Coleraine for the Coleraine Technology Center;

(16) 0.5 cents per ton to the Economic Development Authority of the city of Grand Rapids for planning for the North Central Research and Technology Laboratory;

(17) 0.6 cents per ton to the city of Bovey for sewer and water extension;

(18) 0.3 cents per ton to the city of Calumet for infrastructure improvements; and

(19) ten cents per ton to the commissioner of Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation for deposit in a Highway 1 Corridor Account established by the commissioner, to be distributed by the commissioner to any of the cities of Babbitt, Cook, Ely, or Tower, for economic development projects approved by deleted text begin at least seven Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board membersdeleted text end new text begin the boardnew text end ; notwithstanding section 298.28, subdivision 11, paragraph (a), or any other law, interest accrued on this money while held by St. Louis County or the commissioner shall also be distributed to the recipient.

Sec. 26.

new text begin AMENDED RETURNS; CERTAIN IRA ROLLOVERS. new text end

new text begin An individual who excludes an amount from net income in a prior taxable year through rollover of an airline payment amount to a traditional IRA, as authorized under Public Law 112-95, section 1106, may file an amended individual income tax return and claim for refund of state taxes as provided under Minnesota Statutes, section 289A.40, subdivision 1, or, if later, by June 1, 2013. 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. 27.

new text begin REPEALER. new text end

new text begin Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 298.22, subdivision 2, new text end new text begin is repealed. new text end

Sec. 28.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This act is effective the day following final enactment. new text end

Presented to the governor February 19, 2013

Signed by the governor February 20, 2013, 11:52 a.m.

Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes