Minnesota Session Laws - 2014, Regular Session

CHAPTER 312--H.F.No. 3172

An act

relating to state government; providing supplemental appropriations for Office of Higher Education, Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota; jobs, economic development, labor, commerce and housing finance; state government and veterans; public safety and corrections; transportation; agriculture, environment, natural resources and clean water; early childhood education; kindergarten through grade 12; community and adult education including general education; education excellence; special education; education facilities; nutrition; state education agencies; health and human services; making certain appropriations adjustments; modifying disposition of certain revenues; providing a grant to College Possible; providing funding for regenerative medicine research; regulating study abroad programs; providing resident tuition rates for certain military veterans; authorizing participation in the interstate reciprocity agreement; authorizing student loan refinancing; requiring a transfer from the assigned risk plan in the event of surplus; establishing broadband development grants; modifying workforce development outcomes; requiring workers' compensation reform; modifying an energy loan program; establishing deaf, deafblind, and hard-of-hearing grants; modifying distribution of a taconite tax; implementing an innovation voucher pilot program; establishing competency standards for certain industries; creating the Legislative Water Commission; making changes to the Compensation Council; expediting professional licensure for members of the military; transferring funds to a disaster assistance contingency account; modifying certain provisions pertaining to victims of domestic violence; permitting the court to continue a juvenile case without a finding of delinquency; continuing the fire safety advisory committee; lowering the penalty for the performance of acts prohibited by statutes for which no penalty is specified; extending University of Minnesota service of alcohol; providing for disaster assistance for public entities with and without federal assistance; providing for railroad and railroad yard safety and emergency preparedness; designating the Trooper Glen Skolman Memorial Highway; modifying various provisions governing fund use, driver's licenses and permits, license plates, speed limits, work zones, gross vehicle weights and permits, products and services billing, safety oversight, light rail vehicle design, transit shelters and stops, highway turnbacks, and watercraft decontamination sites; providing for federal conformity; establishing a community destination sign pilot program; providing for transit service on election day; modifying off-highway motorcycle provisions; creating accounts; providing for certain grants; providing for protection of pollinators; modifying the Water Law; modifying recycling provisions; providing for state parks and trails license plates; providing for establishment of Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center; providing for licensing commercial breeders of dogs and cats; providing for adoption of research dogs and cats; modifying provisions governing Health Department, Department of Human Services, health care, children and family services, Northstar Care for Children program, community first services and supports, continuing care, home and community-based services standards, public assistance programs simplification, and chemical and mental health services; making changes to hospital payment system; providing rate and grant increases for nursing facilities, ICFs/DD, and home and community-based services; requiring studies and reports; requiring rulemaking;

amending Minnesota Statutes 2012, sections 12.03, by adding subdivisions; 12.221, subdivision 4, by adding a subdivision; 12A.02, subdivision 2, by adding subdivisions; 12A.03, subdivision 3; 12A.15, subdivision 1; 13.43, subdivision 16; 13.46, subdivision 4; 13.643, subdivision 6; 13.681, by adding a subdivision; 13.84, subdivisions 5, 6; 15A.082, subdivision 4; 16A.125, subdivision 5; 16A.28, by adding a subdivision; 16C.16, subdivision 6a; 16C.19; 18B.01, by adding subdivisions; 18B.03, by adding a subdivision; 18B.04; 84.788, subdivision 2; 85.053, subdivision 2; 85.34, subdivision 7; 85A.02, subdivision 2; 103G.251; 103G.271, subdivisions 5, 6; 103G.281, by adding a subdivision; 115A.151, as amended; 115A.55, subdivision 4; 115A.551, subdivisions 1, 2a; 115A.557, subdivisions 2, 3; 115E.01, by adding subdivisions; 115E.08, by adding subdivisions; 116J.423, subdivision 2; 116J.8731, subdivision 5; 116L.98; 119B.09, subdivision 9a; 122A.18, by adding a subdivision; 122A.40, subdivision 13; 122A.41, subdivision 6; 122A.414, subdivision 2, as amended if enacted; 122A.415, subdivision 1; 123A.05, subdivision 2; 123A.64; 123B.57, subdivision 6; 123B.71, subdivisions 8, 9; 123B.72, subdivisions 1, 3; 124D.09, subdivisions 9, 13; 124D.111, by adding a subdivision; 124D.1158, subdivisions 3, 4; 124D.13, subdivisions 2, as amended, 4, 9, 13, by adding subdivisions; 124D.135, subdivisions 1, 3; 124D.16, subdivision 2; 124D.522; 124D.531, subdivision 3; 124D.59, subdivision 2; 125A.76, subdivision 2; 126C.10, subdivisions 25, 26; 127A.45, subdivisions 2, 3; 127A.49, subdivisions 2, 3; 129C.10, subdivision 3, by adding a subdivision; 136A.01, subdivision 2; 136A.1702; 136A.1785; 144.0724, as amended; 144.1501, subdivision 1; 144.551, subdivision 1; 144A.073, by adding a subdivision; 144A.33, subdivision 2; 148.624, by adding a subdivision; 148B.53, subdivision 3; 150A.091, by adding a subdivision; 153.16, by adding a subdivision; 154.11, as amended; 155A.27, by adding a subdivision; 161.14, by adding a subdivision; 165.15, subdivision 2; 169.011, by adding a subdivision; 169.06, subdivision 4, by adding a subdivision; 169.14, subdivision 5d, by adding a subdivision; 169.305, subdivision 1; 169.826, by adding a subdivision; 169.8261, by adding a subdivision; 169.86, subdivision 5; 169.863, by adding a subdivision; 169.865, subdivisions 1, 2, by adding a subdivision; 169.866, subdivision 3, by adding a subdivision; 171.02, subdivision 3; 171.06, subdivision 2; 171.13, subdivision 1; 174.02, by adding a subdivision; 174.56, subdivision 1; 179.02, by adding a subdivision; 181A.07, by adding a subdivision; 216B.241, subdivision 1d; 216C.145; 216C.146; 219.015, subdivisions 1, 2; 222.50, subdivision 7; 245.466, by adding a subdivision; 245A.03, subdivision 2c; 245A.04, by adding a subdivision; 245C.03, by adding a subdivision; 245C.04, by adding a subdivision; 245C.05, subdivision 5; 245C.10, by adding a subdivision; 245C.33, subdivisions 1, 4; 252.451, subdivision 2; 253B.066, subdivision 1; 254B.04, subdivision 3; 254B.12; 256.01, by adding a subdivision; 256.9685, subdivisions 1, 1a; 256.9686, subdivision 2; 256.969, subdivisions 1, 2, 2b, 3a, 3b, 3c, 6a, 8, 8a, 9, 10, 12, 14, 17, 18, 25, 30, by adding subdivisions; 256.9752, subdivision 2; 256B.04, by adding a subdivision; 256B.0615, subdivision 3; 256B.0624, subdivisions 2, 5, 6, 10; 256B.0625, subdivisions 18b, 18c, 18d, 18g, 30, by adding a subdivision; 256B.0751, by adding a subdivision; 256B.199; 256B.35, subdivision 1; 256B.441, by adding a subdivision; 256B.5012, by adding a subdivision; 256D.02, subdivisions 8, 12; 256D.05, subdivision 5; 256D.06, subdivision 1; 256D.08, subdivision 1, by adding a subdivision; 256D.10; 256D.405, subdivisions 1, 3; 256D.425, subdivision 2; 256I.03, by adding a subdivision; 256I.04, subdivision 1; 256I.05, subdivision 2; 256J.08, subdivisions 47, 57, 83, by adding a subdivision; 256J.10; 256J.21, subdivision 4; 256J.30, subdivision 4; 256J.32, subdivision 1; 256J.33, subdivision 2; 256J.37, as amended; 256J.425, subdivisions 1, 7; 256J.49, subdivision 13; 256J.53, subdivisions 1, 2, 5; 256J.531; 256J.95, subdivisions 8, 9, 10; 257.85, subdivision 11; 260B.198, subdivision 7; 260C.212, subdivision 1; 260C.515, subdivision 4; 260C.611; 268A.01, subdivision 14; 298.28, subdivisions 2, 7a, as added; 299F.012, subdivision 2; 326.04, as amended; 326.10, by adding a subdivision; 326.3382, by adding a subdivision; 326A.04, by adding a subdivision; 363A.44, subdivision 1, as added; 611A.06, by adding a subdivision; 645.241; Minnesota Statutes 2013 Supplement, sections 15A.082, subdivisions 1, 3; 16A.724, subdivision 3; 103I.205, subdivision 4; 116V.03; 123B.53, subdivisions 1, 5; 123B.54; 123B.75, subdivision 5; 124D.11, subdivision 1; 124D.111, subdivision 1; 124D.165, subdivisions 3, 4, 5; 124D.531, subdivision 1; 124D.862, subdivisions 1, 2; 125A.0942; 125A.11, subdivision 1; 125A.76, subdivisions 1, 2a, 2b, 2c; 125A.79, subdivisions 1, 5, 8; 126C.05, subdivision 15; 126C.10, subdivisions 2, 2a, 2c, 2d, 24, 31; 126C.17, subdivisions 6, 7b, 9, 9a; 126C.40, subdivision 1; 126C.44; 126C.48, subdivision 8; 127A.47, subdivision 7; 145.4716, subdivision 2; 148B.17, subdivision 2; 174.12, subdivision 2; 174.42, subdivision 2; 245.8251; 245A.03, subdivision 7; 245A.042, subdivision 3; 245A.16, subdivision 1; 245C.08, subdivision 1; 245D.02, subdivisions 3, 4b, 8b, 11, 15b, 23, 29, 34, 34a, by adding a subdivision; 245D.03, subdivisions 1, 2, 3, by adding a subdivision; 245D.04, subdivision 3; 245D.05, subdivisions 1, 1a, 1b, 2, 4, 5; 245D.051; 245D.06, subdivisions 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8; 245D.071, subdivisions 3, 4, 5; 245D.081, subdivision 2; 245D.09, subdivisions 3, 4a; 245D.091, subdivisions 2, 3, 4; 245D.10, subdivisions 3, 4; 245D.11, subdivision 2; 252.27, subdivision 2a; 256B.04, subdivision 21; 256B.055, subdivision 1; 256B.06, subdivision 4; 256B.0625, subdivisions 17, 18e; 256B.0949, subdivisions 4, 5, 11, by adding a subdivision; 256B.439, subdivisions 1, 7; 256B.441, subdivision 63; 256B.4912, subdivision 1; 256B.4913, subdivision 4a; 256B.4914, subdivisions 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 15; 256B.492; 256B.69, subdivision 34; 256B.766; 256B.767; 256B.85, subdivisions 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, by adding subdivisions; 256J.21, subdivision 3; 256J.30, subdivision 9; 256N.02, by adding a subdivision; 256N.21, subdivision 2, by adding a subdivision; 256N.22, subdivisions 1, 2, 4, 6; 256N.23, subdivisions 1, 4; 256N.24, subdivisions 9, 10; 256N.25, subdivisions 2, 3; 256N.26, subdivision 1; 256N.27, subdivision 4; 297A.815, subdivision 3; 326A.04, subdivision 5; Laws 2008, chapter 363, article 5, section 4, subdivision 7, as amended; Laws 2009, chapter 83, article 1, section 10, subdivision 7; Laws 2010, chapter 189, sections 15, subdivision 12; 26, subdivision 4; Laws 2012, chapter 247, article 4, section 47; Laws 2012, chapter 263, section 1; Laws 2012, chapter 287, article 2, sections 1; 3; Laws 2012, First Special Session chapter 1, article 1, section 28; Laws 2013, chapter 1, section 6, as amended; Laws 2013, chapter 85, article 1, sections 3, subdivisions 2, 5, 6; 4, subdivisions 1, 2; 5; 13, subdivision 5; Laws 2013, chapter 86, article 1, sections 12, subdivisions 1, 3, as amended; 13; Laws 2013, chapter 108, article 1, section 24; article 7, sections 14; 49; article 14, sections 2, subdivisions 1, 3, 4, as amended, 6, as amended; 3, subdivisions 1, 4; 4, subdivision 8; 12; Laws 2013, chapter 114, article 3, sections 3, subdivision 6; 4, subdivision 3; article 4, section 47; Laws 2013, chapter 116, article 1, section 58, subdivisions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 11; article 3, section 37, subdivisions 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 15, 18, 20; article 4, section 9, subdivision 2; article 5, section 31, subdivisions 2, 3, 4, 5, 8; article 6, section 12, subdivisions 2, 3, 4, 6; article 7, section 21, subdivisions 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9; article 8, section 5, subdivisions 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14; article 9, sections 1, subdivision 2; 2; Laws 2013, chapter 117, article 1, sections 3, subdivisions 2, 3, 6; 4; 5, subdivisions 2, 3, 4; Laws 2013, chapter 143, article 11, section 10; Laws 2014, chapter 235, section 43; Laws 2014, chapter 240, section 26; 2014 H.F. No. 2180, section 11, if enacted; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 3; 5; 18B; 84; 85; 87A; 103G; 115E; 116J; 123A; 123B; 124D; 129C; 135A; 136A; 144; 144A; 145; 148; 168; 171; 197; 219; 268A; 299A; 347; 473; proposing coding for new law as Minnesota Statutes, chapters 12B; 256P; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2012, sections 115A.551, subdivision 2; 116J.997; 123B.71, subdivisions 1, 4; 256.969, subdivisions 2c, 8b, 9a, 9b, 11, 13, 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28; 256.9695, subdivisions 3, 4; 256D.06, subdivision 1b; 256D.08, subdivision 2; 256D.405, subdivisions 1a, 2; 256J.08, subdivisions 42, 55a, 82a; 256J.20; 256J.24, subdivision 9; 256J.32, subdivisions 2, 3, 4, 5a, 6, 7, 7a, 8; Minnesota Statutes 2013 Supplement, sections 256B.0625, subdivision 18f; 256J.08, subdivision 24; 256N.26, subdivision 7; Laws 2014, chapter 272, article 1, section 22; article 3, section 32.

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

ARTICLE 1

HIGHER EDUCATION

Section 1. APPROPRIATIONS.

The sums shown in the columns marked "Appropriations" are added to the appropriations in Laws 2013, chapter 99, article 1, unless otherwise specified, to the agencies and for the purposes specified in this article. The appropriations are from the general fund, or another named fund, and are available for the fiscal year indicated for each purpose. The figure "2015" used in this article means that the appropriation listed under it is available for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2015.

			APPROPRIATIONS
			Available for the Year
			Ending June 30
				2014		2015

Sec. 2. OFFICE OF HIGHER EDUCATION

$

750,000

This appropriation is for immediate transfer to College Possible for the purpose of expanding College Possible coaching and mentoring programs in Minnesota schools. The appropriation shall be used for:

(1) increasing the number of low-income high school students served by College Possible by adding at least 150 students and partnering with at least three additional high schools in 2015;

(2) expenses related to direct support for low-income high school students in after-school programming led by College Possible; and

(3) coaching and support of low-income college students through the completion of their college degree.

College Possible must, by February 1, 2015, report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees and divisions with jurisdiction over higher education and E-12 education on activities funded by this appropriation. The report must include, but is not limited to, information about the expansion of College Possible in Minnesota, the number of College Possible coaches hired, the expansion within existing partner high schools, the expansion of high school partnerships, the number of high school and college students served, the total hours of community service by high school and college students, and a list of communities and organizations benefitting from student service hours.

This appropriation must not be used for the expansion and support of College Possible outside of Minnesota.

This is a onetime appropriation.

Sec. 3. BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE MINNESOTA STATE COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

$

17,000,000

$17,000,000 in fiscal year 2015 is appropriated from the general fund to the Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities for compensation costs associated with the settlement of employment contracts for fiscal year 2014. The board's appropriation base is increased by $17,000,000 in fiscal years 2016 and 2017.

Sec. 4. BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA

Subdivision 1. Total Appropriation

$

4,500,000

Subd. 2. Health Sciences Special

4,500,000

(a) This appropriation is from the general fund for the direct and indirect expenses of the collaborative partnership between the Univerity of Minnesota and the Mayo Clinic for regenerative medicine research, clinical translation, and commercialization. In addition to representatives from the University of Minnesota and the Mayo Clinic, the collaborative partnership must include representatives of private industry and others with expertise in regenerative medicine research, clinical translation, commercialization, and medical venture financing who are not affiliated with either the University of Minnesota or the Mayo Clinic.

(b) By January 15 of each odd-numbered year beginning in 2017, the partnership must submit an independent financial audit to the chairs and ranking minority members of the committees of the house of representatives and senate having jurisdiction over higher education and economic development. The audit must include the names of all recipients of grants awarded by the partnership and their affiliation, if any, with the University of Minnesota or the Mayo Clinic.

(c) The full amount of this appropriation is for the partnership and may not be used by the University of Minnesota for administrative or monitoring expenses.

(d) For fiscal year 2016 and thereafter, the base for this program is $4,350,000.

Sec. 5.

[5.41] STUDY ABROAD PROGRAMS.

Subdivision 1.

Definitions.

(a) For purposes of this section, the terms defined in this subdivision have the meanings given them.

(b) "Postsecondary institution" means an institution that meets the eligibility requirements under section 136A.103 to participate in state financial aid programs.

(c) "Program" means a study abroad program offered or approved for credit by a postsecondary institution in which program participants travel outside of the United States in connection with an educational experience.

Subd. 2.

Report.

(a) A postsecondary institution, must file by November 1 of each year a report on its programs with the secretary of state. The report must contain the following information from the previous academic year, including summer terms:

(1) deaths of program participants that occurred during program participation as a result of program participation; and

(2) accidents and illnesses that occurred during program participation as a result of program participation and that required hospitalization.

Information reported under clause (1) may be supplemented by a brief explanatory statement.

(b) A postsecondary institution must report to the secretary of state annually by November 1 whether its program complies with health and safety standards set by the Forum on Education Abroad or a similar study abroad program standard setting agency.

Subd. 3.

Secretary of state; publication of program information.

(a) The secretary of state must publish the reports required by subdivision 2, on its Web site in a format that facilitates identifying information related to a particular postsecondary institution.

(b) The secretary of state shall publish on its Web site the best available information by country on sexual assaults and other criminal acts affecting study abroad program participants during program participation. This information shall not be limited to programs subject to this section.

Subd. 4.

Office of Higher Education.

The secretary of state shall provide the information it posts on its Web site under subdivision 3 to the Office of Higher Education, in electronic format, at the time it posts the information. The Office of Higher Education shall post the information on its Web site and may otherwise distribute the information. In materials distributed or posted, the Office of Higher Education must reference this section.

Subd. 5.

Program material.

A postsecondary institution must include in its written materials provided to prospective program participants a link to the secretary of state Web site stating that program health and safety information is available at the Web site.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective August 1, 2014, provided that the initial reports under subdivision 2 are due November 1, 2015.

Sec. 6.

[135A.0431] MILITARY VETERANS; RESIDENT TUITION.

(a) A person who is honorably discharged from the armed forces of the United States is entitled to the resident tuition rate at Minnesota public postsecondary institutions.

(b) This section is in addition to any other statute, rule, or higher education institution regulation or policy providing eligibility for a resident tuition rate or its equivalent to a student.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective for academic terms beginning after August 1, 2014.

Sec. 7.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 136A.01, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Responsibilities.

(a) The Minnesota Office of Higher Education is responsible for:

(1) necessary state level administration of financial aid programs, including accounting, auditing, and disbursing state and federal financial aid funds, and reporting on financial aid programs to the governor and the legislature;

(2) approval, registration, licensing, and financial aid eligibility of private collegiate and career schools, under sections 136A.61 to 136A.71 and chapter 141;

(3) determining whether to enter into an interstate reciprocity agreement regarding postsecondary distance education;

(3) (4) negotiating and administering reciprocity agreements;

(4) (5) publishing and distributing financial aid information and materials, and other information and materials under section 136A.87, to students and parents;

(5) (6) collecting and maintaining student enrollment and financial aid data and reporting data on students and postsecondary institutions to develop and implement a process to measure and report on the effectiveness of postsecondary institutions;

(6) (7) administering the federal programs that affect students and institutions on a statewide basis; and

(7) (8) prescribing policies, procedures, and rules under chapter 14 necessary to administer the programs under its supervision.

(b) The office may match individual student data from the student record enrollment database with individual student financial aid data collected and maintained by the office in order to audit or evaluate federal or state supported education programs as permitted by United States Code, title 20, section 1232g(b)(3), and Code of Federal Regulations, title 34, section 99.35. The office shall not release data that personally identifies parents or students other than to employees and contractors of the office.

Sec. 8.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 136A.1702, is amended to read:

136A.1702 LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT.

The office shall notify the chairs of the legislative committees with primary jurisdiction over higher education finance of any proposed material change to any of its student loan programs, including loan refinancing under section 136A.1704, prior to making the change.

Sec. 9.

[136A.1704] STUDENT LOAN REFINANCING.

The office may refinance student and parent loans as provided by this section and on other terms and conditions the office prescribes. The office may establish credit requirements for borrowers and determine what types of student and parent loans will be eligible for refinancing. The refinanced loan need not have been made through a loan program administered by the office. Loans shall be made with available funds in the loan capital fund under section 136A.1785. The maximum amount of outstanding loans refinanced under this section may not exceed $100,000,000. The maximum loan under this section may not exceed $70,000.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective the day following final enactment, provided no loans may be refinanced prior to June 1, 2015.

Sec. 10.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 136A.1785, is amended to read:

136A.1785 LOAN CAPITAL FUND.

The office may deposit and hold assets derived from the operation of its student loan programs and refinanced education loans authorized by this chapter in a fund known as the loan capital fund. Assets in the loan capital fund are available to the office solely for carrying out the purposes and terms of sections 136A.15 to 136A.1703 136A.1704, including, but not limited to, making student loans authorized by this chapter, refinancing education loans authorized by this chapter, paying administrative expenses associated with the operation of its student loan programs, repurchasing defaulted student loans, and paying expenses in connection with the issuance of revenue bonds authorized under this chapter. Assets in the loan capital fund may be invested as provided in sections 11A.24 and 136A.16, subdivision 8. All interest and earnings from the investment of the loan capital fund inure to the benefit of the fund and are deposited into the fund.

Sec. 11.

[136A.658] EXEMPTION; STATE AUTHORIZATION RECIPROCITY AGREEMENT SCHOOLS.

(a) The office may participate in an interstate reciprocity agreement regarding postsecondary distance education if it determines that participation is in the best interest of Minnesota postsecondary students.

(b) If the office decides to participate in an interstate reciprocity agreement, an institution that meets the following requirements is exempt from the provisions of sections 136A.61 to 136A.71:

(1) the institution is situated in a state which is also participating in the interstate reciprocity agreement;

(2) the institution has been approved to participate in the interstate reciprocity agreement by the institution's home state and other entities with oversight of the interstate reciprocity agreement; and

(3) the institution has elected to participate in and operate in compliance with the terms of the interstate reciprocity agreement.

Sec. 12.

MINNESOTA STATE COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES BACCALAUREATE DEGREE COMPLETION PLAN.

The Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities shall develop a plan to implement multi-campus articulation agreements that lead to baccalaureate degree completion upon earning the number of credits required for the degree minus 60 credits at a system university after transfer to the system university by a student with an associate in arts degree, associate of science degree, or an associate of fine arts (AFA) degree from a system college. The board shall assign the task of developing the plan to the appropriate committee formed under the board's "Charting the Future" initiative. The board shall report on this plan to the legislative committees with primary jurisdiction over higher education finance and policy by March 15, 2015.

Sec. 13.

REPORT; OFFICE OF HIGHER EDUCATION.

The Office of Higher Education shall, by February 1, 2015, report to the committees of the legislature with primary jurisdiction over higher education policy and finance, its plans and proposed terms and conditions for operating a student loan refinancing program under section 136A.1704, along with any recommended legislation.

Sec. 14.

STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM; ASSESSMENT OF APPROPRIATE REGULATION.

The Office of Higher Education shall, using existing staff and budget, assess the appropriate state regulation of postsecondary study abroad programs. The assessment must be based on a balanced approach of protecting the health and safety of program participants and maintaining the opportunity of students to study abroad. The office shall report the results of its assessment with any legislative recommendation by February 1, 2015, to the committees of the legislature with primary jurisdiction over higher education.

Sec. 15.

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA BASE ADJUSTMENT.

For fiscal years 2016 to 2041, $3,500,000 is added to the base operations and maintenance appropriation to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota in Laws 2013, chapter 99, article 1, section 5.

Sec. 16.

JAMES FORD BELL NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM AND PLANETARIUM.

The Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota is requested to complete the design of and to construct, furnish, and equip a new James Ford Bell Natural History Museum and Planetarium on the St. Paul campus.

ARTICLE 2

APPROPRIATIONS FOR DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND INDUSTRY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, AND HOUSING FINANCE

Section 1. APPROPRIATIONS.

The sums shown in the columns under "Appropriations" are added to or, if shown in parentheses, subtracted from the appropriations in Laws 2013, chapter 85, article 1, or other law to the specified agencies. The appropriations are from the general fund, or another named fund, and are available for the fiscal years indicated for each purpose. The figures "2014" and "2015" used in this article mean that the appropriations listed under them are available for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2014, or June 30, 2015, respectively. Appropriations for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2014, are effective the day following final enactment. Reductions may be taken in either fiscal year.

			APPROPRIATIONS
			Available for the Year
			Ending June 30
				2014		2015

Sec. 2. DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Subdivision 1. Total Appropriation

$

0

$

29,475,000

Appropriations by Fund
General	-0-	28,175,000
Workforce Development	-0-	1,300,000

The amounts that may be spent for each purpose are specified in the following subdivisions.

Subd. 2. Business and Community Development

0

27,225,000

(a)(1) $20,000,000 in fiscal year 2015 is from the general fund for deposit in the border-to-border broadband fund account created under Minnesota Statutes, section 116J.396, and may be used for the purposes provided in Minnesota Statutes, section 116J.395, and as provided for under clause (2). This is a onetime appropriation and is available until June 30, 2017.

(2) Of the appropriation under clause (1), up to three percent is for: (i) costs incurred by the commissioner to administer Minnesota Statutes, section 116J.395; and (ii) one or more contracts with an independent organization that has extensive experience working with Minnesota broadband providers to continue to:

(A) collect broadband deployment data from Minnesota providers, verify its accuracy through on-the-ground testing, and create state and county maps available to the public showing the availability of broadband service at various upload and download speeds throughout Minnesota, in order to measure progress in achieving the state's broadband goals established in Minnesota Statutes, section 237.012;

(B) analyze the deployment data collected to help inform future investments in broadband infrastructure; and

(C) conduct business and residential surveys that measure broadband adoption and use in the state.

Data provided by a broadband provider to the contractor under this paragraph is nonpublic data under Minnesota Statutes, section 13.02, subdivision 9. Maps produced under this paragraph are public data under Minnesota Statutes, section 13.03.

(b) $475,000 in fiscal year 2015 is from the general fund for a grant to the Southwest Initiative Foundation for business revolving loans or other lending programs at below market interest rates. This is a onetime appropriation.

(c) $475,000 in fiscal year 2015 is from the general fund for a grant to the West Central Initiative Foundation for business revolving loans or other lending programs at below market interest rates. This is a onetime appropriation.

(d) $475,000 in fiscal year 2015 is from the general fund for a grant to the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation for business revolving loans or other lending programs at below market interest rates. This is a onetime appropriation.

(e) $475,000 in fiscal year 2015 is from the general fund for a grant to the Northwest Minnesota Foundation for business revolving loans or other lending programs at below market interest rates. This is a onetime appropriation.

(f) $475,000 in fiscal year 2015 is from the general fund for a grant to the Initiative Foundation for business revolving loans or other lending programs at below market interest rates. This is a onetime appropriation.

(g) $475,000 in fiscal year 2015 is from the general fund for a grant to the Northland Foundation for business revolving loans or other lending programs at below market interest rates. This is a onetime appropriation.

(h) $650,000 in fiscal year 2015 is from the general fund for a grant to the Urban Initiative Board under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 116M, for loans at below market interest rates, business technical assistance, or organizational capacity building. Funds available under this paragraph must be allocated as follows: (1) 50 percent of the funds must be allocated for projects in the counties of Dakota, Ramsey, and Washington; and (2) 50 percent of the funds must be allocated for projects in the counties of Anoka, Carver, Hennepin, and Scott. This is a onetime appropriation.

(i) $500,000 in fiscal year 2015 is from the general fund for grants to small business development centers under Minnesota Statutes, section 116J.68. Funds made available under this paragraph may be used to match funds under the federal Small Business Development Center (SBDC) program under United States Code, title 15, section 648, to provide consulting and technical services, or to build additional SBDC network capacity to serve entrepreneurs and small businesses. The commissioner shall allocate funds equally among the nine regional centers and lead center. This is a onetime appropriation.

(j) $400,000 in fiscal year 2015 is from the general fund for the innovation voucher pilot program. This is a onetime appropriation and is available until June 30, 2017. Of this amount, up to five percent may be used for administration. Vouchers require a 50 percent match by recipients.

(k) $475,000 in fiscal year 2015 is from the general fund for the Minnesota Jobs Skills Partnership program under Minnesota Statutes, section 116L.02. This is a onetime appropriation.

(l) $2,200,000 in fiscal year 2015 is from the general fund for the greater Minnesota business development public infrastructure grant program under Minnesota Statutes, section 116J.431, for grants to design, construct, prepare, and improve infrastructure for economic development. This is a onetime appropriation and is available until June 30, 2017.

(m) $150,000 in fiscal year 2015 is from the general fund for a grant to the city of Proctor to design and construct a sand and salt storage facility to prevent runoff into surface water. This appropriation is not available until the commissioner determines that at least an equal amount is committed to the project from nonstate sources. This is a onetime appropriation.

Subd. 3. Workforce Development

0

1,050,000

(a) $300,000 in fiscal year 2015 is from the workforce development fund for workforce program outcome activities under Minnesota Statutes, section 116L.98. This is a onetime appropriation.

(b) $250,000 in fiscal year 2015 is from the workforce development fund for a grant to the Northwest Indian Opportunities Industrialization Center and may be used for a green jobs deconstruction pilot program in collaboration with a research institute and a nonprofit organization with experience developing deconstruction jobs, new products from reclaimed materials, and reuse of materials. This is a onetime appropriation.

(c) $250,000 in fiscal year 2015 is from the workforce development fund for a grant to the Northeast Minnesota Office of Job Training. This is a onetime appropriation.

(d) $250,000 in fiscal year 2015 is from the workforce development fund for a grant to Twin Cities RISE! to provide job training. This is a onetime appropriation.

Subd. 4. General Support Services

0

500,000

$500,000 in fiscal year 2015 is from the general fund for establishing and operating the interagency Olmstead Implementation Office. The base appropriation for the office is $875,000 each year for fiscal years 2016 and 2017. The state recognizes its obligations under Jensen, et al. v. Minnesota Department of Human Services, et al. During the 2015 legislative session, the legislature intends to review the funding levels provided for the Olmstead Implementation Office to ensure that amounts sufficient to comply with the obligations imposed by the court's order are appropriated in fiscal years 2016 and 2017.

Subd. 5. Vocational Rehabilitation

-0-

700,000

Appropriations by Fund
General	-0-	450,000
Workforce Development	-0-	250,000

(a) $250,000 in fiscal year 2015 is from the workforce development fund for rate increases to providers of extended employment services for persons with severe disabilities under Minnesota Statutes, section 268A.15. This is a onetime appropriation.

(b) $450,000 in fiscal year 2015 is from the general fund for grants to the eight Minnesota Centers for Independent Living. This is a onetime appropriation.

Subd. 6. Transfer

The commissioner shall transfer $7,100,000 from the Minnesota minerals 21st century fund to the commissioner of the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board for a grant or forgivable loan to the city of Hoyt Lakes for building and municipal infrastructure in support of a biochemical manufacturing project to be located in the city. This transfer is available until June 30, 2018.

Sec. 3. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND INDUSTRY

$

250,000

For the purpose of establishing competency standards for programs in advanced manufacturing, health care services, information technology, and agriculture. This is a onetime appropriation.

Sec. 4. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

$

(350,000)

$

-0-

$350,000 in fiscal year 2014 is a onetime reduction to the appropriation for the gold bullion dealer registration program.

Sec. 5. HOUSING FINANCE AGENCY

$

-0-

$

2,200,000

$2,200,000 in fiscal year 2015 is from the general fund for up to two grants for housing projects, not to exceed $1,100,000 per grant or 50 percent of the total development costs of the housing project, whichever is less, in communities that have:

(1) low housing vacancy rates; and

(2) education and training centers for jobs in the natural resources or aviation maintenance fields, or other fields with anticipated significant job growth potential.

Funds must be used for grants for housing projects with financial and in-kind contributions from nonagency resources that, when combined with a grant under this section, are sufficient to complete the housing project. This is a onetime appropriation. If funds remain uncommitted by the end of calendar year 2015, the agency may transfer the uncommitted funds to the economic development and housing challenge program under Minnesota Statutes, section 462A.33.

Sec. 6.

Laws 2013, chapter 85, article 1, section 3, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Business and Community Development

53,642,000

45,407,000

Appropriations by Fund
General	52,942,000	44,707,000
Remediation	700,000	700,000

(a)(1) $15,000,000 each year is for the Minnesota investment fund under Minnesota Statutes, section 116J.8731. Of this amount, the commissioner of employment and economic development may use up to three percent for administrative expenses and technology upgrades. This appropriation is available until spent.

(2) Of the amount available under clause (1), up to $3,000,000 in fiscal year 2014 is for a loan to facilitate initial investment in the purchase and operation of a biopharmaceutical manufacturing facility. This loan is not subject to the loan limitations under Minnesota Statutes, section 116J.8731, and shall be forgiven by the commissioner of employment and economic development upon verification of meeting performance goals. Purchases related to and for the purposes of this loan award must be made between January 1, 2013, and June 30, 2015. The amount under this clause is available until expended.

(3) Of the amount available under clause (1), up to $2,000,000 is available for subsequent investment in the biopharmaceutical facility project in clause (2). The amount under this clause is available until expended. Loan thresholds under clause (2) must be achieved and maintained to receive funding. Loans are not subject to the loan limitations under Minnesota Statutes, section 116J.8731, and shall be forgiven by the commissioner of employment and economic development upon verification of meeting performance goals. Purchases related to and for the purposes of loan awards must be made during the biennium the loan was received.

(4) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the biopharmaceutical manufacturing facility in this paragraph shall be deemed eligible for the Minnesota job creation fund under Minnesota Statutes, section 116J.8748, by having at least $25,000,000 in capital investment and 190 retained employees.

(5) For purposes of clauses (1) to (4), "biopharmaceutical" and "biologics" are interchangeable and mean medical drugs or medicinal preparations produced using technology that uses biological systems, living organisms, or derivatives of living organisms, to make or modify products or processes for specific use. The medical drugs or medicinal preparations include but are not limited to proteins, antibodies, nucleic acids, and vaccines.

(b) $12,000,000 each year is for the Minnesota job creation fund under Minnesota Statutes, section 116J.8748. Of this amount, the commissioner of employment and economic development may use up to three percent for administrative expenses. This appropriation is available until spent. The base funding for this program shall be $12,500,000 each year in the fiscal year 2016-2017 biennium.

(c) $1,272,000 each year is from the general fund for contaminated site cleanup and development grants under Minnesota Statutes, sections 116J.551 to 116J.558. This appropriation is available until expended.

(d) $700,000 each year is from the remediation fund for contaminated site cleanup and development grants under Minnesota Statutes, sections 116J.551 to 116J.558. This appropriation is available until expended.

(e) $1,425,000 the first year and $1,425,000 the second year are from the general fund for the business development competitive grant program. Of this amount, up to five percent is for administration and monitoring of the business development competitive grant program. All grant awards shall be for two consecutive years. Grants shall be awarded in the first year.

(f) $4,195,000 each year is from the general fund for the Minnesota job skills partnership program under Minnesota Statutes, sections 116L.01 to 116L.17. If the appropriation for either year is insufficient, the appropriation for the other year is available. This appropriation is available until spent.

(g) $6,000,000 the first year is from the general fund for the redevelopment program under Minnesota Statutes, section 116J.571. This is a onetime appropriation and is available until spent.

(h) $12,000 each year is from the general fund for a grant to the Upper Minnesota Film Office.

(i) $325,000 each year is from the general fund for the Minnesota Film and TV Board. The appropriation in each year is available only upon receipt by the board of $1 in matching contributions of money or in-kind contributions from nonstate sources for every $3 provided by this appropriation, except that each year up to $50,000 is available on July 1 even if the required matching contribution has not been received by that date.

(j) $100,000 each year is for a grant to the Northern Lights International Music Festival.

(k) $5,000,000 each year is from the general fund for a grant to the Minnesota Film and TV Board for the film production jobs program under Minnesota Statutes, section 116U.26. This appropriation is available until expended. The base funding for this program shall be $1,500,000 each year in the fiscal year 2016-2017 biennium.

(l) $375,000 each year is from the general fund for a grant to Enterprise Minnesota, Inc., for the small business growth acceleration program under Minnesota Statutes, section 116O.115. This is a onetime appropriation.

(m) $160,000 each year is from the general fund for a grant to develop and implement a southern and southwestern Minnesota initiative foundation collaborative pilot project. Funds available under this paragraph must be used to support and develop entrepreneurs in diverse populations in southern and southwestern Minnesota. This is a onetime appropriation and is available until expended.

(n) $100,000 each year is from the general fund for the Center for Rural Policy and Development. This is a onetime appropriation.

(o) $250,000 each year is from the general fund for the Broadband Development Office.

(p) $250,000 the first year is from the general fund for a onetime grant to the St. Paul Planning and Economic Development Department for neighborhood stabilization use in NSP3.

(q) $1,235,000 the first year is from the general fund for a onetime grant to a city of the second class that is designated as an economically depressed area by the United States Department of Commerce. The appropriation is for economic development, redevelopment, and job creation programs and projects. This appropriation is available until expended.

(r) $875,000 each year is from the general fund for the Host Community Economic Development Program established in Minnesota Statutes, section 116J.548.

(s) $750,000 the first year is from the general fund for a onetime grant to the city of Morris for loans or grants to agricultural processing facilities for energy efficiency improvements. Funds available under this section shall be used to increase conservation and promote energy efficiency through retrofitting existing systems and installing new systems to recover waste heat from industrial processes and reuse energy. This appropriation is not available until the commissioner determines that at least $1,250,000 a match of $750,000 is committed to the project from nonpublic sources. This appropriation is available until expended.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective retroactively from July 1, 2013.

Sec. 7.

Laws 2013, chapter 85, article 1, section 3, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5. Minnesota Trade Office

2,322,000

2,292,000

(a) $330,000 in fiscal year 2014 and $300,000 in fiscal year 2015 are for the STEP grants in Minnesota Statutes, section 116J.979. Of the fiscal year 2014 appropriation, $30,000 is available for expenditure until June 30, 2015, for establishing trade, export, and cultural exchange relations between the state of Minnesota and east African nations.

(b) $180,000 in fiscal year 2014 and $180,000 in fiscal year 2015 are for the Invest Minnesota marketing initiative in Minnesota Statutes, section 116J.9781. Notwithstanding any other law, this provision does not expire.

(c) $270,000 each year is from the general fund for the expansion of Minnesota Trade Offices under Minnesota Statutes, section 116J.978.

(d) $50,000 each year is from the general fund for the trade policy advisory group under Minnesota Statutes, section 116J.9661.

(e) The commissioner of employment and economic development, in consultation with the commissioner of agriculture, shall identify and increase export opportunities for Minnesota agricultural products.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 8.

Laws 2013, chapter 85, article 1, section 3, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6. Vocational Rehabilitation

27,691,000

27,691,000

Appropriations by Fund
General	20,861,000	20,861,000
Workforce Development	6,830,000	6,830,000

(a) $10,800,000 each year is from the general fund for the state's vocational rehabilitation program under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 268A.

(b) $2,261,000 each year is from the general fund for grants to centers for independent living under Minnesota Statutes, section 268A.11.

(c) $5,745,000 each year from the general fund and $6,830,000 each year from the workforce development fund is for extended employment services for persons with severe disabilities under Minnesota Statutes, section 268A.15. The allocation of extended employment funds to Courage Center from July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2013 must be contracted to Allina Health systems from July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2014 2015 to provide extended employment services in accordance with Minnesota Rules, parts 3300.2005 to 3300.2055.

(d) $2,055,000 each year is from the general fund for grants to programs that provide employment support services to persons with mental illness under Minnesota Statutes, sections 268A.13 and 268A.14. The base appropriation for this program is $1,555,000 each year in the fiscal year 2016-2017 biennium.

Sec. 9.

Laws 2013, chapter 85, article 1, section 4, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Total Appropriation

$

58,748,000

$

42,748,000

The amounts that may be spent for each purpose are specified in the following subdivisions.

Unless otherwise specified, this appropriation is for transfer to the housing development fund for the programs specified in this section. Except as otherwise indicated, this transfer is part of the agency's permanent budget base.

The Housing Finance Agency must make continuous improvements to its ongoing efforts to reduce the racial and ethnic inequalities in homeownership rates and must seek opportunities to deploy increasing levels of resources toward these efforts.

Sec. 10.

Laws 2013, chapter 85, article 1, section 4, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Challenge Program

19,203,000

9,203,000

(a) This appropriation is for the economic development and housing challenge program under Minnesota Statutes, section 462A.33. The agency must continue to strengthen its efforts to address the disparity rate between white households and indigenous American Indians and communities of color. Of this amount, $1,208,000 each year shall be made available during the first 11 months of the fiscal year exclusively for housing projects for American Indians. Any funds not committed to housing projects for American Indians in the first 11 months of the fiscal year shall be available for any eligible activity under Minnesota Statues, section 462A.33.

(b) Of this amount, $10,000,000 is a onetime appropriation and is targeted for housing in communities and regions that have:

(1)(i) low housing vacancy rates; and

(ii) cooperatively developed a plan that identifies current and future housing needs; and

(2)(i) experienced job growth since 2005 and have at least 2,000 jobs within the commuter shed;

(ii) evidence of anticipated job expansion; or

(iii) a significant portion of area employees who commute more than 30 miles between their residence and their employment.

(c) Priority shall be given to programs and projects that are land trust programs and programs that work in coordination with a land trust program.

(d) Of this amount, $500,000 is for homeownership opportunities for families who have been evicted or been given notice of an eviction due to a disabled child in the home, including adjustments for the incremental increase in costs of addressing the unique housing needs of those households. Any funds not expended for this purpose may be returned to the challenge fund after October 31, 2014.

(d) (e) The base funding for this program in the 2016-2017 biennium is $12,925,000 each year.

Sec. 11.

Laws 2013, chapter 85, article 1, section 5, is amended to read:

Sec. 5. EXPLORE MINNESOTA TOURISM

$

13,988,000

$

13,988,000

(a) To develop maximum private sector involvement in tourism, $500,000 in fiscal year 2014 and $500,000 in fiscal year 2015 must be matched by Explore Minnesota Tourism from nonstate sources. Each $1 of state incentive must be matched with $6 of private sector funding. Cash match is defined as revenue to the state or documented cash expenditures directly expended to support Explore Minnesota Tourism programs. Up to one-half of the private sector contribution may be in-kind or soft match. The incentive in fiscal year 2014 shall be based on fiscal year 2013 private sector contributions. The incentive in fiscal year 2015 shall be based on fiscal year 2014 private sector contributions. This incentive is ongoing.

Funding for the marketing grants is available either year of the biennium. Unexpended grant funds from the first year are available in the second year.

(b) $100,000 of the second year appropriation is for a grant to the Mille Lacs Tourism Council to enhance marketing activities related to tourism promotion in the Mille Lacs Lake area.

(c) $100,000 of the second year appropriation is for additional marketing activities.

Sec. 12.

Laws 2013, chapter 85, article 1, section 13, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5. Telecommunications

1,949,000

2,249,000

Appropriations by Fund
General	1,009,000	1,009,000
Special Revenue	940,000	1,240,000

$940,000 in fiscal year 2014 and $1,240,000 in fiscal year 2015 are appropriated to the commissioner from the telecommunication access fund for the following transfers. This appropriation is added to the department's base.

(1) $500,000 in fiscal year 2014 and $800,000 in fiscal year 2015 to the commissioner of human services to supplement the ongoing operational expenses of the Commission of Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard-of-Hearing Minnesotans;

(2) $290,000 in fiscal year 2014 and $290,000 in fiscal year 2015 to the chief information officer for the purpose of coordinating technology accessibility and usability; and

(3) $150,000 in fiscal year 2014 and $150,000 in fiscal year 2015 to the Legislative Coordinating Commission for captioning of legislative coverage and for a consolidated access fund for other state agencies. These transfers are subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.281.

Sec. 13.

EXTENDED EMPLOYMENT CARRYFORWARD.

Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 268A.15, subdivision 8, appropriations from the general fund and workforce development fund in fiscal years 2014 and 2015 to the commissioner of employment and economic development for the purposes of Minnesota Statutes, sections 268A.13 and 268A.14, are available until June 30, 2015.

Sec. 14.

ASSIGNED RISK TRANSFER.

(a) By June 30, 2015, if the commissioner of commerce determines on the basis of an audit that there is an excess surplus in the assigned risk plan created under Minnesota Statutes, section 79.252, the commissioner of management and budget shall transfer the amount of the excess surplus, not to exceed $10,500,000, to the general fund. This transfer occurs prior to any transfer under Minnesota Statutes, section 79.251, subdivision 1, paragraph (a), clause (1). This is a onetime transfer.

(b) By June 30, 2015, and each year thereafter, if the commissioner of commerce determines on the basis of an audit that there is an excess surplus in the assigned risk plan created under Minnesota Statutes, section 79.252, the commissioner of management and budget shall transfer the amount of the excess surplus, not to exceed $4,820,000 each year, to the Minnesota minerals 21st century fund under Minnesota Statutes, section 116J.423. This transfer occurs prior to any transfer under Minnesota Statutes, section 79.251, subdivision 1, paragraph (a), clause (1), but after the transfer authorized in paragraph (a). The total amount authorized for all transfers under this paragraph must not exceed $24,100,000. This paragraph expires the day following the transfer in which the total amount transferred under this paragraph to the Minnesota minerals 21st century fund equals $24,100,000.

(c) By June 30, 2015, if the commissioner of commerce determines on the basis of an audit that there is an excess surplus in the assigned risk plan created under Minnesota Statutes, section 79.252, the commissioner of management and budget shall transfer the amount of the excess surplus, not to exceed $4,820,000, to the general fund. This transfer occurs prior to any transfer under Minnesota Statutes, section 79.251, subdivision 1, paragraph (a), clause (1), but after any transfers authorized in paragraphs (a) and (b). If a transfer occurs under this paragraph, the amount transferred is appropriated from the general fund in fiscal year 2015 to the commissioner of labor and industry for the purposes of section 15. Both the transfer and appropriation under this paragraph are onetime.

(d) By June 30, 2016, if the commissioner of commerce determines on the basis of an audit that there is an excess surplus in the assigned risk plan created under Minnesota Statutes, section 79.252, the commissioner of management and budget shall transfer the amount of the excess surplus, not to exceed $4,820,000, to the general fund. This transfer occurs prior to any transfer under Minnesota Statutes, section 79.251, subdivision 1, paragraph (a), clause (1), but after the transfers authorized in paragraphs (a) and (b). If a transfer occurs under this paragraph, the amount transferred is appropriated from the general fund in fiscal year 2016 to the commissioner of labor and industry for the purposes of section 15. Both the transfer and appropriation under this paragraph are onetime.

(e) Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.28, the commissioner of management and budget shall transfer to the assigned risk plan under Minnesota Statutes, section 79.252, any unencumbered or unexpended balance of the appropriations under paragraphs (c) and (d) remaining on June 30, 2017, or the date the commissioner of commerce determines that an excess surplus in the assigned risk plan does not exist, whichever occurs earlier.

Sec. 15.

WORKERS' COMPENSATION SYSTEM REFORM; USE OF FUNDS.

(a) The appropriations under section 14 to the commissioner of labor and industry are for reform of the workers' compensation system. Funds appropriated under section 14, paragraphs (c) and (d), may be expended by the commissioner only after the advisory council on workers' compensation created under Minnesota Statutes, section 175.007, has approved a new system including, but not limited to: a Medicare-based diagnosis-related group (MS-DRG) or similar system for payment of workers' compensation inpatient hospital services. Of the amount appropriated under section 14, paragraphs (c) and (d), up to $100,000 may be used by the commissioner to develop and implement the new system approved by the advisory council on workers' compensation.

(b) Funds available for expenditure under paragraph (a) may be used by the commissioner for reimbursement of expenditures that are reasonable and necessary to defray the costs of the implementation by hospitals, insurers, and self-insured employers of the new system including, but not limited to: a Medicare-based diagnosis-related group (MS-DRG) or similar system for payment of workers' compensation inpatient hospital services, litigation expense reform, worker safety training, administrative costs, or other related system reform.

(c) For the purposes of this section, reasonable and necessary system reform and implementation costs include, but are not limited to:

(1) the cost of analyzing data to determine the anticipated costs and savings of implementing the new system;

(2) the cost of analyzing system or organizational changes necessary for implementation;

(3) the cost of determining how an organization would implement group or other software;

(4) the cost of upgrading existing software or purchasing new software and other technology upgrades needed for implementation;

(5) the cost of educating and training staff about the new system as applied to workers' compensation; and

(6) the cost of integrating the new system with electronic billing and remittance systems.

Sec. 16.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING PLAN; DISPARITIES REPORT.

(a) The Housing Finance Agency shall provide the chairs and ranking minority members of the house of representatives and senate committees with jurisdiction over the agency with the draft and final versions of its affordable housing plan before and after it has been submitted to the agency board for consideration.

(b) The Housing Finance Agency shall annually report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the house of representatives and senate committees with jurisdiction over the agency on the progress, if any, the agency has made in closing the racial disparity gap and low-income concentrated housing disparities.

ARTICLE 3

JOBS, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, ENERGY, AND LABOR

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 13.681, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 9.

Community energy efficiency and renewable energy loan.

Energy usage data provided by an industrial, commercial, or health care facility customer for community energy efficiency and renewable energy loans are governed by section 216C.145, subdivision 3.

Sec. 2.

[116J.394] DEFINITIONS.

(a) For the purposes of sections 116J.394 to 116J.396, the following terms have the meanings given them.

(b) "Broadband" or "broadband service" has the meaning given in section 116J.39, subdivision 1, paragraph (b).

(c) "Broadband infrastructure" means networks of deployed telecommunications equipment and technologies necessary to provide high-speed Internet access and other advanced telecommunications services for end users.

(d) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of employment and economic development.

(e) "Last-mile infrastructure" means broadband infrastructure that serves as the final leg connecting the broadband service provider's network to the end-use customer's on-premises telecommunications equipment.

(f) "Middle-mile infrastructure" means broadband infrastructure that links a broadband service provider's core network infrastructure to last-mile infrastructure.

(g) "Political subdivision" means any county, city, town, school district, special district or other political subdivision, or public corporation.

(h) "Underserved areas" means areas of Minnesota in which households or businesses lack access to wire-line broadband service at speeds that meet the state broadband goals of ten to 20 megabits per second download and five to ten megabits per second upload.

(i) "Unserved areas" means areas of Minnesota in which households or businesses lack access to wire-line broadband service at speeds that meet a Federal Communications Commission threshold of four megabits per second download and one megabit per second upload.

Sec. 3.

[116J.395] BORDER-TO-BORDER BROADBAND DEVELOPMENT GRANT PROGRAM.

Subdivision 1.

Establishment.

A grant program is established under the Department of Employment and Economic Development to award grants to eligible applicants in order to promote the expansion of access to broadband service in unserved or underserved areas of the state.

Subd. 2.

Eligible expenditures.

Grants may be awarded under this section to fund the acquisition and installation of middle-mile and last-mile infrastructure that support broadband service scalable to speeds of at least 100 megabits per second download and 100 megabits per second upload.

Subd. 3.

Eligible applicants.

Eligible applicants for grants awarded under this section include:

(1) an incorporated business or a partnership;

(2) a political subdivision;

(3) an Indian tribe;

(4) a Minnesota nonprofit organization organized under chapter 317A;

(5) a Minnesota cooperative association organized under chapter 308A or 308B; and

(6) a Minnesota limited liability corporation organized under chapter 322B for the purpose of expanding broadband access.

Subd. 4.

Application process.

An eligible applicant must submit an application to the commissioner on a form prescribed by the commissioner. The commissioner shall develop administrative procedures governing the application and grant award process. The commissioner shall act as fiscal agent for the grant program and shall be responsible for receiving and reviewing grant applications and awarding grants under this section.

Subd. 5.

Application contents.

An applicant for a grant under this section shall provide the following information on the application:

(1) the location of the project;

(2) the kind and amount of broadband infrastructure to be purchased for the project;

(3) evidence regarding the unserved or underserved nature of the community in which the project is to be located;

(4) the number of households passed that will have access to broadband service as a result of the project, or whose broadband service will be upgraded as a result of the project;

(5) significant community institutions that will benefit from the proposed project;

(6) evidence of community support for the project;

(7) the total cost of the project;

(8) sources of funding or in-kind contributions for the project that will supplement any grant award; and

(9) any additional information requested by the commissioner.

Subd. 6.

Awarding grants.

(a) In evaluating applications and awarding grants, the commissioner shall give priority to applications that are constructed in areas identified by the director of the Office of Broadband Development as unserved.

(b) In evaluating applications and awarding grants, the commissioner may give priority to applications that:

(1) are constructed in areas identified by the director of the Office of Broadband Development as underserved;

(2) offer new or substantially upgraded broadband service to important community institutions including, but not limited to, libraries, educational institutions, public safety facilities, and healthcare facilities;

(3) facilitate the use of telemedicine and electronic health records;

(4) serve economically distressed areas of the state, as measured by indices of unemployment, poverty, or population loss that are significantly greater than the statewide average;

(5) provide technical support and train residents, businesses, and institutions in the community served by the project to utilize broadband service;

(6) include a component to actively promote the adoption of the newly available broadband services in the community;

(7) provide evidence of strong support for the project from citizens, government, businesses, and institutions in the community;

(8) provide access to broadband service to a greater number of unserved or underserved households and businesses; or

(9) leverage greater amounts of funding for the project from other private and public sources.

(c) The commissioner shall endeavor to award grants under this section to qualified applicants in all regions of the state.

Subd. 7.

Limitation.

(a) No grant awarded under this section may fund more than 50 percent of the total cost of a project.

(b) Grants awarded to a single project under this section must not exceed $5,000,000.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 4.

[116J.396] BORDER-TO-BORDER BROADBAND FUND.

Subdivision 1.

Account established.

The border-to-border broadband fund account is established as a separate account in the special revenue fund in the state treasury. The commissioner shall credit to the account appropriations and transfers to the account. Earnings, such as interest, dividends, and any other earnings arising from assets of the account, must be credited to the account. Funds remaining in the account at the end of a fiscal year are not canceled to the general fund, but remain in the account until expended. The commissioner shall manage the account.

Subd. 2.

Expenditures.

Money in the account may be used only:

(1) for grant awards made under section 116J.395, including costs incurred by the Department of Employment and Economic Development to administer that section;

(2) to supplement revenues raised by bonds sold by local units of government for broadband infrastructure development; or

(3) to contract for the collection of broadband deployment data from providers and the creation of maps showing the availability of broadband service.

Subd. 3.

Appropriation.

Money in the account is appropriated to the commissioner for the purposes of subdivision 2.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 116J.423, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Use of fund.

The commissioner shall use money in the fund to make loans or equity investments in mineral or taconite processing facilities including, but not limited to, taconite processing, direct reduction processing, and, steel production facilities, facilities for the manufacturing of renewable energy products, or facilities for the manufacturing of biobased or biomass products, and that are located within the taconite relief tax area as defined under section 273.134. The commissioner must, prior to making any loans or equity investments and after consultation with industry and public officials, develop a strategy for making loans and equity investments that assists the Minnesota mineral industry in becoming globally competitive. Money in the fund may also be used to pay for the costs of carrying out the commissioner's due diligence duties under this section.

Sec. 6.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 116J.8731, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Grant limits.

A Minnesota investment fund grant may not be approved for an amount in excess of $1,000,000. This limit covers all money paid to complete the same project, whether paid to one or more grant recipients and whether paid in one or more fiscal years. A local community or recognized Indian tribal government may retain 20 40 percent, but not more than $100,000, of a Minnesota investment fund grant when it is repaid to the local community or recognized Indian tribal government by the person or entity to which it was loaned by the local community or Indian tribal government. Money repaid to the state must be credited to a Minnesota investment revolving loan account in the state treasury. Funds in the account are appropriated to the commissioner and must be used in the same manner as are funds appropriated to the Minnesota investment fund. Funds repaid to the state through existing Minnesota investment fund agreements must be credited to the Minnesota investment revolving loan account effective July 1, 2005. A grant or loan may not be made to a person or entity for the operation or expansion of a casino or a store which is used solely or principally for retail sales. Persons or entities receiving grants or loans must pay each employee total compensation, including benefits not mandated by law, that on an annualized basis is equal to at least 110 percent of the federal poverty level for a family of four.

Sec. 7.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 116L.98, is amended to read:

116L.98 WORKFORCE PROGRAM OUTCOMES.

Subdivision 1.

Requirements.

The commissioner shall develop and implement a set of standard approaches for assessing the outcomes of workforce programs under this chapter. The outcomes assessed must include, but are not limited to, periodic comparisons of workforce program participants and nonparticipants uniform outcome measurement and reporting system for adult workforce-related programs funded in whole or in part by the workforce development fund.

The commissioner shall also monitor the activities and outcomes of programs and services funded by legislative appropriations and administered by the department on a pass-through basis and develop a consistent and equitable method of assessing recipients for the costs of its monitoring activities.

Subd. 2.

Definitions.

(a) For the purposes of this section, the terms defined in this subdivision have the meanings given.

(b) "Credential" means postsecondary degrees, diplomas, licenses, and certificates awarded in recognition of an individual's attainment of measurable technical or occupational skills necessary to obtain employment or advance with an occupation. This definition does not include certificates awarded by workforce investment boards or work-readiness certificates.

(c) "Exit" means to have not received service under a workforce program for 90 consecutive calendar days. The exit date is the last date of service.

(d) "Net impact" means the use of matched control groups and regression analysis to estimate the impacts attributable to program participation net of other factors, including observable personal characteristics and economic conditions.

(e) "Pre-enrollment" means the period of time before an individual was enrolled in a workforce program.

Subd. 3.

Uniform outcome report card; reporting by commissioner.

(a) By December 31 of each even-numbered year, the commissioner must report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the committees of the house of representatives and the senate having jurisdiction over economic development and workforce policy and finance the following information separately for each of the previous two fiscal or calendar years, for each program subject to the requirements of subdivision 1:

(1) the total number of participants enrolled;

(2) the median pre-enrollment wages based on participant wages for the second through the fifth calendar quarters immediately preceding the quarter of enrollment excluding those with zero income;

(3) the total number of participants with zero income in the second through fifth calendar quarters immediately preceding the quarter of enrollment;

(4) the total number of participants enrolled in training;

(5) the total number of participants enrolled in training by occupational group;

(6) the total number of participants that exited the program and the average enrollment duration of participants that have exited the program during the year;

(7) the total number of exited participants who completed training;

(8) the total number of exited participants who attained a credential;

(9) the total number of participants employed during three consecutive quarters immediately following the quarter of exit, by industry;

(10) the median wages of participants employed during three consecutive quarters immediately following the quarter of exit;

(11) the total number of participants employed during eight consecutive quarters immediately following the quarter of exit, by industry; and

(12) the median wages of participants employed during eight consecutive quarters immediately following the quarter of exit.

(b) The report to the legislature must contain participant information by education level, race and ethnicity, gender, and geography, and a comparison of exited participants who completed training and those who did not.

(c) The requirements of this section apply to programs administered directly by the commissioner or administered by other organizations under a grant made by the department.

Subd. 4.

Data to commissioner; uniform report card.

(a) A recipient of a future or past grant or direct appropriation made by or through the department must report data to the commissioner by September 1 of each even-numbered year on each of the items in subdivision 3 for each program it administers except wages and number employed, which the department shall provide. The data must be in a format prescribed by the commissioner.

(b) Beginning July 1, 2014, the commissioner shall provide notice to grant applicants and recipients regarding the data collection and reporting requirements under this subdivision and must provide technical assistance to applicants and recipients to assist in complying with the requirements of this subdivision.

Subd. 5.

Information.

The information collected and reported under subdivisions 3 and 4 shall be made available on the department's Web site.

Subd. 6.

Limitations on future appropriations.

(a) A program that is a recipient of public funds and subject to the requirements of this section as of May 1, 2014, is not eligible for additional state appropriations for any fiscal year beginning after June 30, 2015, unless all of the reporting requirements under subdivision 4 have been satisfied.

(b) A program with an initial request for funds on or after the effective date of this section may be considered for receipt of public funds for the first two fiscal years only if a plan that demonstrates how the data collection and reporting requirements under subdivision 4 will be met has been submitted and approved by the commissioner. Any subsequent request for funds after an initial request is subject to the requirements of paragraph (a).

Subd. 7.

Workforce program net impact analysis.

(a) By January 15, 2015, the commissioner must report to the committees of the house of representatives and the senate having jurisdiction over economic development and workforce policy and finance on the results of the net impact pilot project already underway as of the date of enactment of this section.

(b) The commissioner shall contract with an independent entity to conduct an ongoing net impact analysis of the programs included in the net impact pilot project under paragraph (a) and any other programs deemed appropriate by the commissioner. The net impact methodology used by the independent entity under this paragraph must be based on the methodology and evaluation design used in the net impact pilot project under paragraph (a).

(c) By January 15, 2017, and every four years thereafter, the commissioner must report to the committees of the house of representatives and the senate having jurisdiction over economic development and workforce policy and finance the following information for each program subject to paragraph (b):

(1) the net impact of workforce services on individual employment, earnings, and public benefit usage outcomes; and

(2) a cost-benefit analysis for understanding the monetary impacts of workforce services from the participant and taxpayer points of view.

The report under this paragraph must be made available to the public in an electronic format on the Department of Employment and Economic Development's Web site.

(d) The department is authorized to create and maintain data-sharing agreements with other departments, including corrections, human services, and any other department that are necessary to complete the analysis. The department shall supply the information collected for use by the independent entity conducting net impact analysis pursuant to the data practices requirements under chapters 13, 13A, 13B, and 13C.

Sec. 8.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 179.02, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 6.

Receipt of gifts, money; appropriation.

(a) The commissioner may apply for, accept, and disburse gifts, bequests, grants, or payments for services from the United States, the state, private foundations, or any other source.

(b) Money received by the commissioner under this subdivision must be deposited in a separate account in the state treasury and invested by the State Board of Investment. The amount deposited, including investment earnings, is appropriated to the commissioner to carry out duties of the commissioner.

(c) The commissioner must post and maintain, on the Bureau of Mediation Services Web site, a list of the sources of funds and amounts received under this subdivision.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 9.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 181A.07, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 7.

Approved training programs.

The commissioner may grant exemptions from any provisions of sections 181A.01 to 181A.12 for minors participating in training programs approved by the commissioner; or students in a valid apprenticeship program taught by or required by a trade union, the commissioner of education, the commissioner of employment and economic development, the Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, or the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota.

Sec. 10.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 216B.241, subdivision 1d, is amended to read:

Subd. 1d.

Technical assistance.

(a) The commissioner shall evaluate energy conservation improvement programs on the basis of cost-effectiveness and the reliability of the technologies employed. The commissioner shall, by order, establish, maintain, and update energy-savings assumptions that must be used when filing energy conservation improvement programs. The commissioner shall establish an inventory of the most effective energy conservation programs, techniques, and technologies, and encourage all Minnesota utilities to implement them, where appropriate, in their service territories. The commissioner shall describe these programs in sufficient detail to provide a utility reasonable guidance concerning implementation. The commissioner shall prioritize the opportunities in order of potential energy savings and in order of cost-effectiveness. The commissioner may contract with a third party to carry out any of the commissioner's duties under this subdivision, and to obtain technical assistance to evaluate the effectiveness of any conservation improvement program. The commissioner may assess up to $800,000 annually until June 30, 2009, and $450,000 $850,000 annually thereafter for the purposes of this subdivision. The assessments must be deposited in the state treasury and credited to the energy and conservation account created under subdivision 2a. An assessment made under this subdivision is not subject to the cap on assessments provided by section 216B.62, or any other law.

(b) Of the assessment authorized under paragraph (a), the commissioner may expend up to $400,000 annually for the purpose of developing, operating, maintaining, and providing technical support for a uniform electronic data reporting and tracking system available to all utilities subject to this section, in order to enable accurate measurement of the cost and energy savings of the energy conservation improvements required by this section. This paragraph expires June 30, 2017, and may be used for no more than three annual assessments occurring prior to that date.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective the day following final enactment and applies to assessments made after June 30, 2014.

Sec. 11.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 216C.145, is amended to read:

216C.145 MICROENERGY COMMUNITY ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND RENEWABLE ENERGY LOAN PROGRAM.

Subdivision 1.

Definitions.

(a) The definitions in this subdivision apply to this section.

(b) "Small-scale Community energy efficiency and renewable energy projects" projects include means solar thermal water heating, solar electric or photovoltaic equipment, small wind energy conversion systems of less than 250 kW, anaerobic digester gas systems, microhydro systems up to 100 kW, and heating and cooling applications using geothermal energy solar thermal or ground source technology, and cost-effective energy efficiency projects installed in industrial, commercial or public buildings, or health care facilities.

(c) "Health care facilities" means a hospital licensed under sections 144.50 to 144.56, or a nursing home licensed under chapter 144A.

(d) "Industrial customer" means a business that is classified under the North American Industrial Classification System under codes 21, 31 to 33, 48, 49, or 562.

(e) "Small business" means a business that employs 50 or fewer employees.

(c) (f) "Unit of local government" means any home rule charter or statutory city, county, commission, district, authority, or other political subdivision or instrumentality of this state, including a sanitary district, park district, the Metropolitan Council, a port authority, an economic development authority, or a housing and redevelopment authority.

Subd. 2.

Program established.

The commissioner of commerce shall develop, implement, and administer a microenergy community energy efficiency and renewable energy loan program under this section.

Subd. 3.

Loan purposes.

(a) The commissioner may issue low-interest, long-term loans to units of local government to:

(1) finance community-owned or publicly owned small scale renewable energy systems or to cost-effective energy efficiency improvements to public buildings; or

provide loans or other aids to small businesses to install small-scale renewable energy systems

(2) provide loans or other aids to industrial or commercial businesses or health care facilities for cost-effective energy efficiency projects or to install renewable energy systems.

(b) The commissioner may participate in loans made by the Housing Finance Agency to residential property owners, private developers, nonprofit organizations, or units of local government under sections 462A.05, subdivisions 14 and 18; and 462A.33 for the construction, purchase, or rehabilitation of residential housing to facilitate the installation of small-scale renewable energy systems in residential housing and cost-effective energy conservation improvements identified in an energy efficiency audit. The commissioner shall assist the Housing Finance Agency in assessing the technical qualifications of loan applicants.

(c) If an industrial, commercial, or health care facility customer seeks a loan under paragraph (a), clause (2), the commissioner may require an individual industrial, commercial, or health care facility customer to provide its energy usage data for the limited purpose of assessing the energy and cost savings of the project that is subject to the loan. Industrial, commercial, or health care facility customer's energy usage data may only be released upon the express, written consent of the individual industrial, commercial, or health care facility customer. The commissioner shall not require an industrial, commercial, or health care facility customer to provide energy usage data or aggregation of energy usage data that includes an industrial, commercial, or health care facility customer for any other loan under this section. Any individual industrial, commercial, or health care facility customer's energy usage data provided under this section shall be classified as nonpublic data as defined in section 13.02, subdivision 9.

Subd. 4.

Technical standards.

The commissioner shall determine technical standards for small-scale renewable energy systems community energy efficiency and renewable energy projects to qualify for loans under this section.

Subd. 5.

Loan proposals.

(a) At least once a year, the commissioner shall publish in the State Register a request for proposals from units of local government for a loan under this section. Within 45 days after the deadline for receipt of proposals, the commissioner shall select proposals based on the following criteria:

(1) the reliability and cost-effectiveness of the renewable or energy efficiency technology to be installed under the proposal;

(2) the extent to which the proposal effectively integrates with the conservation and energy efficiency programs or goals of the energy utilities serving the proposer;

(3) the total life cycle energy use and greenhouse gas emissions reductions per dollar of installed cost;

(4) the diversity of the renewable energy or energy efficiency technology installed under the proposal;

(5) the geographic distribution of projects throughout the state;

(6) the percentage of total project cost requested;

(7) the proposed security for payback of the loan; and

(8) other criteria the commissioner may determine to be necessary and appropriate.

Subd. 6.

Loan terms.

A loan under this section must be issued at the lowest interest rate required to recover principal and interest plus the costs of issuing the loan, and must be for a minimum of 15 years, unless the commissioner determines that a shorter loan period of no less than ten five years is necessary and feasible.

Subd. 7.

Account.

A microenergy community energy efficiency and renewable energy loan account is established in the state treasury. Money in the account consists of the proceeds of revenue bonds issued under section 216C.146, interest and other earnings on money in the account, money received in repayment of loans from the account, legislative appropriations, and money from any other source credited to the account.

Subd. 8.

Appropriation.

Money in the account is appropriated to the commissioner of commerce to make microenergy community energy efficiency and renewable energy loans under this section and to the commissioner of management and budget to pay debt service and other costs under section 216C.146. Payment of debt service costs and funding reserves take priority over use of money in the account for any other purpose.

Sec. 12.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 216C.146, is amended to read:

216C.146 MICROENERGY COMMUNITY ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND RENEWABLE ENERGY LOAN REVENUE BONDS.

Subdivision 1.

Bonding authority; definition.

(a) The commissioner of management and budget, if requested by the commissioner of commerce, shall sell and issue state revenue bonds for the following purposes:

(1) to make microenergy community energy efficiency and renewable energy loans under section 216C.145;

(2) to pay the costs of issuance, debt service, including capitalized interest, and bond insurance or other credit enhancements, and to fund reserves, and make payments under other agreements entered into under subdivision 2, but excludes refunding bonds sold and issued under this subdivision; and

(3) to refund bonds issued under this section.

(b) The aggregate principal amount of bonds for the purposes of paragraph (a), clause (1), that may be outstanding at any time may not exceed $100,000,000, of which up to $20,000,000 shall be reserved for community energy efficiency and renewable energy projects taking place in small businesses and public buildings; the principal amount of bonds that may be issued for the purposes of paragraph (a), clauses (2) and (3), is not limited.

(c) For the purpose of this section, "commissioner" means the commissioner of management and budget.

(d) Revenue bonds may be issued from time to time in one or more series on the terms and conditions the commissioner determines to be in the best interests of the state at any price or percentages of par value, but the term on any series of revenue bonds may not exceed 25 years. The revenue bonds of each issue and series thereof shall be dated and bear interest, and may be includable in or excludable from the gross income of the owners for federal income tax purposes.

(e) Revenue bonds may be sold at either public or private sale. Any bid received may be rejected.

(f) The revenue bonds are not subject to chapter 16C.

(g) Notwithstanding any other law, revenue bonds issued under this section shall be fully negotiable.

(h) Revenue bond terms must be no longer than the term of any corresponding loan made under section 216C.145.

Subd. 2.

Procedure.

The commissioner may sell and issue the bonds on the terms and conditions the commissioner determines to be in the best interests of the state. The bonds may be sold at public or private sale. The commissioner may enter into any agreements or pledges the commissioner determines necessary or useful to sell the bonds that are not inconsistent with section 216C.145. Sections 16A.672 to 16A.675 apply to the bonds. The proceeds of the bonds issued under this section must be credited to the microenergy community energy efficiency and renewable energy loan account created under section 216C.145.

Subd. 3.

Revenue sources.

The debt service on the bonds is payable only from the following sources:

(1) revenue credited to the microenergy community energy efficiency and renewable energy loan account from the sources identified in section 216C.145 or from any other source; and

(2) other revenues pledged to the payment of the bonds, including reserves established by a local government unit.

Subd. 4.

Refunding bonds.

The commissioner may issue bonds to refund outstanding bonds issued under subdivision 1, including the payment of any redemption premiums on the bonds and any interest accrued or to accrue to the first redemption date after delivery of the refunding bonds. The proceeds of the refunding bonds may, at the discretion of the commissioner, be applied to the purchases or payment at maturity of the bonds to be refunded, or the redemption of the outstanding bonds on the first redemption date after delivery of the refunding bonds and may, until so used, be placed in escrow to be applied to the purchase, retirement, or redemption. Refunding bonds issued under this subdivision must be issued and secured in the manner provided by the commissioner.

Subd. 5.

Not a general or moral obligation.

Bonds issued under this section are not public debt, and the full faith, credit, and taxing powers of the state are not pledged for their payment. The bonds may not be paid, directly in whole or in part from a tax of statewide application on any class of property, income, transaction, or privilege. Payment of the bonds is limited to the revenues explicitly authorized to be pledged under this section. The state neither makes nor has a moral obligation to pay the bonds if the pledged revenues and other legal security for them is insufficient.

Subd. 6.

Trustee.

The commissioner may contract with and appoint a trustee for bondholders. The trustee has the powers and authority vested in it by the commissioner under the bond and trust indentures.

Subd. 7.

Pledges.

A pledge made by the commissioner is valid and binding from the time the pledge is made. The money or property pledged and later received by the commissioner is immediately subject to the lien of the pledge without any physical delivery of the property or money or further act, and the lien of the pledge is valid and binding as against all parties having claims of any kind in tort, contract, or otherwise against the commissioner, whether or not those parties have notice of the lien or pledge. Neither the order nor any other instrument by which a pledge is created need be recorded.

Subd. 8.

Bonds; purchase and cancellation.

The commissioner, subject to agreements with bondholders that may then exist, may, out of any money available for the purpose, purchase bonds of the commissioner at a price not exceeding (1) if the bonds are then redeemable, the redemption price then applicable plus accrued interest to the next interest payment date thereon, or (2) if the bonds are not redeemable, the redemption price applicable on the first date after the purchase upon which the bonds become subject to redemption plus accrued interest to that date.

Subd. 9.

State pledge against impairment of contracts.

The state pledges and agrees with the holders of any bonds that the state will not limit or alter the rights vested in the commissioner to fulfill the terms of any agreements made with the bondholders, or in any way impair the rights and remedies of the holders until the bonds, together with interest on them, with interest on any unpaid installments of interest, and all costs and expenses in connection with any action or proceeding by or on behalf of the bondholders, are fully met and discharged. The commissioner may include this pledge and agreement of the state in any agreement with the holders of bonds issued under this section.

Subd. 10.

Revenue bonds as legal investments.

Any of the following entities may legally invest any sinking funds, money, or other funds belonging to them or under their control in any revenue bonds issued under this section:

(1) the state, the investment board, public officers, municipal corporations, political subdivisions, and public bodies;

(2) banks and bankers, savings and loan associations, credit unions, trust companies, savings banks and institutions, investment companies, insurance companies, insurance associations, and other persons carrying on a banking or insurance business; and

(3) personal representatives, guardians, trustees, and other fiduciaries.

Subd. 11.

Waiver of immunity.

The waiver of immunity by the state provided for by section 3.751, subdivision 1, shall be applicable to the revenue bonds and any ancillary contracts to which the commissioner is a party.

Sec. 13.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 268A.01, subdivision 14, is amended to read:

Subd. 14.

Affirmative business enterprise employment.

"Affirmative business enterprise employment" means employment which provides paid work on the premises of an affirmative business enterprise as certified by the commissioner.

Affirmative business enterprise employment is considered community employment for purposes of funding under Minnesota Rules, parts 3300.1000 to 3300.2055, provided that the wages for individuals reported must be at or above customary wages for the same employer. The employer must also provide one benefit package that is available to all employees at the specific site certified as an affirmative business enterprise.

Sec. 14.

[268A.16] EMPLOYMENT SERVICES FOR PERSONS WHO ARE DEAF, DEAFBLIND, OR HARD-OF-HEARING.

Subdivision 1.

Deaf, deafblind, and hard-of-hearing grants.

(a) The commissioner shall develop and implement a specialized statewide grant program to provide long-term supported employment services for persons who are deaf, deafblind, and hard-of-hearing. Programs and services eligible for grants under this section must:

(1) assist persons who are deaf, deafblind, and hard-of-hearing in retaining and advancing in employment;

(2) provide services with staff who must possess fluency in all forms of manual communication, including American Sign Language; knowledge of hearing loss and psychosocial implications; sensitivity to cultural issues; familiarity with community services and communication strategies for people who are hard-of-hearing and do not sign; and awareness of adaptive technology options;

(3) provide specialized employment support services for individuals who have a combined hearing and vision loss that address the individual's unique ongoing visual and auditory communication needs; and

(4) involve clients in the planning, development, oversight, and delivery of long-term ongoing support services.

(b) Priority for funding shall be given to organizations with experience in developing innovative employment support services for persons who are deaf, deafblind, and hard-of-hearing. Each applicant for funds under this section shall submit an evaluation protocol as part of the grant application.

Subd. 2.

Employment services for transition-aged youth who are deaf, deafblind, and hard-of-hearing.

(a) The commissioner shall develop statewide or regional grant programs to provide school-based communication, access, and employment services for youth who are deaf, deafblind, and hard-of-hearing. Services must include staff who have the skills addressed in subdivision 1, clauses (2) and (3), and expertise in serving transition-aged youth.

(b) Priority for funding shall be given to organizations with experience in providing innovative employment support services and readiness for postsecondary training for transition-aged youths who are deaf, deafblind, and hard-of-hearing. Each applicant for funds under this section shall submit an evaluation protocol as part of the grant application.

Subd. 3.

Administration.

Up to five percent of the biennial appropriation for the purpose of this section is available to the commissioner for administration of the program.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective upon enactment of a direct appropriation for grants under this section.

Sec. 15.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 298.28, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

City or town where quarried or produced.

(a) 4.5 cents per gross ton of merchantable iron ore concentrate, hereinafter referred to as "taxable ton," plus the amount provided in paragraph (c), must be allocated to the city or town in the county in which the lands from which taconite was mined or quarried were located or within which the concentrate was produced. If the mining, quarrying, and concentration, or different steps in either thereof are carried on in more than one taxing district, the commissioner shall apportion equitably the proceeds of the part of the tax going to cities and towns among such subdivisions upon the basis of attributing 50 percent of the proceeds of the tax to the operation of mining or quarrying the taconite, and the remainder to the concentrating plant and to the processes of concentration, and with respect to each thereof giving due consideration to the relative extent of such operations performed in each such taxing district. The commissioner's order making such apportionment shall be subject to review by the Tax Court at the instance of any of the interested taxing districts, in the same manner as other orders of the commissioner.

(b) Four cents per taxable ton shall be allocated to cities and organized townships affected by mining because their boundaries are within three miles of a taconite mine pit that has been actively mined in at least one of the prior three years. If a city or town is located near more than one mine meeting these criteria, the city or town is eligible to receive aid calculated from only the mine producing the largest taxable tonnage. When more than one municipality qualifies for aid based on one company's production, the aid must be apportioned among the municipalities in proportion to their populations. Of The amounts distributed under this paragraph to each municipality, one-half must be used for infrastructure improvement projects, and one-half must be used for projects in which two or more municipalities cooperate. Each municipality that receives a distribution under this paragraph must report annually to the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board and the commissioner of Iron Range resources and rehabilitation on the projects involving cooperation with other municipalities.

(c) The amount that would have been computed for the current year under Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 126C.21, subdivision 4, for a school district shall be distributed to the cities and townships within the school district in the proportion that their taxable net tax capacity within the school district bears to the taxable net tax capacity of the school district for property taxes payable in the year prior to distribution.

Sec. 16.

Laws 2013, chapter 143, article 11, section 10, is amended to read:

Sec. 10.

2013 DISTRIBUTION ONLY.

For the 2013 distribution, a special fund is established to receive 38.7 cents per ton of any excess of the balance remaining after distribution of amounts required under Minnesota Statutes, section 298.28, subdivision 6. The following amounts are allocated to St. Louis County acting as the fiscal agent for the recipients for the following specific purposes:

(1) 5.1 cents per ton to the city of Hibbing for improvements to the city's water supply system;

(2) 4.3 cents per ton to the city of Mountain Iron for the cost of moving utilities required as a result of actions undertaken by United States Steel Corporation;

(3) 2.5 cents per ton to the city of Biwabik for improvements to the city's water supply system, payable upon agreement with ArcelorMittal to satisfy water permit conditions system to further the established collaborative efforts between the city of Biwabik, the city of Aurora, and surrounding communities;

(4) 2 cents per ton to the city of Tower for the Tower Marina;

(5) 2.4 cents per ton to the city of Grand Rapids for an eco-friendly heat transfer system to replace aging effluent lines and for parking lot repaving;

(6) 2.4 cents per ton to the city of Two Harbors for wastewater treatment plant improvements;

(7) 0.9 cents per ton to the city of Ely for the sanitary sewer replacement project;

(8) 0.6 cents per ton to the town of Crystal Bay for debt service of the Claire Nelson Intermodal Transportation Center;

(9) 0.5 cents per ton to the Greenway Joint Recreation Board for the Coleraine hockey arena renovations;

(10) 1.2 cents per ton for the West Range Regional Fire Hall and Training Center to merge the existing fire services of Coleraine, Bovey, Taconite Marble, Calumet, and Greenway Township;

(11) 2.5 cents per ton to the city of Hibbing for the Memorial Building;

(12) 0.7 cents per ton to the city of Chisholm for public works infrastructure;

(13) 1.8 cents per ton to the Crane Lake Water and Sanitary District for sanitary sewer extension;

(14) 2.5 cents per ton for the city of Buhl for the roof on the Mesabi Academy;

(15) 1.2 cents per ton to the city of Gilbert for the New Jersey/Ohio Avenue project;

(16) 1.5 2.0 cents per ton to the city of Cook for street improvements, business park infrastructure, and a maintenance garage;

(17) 0.5 cents per ton to the city of Cook for a water line project;

(18) (17) 1.8 cents per ton to the city of Eveleth to be used for Jones Street reconstruction and the city auditorium;

(19) (18) 0.5 cents per ton for the city of Keewatin for an electrical substation and water line replacements;

(20) (19) 3.3 cents per ton for the city of Virginia for Fourth Street North infrastructure and Franklin Park improvement; and

(21) (20) 0.5 cents per ton to the city of Grand Rapids for an economic development project.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 17.

2014 DISTRIBUTION ONLY.

For the 2014 distribution, a special fund is established to receive 18.84 cents per ton of any excess of the balance remaining after distribution of amounts required under Minnesota Statutes, section 298.28, subdivision 6. The following amounts are allocated to St. Louis County acting as the fiscal agent for the recipients for the following specific purposes:

(1) 1.3 cents per ton to the city of Silver Bay for a water project under Highway 61;

(2) 0.5 cents per ton to the city of Grand Rapids for soil and landscape remediation at the Reif Center;

(3) 0.65 cents per ton to the city of LaPrairie for sewer, water, and road improvements to accommodate business expansion in the city;

(4) 0.78 cents per ton to the city of Cohasset for an infrastructure project;

(5) 0.39 cents per ton to Balkan Township for a salt storage building and energy-efficient cold storage building;

(6) 3.0 cents per ton to the city of McKinley to construct a water line from the city of Gilbert or the city of Biwabik to the city of McKinley's distribution center in order to secure a potable water source for the city, provided that the city of McKinley secures the remainder of the project costs from other sources, and expires three years following the date of distribution;

(7) 6.5 cents per ton to the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board for township block grants to be distributed by the board;

(8) 0.5 cents per ton to the city of Marble for a water main and looping project;

(9) 0.65 cents per ton to the city of Nashwauk for an infrastructure project;

(10) 0.35 cents per ton to the city of Babbitt for demolition of a public building;

(11) 0.65 cents per ton to the city of Hoyt Lakes for a storm water project;

(12) 0.65 cents per ton to the city of Aurora for an infrastructure project;

(13) 0.65 cents per ton to the town of Silver Creek for an infrastructure project;

(14) 0.5 cents per ton to the city of Calumet for an infrastructure project;

(15) 0.5 cents per ton to Nashwauk Township for the Nashwauk town hall;

(16) 0.5 cents per ton to the city of Biwabik for emergency repair of a wastewater treatment project;

(17) 0.47 cents per ton to the city of Cuyuna for improvements to city properties and facilities, including construction, electrical, water, sewer, and site preparation; and

(18) 0.3 cents per ton to Morse Township for a recreational trail.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective for the 2014 distribution, and all payments must be made separately and within ten days of the date of the August 2014 payment.

Sec. 18.

CIP ELECTRONIC DATA REPORTING AND TRACKING SYSTEM; EVALUATION.

The commissioner of commerce may utilize a stakeholder group to annually monitor the usability and product development of systems for electronic data reporting and tracking for the use of utilities under the conservation improvement plan program under Minnesota Statutes, section 216B.241. The initial group may be convened by November 1, 2014, and must, among others, include representatives from all sectors of the gas and electric utility industry and providers of energy conservation.

Sec. 19.

INNOVATION VOUCHER PILOT PROGRAM.

(a) The commissioner of employment and economic development shall develop and implement an innovation voucher pilot program to provide financing to small businesses to purchase technical assistance and services from public higher education institutions and nonprofit entities to assist in the development or commercialization of innovative new products or services.

(b) Funds available under this section may be used by a small business to access technical assistance and other services including, but not limited to: research, technical development, product development, commercialization, market development, technology exploration, and improved business practices including strategies to grow business and create operational efficiencies.

(c) To be eligible for a voucher under this section, a business must enter into an agreement with the commissioner that includes:

(1) a list of the technical assistance and services the business proposes to purchase and from whom the services will be purchased; and

(2) deliverable outcomes in one of the following areas:

(i) research and development;

(ii) business model development;

(iii) market feasibility;

(iv) operations; or

(v) other outcomes determined by the commissioner.

As part of the agreement, the commissioner must approve the technical assistance and services to be purchased, and the entities from which the services or technical assistance will be purchased.

(d) For the purposes of this section, a small business means a business with fewer than 40 employees.

(e) A voucher award must not exceed $25,000 per business.

(f) The commissioner must report to the chairs of the committees of the house of representatives and senate having jurisdiction over economic development and workforce policy and finance issues by December 1, 2014, on the vouchers awarded to date.

Sec. 20.

COMMISSIONER'S ACCOUNTABILITY PLAN.

By December 1, 2014, the commissioner shall report to the committees of the house of representatives and senate having jurisdiction over workforce development and economic development policy and finance issues, on the department's plan, and any request for funding, to design and implement a performance accountability outcome measurement system for programs under Minnesota Statutes, chapters 116J and 116L.

Sec. 21.

COMPETENCY STANDARDS: ADVANCED MANUFACTURING, HEALTH CARE SERVICES, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, AND AGRICULTURE.

(a) The commissioner of labor and industry, in collaboration with the commissioner of employment and economic development, shall establish competency standards for programs in advanced manufacturing, health care services, information technology, and agriculture. This initiative shall be administered by the Department of Labor and Industry. In establishing the competency standards, the commissioner shall convene recognized industry experts, representative employers, higher education institutions, and representatives of labor to assist in defining credible competency standards acceptable to the advanced manufacturing, health care services, information technology, and agriculture industries.

(b) The outcomes expected from the initiatives in this section include:

(1) establishment of competency standards for entry level and at least two additional higher skill levels in each industry;

(2) verification of competency standards and skill levels and their transferability by representatives of each respective industry;

(3) models of ways for Minnesota educational institutions to engage in providing education and training to meet the competency standards established; and

(4) participation from the identified industry sectors.

(c) By January 15, 2015, the commissioner of labor and industry shall report to the legislative committees with jurisdiction over jobs on the progress and success, including outcomes, of the initiatives in this section and recommendations on occupations in which similar competency standards should be developed and implemented.

Sec. 22.

AGRICULTURAL EMPLOYMENT; REPORT.

The commissioner of labor and industry shall report by January 1, 2015, to the chairs and ranking minority members of the standing committees of the house of representatives and senate with jurisdiction over labor policy and finance issues on the number of agricultural employers who are using a 48 hour work week and the number of employees affected. The commissioner shall include recommendations for appropriate compensation for such agricultural employees. For the purposes of this section, "agriculture" has the meaning given in Minnesota Rules, part 5200.0260.

Sec. 23.

REPEALER.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 116J.997, is repealed.

ARTICLE 4

STATE DEPARTMENTS AND VETERANS

Section 1. STATE DEPARTMENTS AND VETERANS APPROPRIATIONS.

The sums shown in the columns marked "Appropriations" are added to the appropriations in Laws 2013, chapter 142, article 1, to the agencies and for the purposes specified in this article. The appropriations are from the general fund, or another named fund, and are available for the fiscal years indicated for each purpose. The figures "2014" and "2015" used in this article mean that the addition to the appropriation listed under them is available for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2014, or June 30, 2015, respectively. Supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2014, are effective the day following final enactment.

			APPROPRIATIONS
			Available for the Year
			Ending June 30
				2014		2015

Sec. 2. STATE DEPARTMENTS AND VETERANS APPROPRIATIONS

Subdivision 1. Legislative Coordinating Commission

$

-0-

$

380,000

$225,000 is for operating costs of the joint legislative offices. $150,000 each year is added to the base.

$155,000 is for the Legislative Water Commission established in section 3. $145,000 each fiscal year is added to the base through fiscal year 2019.

Subd. 2. Minnesota Housing Finance Agency

-0-

250,000

$250,000 is for at least five grants of up to $50,000 each to conduct a housing needs assessment for veterans in any community within the state. No more than five percent may be used by the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency to administer these grants. The grants may be awarded to any government or nongovernmental organization. The assessment, which may be a study or a survey, may examine the need for scattered site housing for veterans and their families who are homeless or in danger of homelessness or for housing that addresses the health care needs of disabled or aging veterans. The assessment must be started by July 30, 2015, and completed by July 30, 2016. The commissioner of the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency must provide copies of any completed assessment to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over housing and veterans affairs no later than January 1, 2017. This is a onetime appropriation.

Subd. 3. Racing Commission

100,000

85,000

These appropriations are from the racing and card playing regulation accounts in the special revenue fund. These appropriations are onetime and are available in either year of the biennium.

Subd. 4. Amateur Sports Commission

-0-

50,000

$50,000 is to develop a pilot program to prevent and reduce childhood obesity. This appropriation is onetime and is available until June 30, 2017.

Subd. 5. Minnesota Historical Society

-0-

25,000

$25,000 is for a grant to Farm America for repairs and maintenance of the Minnesota Agricultural Interpretive Center and for audit expenses. This is a onetime appropriation and is available until June 30, 2017.

Subd. 6. Board of the Arts

-0-

750,000

$750,000 is appropriated from the arts and cultural heritage fund for arts education in partnership with the President's Turnaround Arts Initiative. This appropriation is contingent on Minnesota being designated a Turnaround site. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2015. This is a onetime appropriation.

Subd. 7. Minnesota Humanities Center

-0-

225,000

$125,000 is from the arts and cultural heritage fund for the Veterans' Voices program to educate and engage the community regarding veterans' contributions, knowledge, skills, and experiences. Of this amount, $25,000 is for transfer to the Association of Minnesota Public Education Radio Stations for statewide programming to promote the Veterans' Voices program. This is a onetime appropriation.

$100,000 is from the arts and cultural heritage fund for professional development for kindergarten through grade 12 educators to better culturally engage their work with at-risk student populations. This may include new and original literature that addresses literacy of emerging cultural communities. This is a onetime appropriation.

Subd. 8. Department of Education

-0-

44,000

This appropriation is to implement expedited and temporary licensing provisions of Minnesota Statutes, section 197.4552. This is a onetime appropriation.

Subd. 9. Board of Accountancy

-0-

44,000

This appropriation is to implement expedited and temporary licensing provisions of Minnesota Statutes, section 197.4552. This is a onetime appropriation.

Subd. 10. Board of Architecture, Engineering, Land Surveying, Landscape, Architecture, Geoscience, and Interior Design

-0-

44,000

This appropriation is to implement expedited and temporary licensing provisions of Minnesota Statutes, section 197.4552. This is a onetime appropriation.

Subd. 11. Board of Cosmetologist Examiners

-0-

20,000

This appropriation is to implement expedited and temporary licensing provisions of Minnesota Statutes, section 197.4552. This is a onetime appropriation.

Subd. 12. Board of Barber Examiners

-0-

10,000

This appropriation is to implement expedited and temporary licensing provisions of Minnesota Statutes, section 197.4552. This is a onetime appropriation.

Subd. 13. Board of Private Detectives

-0-

44,000

This appropriation is to implement expedited and temporary licensing provisions of Minnesota Statutes, section 197.4552. This is a onetime appropriation.

Subd. 14. Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy

-0-

15,000

This appropriation is from the state government special revenue fund to implement expedited and temporary licensing provisions of Minnesota Statutes, section 197.4552. This is a onetime appropriation.

Subd. 15. Board of Dentistry

-0-

10,000

This appropriation is from the state government special revenue fund to implement expedited and temporary licensing provisions of Minnesota Statutes, section 197.4552. This is a onetime appropriation.

Subd. 16. Board of Dietetics and Nutrition Practice

-0-

10,000

This appropriation is from the state government special revenue fund to implement expedited and temporary licensing provisions of Minnesota Statutes, section 197.4552. This is a onetime appropriation.

Subd. 17. Board of Marriage and Family Therapy

-0-

14,000

This appropriation is from the state government special revenue fund to implement expedited and temporary licensing provisions of Minnesota Statutes, section 197.4552. This is a onetime appropriation.

Subd. 18. Board of Nursing Home Administrators

-0-

1,000

This appropriation is from the state government special revenue fund to implement expedited and temporary licensing provisions of Minnesota Statutes, section 197.4552. This is a onetime appropriation.

Subd. 19. Board of Optometry

-0-

10,000

This appropriation is from the state government special revenue fund to implement expedited and temporary licensing provisions of Minnesota Statutes, section 197.4552. This is a onetime appropriation.

Subd. 20. Board of Podiatric Medicine

-0-

10,000

This appropriation is from the state government special revenue fund to implement expedited and temporary licensing provisions of Minnesota Statutes, section 197.4552. This is a onetime appropriation.

Subd. 21. Board of Social Work

-0-

3,000

This appropriation is from the state government special revenue fund to implement expedited and temporary licensing provisions of Minnesota Statutes, section 197.4552. This is a onetime appropriation.

Sec. 3.

[3.886] LEGISLATIVE WATER COMMISSION.

Subdivision 1.

Establishment.

A Legislative Water Commission is established.

Subd. 2.

Membership.

(a) The Legislative Water Commission consists of 12 members appointed as follows:

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

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

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

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

Subd. 3.

Commission staffing.

The Legislative Coordinating Commission must employ staff and contract with consultants as necessary to enable the Legislative Water Commission to carry out its duties and functions.

Subd. 4.

Powers and duties.

(a) The Legislative Water Commission shall review water policy reports and recommendations of the Environmental Quality Board, the Board of Water and Soil Resources, the Pollution Control Agency, the Department of Natural Resources, the Metropolitan Council, and other water-related reports as may be required by law or the legislature.

(b) The commission may conduct public hearings and otherwise secure data and comments.

(c) The commission shall make recommendations as it deems proper to assist the legislature in formulating legislation.

(d) Data or information compiled by the Legislative Water Commission or its subcommittees shall be made available to the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources, the Clean Water Council, and standing and interim committees of the legislature on request of the chair of the respective commission, council, or committee.

(e) The commission shall coordinate with the Clean Water Council.

Subd. 5.

Compensation.

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

Subd. 6.

Expiration.

This section expires July 1, 2019.

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2013 Supplement, section 15A.082, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Creation.

A Compensation Council is created each odd-numbered year to assist the legislature in establishing the compensation of constitutional officers, members of the legislature, justices of the Supreme Court, judges of the Court of Appeals and district court, and the heads of state and metropolitan agencies included in section 15A.0815.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2013 Supplement, section 15A.082, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Submission of recommendations.

(a) By March April 15 in each odd-numbered year, the Compensation Council shall submit to the speaker of the house and the president of the senate salary recommendations for constitutional officers, legislators, justices of the Supreme Court, and judges of the Court of Appeals and district court. The recommended salary for each other office must take effect on the first Monday in January of the next odd-numbered year, with no more than one adjustment, to take effect on January 1 of the year after that. The salary recommendations for legislators, judges, and constitutional officers take effect if an appropriation of money to pay the recommended salaries is enacted after the recommendations are submitted and before their effective date. Recommendations may be expressly modified or rejected. The salary recommendations for legislators are subject to additional terms that may be adopted according to section 3.099, subdivisions 1 and 3.

(b) The council shall also submit to the speaker of the house and the president of the senate recommendations for the salary ranges of the heads of state and metropolitan agencies, to be effective retroactively from January 1 of that year if enacted into law. The recommendations shall include the appropriate group in section 15A.0815 to which each agency head should be assigned and the appropriate limitation on the maximum range of the salaries of the agency heads in each group, expressed as a percentage of the salary of the governor.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 6.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 15A.082, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Criteria.

In making compensation recommendations, the council shall consider the amount of compensation paid in government service and the private sector to persons with similar qualifications, the amount of compensation needed to attract and retain experienced and competent persons, and the ability of the state to pay the recommended compensation. In making recommendations for legislative compensation, the council shall also consider the average length of a legislative session, the amount of work required of legislators during interim periods, and opportunities to earn income from other sources without neglecting legislative duties.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 7.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 16C.16, subdivision 6a, is amended to read:

Subd. 6a.

Veteran-owned small businesses.

(a) Except when mandated by the federal government as a condition of receiving federal funds, the commissioner shall award up to a six percent preference, but no less than the percentage awarded to any other group under this section, in the amount bid on state procurement to certified small businesses that are majority-owned and operated by: veterans.

(1) recently separated veterans who have served in active military service, at any time on or after September 11, 2001, and who have been discharged under honorable conditions from active service, as indicated by the person's United States Department of Defense form DD-214 or by the commissioner of veterans affairs;

(2) veterans with service-connected disabilities, as determined at any time by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs; or

(3) any other veteran-owned small businesses certified under section 16C.19, paragraph (d).

(b) The purpose of this designation is to facilitate the transition of veterans from military to civilian life, and to help compensate veterans for their sacrifices, including but not limited to their sacrifice of health and time, to the state and nation during their military service, as well as to enhance economic development within Minnesota.

Sec. 8.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 16C.19, is amended to read:

16C.19 ELIGIBILITY; RULES.

(a) A small business wishing to participate in the programs under section 16C.16, subdivisions 4 to 7, must be certified by the commissioner. The commissioner shall adopt by rule standards and procedures for certifying that small businesses, small targeted group businesses, and small businesses located in economically disadvantaged areas, and veteran-owned small businesses are eligible to participate under the requirements of sections 16C.16 to 16C.21. The commissioner shall adopt by rule standards and procedures for hearing appeals and grievances and other rules necessary to carry out the duties set forth in sections 16C.16 to 16C.21.

(b) The commissioner may make rules which exclude or limit the participation of nonmanufacturing business, including third-party lessors, brokers, franchises, jobbers, manufacturers' representatives, and others from eligibility under sections 16C.16 to 16C.21.

(c) The commissioner may make rules that set time limits and other eligibility limits on business participation in programs under sections 16C.16 to 16C.21.

(d) Notwithstanding paragraph (c), for purposes of sections 16C.16 to 16C.21, a veteran-owned small business, the principal place of business of which is in Minnesota, is certified if it has been verified by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs as being either a veteran-owned small business or a service-disabled veteran-owned small business, in accordance with Public Law 109-461 and Code of Federal Regulations, title 38, part 74.

(e) Until rules are adopted pursuant to paragraph (a) for the purpose of certifying veteran-owned small businesses, the provisions of Minnesota Rules, part 1230.1700, may be read to include veteran-owned small businesses. In addition to the documentation required in Minnesota Rules, part 1230.1700, the veteran owner must have been discharged under honorable conditions from active service, as indicated by the veteran owner's most current United States Department of Defense form DD-214.

Sec. 9.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 122A.18, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 7c.

Temporary military license.

The Board of Teaching shall establish a temporary license in accordance with section 197.4552 for teaching. The fee for a temporary license under this subdivision shall be $87.90 for an online application or $86.40 for a paper application.

Sec. 10.

[148.595] TEMPORARY MILITARY PERMIT; FEE.

The Board of Optometry shall establish a temporary permit in accordance with section 197.4552. The fee for the temporary military permit is $250.

Sec. 11.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 148.624, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 5.

Temporary military permit.

The board shall issue a temporary permit to members of the military in accordance with section 197.4552. The fee for the temporary permit is $250.

Sec. 12.

Minnesota Statutes 2013 Supplement, section 148B.17, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Licensure and application fees.

Nonrefundable licensure and application fees established by the board shall not exceed the following amounts:

(1) application fee for national examination is $110;

(2) application fee for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) state examination is $110;

(3) initial LMFT license fee is prorated, but cannot exceed $125;

(4) annual renewal fee for LMFT license is $125;

(5) late fee for LMFT license renewal is $50;

(6) application fee for LMFT licensure by reciprocity is $220;

(7) fee for initial Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (LAMFT) license is $75;

(8) annual renewal fee for LAMFT license is $75;

(9) late fee for LAMFT renewal is $25;

(10) fee for reinstatement of license is $150; and

(11) fee for emeritus status is $125; and

(12) fee for temporary license for members of the military is $100.

Sec. 13.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 148B.53, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Fee.

Nonrefundable fees are as follows:

(1) initial license application fee for licensed professional counseling (LPC) - $150;

(2) initial license fee for LPC - $250;

(3) annual active license renewal fee for LPC - $250 or equivalent;

(4) annual inactive license renewal fee for LPC - $125;

(5) initial license application fee for licensed professional clinical counseling (LPCC) - $150;

(6) initial license fee for LPCC - $250;

(7) annual active license renewal fee for LPCC - $250 or equivalent;

(8) annual inactive license renewal fee for LPCC - $125;

(9) license renewal late fee - $100 per month or portion thereof;

(10) copy of board order or stipulation - $10;

(11) certificate of good standing or license verification - $25;

(12) duplicate certificate fee - $25;

(13) professional firm renewal fee - $25;

(14) sponsor application for approval of a continuing education course - $60;

(15) initial registration fee - $50;

(16) annual registration renewal fee - $25; and

(17) approved supervisor application processing fee - $30; and

(18) temporary license for members of the military - $250.

Sec. 14.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 150A.091, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 9c.

Temporary permit.

Applications for a temporary military permit in accordance with section 197.4552 shall submit a fee not to exceed the amount of $250.

Sec. 15.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 153.16, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 4.

Temporary military permit.

The board shall establish a temporary permit in accordance with section 197.4552. The fee for the temporary military permit is $250.

Sec. 16.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 154.11, as amended by Laws 2013, chapter 85, article 5, section 12, is amended to read:

154.11 EXAMINATION OF NONRESIDENT BARBERS AND INSTRUCTORS OF BARBERING; TEMPORARY APPRENTICE PERMITS; TEMPORARY MILITARY LICENSE AND APPRENTICE PERMITS.

Subdivision 1.

Examination of nonresidents.

A person who meets all of the requirements for barber registration in sections 154.001, 154.002, 154.003, 154.01 to 154.161, 154.19 to 154.21, and 154.24 to 154.26 and either has a license, certificate of registration, or an equivalent as a practicing barber or instructor of barbering from another state or country which in the discretion of the board has substantially the same requirements for registering barbers and instructors of barbering as required by sections 154.001, 154.002, 154.003, 154.01 to 154.161, 154.19 to 154.21, and 154.24 to 154.26 or can prove by sworn affidavits practice as a barber or instructor of barbering in another state or country for at least five years immediately prior to making application in this state, shall, upon payment of the required fee, be issued a certificate of registration without examination.

Subd. 2.

Temporary apprentice permits for nonresidents.

Any person who qualifies for examination as a registered barber under this section may apply for a temporary apprentice permit which is effective no longer than six months. All persons holding a temporary apprentice permit are subject to all provisions of sections 154.001, 154.002, 154.003, 154.01 to 154.161, 154.19 to 154.21, and 154.24 to 154.26 and the rules adopted by the board under those sections concerning the conduct and obligations of registered apprentices.

Subd. 3.

Temporary military license.

The board shall establish a temporary license for barbers and master barbers and a temporary permit for apprentices in accordance with section 197.4552. The fee for a temporary license under this subdivision for a master barber is $85. The fee for a temporary license under this subdivision for a barber is $180. The fee for a temporary permit under this subdivision for an apprentice is $80.

Sec. 17.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 155A.27, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 5a.

Temporary military license.

The board shall establish temporary licenses for a cosmetologist, nail technician, and esthetician, in accordance with section 197.4552. The fee for a temporary license under this subdivision for a cosmetologist, nail technician, or esthetician is $100.

Sec. 18.

[197.4552] EXPEDITED AND TEMPORARY LICENSING FOR FORMER AND CURRENT MEMBERS OF THE MILITARY.

Subdivision 1.

Expedited licensing processing.

Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, each professional licensing board defined in section 214.01, subdivisions 2 and 3, shall establish a procedure to expedite the issuance of a license or certification to perform professional services regulated by each board to a qualified individual who is:

(1) an active duty military member;

(2) the spouse of an active duty military member; or

(3) a veteran who has left service in the two years preceding the date of license or certification application, and has confirmation of an honorable or general discharge status.

Subd. 2.

Temporary licenses.

(a) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, each professional licensing board defined in section 214.01, subdivisions 2 and 3, shall establish a procedure to issue a temporary license or certification to perform professional services regulated by each board to a qualified individual who is:

(1) an active duty military member;

(2) the spouse of an active duty military member; or

(3) a veteran who has left service in the two years preceding the date of license or certification application, and has confirmation of an honorable or general discharge status.

(b) A qualified individual under paragraph (a) must provide evidence of:

(1) a current, valid license, certificate, or permit in another state without history of disciplinary action by a regulatory authority in the other state; and

(2) a current criminal background study without a criminal conviction that is determined by the board to adversely affect the applicants' ability to become licensed.

(c) A temporary license or certificate issued under this subdivision shall allow a qualified individual to perform regulated professional services for a limited length of time as determined by the licensing board. During the temporary license period, the individual shall complete the full application procedure as required by applicable law.

Subd. 3.

Rulemaking.

Each licensing board may adopt rules to carry out the provisions of this section.

Sec. 19.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 326.04, as amended by Laws 2014, chapter 236, section 3, is amended to read:

326.04 BOARD ESTABLISHED.

Subdivision 1.

Board composition.

To carry out the provisions of sections 326.02 to 326.15 there is hereby created a Board of Architecture, Engineering, Land Surveying, Landscape Architecture, Geoscience, and Interior Design consisting of 21 members, who shall be appointed by the governor. Three members shall be licensed architects, five members shall be licensed engineers, two members shall be licensed landscape architects, two members shall be licensed land surveyors, two members shall be certified interior designers, two members shall be licensed geoscientists, and five members shall be public members. Not more than one member of the board shall be from the same branch of the profession of engineering. Membership terms, compensation of members, removal of members, the filling of membership vacancies, and fiscal year and reporting requirements shall be as provided in sections 214.07 to 214.09. Members shall be limited to two terms. The provision of staff, administrative services and office space; the review and processing of complaints; the setting of board fees; and other provisions relating to board operations shall be as provided in chapter 214.

Subd. 2.

Temporary military certificate.

The board shall establish a temporary military certificate in accordance with section 197.4552.

Sec. 20.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 326.10, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 10.

Temporary military license.

The board shall establish a temporary license in accordance with section 197.4552 for the practice of architecture, professional engineering, geosciences, land surveying, landscape architecture, and interior design. The fee for the temporary license under this subdivision for the practice of architecture, professional engineering, geosciences, land surveying, landscape architecture, or interior design is $132.

Sec. 21.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 326.3382, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 6.

Temporary military license.

The board shall establish a temporary license to engage in the business of private detective or protective agent in accordance with section 197.4552. The fee for the temporary license under this subdivision for a private detective is $1,000. The fee for a temporary license under this subdivision for a protective agent is $800.

Sec. 22.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 326A.04, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 1a.

Temporary military certificate.

The board shall establish a temporary military certificate in accordance with section 197.4552.

Sec. 23.

Minnesota Statutes 2013 Supplement, section 326A.04, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Fee.

(a) The board shall charge a fee for each application for initial issuance or renewal of a certificate or temporary military certificate under this section as provided in paragraph (b). The fee for the temporary military certificate is $100.

(b) The board shall charge the following fees:

(1) initial issuance of certificate, $150;

(2) renewal of certificate with an active status, $100 per year;

(3) initial CPA firm permits, except for sole practitioners, $100;

(4) renewal of CPA firm permits, except for sole practitioners and those firms specified in clause (17), $35 per year;

(5) initial issuance and renewal of CPA firm permits for sole practitioners, except for those firms specified in clause (17), $35 per year;

(6) annual late processing delinquency fee for permit, certificate, or registration renewal applications not received prior to expiration date, $50;

(7) copies of records, per page, 25 cents;

(8) registration of noncertificate holders, nonlicensees, and nonregistrants in connection with renewal of firm permits, $45 per year;

(9) applications for reinstatement, $20;

(10) initial registration of a registered accounting practitioner, $50;

(11) initial registered accounting practitioner firm permits, $100;

(12) renewal of registered accounting practitioner firm permits, except for sole practitioners, $100 per year;

(13) renewal of registered accounting practitioner firm permits for sole practitioners, $35 per year;

(14) CPA examination application, $40;

(15) CPA examination, fee determined by third-party examination administrator;

(16) renewal of certificates with an inactive status, $25 per year; and

(17) renewal of CPA firm permits for firms that have one or more offices located in another state, $68 per year.

Sec. 24.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 363A.44, subdivision 1, as added by Laws 2014, chapter 239, article 2, section 6, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Scope.

(a) No department, agency of the state, the Metropolitan Council, or an agency subject to section 473.143, subdivision 1, shall execute a contract for goods or services or an agreement for goods or services in excess of $500,000 with a business that has 40 or more full-time employees in this state or a state where the business has its primary place of business on a single day during the prior 12 months, unless the business has an equal pay certificate or it has certified in writing that it is exempt. A certificate is valid for four years.

(b) This section does not apply to a business with respect to a specific contract if the commissioner of administration determines that application of this section would cause undue hardship to the contracting entity. This section does not apply to a contract to provide goods and services to individuals under chapters 43A, 62A, 62C, 62D, 62E, 256B, 256I, 256L, and 268A, with a business that has a license, certification, registration, provider agreement, or provider enrollment contract that is prerequisite to providing those goods and services. This section does not apply to contracts entered into by the State Board of Investment for investment options under section 352.965, subdivision 4.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective August 1, 2014.

Sec. 25.

LEGISLATIVE WATER COMMISSION INITIAL APPOINTMENTS AND FIRST MEETING.

Initial appointments to the Legislative Water Commission established in section 3 must be made by September 1, 2014. The first meeting of the Legislative Water Commission shall be convened by the chair or a designee of the Legislative Coordinating Commission by October 15, 2014. The Legislative Water Commission shall select a chair from its membership at its first meeting.

Sec. 26.

STUDY OF SPECIAL REVENUE ACCOUNT FOR CENTRAL ACCOMMODATION.

The commissioner of management and budget, in consultation with the Commission of Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard-of-Hearing Minnesotans, must report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the senate Finance Committee, the house of representatives Ways and Means Committee, the house of representatives State Government Finance Committee, the senate State Departments and Veterans Budget Division, and the governor by January 5, 2015, on advantages and disadvantages of creating an account for the special revenue fund in the state treasury to pay for costs of providing accommodations to executive branch state employees with disabilities. The report must include:

(1) a summary of money spent by executive branch state agencies in fiscal years 2012 and 2013 for providing accommodations to executive branch state employees, to the extent that such expenditures can be determined; and

(2) recommendations for laws and policies needed to implement an account in the special revenue fund, if one is recommended under this section; or other recommendations related to best practices in provision of accommodations for employees with disabilities in the executive branch.

ARTICLE 5

PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORRECTIONS APPROPRIATIONS

Section 1. SUMMARY OF APPROPRIATIONS.

The amounts shown in this section summarize direct appropriations, by fund, made in this article.

		2014		2015		Total
General	$	-0-	$	35,057,000	$	35,057,000
State Government Special Revenue		12,361,000		6,865,000		19,226,000
Total	$	12,361,000	$	41,922,000	$	54,283,000

Sec. 2. APPROPRIATIONS.

The sums shown in the columns marked "Appropriations" are added to the appropriations in Laws 2013, chapter 86, article 1, to the agencies and for the purposes specified in this article. The appropriations are from the general fund, or another named fund, and are available for the fiscal years indicated for each purpose. The figures "2014" and "2015" used in this article mean that the addition to the appropriation listed under them is available for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2014, or June 30, 2015, respectively. Supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2014, are effective the day following final enactment.

			APPROPRIATIONS
			Available for the Year
			Ending June 30
				2014		2015

Sec. 3. PUBLIC SAFETY

Subdivision 1. Total Appropriation

$

12,361,000

$

8,638,000

Appropriations by Fund
General	-0-	1,773,000
State Government Special Revenue	12,361,000	6,865,000

The amounts that may be spent for each purpose are specified in the following subdivisions.

Subd. 2. Emergency Communication Networks

5,059,000

6,865,000

This onetime appropriation is from the state government special revenue fund for 911 emergency telecommunications services.

Subd. 3. Office of Justice Programs

-0-

1,300,000

(a) $500,000 in fiscal year 2015 is for youth intervention programs under Minnesota Statutes, section 299A.73. The appropriation must be used to create new programs statewide in underserved areas and to help existing programs serve unmet needs in program communities. Of this amount, $100,000 in fiscal year 2015 is for a youth intervention program targeted toward East African youth. This is a onetime appropriation and is available until expended.

(b) $500,000 in fiscal year 2015 is for a grant to provide emergency shelter programming for victims of domestic abuse and trafficking. The program shall provide shelter to East African women and children. The appropriation must be used for the operating expenses of a shelter. This is a onetime appropriation, and is available until June 30, 2017.

(c) $300,000 in fiscal year 2015 is for grants to sexual assault advocacy programs for sexual violence community prevention networks. For purposes of this section, "sexual assault" means a violation of Minnesota Statutes, sections 609.342 to 609.3453. $300,000 in each of fiscal years 2016 and 2017 is added to the base.

Subd. 4. Fire Safety Account

1,300,000

-0-

$1,300,000 in fiscal year 2014 is from the fire safety account in the special revenue fund for activities and programs under Minnesota Statutes, section 299F.012. This is a onetime appropriation. By January 15, 2015, the commissioner shall report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over the fire safety account regarding the balances and uses of the account.

Subd. 5. Criminal Apprehension

$473,000 in fiscal year 2015 is to implement the expungement law changes in Laws 2014, chapter 246. The base for this activity shall be $583,000 in each of fiscal years 2016 and 2017.

Sec. 4. CORRECTIONS

Subdivision 1. Total Appropriation

$

-0-

$

30,139,000

The amounts that may be spent for each purpose are specified in the following subdivisions.

Subd. 2. Correctional Institutions

-0-

27,289,000

This includes a onetime appropriation of $11,089,000.

Subd. 3. Community Services

-0-

1,950,000

$50,000 in fiscal year 2015 is a onetime appropriation to implement the victim notification provisions in article 6, sections 1, 2, and 5.

Subd. 4. Operations Support

-0-

900,000

Sec. 5. PEACE OFFICER STANDARDS AND TRAINING (POST) BOARD

-0-

50,000

$50,000 in fiscal year 2015 is for training state and local community safety personnel in the use of crisis de-escalation techniques for use with Minnesota veterans following their return from active military service in a combat zone. The director may consult with any other state or local governmental official or nongovernmental authority that the director determines to be relevant, to include postsecondary institutions, when selecting a service provider for this training. The training provider must have a demonstrated understanding of the transitions and challenges that veterans may experience during their re-entry into society following combat service. The training opportunities provided must be reasonably distributed statewide. This is a onetime appropriation.

Sec. 6. HUMAN RIGHTS

$

0

$

50,000

For outreach to the community regarding the role and duties of the Council on Black Minnesotans, the Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans, the Chicano Latino Affairs Council, and the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council. This is a onetime appropriation.

Sec. 7. HUMAN SERVICES

$

0

$

45,000

$45,000 in fiscal year 2015 is to implement the expungement law changes in Laws 2014, chapter 246. The base for this activity shall be $90,000 in each of fiscal years 2016 and 2017.

Sec. 8.

Laws 2009, chapter 83, article 1, section 10, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Subd. 7. Emergency Communication Networks

66,470,000

70,233,000

This appropriation is from the state government special revenue fund for 911 emergency telecommunications services.

(a) Public Safety Answering Points. $13,664,000 each year is to be distributed as provided in Minnesota Statutes, section 403.113, subdivision 2.

(b) Medical Resource Communication Centers. $683,000 each year is for grants to the Minnesota Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board for the Metro East and Metro West Medical Resource Communication Centers that were in operation before January 1, 2000.

(c) ARMER Debt Service. $17,557,000 the first year and $23,261,000 the second year are to the commissioner of finance to pay debt service on revenue bonds issued under Minnesota Statutes, section 403.275.

Any portion of this appropriation not needed to pay debt service in a fiscal year may be used by the commissioner of public safety to pay cash for any of the capital improvements for which bond proceeds were appropriated by Laws 2005, chapter 136, article 1, section 9, subdivision 8, or Laws 2007, chapter 54, article 1, section 10, subdivision 8.

(d) Metropolitan Council Debt Service. $1,410,000 each year is to the commissioner of finance for payment to the Metropolitan Council for debt service on bonds issued under Minnesota Statutes, section 403.27.

(e) ARMER State Backbone Operating Costs. $5,060,000 each year is to the commissioner of transportation for costs of maintaining and operating the statewide radio system backbone.

(f) ARMER Improvements. $1,000,000 each year is for the Statewide Radio Board for costs of design, construction, maintenance of, and improvements to those elements of the statewide public safety radio and communication system that support mutual aid communications and emergency medical services or provide enhancement of public safety communication interoperability.

(g) Next Generation 911. $3,431,000 the first year and $6,490,000 the second year are to replace the current system with the Next Generation Internet Protocol (IP) based network. This appropriation is available until expended. The base level of funding for fiscal year 2012 shall be $2,965,000.

(h) Grants to Local Government. $5,000,000 the first year is for grants to local units of government to assist with the transition to the ARMER system. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2012.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective retroactively from June 29, 2011.

Sec. 9.

Laws 2013, chapter 86, article 1, section 12, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Total Appropriation

$

157,851,000

$

161,191,000 161,911,000

Appropriations by Fund
	2014	2015
General	82,213,000	82,772,000
Special Revenue	14,062,000	13,062,000
State Government Special Revenue	59,241,000	63,742,000
Environmental	69,000	69,000
Trunk Highway	2,266,000	2,266,000

The amounts that may be spent for each purpose are specified in the following subdivisions.

Sec. 10.

Laws 2013, chapter 86, article 1, section 12, subdivision 3, as amended by Laws 2013, chapter 140, section 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Criminal Apprehension

47,588,000

47,197,000

Appropriations by Fund
General	42,315,000	42,924,000
Special Revenue	3,000,000	2,000,000
State Government Special Revenue	7,000	7,000
Trunk Highway	2,266,000	2,266,000

(a) DWI Lab Analysis; Trunk Highway Fund

Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 161.20, subdivision 3, $1,941,000 each year is from the trunk highway fund for laboratory analysis related to driving-while-impaired cases.

(b) Criminal History System

$50,000 the first year and $580,000 the second year from the general fund and, notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 299A.705, subdivision 4, $3,000,000 the first year and $2,000,000 the second year from the vehicle services account in the special revenue fund are to replace the state criminal history system. This appropriation is available until expended. Of this amount, $2,980,000 the first year and $2,580,000 the second year are for a onetime transfer to the Office of Enterprise Technology for start-up costs. Service level agreements must document all project-related transfers under this paragraph. Ongoing operating and support costs for this system shall be identified and incorporated into future service level agreements.

The commissioner is authorized to use funds appropriated under this paragraph for the purposes specified in paragraph (c).

The general fund base for this program is $4,930,000 in fiscal year 2016 and $417,000 in fiscal year 2017.

(c) Criminal Reporting System

$1,360,000 the first year and $1,360,000 the second year from the general fund are to replace the state's crime reporting system and include one full-time equivalent business analyst. This appropriation is available until expended. Of these amounts, $1,360,000 the first year and $1,360,000 $1,290,000 the second year are for a onetime transfer to the Office of Enterprise Technology for start-up costs. Service level agreements must document all project-related transfers under this paragraph. Ongoing operating and support costs for this system shall be identified and incorporated into future service level agreements.

The commissioner is authorized to use funds appropriated under this paragraph for the purposes specified in paragraph (b).

The base funding for this program is $1,360,000 in fiscal year 2016 and $380,000 in fiscal year 2017.

(d) Forensic Laboratory

$125,000 the first year and $125,000 the second year from the general fund and, notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 161.20, subdivision 3, $125,000 the first year and $125,000 the second year from the trunk highway fund are to replace forensic laboratory equipment at the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.

$200,000 the first year and $200,000 the second year from the general fund and, notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 161.20, subdivision 3, $200,000 the first year and $200,000 the second year from the trunk highway fund are to improve forensic laboratory staffing at the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.

(e) Livescan Fingerprinting

$310,000 the first year and $389,000 the second year from the general fund are to maintain Livescan fingerprinting machines.

(f) Report

If the vehicle services special revenue account accrues an unallocated balance in excess of 50 percent of the previous fiscal year's expenditures, the commissioner of public safety shall submit a report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the house of representatives and senate committees with jurisdiction over transportation and public safety policy and finance. The report must contain specific policy and legislative recommendations for reducing the fund balance and avoiding future excessive fund balances. The report is due within three months of the fund balance exceeding the threshold established in this paragraph.

Sec. 11.

Laws 2013, chapter 86, article 1, section 13, is amended to read:

Sec. 13. PEACE OFFICER STANDARDS AND TRAINING (POST) BOARD

$

3,870,000

$

3,870,000

(a) Excess Amounts Transferred

This appropriation is from the peace officer training account in the special revenue fund. Any new receipts credited to that account in the first year in excess of $3,870,000 must be transferred and credited to the general fund. Any new receipts credited to that account in the second year in excess of $3,870,000 must be transferred and credited to the general fund.

(b) Peace Officer Training Reimbursements

$2,734,000 each year is for reimbursements to local governments for peace officer training costs.

(c) Training; Sexually Exploited and Trafficked Youth

Of the appropriation in paragraph (b), $100,000 the first year is for reimbursements to local governments for peace officer training costs on sexually exploited and trafficked youth, including effectively identifying sex trafficked victims and traffickers, investigation techniques, and assisting sexually exploited youth. These funds are available until June 30, 2016.

Reimbursement shall be provided on a flat fee basis of $100 per diem per officer.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 12.

TRANSFER; EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT.

On July 1, 2014, the commissioner of management and budget shall transfer $3,000,000 from the general fund to the disaster assistance contingency account created in article 7, section 4.

ARTICLE 6

PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORRECTIONS

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 13.84, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Disclosure.

Private or confidential court services data shall not be disclosed except:

(a) pursuant to section 13.05;

(b) pursuant to a statute specifically authorizing disclosure of court services data;

(c) with the written permission of the source of confidential data;

(d) to the court services department, parole or probation authority or state or local correctional agency or facility having statutorily granted supervision over the individual subject of the data;

(e) pursuant to subdivision 6; or

(f) pursuant to a valid court order.; or

(g) pursuant to section 611A.06, subdivision 3a.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective January 1, 2015.

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 13.84, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6.

Public benefit data.

(a) The responsible authority or its designee of a parole or probation authority or correctional agency may release private or confidential court services data related to:

(1) criminal acts to any law enforcement agency, if necessary for law enforcement purposes; and

(2) criminal acts or delinquent acts to the victims of criminal or delinquent acts to the extent that the data are necessary for the victim to assert the victim's legal right to restitution.

(b) A parole or probation authority, a correctional agency, or agencies that provide correctional services under contract to a correctional agency may release to a law enforcement agency the following data on defendants, parolees, or probationers: current address, dates of entrance to and departure from agency programs, and dates and times of any absences, both authorized and unauthorized, from a correctional program.

(c) The responsible authority or its designee of a juvenile correctional agency may release private or confidential court services data to a victim of a delinquent act to the extent the data are necessary to enable the victim to assert the victim's right to request notice of release under section 611A.06. The data that may be released include only the name, home address, and placement site of a juvenile who has been placed in a juvenile correctional facility as a result of a delinquent act.

(d) Upon the victim's written or electronic request and, if the victim and offender have been household or family members as defined in section 518B.01, subdivision 2, paragraph (b), the commissioner of corrections or the commissioner's designee may disclose to the victim of an offender convicted of a qualified domestic violence-related offense as defined in section 609.02, subdivision 16, notification of the city and five-digit zip code of the offender's residency upon or after release from a Department of Corrections facility, unless:

(1) the offender is not under correctional supervision at the time of the victim's request;

(2) the commissioner or the commissioner's designee does not have the city or zip code; or

(3) the commissioner or the commissioner's designee reasonably believes that disclosure of the city or zip code of the offender's residency creates a risk to the victim, offender, or public safety.

(e) Paragraph (d) applies only where the offender is serving a prison term for a qualified domestic violence-related offense committed against the victim seeking notification.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective January 1, 2015.

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 260B.198, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Subd. 7.

Continuance.

(a) When it is in the best interests of the child to do so and not inimical to public safety and when the child has admitted the allegations contained in the petition before the judge or referee, or when a hearing has been held as provided for in section 260B.163 and the allegations contained in the petition have been duly proven but, in either case, before a finding of delinquency has been entered, the court may continue the case for a period not to exceed 90 180 days on any one order. Such a continuance may be extended for one additional successive period not to exceed 90 days and only after the court has reviewed the case and entered its order for an additional continuance without a finding of delinquency. The continuance may be extended for one additional successive period not to exceed 180 days, but only with the consent of the prosecutor and only after the court has reviewed the case and entered its order for the additional continuance without a finding of delinquency. During this a continuance the court may enter an order in accordance with the provisions of subdivision 1, clause (1) or (2) except clause (4), or enter an order to hold the child in detention for a period not to exceed 15 days on any one order for the purpose of completing any consideration, or any investigation or examination ordered in accordance with the provisions of section 260B.157.

(b) A prosecutor may appeal a continuance ordered in contravention of this subdivision. This subdivision does not extend the court's jurisdiction under section 260B.193 and does not apply to an extended jurisdiction juvenile proceeding.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective August 1, 2014, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date.

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 299F.012, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Fire Service Advisory Committee.

(a) The Fire Service Advisory Committee shall provide recommendations to the commissioner of public safety on fire service-related issues and shall consist of representatives of each of the following organizations: two appointed by the president of the Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association, two appointed by the president of the Minnesota State Fire Department Association, two appointed by the president of the Minnesota Professional Fire Fighters, two appointed by the president of the League of Minnesota Cities, one appointed by the president of the Minnesota Association of Townships, one appointed by the president of the Insurance Federation of Minnesota, one appointed jointly by the presidents of the Minnesota Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators and the Fire Marshals Association of Minnesota, and the commissioner of public safety or the commissioner's designee. The commissioner of public safety must ensure that at least three of the members of the advisory committee work and reside in counties outside of the seven-county metropolitan area. The committee shall provide funding recommendations to the commissioner of public safety from the fire safety fund for the following purposes:

(1) for the Minnesota Board of Firefighter Training and Education;

(2) for programs and staffing for the State Fire Marshal Division; and

(3) for fire-related regional response team programs and any other fire service programs that have the potential for statewide impact.

(b) The committee under paragraph (a) does not expire.

Sec. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 611A.06, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 3a.

Offender location.

(a) Upon the victim's written or electronic request and if the victim and offender have been household or family members as defined in section 518B.01, subdivision 2, paragraph (b), the commissioner of corrections or the commissioner's designee shall disclose to the victim of an offender convicted of a qualified domestic violence-related offense as defined in section 609.02, subdivision 16, notification of the city and five-digit zip code of the offender's residency upon release from a Department of Corrections facility, unless:

(1) the offender is not under correctional supervision at the time of the victim's request;

(2) the commissioner or the commissioner's designee does not have the city or zip code; or

(3) the commissioner or the commissioner's designee reasonably believes that disclosure of the city or zip code of the offender's residency creates a risk to the victim, offender, or public safety.

(b) All identifying information regarding the victim including, but not limited to, the notification provided by the commissioner or the commissioner's designee is classified as private data on individuals as defined in section 13.02, subdivision 12, and is accessible only to the victim.

(c) This subdivision applies only where the offender is serving a prison term for a qualified domestic violence-related offense committed against the victim seeking notification.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective January 15, 2015.

Sec. 6.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 645.241, is amended to read:

645.241 PUNISHMENT FOR PROHIBITED ACTS.

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), when the performance of any act is prohibited by a statute, and no penalty for the violation of the same shall be imposed in any statute, the doing of such act shall be a misdemeanor.

(b) When the performance of any act is prohibited by a statute enacted or amended after September 1, 2014, and no penalty for the violation of the same shall be imposed in any statute, the doing of such act shall be a petty misdemeanor.

Sec. 7.

Laws 2014, chapter 240, section 26, is amended to read:

Sec. 26.

REPEALER.

Laws 2012, chapter 235, section 11, is repealed.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective the day following final enactment.

ARTICLE 7

DISASTER ASSISTANCE FOR PUBLIC ENTITIES; FEDERAL AID GRANTED

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 12.03, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 5d.

Local government.

"Local government" has the meaning given in Code of Federal Regulations, title 44, section 206.2 (2012).

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 12.03, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 6b.

Nonfederal share.

"Nonfederal share" has the meaning given in section 12A.02, subdivision 7.

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 12.221, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Subgrant agreements; state share.

(a) The state director, serving as the governor's authorized representative, may enter into subgrant agreements with eligible applicants to provide federal and state financial assistance made available as a result of a disaster declaration.

(b) When state funds are used to provide the FEMA Public Assistance Program cost-share requirement for a local government, the state director must award a local government 100 percent of the nonfederal share of the local government's FEMA Public Assistance Program costs.

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 12.221, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 6.

Disaster assistance contingency account; appropriation.

(a) A disaster assistance contingency account is created in the special revenue fund in the state treasury. Money in the disaster assistance contingency account is appropriated to the commissioner of public safety to provide:

(1) cost-share for federal assistance under section 12A.15, subdivision 1; and

(2) state public disaster assistance to eligible applicants under chapter 12B.

(b) For appropriations under paragraph (a), clause (1), the amount appropriated is 100 percent of any nonfederal share for state agencies and local governments. Money appropriated under paragraph (a), clause (1), may be used to pay all or a portion of the nonfederal share for publicly owned capital improvement projects.

(c) For appropriations under paragraph (a), clause (2), the amount appropriated is the amount required to pay eligible claims under chapter 12B, as certified by the commissioner of public safety.

(d) By January 15 of each year, the commissioner of management and budget shall submit a report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the house of representatives Ways and Means Committee and the senate Finance Committee detailing state disaster assistance appropriations and expenditures under this subdivision during the previous calendar year.

(e) The governor's budget proposal submitted to the legislature under section 16A.11 must include recommended appropriations to the disaster assistance contingency account. The governor's appropriation recommendations must be informed by the commissioner of public safety's estimate of the amount of money that will be necessary to:

(1) provide 100 percent of the nonfederal share for state agencies and local governments that will receive federal financial assistance from FEMA during the next biennium; and

(2) fully pay all eligible claims under chapter 12B.

(f) Notwithstanding section 16A.28:

(1) funds appropriated or transferred to the disaster assistance contingency account do not lapse but remain in the account until appropriated; and

(2) funds appropriated from the disaster assistance contingency account do not lapse and are available until expended.

Sec. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 12A.02, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Appropriation.

"Appropriation" means an appropriation provided in law specifically to implement this chapter, including but not limited to a statutory appropriation to provide the required cost-share for federal disaster assistance under section 12.221.

Sec. 6.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 12A.02, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 6.

Local government.

"Local government" has the meaning given in section 12.03, subdivision 5d.

Sec. 7.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 12A.02, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 7.

Nonfederal share.

"Nonfederal share" means that portion of total FEMA Public Assistance Program costs that is no more than 25 percent and is not eligible for FEMA reimbursement.

Sec. 8.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 12A.03, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Nonduplication of federal assistance.

State assistance may not duplicate or supplement eligible FEMA Public Assistance Program assistance. For eligible Public Assistance Program costs, any state matching cost-share money made available for that assistance must be disbursed by the Department of Public Safety to a state agency, local political subdivision, Indian tribe government, or other applicant. State assistance distributed by a state agency, other than the Department of Public Safety, to a political subdivision local government or other applicant for disaster costs that are eligible for FEMA Public Assistance Program assistance constitutes an advance of funds. Such advances must be repaid to the applicable state agency when the applicant has received the FEMA Public Assistance Program assistance, and whatever state matching cost-share money may be made available for that assistance, from the Department of Public Safety.

Sec. 9.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 12A.15, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

State match cost-share for federal assistance.

State appropriations may be used for payment of the state match for federal disaster assistance to pay 100 percent of the nonfederal share for state agencies. If authorized in law, state appropriations may be used to pay all or a portion of the local share of the match for federal funds for political subdivisions and local governments under section 12.221. An appropriation from the bond proceeds fund may be used to fund federal match obligations as cost-share for federal disaster assistance for publicly owned capital improvement projects resulting from the receipt of federal disaster assistance.

Sec. 10.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 16A.28, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 9.

Disaster assistance.

(a) The commissioner of management and budget must transfer the unexpended and unencumbered balance of a general fund disaster assistance appropriation that expires as provided under this section or as otherwise provided by law to the disaster assistance contingency account in section 12.221, subdivision 6.

(b) Expired disaster assistance transferred to the disaster assistance contingency account is appropriated as provided under section 12.221, subdivision 6, regardless of the specific disaster event or purpose for which the expired disaster assistance was originally appropriated.

(c) The commissioner must report each transfer to the chairs of the house of representatives Ways and Means Committee and the senate Finance Committee.

(d) For the purposes of this subdivision, "disaster assistance appropriation" means an appropriation from the general fund to provide cost-share required for federal disaster assistance or to provide other state disaster assistance under chapter 12A or 12B.

Sec. 11.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This article is effective the day following final enactment.

ARTICLE 8

DISASTER ASSISTANCE FOR PUBLIC ENTITIES; ABSENT FEDERAL AID

Section 1.

[12B.10] PUBLIC DISASTER ASSISTANCE; ABSENT FEDERAL AID.

This chapter establishes a state public assistance program to provide cost-share assistance to local governments that sustain significant damage on a per capita basis but are not eligible for federal disaster assistance or corresponding state assistance under chapter 12A.

Sec. 2.

[12B.15] DEFINITIONS.

Subdivision 1.

Application.

The definitions in this section apply to this chapter.

Subd. 2.

Applicant.

"Applicant" means a local government that applies for state disaster assistance under this chapter.

Subd. 3.

Commissioner.

"Commissioner" means the commissioner of public safety.

Subd. 4.

Director.

"Director" means the director of the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management in the Department of Public Safety.

Subd. 5.

Disaster.

"Disaster" means any catastrophe, including but not limited to a tornado, storm, high water, wind-driven water, tidal wave, earthquake, volcanic eruption, landslide, mudslide, snowstorm, or drought or, regardless of cause, any fire, flood, or explosion.

Subd. 6.

FEMA.

"FEMA" means the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Subd. 7.

Incident period.

"Incident period" means the time interval of a disaster as delineated by specific start and end dates.

Subd. 8.

Local government.

"Local government" has the meaning given in section 12.03, subdivision 5d.

Sec. 3.

[12B.25] ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA; CONSIDERATIONS.

Subdivision 1.

Payment required; eligibility criteria.

The director, serving as the governor's authorized representative, may enter into grant agreements with eligible applicants to provide state financial assistance made available as a result of a disaster that satisfies all of the following criteria:

(1) the state or applicable local government declares a disaster or emergency during the incident period;

(2) damages suffered and eligible costs incurred are the direct result of the disaster;

(3) federal disaster assistance is not available to the applicant because the governor did not request a presidential declaration of major disaster, the president denied the governor's request, or the applicant is not eligible for federal disaster assistance because the state or county did not meet the per capita impact indicator under FEMA's Public Assistance Program;

(4) the applicant incurred eligible damages that, on a per capita basis, equal or exceed 50 percent of the countywide per capita impact indicator under FEMA's Public Assistance Program;

(5) the applicant assumes responsibility for 25 percent of the applicant's total eligible costs; and

(6) the applicant satisfies all requirements in this chapter.

Subd. 2.

Considerations; other resources available.

When evaluating applicant eligibility under subdivision 1, the director must consider:

(1) the availability of other resources from federal, state, local, private, or other sources; and

(2) the availability or existence of insurance.

Sec. 4.

[12B.30] ELIGIBLE COSTS.

Subdivision 1.

Eligible costs.

Costs eligible for payment under this chapter are those costs that would be eligible for federal financial assistance under FEMA's Public Assistance Program.

Subd. 2.

Ineligible costs.

Ineligible costs are all costs not included in subdivision 1, including but not limited to:

(1) ordinary operating expenses, including salaries and expenses of employees and public officials that are not directly related to the disaster response;

(2) costs for which payment has been or will be received from any other funding source;

(3) disaster-related costs that should, in the determination of the director, be covered and compensated by insurance; and

(4) projects and claims totaling less than the minimum FEMA project threshold.

Sec. 5.

[12B.35] APPLICANT'S SHARE.

An applicant's share of eligible costs incurred must not be less than 25 percent. The substantiated value of donated materials, equipment, services, and labor may be used as all or part of the applicant's share of eligible costs, subject to the following:

(1) all items and sources of donation must be indicated on the application and any supporting documentation submitted to the commissioner;

(2) the rate for calculating the value of donated, nonprofessional labor is the prevailing federal minimum wage;

(3) the value of donated equipment may not exceed the highway equipment rates approved by the commissioner of transportation; and

(4) the value of donated materials and professional services must conform to market rates and be established by invoice.

Sec. 6.

[12B.40] APPLICATION PROCESS.

(a) The director must develop application materials and may update the materials as needed. Application materials must include instructions and requirements for assistance under this chapter.

(b) An applicant has 30 days from the end of the incident period or the president's official denial of the governor's request for a declaration of a major disaster to provide the director with written notice of intent to apply. The director may deny an application due to a late notice of intent to apply.

(c) Within 60 days after the end of the incident period or the president's official denial of the governor's request for a declaration of a major disaster, the applicant must submit a complete application to the director. A complete application includes the following:

(1) the cause, location of damage, and incident period;

(2) documentation of a local, tribal, county, or state disaster or emergency declaration in response to the disaster;

(3) a description of damages, an initial damage assessment, and the amount of eligible costs incurred by the applicant;

(4) a statement or evidence that the applicant has the ability to pay for at least 25 percent of total eligible costs incurred from the disaster; and

(5) a statement or evidence that the local government has incurred damages equal to or exceeding 50 percent of the federal countywide threshold in effect during the incident period.

(d) The director must review the application and supporting documentation for completeness and may return the application with a request for more detailed information. The director may consult with local public officials to ensure the application reflects the extent and magnitude of the damage and to reconcile any differences. The application is not complete until the director receives all requested information.

(e) If the director returns an application with a request for more detailed information or for correction of deficiencies, the applicant must submit all required information within 30 days of the applicant's receipt of the director's request. The applicant's failure to provide the requested information in a timely manner without a reasonable explanation may be cause for denial of the application.

(f) The director has no more than 60 days from the receipt of a complete application to approve or deny the application, or the application is deemed approved. If the director denies an application, the director must send a denial letter. If the director approves an application or the application is automatically deemed approved after 60 days, the director must notify the applicant of the steps necessary to obtain reimbursement of eligible costs, including submission of invoices or other documentation substantiating the costs submitted for reimbursement.

Sec. 7.

[12B.45] CLAIMS PROCESS.

Subdivision 1.

Claims; appeal.

(a) An applicant must submit to the director completed claims for payment of actual and eligible costs on forms provided by the director. All eligible costs claimed for payment must be documented and consistent with the eligibility provisions of this chapter.

(b) If the director denies an applicant's claim for payment, the applicant has 30 days from receipt of the director's determination to appeal in writing to the commissioner. The appeal must include the applicant's rationale for reversing the director's determination. The commissioner has 30 days from receipt of the appeal to uphold or modify the director's determination and formally respond to the applicant. If, within 30 days of receiving the commissioner's decision, the applicant notifies the commissioner that the applicant intends to contest the commissioner's decision, the Office of Administrative Hearings shall conduct a hearing under the contested case provisions of chapter 14.

Subd. 2.

Final inspection.

Upon completion of all work by an applicant, the director may inspect all work claimed by the applicant. The applicant must provide the director with access to records pertaining to all claimed work and must permit the director to review all records relating to the work.

Subd. 3.

Closeout.

The director must close out an applicant's disaster assistance application after all of the following occur:

(1) eligible work is complete;

(2) the applicant receives the final amount due or pays any amount owed under section 12B.50; and

(3) any extant or scheduled audits are complete.

Subd. 4.

Audit.

(a) An applicant must account for all funds received under this chapter in conformance with generally accepted accounting principles and practices. The applicant must maintain detailed records of expenditures to show that grants received under this chapter were used for the purpose for which the payment was made. The applicant must maintain records for five years and make the records available for inspection and audit by the director or the state auditor. The applicant must keep all financial records for five years after the final payment, including but not limited to all invoices and canceled checks or bank statements that support all eligible costs claimed by the applicant.

(b) The director or state auditor may audit all applicant records pertaining to an application or payment under this chapter.

Subd. 5.

Reporting payments.

The director must post on the division Web site a list of the recipients and amounts of the payments made under this chapter.

Sec. 8.

[12B.50] FUNDING FROM OTHER SOURCES; REPAYMENT REQUIRED.

If an applicant subsequently recovers eligible costs from another source after receiving payment under this chapter, the applicant must pay the commissioner an amount equal to the corresponding state funds received within 30 days. The commissioner must deposit any repayment in the disaster response contingency account in section 12.221, subdivision 6.

Sec. 9.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This article is effective the day following final enactment.

ARTICLE 9

TRANSPORTATION APPROPRIATIONS

Section 1.

Laws 2010, chapter 189, section 15, subdivision 12, is amended to read:

Subd. 12. Rochester Maintenance Facility

26,430,000 24,937,000

This appropriation is from the bond proceeds account in the trunk highway fund.

To prepare a site for and design, construct, furnish, and equip a new maintenance facility in Rochester.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 2.

Laws 2010, chapter 189, section 26, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Trunk highway fund bond proceeds account.

To provide the money appropriated in this act from the bond proceeds account in the trunk highway fund, the commissioner of management and budget shall sell and issue bonds of the state in an amount up to $32,945,000 $31,452,000 in the manner, upon the terms, and with the effect prescribed by Minnesota Statutes, sections 167.50 to 167.52, and by the Minnesota Constitution, article XIV, section 11, at the times and in the amounts requested by the commissioner of transportation. The proceeds of the bonds, except accrued interest and any premium received from the sale of the bonds, must be credited to the bond proceeds account in the trunk highway fund.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 3.

Laws 2012, chapter 287, article 2, section 1, is amended to read:

Section 1.

ROCHESTER MAINTENANCE FACILITY.

$16,100,000 $17,593,000 is appropriated to the commissioner of transportation to design, construct, furnish, and equip the maintenance facility in Rochester and corresponding remodeling of the existing district headquarters building. This appropriation is from the bond proceeds account in the trunk highway fund.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 4.

Laws 2012, chapter 287, article 2, section 3, is amended to read:

Sec. 3.

TRUNK HIGHWAY FUND BOND PROCEEDS ACCOUNT.

To provide the money appropriated in this article from the bond proceeds account in the trunk highway fund, the commissioner of management and budget shall sell and issue bonds of the state in an amount up to $16,120,000 $17,613,000 in the manner, upon the terms, and with the effect prescribed by Minnesota Statutes, sections 167.50 to 167.52, and by the Minnesota Constitution, article XIV, section 11, at the times and in the amounts requested by the commissioner of transportation. The proceeds of the bonds, except accrued interest and any premium received from the sale of the bonds, must be credited to the bond proceeds account in the trunk highway fund.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 5.

Laws 2012, First Special Session chapter 1, article 1, section 28, is amended to read:

Sec. 28.

TRANSFERS, REDUCTIONS, CANCELLATIONS, AND BOND SALE AUTHORIZATIONS REDUCED.

(a) The remaining balance of the appropriation in Laws 2010, Second Special Session chapter 1, article 1, section 7, for the economic development and housing challenge program, estimated to be $450,000, is transferred to the general fund.

(b) The appropriation in Laws 2010, Second Special Session chapter 1, article 1, section 5, for Minnesota investment fund grants pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 12A.07, is reduced by $1,358,000.

(c) The appropriation in Laws 2010, Second Special Session chapter 1, article 1, section 12, subdivision 2, for disaster enrollment impact aid pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 12A.06, is reduced by $30,000.

(d) The appropriation in Laws 2010, Second Special Session chapter 1, article 1, section 12, subdivision 3, for disaster relief facilities grants pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 12A.06, is reduced by $392,000.

(e) The appropriation in Laws 2010, Second Special Session chapter 1, article 1, section 12, subdivision 4, for disaster relief operating grants pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 12A.06, is reduced by $2,000.

(f) The appropriation in Laws 2010, Second Special Session chapter 1, article 1, section 12, subdivision 5, for pupil transportation aid pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 12A.06, is reduced by $5,000.

(g) The appropriation in Laws 2010, Second Special Session chapter 1, article 2, section 5, subdivision 3, for pupil transportation aid pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 12A.06, is reduced by $271,000.

(h) The appropriation in Laws 2010, Second Special Session chapter 1, article 1, section 13, for public health activities pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 12A.08, is reduced by $103,000.

(i) $1,428,000 $534,000 of the appropriation in Laws 2007, First Special Session chapter 2, article 1, section 4, subdivision 3, for reconstruction and repair of trunk highways and trunk highway bridges is canceled. The bond sale authorization in Laws 2007, First Special Session chapter 2, article 1, section 15, subdivision 2, is reduced by $1,428,000 $534,000.

(j) $5,680,000 of the appropriation in Laws 2007, First Special Session chapter 2, article 1, section 4, subdivision 4, as amended by Laws 2008, chapter 289, section 2, for grants to local governments for capital costs related to rehabilitation and replacement of local roads and bridges damaged or destroyed by flooding pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 174.50, is canceled. The bond sale authorization in Laws 2007, First Special Session chapter 2, article 1, section 15, subdivision 3, is reduced by $5,680,000.

(k) $2,133,000 of the appropriation in Laws 2010, Second Special Session chapter 1, article 1, section 4, subdivision 3, for local road and bridge rehabilitation and replacement pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 12A.16, subdivision 3, is canceled. The bond sale authorization in Laws 2010, Second Special Session chapter 1, article 1, section 17, subdivision 2, is reduced by $2,133,000.

(l) The appropriation in Laws 2010, Second Special Session chapter 1, article 1, section 4, subdivision 2, for state road infrastructure operations and maintenance pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 12A.16, subdivision 1, is reduced by $819,000.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 6.

Laws 2013, chapter 117, article 1, section 3, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Multimodal Systems

(a) Aeronautics

(1) Airport Development and Assistance

13,648,000 14,648,000

13,648,000 16,648,000

This appropriation is from the state airports fund and must be spent according to Minnesota Statutes, section 360.305, subdivision 4.

The base appropriation for fiscal years 2016 and 2017 is $14,298,000 for each year.

Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.28, subdivision 6, this appropriation is available for five years after appropriation. If the appropriation for either year is insufficient, the appropriation for the other year is available for it.

For the current biennium, the commissioner of transportation may establish different local contribution rates for airport projects than those established in Minnesota Statutes, section 360.305, subdivision 4.

(2) Aviation Support and Services

6,386,000

6,386,000

Appropriations by Fund
Airports	5,286,000	5,286,000
Trunk Highway	1,100,000	1,100,000

$65,000 in each year is from the state airports fund for the Civil Air Patrol.

(b) Transit

17,226,000

17,245,000 23,777,000

Appropriations by Fund
General	16,451,000	16,470,000 23,002,000
Trunk Highway	775,000	775,000

$100,000 in each year is from the general fund for the administrative expenses of the Minnesota Council on Transportation Access under Minnesota Statutes, section 174.285.

$78,000 in each year is from the general fund for grants to greater Minnesota transit providers as reimbursement for the costs of providing fixed route public transit rides free of charge under Minnesota Statutes, section 174.24, subdivision 7, for veterans certified as disabled.

$32,000 in the second year is from the general fund for allocation to public transit systems under Minnesota Statutes, section 174.24, in amounts that reflect the respective foregone fare revenues from transit service under article 11, section 39.

The base appropriation from the general fund for fiscal years 2016 and 2017 is $17,245,000 in each year.

(c) Passenger Rail

500,000

500,000

This appropriation is from the general fund for passenger rail system planning, alternatives analysis, environmental analysis, design, and preliminary engineering under Minnesota Statutes, sections 174.632 to 174.636.

(d) Freight

5,653,000

5,153,000 7,153,000

Appropriations by Fund
General	756,000	256,000 2,256,000
Trunk Highway	4,897,000	4,897,000

$500,000 in the first year is from the general fund to pay for the department's share of costs associated with the cleanup of contaminated state rail bank property. This appropriation is available until expended.

$2,000,000 in the second year is from the general fund for development and implementation of safety improvements at highway-rail grade crossings along rail corridors in which oil or other hazardous materials are transported. The commissioner shall identify highway-rail grade crossing locations and improvements in consultation with railroads and relevant road authorities. This is a onetime appropriation and is available until expended.

(e) Safe Routes to School

250,000

250,000 500,000

This appropriation is from the general fund for non-infrastructure activities in the safe routes to school program under Minnesota Statutes, section 174.40, subdivision 7a.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 7.

Laws 2013, chapter 117, article 1, section 3, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. State Roads

(a) Operations and Maintenance

262,395,000 297,395,000

262,395,000 280,395,000

$5,000,000 in each year is for accelerated replacement of snow plowing equipment.

$10,000,000 in the first year is for expenses related to pavement repairs necessitated by the effects of the 2013-2014 winter season.

The base appropriation for operations and maintenance for fiscal years 2016 and 2017 is $267,395,000 in each year.

(b) Program Planning and Delivery

206,795,000

206,720,000 209,840,000

Appropriations by Fund
	2014	2015
H.U.T.D.	75,000	0
Trunk Highway	206,720,000	206,720,000 209,840,000

The base appropriation for program planning and delivery for fiscal years 2016 and 2017 is $206,720,000 in each year.

$250,000 in each year is for the department's administrative costs for creation and operation of the Joint Program Office for Economic Development and Alternative Finance, including costs of hiring a consultant and preparing required reports.

$130,000 in each year is available for administrative costs of the targeted group business program.

$266,000 in each year is available for grants to metropolitan planning organizations outside the seven-county metropolitan area.

$75,000 in each year is available for a transportation research contingent account to finance research projects that are reimbursable from the federal government or from other sources. If the appropriation for either year is insufficient, the appropriation for the other year is available for it.

$900,000 in each year is available for grants for transportation studies outside the metropolitan area to identify critical concerns, problems, and issues. These grants are available: (1) to regional development commissions; (2) in regions where no regional development commission is functioning, to joint powers boards established under agreement of two or more political subdivisions in the region to exercise the planning functions of a regional development commission; and (3) in regions where no regional development commission or joint powers board is functioning, to the department's district office for that region.

$75,000 in the first year is from the highway user tax distribution fund to the commissioner for a grant to the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota for WorkPlace Telework program congestion relief efforts consisting of maintenance of Web site tools and content. This is a onetime appropriation and is available in the second year.

$120,000 in the second year is from the trunk highway fund for the purpose of education and outreach related to highway work zone safety initiatives. This is a onetime appropriation.

(c) State Road Construction Activity

(1) Economic Recovery Funds - Federal Highway Aid

1,000,000

1,000,000

This appropriation is to complete projects using funds made available to the commissioner of transportation under title XII of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, Public Law 111-5, and implemented under Minnesota Statutes, section 161.36, subdivision 7. The base appropriation is $1,000,000 in fiscal year 2016 and $0 in fiscal year 2017.

(2) State Road Construction

909,400,000 929,900,000

815,600,000 862,105,000

It is estimated that these appropriations will be funded as follows:

Appropriations by Fund
Federal Highway Aid	489,200,000	482,200,000
Highway User Taxes	420,200,000 440,700,000	333,400,000 379,905,000

The commissioner of transportation shall notify the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over transportation finance of any significant events that should cause these estimates to change.

This appropriation is for the actual construction, reconstruction, and improvement of trunk highways, including design-build contracts and consultant usage to support these activities. This includes the cost of actual payment to landowners for lands acquired for highway rights-of-way, payment to lessees, interest subsidies, and relocation expenses.

The base appropriation for state road construction for fiscal years 2016 and 2017 is $645,000,000 $645,505,000 in each year.

$10,000,000 in each year is for the transportation economic development program under Minnesota Statutes, section 174.12. This appropriation is available until expended.

The commissioner may expend up to one-half of one percent of the federal appropriations under this clause as grants to opportunity industrialization centers and other nonprofit job training centers for job training programs related to highway construction.

The commissioner may transfer up to $15,000,000 each year to the transportation revolving loan fund.

The commissioner may receive money covering other shares of the cost of partnership projects. These receipts are appropriated to the commissioner for these projects.

Notwithstanding subdivision 6 and the restrictions on the use of trunk highway funds in Minnesota Statutes, section 165.15, the commissioner may transfer up to $6,000,000 from the trunk highway fund under this appropriation to the Stillwater lift bridge endowment account under Minnesota Statutes, section 165.15.

$6,500,000 in the first year and $25,000,000 in the second year are for the corridors of commerce program under Minnesota Statutes, section 161.088, and may include right-of-way acquisition for projects included in the program. The amount appropriated in the first year is for projects located outside of a metropolitan county, as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 473.121, subdivision 4. The commissioner may identify projects based on the most recent selection process or may perform a new selection. These are onetime appropriations and are available until expended.

$14,000,000 in the first year and $21,000,000 in the second year are for the specific improvements to "Old Highway 14" described in the settlement agreement and release executed January 7, 2014, between the state and Steele and Waseca Counties. These are onetime appropriations and are available until expended.

$505,000 in the second year is for costs of implementing highway work zone safety initiatives. The base appropriation for this purpose is $505,000 in each of fiscal years 2016 and 2017.

(d) Highway Debt Service

158,417,000

189,821,000

$148,917,000 in the first year and $180,321,000 in the second year are for transfer to the state bond fund. If an appropriation is insufficient to make all transfers required in the year for which it is made, the commissioner of management and budget shall notify the senate Committee on Finance and the house of representatives Committee on Ways and Means of the amount of the deficiency and shall then transfer that amount under the statutory open appropriation. Any excess appropriation cancels to the trunk highway fund.

(e) Electronic Communications

5,171,000

5,171,000

Appropriations by Fund
General	3,000	3,000
Trunk Highway	5,168,000	5,168,000

The general fund appropriation is to equip and operate the Roosevelt signal tower for Lake of the Woods weather broadcasting.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 8.

Laws 2013, chapter 117, article 1, section 3, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6. Transfers

(a) With the approval of the commissioner of management and budget, the commissioner of transportation may transfer unencumbered balances among the appropriations from the trunk highway fund and the state airports fund made in this section. No transfer may be made from the appropriations for state road construction or for debt service. Transfers under this paragraph may not be made between funds. Transfers under this paragraph must be reported immediately to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over transportation finance.

(b) The commissioner shall transfer from the flexible highway account in the county state-aid highway fund: (1) $5,700,000 in the first year and $21,000,000 in the second year to the trunk highway fund; (2) $13,000,000 in the first year to the municipal turnback account in the municipal state-aid street fund; (3) $10,000,000 in the second year to the municipal turnback account in the municipal state-aid street fund; and (4) the remainder in each year to the county turnback account in the county state-aid highway fund. The funds transferred are for highway turnback purposes as provided under Minnesota Statutes, section 161.081, subdivision 3.

Sec. 9.

Laws 2013, chapter 117, article 1, section 4, is amended to read:

Sec. 4. METROPOLITAN COUNCIL

$

107,889,000

$

76,970,000 79,804,000

This appropriation is from the general fund for transit system operations under Minnesota Statutes, sections 473.371 to 473.449.

The base appropriation for fiscal years 2016 and 2017 is $76,686,000 $76,626,000 in each year.

$37,000,000 in the first year is for the Southwest Corridor light rail transit line from the Hiawatha light rail transit line in downtown Minneapolis to Eden Prairie, to be used for environmental studies, preliminary engineering, acquisition of real property, or interests in real property, and design. This is a onetime appropriation and is available until expended.

$500,000 in the second year is for transit shelter improvements under Minnesota Statutes, section 473.41. This is a onetime appropriation.

$144,000 in the second year is for foregone fare revenues from transit service under article 11, section 39. The Metropolitan Council shall allocate a portion of the funds under this appropriation to transit providers receiving financial assistance under Minnesota Statutes, section 473.388, based on respective foregone fare revenues. This is a onetime appropriation.

$250,000 in the second year is for allocation to replacement service providers operating under Minnesota Statutes, section 473.388. This is a onetime appropriation.

$1,000,000 in the second year is for arterial bus rapid transit development, which may include, but is not limited to, design, engineering, construction, capital costs, technology, equipment, and rolling stock. This is a onetime appropriation and is available until expended.

$1,000,000 in the second year is for design and construction of a bus rapid transit station on interstate 35W and Lake Street. This is a onetime appropriation and is available until expended.

Sec. 10.

Laws 2013, chapter 117, article 1, section 5, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Administration and Related Services

(a) Office of Communications

504,000

504,000

Appropriations by Fund
General	111,000	111,000
Trunk Highway	393,000	393,000

(b) Public Safety Support

8,439,000

8,439,000 8,499,000

Appropriations by Fund
General	3,467,000	3,467,000 3,527,000
H.U.T.D.	1,366,000	1,366,000
Trunk Highway	3,606,000	3,606,000

$380,000 in each year is from the general fund for payment of public safety officer survivor benefits under Minnesota Statutes, section 299A.44. If the appropriation for either year is insufficient, the appropriation for the other year is available for it.

$1,367,000 in each year is from the general fund to be deposited in the public safety officer's benefit account. This money is available for reimbursements under Minnesota Statutes, section 299A.465.

$600,000 in each year is from the general fund and $100,000 in each year is from the trunk highway fund for soft body armor reimbursements under Minnesota Statutes, section 299A.38.

$792,000 in each year is from the general fund for transfer by the commissioner of management and budget to the trunk highway fund on December 31, 2013, and December 31, 2014, respectively, in order to reimburse the trunk highway fund for expenses not related to the fund. These represent amounts appropriated out of the trunk highway fund for general fund purposes in the administration and related services program.

$610,000 in each year is from the highway user tax distribution fund for transfer by the commissioner of management and budget to the trunk highway fund on December 31, 2013, and December 31, 2014, respectively, in order to reimburse the trunk highway fund for expenses not related to the fund. These represent amounts appropriated out of the trunk highway fund for highway user tax distribution fund purposes in the administration and related services program.

$716,000 in each year is from the highway user tax distribution fund for transfer by the commissioner of management and budget to the general fund on December 31, 2013, and December 31, 2014, respectively, in order to reimburse the general fund for expenses not related to the fund. These represent amounts appropriated out of the general fund for operation of the criminal justice data network related to driver and motor vehicle licensing.

Before January 15, 2015, the commissioner of public safety shall review the amounts and purposes of the transfers under this paragraph and shall recommend necessary changes to the legislative committees with jurisdiction over transportation finance.

$60,000 in the second year is from the general fund for light rail safety oversight under Minnesota Statutes, section 299A.017. The base appropriation from the general fund for this purpose in fiscal years 2016 and 2017 is $60,000 each year.

(c) Technology and Support Service

3,685,000

3,685,000

Appropriations by Fund
General	1,322,000	1,322,000
H.U.T.D.	19,000	19,000
Trunk Highway	2,344,000	2,344,000

Sec. 11.

Laws 2013, chapter 117, article 1, section 5, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. State Patrol

(a) Patrolling Highways

72,522,000

72,522,000 78,471,000

Appropriations by Fund
General	37,000	37,000
H.U.T.D.	92,000	92,000
Trunk Highway	72,393,000	72,393,000 78,342,000

$5,949,000 in the second year is from the trunk highway fund to recruit, hire, train at the State Patrol Academy, equip, and provide salary for 48 troopers.

The base appropriation from the trunk highway fund is $77,893,000 in each of fiscal years 2016 and 2017.

(b) Commercial Vehicle Enforcement

7,796,000

7,796,000

(c) Capitol Security

4,355,000

4,355,000 6,355,000

This appropriation is from the general fund.

$1,250,000 in each year 2014 and $3,250,000 in 2015 and each subsequent year is to implement the recommendations of the advisory committee on Capitol Area Security under Minnesota Statutes, section 299E.04, including the creation of an emergency manager position under Minnesota Statutes, section 299E.01, subdivision 2, and an increase in the number of State Patrol troopers and other security officers assigned to the Capitol complex.

The commissioner may not: (1) spend any money from the trunk highway fund for capitol security; or (2) permanently transfer any state trooper from the patrolling highways activity to capitol security.

The commissioner may not transfer any money appropriated to the commissioner under this section: (1) to capitol security; or (2) from capitol security.

(d) Vehicle Crimes Unit

693,000

693,000

This appropriation is from the highway user tax distribution fund.

This appropriation is to investigate: (1) registration tax and motor vehicle sales tax liabilities from individuals and businesses that currently do not pay all taxes owed; and (2) illegal or improper activity related to sale, transfer, titling, and registration of motor vehicles.

Sec. 12.

Laws 2013, chapter 117, article 1, section 5, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4. Driver and Vehicle Services

(a) Vehicle Services

27,909,000

28,430,000 28,453,000

Appropriations by Fund
Special Revenue	19,673,000	19,771,000 20,217,000
H.U.T.D.	8,236,000	8,236,000

The special revenue fund appropriation is from the vehicle services operating account.

$650,000 in each year is from the special revenue fund for seven additional positions to enhance customer service related to vehicle title issuance.

$521,000 in the second year is from the special revenue fund for the vehicle services portion of a new telephone system and is for transfer to the Office of Enterprise Technology for construction and development of the system. This is a onetime appropriation and is available until expended.

$23,000 in the second year is from the special revenue fund for expenses related to the task force on motor vehicle insurance coverage verification. This is a onetime appropriation.

The base appropriation from the special revenue fund is $27,909,000 $19,673,000 for fiscal year 2016 and $27,909,000 $19,673,000 for fiscal year 2017.

(b) Driver Services

28,749,000

29,162,000 30,001,000

Appropriations by Fund
Special Revenue	28,748,000	29,161,000 30,000,000
Trunk Highway	1,000	1,000

The special revenue fund appropriation is from the driver services operating account.

$71,000 in the second year is from the special revenue fund for one additional position related to facial recognition.

$279,000 in the second year is from the special revenue fund for the driver services portion of a new telephone system and is for transfer to the Office of Enterprise Technology for construction and development of the system. This is a onetime appropriation and is available until expended.

$37,000 in the first year and $33,000 in the second year are from the special revenue fund for one half-time position to assist with the Novice Driver Improvement Task Force under Minnesota Statutes, section 171.0701, subdivision 1a. The base appropriation for this position is $6,000 in fiscal year 2016 and $0 in fiscal year 2017.

$67,000 in the second year is from the special revenue fund for one new position to administer changes to the ignition interlock program. The base appropriation for this position in fiscal years 2016 and 2017 is $62,000 in each year.

$23,000 in the second year is from the special revenue fund for expenses related to the task force on motor vehicle insurance coverage verification. This is a onetime appropriation.

$816,000 in the second year is from the special revenue fund for 12 new positions to implement improved driving skill examination scheduling. The base appropriation for these positions is $759,000 in fiscal year 2016 and $774,000 in fiscal year 2017.

The base appropriation from the special revenue fund is $28,851,000 $29,609,000 for fiscal year 2016 and $28,845,000 $29,618,000 for fiscal year 2017.

Sec. 13.

TRANSFER; RAILROAD AND PIPELINE SAFETY.

On or before July 31, 2014, the commissioner of management and budget shall transfer $1,574,000 from the general fund to the railroad and pipeline safety account in the special revenue fund under Minnesota Statutes, section 299A.55. This is a onetime transfer.

ARTICLE 10

RAILROAD AND PIPELINE SAFETY

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 115E.01, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 6a.

Incident commander.

"Incident commander" means the official at the site of a discharge who has the responsibility for operations at the site, as established following National Incident Management System guidelines.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 115E.01, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 7a.

Listed sensitive area.

"Listed sensitive area" means an area or location listed as an area of special economic or environmental importance in an Area Contingency Plan or a Sub-Area Contingency Plan prepared under the federal Clean Water Act, United States Code, title 33, section 1321(j)(4).

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 115E.01, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 11d.

Unit train.

"Unit train" means a train with more than 25 tanker railcars carrying oil or hazardous substance cargo.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 4.

[115E.042] PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE FOR CERTAIN RAILROADS.

Subdivision 1.

Application.

In addition to the requirements of section 115E.04, a person who owns or operates railroad car rolling stock transporting a unit train must comply with this section.

Subd. 2.

Training.

(a) Each railroad must offer training to each fire department having jurisdiction along the route of unit trains. Initial training under this subdivision must be offered to each fire department by June 30, 2016, and refresher training must be offered to each fire department at least once every three years thereafter.

(b) The training must address the general hazards of oil and hazardous substances, techniques to assess hazards to the environment and to the safety of responders and the public, factors an incident commander must consider in determining whether to attempt to suppress a fire or to evacuate the public and emergency responders from an area, and other strategies for initial response by local emergency responders. The training must include suggested protocol or practices for local responders to safely accomplish these tasks.

Subd. 3.

Coordination.

Beginning June 30, 2015, each railroad must communicate at least annually with each county or city emergency manager, safety representatives of railroad employees governed by the Railway Labor Act, and a senior fire department officer of each fire department having jurisdiction along the route of a unit train, to ensure coordination of emergency response activities between the railroad and local responders.

Subd. 4.

Response capabilities; time limits.

(a) Following confirmation of a discharge, a railroad must deliver and deploy sufficient equipment and trained personnel to contain and recover discharged oil or hazardous substances and to protect the environment and public safety.

(b) Within one hour of confirmation of a discharge, a railroad must provide a qualified company employee to advise the incident commander. The employee may be made available by telephone, and must be authorized to deploy all necessary response resources of the railroad.

(c) Within three hours of confirmation of a discharge, a railroad must be capable of delivering monitoring equipment and a trained operator to assist in protection of responder and public safety. A plan to ensure delivery of monitoring equipment and an operator to a discharge site must be provided each year to the commissioner of public safety.

(d) Within three hours of confirmation of a discharge, a railroad must provide qualified personnel at a discharge site to assess the discharge and to advise the incident commander.

(e) A railroad must be capable of deploying containment boom from land across sewer outfalls, creeks, ditches, and other places where oil or hazardous substances may drain, in order to contain leaked material before it reaches those resources. The arrangement to provide containment boom and staff may be made by:

(1) training and caching equipment with local jurisdictions;

(2) training and caching equipment with a fire mutual-aid group;

(3) means of an industry cooperative or mutual-aid group;

(4) deployment of a contractor;

(5) deployment of a response organization under state contract; or

(6) other dependable means acceptable to the Pollution Control Agency.

(f) Each arrangement under paragraph (e) must be confirmed each year. Each arrangement must be tested by drill at least once every five years.

(g) Within eight hours of confirmation of a discharge, a railroad must be capable of delivering and deploying containment boom, boats, oil recovery equipment, trained staff, and all other materials needed to provide:

(1) on-site containment and recovery of a volume of oil equal to ten percent of the calculated worst case discharge at any location along the route; and

(2) protection of listed sensitive areas and potable water intakes within one mile of a discharge site and within eight hours of water travel time downstream in any river or stream that the right-of-way intersects.

(h) Within 60 hours of confirmation of a discharge, a railroad must be capable of delivering and deploying additional containment boom, boats, oil recovery equipment, trained staff, and all other materials needed to provide containment and recovery of a worst case discharge and to protect listed sensitive areas and potable water intakes at any location along the route.

Subd. 5.

Railroad drills.

Each railroad must conduct at least one oil containment, recovery, and sensitive area protection drill every three years, at a location and time chosen by the Pollution Control Agency, and attended by safety representatives of railroad employees governed by the Railway Labor Act.

Subd. 6.

Prevention and response plans.

(a) By June 30, 2015, a railroad shall submit the prevention and response plan required under section 115E.04, as necessary to comply with the requirements of this section, to the commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency on a form designated by the commissioner.

(b) By June 30 of every third year following a plan submission under this subdivision, a railroad must update and resubmit the prevention and response plan to the commissioner.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

Subdivisions 1 to 3 and 6 are effective the day following final enactment. Subdivisions 4 and 5 are effective July 1, 2015.

Sec. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 115E.08, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 3a.

Railroad preparedness; pollution control.

The Pollution Control Agency shall carry out environmental protection activities related to railroad discharge preparedness. Duties under this subdivision include, but are not limited to:

(1) assisting local emergency managers and fire officials in understanding the hazards of oil and hazardous substances, as well as general strategies for containment and environmental protection;

(2) assisting railroads to identify natural resources and sensitive areas, and to devise strategies to contain and recover oil and hazardous substances from land and waters along routes;

(3) facilitating cooperation between railroads for mutual aid arrangements that provide training, staff, and equipment as required by this chapter;

(4) participating in drills and training sessions;

(5) reviewing each railroad's prevention and response plan for compliance with the requirements of this chapter, and assessing each railroad's readiness to protect the environment;

(6) conducting inspections and drills as necessary to determine the railroad's compliance with the requirements of this chapter and ability to protect the environment;

(7) conducting follow-up corrective action directives, orders, and enforcement as necessary based on a finding of inadequate environmental protection preparedness; and

(8) soliciting involvement and advice concerning preparedness activities and requirements from safety representatives of railroad employees governed by the Railway Labor Act.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 6.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 115E.08, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 3b.

Railroad and pipeline preparedness; public safety.

The commissioner of public safety shall carry out public safety protection activities related to railroad and pipeline spill and discharge preparedness. Duties under this subdivision include, but are not limited to:

(1) assisting local emergency managers and fire officials to understand the hazards of oil and hazardous substances, as well as general strategies for hazard identification, initial isolation, and other actions necessary to ensure public safety;

(2) assisting railroads and pipeline companies to develop suggested protocols and practices for local first responder use in protecting the public's safety;

(3) facilitating cooperation between railroads, pipeline companies, county and city emergency managers, and other public safety organizations;

(4) participating in major exercises and training sessions;

(5) assisting local units of government to incorporate railroad and pipeline hazard and response information into local emergency operations plans;

(6) monitoring the public safety-related training and planning requirements of section 115E.03; and

(7) referring noncompliance with section 115E.03 to the Pollution Control Agency.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 7.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 219.015, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Position Positions established; duties.

(a) The commissioner of transportation shall establish a position of three state rail safety inspector positions in the Office of Freight and Commercial Vehicle Operations of the Minnesota Department of Transportation. On or after July 1, 2015, the commissioner may establish a fourth state rail safety inspector position following consultation with railroad companies. The commissioner shall apply to and enter into agreements with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) of the United States Department of Transportation to participate in the federal State Rail Safety Partnership Participation Program for training and certification of an inspector under authority of United States Code, title 49, sections 20103, 20105, 20106, and 20113, and Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, part 212.

The (b) A state rail safety inspector shall inspect mainline track, secondary track, and yard and industry track; inspect railroad right-of-way, including adjacent or intersecting drainage, culverts, bridges, overhead structures, and traffic and other public crossings; inspect yards and physical plants; review and enforce safety requirements; review maintenance and repair records; and review railroad security measures.

(c) A state rail safety inspector may perform, but is not limited to, the duties described in the federal State Rail Safety Participation Program. An inspector may train, be certified, and participate in any of the federal State Rail Safety Participation Program disciplines, including: track, signal and train control, motive power and equipment, operating practices compliance, hazardous materials, and highway-rail grade crossings.

(d) To the extent delegated by the Federal Railroad Administration and authorized by the commissioner, the an inspector may issue citations for violations of this chapter, or to ensure railroad employee and public safety and welfare.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 8.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 219.015, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Railroad company assessment; account; appropriation.

(a) As provided in this subdivision, the commissioner shall annually assess railroad companies that are (1) defined as common carriers under section 218.011,; (2) classified by federal law or regulation as Class I Railroads, or Class I Rail Carriers, Class II Railroads, or Class II Carriers; and (3) operating in this state,.

(b) The assessment must be by a division of state rail safety inspector program costs in equal proportion between carriers based on route miles operated in Minnesota, assessed in equal amounts for 365 days of the calendar year. The commissioner shall assess all start-up or re-establishment costs, and all related costs of initiating the state rail safety inspector program beginning July 1, 2008. The, and ongoing state rail inspector duties must begin and be assessed on January 1, 2009.

(c) The assessments must be deposited in a special account in the special revenue fund, to be known as the state rail safety inspection account. Money in the account is appropriated to the commissioner and may be expended to cover the costs incurred for the establishment and ongoing responsibilities of the state rail safety inspector program.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 9.

[299A.55] RAILROAD AND PIPELINE SAFETY; OIL AND OTHER HAZARDOUS MATERIALS.

Subdivision 1.

Definitions.

(a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have the meanings given them.

(b) "Applicable rail carrier" means a railroad company that is subject to an assessment under section 219.015, subdivision 2.

(c) "Hazardous substance" has the meaning given in section 115B.02, subdivision 8.

(d) "Oil" has the meaning given in section 115E.01, subdivision 8.

(e) "Pipeline company" means any individual, partnership, association, or public or private corporation who owns and operates pipeline facilities and is required to show specific preparedness under section 115E.03, subdivision 2.

Subd. 2.

Railroad and pipeline safety account.

(a) A railroad and pipeline safety account is created in the special revenue fund. The account consists of funds collected under subdivision 4 and funds donated, allotted, transferred, or otherwise provided to the account.

(b) $104,000 is annually appropriated from the railroad and pipeline safety account to the commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency for environmental protection activities related to railroad discharge preparedness under chapter 115E.

(c) Following the appropriation in paragraph (b), the remaining money in the account is annually appropriated to the commissioner of public safety for the purposes specified in subdivision 3.

Subd. 3.

Allocation of funds.

(a) Subject to funding appropriated for this subdivision, the commissioner shall provide funds for training and response preparedness related to (1) derailments, discharge incidents, or spills involving trains carrying oil or other hazardous substances, and (2) pipeline discharge incidents or spills involving oil or other hazardous substances.

(b) The commissioner shall allocate available funds as follows:

(1) $100,000 annually for emergency response teams; and

(2) the remaining amount to the Board of Firefighter Training and Education under section 299N.02 and the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

(c) Prior to making allocations under paragraph (b), the commissioner shall consult with the Fire Service Advisory Committee under section 299F.012, subdivision 2.

(d) The commissioner and the entities identified in paragraph (b), clause (2), shall prioritize uses of funds based on:

(1) firefighter training needs;

(2) community risk from discharge incidents or spills;

(3) geographic balance; and

(4) recommendations of the Fire Service Advisory Committee.

(e) The following are permissible uses of funds provided under this subdivision:

(1) training costs, which may include, but are not limited to, training curriculum, trainers, trainee overtime salary, other personnel overtime salary, and tuition;

(2) costs of gear and equipment related to hazardous materials readiness, response, and management, which may include, but are not limited to, original purchase, maintenance, and replacement;

(3) supplies related to the uses under clauses (1) and (2); and

(4) emergency preparedness planning and coordination.

(f) Notwithstanding paragraph (b), clause (2), from funds in the railroad and pipeline safety account provided for the purposes under this subdivision, the commissioner may retain a balance in the account for budgeting in subsequent fiscal years.

Subd. 4.

Assessments.

(a) The commissioner of public safety shall annually assess $2,500,000 to railroad and pipeline companies based on the formula specified in paragraph (b). The commissioner shall deposit funds collected under this subdivision in the railroad and pipeline safety account under subdivision 2.

(b) The assessment for each railroad is 50 percent of the total annual assessment amount, divided in equal proportion between applicable rail carriers based on route miles operated in Minnesota. The assessment for each pipeline company is 50 percent of the total annual assessment amount, divided in equal proportion between companies based on the yearly aggregate gallons of oil and hazardous substance transported by pipeline in Minnesota.

(c) The assessments under this subdivision expire July 1, 2017.

Sec. 10.

IMPROVEMENTS STUDY ON GRADE CROSSINGS AND RAIL SAFETY FOR OIL AND OTHER HAZARDOUS MATERIALS TRANSPORTATION.

(a) The commissioner of transportation shall conduct a study on highway-rail grade crossing improvement for oil and other hazardous materials transported by rail, and on rail safety. At a minimum, the study must:

(1) provide information that assists in risk management associated with transportation of oil and other hazardous materials by rail;

(2) develop criteria to prioritize needs and improvements at highway-rail grade crossings;

(3) consider alternatives for safety improvements, including but not limited to active warning devices such as gates and signals, closings, and grade separation;

(4) provide findings and recommendations that serve to direct accelerated investments in highway-rail grade crossing safety improvements; and

(5) analyze state inspection activities and staffing for track and hazardous materials under Minnesota Statutes, section 219.015.

(b) The commissioner shall submit an interim update on the study by August 31, 2014, and a final report by October 31, 2014, to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over transportation policy and finance.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 11.

REPORTS ON INCIDENT PREPAREDNESS FOR OIL TRANSPORTATION.

Subdivision 1.

Report on response preparedness.

By January 15, 2015, the commissioner of public safety shall submit a report on emergency response preparedness in the public and private sectors for incidents involving transportation of oil to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over transportation and public safety policy and finance. At a minimum, the report must:

(1) summarize the preparedness and emergency response framework in the state;

(2) provide an assessment of costs and needs of fire departments and other emergency first responders for training and equipment to respond to discharge or spill incidents involving transportation of oil;

(3) develop a comprehensive public and private response capacity inventory that, to the extent feasible, includes statewide identification of major emergency response equipment, equipment staging locations, mutual aid agreements, and capacities across industries involved in transportation and storage of oil;

(4) provide information and analysis that forms the basis for allocation of funds under Minnesota Statutes, section 299A.55;

(5) develop benchmarks or assessment criteria for the evaluation under subdivision 2;

(6) assist in long-range oil transportation incident preparedness planning; and

(7) make recommendations for any legislative changes.

Subd. 2.

Evaluation of response preparedness and funding.

By January 15, 2017, the commissioner of public safety shall submit an evaluation of safety preparedness and funding related to incidents involving transportation of oil to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over transportation and public safety policy and finance. At a minimum, the evaluation must:

(1) provide an update to the report under subdivision 1 that identifies notable changes and provides updated information as appropriate;

(2) evaluate the effectiveness of training and response preparedness activities under Minnesota Statutes, section 299A.55, using the criteria established under subdivision 1, clause (5);

(3) identify current sources of funds, funding levels, and any unfunded needs for preparedness activities;

(4) analyze equity in the distribution of funding sources for preparedness activities, which must include but is not limited to (i) examination of the public-private partnership financing model, and (ii) review of balance across industries involved in storage and distribution of oil; and

(5) make recommendations for any programmatic or legislative changes.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective the day following final enactment.

ARTICLE 11

TRANSPORTATION FINANCE PROVISIONS

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 161.14, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 78.

Trooper Glen Skalman Memorial Highway.

That segment of signed U.S. Highway 61 from the intersection with signed U.S. Highway 8 in Forest Lake to the intersection with 260th Street in Wyoming is designated as "Trooper Glen Skalman Memorial Highway." Subject to section 161.139, the commissioner shall adopt a suitable design to mark this highway and erect appropriate signs in the vicinity of the location where Trooper Skalman died.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 165.15, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Use of funds.

(a) Income derived from the investment of principal in the account may be used by the commissioner of transportation for operations and routine maintenance of the Stillwater lift bridge, including bridge safety inspections and reactive repairs. No money from this account may be used for any purposes except those described in this section, and no money from this account may be transferred to any other account in the state treasury without specific legislative authorization. Any money transferred from the trunk highway fund may only be used for trunk highway purposes. For the purposes of this section:

(1) "Income" is the amount of interest on debt securities and dividends on equity securities. Any gains or losses from the sale of securities must be added to the principal of the account.

(2) "Routine maintenance" means activities that are predictable and repetitive, but not activities that would constitute major repairs or rehabilitation.

(b) Investment management fees incurred by the State Board of Investment are eligible expenses for reimbursement from the account.

(c) The commissioner of transportation has authority to approve or deny expenditures of funds in the account.

Sec. 3.

[168.1299] MINNESOTA GOLF PLATES.

Subdivision 1.

Issuance.

Notwithstanding section 168.1293, the commissioner shall issue special Minnesota golf plates or a single motorcycle plate to an applicant who:

(1) is a registered owner of a passenger automobile, one-ton pickup truck, motorcycle, or recreational vehicle;

(2) pays a fee of $10 and any other fees required by this chapter;

(3) contributes a minimum of $30 annually after January 1, 2017, to the Minnesota Section PGA Foundation account; and

(4) complies with this chapter and rules governing registration of motor vehicles and licensing of drivers.

Subd. 2.

Design.

After consultation with the Minnesota Section PGA and the Minnesota Golf Association, the commissioner shall design the special plate.

Subd. 3.

Plates transfer.

On payment of a fee of $5, plates issued under this section may be transferred to another passenger automobile, one-ton pickup truck, motorcycle, or other recreational vehicle registered to the individual to whom the special plates were issued.

Subd. 4.

Fees.

Fees collected under subdivision 1, clause (2), and subdivision 3 are credited to the vehicle services operating account in the special revenue fund.

Subd. 5.

Contributions.

Contributions collected under subdivision 1, clause (3), are credited first to the commissioner of public safety for the cost of administering the Minnesota Section PGA Foundation account, which is established in the special revenue fund. After the commissioner's administration costs are paid each year, remaining contributions are credited to the Minnesota Section PGA Foundation account. Money in the account is appropriated to the commissioner of public safety for distribution to the Minnesota Section PGA Foundation, to be used to enhance and promote the game of golf throughout Minnesota.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

Subdivisions 1 to 4 are effective January 1, 2015, for special Minnesota golf plates issued on or after that date. Subdivision 5 is effective January 1, 2017.

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 169.011, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 95.

Work zone.

"Work zone" means a segment of street or highway for which:

(1) a road authority or its agent is constructing, reconstructing, or maintaining the physical structure of the roadway, which may include, but is not limited to, shoulders, features adjacent to the roadway, and utilities and highway appurtenances, whether underground or overhead; and

(2) any of the following applies:

(i) official traffic-control devices that indicate the segment of street or highway under construction, reconstruction, or maintenance, are erected;

(ii) one or more lanes of traffic are closed;

(iii) a flagger under section 169.06, subdivision 4a, is present;

(iv) a construction zone speed limit under section 169.14, subdivision 4, is established; or

(v) a workers present speed limit under section 169.14, subdivision 5d, is in effect.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective August 1, 2014.

Sec. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 169.06, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Obedience to traffic-control signal or flagger authorized persons; presumptions.

(a) The driver of any vehicle shall obey the instructions of any official traffic-control device applicable thereto placed in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, unless otherwise directed by a police officer or by a flagger authorized under this subdivision, subject to the exceptions granted the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle in this chapter.

(b) No provision of this chapter for which official traffic-control devices are required shall be enforced against an alleged violator if at the time and place of the alleged violation an official device is not in proper position and sufficiently legible to be seen by an ordinarily observant person. Whenever a particular section does not state that official traffic-control devices are required, such section shall be effective even though no devices are erected or in place.

(c) Whenever official traffic-control devices are placed in position approximately conforming to the requirements of this chapter, such devices shall be presumed to have been so placed by the official act or direction of lawful authority, unless the contrary shall be established by competent evidence.

(d) Any official traffic-control device placed pursuant to the provisions of this chapter and purporting to conform to the lawful requirements pertaining to such devices shall be presumed to comply with the requirements of this chapter, unless the contrary shall be established by competent evidence.

(e) A flagger in a designated work zone may stop vehicles and hold vehicles in place until it is safe for the vehicles to proceed. A person operating a motor vehicle that has been stopped by a flagger in a designated work zone may proceed after stopping only on instruction by the flagger.

(f) An overdimensional load escort driver with a certificate issued under section 299D.085, while acting as a flagger escorting a legal overdimensional load, may stop vehicles and hold vehicles in place until it is safe for the vehicles to proceed. A person operating a motor vehicle that has been stopped by an escort driver acting as a flagger may proceed only on instruction by the flagger or a police officer.

(g) (f) A person may stop and hold vehicles in place until it is safe for the vehicles to proceed, if the person: (1) holds a motorcycle road guard certificate issued under section 171.60; (2) meets the safety and equipment standards for operating under the certificate; (3) is acting as a flagger escorting a motorcycle group ride; (4) has notified each statutory or home rule charter city through which the motorcycle group is proceeding; and (5) has obtained consent from the chief of police, or the chief's designee, of any city of the first class through which the group is proceeding. A flagger operating as provided under this paragraph may direct operators of motorcycles within a motorcycle group ride or other vehicle traffic, notwithstanding any contrary indication of a traffic-control device, including stop signs or traffic-control signals. A person operating a vehicle that has been stopped by a flagger under this paragraph may proceed only on instruction by the flagger or a police officer.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective August 1, 2014.

Sec. 6.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 169.06, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 4a.

Obedience to work zone flagger; violation, penalty.

(a) A flagger in a work zone may stop vehicles and hold vehicles in place until it is safe for the vehicles to proceed. A person operating a motor vehicle that has been stopped by a flagger in a work zone may proceed after stopping only on instruction by the flagger or a police officer.

(b) A person convicted of operating a motor vehicle in violation of a speed limit in a work zone, or any other provision of this section while in a work zone, shall be required to pay a fine of $300. This fine is in addition to the surcharge under section 357.021, subdivision 6.

(c) If a motor vehicle is operated in violation of paragraph (a), the owner of the vehicle, or for a leased motor vehicle the lessee of the vehicle, is guilty of a petty misdemeanor and is subject to a fine as provided in paragraph (b). The owner or lessee may not be fined under this paragraph if (1) another person is convicted for that violation, or (2) the motor vehicle was stolen at the time of the violation. This paragraph does not apply to a lessor of a motor vehicle if the lessor keeps a record of the name and address of the lessee.

(d) Paragraph (c) does not prohibit or limit the prosecution of a motor vehicle operator for violating paragraph (a).

(e) A violation under paragraph (c) does not constitute grounds for revocation or suspension of a driver's license.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective August 1, 2014, and applies to violations committed on or after that date.

Sec. 7.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 169.14, subdivision 5d, is amended to read:

Subd. 5d.

Speed zoning limit in work zone; surcharge when workers present.

(a) Notwithstanding subdivision 2 and subject to subdivision 3, the speed limit on a road having an established speed limit of 50 miles per hour or greater is adjusted to 45 miles per hour in a work zone when (1) at least one lane or portion of a lane of traffic is closed in either direction, and (2) workers are present. A speed in excess of the adjusted speed limit is unlawful.

(b) Paragraph (a) does not apply to a segment of road in which:

(1) positive barriers are placed between workers and the traveled portion of the highway;

(2) the work zone is in place for less than 24 hours;

(3) a different speed limit for the work zone is determined by the road authority following an engineering and traffic investigation and based on accepted engineering practice; or

(4) a different speed limit for the work zone is established by the road authority under paragraph (c).

(c) The commissioner, on trunk highways and temporary trunk highways, and local authorities, on streets and highways under their jurisdiction, may authorize the use of reduced maximum speed limits in highway work zones. The commissioner or local authority is not required to conduct when workers are present, without an engineering and traffic investigation before authorizing a reduced speed limit in a highway work zone required. The work zone speed limit must not reduce the speed limit on the affected street or highway by more than:

(b) The minimum highway work zone speed limit is 20 miles per hour. The work zone speed limit must not reduce the established speed limit on the affected street or highway by more than 15 miles per hour, except that the highway work zone speed limit must not exceed 40 miles per hour. The commissioner or local authority shall post the limits of the work zone. Highway work zone speed limits are effective on erection of appropriate regulatory speed limit signs. The signs must be removed or covered when they are not required. A speed greater than the posted highway work zone speed limit is unlawful.

(c) Notwithstanding paragraph (b), on divided highways the commissioner or local authority may establish a highway work zone speed limit that does not exceed 55 miles per hour.

(d) Notwithstanding paragraph (b), on two-lane highways having one lane for each direction of travel with a posted speed limit of 60 miles per hour or greater, the commissioner or local authority may establish a highway work zone speed limit that does not exceed 40 miles per hour.

(e) For purposes of this subdivision, "highway work zone" means a segment of highway or street where a road authority or its agent is constructing, reconstructing, or maintaining the physical structure of the roadway, its shoulders, or features adjacent to the roadway, including underground and overhead utilities and highway appurtenances, when workers are present.

(f) Notwithstanding section 609.0331 or 609.101 or other law to the contrary, a person who violates a speed limit established under this subdivision, or who violates any other provision of this section while in a highway work zone, is assessed an additional surcharge equal to the amount of the fine imposed for the speed violation, but not less than $25.

(1) 20 miles per hour on a street or highway having an established speed limit of 55 miles per hour or greater; and

(2) 15 miles per hour on a street or highway having an established speed limit of 50 miles per hour or less.

(d) A work zone speed limit under paragraph (c) is effective on erection of appropriate regulatory speed limit signs. The signs must be removed or covered when they are not required. A speed in excess of the posted work zone speed limit is unlawful.

(e) For any speed limit under this subdivision, a road authority shall erect signs identifying the speed limit and indicating the beginning and end of the speed limit zone.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective August 1, 2014, and applies to violations committed on or after that date.

Sec. 8.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 169.14, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 6a.

Work zone speed limit violations.

A person convicted of operating a motor vehicle in violation of a speed limit in a work zone, or any other provision of this section while in a work zone, shall be required to pay a fine of $300. This fine is in addition to the surcharge under section 357.021, subdivision 6.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective August 1, 2014, and applies to violations committed on or after that date.

Sec. 9.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 169.305, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Entrance and exit; crossover; use regulations; signs; rules.

(a) No person shall drive a vehicle onto or from any controlled-access highway except at such entrances and exits as are established by public authority.

(b) When special crossovers between the main roadways of a controlled-access highway are provided for emergency vehicles or maintenance equipment and such crossovers are signed to prohibit "U" turns, it shall be unlawful for any vehicle, except an emergency vehicle, maintenance equipment, or construction equipment including contractor's and state-owned equipment when operating within a marked construction zone, or a vehicle operated by a commercial vehicle inspector of the Department of Public Safety, to use such crossover. Vehicles owned and operated by elderly and needy persons under contract with the commissioner of transportation pursuant to section 160.282 for maintenance services on highway rest stop and tourist centers outside the seven-county metropolitan area as defined in section 473.121, may also use these crossovers while those persons are proceeding to or from work in the rest area or tourist center if authorized by the commissioner, and the vehicle carries on its roof a distinctive flag designed and issued by the commissioner. For the purposes of this clause "emergency vehicle" includes a tow truck or towing vehicle if it is on the way to the location of an accident or a disabled vehicle.

(c) The commissioner of transportation may by order, and any public authority may by ordinance, with respect to any controlled-access highway under their jurisdictions prohibit or regulate the use of any such highway by pedestrians, bicycles, or other nonmotorized traffic, or by motorized bicycles, or by any class or kind of traffic which is found to be incompatible with the normal and safe flow of traffic.

(d) The commissioner of transportation or the public authority adopting any such prohibitory rules shall erect and maintain official signs on the controlled-access highway on which such rules are applicable and when so erected no person shall disobey the restrictions stated on such signs.

Sec. 10.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 169.826, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 7.

Expiration date.

Upon request of the permit applicant, the expiration date for a permit issued under this section must be the same as the expiration date of the permitted vehicle's registration.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective November 30, 2016, and applies to permits issued on and after that date.

Sec. 11.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 169.8261, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 3.

Expiration date.

Upon request of the permit applicant, the expiration date for a permit issued under this section must be the same as the expiration date of the permitted vehicle's registration.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective November 30, 2016, and applies to permits issued on and after that date.

Sec. 12.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 169.86, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Fees; proceeds deposited; appropriation.

The commissioner, with respect to highways under the commissioner's jurisdiction, may charge a fee for each permit issued. The fee for an annual permit that expires by law on the date of the vehicle registration expiration must be based on the proportion of the year that remains until the expiration date. Unless otherwise specified, all fees for permits issued by the commissioner of transportation must be deposited in the state treasury and credited to the trunk highway fund. Except for those annual permits for which the permit fees are specified elsewhere in this chapter, the fees are:

(a) $15 for each single trip permit.

(b) $36 for each job permit. A job permit may be issued for like loads carried on a specific route for a period not to exceed two months. "Like loads" means loads of the same product, weight, and dimension.

(c) $60 for an annual permit to be issued for a period not to exceed 12 consecutive months. Annual permits may be issued for:

(1) motor vehicles used to alleviate a temporary crisis adversely affecting the safety or well-being of the public;

(2) motor vehicles that travel on interstate highways and carry loads authorized under subdivision 1a;

(3) motor vehicles operating with gross weights authorized under section 169.826, subdivision 1a;

(4) special pulpwood vehicles described in section 169.863;

(5) motor vehicles bearing snowplow blades not exceeding ten feet in width;

(6) noncommercial transportation of a boat by the owner or user of the boat;

(7) motor vehicles carrying bales of agricultural products authorized under section 169.862; and

(8) special milk-hauling vehicles authorized under section 169.867.

(d) $120 for an oversize annual permit to be issued for a period not to exceed 12 consecutive months. Annual permits may be issued for:

(1) mobile cranes;

(2) construction equipment, machinery, and supplies;

(3) manufactured homes and manufactured storage buildings;

(4) implements of husbandry;

(5) double-deck buses;

(6) commercial boat hauling and transporting waterfront structures, including, but not limited to, portable boat docks and boat lifts;

(7) three-vehicle combinations consisting of two empty, newly manufactured trailers for cargo, horses, or livestock, not to exceed 28-1/2 feet per trailer; provided, however, the permit allows the vehicles to be moved from a trailer manufacturer to a trailer dealer only while operating on twin-trailer routes designated under section 169.81, subdivision 3, paragraph (c); and

(8) vehicles operating on that portion of marked Trunk Highway 36 described in section 169.81, subdivision 3, paragraph (e).

(e) For vehicles that have axle weights exceeding the weight limitations of sections 169.823 to 169.829, an additional cost added to the fees listed above. However, this paragraph applies to any vehicle described in section 168.013, subdivision 3, paragraph (b), but only when the vehicle exceeds its gross weight allowance set forth in that paragraph, and then the additional cost is for all weight, including the allowance weight, in excess of the permitted maximum axle weight. The additional cost is equal to the product of the distance traveled times the sum of the overweight axle group cost factors shown in the following chart:

	Overweight Axle Group Cost Factors
Weight (pounds)		Cost Per Mile For Each Group Of:
exceeding weight limitations on axles		Two consecutive axles spaced within 8 feet or less		Three consecutive axles spaced within 9 feet or less		Four consecutive axles spaced within 14 feet or less
0-2,000		.12		.05		.04
2,001-4,000		.14		.06		.05
4,001-6,000		.18		.07		.06
6,001-8,000		.21		.09		.07
8,001-10,000		.26		.10		.08
10,001-12,000		.30		.12		.09
12,001-14,000		Not permitted		.14		.11
14,001-16,000		Not permitted		.17		.12
16,001-18,000		Not permitted		.19		.15
18,001-20,000		Not permitted		Not permitted		.16
20,001-22,000		Not permitted		Not permitted		.20

The amounts added are rounded to the nearest cent for each axle or axle group. The additional cost does not apply to paragraph (c), clauses (1) and (3).

For a vehicle found to exceed the appropriate maximum permitted weight, a cost-per-mile fee of 22 cents per ton, or fraction of a ton, over the permitted maximum weight is imposed in addition to the normal permit fee. Miles must be calculated based on the distance already traveled in the state plus the distance from the point of detection to a transportation loading site or unloading site within the state or to the point of exit from the state.

(f) As an alternative to paragraph (e), an annual permit may be issued for overweight, or oversize and overweight, mobile cranes; construction equipment, machinery, and supplies; implements of husbandry; and commercial boat hauling. The fees for the permit are as follows:

Gross Weight (pounds) of Vehicle		Annual Permit Fee
90,000	or less	$200
90,001	- 100,000	$300
100,001	- 110,000	$400
110,001	- 120,000	$500
120,001	- 130,000	$600
130,001	- 140,000	$700
140,001	- 145,000	$800
145,001	- 155,000	$900

If the gross weight of the vehicle is more than 155,000 pounds the permit fee is determined under paragraph (e).

(g) For vehicles which exceed the width limitations set forth in section 169.80 by more than 72 inches, an additional cost equal to $120 added to the amount in paragraph (a) when the permit is issued while seasonal load restrictions pursuant to section 169.87 are in effect.

(h) $85 for an annual permit to be issued for a period not to exceed 12 months, for refuse-compactor vehicles that carry a gross weight of not more than: 22,000 pounds on a single rear axle; 38,000 pounds on a tandem rear axle; or, subject to section 169.828, subdivision 2, 46,000 pounds on a tridem rear axle. A permit issued for up to 46,000 pounds on a tridem rear axle must limit the gross vehicle weight to not more than 62,000 pounds.

(i) $300 for a motor vehicle described in section 169.8261. The fee under this paragraph must be deposited as follows:

(1) the first $50,000 in each fiscal year must be deposited in the trunk highway fund for costs related to administering the permit program and inspecting and posting bridges; and

(2) all remaining money in each fiscal year must be deposited in the bridge inspection and signing account as provided under subdivision 5b.

(j) Beginning August 1, 2006, $200 for an annual permit for a vehicle operating under authority of section 169.824, subdivision 2, paragraph (a), clause (2).

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective November 30, 2016, and applies to permits issued on and after that date.

Sec. 13.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 169.863, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 3.

Expiration date.

Upon request of the permit applicant, the expiration date for a permit issued under this section must be the same as the expiration date of the permitted vehicle's registration.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective November 30, 2016, and applies to permits issued on and after that date.

Sec. 14.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 169.865, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Six-axle vehicles.

(a) A road authority may issue an annual permit authorizing a vehicle or combination of vehicles with a total of six or more axles to haul raw or unprocessed agricultural products and be operated with a gross vehicle weight of up to:

(1) 90,000 pounds; and

(2) 99,000 pounds during the period set by the commissioner under section 169.826, subdivision 1.

(b) Notwithstanding subdivision 3, paragraph (a), clause (4), a vehicle or combination of vehicles operated under this subdivision and transporting only sealed intermodal containers may be operated on an interstate highway if allowed by the United States Department of Transportation.

(c) The fee for a permit issued under this subdivision is $300, or a proportional amount as provided in section 169.86, subdivision 5.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective November 30, 2016, and applies to permits issued on and after that date.

Sec. 15.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 169.865, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Seven-axle vehicles.

(a) A road authority may issue an annual permit authorizing a vehicle or combination of vehicles with a total of seven or more axles to haul raw or unprocessed agricultural products and be operated with a gross vehicle weight of up to:

(1) 97,000 pounds; and

(2) 99,000 pounds during the period set by the commissioner under section 169.826, subdivision 1.

(b) Drivers of vehicles operating under this subdivision must comply with driver qualification requirements adopted under section 221.0314, subdivisions 2 to 5, and Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, parts 40 and 382.

(c) The fee for a permit issued under this subdivision is $500, or a proportional amount as provided in section 169.86, subdivision 5.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective November 30, 2016, and applies to permits issued on and after that date.

Sec. 16.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 169.865, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 5.

Expiration date.

Upon request of the permit applicant, the expiration date for a permit issued under this section must be the same as the expiration date of the permitted vehicle's registration.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective November 30, 2016, and applies to permits issued on and after that date.

Sec. 17.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 169.866, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Permit fee; appropriation.

Vehicle permits issued under subdivision 1 must be annual permits. The fee is $850 for each vehicle, or a proportional amount as provided in section 169.86, subdivision 5, and must be deposited in the trunk highway fund. An amount sufficient to administer the permit program is appropriated from the trunk highway fund to the commissioner for the costs of administering the permit program.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective November 30, 2016, and applies to permits issued on and after that date.

Sec. 18.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 169.866, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 4.

Expiration date.

Upon request of the permit applicant, the expiration date for a permit issued under this section must be the same as the expiration date of the permitted vehicle's registration.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective November 30, 2016, and applies to permits issued on and after that date.

Sec. 19.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 171.02, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Motorized bicycle.

(a) A motorized bicycle may not be operated on any public roadway by any person who does not possess a valid driver's license, unless the person has obtained a motorized bicycle operator's permit or motorized bicycle instruction permit from the commissioner of public safety. The operator's permit may be issued to any person who has attained the age of 15 years and who has passed the examination prescribed by the commissioner. The instruction permit may be issued to any person who has attained the age of 15 years and who has successfully completed an approved safety course and passed the written portion of the examination prescribed by the commissioner.

(b) This course must consist of, but is not limited to, a basic understanding of:

(1) motorized bicycles and their limitations;

(2) motorized bicycle laws and rules;

(3) safe operating practices and basic operating techniques;

(4) helmets and protective clothing;

(5) motorized bicycle traffic strategies; and

(6) effects of alcohol and drugs on motorized bicycle operators.

(c) The commissioner may adopt rules prescribing the content of the safety course, examination, and the information to be contained on the permits. A person operating a motorized bicycle under a motorized bicycle permit is subject to the restrictions imposed by section 169.974, subdivision 2, on operation of a motorcycle under a two-wheel instruction permit.

(d) The fees for motorized bicycle operator's permits are as follows:

(1)	Examination and operator's permit, valid for one year	$	6.75
(2)	Duplicate	$	3.75
(3) (1)	Renewal Motorized bicycle operator's permit before age 21 and valid until age 21	$	9.75
(4) (2)	Renewal permit age 21 or older and valid for four years	$	15.75
(5) (3)	Duplicate of any renewal permit	$	5.25
(6) (4)	Written examination and instruction permit, valid for 30 days	$	6.75

Sec. 20.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 171.06, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Fees.

(a) The fees for a license and Minnesota identification card are as follows:

Classified Driver's License		D-$17.25	C-$21.25	B-$28.25	A-$36.25
Classified Under-21 D.L.		D-$17.25	C-$21.25	B-$28.25	A-$16.25
Enhanced Driver's License		D-$32.25	C-$36.25	B-$43.25	A-$51.25
Instruction Permit					$5.25
Enhanced Instruction Permit					$20.25
Commercial Learner's Permit					$2.50
Provisional License					$8.25
Enhanced Provisional License					$23.25
Duplicate License or duplicate identification card					$6.75
Enhanced Duplicate License or enhanced duplicate identification card					$21.75
Minnesota identification card or Under-21 Minnesota identification card, other than duplicate, except as otherwise provided in section 171.07, subdivisions 3 and 3a					$11.25
Enhanced Minnesota identification card					$26.25

In addition to each fee required in this paragraph, the commissioner shall collect a surcharge of: (1) $1.75 until June 30, 2012; and (2) $1.00 from July 1, 2012, to June 30, 2016. Surcharges collected under this paragraph must be credited to the driver and vehicle services technology account in the special revenue fund under section 299A.705.

(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), an individual who holds a provisional license and has a driving record free of (1) convictions for a violation of section 169A.20, 169A.33, 169A.35, or sections 169A.50 to 169A.53, (2) convictions for crash-related moving violations, and (3) convictions for moving violations that are not crash related, shall have a $3.50 credit toward the fee for any classified under-21 driver's license. "Moving violation" has the meaning given it in section 171.04, subdivision 1.

(c) In addition to the driver's license fee required under paragraph (a), the commissioner shall collect an additional $4 processing fee from each new applicant or individual renewing a license with a school bus endorsement to cover the costs for processing an applicant's initial and biennial physical examination certificate. The department shall not charge these applicants any other fee to receive or renew the endorsement.

(d) In addition to the fee required under paragraph (a), a driver's license agent may charge and retain a filing fee as provided under section 171.061, subdivision 4.

(e) In addition to the fee required under paragraph (a), the commissioner shall charge a filing fee at the same amount as a driver's license agent under section 171.061, subdivision 4. Revenue collected under this paragraph must be deposited in the driver services operating account.

(f) An application for a Minnesota identification card, instruction permit, provisional license, or driver's license, including an application for renewal, must contain a provision that allows the applicant to add to the fee under paragraph (a), a $2 donation for the purposes of public information and education on anatomical gifts under section 171.075.

Sec. 21.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 171.13, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Examination subjects and locations; provisions for color blindness, disabled veterans.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, the commissioner shall examine each applicant for a driver's license by such agency as the commissioner directs. This examination must include:

(1) a test of the applicant's eyesight;

(2) a test of the applicant's ability to read and understand highway signs regulating, warning, and directing traffic;

(3) a test of the applicant's knowledge of (i) traffic laws; (ii) the effects of alcohol and drugs on a driver's ability to operate a motor vehicle safely and legally, and of the legal penalties and financial consequences resulting from violations of laws prohibiting the operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs; (iii) railroad grade crossing safety; (iv) slow-moving vehicle safety; (v) laws relating to pupil transportation safety, including the significance of school bus lights, signals, stop arm, and passing a school bus; (vi) traffic laws related to bicycles; and (vii) the circumstances and dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning;

(4) an actual demonstration of ability to exercise ordinary and reasonable control in the operation of a motor vehicle; and

(5) other physical and mental examinations as the commissioner finds necessary to determine the applicant's fitness to operate a motor vehicle safely upon the highways.

(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), no driver's license may be denied an applicant on the exclusive grounds that the applicant's eyesight is deficient in color perception. War veterans operating motor vehicles especially equipped for disabled persons, if otherwise entitled to a license, must be granted such license.

(c) The commissioner shall make provision for giving the examinations under this subdivision either in the county where the applicant resides or at a place adjacent thereto reasonably convenient to the applicant.

(d) The commissioner shall ensure that an applicant is able to obtain an appointment for an examination to demonstrate ability under paragraph (a), clause (4), within 14 days of the applicant's request if, under the applicable statutes and rules of the commissioner, the applicant is eligible to take the examination.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective May 1, 2015.

Sec. 22.

[171.161] COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S LICENSE; FEDERAL CONFORMITY.

Subdivision 1.

Conformity with federal law.

The commissioner of public safety shall ensure the programs and policies related to commercial drivers' licensure and the operation of commercial motor vehicles in Minnesota conform with the requirements of Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, part 383.

Subd. 2.

Conflicts.

To the extent a requirement of sections 171.162 to 171.169, or any other state or local law, conflicts with a provision of Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, part 383, the federal provision prevails.

Sec. 23.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 174.02, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 10.

Products and services; billing.

The commissioner of transportation may bill operations units of the department for costs of centrally managed products or services that benefit multiple operations units. These costs may include equipment acquisition and rental, labor, materials, and other costs determined by the commissioner. Receipts must be credited to the special products and services account, which is established in the trunk highway fund, and are appropriated to the commissioner to pay the costs for which the billings are made.

Sec. 24.

Minnesota Statutes 2013 Supplement, section 174.12, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Transportation economic development accounts.

(a) A transportation economic development account is established in the special revenue fund under the budgetary jurisdiction of the legislative committees having jurisdiction over transportation finance. Money in the account may be expended only as appropriated by law. The account may not contain money transferred or otherwise provided from the trunk highway fund.

(b) A transportation economic development account is established in the trunk highway fund. The account consists of funds donated, allotted, transferred, or otherwise provided to the account. Money in the account may be used only for trunk highway purposes. All funds in the account available prior to August 1, 2013, are available until expended.

Sec. 25.

Minnesota Statutes 2013 Supplement, section 174.42, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Funding requirement.

In each federal fiscal year, the commissioner shall obtain a total amount in federal authorizations for reimbursement on transportation alternatives projects that is equal to or greater than the annual average of federal authorizations on transportation alternatives projects calculated over the preceding four federal fiscal years 2010 to 2012.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective the day following final enactment and applies to authorizations for federal fiscal year 2015 and subsequent federal fiscal years.

Sec. 26.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 174.56, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Report required.

(a) The commissioner of transportation shall submit a report by December 15 of each year on (1) the status of major highway projects completed during the previous two years or under construction or planned during the year of the report and for the ensuing 15 years, and (2) trunk highway fund expenditures, and (3) beginning with the report due in 2016, efficiencies achieved during the previous two fiscal years.

(b) For purposes of this section, a "major highway project" is a highway project that has a total cost for all segments that the commissioner estimates at the time of the report to be at least (1) $15,000,000 in the metropolitan highway construction district, or (2) $5,000,000 in any nonmetropolitan highway construction district.

Sec. 27.

[219.375] RAILROAD YARD LIGHTING.

Subdivision 1.

Lighting status reports submitted by railroad common carriers.

By January 15 of each year, each Class I and Class II railroad common carrier that operates one or more railroad yards in this state, where, between sunset and sunrise, cars or locomotives are frequently switched, repaired, or inspected, or where trains are assembled and disassembled, shall submit to the commissioner of transportation a plan that:

(1) identifies all railroad yards operated by the railroad where the described work is frequently accomplished between sunset and sunrise;

(2) describes the nature and placement of lighting equipment currently in use in the yard and the maintenance status and practices regarding this equipment;

(3) states whether the lighting meets or exceeds guidelines for illumination established by the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association;

(4) describes whether existing lighting is installed and operated in a manner consistent with energy conservation, glare reduction, minimization of light pollution, and preservation of the natural night environment; and

(5) identifies plans and timelines to bring into compliance railroad yards that do not utilize and maintain lighting equipment that meets or exceeds the standards and guidelines under clauses (3) and (4), or states any reason why the standards and guidelines should not apply.

Subd. 2.

Maintenance of lighting equipment.

A railroad common carrier that is required to file a report under subdivision 1 shall maintain all railroad yard lighting equipment in good working order and shall repair or replace any malfunctioning equipment within 48 hours after the malfunction has been reported to the carrier. Repairs must be made in compliance with, or to exceed the standards in, the Minnesota Electrical Code and chapter 326B.

Subd. 3.

Lighting status reports submitted by worker representative.

By January 15 of each year, the union representative of the workers at each railroad yard required to submit a report under subdivision 1 shall submit to the commissioner of transportation a report that:

(1) describes the nature and placement of lighting equipment currently in use in the yard and maintenance status and practices regarding the equipment;

(2) describes the level of maintenance of lighting equipment and the carrier's promptness in responding to reports of lighting malfunction;

(3) states whether the available lighting is adequate to provide safe working conditions for crews working at night; and

(4) describes changes in the lighting equipment and its adequacy that have occurred since the last previous worker representative report.

Subd. 4.

Commissioner response.

The commissioner shall review the reports submitted under subdivisions 1 and 3. The commissioner shall investigate any discrepancies between lighting status reports submitted under subdivisions 1 and 3, and shall report findings to the affected yard's owner and worker representative. The commissioner shall annually advise the chairs and ranking minority members of the house of representatives and senate committees and divisions with jurisdiction over transportation budget and policy as to the content of the reports submitted, discrepancies investigated, the progress achieved by the railroad common carriers towards achieving the standards and guidelines under clauses (3) and (4), and any recommendations for legislation to achieve compliance with the standards and guidelines within a reasonable period of time.

Subd. 5.

Required lighting.

By December 31, 2015, a railroad common carrier shall establish lighting that meets the standards and guidelines under subdivision 1, clauses (3) and (4), at each railroad yard where:

(1) between sunset and sunrise:

(i) locomotives, or railcars carrying placarded hazardous materials, are frequently switched, repaired, or inspected; or

(ii) trains with more than 25 tanker railcars carrying placarded hazardous materials are assembled and disassembled; and

(2) the yard is located within two miles of a petroleum refinery having a crude oil production capacity of 150,000 or more barrels per day.

Sec. 28.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 222.50, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Subd. 7.

Expenditures.

(a) The commissioner may expend money from the rail service improvement account for the following purposes:

(1) to make transfers as provided under section 222.57 or to pay interest adjustments on loans guaranteed under the state rail user and rail carrier loan guarantee program;

(2) to pay a portion of the costs of capital improvement projects designed to improve rail service of a rail user or a rail carrier;

(3) to pay a portion of the costs of rehabilitation projects designed to improve rail service of a rail user or a rail carrier;

(4) to acquire, maintain, manage, and dispose of railroad right-of-way pursuant to the state rail bank program;

(5) to provide for aerial photography survey of proposed and abandoned railroad tracks for the purpose of recording and reestablishing by analytical triangulation the existing alignment of the inplace track;

(6) to pay a portion of the costs of acquiring a rail line by a regional railroad authority established pursuant to chapter 398A;

(7) to pay the state matching portion of federal grants for rail-highway grade crossing improvement projects; and

(8) for expenditures made before July 1, 2017, to pay the state matching portion of grants under the federal Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) program of the United States Department of Transportation; and

(9) to fund rail planning studies.

(b) All money derived by the commissioner from the disposition of railroad right-of-way or of any other property acquired pursuant to sections 222.46 to 222.62 shall be deposited in the rail service improvement account.

Sec. 29.

Minnesota Statutes 2013 Supplement, section 297A.815, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Motor vehicle lease sales tax revenue.

(a) For purposes of this subdivision, "net revenue" means an amount equal to:

(1) the revenues, including interest and penalties, collected under this section, during the fiscal year; less

(2) in fiscal year 2011, $30,100,000; in fiscal year 2012, $31,100,000; and in fiscal year 2013 and following fiscal years, $32,000,000 in each fiscal year.

(b) On or before June 30 of each fiscal year, the commissioner of revenue shall estimate the amount of the revenues and subtraction under paragraph (a) net revenue for the current fiscal year.

(c) On or after July 1 of the subsequent fiscal year, the commissioner of management and budget shall transfer the net revenue as estimated in paragraph (b) from the general fund, as follows:

(1) $9,000,000 annually until January 1, 2016 2015, and 50 percent annually thereafter to the county state-aid highway fund. Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, the commissioner of transportation shall allocate the funds transferred under this clause to the counties in the metropolitan area, as defined in section 473.121, subdivision 4, excluding the counties of Hennepin and Ramsey, so that each county shall receive of such amount the percentage that its population, as defined in section 477A.011, subdivision 3, estimated or established by July 15 of the year prior to the current calendar year, bears to the total population of the counties receiving funds under this clause; and

(2) the remainder to the greater Minnesota transit account.

Sec. 30.

[299A.017] STATE SAFETY OVERSIGHT.

Subdivision 1.

Office created.

The commissioner of public safety shall establish an Office of State Safety Oversight in the Department of Public Safety for safety oversight of rail fixed guideway public transportation systems within the state. The commissioner shall designate a director of the office.

Subd. 2.

Authority.

The director shall implement and has regulatory authority to enforce the requirements for the state set forth in United States Code, title 49, sections 5329 and 5330, federal regulations adopted pursuant to those sections, and successor or supplemental requirements.

Sec. 31.

[473.4056] LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT VEHICLE DESIGN.

Subdivision 1.

Adoption of standards.

(a) By January 1, 2015, the Metropolitan Council shall adopt and may thereafter amend standards for the design of light rail vehicles that are reasonably necessary to provide access for, and to protect the health and safety of, persons who use the service. All light rail transit vehicles procured on and after January 1, 2015, must conform to the standards then in effect.

(b) The Transportation Accessibility Advisory Committee must review the standards and all subsequent amendments before the Metropolitan Council adopts them.

(c) The Metropolitan Council shall post adopted standards, including amendments, on its Web site.

Subd. 2.

Minimum standards.

Standards adopted under this section must include, but are not limited to:

(1) two dedicated spaces for wheelchair users in each car;

(2) seating for a companion adjacent to at least two wheelchair-dedicated spaces; and

(3) further specifications that meet or exceed the standards established in the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Sec. 32.

[473.41] TRANSIT SHELTERS AND STOPS.

Subdivision 1.

Definitions.

(a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have the meanings given.

(b) "Transit authority" means:

(1) a statutory or home rule charter city, with respect to rights-of-way at bus stop and train stop locations, transit shelters, and transit passenger seating facilities owned by the city or established pursuant to a vendor contract with the city;

(2) the Metropolitan Council, with respect to transit shelters and transit passenger seating facilities owned by the council or established pursuant to a vendor contract with the council; or

(3) a replacement service provider under section 473.388, with respect to rights-of-way at bus stop and train stop locations, transit shelters, and transit passenger seating facilities owned by the provider or established pursuant to a vendor contract with the provider.

(c) "Transit shelter" means a wholly or partially enclosed structure provided for public use as a waiting area in conjunction with light rail transit, bus rapid transit, or regular route transit.

Subd. 2.

Design.

(a) A transit authority shall establish design specifications for establishment and replacement of its transit shelters, which must include:

(1) engineering standards, as appropriate;

(2) maximization of protection from the wind, snow, and other elements;

(3) to the extent feasible, inclusion of warming capability at each shelter in which there is a proportionally high number of transit service passenger boardings; and

(4) full accessibility for the elderly and persons with disabilities.

(b) The council shall consult with the Transportation Accessibility Advisory Committee.

Subd. 3.

Maintenance.

A transit authority shall ensure transit shelters are maintained in good working order and are accessible to all users of the transit system. This requirement includes but is not limited to:

(1) keeping transit shelters reasonably clean and free from graffiti; and

(2) removing snow and ice in a manner that provides accessibility for the elderly and persons with disabilities to be able to enter and exit transit shelters, and board and exit trains at each stop.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 33.

TRANSPORTATION EFFICIENCIES.

The commissioner of transportation shall include in the report under Minnesota Statutes, section 174.56, due by December 15, 2015, information on efficiencies implemented in fiscal year 2015 in planning and project management and delivery, along with an explanation of the efficiencies employed to achieve the savings and the methodology used in the calculations. The level of savings achieved must equal, in comparison with the total state road construction budget for that year, a minimum of five percent in fiscal year 2015. The report must identify the projects that have been advanced or completed due to the implementation of efficiency measures.

Sec. 34.

WATERCRAFT DECONTAMINATION SITES; REST AREAS.

Where feasible with existing resources, the commissioners of natural resources and transportation shall cooperate in an effort to use rest areas as sites for watercraft decontamination and other activities to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 35.

HIGHWAY 14 TURNBACK.

(a) Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, sections 161.081, subdivision 3, and 161.16, or any other law to the contrary, the commissioner of transportation may:

(1) by temporary order, take over the road described as "Old Highway 14" in the settlement agreement and release executed January 7, 2014, between the state and Waseca and Steele Counties; and

(2) upon completion of the work described in the settlement agreement, release "Old Highway 14" back to Steele and Waseca Counties.

(b) Upon completion of the work described in the settlement agreement between the state and Waseca and Steele Counties, the counties shall accept responsibility for the road described in the agreement as "Old Highway 14."

Sec. 36.

EVALUATION OF CERTAIN TRUNK HIGHWAY SPEED LIMITS.

Subdivision 1.

Engineering and traffic investigations.

The commissioner of transportation shall perform engineering and traffic investigations on trunk highway segments that are two-lane, two-way roadways with a posted speed limit of 55 miles per hour. On determining upon the basis of the investigation that the 55 miles per hour speed limit can be reasonably and safely increased under the conditions found to exist on any of the trunk highway segments examined, the commissioner may designate an increased limit applicable to those segments and erect appropriate signs designating the speed limit. The new speed limit shall be effective when the signs are erected. Of all the roadways to be studied under this section, approximately one-fifth must be subject to investigation each year until the statewide study is complete in 2019.

Subd. 2.

Report.

By January 15 annually, the commissioner shall provide to the chairs and ranking minority members of the senate and house of representatives committees with jurisdiction over transportation policy and finance a list of trunk highways or segments of trunk highways that were subject to an engineering and safety investigation in the previous calendar year, specifying in each case the applicable speed limits before and after the investigation.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective the day following final enactment and expires on the earlier of January 15, 2019, or the date the final report is submitted to the legislative committees under this section.

Sec. 37.

TASK FORCE ON MOTOR VEHICLE INSURANCE COVERAGE VERIFICATION.

Subdivision 1.

Establishment.

The task force on motor vehicle insurance coverage verification is established to review and evaluate approaches to insurance coverage verification and recommend legislation to create and fund a program in this state.

Subd. 2.

Membership; meetings; staff.

(a) The task force shall be composed of 13 members, who must be appointed by July 1, 2014, and who serve at the pleasure of their appointing authorities:

(1) the commissioner of public safety or a designee;

(2) the commissioner of commerce or a designee;

(3) two members of the house of representatives, one appointed by the speaker of the house and one appointed by the minority leader;

(4) two members of the senate, one appointed by the Subcommittee on Committees of the Committee on Rules and Administration and one appointed by the minority leader;

(5) a representative of Minnesota Deputy Registrars Association;

(6) a representative of AAA Minnesota;

(7) a representative of AARP Minnesota;

(8) a representative of the Insurance Federation of Minnesota;

(9) a representative of the Minnesota Bankers Association;

(10) a representative of the Minnesota Bar Association; and

(11) a representative of the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association.

(b) Compensation and expense reimbursement must be as provided under Minnesota Statutes, section 15.059, subdivision 3, to members of the task force.

(c) The commissioner of public safety shall convene the task force by August 1, 2014, and shall appoint a chair from the membership of the task force. Staffing and technical assistance must be provided by the Department of Public Safety.

Subd. 3.

Duties.

The task force shall review and evaluate programs established in other states as well as programs proposed by third parties, identify one or more programs recommended for implementation in this state, and, as to the recommended programs, adopt findings concerning:

(1) comparative costs of programs;

(2) implementation considerations, and in particular, identifying the appropriate supervising agency and assessing compatibility with existing and planned computer systems;

(3) effectiveness in verifying existence of motor vehicle insurance coverage;

(4) identification of categories of authorized users;

(5) simplicity of access and use for authorized users;

(6) data privacy considerations;

(7) data retention policies; and

(8) statutory changes necessary for implementation.

Subd. 4.

Report.

By February 1, 2015, the task force must submit to the chairs and ranking minority members of the house of representatives and senate committees and divisions with primary jurisdiction over commerce and transportation its written recommendations, including any draft legislation necessary to implement the recommendations.

Subd. 5.

Sunset.

The task force shall sunset the day after submitting the report under subdivision 4, or February 2, 2015, whichever is earlier.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 38.

COMMUNITY DESTINATION SIGN PILOT PROGRAM.

Subdivision 1.

Definition.

(a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have the meanings given.

(b) "City" means the city of Two Harbors.

(c) "General retail services" means a business that sells goods or services (1) at retail and directly to an end-use consumer, and (2) that are of interest to tourists or the traveling public.

Subd. 2.

Pilot program established.

(a) In consultation with the city of Two Harbors, the commissioner of transportation shall establish a community destination sign pilot program for wayfinding within the city to destinations or attractions of interest to the traveling public.

(b) For purposes of Minnesota Statutes, chapter 173, signs under the pilot program are official signs.

Subd. 3.

Signage, design.

(a) The pilot program must include as eligible attractions and destinations:

(1) minor traffic generators; and

(2) general retail services, specified by business name, that are identified in a community wayfinding program established by the city.

(b) The commissioner of transportation, in coordination with the city, may establish sign design specifications for signs under the pilot program. Design specifications must allow for placement of:

(1) a city name and city logo or symbol; and

(2) up to five attractions or destinations on a community destination sign assembly.

Subd. 4.

Program costs.

The city shall pay costs of design, construction, erection, and maintenance of the signs and sign assemblies under the pilot program. The commissioner shall not impose fees for the pilot program.

Subd. 5.

Pilot program evaluation.

In coordination with the city, the commissioner of transportation shall evaluate effectiveness of the pilot program under this section, which must include analysis of traffic safety impacts, utility to motorists and tourists, costs and expenditures, extent of community support, and pilot program termination or continuation. By January 15, 2021, the commissioner shall submit a report on the evaluation to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over transportation policy and finance.

Subd. 6.

Expiration.

The pilot program under this section expires January 1, 2022.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective the day after the governing body of the city of Two Harbors and its chief clerical officer timely complete their compliance with Minnesota Statutes, section 645.021, subdivisions 2 and 3.

Sec. 39.

TRANSIT SERVICE ON ELECTION DAY.

Subdivision 1.

Operating assistance recipients.

An eligible recipient of operating assistance under Minnesota Statutes, section 174.24, who contracts or has contracted to provide fixed route public transit shall provide fixed route public transit service free of charge on a day a state general election is held.

Subd. 2.

Metropolitan Council.

(a) The Metropolitan Council shall provide regular route transit, as defined under Minnesota Statutes, section 473.385, subdivision 1, paragraph (b), free of charge on a day a state general election is held.

(b) The requirements under this subdivision apply to operators of regular route transit (1) receiving financial assistance under Minnesota Statutes, section 473.388, or (2) operating under Minnesota Statutes, section 473.405, subdivision 12.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective July 1, 2014, and expires November 5, 2014.

ARTICLE 12

AGRICULTURE, ENVIRONMENT, AND NATURAL RESOURCES APPROPRIATIONS

Section 1. SUMMARY OF APPROPRIATIONS.

The amounts shown in this section summarize direct appropriations, by fund, made in this article.

		2014		2015		Total
General	$	-0-	$	10,756,000	$	10,756,000
Remediation		-0-		650,000		650,000
Natural Resources		-0-		900,000		900,000
Game and Fish		-0-		2,412,000		2,412,000
Environment and Natural Resources Trust		-0-		490,000		490,000
Parks and Trails		530,000		-0-		530,000
Environmental		-0-		4,000,000		4,000,000
Total	$	530,000	$	19,208,000	$	19,738,000

Sec. 2. APPROPRIATIONS.

The sums shown in the columns marked "Appropriations" are added to the appropriations in Laws 2013, chapter 114, or appropriated to the agencies and for the purposes specified in this article. The appropriations are from the general fund, or another named fund, and are available for the fiscal year indicated for each purpose. The figures "2014" and "2015" used in this article means that the addition to the appropriations listed under them are available for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2014, or June 30, 2015, respectively. Appropriations for fiscal year 2014 are effective the day following final enactment.

			APPROPRIATIONS
			Available for the Year
			Ending June 30
				2014		2015

Sec. 3. AGRICULTURE.

$

-0-

$

2,750,000

$2,000,000 in 2015 is for a grant to Second Harvest Heartland on behalf of the six Feeding America food banks that serve Minnesota to compensate agricultural producers and processors for costs incurred to harvest and package for transfer surplus fruits, vegetables, or other agricultural commodities that would otherwise go unharvested or be discarded. Surplus commodities must be distributed statewide to food shelves and other charitable organizations that are eligible to receive food from the food banks. Surplus food acquired under this appropriation must be from Minnesota producers and processors. Second Harvest Heartland must report when required by, and in the form prescribed by, the commissioner. For fiscal year 2015, Second Harvest Heartland may use up to 11 percent of any grant received for administrative expenses. For fiscal years 2016 and 2017, Second Harvest Heartland may use up to five percent of any grant received for administrative expenses. This is a onetime appropriation and is available until June 30, 2017.

The commissioner shall examine how other states are implementing the industrial hemp research authority provided in Public Law 113-79 and gauge the interest of Minnesota higher education institutions. No later than January 15, 2015, the commissioner must report the information and items for legislative consideration to the legislative committees with jurisdiction over agriculture policy and finance.

$350,000 in 2015 is for an increase in retail food handler inspections.

$200,000 in 2015 is added to the appropriation in Laws 2013, chapter 114, article 1, section 3, subdivision 4, for distribution to the state's county fairs. This is a onetime appropriation.

$200,000 in 2015 is for a grant as determined by the commissioner to a public higher education institution to research porcine epidemic diarrhea virus. This is a onetime appropriation and is available until June 30, 2017.

Sec. 4. BOARD OF ANIMAL HEALTH

$

310,000

$310,000 in 2015 is to administer the dog and cat breeder licensing and inspection program. The base in fiscal year 2016 is $426,000 and the base in fiscal year 2017 is $435,000.

Sec. 5. POLLUTION CONTROL AGENCY

$

-0-

$

4,650,000

Appropriations by Fund
Remediation	-0-	650,000
Environmental	-0-	4,000,000

$650,000 in 2015 from the remediation fund for additional staff and administrative expenses to manage and oversee investigation and mitigation efforts at superfund sites. This is a onetime appropriation.

The agency shall compile information on the presence of plastic microbeads in the state's waters and their potential impacts on aquatic ecosystems and human health, in consultation with the University of Minnesota. No later than December 15, 2014, the commissioner must present the information to the legislative committees with jurisdiction over environment and natural resources policy and finance and make recommendations.

$4,000,000 in 2015 is from the environmental fund for the purposes of Minnesota Statutes, section 115A.557, subdivision 2. $3,000,000 per year from the environmental fund is added to the base.

Sec. 6. NATURAL RESOURCES

Subdivision 1. Total Appropriation

$

530,000

$

5,862,000

Appropriations by Fund
General	-0-	3,000,000
Game and Fish	-0-	2,412,000
Natural Resources	-0-	450,000
Parks and Trails	530,000	-0-

The amounts that may be spent for each purpose are specified in the following subdivisions.

Subd. 2. Lands and Minerals

-0-

1,000,000

$1,000,000 in 2015 is for meeting the state's fiduciary duty to Minnesota children with regard to school trust land. By January 15, 2015, the commissioner, in consultation with the commissioner of education, shall submit a report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the senate and house of representatives committees with jurisdiction over natural resources and education policy and finance on the intended use of these funds. The legislature must approve expenditures of these funds by law. This is a onetime appropriation and is available until June 30, 2017.

Subd. 3. Ecological and Water Resources

-0-

50,000

$50,000 in 2015 is for a study of the effects of the Lake Emily dam in Crow Wing County on water clarity and water levels in Lake Emily, Lake Mary, and the Little Pine River. This is a onetime appropriation.

Subd. 4. Parks and Trails Management

530,000

2,400,000

Appropriations by Fund
General	-0-	1,950,000
Natural Resources	-0-	450,000
Parks and Trails	530,000	-0-

$1,600,000 in 2015 is for the improvement, maintenance, and conditions of facilities and infrastructure in state parks for safety and general use. This is a onetime appropriation.

$450,000 in 2015 is from the natural resources fund for state trail, park, and recreation area operations. This appropriation is from the revenue deposited in the natural resources fund under Minnesota Statutes, section 297A.94, paragraph (e), clause (2). This is a onetime appropriation.

$200,000 in 2014 is from the parks and trails fund for the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission to develop a statewide system plan for regional parks and trails outside the seven-county metropolitan area. This is a onetime appropriation and is subject to the availability of appropriations in Laws 2013, chapter 137, article 3, section 2, subdivision 2.

$330,000 in 2014 is from the parks and trails fund for a grant to St. Louis and Lake Counties Regional Railroad Authority for planning, engineering, right-of-way acquisition, or construction of portions of the Mesabi Trail in the corridor from Giants Ridge to Tower. This is a onetime appropriation and is subject to the availability of appropriations in Laws 2013, chapter 137, article 3, section 2, subdivision 2.

$350,000 in 2015 is for the development of the segment of the Willard Munger Trail system that originates in Chisago County and extends into Hinckley in Pine County, to be named the James L. Oberstar Trail. This is a onetime appropriation and is available until spent.

Subd. 5. Fish and Wildlife Management

-0-

2,412,000

$3,000 in 2015 is from the heritage enhancement account in the game and fish fund for a report on aquatic plant management permitting policies for the management of narrow-leaved and hybrid cattail in a range of basin types across the state. The report shall be submitted to the chairs and ranking minority members of the house of representatives and senate committees with jurisdiction over environment and natural resources by December 15, 2014, and include recommendations for any necessary changes in statutes, rules, or permitting procedures. This is a onetime appropriation.

$9,000 in 2015 is from the game and fish fund for the commissioner, in consultation with interested parties, agencies, and other states, to develop a detailed restoration plan to recover the historical native population of bobwhite quail in Minnesota for its ecological and recreational benefits to the citizens of the state. The commissioner shall conduct public meetings in developing the plan. No later than January 15, 2015, the commissioner must report on the plan's progress to the legislative committees with jurisdiction over environment and natural resources policy and finance. This is a onetime appropriation.

$2,000,000 in 2015 is from the game and fish fund for shooting sports facility grants under Minnesota Statutes, section 87A.10. This is a onetime appropriation and is available until June 30, 2017.

$400,000 in 2015 is from the heritage enhancement account in the game and fish fund for grants to local chapters of Let's Go Fishing of Minnesota to provide community outreach to senior citizens, youth, and veterans and for the costs associated with establishing and recruiting new chapters. The grants must be matched with cash or in-kind contributions from nonstate sources. Of this amount, $25,000 is for Asian Outdoor Heritage for youth fishing recruitment efforts and outreach in the metropolitan area. The commissioner shall establish a grant application process that includes a standard for ownership of equipment purchased under the grant program and contract requirements that cover the disposition of purchased equipment if the grantee no longer exists. Any equipment purchased with state grant money must be specified on the grant application and approved by the commissioner. The commissioner may spend up to three percent of the appropriation to administer the grant. This is a onetime appropriation and is available until June 30, 2016.

Subd. 6. Parks and trails fund cancellation

The appropriation for $530,000 from the parks and trails fund for trail improvements on the Duluth Cross City West Trail and the Superior Hiking Trail in St. Louis County in Laws 2013, chapter 137, article 3, section 3, paragraph (c), clause (12), is canceled.

Sec. 7. METROPOLITAN COUNCIL

$

-0-

$

525,000

$450,000 in 2015 is from the natural resources fund for metropolitan area regional parks and trails maintenance and operations. This appropriation is from the revenue deposited in the natural resources fund under Minnesota Statutes, section 297A.94, paragraph (e), clause (3). This is a onetime appropriation.

$75,000 in 2015 is for a grant to the city of Shoreview for a feasibility study regarding the lowering of the water level of Turtle Lake and the possible effects of an augmentation of the lake. This is a onetime appropriation.

Sec. 8. UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA

$

-0-

$

4,890,000

Appropriations by Fund
General		4,400,000
Environment and Natural Resources Trust		490,000

$3,400,000 in 2015 is from the general fund for the Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center requested under this act, including a director, graduate students, and necessary supplies. This is a onetime appropriation and is available until June 30, 2022.

$490,000 in 2015 is from the environment and natural resources trust fund for the Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center requested under this act, including a director, graduate students, and necessary supplies. This is a onetime appropriation and is available until June 30, 2022.

$970,000 from the environment and natural resources trust fund appropriated in Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 2, article 3, section 2, subdivision 9, paragraph (d), Reinvest in Minnesota Wetlands Reserve Acquisition and Restoration Program Partnership, is transferred to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota for the Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center requested under this act, including a director, graduate students, and necessary supplies and is available until June 30, 2022.

$1,000,000 in 2015 is for the Forever Green Agricultural Initiative and to protect the state's natural resources while increasing efficiency, profitability, and productivity of Minnesota farmers by incorporating perennial and winter annual crops into existing agricultural practices. By January 15, 2015, as a condition of this appropriation, the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota shall submit a report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the house of representatives and senate policy and finance committees with jurisdiction over environment and natural resources and agriculture on the activities and outcomes of the Forever Green Agricultural Initiative. This is a onetime appropriation and is available until June 30, 2017.

Sec. 9. ADMINISTRATION

$

-0-

$

185,000

$185,000 in 2015 is for activities and the administrative expenses of the school trust lands director and additional staff, under Minnesota Statutes, section 127A.353.

Sec. 10. LEGISLATIVE COORDINATING COMMISSION

$

-0-

$

15,000

$15,000 in 2015 is for the administrative expenses of the Permanent School Fund Commission under Minnesota Statutes, section 127A.30, and for compensation and expense reimbursement of commission members.

Sec. 11.

Laws 2013, chapter 114, article 3, section 3, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6. Remediation Fund

The commissioner shall transfer up to $46,000,000 $47,150,000 from the environmental fund to the remediation fund for the purposes of the remediation fund under Minnesota Statutes, section 116.155, subdivision 2.

Sec. 12.

Laws 2013, chapter 114, article 3, section 4, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Ecological and Water Resources

27,182,000

31,582,000 31,603,000

Appropriations by Fund
General	12,117,000	16,817,000 16,838,000
Natural Resources	11,002,000	10,702,000
Game and Fish	4,063,000	4,063,000

$3,542,000 the first year and $3,242,000 the second year are from the invasive species account in the natural resources fund and $2,906,000 the first year and $3,206,000 the second year are from the general fund for management, public awareness, assessment and monitoring research, and water access inspection to prevent the spread of invasive species; management of invasive plants in public waters; and management of terrestrial invasive species on state-administered lands.

$5,000,000 the first year and $5,000,000 the second year are from the water management account in the natural resources fund for only the purposes specified in Minnesota Statutes, section 103G.27, subdivision 2.

$103,000 the first year and $103,000 $124,000 the second year are for a grant to the Mississippi Headwaters Board for up to 50 percent of the cost of implementing the comprehensive plan for the upper Mississippi within areas under the board's jurisdiction. The base for this grant in fiscal year 2016 and later is $103,000. By January 15, 2015, the board shall submit a report detailing the results achieved with the fiscal year 2014 appropriation and the anticipated results that will be achieved with the fiscal year 2015 appropriation to the commissioner and the chairs and ranking minority members of the senate and house of representatives committees and divisions with jurisdiction over environment and natural resources policy and finance.

$10,000 the first year and $10,000 the second year are for payment to the Leech Lake Band of Chippewa Indians to implement the band's portion of the comprehensive plan for the upper Mississippi.

$264,000 the first year and $264,000 the second year are for grants for up to 50 percent of the cost of implementation of the Red River mediation agreement. The commissioner shall submit a report to the chairs of the legislative committees having primary jurisdiction over environment and natural resources policy and finance on the accomplishments achieved with the grants by January 15, 2015.

$1,643,000 the first year and $1,643,000 the second year are from the heritage enhancement account in the game and fish fund for only the purposes specified in Minnesota Statutes, section 297A.94, paragraph (e), clause (1).

$1,223,000 the first year and $1,223,000 the second year are from the nongame wildlife management account in the natural resources fund for the purpose of nongame wildlife management. Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 290.431, $100,000 the first year and $100,000 the second year may be used for nongame wildlife information, education, and promotion.

$1,600,000 the first year and $6,000,000 the second year are from the general fund for the following activities:

(1) increased financial reimbursement and technical support to soil and water conservation districts or other local units of government for groundwater level monitoring;

(2) additional surface water monitoring and analysis, including installation of monitoring gauges;

(3) additional groundwater analysis to assist with water appropriation permitting decisions;

(4) additional permit application review incorporating surface water and groundwater technical analysis;

(5) enhancement of precipitation data and analysis to improve the use of irrigation;

(6) enhanced information technology, including electronic permitting and integrated data systems; and

(7) increased compliance and monitoring.

Of this amount, $600,000 the first year is for silica sand rulemaking and is available until spent.

The commissioner, in cooperation with the commissioner of agriculture, shall enforce compliance with aquatic plant management requirements regulating the control of aquatic plants with pesticides and removal of aquatic plants by mechanical means under Minnesota Statutes, section 103G.615.

ARTICLE 13

AGRICULTURE, ENVIRONMENT, AND NATURAL RESOURCES FISCAL IMPLEMENTATION PROVISIONS

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 13.643, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6.

Animal premises data.

(a) The following data collected and maintained by the Board of Animal Health related to registration and identification of premises and animals under chapter 35, are classified as private or nonpublic:

(1) the names and addresses;

(2) the location of the premises where animals are kept; and

(3) the identification number of the premises or the animal.

(b) Except as provided in section 347.58, subdivision 5, data collected and maintained by the Board of Animal Health under sections 347.57 to 347.64 are classified as private or nonpublic.

(b) (c) The Board of Animal Health may disclose data collected under paragraph (a) or (b) to any person, agency, or to the public if the board determines that the access will aid in the law enforcement process or the protection of public or animal health or safety.

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 16A.125, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Forest trust lands.

(a) The term "state forest trust fund lands" as used in this subdivision, means public land in trust under the Constitution set apart as "forest lands under the authority of the commissioner" of natural resources as defined by section 89.001, subdivision 13.

(b) The commissioner of management and budget shall credit the revenue from the forest trust fund lands to the forest suspense account. The account must specify the trust funds interested in the lands and the respective receipts of the lands.

(c) After a fiscal year, the commissioner of management and budget shall certify the costs incurred for forestry during that year under appropriations for the improvement, administration, and management of state forest trust fund lands and construction and improvement of forest roads to enhance the forest value of the lands. The certificate must specify the trust funds interested in the lands. After presentation to the Legislative Permanent School Fund Commission, the commissioner of natural resources shall supply the commissioner of management and budget with the information needed for the certificate. The certificate shall include an analysis that compares costs certified under this section with costs incurred on other public and private lands with similar land assets.

(d) After a fiscal year, the commissioner shall distribute the receipts credited to the suspense account during that fiscal year as follows:

(1) the amount of the certified costs incurred by the state for forest management, forest improvement, and road improvement during the fiscal year shall be transferred to the forest management investment account established under section 89.039;

(2) the amount of costs incurred by the Legislative Permanent School Fund Commission under section 127A.30, and by the school trust lands director under section 127A.353, shall be transferred to the general fund;

(3) the balance of the certified costs incurred by the state during the fiscal year shall be transferred to the general fund; and

(3) (4) the balance of the receipts shall then be returned prorated to the trust funds in proportion to their respective interests in the lands which produced the receipts.

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 18B.01, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 1c.

Apiary.

"Apiary" means a place where a collection of one or more hives or colonies of bees or the nuclei of bees are kept.

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 18B.01, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 2a.

Bee.

"Bee" means any stage of the common honeybee, Apis mellifera (L).

Sec. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 18B.01, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 2b.

Bee owner.

"Bee owner" means a person who owns an apiary.

Sec. 6.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 18B.01, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 4c.

Colony.

"Colony" means the aggregate of worker bees, drones, the queen, and developing young bees living together as a family unit in a hive or other dwelling.

Sec. 7.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 18B.01, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 11a.

Hive.

"Hive" means a frame hive, box hive, box, barrel, log gum, skep, or any other receptacle or container, natural or artificial, or any part of one, which is used as domicile for bees.

Sec. 8.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 18B.01, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 20a.

Pollinator.

"Pollinator" means an insect that pollinates flowers.

Sec. 9.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 18B.03, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 4.

Pollinator enforcement.

The commissioner may take enforcement action under chapter 18D for a violation of this chapter, or any rule adopted under this chapter, that results in harm to pollinators, including but not limited to applying a pesticide in a manner inconsistent with the pesticide product's label or labeling and resulting in pollinator death or willfully applying pesticide in a manner inconsistent with the pesticide product's label or labeling. The commissioner must deposit any penalty collected under this subdivision in the pesticide regulatory account in section 18B.05.

Sec. 10.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 18B.04, is amended to read:

18B.04 PESTICIDE IMPACT ON ENVIRONMENT.

(a) The commissioner shall:

(1) determine the impact of pesticides on the environment, including the impacts on surface water and groundwater in this state;

(2) develop best management practices involving pesticide distribution, storage, handling, use, and disposal; and

(3) cooperate with and assist other state agencies and local governments to protect public health, pollinators, and the environment from harmful exposure to pesticides.

(b) The commissioner may assemble a group of experts under section 16C.10, subdivision 2, to consult in the investigation of pollinator deaths or illnesses. The group of experts may include representatives from local, state, and federal agencies; academia, including the University of Minnesota; the state pollinator bank; or other professionals as deemed necessary by the commissioner. The amount necessary for the purposes of this paragraph, not to exceed $100,000 per fiscal year, is appropriated from the pesticide regulatory account in section 18B.05.

Sec. 11.

[18B.055] COMPENSATION FOR BEES KILLED BY PESTICIDE; APPROPRIATION.

Subdivision 1.

Compensation required.

(a) The commissioner of agriculture must compensate a person for an acute pesticide poisoning resulting in the death of bees or loss of bee colonies owned by the person, provided:

(1) the person who applied the pesticide cannot be determined;

(2) the person who applied the pesticide did so in a manner consistent with the pesticide product's label or labeling; or

(3) the person who applied the pesticide did so in a manner inconsistent with the pesticide product's label or labeling.

(b) Except as provided in this section, the bee owner is entitled to the fair market value of the dead bees and bee colonies losses as determined by the commissioner upon recommendation by academic experts and bee keepers. In any fiscal year, a bee owner must not be compensated for a claim that is less than $100 or compensated more than $20,000 for all eligible claims.

Subd. 2.

Applicator responsible.

In the event a person applies a pesticide in a manner inconsistent with the pesticide product's label or labeling requirements as approved by the commissioner and is determined to have caused the acute pesticide poisoning of bees, resulting in death or loss of a bee colony kept for commercial purposes, then the person so identified must bear the responsibility of restitution for the value of the bees to the owner. In these cases the commissioner must not provide compensation as provided in this section.

Subd. 3.

Claim form.

The bee owner must file a claim on forms provided by the commissioner and available on the Department of Agriculture's Web site.

Subd. 4.

Determination.

The commissioner must determine whether the death of the bees or loss of bee colonies was caused by an acute pesticide poisoning, whether the pesticide applicator can be determined, and whether the pesticide applicator applied the pesticide product in a manner consistent with the pesticide product's label or labeling.

Subd. 5.

Payments; denial of compensation.

(a) If the commissioner determines the bee death or loss of bee colony was caused by an acute pesticide poisoning and either the pesticide applicator cannot be determined or the pesticide applicator applied the pesticide product in a manner consistent with the pesticide product's label or labeling, the commissioner may award compensation from the pesticide regulatory account. If the pesticide applicator can be determined and the applicator applied the pesticide product in a manner inconsistent with the product's label or labeling, the commissioner may collect a penalty from the pesticide applicator sufficient to compensate the bee owner for the fair market value of the dead bees and bee colonies losses, and must award the money to the bee owner.

(b) If the commissioner denies compensation claimed by a bee owner under this section, the commissioner must issue a written decision based upon the available evidence. The decision must include specification of the facts upon which the decision is based and the conclusions on the material issues of the claim. The commissioner must mail a copy of the decision to the bee owner.

(c) A decision to deny compensation claimed under this section is not subject to the contested case review procedures of chapter 14, but may be reviewed upon a trial de novo in a court in the county where the loss occurred. The decision of the court may be appealed as in other civil cases. Review in court may be obtained by filing a petition for review with the administrator of the court within 60 days following receipt of a decision under this section. Upon the filing of a petition, the administrator must mail a copy to the commissioner and set a time for hearing within 90 days of the filing.

Subd. 6.

Deduction from payment.

The commissioner must reduce payments made under this section by any compensation received by the bee owner for dead bees and bee colonies losses as proceeds from an insurance policy or from another source.

Subd. 7.

Appropriation.

The amount necessary to pay claims under this section, not to exceed $150,000 per fiscal year, is appropriated from the pesticide regulatory account in section 18B.05.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective July 1, 2014, and applies to bee kills and bee colony losses attributable to acute pesticide poisoning that occur on or after that date.

Sec. 12.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 84.788, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Exemptions.

Registration is not required for off-highway motorcycles:

(1) owned and used by the United States, an Indian tribal government, the state, another state, or a political subdivision;

(2) registered in another state or country that have not been within this state for more than 30 consecutive days; or

(3) registered under chapter 168, when operated on forest roads to gain access to a state forest campground;

(4) used exclusively in organized track racing events;

(5) operated on state or grant-in-aid trails by a nonresident possessing a nonresident off-highway motorcycle state trail pass; or

(6) operated by a person participating in an event for which the commissioner has issued a special use permit.

Sec. 13.

[84.7945] NONRESIDENT OFF-HIGHWAY MOTORCYCLE STATE TRAIL PASS.

Subdivision 1.

Pass required; fee.

(a) A tribal member exempt from registration under section 84.788, subdivision 2, clause (2), or a nonresident, may not operate an off-highway motorcycle on a state or grant-in-aid off-highway motorcycle trail unless the operator carries a valid nonresident off-highway motorcycle state trail pass in immediate possession. The pass must be available for inspection by a peace officer, a conservation officer, or an employee designated under section 84.0835.

(b) The commissioner of natural resources shall issue a pass upon application and payment of a $20 fee. The pass is valid from January 1 through December 31. Fees collected under this section, except for the issuing fee for licensing agents, shall be deposited in the state treasury and credited to the off-highway motorcycle account in the natural resources fund and, except for the electronic licensing system commission established by the commissioner under section 84.027, subdivision 15, must be used for grants-in-aid to counties and municipalities for off-highway motorcycle organizations to construct and maintain off-highway motorcycle trails and use areas.

(c) A nonresident off-highway motorcycle state trail pass is not required for:

(1) an off-highway motorcycle that is owned and used by the United States, another state, or a political subdivision thereof that is exempt from registration under section 84.788, subdivision 2;

(2) a person operating an off-highway motorcycle only on the portion of a trail that is owned by the person or the person's spouse, child, or parent; or

(3) a nonresident operating an off-highway motorcycle that is registered according to section 84.788.

Subd. 2.

License agents.

The commissioner may appoint agents to issue and sell nonresident off-highway motorcycle state trail passes. The commissioner may revoke the appointment of an agent at any time. The commissioner may adopt additional rules as provided in section 97A.485, subdivision 11. An agent shall observe all rules adopted by the commissioner for accounting and handling of passes pursuant to section 97A.485, subdivision 11. An agent shall promptly deposit and remit all money received from the sale of the passes, exclusive of the issuing fee, to the commissioner.

Subd. 3.

Issuance of passes.

The commissioner and agents shall issue and sell nonresident off-highway motorcycle state trail passes. The commissioner shall also make the passes available through the electronic licensing system established under section 84.027, subdivision 15.

Subd. 4.

Agent's fee.

In addition to the fee for a pass, an issuing fee of $1 per pass shall be charged. The issuing fee may be retained by the seller of the pass. Issuing fees for passes issued by the commissioner shall be deposited in the off-highway motorcycle account in the natural resources fund and retained for the operation of the electronic licensing system.

Subd. 5.

Duplicate passes.

The commissioner and agents shall issue a duplicate pass to persons whose pass is lost or destroyed using the process established under section 97A.405, subdivision 3, and rules adopted thereunder. The fee for a duplicate nonresident off-highway motorcycle state trail pass is $2, with an issuing fee of 50 cents.

Sec. 14.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 85.053, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Requirement.

Except as provided in section 85.054, a motor vehicle may not enter a state park, state recreation area, or state wayside over 50 acres in area, without a state park permit issued under this section or a state parks and trails plate issued under section 168.1295. Except for vehicles permitted under subdivisions 7, paragraph (a), clause (2), and 8, the state park permit must be affixed to the lower right corner windshield of the motor vehicle and must be completely affixed by its own adhesive to the windshield, or the commissioner may, by written order, provide an alternative means to display and validate state park permits.

Sec. 15.

[85.056] STATE PARKS AND TRAILS DONATION ACCOUNT.

Subdivision 1.

Establishment.

The state parks and trails donation account is established as a separate account in the natural resources fund. The account shall be administered by the commissioner of natural resources as provided in this section.

Subd. 2.

Funding sources.

The state parks and trails donation account shall consist of contributions made under section 168.1295 and other contributions. The contributions may be made in cash, property, land, or interests in land.

Subd. 3.

Uses.

Money in the account is appropriated to the commissioner of natural resources to operate and maintain the state parks and trails system.

Sec. 16.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 85.34, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Subd. 7.

Disposition of proceeds.

(a) All revenue derived from the lease of the Fort Snelling upper bluff, with the exception of payment for costs of the water line as described in subdivision 6, shall be deposited in the natural resources fund and credited to a state park account. Interest earned on the money in the account accrues to the account.

(b) Revenue and expenses from the upper bluff shall be tracked separately within the account. Money in the account derived from the leasing or operation of the property described in subdivision 1 may be is appropriated annually to the commissioner for the payment of expenses attributable to the leasing, development, and operation of the property described in subdivision 1, including, but not limited to, the maintenance, repair, and rehabilitation of historic buildings and landscapes.

Sec. 17.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 85A.02, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Zoological Garden.

The board shall acquire, construct, equip, operate and maintain the Minnesota Zoological Garden at a site in Dakota County legally described in Laws 1975, chapter 382, section 12. The Zoological Garden shall consist of adequate facilities and structures for the collection, habitation, preservation, care, exhibition, examination or study of wild and domestic animals, including, but not limited to mammals, birds, fish, amphibians, reptiles, crustaceans and mollusks. The board may provide such lands, buildings and equipment as it deems necessary for parking, transportation, entertainment, education or instruction of the public in connection with such Zoological Garden. The Zoological Garden is an official pollinator bank for the state of Minnesota. For purposes of this subdivision, "pollinator bank" means a program to avert the extinction of pollinator species by cultivating insurance breeding populations.

Sec. 18.

[87A.10] TRAP SHOOTING SPORTS FACILITY GRANTS.

The commissioner of natural resources shall administer a program to provide cost-share grants to local recreational shooting clubs for up to 50 percent of the costs of developing or rehabilitating trap shooting sports facilities for public use. A facility rehabilitated or developed with a grant under this section must be open to the general public at reasonable times and for a reasonable fee on a walk-in basis. The commissioner shall give preference to projects that will provide the most opportunities for youth.

Sec. 19.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 103G.251, is amended to read:

103G.251 INVESTIGATION OF ACTIVITIES WITHOUT PERMIT AFFECTING WATERS OF THE STATE.

Subdivision 1.

Investigations.

If the commissioner determines that an investigation is in the public interest, the commissioner may investigate and monitor activities being conducted with or without a permit that may affect waters of the state.

Subd. 2.

Findings and order.

(a) With or without a public hearing, the commissioner may make findings and issue orders related to activities being conducted without a permit that affect waters of the state as otherwise authorized under this chapter.

(b) A copy of the findings and order must be served on the person to whom the order is issued.

(c) If the commissioner issues the findings and order without a hearing, the person to whom the order is issued may file a demand for a hearing with the commissioner. The demand for a hearing must be accompanied by the bond as provided in section 103G.311, subdivision 6, and the hearing must be held in the same manner and with the same requirements as a hearing held under section 103G.311, subdivision 5. The demand for a hearing and bond must be filed by 30 days after the person is served with a copy of the commissioner's order.

(d) The hearing must be conducted as a contested case hearing under chapter 14.

(e) If the person to whom the order is addressed does not demand a hearing or demands a hearing but fails to file the required bond:

(1) the commissioner's order becomes final at the end of 30 days after the person is served with the order; and

(2) the person may not appeal the order.

(f) An order of the commissioner may be recorded or filed by the commissioner in the office of the county recorder or registrar of titles, as appropriate, in the county where the real property is located as a deed restriction on the property that runs with the land and is binding on the owners, successors, and assigns until the conditions of the order are met or the order is rescinded.

Sec. 20.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 103G.271, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Prohibition on once-through water use permits.

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (c), the commissioner may not, after December 31, 1990, issue a water use permit to increase the volume of appropriation from a groundwater source for a once-through cooling system using in excess of 5,000,000 gallons annually.

(b) Except as provided in paragraph (c), once-through system water use permits using in excess of 5,000,000 gallons annually, must be terminated by the commissioner by the end of their design life but not later than December 31, 2010, unless the discharge is into a public water basin within a nature preserve approved by the commissioner and established prior to January 1, 2001. Existing once-through systems must not be expanded and are required to convert to water efficient alternatives within the design life of existing equipment.

(c) Notwithstanding paragraphs (a) and (b), the commissioner, with the approval of the commissioners of health and the Pollution Control Agency, may issue once-through system water use permits on an annual basis for aquifer storage and recovery systems that return all once-through system water to the source aquifer. Water use permit processing fees in subdivision 6, paragraph (a), apply to all water withdrawals under this paragraph, including any reuse of water returned to the source aquifer.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective January 1, 2015.

Sec. 21.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 103G.271, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6.

Water use permit processing fee.

(a) Except as described in paragraphs (b) to (f) (g), a water use permit processing fee must be prescribed by the commissioner in accordance with the schedule of fees in this subdivision for each water use permit in force at any time during the year. Fees collected under this paragraph are credited to the water management account in the natural resources fund. The schedule is as follows, with the stated fee in each clause applied to the total amount appropriated:

(1) $140 for amounts not exceeding 50,000,000 gallons per year;

(2) $3.50 per 1,000,000 gallons for amounts greater than 50,000,000 gallons but less than 100,000,000 gallons per year;

(3) $4 per 1,000,000 gallons for amounts greater than 100,000,000 gallons but less than 150,000,000 gallons per year;

(4) $4.50 per 1,000,000 gallons for amounts greater than 150,000,000 gallons but less than 200,000,000 gallons per year;

(5) $5 per 1,000,000 gallons for amounts greater than 200,000,000 gallons but less than 250,000,000 gallons per year;

(6) $5.50 per 1,000,000 gallons for amounts greater than 250,000,000 gallons but less than 300,000,000 gallons per year;

(7) $6 per 1,000,000 gallons for amounts greater than 300,000,000 gallons but less than 350,000,000 gallons per year;

(8) $6.50 per 1,000,000 gallons for amounts greater than 350,000,000 gallons but less than 400,000,000 gallons per year;

(9) $7 per 1,000,000 gallons for amounts greater than 400,000,000 gallons but less than 450,000,000 gallons per year;

(10) $7.50 per 1,000,000 gallons for amounts greater than 450,000,000 gallons but less than 500,000,000 gallons per year; and

(11) $8 per 1,000,000 gallons for amounts greater than 500,000,000 gallons per year.

(b) For once-through cooling systems, a water use processing fee must be prescribed by the commissioner in accordance with the following schedule of fees for each water use permit in force at any time during the year:

(1) for nonprofit corporations and school districts, $200 per 1,000,000 gallons; and

(2) for all other users, $420 per 1,000,000 gallons.

(c) The fee is payable based on the amount of water appropriated during the year and, except as provided in paragraph (f), the minimum fee is $100.

(d) For water use processing fees other than once-through cooling systems:

(1) the fee for a city of the first class may not exceed $250,000 per year;

(2) the fee for other entities for any permitted use may not exceed:

(i) $60,000 per year for an entity holding three or fewer permits;

(ii) $90,000 per year for an entity holding four or five permits; or

(iii) $300,000 per year for an entity holding more than five permits;

(3) the fee for agricultural irrigation may not exceed $750 per year;

(4) the fee for a municipality that furnishes electric service and cogenerates steam for home heating may not exceed $10,000 for its permit for water use related to the cogeneration of electricity and steam; and

(5) no fee is required for a project involving the appropriation of surface water to prevent flood damage or to remove flood waters during a period of flooding, as determined by the commissioner.

(e) Failure to pay the fee is sufficient cause for revoking a permit. A penalty of two ten percent per month calculated from the original due date must be imposed on the unpaid balance of fees remaining 30 days after the sending of a second notice of fees due. A fee may not be imposed on an agency, as defined in section 16B.01, subdivision 2, or federal governmental agency holding a water appropriation permit.

(f) The minimum water use processing fee for a permit issued for irrigation of agricultural land is $20 for years in which:

(1) there is no appropriation of water under the permit; or

(2) the permit is suspended for more than seven consecutive days between May 1 and October 1.

(g) The commissioner shall waive the water use permit fee for installations and projects that use storm water runoff or where public entities are diverting water to treat a water quality issue and returning the water to its source without using the water for any other purpose, unless the commissioner determines that the proposed use adversely affects surface water or groundwater.

(g) (h) A surcharge of $30 per million gallons in addition to the fee prescribed in paragraph (a) shall be applied to the volume of water used in each of the months of June, July, and August that exceeds the volume of water used in January for municipal water use, irrigation of golf courses, and landscape irrigation. The surcharge for municipalities with more than one permit shall be determined based on the total appropriations from all permits that supply a common distribution system.

Sec. 22.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 103G.281, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 4.

Penalty for noncompliant reporting.

The commissioner may assess penalties for noncompliant reporting of water use information as provided in this section. The penalty is ten percent of the annual water use permit processing fee.

Sec. 23.

[103G.299] ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTIES.

Subdivision 1.

Authority to issue penalty orders.

(a) As provided in paragraph (b), the commissioner may issue an order requiring violations to be corrected and administratively assessing monetary penalties for violations of sections 103G.271 and 103G.275, and any rules adopted under those sections.

(b) An order under this section may be issued to a person for water appropriation activities without a required permit.

(c) The order must be issued as provided in this section and in accordance with the plan prepared under subdivision 12.

Subd. 2.

Amount of penalty; considerations.

(a) The commissioner may issue orders assessing administrative penalties based on potential for harm and deviation from compliance. For a violation that presents: (1) a minor potential for harm and deviation from compliance, the penalty will be no more than $1,000; (2) a moderate potential for harm and deviation from compliance, the penalty will be no more than $10,000; and (3) a severe potential for harm and deviation from compliance, the penalty will be no more than $20,000.

(b) In determining the amount of a penalty the commissioner may consider:

(1) the gravity of the violation, including potential for, or real, damage to the public interest or natural resources of the state;

(2) the history of past violations;

(3) the number of violations;

(4) the economic benefit gained by the person by allowing or committing the violation based on data from local or state bureaus or educational institutions; and

(5) other factors as justice may require, if the commissioner specifically identifies the additional factors in the commissioner's order.

(c) For a violation after an initial violation, including a continuation of the initial violation, the commissioner must, in determining the amount of a penalty, consider the factors in paragraph (b) and the:

(1) similarity of the most recent previous violation and the violation to be penalized;

(2) time elapsed since the last violation;

(3) number of previous violations; and

(4) response of the person to the most recent previous violation identified.

Subd. 3.

Contents of order.

An order assessing an administrative penalty under this section must include:

(1) a concise statement of the facts alleged to constitute a violation;

(2) a reference to the section of the statute, rule, order, or term or condition of a permit that has been violated;

(3) a statement of the amount of the administrative penalty to be imposed and the factors upon which the penalty is based; and

(4) a statement of the person's right to review of the order.

Subd. 4.

Corrective order.

(a) The commissioner may issue an order assessing a penalty and requiring the violations cited in the order to be corrected within a time period specified by the commissioner.

(b) The person to whom the order was issued must provide information to the commissioner before the 31st day after the order was received demonstrating that the violation has been corrected or that appropriate steps toward correcting the violation have been taken.

(c) The commissioner must determine whether the violation has been corrected and notify the person subject to the order of the commissioner's determination.

Subd. 5.

Penalty.

(a) Unless the person requests review of the order under subdivision 6 or 7 before the penalty is due, the penalty in the order is due and payable:

(1) on the 31st day after the order was received, if the person subject to the order fails to provide information to the commissioner showing that the violation has been corrected or that appropriate steps have been taken toward correcting the violation; or

(2) on the 20th day after the person receives the commissioner's determination under subdivision 4, paragraph (c), if the person subject to the order has provided information to the commissioner that the commissioner determines is not sufficient to show that the violation has been corrected or that appropriate steps have been taken toward correcting the violation.

(b) The penalty is due by 31 days after the order was received, unless review of the order under subdivision 6 or 7 has been sought.

(c) Interest at the rate established in section 549.09 begins to accrue on penalties under this subdivision on the 31st day after the order with the penalty was received.

Subd. 6.

Expedited administrative hearing.

(a) Within 30 days after receiving an order or within 20 days after receiving notice that the commissioner has determined that a violation has not been corrected or appropriate steps have not been taken, the person subject to an order under this section may request an expedited hearing, using the procedures under Minnesota Rules, parts 1400.8510 to 1400.8612, to review the commissioner's determination. The hearing request must specifically state the reasons for seeking review of the order. The person to whom the order is directed and the commissioner are the parties to the expedited hearing. The commissioner must notify the person to whom the order is directed of the time and place of the hearing at least 20 days before the hearing. The expedited hearing must be held within 30 days after a request for hearing has been filed with the commissioner unless the parties agree to a later date.

(b) All written arguments must be submitted within ten days following the close of the hearing. The hearing must be conducted under Minnesota Rules, parts 1400.8510 to 1400.8612, as modified by this subdivision.

(c) The administrative law judge must issue a report making recommendations about the commissioner's action to the commissioner within 30 days following the close of the record. The administrative law judge may not recommend a change in the amount of the proposed penalty unless the administrative law judge determines that, based on the factors in subdivision 2, the amount of the penalty is unreasonable.

(d) If the administrative law judge makes a finding that the hearing was requested solely for purposes of delay or that the hearing request was frivolous, the commissioner may add to the amount of the penalty the costs charged to the department by the Office of Administrative Hearings for the hearing.

(e) If a hearing has been held, the commissioner may not issue a final order until at least five days after receipt of the report of the administrative law judge. The person to whom an order is issued may, within those five days, comment to the commissioner on the recommendations, and the commissioner must consider the comments. The final order may be appealed in the manner provided in sections 14.63 to 14.69.

(f) If a hearing has been held and a final order issued by the commissioner, the penalty must be paid by 30 days after the date the final order is received unless review of the final order is requested under sections 14.63 to 14.69. If review is not requested or the order is reviewed and upheld, the amount due is the penalty, together with interest accruing from 31 days after the original order was received at the rate established in section 549.09.

Subd. 7.

Mediation.

In addition to review under subdivision 6, the commissioner may enter into mediation concerning an order issued under this section if the commissioner and the person to whom the order is issued both agree to mediation.

Subd. 8.

Penalties due and payable.

The commissioner may enforce penalties that are due and payable under this section in any manner provided by law for the collection of debts.

Subd. 9.

Revocation and suspension of permit.

If a person fails to pay a penalty owed under this section, the commissioner has grounds to revoke a permit or to refuse to amend a permit or issue a new permit.

Subd. 10.

Cumulative remedy.

The authority of the commissioner to issue a corrective order assessing penalties is in addition to other remedies available under statutory or common law, except that the state may not seek civil penalties under any other provision of law for the violations covered by the administrative penalty order. The payment of a penalty does not preclude the use of other enforcement provisions, under which penalties are not assessed, in connection with the violation for which the penalty was assessed.

Subd. 11.

Deposit of fees.

Fees collected under this section must be credited to the water management account in the natural resources fund.

Subd. 12.

Plan for use of administrative penalties.

The commissioner must prepare a plan for using the administrative penalty authority in this section. The plan must include explanations for how the commissioner will determine whether violations are minor, moderate, or severe. The commissioner must provide a 30-day period for public comment on the plan. The plan must be finalized within six months after the effective date of this section.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

Subdivisions 1 to 11 of this section are effective January 1, 2015. Subdivision 12 of this section is effective July 1, 2014.

Sec. 24.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 115A.151, as amended by Laws 2014, chapter 225, section 4, is amended to read:

115A.151 RECYCLING REQUIREMENTS; PUBLIC ENTITIES; COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS; SPORTS FACILITIES.

(a) A public entity, the owner of a sports facility, and an owner of a commercial building shall:

(1) ensure that facilities under its control, from which mixed municipal solid waste is collected, also collect at least three recyclable materials, such as, but not limited to, paper, glass, plastic, and metal; and

(2) transfer all recyclable materials collected to a recycler.

(b) For the purposes of this section:

(1) "public entity" means the state, an office, agency, or institution of the state, the Metropolitan Council, a metropolitan agency, the Metropolitan Mosquito Control Commission, the legislature, the courts, a county, a statutory or home rule charter city, a town, a school district, a special taxing district, or any entity that receives an appropriation from the state for a capital improvement project after August 1, 2002;

(2) "metropolitan agency" and "Metropolitan Council," have the meanings given them in section 473.121;

(3) "Metropolitan Mosquito Control Commission" means the commission created in section 473.702; and

(4) "commercial building" means a building that:

(i) is located in a metropolitan county, as defined in section 473.121;

(ii) contains a business classified in sectors 42 to 81 under the North American Industrial Classification System; and

(iii) contracts for four cubic yards or more per week of solid waste collection.; and

(5) "sports facility" means a professional or collegiate sports facility at which competitions take place before a public audience.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective January 1, 2015.

Sec. 25.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 115A.55, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Statewide source reduction goal.

(a) It is a goal of the state that there be a minimum ten percent per capita reduction in the amount of mixed and counties to reduce the generation of municipal solid waste generated in the state by December 31, 2000, based on a reasonable estimate of the amount of mixed municipal solid waste that was generated in calendar year 1993.

(b) As part of the 1997 report required under section 115A.411, the commissioner shall submit to the senate and house of representatives committees having jurisdiction over environment and natural resources and environment and natural resources finance a proposed strategy for meeting the goal in paragraph (a). The strategy must include a discussion of the different reduction potentials to be found in various sectors and may include recommended interim goals. The commissioner shall report progress on meeting the goal in paragraph (a), as well as recommendations and revisions to the proposed strategy, as part of the 1999 report required under section 115A.411.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 26.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 115A.551, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Definition.

(a) For the purposes of this section, "recycling" means, in addition to the meaning given in section 115A.03, subdivision 25b, yard waste and source-separated compostable materials composting, and recycling that occurs through mechanical or hand separation of materials that are then delivered for reuse in their original form or for use in manufacturing processes that do not cause the destruction of recyclable materials in a manner that precludes further use.

(b) For the purposes of this section, "total solid waste generation" means the total by weight of:

(1) materials separated for recycling;

(2) materials separated for yard waste and source-separated compostable materials composting;

(3) mixed municipal solid waste plus yard waste, motor and vehicle fluids and filters, tires, lead acid batteries, and major appliances; and

(4) residential waste materials that would be mixed municipal solid waste but for the fact that they are not collected as such.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 27.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 115A.551, subdivision 2a, is amended to read:

Subd. 2a.

Supplementary County recycling goals.

(a) By December 31, 1996 2030, each county will have as a goal to recycle the following amounts:

(1) for a county outside of the metropolitan area, 35 percent by weight of total solid waste generation; and

(2) for a metropolitan county, 50 75 percent by weight of total solid waste generation.

(b) Each county will develop and implement or require political subdivisions within the county to develop and implement programs, practices, or methods designed to meet its recycling goal. Nothing in this section or in any other law may be construed to prohibit a county from establishing a higher recycling goal.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 28.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 115A.557, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Purposes for which money may be spent.

(a) A county receiving money distributed by the commissioner under this section may use the money only for the development and implementation of programs to:

(1) reduce the amount of solid waste generated;

(2) recycle the maximum amount of solid waste technically feasible;

(3) create and support markets for recycled products;

(4) remove problem materials from the solid waste stream and develop proper disposal options for them;

(5) inform and educate all sectors of the public about proper solid waste management procedures;

(6) provide technical assistance to public and private entities to ensure proper solid waste management;

(7) provide educational, technical, and financial assistance for litter prevention; and

(8) process mixed municipal solid waste generated in the county at a resource recovery facility located in Minnesota; and

(9) compost source-separated compostable materials, including the provision of receptacles for residential composting.

(b) Beginning in fiscal year 2015 and continuing thereafter, of any money distributed by the commissioner under this section to a metropolitan county, as defined in section 473.121, subdivision 4, that exceeds the amount the county was eligible to receive under this section in fiscal year 2014: (1) at least 50 percent must be expended on activities in paragraph (a), clause (9); and (2) the remainder must be expended on activities in paragraph (a), clauses (1) to (7) and (9) that advance the county toward achieving its recycling goal under section 115A.551.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 29.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 115A.557, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Eligibility to receive money.

(a) To be eligible to receive money distributed by the commissioner under this section, a county shall within one year of October 4, 1989:

(1) create a separate account in its general fund to credit the money; and

(2) set up accounting procedures to ensure that money in the separate account is spent only for the purposes in subdivision 2.

(b) In each following year, each county shall also:

(1) have in place an approved solid waste management plan or master plan including a recycling implementation strategy under section 115A.551, subdivision 7, and a household hazardous waste management plan under section 115A.96, subdivision 6, by the dates specified in those provisions;

(2) submit a report by April 1 of each year to the commissioner, which may be submitted electronically and must be posted on the agency's Web site, detailing for the previous calendar year:

(i) how the money was spent including, but not limited to, specific recycling and composting activities undertaken to increase the county's proportion of solid waste recycled in order to achieve its recycling goal established in section 115A.551; specific information on the number of employees performing SCORE planning, oversight, and administration; the percentage of those employees' total work time allocated to SCORE planning, oversight, and administration; the specific duties and responsibilities of those employees; and the amount of staff salary for these SCORE duties and responsibilities of the employees; and

(ii) the resulting gains achieved in solid waste management practices; and

(3) provide evidence to the commissioner that local revenue equal to 25 percent of the money sought for distribution under this section will be spent for the purposes in subdivision 2.

(c) The commissioner shall withhold all or part of the funds to be distributed to a county under this section if the county fails to comply with this subdivision and subdivision 2.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 30.

Minnesota Statutes 2013 Supplement, section 116V.03, is amended to read:

116V.03 APPROPRIATION.

$1,000,000 in fiscal year 2014 and each year thereafter is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner of revenue for transfer to the agricultural project utilization account in the special revenue fund for the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute established under section 116V.01.

Sec. 31.

[168.1295] STATE PARKS AND TRAILS PLATES.

Subdivision 1.

General requirements and procedures.

(a) The commissioner shall issue state parks and trails plates to an applicant who:

(1) is a registered owner of a passenger automobile, recreational vehicle, one ton pickup truck, or motorcycle;

(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 a minimum of $50 annually to the state parks and trails donation account established in section 85.056; and

(6) complies with this chapter and rules governing registration of motor vehicles and licensing of drivers.

(b) The state parks and trails plate application must indicate that the contribution specified under paragraph (a), clause (5), is a minimum contribution to receive the plate and that the applicant may make an additional contribution to the account.

(c) State parks and trails plates may be personalized according to section 168.12, subdivision 2a.

Subd. 2.

Design.

After consultation with interested groups, the commissioners of natural resources and public safety shall jointly select a suitable symbol for use by the commissioner of public safety to design the state parks and trails plates.

Subd. 3.

No refund.

Contributions under this section must not be refunded.

Subd. 4.

Plate transfers.

Notwithstanding section 168.12, subdivision 1, on payment of a transfer fee of $5, plates issued under this section may be transferred to another passenger automobile registered to the person to whom the plates were issued.

Subd. 5.

Contribution and fees credited.

Contributions under subdivision 1, paragraph (a), clause (5), must be paid to the commissioner and credited to the state parks and trails donation account established in section 85.056. The other fees collected under this section must be deposited in the vehicle services operating account of the special revenue fund under section 299A.705.

Subd. 6.

Record.

The commissioner shall maintain a record of the number of plates issued under this section.

Subd. 7.

Exemption.

Special plates issued under this section are not subject to section 168.1293, subdivision 2.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective the day following final enactment and applies to applications submitted on or after January 1, 2016, or the date the new driver and vehicle services information technology system is implemented, whichever comes later.

Sec. 32.

[347.57] DEFINITIONS.

Subdivision 1.

Terms.

The definitions in this section apply to sections 347.57 to 347.64.

Subd. 2.

Animal.

"Animal" means a dog or a cat.

Subd. 3.

Board.

"Board" means the Board of Animal Health.

Subd. 4.

Cat.

"Cat" means a mammal that is wholly or in part of the species Felis domesticus. An adult cat is a cat 28 weeks of age or older. A kitten is a cat under 28 weeks of age.

Subd. 5.

Commercial breeder.

"Commercial breeder" means a person who possesses or has an ownership interest in animals and is engaged in the business of breeding animals for sale or for exchange in return for consideration, and who possesses ten or more adult intact animals and whose animals produce more than five total litters of puppies or kittens per year.

Subd. 6.

Confinement area.

"Confinement area" means a structure used or designed for use to restrict an animal to a limited amount of space, such as a room, pen, cage, kennel, compartment, crate, or hutch.

Subd. 7.

Dog.

"Dog" means a mammal that is wholly or in part of the species Canis familiaris. An adult dog is a dog 28 weeks of age or older. A puppy is a dog under 28 weeks of age.

Subd. 8.

Facility.

"Facility" means the place used by a commercial breeder for breeding animals, and includes all buildings, property, confinement areas, and vehicles.

Subd. 9.

Local animal control authority.

"Local animal control authority" means an agency of the state, county, municipality, or other political subdivision of the state that is responsible for animal control operations in its jurisdiction.

Subd. 10.

Person.

"Person" means a natural person, firm, partnership, corporation, or association, however organized.

Subd. 11.

Possess.

"Possess" means to have custody of or have control over.

Subd. 12.

Veterinarian.

"Veterinarian" means a veterinarian in good standing and licensed in the state of Minnesota.

Sec. 33.

[347.58] LICENSING AND INSPECTIONS.

Subdivision 1.

Licensing.

(a) The board may grant an operating license to a commercial breeder and must enforce sections 347.58 to 347.64.

(b) Beginning July 1, 2015, a commercial breeder must obtain an annual license for each facility it owns or operates. More than one building on the same premises is considered one facility. The initial prelicense inspection fee and the annual license fee is $10 per adult intact animal, but each fee must not exceed $250.

(c) The board must perform an announced initial prelicense inspection within 60 days from the date of receiving a license application. A commercial breeder is not in violation of this section if the commercial breeder has filed a completed license application with the board and the board has not performed the initial prelicense inspection. The board must inspect a commercial breeder's facility before an initial license is issued. The initial prelicense inspection fee must be included with the license application. Upon completion of the inspection, the inspector must provide the commercial breeder an inspection certificate signed by the inspector in a format approved by the board.

(d) The license application must indicate if a commercial breeder operates under more than one name from a single location or has an ownership interest in any other facility. License holders must keep separate records for each business name.

(e) The application must include a statement that includes the following information:

(1) whether any license held by an applicant under this section or under any other federal, state, county, or local law, ordinance, or other regulation relating to breeding cats or dogs was ever suspended, revoked, or denied; and

(2) whether the applicant was ever convicted of animal cruelty.

(f) An application from a partnership, corporation, or limited liability company must include the name and address of all partners, directors, officers, or members and must include a notation of any partners, directors, officers, members, or others authorized to represent the partnership, corporation, or limited liability company.

(g) A nonresident applicant must consent to adjudication of any violation under the laws of the state of Minnesota and in Minnesota courts.

(h) A license issued under this section is not transferable.

(i) A license holder must apply for license renewal annually by submitting a renewal application on a form approved by the board. The license renewal application must be postmarked or submitted electronically in a method approved by the board by July 1 of each year. The board may assess a late renewal penalty of up to 50 percent of the license fee. If a license is not renewed by August 1, the board may require the commercial breeder to reapply for an initial license.

(j) A commercial breeder must submit to the board an annual report by July 1 on a form prepared by the board. The form must include the current number of cats and dogs at the facility on the date of the report, the number of animals during the preceding year that were sold, traded, bartered, leased, brokered, given away, euthanized, or deceased from other causes, and any other information required by the board.

(k) If a commercial breeder is required to be licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture, United States Department of Agriculture inspection reports and records relating to animal care plans and veterinary care must be made available during an inspection, upon request.

(l) A commercial breeder must prominently display the commercial breeder's license at each facility.

(m) A commercial breeder's state license number or a symbol approved by the board must be included in all of the commercial breeder's advertisements or promotions that pertain to animals being sold or traded including, but not limited to, all newspapers, Internet, radio, or flyers.

(n) A commercial breeder must notify the board by certified mail or electronically in a method approved by the board within ten days of any change in address, name, management, or substantial control and ownership of the business or operation.

(o) The board must refuse to issue an initial license when a commercial breeder:

(1) is in violation of section 343.21; 343.24; 343.27; 343.28; 343.31; 343.37; 346.37; 346.38; 346.39; 346.44; or 346.155;

(2) has failed to meet any of the requirements of this section and section 347.59;

(3) is in violation of a local ordinance regarding breeders;

(4) has been convicted, other than a petty misdemeanor conviction, of cruelty to animals under Minnesota law or a substantially similar animal cruelty law of another jurisdiction;

(5) has had a substantially similar license denied, revoked, or suspended by another federal or state authority within the last five years; or

(6) has falsified any material information requested by the board.

(p) A person who has been an officer, agent, direct family member, or employee of a commercial breeder whose license was revoked or suspended and who was responsible for or participated in the violation that was a basis for the revocation or suspension may not be licensed while the revocation or suspension is in effect.

Subd. 2.

Inspections.

(a) The board must inspect each licensed facility at least annually. The inspection must be with the commercial breeder or an agent of the commercial breeder present. The inspector must submit an inspection report to the board within ten days of each inspection on a form prepared by the board. The inspection report form must list separately each law, rule, regulation, and ordinance the facility is not in compliance with and what correction is required for compliance. The inspection report form must document the animal inventory on the date of the inspection.

(b) If, after the prelicense inspection, the commercial breeder has two consecutive years of inspections with no violations, the board must inspect the commercial breeder at least every two years. If the commercial breeder has any violations during an inspection or if the board has cause, the board must inspect the commercial breeder at least annually.

(c) If a license to operate is suspended, revoked, or denied, the board must be granted access to the facility during normal business hours to verify that it is not operating.

Subd. 3.

Record requirements.

(a) The commercial breeder must keep records on each animal at the facility that includes:

(1) the name, address, and United States Department of Agriculture license number, if applicable, from whom an animal was received; the date the commercial breeder received the animal; the date of the animal's birth; the breed, sex, color, and identifying marks of the animal; any identifying tag, tattoo, microchip, or collar number; worming treatments, vaccinations, and name of the person who administered the vaccination; medication received by the animal while in the possession of the commercial breeder; and any disease conditions diagnosed by a veterinarian; and

(2) the name and address of the person or entity to whom an animal was transferred.

(b) The commercial breeder must maintain a copy of the records required to be kept under this subdivision for two years.

Subd. 4.

Veterinary protocol.

(a) A commercial breeder must establish and maintain a written protocol for disease control and prevention, euthanasia, and veterinary care of animals at each facility. The initial protocol must be developed under the direction and supervision of the board. A commercial breeder must maintain a written protocol that is updated at least every 12 months and that is signed and dated by the board or by a veterinarian along with the commercial breeder. The written protocol must be available to the board upon request or at the time of inspection.

(b) An animal sold or otherwise distributed by a commercial breeder must be accompanied by a veterinary health certificate completed by a veterinarian. The certificate must be completed within 30 days prior to the sale or distribution and must indicate that the animal is current with vaccinations and has no signs of infectious or contagious diseases. The certificate accompanying an adult dog that was not spayed or neutered must indicate that the dog has no signs of infectious or contagious diseases and was tested for canine brucellosis with a test approved by the board and found to be negative.

Subd. 5.

Posting of information.

The board must maintain and post in a timely manner on its Web site a list of commercial breeders licensed and in good standing under this section.

Sec. 34.

[347.59] STANDARDS OF CARE.

(a) A commercial breeder must comply with chapters 343 and 346.

(b) A commercial breeder must ensure that animals that are part of the commercial breeder's breeding business operations are cared for as follows:

(1) cats must not be housed in outdoor confinement areas;

(2) animals exercised in groups must be compatible and show no signs of contagious or infectious disease;

(3) females in estrus must not be housed in the same confinement area with unneutered males, except for breeding purposes;

(4) animals must be provided daily enrichment and must be provided positive physical contact with human beings and compatible animals at least twice daily unless a veterinarian determines such activities would adversely affect the health or well-being of the animal;

(5) animals must not be sold, traded, or given away before the age of eight weeks unless a veterinarian determines it would be in the best interests of the health or well-being of the animal;

(6) the commercial breeder must provide identification and tracking for each animal, which is not transferable to another animal; and

(7) the commercial breeder must provide adequate staff to maintain the facility and observe each animal daily to monitor each animal's health and well-being, and to properly care for the animals.

(c) A commercial breeder must not knowingly hire staff or independent contractors who have been convicted of cruelty to animals under the law of any jurisdiction.

(d) A commercial breeder must comply with any additional standards the board considers necessary to protect the public health and welfare of animals covered under sections 347.57 to 347.61. The standards must be established by rule.

(e) A United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) licensed breeder or dealer who is in compliance with the minimum USDA regulations governing the license holder as they relate to animal confinement areas as of the effective date of this section does not have to comply with the minimum confinement area measurements under section 346.39, subdivision 4, for existing confinement areas in each facility the breeder or dealer owns. If a USDA-licensed breeder or dealer builds a new confinement area after the effective date of this section, those minimum standards must meet or exceed the minimum specifications as they relate to confinement area size under section 346.39, subdivision 4.

Sec. 35.

[347.60] INVESTIGATIONS.

(a) The board must initiate an investigation upon receiving a formal complaint alleging violations of section 347.58 or 347.59.

(b) When a local animal control authority, a peace officer, or a humane agent appointed under section 343.01 is made aware of an alleged violation under this chapter or chapter 343 or 346, committed by a commercial breeder, the local animal control authority, peace officer, or humane agent appointed under section 343.01 must report the alleged violation in a timely manner to the board.

Sec. 36.

[347.61] CIVIL ENFORCEMENT.

Subdivision 1.

Correction orders.

(a) The board may issue a correction order requiring a commercial breeder to correct a violation of state statutes, rules, and regulations governing breeding facilities. The correction order must state the deficiencies that constitute the violation; the specific statute, rule, or regulation violated; and when the violation must be corrected.

(b) A commercial breeder may ask the board to reconsider any portion of the correction order that the commercial breeder believes is in error. The request for reconsideration must be made in writing by certified mail or electronically in a method approved by the board within seven days after receipt of the correction order. The request for reconsideration does not stay the correction order. The board must respond to the request for reconsideration within 15 days after receiving a request. The board's disposition of a request for reconsideration is final. The board may extend the time for complying with a correction order after receiving a request for reconsideration if necessary.

(c) The board must reinspect the facility within 15 days after the time for correcting the violation has passed to determine whether the violation has been corrected. If the violation has been corrected, the board must notify the commercial breeder in writing that the commercial breeder is in compliance with the correction order. The board may charge a reinspection fee to determine if a previous violation has been corrected.

Subd. 2.

Administrative penalty orders.

After the inspection required under subdivision 1, paragraph (c), the board may issue an order requiring violations to be corrected and administratively assessing monetary penalties for violations. The administrative penalty order must include a citation of the statute, rule, or regulation violated; a description of the violation; and the amount of the penalty for each violation. A single correction order may assess a maximum administrative penalty of $5,000.

Subd. 3.

Injunctive relief.

In addition to any other remedy provided by law, the board may bring an action for injunctive relief in the district court in Ramsey County or in the county in which a violation of the statutes, rules, or regulations governing the breeding of cats and dogs occurred to enjoin the violation.

Subd. 4.

Cease and desist.

The board must issue an order to cease a practice if its continuation would result in an immediate risk to animal welfare or public health. An order issued under this subdivision is effective for a maximum of 72 hours. The board or its designated agent must seek an injunction or take other administrative action authorized by law to restrain a practice beyond 72 hours. The issuance of a cease-and-desist order does not preclude other enforcement action by the board.

Subd. 5.

Refusal to reissue license; license suspension or revocation.

(a) The board may suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew a license as follows:

(1) for failure to comply with a correction order;

(2) for failure to pay an administrative penalty;

(3) for failure to meet the requirements of section 347.58 or 347.59; or

(4) for falsifying information requested by the board.

A license suspension, revocation, or nonrenewal may be appealed through the Office of Administrative Hearings. A notice of intent to appeal must be filed in writing with the board within 20 days after receipt of the notice of suspension, revocation, or nonrenewal.

(b) The board must revoke a license if a commercial breeder has been convicted of cruelty to animals under Minnesota law or a substantially similar animal cruelty law of another jurisdiction, or for the denial, revocation, or suspension of a similar license by another federal or state authority. A license revocation under this subdivision may be appealed through the Office of Administrative Hearings. A notice of intent to appeal must be filed in writing with the board within 20 days after receipt of the notice of revocation.

(c) A commercial breeder whose license is revoked may not reapply for licensure for two years after the date of revocation. The license is permanently revoked if the basis for the revocation was a gross misdemeanor or felony conviction for animal cruelty.

(d) A commercial breeder whose license is suspended or revoked two times is permanently barred from licensure.

Subd. 6.

Administrative hearing rights.

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), if the board proposes to refuse to renew, suspend, or revoke a license, the board must first notify the commercial breeder in writing of the proposed action and provide an opportunity to request a hearing under the contested case provisions of chapter 14. If the commercial breeder does not request a hearing within 20 days after receipt of the notice of the proposed action, the board may proceed with the action without a hearing.

(b) The contested case provisions of chapter 14 do not apply when the board denies a license based on an applicant's failure to meet the minimum qualifications for licensure.

(c) A commercial breeder may appeal the amount of an administrative penalty order through the Office of Administrative Hearings pursuant to the procedures set forth in chapter 14. A commercial breeder wishing to file an appeal must notify the board in writing within 20 days after receipt of the administrative penalty order.

Subd. 7.

Other jurisdictions.

The board may accept as prima facie evidence of grounds for an enforcement action under this section any enforcement or disciplinary action from another jurisdiction, if the underlying violation would be grounds for a violation under the provisions of this section.

Subd. 8.

Appeals.

A final order by the board may be appealed to the Minnesota Court of Appeals.

Sec. 37.

[347.615] BIOSECURITY; ENTRY INTO FACILITIES.

No law enforcement officer, agent of the board, or other official may enter a commercial breeder facility unless the person follows either the biosecurity procedure issued by the board or a reasonable biosecurity procedure maintained and prominently posted by the commercial breeder at each entry to a facility, whichever is more stringent. This section does not apply in emergency or exigent circumstances.

Sec. 38.

[347.62] PENALTIES.

(a) A violation of section 347.58 or 347.59 that results in cruelty or torture to an animal, as those terms are defined in section 343.20, subdivision 3, is subject to the penalties in section 343.21, subdivisions 9 and 10, relating to pet or companion animals.

(b) It is a misdemeanor to falsify information in a license application, annual report, or record.

(c) It is a misdemeanor for an unlicensed commercial breeder to advertise animals for sale.

(d) It is a misdemeanor for a commercial breeder to operate without a license.

Sec. 39.

[347.63] DOG AND CAT BREEDERS LICENSING ACCOUNT; APPROPRIATION.

A dog and cat breeders licensing account is created in the special revenue fund. All fees and penalties collected by the board under sections 347.58 to 347.62 must be deposited in the state treasury and credited to the dog and cat breeders licensing account in the special revenue fund. Money in the account, including interest on the account, is annually appropriated to the board to administer those sections.

Sec. 40.

[347.64] APPLICABILITY.

Sections 347.57 to 347.63 do not apply to:

(1) any species other than dogs and cats as they are defined in section 347.57; and

(2) veterinary clinics or veterinary hospitals.

Sec. 41.

Laws 2008, chapter 363, article 5, section 4, subdivision 7, as amended by Laws 2009, chapter 37, article 1, section 61, is amended to read:

Subd. 7. Fish and Wildlife Management

123,000

119,000

Appropriations by Fund
General	-0-	(427,000)
Game and Fish	123,000	546,000

$329,000 in 2009 is a reduction for fish and wildlife management.

$46,000 in 2009 is a reduction in the appropriation for the Minnesota Shooting Sports Education Center.

$52,000 in 2009 is a reduction for licensing.

$123,000 in 2008 and $246,000 in 2009 are from the game and fish fund to implement fish virus surveillance, prepare infrastructure to handle possible outbreaks, and implement control procedures for highest risk waters and fish production operations. This is a onetime appropriation.

Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 297A.94, paragraph (e), $300,000 in 2009 is from the second year appropriation in Laws 2007, chapter 57, article 1, section 4, subdivision 7, from the heritage enhancement account in the game and fish fund to study, predesign, and design a shooting sports facility in the seven-county metropolitan area for shooting sports facilities. Of this amount, $100,000 is for a grant to the Itasca County Gun Club for shooting sports facility improvements; and the remaining balance is for trap shooting facility grants under Minnesota Statutes, section 87A.10. This is available onetime only and is available until expended.

$300,000 in 2009 is appropriated from the game and fish fund for only activities that improve, enhance, or protect fish and wildlife resources. This is a onetime appropriation.

Sec. 42.

Laws 2013, chapter 114, article 4, section 47, is amended by adding an effective date to read:

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective June 1, 2013.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective retroactively from June 1, 2013.

Sec. 43.

APIARY PROGRAM.

No later than January 15, 2015, the commissioner of agriculture shall report to the house of representatives and senate committees with jurisdiction over agriculture regarding re-establishing an apiary program. The report shall include, at a minimum, recommendations on (1) prevention of diseases and exotic pests; (2) sanitary inspection of apiaries, including notification of diseases, nuisances, and quarantines; (3) an apiary location registry, to facilitate agency response to pollinator deaths or illnesses and for pesticide applicators to be aware of apiaries to avoid impacts, including data practices and privacy protections; and (4) the public benefit of an apiary program and the fiscal costs associated with a program.

Sec. 44.

INVASIVE TERRESTRIAL PLANTS AND PESTS CENTER.

Subdivision 1.

Establishment.

The Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota is requested to establish an Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center to prevent and minimize the threats posed by terrestrial invasive plants, other weeds, pathogens, and pests in order to protect the state's prairies, forests, wetlands, and agricultural resources. With the approval of the board, the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Science, in coordination with the College of Biological Sciences, shall administer the center utilizing the following departments:

(1) Entomology;

(2) Plant Pathology;

(3) Forest Resources;

(4) Horticultural Science;

(5) Fisheries Wildlife and Conservation Biology;

(6) Agronomy and Plant Genetics;

(7) Plant Biology; and

(8) Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior.

The college may also utilize the following research and outreach centers in achieving the purposes of this section: Cloquet Forestry Center; North Central Research and Outreach Center; Northwest Research and Outreach Center; Southern Research and Outreach Center; Southwest Research and Outreach Center; West Central Research and Outreach Center; Rosemount Research and Outreach Center; Horticultural Research Center; and Sand Plain Research Center.

Subd. 2.

Purpose.

The purpose of the Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center is to research and develop effective measures to prevent and minimize the threats posed by terrestrial invasive plants, pathogens, and pests, including agricultural weeds and pests, in order to protect the state's native prairies, forests, wetlands, and agricultural resources, by:

(1) creating a prioritized list of pest and plant species that threaten the state's prairies, forests, wetlands, and agricultural resources and making the list publicly accessible; and

(2) conducting research focused on the species included on the prioritized list developed under this subdivision that includes:

(i) development of new control methods, including biocontrols;

(ii) development of integrated pest management tools that minimize nontarget impacts;

(iii) research projects focused on establishment prevention, early detection, and rapid response;

(iv) an analysis of any consequences related to the management of prioritized species to the state's water, pollinators, and native prairies and other native species; and

(v) reports on the results that are made publicly accessible.

Subd. 3.

Report.

By January 15, 2015, as a condition of the appropriation provided under this act, the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota shall submit a report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the house of representatives and senate committees and divisions with jurisdiction over the environment and natural resources and agriculture on: (1) the activities and outcomes of the center; and (2) any recommendations for additional funding for education, implementation, or other activities.

Sec. 45.

RECOGNITION; COMMERCIAL BREEDER EXCELLENCE.

The Board of Animal Health, in consultation with representatives of the licensed commercial breeder industry, must develop a program to recognize persons who demonstrate commercial breeder excellence and exceed the standards and practices required of commercial breeders under this act.

Sec. 46.

REGISTRATION; INITIAL PRELICENSE INSPECTIONS.

Subdivision 1.

Commercial breeder registration.

Beginning July 1, 2014, until June 30, 2015, a commercial breeder must register each facility it owns or operates by paying a registration fee not to exceed $250 per facility to the Board of Animal Health.

Subd. 2.

Initial prelicense inspections.

Beginning July 1, 2014, the board may begin the initial prelicense inspections under Minnesota Statutes, section 347.58.

Subd. 3.

Deposits of fees.

Fees collected under this section must be deposited in the dog and cat breeders licensing account in the special revenue fund.

Sec. 47.

RESEARCH DOGS AND CATS.

(a) A higher education research facility that receives public money or a facility that provides research in collaboration with a higher education facility that confines dogs or cats for science, education, or research purposes and plans on euthanizing a dog or cat for other than science, education, or research purposes must first offer the dog or cat to an animal rescue organization. A facility that is required to offer dogs or cats to an animal rescue organization under this section may enter into an agreement with the animal rescue organization to protect the facility. A facility that provides a dog or cat to a rescue organization under this section is immune from any civil liability that otherwise might result from its actions, provided that the facility is acting in good faith.

(b) For the purposes of this section, "animal rescue organization" means any nonprofit organization incorporated for the purpose of rescuing animals in need and finding permanent, adoptive homes for the animals.

(c) This section expires July 1, 2015.

Sec. 48.

REPEALER.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 115A.551, subdivision 2, is repealed.

ARTICLE 14

CLEAN WATER FUND

Section 1. CLEAN WATER FUND APPROPRIATIONS.

The sums shown in the columns marked "Appropriations" are appropriated to the agencies and for the purposes specified in this article. The appropriations are from the clean water fund and are available for the fiscal year indicated for allowable activities under the Minnesota Constitution, article XI, section 15. The figure "2015" used in this article means that the appropriations listed under it are available for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2015. The appropriations in this article are onetime.

			APPROPRIATIONS
			Available for the Year
			Ending June 30
						2015

Sec. 2. CLEAN WATER

Subdivision 1. Total Appropriation

$

2,450,000

The amounts that may be spent for each purpose are specified in the following sections.

Subd. 2. Availability of Appropriation

Money appropriated in this article may not be spent on activities unless they are directly related to and necessary for a specific appropriation. Money appropriated in this article must be spent in accordance with Minnesota Management and Budget's Guidance to Agencies on Legacy Fund Expenditure. Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.28, and unless otherwise specified in this article, the appropriations are available until June 30, 2016. If a project receives federal funds, the time period of the appropriation is extended to equal the availability of federal funding.

Sec. 3. POLLUTION CONTROL AGENCY

$

200,000

$200,000 in 2015 is for coordination with the state of Wisconsin and the National Park Service on comprehensive phosphorus reduction activities in the Lake St. Croix portion of the St. Croix River. The agency shall work with the St. Croix Basin Water Resources Planning Team and the St. Croix River Association in implementing the water monitoring and phosphorus reduction activities.

Sec. 4. BOARD OF WATER AND SOIL RESOURCES

$

1,400,000

$150,000 in 2015 is to collaborate with the commissioner of health and local units of government in the North and East Metro Groundwater Management Area through development or implementation of local water management plans as provided for in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 103B, 103C, 103D, and 114D, to identify strategies for groundwater protection and potential locations for infiltration projects and practices, including potential wetland restoration, enhancement, or creation that would contribute to groundwater recharge, surface water enhancement, and wellhead protection. Areas in the Mississippi River flyway, or that also provide habitat for waterfowl production, fish spawning, or other fish or wildlife habitat, should be specifically identified. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2017.

$250,000 in 2015 is to collaborate with the commissioner of health and local units of government in the Bonanza Valley Groundwater Management Area and Straight River Groundwater Management Area through development or implementation of local water management plans as provided for in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 103B, 103C, 103D, and 114D, to identify strategies for groundwater protection and potential locations for infiltration projects and practices, including potential wetland restoration, enhancement, or creation that would contribute to groundwater recharge and wellhead protection. Areas in the Mississippi River flyway, or that also provide habitat for waterfowl production, fish spawning, or other fish or wildlife habitat, should be specifically identified. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2017.

$100,000 in 2015 is for a workshop for public works professionals or other local officials that promote landscape best management practices that keep water on the land, including rain gardens, within the North and East Metro Groundwater Management Area and for grants to local units of government in the North and East Metro Groundwater Management Area to keep water on the land.

$900,000 in 2015 is added to the appropriation to the Board of Water and Soil Resources for grants in Laws 2013, chapter 137, article 2, section 7, paragraph (b).

The board may use the appropriation to update the Minnesota Public Drainage Manual and the Minnesota Public Drainage Law Overview for Decision Makers in Laws 2013, chapter 137, article 2, section 7, paragraph (e), for contracts or grants to achieve the purposes of the appropriation.

Sec. 5. METROPOLITAN COUNCIL

$

550,000

$400,000 in 2015 from the clean water fund is to develop a plan for the North and East Metro Groundwater Management Area and to predesign preferred long-term solutions to address regional water supply and sustainability issues, including enhancing surface waters, in collaboration with the commissioner of natural resources. The plan, incorporating standard engineering practices, must address construction, operation, and maintenance of infrastructure needed to implement the preferred solutions and, in consultation with the Public Facilities Authority, include recommendations for funding that would fairly allocate the costs to users and other beneficiaries. As the plan is developed, the council must meet periodically with the local water supply work group to review details of the plan. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2015.

$100,000 in 2015 from the clean water fund is to investigate, in collaboration with the Board of Water and Soil Resources and the Pollution Control Agency, the feasibility of collecting and treating storm water in the North and East Metro Groundwater Management Area to enhance surface waters and groundwater recharge.

$50,000 in 2015 from the clean water fund is to partner with the University of Minnesota's Minnesota Technical Assistance Program (MnTAP) to identify opportunities for industrial water users to reduce or reuse their water consumption within the North and East Metro Groundwater Management Area.

Sec. 6. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

$

300,000

$300,000 in 2015 from the clean water fund is to collaborate with the Board of Water and Soil Resources and local units of government in the North and East Metro Groundwater Management Area, Bonanza Valley Groundwater Management Area, and Straight River Groundwater Management Area and to update wellhead protection areas within groundwater management areas, in cooperation with the Board of Water and Soil Resources, to meet the sustainability standards of Minnesota Statutes, chapter 103G, including Minnesota Statutes, section 103G.287, subdivision 5, and to be available for the requirements of Minnesota Statutes, chapter 103H. The update should identify the most critical areas that need protecting.

Sec. 7.

REPURPOSE OF 2011 APPROPRIATION.

The remaining balance of the appropriation in Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 6, article 2, section 6, paragraph (g), to the commissioner of natural resources for shoreland stewardship, TMDL implementation coordination, providing technical assistance, and maintaining and updating data may be used for stream flow and groundwater monitoring, including the installation of additional monitoring gauges, and monitoring necessary to determine the relationship between stream flow and groundwater, and is available until June 30, 2015.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 8.

CANCELLATION OF 2009 APPROPRIATION.

The unspent balance of the appropriation to the commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency for grants under Minnesota Statutes, section 116.195, in Laws 2009, chapter 172, article 2, section 4, paragraph (c), as amended by Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 6, article 2, section 23, is canceled.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 9.

STREAM GAUGE DATA.

The commissioner of natural resources shall provide an easily accessible link to the Department of Natural Resources' and the Pollution Control Agency's cooperative stream gauging data, including lake level information for existing stations, including White Bear Lake and Turtle Lake, on the department's Web site.

ARTICLE 15

GENERAL EDUCATION

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 123A.05, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Reserve revenue.

Each district that is a member of an area learning center or alternative learning program must reserve revenue in an amount equal to the sum of (1) at least 90 and no more than 100 percent of the district average general education revenue per adjusted pupil unit minus an amount equal to the product of the formula allowance according to section 126C.10, subdivision 2, times .0485 .0466, calculated without basic skills revenue, local optional revenue, and transportation sparsity revenue, times the number of pupil units attending an area learning center or alternative learning program under this section, plus (2) the amount of basic skills revenue generated by pupils attending the area learning center or alternative learning program. The amount of reserved revenue under this subdivision may only be spent on program costs associated with the area learning center or alternative learning program.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective for revenue for fiscal year 2015 and later.

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2013 Supplement, section 123B.75, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Levy recognition.

For fiscal year 2011 2014 and later years, in June of each year, the school district must recognize as revenue, in the fund for which the levy was made, the lesser of:

(1) the sum of May, June, and July school district tax settlement revenue received in that calendar year, plus general education aid according to section 126C.13, subdivision 4, received in July and August of that calendar year; or

(2) the sum of:

(i) the greater of 48.6 percent of the referendum levy certified according to section 126C.17 in the prior calendar year, or 31 percent of the referendum levy certified according to section 126C.17 in calendar year 2000; plus

(ii) the entire amount of the levy certified in the prior calendar year according to section 124D.4531, 124D.86, subdivision 4, for school districts receiving revenue under sections 124D.86, subdivision 3, clauses (1), (2), and (3); 124D.862, for Special School District No. 1, Minneapolis, Independent School District No. 625, St. Paul, and Independent School District No. 709, Duluth; 126C.41, subdivisions 1, 2, paragraph (a), and 3, paragraphs (b), (c), and (d); 126C.43, subdivision 2; and 126C.48, subdivision 6; plus

(iii) 48.6 percent of the amount of the levy certified in the prior calendar year for the school district's general and community service funds, plus or minus auditor's adjustments, that remains after subtracting the referendum levy certified according to section 126C.17 and the amount recognized according to item (ii).

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 124D.09, subdivision 9, is amended to read:

Subd. 9.

Enrollment priority.

(a) A postsecondary institution shall give priority to its postsecondary students when enrolling 10th, 11th, and 12th grade pupils in its courses. A postsecondary institution may provide information about its programs to a secondary school or to a pupil or parent and it may advertise or otherwise recruit or solicit a secondary pupil to enroll in its programs on educational and programmatic grounds only except, notwithstanding other law to the contrary, and for the 2014-2015 through 2019-2020 school years only, an eligible postsecondary institution may advertise or otherwise recruit or solicit a secondary pupil residing in a school district with 700 students or more in grades 10, 11, and 12, to enroll in its programs on educational, programmatic, or financial grounds. An institution must not enroll secondary pupils, for postsecondary enrollment options purposes, in remedial, developmental, or other courses that are not college level except when a student eligible to participate in the graduation incentives program under section 124D.68 enrolls full time in a middle or early college program specifically designed to allow the student to earn dual high school and college credit. In this case, the student shall receive developmental college credit and not college credit for completing remedial or developmental courses. Once a pupil has been enrolled in a any postsecondary course under this section, the pupil shall not be displaced by another student.

(b) If a postsecondary institution enrolls a secondary school pupil in a course under this section, the postsecondary institution also must enroll in the same course an otherwise enrolled and qualified postsecondary student who qualifies as a veteran under section 197.447, and demonstrates to the postsecondary institution's satisfaction that the institution's established enrollment timelines were not practicable for that student.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective July 1, 2014.

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 124D.09, subdivision 13, is amended to read:

Subd. 13.

Financial arrangements.

For a pupil enrolled in a course under this section, the department must make payments according to this subdivision for courses that were taken for secondary credit.

The department must not make payments to a school district or postsecondary institution for a course taken for postsecondary credit only. The department must not make payments to a postsecondary institution for a course from which a student officially withdraws during the first 14 days of the quarter or semester or who has been absent from the postsecondary institution for the first 15 consecutive school days of the quarter or semester and is not receiving instruction in the home or hospital.

A postsecondary institution shall receive the following:

(1) for an institution granting quarter credit, the reimbursement per credit hour shall be an amount equal to 88 percent of the product of the formula allowance minus $415 $425, multiplied by 1.3 1.2, and divided by 45; or

(2) for an institution granting semester credit, the reimbursement per credit hour shall be an amount equal to 88 percent of the product of the general revenue formula allowance minus $415 $425, multiplied by 1.3 1.2, and divided by 30.

The department must pay to each postsecondary institution 100 percent of the amount in clause (1) or (2) within 30 days of receiving initial enrollment information each quarter or semester. If changes in enrollment occur during a quarter or semester, the change shall be reported by the postsecondary institution at the time the enrollment information for the succeeding quarter or semester is submitted. At any time the department notifies a postsecondary institution that an overpayment has been made, the institution shall promptly remit the amount due.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective for fiscal year 2015 and later.

Sec. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2013 Supplement, section 124D.11, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

General education revenue.

General education revenue must be paid to a charter school as though it were a district. The general education revenue for each adjusted pupil unit is the state average general education revenue per pupil unit, plus the referendum equalization aid allowance in the pupil's district of residence, minus an amount equal to the product of the formula allowance according to section 126C.10, subdivision 2, times .0466, calculated without declining enrollment revenue, local optional revenue, basic skills revenue, extended time revenue, pension adjustment revenue, transition revenue, and transportation sparsity revenue, plus declining enrollment revenue, basic skills revenue, extended time revenue, pension adjustment revenue, and transition revenue as though the school were a school district. The general education revenue for each extended time pupil unit equals $4,794.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective for revenue for fiscal year 2015 and later.

Sec. 6.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 124D.59, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

English learner.

(a) "English learner" means a pupil in kindergarten through grade 12 who meets the following requirements:

(1) the pupil, as declared by a parent or guardian first learned a language other than English, comes from a home where the language usually spoken is other than English, or usually speaks a language other than English; and

(2) the pupil is determined by a valid assessment measuring the pupil's English language proficiency and by developmentally appropriate measures, which might include observations, teacher judgment, parent recommendations, or developmentally appropriate assessment instruments, to lack the necessary English skills to participate fully in academic classes taught in English.

(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), A pupil enrolled in a Minnesota public school in grades any grade 4 through 12 who was enrolled in a Minnesota public school on the dates during in the previous school year when a commissioner provided took a commissioner-provided assessment that measures measuring the pupil's emerging academic English was administered, shall not be counted as an English learner in calculating English learner pupil units under section 126C.05, subdivision 17, and shall not generate state English learner aid under section 124D.65, subdivision 5, unless if the pupil scored below the state cutoff score or is otherwise counted as a nonproficient participant on an the assessment measuring the pupil's emerging academic English provided by the commissioner during the previous school year, or, in the judgment of the pupil's classroom teachers, consistent with section 124D.61, clause (1), the pupil is unable to demonstrate academic language proficiency in English, including oral academic language, sufficient to successfully and fully participate in the general core curriculum in the regular classroom.

(c) Notwithstanding paragraphs (a) and (b), a pupil in kindergarten through grade 12 shall not be counted as an English learner in calculating English learner pupil units under section 126C.05, subdivision 17, and shall not generate state English learner aid under section 124D.65, subdivision 5, if:

(1) the pupil is not enrolled during the current fiscal year in an educational program for English learners in accordance with under sections 124D.58 to 124D.64; or

(2) the pupil has generated five six or more years of average daily membership in Minnesota public schools since July 1, 1996.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective for revenue for fiscal year 2015 and later.

Sec. 7.

[124D.695] APPROVED RECOVERY PROGRAM FUNDING.

Subdivision 1.

Approved recovery program.

"Approved recovery program" means a course of instruction offered by a recovery school that provides academic services, assistance with recovery, and continuing care to students recovering from substance abuse or dependency. A recovery program may be offered in a transitional academic setting designed to meet graduation requirements. A recovery program must be approved by the commissioner of education. The commissioner may specify the manner and form of the application for the approval of a recovery school or recovery program.

Subd. 2.

Eligibility.

An approved recovery program is eligible for an annual recovery program grant of up to $125,000 to pay for a portion of the costs of recovery program support staff under this section. "Recovery program support staff" means licensed alcohol and chemical dependency counselors, licensed school counselors, licensed school psychologists, licensed school nurses, and licensed school social workers.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective for revenue for fiscal year 2015 and later.

Sec. 8.

Minnesota Statutes 2013 Supplement, section 126C.05, subdivision 15, is amended to read:

Subd. 15.

Learning year pupil units.

(a) When a pupil is enrolled in a learning year program under section 124D.128, an area learning center or an alternative learning program approved by the commissioner under sections 123A.05 and 123A.06, or a contract alternative program under section 124D.68, subdivision 3, paragraph (d), or subdivision 4, for more than 1,020 hours in a school year for a secondary student, more than 935 hours in a school year for an elementary student, more than 850 hours in a school year for a kindergarten student without a disability in an all-day kindergarten program, or more than 425 hours in a school year for a half-day kindergarten student without a disability, that pupil may be counted as more than one pupil in average daily membership for purposes of section 126C.10, subdivision 2a. The amount in excess of one pupil must be determined by the ratio of the number of hours of instruction provided to that pupil in excess of: (i) the greater of 1,020 hours or the number of hours required for a full-time secondary pupil in the district to 1,020 for a secondary pupil; (ii) the greater of 935 hours or the number of hours required for a full-time elementary pupil in the district to 935 for an elementary pupil in grades 1 through 6; and (iii) the greater of 425 850 hours or the number of hours required for a full-time kindergarten student without a disability in the district to 425 850 for a kindergarten student without a disability; and (iv) the greater of 425 hours or the number of hours required for a half-time kindergarten student without a disability in the district to 425 for a half-day kindergarten student without a disability. Hours that occur after the close of the instructional year in June shall be attributable to the following fiscal year. A student in kindergarten or grades 1 through 12 must not be counted as more than 1.2 pupils in average daily membership under this subdivision.

(b)(i) To receive general education revenue for a pupil in an area learning center or alternative learning program that has an independent study component, a district must meet the requirements in this paragraph. The district must develop, for the pupil, a continual learning plan consistent with section 124D.128, subdivision 3. Each school district that has an area learning center or alternative learning program must reserve revenue in an amount equal to at least 90 and not more than 100 percent of the district average general education revenue per pupil unit, minus an amount equal to the product of the formula allowance according to section 126C.10, subdivision 2, times .0466, calculated without basic skills revenue, local optional revenue, and transportation sparsity revenue, times the number of pupil units generated by students attending an area learning center or alternative learning program. The amount of reserved revenue available under this subdivision may only be spent for program costs associated with the area learning center or alternative learning program. Basic skills revenue generated according to section 126C.10, subdivision 4, by pupils attending the eligible program must be allocated to the program.

(ii) General education revenue for a pupil in a state-approved alternative program without an independent study component must be prorated for a pupil participating for less than a full year, or its equivalent. The district must develop a continual learning plan for the pupil, consistent with section 124D.128, subdivision 3. Each school district that has an area learning center or alternative learning program must reserve revenue in an amount equal to at least 90 and not more than 100 percent of the district average general education revenue per pupil unit, minus an amount equal to the product of the formula allowance according to section 126C.10, subdivision 2, times .0466, calculated without basic skills revenue, local optional revenue, and transportation sparsity revenue, times the number of pupil units generated by students attending an area learning center or alternative learning program. The amount of reserved revenue available under this subdivision may only be spent for program costs associated with the area learning center or alternative learning program. Basic skills revenue generated according to section 126C.10, subdivision 4, by pupils attending the eligible program must be allocated to the program.

(iii) General education revenue for a pupil in a state-approved alternative program that has an independent study component must be paid for each hour of teacher contact time and each hour of independent study time completed toward a credit or graduation standards necessary for graduation. Average daily membership for a pupil shall equal the number of hours of teacher contact time and independent study time divided by 1,020.

(iv) For a state-approved alternative program having an independent study component, the commissioner shall require a description of the courses in the program, the kinds of independent study involved, the expected learning outcomes of the courses, and the means of measuring student performance against the expected outcomes.

Sec. 9.

Minnesota Statutes 2013 Supplement, section 126C.10, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Basic revenue.

For fiscal year 2014, the basic revenue for each district equals the formula allowance times the adjusted marginal cost pupil units for the school year. For fiscal year 2015 and later, the basic revenue for each district equals the formula allowance times the adjusted pupil units for the school year. The formula allowance for fiscal year 2013 is $5,224. The formula allowance for fiscal year 2014 is $5,302. The formula allowance for fiscal year 2015 and later is $5,806 $5,831.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective for revenue for fiscal year 2015 and later.

Sec. 10.

Minnesota Statutes 2013 Supplement, section 126C.10, subdivision 2a, is amended to read:

Subd. 2a.

Extended time revenue.

(a) A school district's extended time revenue for fiscal year 2014 is equal to the product of $4,601 and the sum of the adjusted marginal cost pupil units of the district for each pupil in average daily membership in excess of 1.0 and less than 1.2 according to section 126C.05, subdivision 8. A school district's extended time revenue for fiscal year 2015 and later is equal to the product of $5,017 and the sum of the adjusted pupil units of the district for each pupil in average daily membership in excess of 1.0 and less than 1.2 according to section 126C.05, subdivision 8.

(b) A school district's extended time revenue may be used for extended day programs, extended week programs, summer school, and other programming authorized under the learning year program.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective the day following final enactment and applies to revenue for fiscal year 2014 and later.

Sec. 11.

Minnesota Statutes 2013 Supplement, section 126C.10, subdivision 2c, is amended to read:

Subd. 2c.

Small schools revenue.

(a) A school district, not including a charter school, is eligible for small schools revenue equal to the greater of the calculation under paragraph (b) or (d).

(b) The product of:

(1) $544;

(2) the district's adjusted pupil units for that year; and

(3) the greater of zero or the ratio of (i) 960 less the district's adjusted pupil units for that year, to (ii) 960.

(c) For the purpose of revenue calculated under paragraph (d), "district" includes a qualifying high school under subdivision 6 that is located in a district with more than one qualifying high school under subdivision 6 at least two high schools.

(d) The product of:

(1) $544;

(2) the district's adjusted pupil units for that year; and

(3) the greater of zero or the ratio of (i) 960 less the district's adjusted pupil units for that year, to (ii) 960.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective for revenue in fiscal year 2015 and later.

Sec. 12.

Minnesota Statutes 2013 Supplement, section 126C.10, subdivision 24, is amended to read:

Subd. 24.

Equity revenue.

(a) A school district qualifies for equity revenue if:

(1) the school district's adjusted pupil unit amount of basic revenue, transition revenue, and referendum revenue is less than the value of the school district at or immediately above the 95th percentile of school districts in its equity region for those revenue categories; and

(2) the school district's administrative offices are not located in a city of the first class on July 1, 1999.

(b) Equity revenue for a qualifying district that receives referendum revenue under section 126C.17, subdivision 4, equals the product of (1) the district's adjusted pupil units for that year; times (2) the sum of (i) $14, plus (ii) $80, times the school district's equity index computed under subdivision 27.

(c) Equity revenue for a qualifying district that does not receive referendum revenue under section 126C.17, subdivision 4, equals the product of the district's adjusted pupil units for that year times $14.

(d) A school district's equity revenue is increased by the greater of zero or an amount equal to the district's resident adjusted pupil units times the difference between ten percent of the statewide average amount of referendum revenue per resident adjusted pupil unit for that year and the district's referendum revenue per resident adjusted pupil unit. A school district's revenue under this paragraph must not exceed $100,000 for that year.

(e) A school district's equity revenue for a school district located in the metro equity region equals the amount computed in paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) multiplied by 1.25.

(f) A school district's additional equity revenue equals $50 times its adjusted pupil units.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

The changes in paragraph (d) are effective for revenue for fiscal year 2015 and later.

Sec. 13.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 126C.10, subdivision 25, is amended to read:

Subd. 25.

Regional equity gap.

The regional equity gap equals the difference between the value of the school district at or immediately above the fifth percentile of adjusted general revenue per adjusted marginal cost pupil unit and the value of the school district at or immediately above the 95th percentile of adjusted general revenue per adjusted marginal cost pupil unit.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective for revenue for fiscal year 2015 and later.

Sec. 14.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 126C.10, subdivision 26, is amended to read:

Subd. 26.

District equity gap.

A district's equity gap equals the greater of zero or the difference between the district's adjusted general revenue and the value of the school district at or immediately above the regional 95th percentile of adjusted general revenue per adjusted marginal cost pupil unit.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective for revenue for fiscal year 2015 and later.

Sec. 15.

Minnesota Statutes 2013 Supplement, section 126C.10, subdivision 31, is amended to read:

Subd. 31.

Transition revenue.

(a) A district's transition allowance equals the sum of the transition revenue the district would have received for fiscal year 2015 under Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 126C.10, subdivisions 31, 31a, and 31c, and the greater of zero or the difference between:

(1) the sum of:

(i) the general education revenue the district would have received for fiscal year 2015 according to Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 126C.10;

(ii) the integration revenue the district received for fiscal year 2013 under Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 124D.86;

(iii) the pension adjustment the district would have received for fiscal year 2015 under Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 127A.50;

(iv) the special education aid the district would have received for fiscal year 2015 under Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 125A.76; and

(v) the special education excess cost aid the district would have received for fiscal year 2015 under Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 125A.79; and

(2) the sum of the district's:

(i) general education revenue for fiscal year 2015 excluding transition revenue under this section;

(ii) achievement and integration revenue for fiscal year 2015 under section 124D.862; and

(iii) special education aid for fiscal year 2015 under section 125A.76; and

(iv) alternative teacher compensation revenue for fiscal year 2015 under section 122A.415,

divided by the number of adjusted pupil units for fiscal year 2015.

(b) A district's transition revenue for fiscal year 2015 and later equals the product of the district's transition allowance times the district's adjusted pupil units.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective for revenue for fiscal year 2015 and later.

Sec. 16.

Minnesota Statutes 2013 Supplement, section 126C.17, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6.

Referendum equalization levy.

(a) For fiscal year 2003 and later, A district's referendum equalization levy equals the sum of the first tier referendum equalization levy, the second tier referendum equalization levy, and the third tier referendum equalization levy.

(b) A district's first tier referendum equalization levy equals the district's first tier referendum equalization revenue times the lesser of one or the ratio of the district's referendum market value per resident pupil unit to $880,000.

(c) A district's second tier referendum equalization levy equals the district's second tier referendum equalization revenue times the lesser of one or the ratio of the district's referendum market value per resident pupil unit to $510,000.

(d) A district's third tier referendum equalization levy equals the district's third tier referendum equalization revenue times the lesser of one or the ratio of the district's referendum market value per resident pupil unit to $290,000.

Sec. 17.

Minnesota Statutes 2013 Supplement, section 126C.17, subdivision 7b, is amended to read:

Subd. 7b.

Referendum aid guarantee.

(a) Notwithstanding subdivision 7, the sum of a district's referendum equalization aid and location equity aid under section 126C.10, subdivision 2e, for fiscal year 2015 must not be less than the sum of the referendum equalization aid the district would have received for fiscal year 2015 under Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 126C.17, subdivision 7, and the adjustment the district would have received under Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 127A.47, subdivision 7, paragraphs (a), (b), and (c).

(b) Notwithstanding subdivision 7, the sum of referendum equalization aid and location equity aid under section 126C.10, subdivision 2e, for fiscal year 2016 and later, for a district qualifying for additional aid under paragraph (a) for fiscal year 2015, must not be less than the product of (1) the district's referendum equalization aid for fiscal year 2015, times (2) the lesser of one or the ratio of the district's referendum revenue for that school year to the district's referendum revenue for fiscal year 2015, times (3) the lesser of one or the ratio of the district's referendum market value used for fiscal year 2015 referendum equalization calculations to the district's referendum market value used for that year's referendum equalization calculations.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective for revenue for fiscal year 2015 and later.

Sec. 18.

Minnesota Statutes 2013 Supplement, section 126C.17, subdivision 9, is amended to read:

Subd. 9.

Referendum revenue.

(a) The revenue authorized by section 126C.10, subdivision 1, may be increased in the amount approved by the voters of the district at a referendum called for the purpose. The referendum may be called by the board. The referendum must be conducted one or two calendar years before the increased levy authority, if approved, first becomes payable. Only one election to approve an increase may be held in a calendar year. Unless the referendum is conducted by mail under subdivision 11, paragraph (a), the referendum must be held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. The ballot must state the maximum amount of the increased revenue per adjusted pupil unit. The ballot may state a schedule, determined by the board, of increased revenue per adjusted pupil unit that differs from year to year over the number of years for which the increased revenue is authorized or may state that the amount shall increase annually by the rate of inflation. For this purpose, the rate of inflation shall be the annual inflationary increase calculated under subdivision 2, paragraph (b). The ballot may state that existing referendum levy authority is expiring. In this case, the ballot may also compare the proposed levy authority to the existing expiring levy authority, and express the proposed increase as the amount, if any, over the expiring referendum levy authority. The ballot must designate the specific number of years, not to exceed ten, for which the referendum authorization applies. The ballot, including a ballot on the question to revoke or reduce the increased revenue amount under paragraph (c), must abbreviate the term "per adjusted pupil unit" as "per pupil." The notice required under section 275.60 may be modified to read, in cases of renewing existing levies at the same amount per pupil as in the previous year:

"BY VOTING "YES" ON THIS BALLOT QUESTION, YOU ARE VOTING TO EXTEND AN EXISTING PROPERTY TAX REFERENDUM THAT IS SCHEDULED TO EXPIRE."

The ballot may contain a textual portion with the information required in this subdivision and a question stating substantially the following:

"Shall the increase in the revenue proposed by (petition to) the board of ........., School District No. .., be approved?"

If approved, an amount equal to the approved revenue per adjusted pupil unit times the adjusted pupil units for the school year beginning in the year after the levy is certified shall be authorized for certification for the number of years approved, if applicable, or until revoked or reduced by the voters of the district at a subsequent referendum.

(b) The board must prepare and deliver by first class mail at least 15 days but no more than 30 days before the day of the referendum to each taxpayer a notice of the referendum and the proposed revenue increase. The board need not mail more than one notice to any taxpayer. For the purpose of giving mailed notice under this subdivision, owners must be those shown to be owners on the records of the county auditor or, in any county where tax statements are mailed by the county treasurer, on the records of the county treasurer. Every property owner whose name does not appear on the records of the county auditor or the county treasurer is deemed to have waived this mailed notice unless the owner has requested in writing that the county auditor or county treasurer, as the case may be, include the name on the records for this purpose. The notice must project the anticipated amount of tax increase in annual dollars for typical residential homesteads, agricultural homesteads, apartments, and commercial-industrial property within the school district.

The notice for a referendum may state that an existing referendum levy is expiring and project the anticipated amount of increase over the existing referendum levy in the first year, if any, in annual dollars for typical residential homesteads, agricultural homesteads, apartments, and commercial-industrial property within the district.

The notice must include the following statement: "Passage of this referendum will result in an increase in your property taxes." However, in cases of renewing existing levies, the notice may include the following statement: "Passage of this referendum extends an existing operating referendum at the same amount per pupil as in the previous year."

(c) A referendum on the question of revoking or reducing the increased revenue amount authorized pursuant to paragraph (a) may be called by the board. A referendum to revoke or reduce the revenue amount must state the amount per resident marginal cost adjusted pupil unit by which the authority is to be reduced. Revenue authority approved by the voters of the district pursuant to paragraph (a) must be available to the school district at least once before it is subject to a referendum on its revocation or reduction for subsequent years. Only one revocation or reduction referendum may be held to revoke or reduce referendum revenue for any specific year and for years thereafter.

(d) The approval of 50 percent plus one of those voting on the question is required to pass a referendum authorized by this subdivision.

(e) At least 15 days before the day of the referendum, the district must submit a copy of the notice required under paragraph (b) to the commissioner and to the county auditor of each county in which the district is located. Within 15 days after the results of the referendum have been certified by the board, or in the case of a recount, the certification of the results of the recount by the canvassing board, the district must notify the commissioner of the results of the referendum.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective for revenue for fiscal year 2015 and later.

Sec. 19.

Minnesota Statutes 2013 Supplement, section 126C.17, subdivision 9a, is amended to read:

Subd. 9a.

Board-approved referendum allowance.

Notwithstanding subdivision 9, a school district may convert up to $300 per adjusted pupil unit of referendum authority from voter approved to board approved by a board vote. A district with less than $300 per adjusted pupil unit of referendum authority after the local optional revenue subtraction under subdivision 1 may authorize new referendum authority up to the difference between $300 per adjusted pupil unit and the district's referendum authority. The board may authorize this levy for up to five years and may subsequently reauthorize that authority in increments of up to five years.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective for revenue for fiscal year 2015 and later.

Sec. 20.

Minnesota Statutes 2013 Supplement, section 126C.44, is amended to read:

126C.44 SAFE SCHOOLS LEVY.

(a) Each district may make a levy on all taxable property located within the district for the purposes specified in this section. The maximum amount which may be levied for all costs under this section shall be equal to $36 multiplied by the district's adjusted pupil units for the school year. The proceeds of the levy must be reserved and used for directly funding the following purposes or for reimbursing the cities and counties who contract with the district for the following purposes:

(1) to pay the costs incurred for the salaries, benefits, and transportation costs of peace officers and sheriffs for liaison in services in the district's schools;

(2) to pay the costs for a drug abuse prevention program as defined in section 609.101, subdivision 3, paragraph (e), in the elementary schools;

(3) to pay the costs for a gang resistance education training curriculum in the district's schools;

(4) to pay the costs for security in the district's schools and on school property;

(5) to pay the costs for other crime prevention, drug abuse, student and staff safety, voluntary opt-in suicide prevention tools, and violence prevention measures taken by the school district;

(6) to pay costs for licensed school counselors, licensed school nurses, licensed school social workers, licensed school psychologists, and licensed alcohol and chemical dependency counselors to help provide early responses to problems;

(7) to pay for facility security enhancements including laminated glass, public announcement systems, emergency communications devices, and equipment and facility modifications related to violence prevention and facility security;

(8) to pay for costs associated with improving the school climate; or

(9) to pay costs for colocating and collaborating with mental health professionals who are not district employees or contractors.

(b) For expenditures under paragraph (a), clause (1), the district must initially attempt to contract for services to be provided by peace officers or sheriffs with the police department of each city or the sheriff's department of the county within the district containing the school receiving the services. If a local police department or a county sheriff's department does not wish to provide the necessary services, the district may contract for these services with any other police or sheriff's department located entirely or partially within the school district's boundaries.

(c) A school district that is a member of an intermediate school district may include in its authority under this section the costs associated with safe schools activities authorized under paragraph (a) for intermediate school district programs. This authority must not exceed $10 $15 times the adjusted marginal cost pupil units of the member districts. This authority is in addition to any other authority authorized under this section. Revenue raised under this paragraph must be transferred to the intermediate school district.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective for taxes payable in 2015 and later.

Sec. 21.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 127A.45, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Definitions.

(a) "Other district receipts" means payments by county treasurers pursuant to section 276.10, apportionments from the school endowment fund pursuant to section 127A.33, apportionments by the county auditor pursuant to section 127A.34, subdivision 2, and payments to school districts by the commissioner of revenue pursuant to chapter 298.

(b) "Cumulative amount guaranteed" means the product of

(1) the cumulative disbursement percentage shown in subdivision 3; times

(2) the sum of

(i) the current year aid payment percentage of the estimated aid and credit entitlements paid according to subdivision 13; plus

(ii) 100 percent of the entitlements paid according to subdivisions 11 and 12; plus

(iii) the other district receipts.

(c) "Payment date" means the date on which state payments to districts are made by the electronic funds transfer method. If a payment date falls on a Saturday, a Sunday, or a weekday which is a legal holiday, the payment shall be made on the immediately preceding business day. The commissioner may make payments on dates other than those listed in subdivision 3, but only for portions of payments from any preceding payment dates which could not be processed by the electronic funds transfer method due to documented extenuating circumstances.

(d) The current year aid payment percentage equals 73 in fiscal year 2010 and 70 in fiscal year 2011, and 60 in fiscal years 2012 and later 90.

Sec. 22.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 127A.45, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Payment dates and percentages.

(a) The commissioner shall pay to a district on the dates indicated an amount computed as follows: the cumulative amount guaranteed minus the sum of (1) the district's other district receipts through the current payment, and (2) the aid and credit payments through the immediately preceding payment. For purposes of this computation, the payment dates and the cumulative disbursement percentages are as follows:

	Payment date	Percentage
Payment 1	July 15:	5.5
Payment 2	July 30:	8.0
Payment 3	August 15:	17.5
Payment 4	August 30:	20.0
Payment 5	September 15:	22.5
Payment 6	September 30:	25.0
Payment 7	October 15:	27.0
Payment 8	October 30:	30.0
Payment 9	November 15:	32.5
Payment 10	November 30:	36.5
Payment 11	December 15:	42.0
Payment 12	December 30:	45.0
Payment 13	January 15:	50.0
Payment 14	January 30:	54.0
Payment 15	February 15:	58.0
Payment 16	February 28:	63.0
Payment 17	March 15:	68.0
Payment 18	March 30:	74.0
Payment 19	April 15:	78.0
Payment 20	April 30:	85.0
Payment 21	May 15:	90.0
Payment 22	May 30:	95.0
Payment 23	June 20:	100.0

(b) In addition to the amounts paid under paragraph (a), the commissioner shall pay to a school district or charter school on the dates indicated an amount computed as follows:

Payment 3	August 15: the final adjustment for the prior fiscal year for the state paid property tax credits established in section 273.1392
Payment 4	August 30: 30 percent of the final adjustment for the prior fiscal year for all aid entitlements except state paid property tax credits
Payment 6	September 30: 40 percent of the final adjustment for the prior fiscal year for all aid entitlements except state paid property tax credits
Payment 8	October 30: 30 percent of the final adjustment for the prior fiscal year for all aid entitlements except state paid property tax credits

(c) Notwithstanding paragraph (b), if the current year aid payment percentage under subdivision 2, paragraph (d), is less than 90, in addition to the amounts paid under paragraph (a), the commissioner shall pay to a charter school on the dates indicated an amount computed as follows:

Payment 1	July 15: 75 percent of the final adjustment for the prior fiscal year for all aid entitlements
Payment 8	October 30: 25 percent of the final adjustment for the prior fiscal year for all aid entitlements

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective July 1, 2015.

Sec. 23.

Minnesota Statutes 2013 Supplement, section 127A.47, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Subd. 7.

Alternative attendance programs.

(a) The general education aid and special education aid for districts must be adjusted for each pupil attending a nonresident district under sections 123A.05 to 123A.08, 124D.03, 124D.08, and 124D.68. The adjustments must be made according to this subdivision.

(b) For purposes of this subdivision, the "unreimbursed cost of providing special education and services" means the difference between: (1) the actual cost of providing special instruction and services, including special transportation and unreimbursed building lease and debt service costs for facilities used primarily for special education, for a pupil with a disability, as defined in section 125A.02, or a pupil, as defined in section 125A.51, who is enrolled in a program listed in this subdivision, minus (2) if the pupil receives special instruction and services outside the regular classroom for more than 60 percent of the school day, the amount of general education revenue and referendum equalization aid as defined in section 125A.11, subdivision 1, paragraph (c), attributable to that pupil for the portion of time the pupil receives special instruction and services outside of the regular classroom, excluding portions attributable to district and school administration, district support services, operations and maintenance, capital expenditures, and pupil transportation, minus (3) special education aid under section 125A.76 attributable to that pupil, that is received by the district providing special instruction and services. For purposes of this paragraph, general education revenue and referendum equalization aid attributable to a pupil must be calculated using the serving district's average general education revenue and referendum equalization aid per adjusted pupil unit.

(c) For fiscal year 2015 and later, special education aid paid to a resident district must be reduced by an amount equal to 90 percent of the unreimbursed cost of providing special education and services.

(d) Notwithstanding paragraph (c), special education aid paid to a resident district must be reduced by an amount equal to 100 percent of the unreimbursed cost of special education and services provided to students at an intermediate district, cooperative, or charter school where the percent of students eligible for special education services is at least 70 percent of the charter school's total enrollment.

(e) Special education aid paid to the district or cooperative providing special instruction and services for the pupil, or to the fiscal agent district for a cooperative, must be increased by the amount of the reduction in the aid paid to the resident district under paragraphs (c) and (d). If the resident district's special education aid is insufficient to make the full adjustment, the remaining adjustment shall be made to other state aids due to the district.

(f) An area learning center operated by a service cooperative, intermediate district, education district, or a joint powers cooperative may elect through the action of the constituent boards to charge the resident district tuition for pupils rather than to have the general education revenue paid to a fiscal agent school district. Except as provided in paragraph (e), the district of residence must pay tuition equal to at least 90 and no more than 100 percent of the district average general education revenue per pupil unit minus an amount equal to the product of the formula allowance according to section 126C.10, subdivision 2, times .0466, calculated without compensatory revenue, local optional revenue, and transportation sparsity revenue, times the number of pupil units for pupils attending the area learning center.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective for revenue for fiscal year 2015 and later.

Sec. 24.

Laws 2012, chapter 263, section 1, is amended to read:

Section 1.

INNOVATIVE DELIVERY OF EDUCATION SERVICES AND SHARING OF DISTRICT RESOURCES; PILOT PROJECT.

Subdivision 1.

Establishment; requirements for participation.

(a) A five-year pilot project for the 2013-2014 through 2017-2018 school years is established to improve student and school outcomes by allowing groups of school districts to work together to provide innovative education programs and activities and share district resources. The pilot project may last until June 30, 2018, or for up to five years, whichever is less, except that innovation partnerships formed during the period of the pilot project may continue past June 30, 2018, with the agreement of the partnership members.

(b) To participate in this pilot project to improve student and school outcomes, a group of two or more school districts must collaborate with school staff and receive formal school board approval to form a partnership. The partnership must develop a plan to provide challenging programmatic options for students, create professional development opportunities for educators, increase student engagement and connection and challenging learning opportunities for students, or demonstrate efficiencies in delivering financial and other services. The plan must establish:

(1) collaborative educational goals and objectives;

(2) strategies and processes to implement those goals and objectives, including a budget process with periodic expenditure reviews;

(3) valid and reliable measures to evaluate progress in realizing the goals and objectives;

(4) an implementation timeline; and

(5) other applicable conditions, regulations, responsibilities, duties, provisions, fee schedules, and legal considerations needed to fully implement the plan.

A partnership may invite additional districts to join the partnership during the pilot project term after notifying the commissioner.

(c) A partnership of interested districts must apply by February 1, 2013, of any year to the education commissioner in the form and manner the commissioner determines, consistent with this section. The application must contain the formal approval adopted by the school board in each district to participate in the plan.

(d) Notwithstanding other law to the contrary, a participating school district under this section continues to: receive revenue and maintain its taxation authority; be organized and governed by an elected school board with general powers under Minnesota Statutes, section 123B.02; and be subject to employment agreements under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 122A, and Minnesota Statutes, section 179A.20; and district employees continue to remain employees of the employing school district.

Subd. 2.

Commissioner's role.

Interested groups of school districts must submit a completed application to the commissioner by March 1, 2013, of any year in the form and manner determined by the commissioner. The education commissioner must convene an advisory panel composed of a teacher appointed by Education Minnesota, a school principal appointed by the Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals, a school board member appointed by the Minnesota School Boards Association, and a school superintendent appointed by the Minnesota Association of School Administrators to advise the commissioner on applicants' qualifications to participate in this pilot project. The commissioner must select between three and may select up to six qualified applicants under subdivision 1 by April 1, 2013, of any year to participate in this pilot project, ensuring an equitable geographical distribution of project participants to the extent practicable. The commissioner must select only those applicants that fully comply with the requirements in subdivision 1. The commissioner must terminate a project participant that fails to effectively implement the goals and objectives contained in its application and according to its stated timeline.

Subd. 3.

Pilot project evaluation.

Participating school districts must submit pilot project data to the commissioner in the form and manner determined by the commissioner. The education commissioner must analyze participating districts' progress in realizing their educational goals and objectives to work together in providing innovative education programs and activities and sharing resources. The commissioner must include the analysis of best practices in a report to the legislative committees with jurisdiction over kindergarten through grade 12 education finance and policy on the efficacy of this pilot project. The commissioner may shall submit an interim project report at any time by February 1, 2016, and must submit a final report to the legislature by February 1, 2018 2019, recommending whether or not to continue or expand the pilot project.

Sec. 25.

Laws 2012, chapter 263, section 1, the effective date, is amended to read:

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective the day following final enactment and applies to the 2013-2014 through 2017-2018 school years.

Sec. 26.

Laws 2013, chapter 116, article 1, section 58, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

General education aid.

For general education aid under Minnesota Statutes, section 126C.13, subdivision 4:

	$	6,051,766,000 6,851,419,000	.....	2014
	$	6,370,640,000 6,464,199,000	.....	2015

The 2014 appropriation includes $781,842,000 $780,156,000 for 2013 and $5,269,924,000 $6,071,263,000 for 2014.

The 2015 appropriation includes $823,040,000 $589,095,000 for 2014 and $5,547,600,000 $5,875,104,000 for 2015.

Sec. 27.

Laws 2013, chapter 116, article 1, section 58, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6.

Nonpublic pupil education aid.

For nonpublic pupil education aid under Minnesota Statutes, sections 123B.40 to 123B.43 and 123B.87:

	$	15,582,000 15,867,000	.....	2014
	$	16,169,000 16,132,000	.....	2015

The 2014 appropriation includes $2,099,000 $1,898,000 for 2013 and $13,483,000 $13,969,000 for 2014.

The 2015 appropriation includes $2,122,000 $1,552,000 for 2014 and $14,047,000 $14,580,000 for 2015.

Sec. 28.

Laws 2013, chapter 116, article 1, section 58, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Subd. 7.

Nonpublic pupil transportation.

For nonpublic pupil transportation aid under Minnesota Statutes, section 123B.92, subdivision 9:

	$	18,565,000 18,500,000	.....	2014
	$	18,946,000 17,710,000	.....	2015

The 2014 appropriation includes $2,668,000 $2,602,000 for 2013 and $15,897,000 $15,898,000 for 2014.

The 2015 appropriation includes $2,502,000 $1,766,000 for 2014 and $16,444,000 $15,944,000 for 2015.

Sec. 29.

APPROPRIATIONS.

Subdivision 1.

Department of Education.

The sums indicated in this section are appropriated from the general fund to the Department of Education for the fiscal years designated.

Subd. 2.

Recovery program grants.

For recovery program grants under Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.695:

$

500,000

.....

2015

Sec. 30.

REVISOR'S INSTRUCTION.

In Minnesota Statutes, the revisor of statutes shall change the term "location equity" to "local optional."

Sec. 31.

REPEALER.

The amendments to Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.09, subdivision 9, made by Laws 2014, chapter 272, article 3, section 32, if enacted, are repealed the day following final enactment.

ARTICLE 16

EDUCATION EXCELLENCE

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 13.43, subdivision 16, is amended to read:

Subd. 16.

School district or charter school disclosure of violence or inappropriate sexual contact.

The superintendent of a school district or the superintendent's designee, or a person having administrative control of a charter school, must release to a requesting school district or charter school private personnel data on a current or former employee related to acts of violence toward or sexual contact with a student, if:

(1) an investigation conducted by or on behalf of the school district or law enforcement affirmed the allegations in writing prior to release and the investigation resulted in the resignation of the subject of the data; or

(2) the employee resigned while a complaint or charge involving the allegations was pending, the allegations involved acts of sexual contact with a student, and the employer informed the employee in writing, before the employee resigned, that if the employee resigns while the complaint or charge is still pending, the employer must release private personnel data about the employee's alleged sexual contact with a student to a school district or charter school requesting the data after the employee applies for employment with that school district or charter school and the data remain classified as provided in chapter 13.

Data that are released under this subdivision must not include data on the student.

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 122A.40, subdivision 13, is amended to read:

Subd. 13.

Immediate discharge.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (b), a board may discharge a continuing-contract teacher, effective immediately, upon any of the following grounds:

(1) immoral conduct, insubordination, or conviction of a felony;

(2) conduct unbecoming a teacher which requires the immediate removal of the teacher from classroom or other duties;

(3) failure without justifiable cause to teach without first securing the written release of the school board;

(4) gross inefficiency which the teacher has failed to correct after reasonable written notice;

(5) willful neglect of duty; or

(6) continuing physical or mental disability subsequent to a 12 months leave of absence and inability to qualify for reinstatement in accordance with subdivision 12.

For purposes of this paragraph, conduct unbecoming a teacher includes an unfair discriminatory practice described in section 363A.13.

Prior to discharging a teacher under this paragraph, the board must notify the teacher in writing and state its ground for the proposed discharge in reasonable detail. Within ten days after receipt of this notification the teacher may make a written request for a hearing before the board and it shall be granted before final action is taken. The board may suspend a teacher with pay pending the conclusion of the hearing and determination of the issues raised in the hearing after charges have been filed which constitute ground for discharge. If a teacher has been charged with a felony and the underlying conduct that is the subject of the felony charge is a ground for a proposed immediate discharge, the suspension pending the conclusion of the hearing and determination of the issues may be without pay. If a hearing under this paragraph is held, the board must reimburse the teacher for any salary or compensation withheld if the final decision of the board or the arbitrator does not result in a penalty to or suspension, termination, or discharge of the teacher.

(b) A board must discharge a continuing-contract teacher, effective immediately, upon receipt of notice under section 122A.20, subdivision 1, paragraph (b), that the teacher's license has been revoked due to a conviction for child abuse or sexual abuse.

(c) When a teacher is discharged under paragraph (b) or when the commissioner makes a final determination of child maltreatment involving a teacher under section 626.556, subdivision 11, the school principal or other person having administrative control of the school must include in the teacher's employment record the information contained in the record of the disciplinary action or the final maltreatment determination, consistent with the definition of public data under section 13.41, subdivision 5, and must provide the Board of Teaching and the licensing division at the department with the necessary and relevant information to enable the Board of Teaching and the department's licensing division to fulfill their statutory and administrative duties related to issuing, renewing, suspending, or revoking a teacher's license. Information received by the Board of Teaching or the licensing division at the department under this paragraph is governed by section 13.41 or other applicable law governing data of the receiving entity. In addition to the background check required under section 123B.03, a school board or other school hiring authority must contact the Board of Teaching and the department to determine whether the teacher's license has been suspended or revoked, consistent with the discharge and final maltreatment determinations identified in this paragraph. Unless restricted by federal or state data practices law or by the terms of a collective bargaining agreement, the responsible authority for a school district must disseminate to another school district private personnel data on a current or former teacher employee or contractor of the district, including the results of background investigations, if the requesting school district seeks the information because the subject of the data has applied for employment with the requesting school district.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 122A.41, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6.

Grounds for discharge or demotion.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (b), causes for the discharge or demotion of a teacher either during or after the probationary period must be:

(1) immoral character, conduct unbecoming a teacher, or insubordination;

(2) failure without justifiable cause to teach without first securing the written release of the school board having the care, management, or control of the school in which the teacher is employed;

(3) inefficiency in teaching or in the management of a school, consistent with subdivision 5, paragraph (b);

(4) affliction with active tuberculosis or other communicable disease must be considered as cause for removal or suspension while the teacher is suffering from such disability; or

(5) discontinuance of position or lack of pupils.

For purposes of this paragraph, conduct unbecoming a teacher includes an unfair discriminatory practice described in section 363A.13.

(b) A probationary or continuing-contract teacher must be discharged immediately upon receipt of notice under section 122A.20, subdivision 1, paragraph (b), that the teacher's license has been revoked due to a conviction for child abuse or sexual abuse.

(c) When a teacher is discharged under paragraph (b) or when the commissioner makes a final determination of child maltreatment involving a teacher under section 626.556, subdivision 11, the school principal or other person having administrative control of the school must include in the teacher's employment record the information contained in the record of the disciplinary action or the final maltreatment determination, consistent with the definition of public data under section 13.41, subdivision 5, and must provide the Board of Teaching and the licensing division at the department with the necessary and relevant information to enable the Board of Teaching and the department's licensing division to fulfill their statutory and administrative duties related to issuing, renewing, suspending, or revoking a teacher's license. Information received by the Board of Teaching or the licensing division at the department under this paragraph is governed by section 13.41 or other applicable law governing data of the receiving entity. In addition to the background check required under section 123B.03, a school board or other school hiring authority must contact the Board of Teaching and the department to determine whether the teacher's license has been suspended or revoked, consistent with the discharge and final maltreatment determinations identified in this paragraph. Unless restricted by federal or state data practices law or by the terms of a collective bargaining agreement, the responsible authority for a school district must disseminate to another school district private personnel data on a current or former teacher employee or contractor of the district, including the results of background investigations, if the requesting school district seeks the information because the subject o