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

CHAPTER 28--S.F.No. 958

An act

relating to agriculture; making various technical and policy changes and additions to various agriculture-related provisions, including provisions related to agricultural programs, grants, pesticides, farmed Cervidae, loan programs, food handlers, and food; providing exemptions; modifying Board of Animal Health membership; extending the Farmer-Lender Mediation Act; specifying that certified emergency medical personnel may provide emergency medical care to police dogs without a license to practice veterinary medicine; requiring reports;

amending Minnesota Statutes 2020, sections 3.737, by adding a subdivision; 15.057; 17.1017, subdivision 6; 17.116, subdivision 2; 18B.33, subdivision 1; 28A.152, subdivisions 1, 3, 4, 5; 35.02, subdivision 1; 35.155, subdivisions 5, 11; 41A.16, subdivisions 5, 6; 41A.17, subdivisions 4, 5; 41A.18, subdivision 5; 41B.048, subdivisions 2, 4, 6; 156.12, subdivision 2; 583.215; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 25; 28A; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 41B.048, subdivision 8.

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

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 3.737, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin Report. new text end

new text begin The commissioner must submit a report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the house of representatives and senate committees and divisions with jurisdiction over agriculture and environment and natural resources by December 15 each year. The report must include: new text end

new text begin (1) all payments made under this section, by county and statewide, in the previous five fiscal years; new text end

new text begin (2) the program's total revenue by funding source including state appropriations; and new text end

new text begin (3) how each revenue source is used in expenditures including administrative costs used to carry out this section. new text end

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 15.057, is amended to read:

15.057 PUBLICITY REPRESENTATIVES.

No state department, bureau, or division, whether the same operates on funds appropriated or receipts or fees of any nature whatsoever, except the Department of Transportation, the Department of Employment and Economic Development, new text begin the Department of Agriculture, new text end the Game and Fish Division, State Agricultural Society, and Explore Minnesota Tourism shall use any of such funds for the payment of the salary or expenses of a publicity representative. new text begin The publicity representative for the Department of Agriculture must not be an elected official or candidate for public office. new text end The head of any such department, bureau, or division shall be personally liable for funds used contrary to this provision. This section shall not be construed, however, as preventing any such department, bureau, or division from sending out any bulletins or other publicity required by any state law or necessary for the satisfactory conduct of the business for which such department, bureau, or division was created.

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 17.1017, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6.

Qualifications for receipt of financing and other financial or technical assistance.

(a) An applicant for receipt of financing through an economic or community development financial institution, or an applicant for a grant or other financial or technical assistance, may be a for-profit or not-for-profit entity, including, but not limited to, a sole proprietorship, limited liability company, corporation, cooperative, nonprofit organization, or nonprofit community development organization. Each applicant must:

(1) demonstrate community engagement in and support for the project;

(2) demonstrate the capacity to successfully implement the project;

(3) demonstrate a viable plan for long-term sustainability, including the ability to increase the availability of and access to affordable, nutritious, and culturally appropriate food, including fresh fruits and vegetables, for underserved communities in low-income and moderate-income areas; and

(4) demonstrate the ability to repay the debt, to the extent that the financing requires repayment.

(b) Each applicant must also agree to comply with the following conditions for a period of at least five years, except as otherwise specified in this section:

(1) accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits;

deleted text begin (2) apply to accept Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) benefits and, if approved, accept WIC benefits; deleted text end

deleted text begin (3)deleted text end new text begin (2)new text end allocate at least 30 percent of retail space for the sale of affordable, nutritious, and culturally appropriate foods, including fruits and vegetables, low-fat and nonfat dairy, fortified dairy substitute beverages such as soy-based or nut-based dairy substitute beverages, whole grain-rich staple foods, meats, poultry, fish, seafood, and other proteins, consistent with nutrition standards in national guidelines described in the current United States Department of Agriculture Dietary Guidelines for Americans;

deleted text begin (4)deleted text end new text begin (3)new text end comply with all data collection and reporting requirements established by the commissioner; and

deleted text begin (5)deleted text end new text begin (4)new text end promote the hiring, training, and retention of local or regional residents from low-income and moderate-income areas that reflect area demographics, including communities of color.

(c) A selected project that is a small food retailer is not subject to the allocation agreement under paragraph (b), clause deleted text begin (3)deleted text end new text begin (2)new text end , and may use financing, grants, or other financial or technical assistance for refrigeration, displays, or onetime capital expenditures for the promotion and sale of perishable foods, including a combination of affordable, nutritious, and culturally appropriate fresh or frozen dairy, dairy substitute products, produce, meats, poultry, and fish, consistent with nutrition standards in national guidelines described in the current United States Department of Agriculture Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 17.116, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Eligibility.

(a) Grants may only be made to farmers, educational institutions, individuals at educational institutions, or nonprofit organizations residing or located in the state for research or demonstrations on farms in the state.

(b) Grants may only be made for projects that show:

(1) the ability to maximize direct or indirect energy savings or production;

(2) a positive effect or reduced adverse effect on the environment; deleted text begin anddeleted text end new text begin ornew text end

(3) increased profitability for the individual farm by reducing costs or improving marketing opportunities.

Sec. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 18B.33, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Requirement.

(a) A person may not apply a pesticide for hire without a commercial applicator license for the appropriate use categories or a structural pest control license.

(b) A commercial applicator licensee must have a valid license identification card to purchase a restricted use pesticide or apply pesticides for hire and must display it upon demand by an authorized representative of the commissioner or a law enforcement officer. The commissioner shall prescribe the information required on the license identification card.

(c) A person licensed under this section is considered qualified and is not required to verify, document, or otherwise prove a particular need prior to use, except as required by the federal label.

new text begin (d) A person who uses a general-use sanitizer or disinfectant for hire in response to COVID-19 is exempt from the commercial applicator license requirements under this section. new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective retroactively from March 31, 2021. new text end

Sec. 6.

new text begin [25.391] EXEMPTION FOR COTTAGE FOOD PRODUCERS; HOME-PROCESSED PET TREATS. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Exemption. new text end

new text begin The provisions of this chapter do not apply to an individual who prepares and sells home-processed pet treats for dogs and cats, provided the following conditions are met: new text end

new text begin (1) the individual is registered with the commissioner under section 28A.152, subdivision 4; new text end

new text begin (2) the pet treats are not potentially hazardous food, as defined in Minnesota Rules, part 4626.0020, subpart 62, that is safe for human consumption and for consumption by the intended species; new text end

new text begin (3) new text end new text begin the pet treats are baked or dehydrated; new text end

new text begin (4) the individual displays at the point of sale a clearly legible sign or placard stating, "These products are homemade and not subject to state inspection."; and new text end

new text begin (5) each individual pet treat package is labeled with the following: (i) the name and registration number or address of the individual preparing the pet treat; (ii) the date on which the pet treat was prepared; (iii) the ingredients listed; and (iv) the statement "These products are homemade and not subject to state inspection." new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Direct sales to consumers. new text end

new text begin An individual qualifying for the exemption under subdivision 1 may sell the exempt pet treats to consumers in accordance with section 28A.152. new text end

Sec. 7.

Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 28A.152, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Licensing provisions applicability.

(a) The licensing provisions of sections 28A.01 to 28A.16 do not apply to the following:

(1) an individual who prepares and sells food that is not potentially hazardous food, as defined in Minnesota Rules, part 4626.0020, subpart 62, if the following requirements are met:

(i) the prepared food offered for sale under this clause is labeled to accurately reflect the name and new text begin the registration number or new text end address of the individual preparing and selling the food, the date on which the food was prepared, deleted text begin anddeleted text end the ingredients and any possible allergensnew text begin , and the statement "These products are homemade and not subject to state inspection."new text end ; and

(ii) the individual displays at the point of sale a clearly legible sign or placard stating: "These products are homemade and not subject to state inspection."; and

(2) an individual who prepares and sells home-processed and home-canned food products if the following requirements are met:

(i) the products are pickles, vegetables, or fruits having an equilibrium pH value of 4.6 or lowernew text begin or a water activity value of .85 or lessnew text end ;

(ii) the products are home-processed and home-canned in Minnesota;

(iii) the individual displays at the point of sale a clearly legible sign or placard stating: "These deleted text begin canned goodsdeleted text end new text begin productsnew text end are homemade and not subject to state inspection."; and

(iv) each container of the product sold or offered for sale under this clause is accurately labeled to provide the name and new text begin the registration number or new text end address of the individual who processed and canned the goods, the date on which the goods were processed and canned, deleted text begin anddeleted text end ingredients and any possible allergensnew text begin , and the statement "These products are homemade and not subject to state inspectionnew text end .new text begin "new text end

(b) An individual who qualifies for an exemption under paragraph (a), clause (2), is also exempt from the provisions of sections 31.31 and 31.392.

new text begin (c) An individual who qualifies for an exemption under paragraph (a) may organize the individual's cottage food business as a business entity recognized by state law. new text end

Sec. 8.

Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 28A.152, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Limitation on sales.

An individual selling exempt foods under this section is limited to total sales with gross receipts of deleted text begin $18,000deleted text end new text begin $78,000new text end or less in a calendar year.

Sec. 9.

Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 28A.152, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Registration.

An individual who prepares and sells exempt food under subdivision 1 must register annually with the commissioner. new text begin The commissioner shall register an individual within 30 days of submitting a complete registration to the commissioner. A registration shall be deemed accepted after 30 days following an individual's complete registration to the commissioner. new text end The annual registration fee is $50. An individual with $5,000 or less in annual gross receipts from the sale of exempt food under this section is not required to pay the registration fee.new text begin By January 1, 2022, the commissioner shall adjust the gross receipts amount of this fee exemption based on the consumer price index using 2002 as the index year for the $5,000 gross receipts exemption.new text end

Sec. 10.

Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 28A.152, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Training.

(a) An individual deleted text begin with gross receipts between $5,000 and $18,000 in a calendar year from the sale ofdeleted text end new text begin who sellsnew text end exempt food under this section new text begin and is required to pay the registration fee in subdivision 4 new text end must complete a safe food handling training course that is approved by the commissioner before registering under subdivision 4. The training shall not exceed eight hours and must be completed every three years while the individual is registered under subdivision 4.

(b) An individual deleted text begin with gross receipts of less than $5,000 in a calendar year from the sale ofdeleted text end new text begin who sellsnew text end exempt food under this section new text begin and is exempt from paying the registration fee in subdivision 4 new text end must satisfactorily complete an online course and exam as approved by the commissioner before registering under subdivision 4. The commissioner shall offer the online course and exam under this paragraph at no cost to the individual.

Sec. 11.

new text begin [28A.153] WILD GAME PROCESSOR EXEMPTION. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Licensing provisions applicability. new text end

new text begin The licensing provisions of sections 28A.01 to 28A.16 do not apply to an individual who processes wild game or fowl as described in section 31A.15, subdivision 1, clause (2), if the following requirements are met: new text end

new text begin (1) the individual does not own an operation subject to the licensing provisions of sections 28A.01 to 28A.16; new text end

new text begin (2) the individual's operation is limited to the handling of raw products, to include cutting, grinding, and packaging, and without further preparation of the wild game or fowl products; new text end

new text begin (3) the individual does not add any additional ingredients to the wild game or fowl products; new text end

new text begin (4) the wild game or fowl products are not donated or sold; and new text end

new text begin (5) all wild game or fowl products are packaged and labeled as "Not for Sale." new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Sales limitation. new text end

new text begin An individual processing wild game or fowl under this section is limited to total services with gross receipts of $20,000 or less in a calendar year or the processing of 200 deer in a calendar year, whichever is greater. new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Registration. new text end

new text begin Individuals processing wild game under this section are encouraged to register annually with the commissioner. The commissioner must not assess a registration fee. new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Permit exemption. new text end

new text begin An individual processing wild game under this section is not required to obtain a custom processing permit under section 28A.04, subdivision 2. new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Chronic wasting disease. new text end

new text begin If a white-tailed deer was harvested from a chronic wasting disease management area established by the commissioner of natural resources, an individual processing wild game under this section must dispose of the carcass through any disposal method approved for the management area in Department of Natural Resources hunting rules. new text end

Sec. 12.

Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 35.02, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Members; officers.

The board has deleted text begin fivedeleted text end new text begin sixnew text end members appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate, deleted text begin threedeleted text end new text begin fournew text end of whom are producers of livestock in the statenew text begin and at least one of the four livestock producers is also a member of a federally recognized Tribe located in Minnesotanew text end , and two of whom are practicing veterinarians licensed in Minnesota. The commissioners of agriculture, natural resources, and health, the dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, and the director of the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory of the University of Minnesota may serve as consultants to the board without vote. Appointments to fill unexpired terms must be made from the classes to which the retiring members belong. The board shall elect a president and a vice-president from among its members and a veterinarian licensed in Minnesota who is not a member to be its executive director for a term of one year and until a successor qualifies. The board shall set the duties of the director.

Sec. 13.

Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 35.155, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Disease control programs.

Farmed Cervidae are subject to this chapter and the rules of the Board of Animal Health in the same manner as other livestock and domestic animals, including provisions related to importation and transportation.new text begin The board shall allow the movement of Cervidae from a Cervidae farm located within a chronic wasting disease management or endemic zone if the Cervidae have tested negative for chronic wasting disease with an antemortem test validated by the United States Department of Agriculture and the herd has met other movement requirements as set by the board.new text end

Sec. 14.

Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 35.155, subdivision 11, is amended to read:

Subd. 11.

Mandatory surveillance for chronic wasting disease; depopulation.

(a) An inventory for each farmed Cervidae herd must be verified by an accredited veterinarian and filed with the Board of Animal Health every 12 months.

(b) Movement of farmed Cervidae from any premises to another location must be reported to the Board of Animal Health within 14 days of the movement on forms approved by the Board of Animal Health.

(c) All animals from farmed Cervidae herds that are over 12 months of age that die or are slaughtered must be tested for chronic wasting disease.

(d) The owner of a premises where chronic wasting disease is detected must:

(1) depopulate the premises of Cervidae after the deleted text begin appraisal process fordeleted text end federal indemnification new text begin process new text end has been completed or, if an indemnification application is not submitted, within a reasonable time determined by the board in consultation with the commissioner of natural resources;

(2) maintain the fencing required under subdivision 4 on the premises for five years after the date of detection; and

(3) post the fencing on the premises with biohazard signs as directed by the board.

Sec. 15.

Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 41A.16, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Agricultural cellulosic biomass sourcing plan.

(a) An eligible producer who utilizes agricultural cellulosic biomassnew text begin other than corn kernel fiber or biogasnew text end must submit a responsible biomass sourcing plan for approval by the commissioner prior to applying for payments under this section. The commissioner shall make the plan publicly available. The plan must:

(1) provide a detailed explanation of how agricultural cellulosic biomass will be produced and managed in a way that preserves soil quality, does not increase soil and nutrient runoff, avoids introduction of harmful invasive species, limits negative impacts on wildlife habitat, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions;

(2) include the producer's approach to verifying that biomass suppliers are following the plan;

(3) discuss how new technologies and practices that are not yet commercially viable may be encouraged and adopted during the life of the facility, and how the producer will encourage continuous improvement during the life of the project;

(4) include specific numeric goals and timelines for making progress;

(5) require agronomic practices that result in a positive Natural Resources Conservation Service Soil Conditioning Index score for acres from which biomass from corn stover will be harvested; and

(6) include biennial soil sampling to verify maintained or increased levels of soil organic matter.

(b) An eligible producer who utilizes agricultural cellulosic biomass and receives payments under this section shall submit an annual report on the producer's responsible biomass sourcing plan to the commissioner by January 15 each year. The report must include data on progress made by the producer in meeting specific goals laid out in the plan. The commissioner shall make the report publicly available. The commissioner shall perform an annual review of submitted reports and may make a determination that the producer is not following the plan based on the reports submitted. The commissioner may take appropriate steps, including reducing or ceasing payments, until the producer is in compliance with the plan.

Sec. 16.

Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 41A.16, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6.

Claims.

(a) By the last day of October, January, April, and July, each eligible biofuel producer shall file a claim for payment for advanced biofuel production during the preceding three calendar months. An eligible biofuel producer that files a claim under this subdivision shall include a statement of the eligible biofuel producer's total advanced biofuel production in Minnesota during the quarter covered by the claimnew text begin and certify that the eligible producer will not use payments received under this section to compensate a lobbyist who is required to register with the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board under section 10A.03new text end . For each claim and statement of total advanced biofuel production filed under this subdivision, the volume of advanced biofuel production must be examined by a CPA firm with a valid permit to practice under chapter 326A, in accordance with Statements on Standards for Attestation Engagements established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

(b) The commissioner must issue payments by November 15, February 15, May 15, and August 15. A separate payment must be made for each claim filed.

Sec. 17.

Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 41A.17, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Agricultural cellulosic biomass sourcing plan.

(a) An eligible producer who utilizes agricultural cellulosic biomassnew text begin other than corn kernel fiber or biogasnew text end must submit a responsible biomass sourcing plan to the commissioner prior to applying for payments under this section. The plan must:

(1) provide a detailed explanation of how agricultural cellulosic biomass will be produced and managed in a way that preserves soil quality, does not increase soil and nutrient runoff, avoids introduction of harmful invasive species, limits negative impacts on wildlife habitat, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions;

(2) include the producer's approach to verifying that biomass suppliers are following the plan;

(3) discuss how new technologies and practices that are not yet commercially viable may be encouraged and adopted during the life of the facility, and how the producer will encourage continuous improvement during the life of the project; and

(4) include specific numeric goals and timelines for making progress.

(b) An eligible producer who utilizes agricultural cellulosic biomass and receives payments under this section shall submit an annual report on the producer's responsible biomass sourcing plan to the commissioner by January 15 each year. The report must include data on progress made by the producer in meeting specific goals laid out in the plan. The commissioner shall make the report publicly available. The commissioner shall perform an annual review of submitted reports and may make a determination that the producer is not following the plan based on the reports submitted. The commissioner may take appropriate steps, including reducing or ceasing payments, until the producer is in compliance with the plan.

Sec. 18.

Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 41A.17, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Claims.

(a) By the last day of October, January, April, and July, each eligible renewable chemical producer shall file a claim for payment for renewable chemical production during the preceding three calendar months. An eligible renewable chemical producer that files a claim under this subdivision shall include a statement of the eligible producer's total renewable chemical production in Minnesota during the quarter covered by the claimnew text begin and certify that the eligible producer will not use payments received under this section to compensate a lobbyist who is required to register with the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board under section 10A.03new text end . For each claim and statement of total renewable chemical production filed under this paragraph, the volume of renewable chemical production must be examined by a CPA firm with a valid permit to practice under chapter 326A, in accordance with Statements on Standards for Attestation Engagements established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

(b) The commissioner must issue payments by November 15, February 15, May 15, and August 15. A separate payment must be made for each claim filed.

Sec. 19.

Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 41A.18, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Claims.

(a) By the last day of October, January, April, and July, each producer shall file a claim for payment for biomass thermal production during the preceding three calendar months. A producer that files a claim under this subdivision shall include a statement of the producer's total biomass thermal production in Minnesota during the quarter covered by the claimnew text begin and certify that the eligible producer will not use payments received under this section to compensate a lobbyist who is required to register with the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board under section 10A.03new text end . For each claim and statement of total biomass thermal production filed under this paragraph, the volume of biomass thermal production must be examined by a CPA firm with a valid permit to practice under chapter 326A, in accordance with Statements on Standards for Attestation Engagements established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

(b) The commissioner must issue payments by November 15, February 15, May 15, and August 15. A separate payment shall be made for each claim filed.

Sec. 20.

Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 41B.048, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Establishment.

The authority shall establish and implement an agroforestry loan program to help finance the production of short rotation woody crops. deleted text begin The authority may contract with a fiscal agent to provide an efficient delivery system for this program.deleted text end

Sec. 21.

Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 41B.048, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Definitions.

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

deleted text begin (b) "Fiscal agent" means any lending institution or other organization of a for-profit or nonprofit nature that is in good standing with the state of Minnesota that has the appropriate business structure and trained personnel suitable to providing efficient disbursement of loan funds and the servicing and collection of loans over an extended period of time. deleted text end

deleted text begin (c)deleted text end new text begin (b) new text end "Growing cycle" means the number of years from planting to harvest.

deleted text begin (d)deleted text end new text begin (c)new text end "Harvest" means the day that the crop arrives at the scale of the buyer of the crop.

deleted text begin (e)deleted text end new text begin (d)new text end "Short rotation woody crops" or "crop" means hybrid poplar and other woody plants that are harvested for their fiber within 15 years of planting.

Sec. 22.

Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 41B.048, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6.

Loans.

(a) The authority may deleted text begin disburse loans through a fiscal agentdeleted text end new text begin participate with eligible lenders in agroforestry loans new text end to farmers and agricultural landowners who are eligible under subdivision 5. deleted text begin The total accumulative loan principal must not exceeddeleted text end new text begin The authority's participation is limited to 45 percent ornew text end $75,000 new text begin of total accumulative principal new text end per loan.

(b) deleted text begin The fiscal agent may impose a loan origination fee in the amount of one percent of the total approved loan. This fee is to be paid by the borrower to the fiscal agent at the time of loan closingdeleted text end new text begin The interest rates and repayment terms of the authority's participation interest may differ from those of the lender's retained portion of the loannew text end .

(c) The loan may be disbursed over a period not to exceed 12 years.

(d) A borrower may receive loans, depending on the availability of funds, for planted areas up to 160 acres for up to:

(1) the total amount necessary for establishment of the crop;

(2) the total amount of maintenance costs, including weed control, during the first three years; and

(3) 70 percent of the estimated value of one year's growth of the crop for years four through 12.

(e) Security for the loan must be the crop, a personal note executed by the borrower, deleted text begin an interest in the land upon which the crop is growing,deleted text end and whatever other security is required by the deleted text begin fiscal agentdeleted text end new text begin eligible lendernew text end or the authority. deleted text begin All recording fees must be paid by the borrower.deleted text end

(f) The authority may prescribe forms and establish an application process for applicants to apply for a loan.

(g) The authority may impose a reasonable, nonrefundable application fee for each application for a loan under this program. The application fee is initially $50. Application fees received by the authority must be deposited in the Rural Finance Authority administrative account established in section 41B.03.

(h) Loans under the program must be made using money in the revolving loan account established under section 41B.06.

(i) All repayments of financial assistance granted under this section, including principal and interest, must be deposited into the revolving loan account established under section 41B.06.

(j) deleted text begin The interest payable on loans made by the authority for the agroforestry loan program must, if funded by revenue bond proceeds, be at a rate not less than the rate on the revenue bonds, and may be established at a higher rate necessary to pay costs associated with the issuance of the revenue bonds and a proportionate share of the cost of administering the program.deleted text end The interest payable on loans for the agroforestry loan program deleted text begin funded from sources other than revenue bond proceedsdeleted text end must be at a rate determined by the authority.

(k) Loan principal balance outstanding plus all assessed interest must be repaid within 120 days of harvest, but no later than 15 years from planting.

Sec. 23.

Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 156.12, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Authorized activities.

No provision of this chapter shall be construed to prohibit:

(a) a person from rendering necessary gratuitous assistance in the treatment of any animal when the assistance does not amount to prescribing, testing for, or diagnosing, operating, or vaccinating and when the attendance of a licensed veterinarian cannot be procured;

(b) a person who is a regular student in an accredited or approved college of veterinary medicine from performing duties or actions assigned by instructors or preceptors or working under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian;

(c) a veterinarian regularly licensed in another jurisdiction from consulting with a licensed veterinarian in this state;

(d) the owner of an animal and the owner's regular employee from caring for and administering to the animal belonging to the owner, except where the ownership of the animal was transferred for purposes of circumventing this chapter;

(e) veterinarians who are in compliance with subdivision 6 and who are employed by the University of Minnesota from performing their duties with the College of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture, Agricultural Experiment Station, Agricultural Extension Service, Medical School, School of Public Health, or other unit within the university; or a person from lecturing or giving instructions or demonstrations at the university or in connection with a continuing education course or seminar to veterinarians or pathologists at the University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory;

(f) any person from selling or applying any pesticide, insecticide or herbicide;

(g) any person from engaging in bona fide scientific research or investigations which reasonably requires experimentation involving animals;

(h) any employee of a licensed veterinarian from performing duties other than diagnosis, prescription or surgical correction under the direction and supervision of the veterinarian, who shall be responsible for the performance of the employee;

(i) a graduate of a foreign college of veterinary medicine from working under the direct personal instruction, control, or supervision of a veterinarian faculty member of the College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota in order to complete the requirements necessary to obtain an ECFVG or PAVE certificate;

(j) a licensed chiropractor registered under section 148.01, subdivision 1a, from practicing animal chiropracticdeleted text begin .deleted text end new text begin ; ornew text end

new text begin (k) a person certified by the Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board under chapter 144E from providing emergency medical care to a police dog wounded in the line of duty. new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

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

Sec. 24.

Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 583.215, is amended to read:

583.215 EXPIRATION.

Sections 336.9-601, subsections (h) and (i); 550.365; 559.209; 582.039; and 583.20 to 583.32, expire June 30, deleted text begin 2022deleted text end new text begin 2027new text end .

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

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

Sec. 25.

new text begin REPORT REQUIRED; AGRICULTURAL CHEMICAL RESPONSE AND REIMBURSEMENT ACCOUNT PROGRAM. new text end

new text begin The commissioner of agriculture must convene stakeholders and develop recommendations regarding the maximum reimbursement or payment amount under Minnesota Statutes, section 18E.04, subdivision 4. The report must include an analysis of what the maximum reimbursement or payment would be if adjusted for inflation. By February 1, 2022, the commissioner must report these recommendations to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees and divisions with jurisdiction over agriculture finance. Participating stakeholders must be given an opportunity to include written testimony to the legislative committees in the commissioner's report. new text end

Sec. 26.

new text begin REPEALER. new text end

new text begin Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 41B.048, subdivision 8, new text end new text begin is repealed. new text end

Presented to the governor May 21, 2021

Signed by the governor May 25, 2021, 8:20 a.m.

Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes