<div class="xtend">
         <div class="xtend_ce"><a id="pl.1.1"></a><var>1.1</var>A bill for an act<br />
            		
         </div><a id="pl.1.2"></a><var>1.2</var>relating to transportation; providing an alternative compensation and settlement <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.3"></a><var>1.3</var>process for victims of the I-35W bridge collapse; changing the effective date of <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.4"></a><var>1.4</var>an increase in individual damage caps for state tort claims; appropriating money;<br />
         		<a id="pl.1.5"></a><var>1.5</var>amending Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 3.736, subdivision 4.<br />
         		<a id="pl.1.6"></a><var>1.6</var>BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.1.0.0"></a><div class="xtend_ce"><a id="pl.1.7"></a><var>1.7</var><b>ARTICLE 1</b><br />
            		
         </div>
         <div class="xtend_ce"><a id="pl.1.8"></a><var>1.8</var><b>STATE TORT CLAIMS</b><br />
            		
         </div><br />
         		<a id="bill.1.1.0"></a><a id="pl.1.9"></a><var>1.9</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 3.736, subdivision 4, is amended to read:<br />
         		<a id="pl.1.10"></a><var>1.10</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 4. <b>Limits.</b> The total liability of the state and its employees acting within the <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.11"></a><var>1.11</var>scope of their employment on any tort claim shall not exceed:<br />
         		<a id="pl.1.12"></a><var>1.12</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) $300,000 when the claim is one for death by wrongful act or omission and <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.13"></a><var>1.13</var>$300,000 to any claimant in any other case, for claims arising before January August <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.14"></a><var>1.14</var>1, 2008 2007;<br />
         		<a id="pl.1.15"></a><var>1.15</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) $400,000 when the claim is one for death by wrongful act or omission and <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.16"></a><var>1.16</var>$400,000 to any claimant in any other case, for claims arising on or after January August <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.17"></a><var>1.17</var>1, 2008 2007, and before July 1, 2009;<br />
         		<a id="pl.1.18"></a><var>1.18</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) $500,000 when the claim is one for death by wrongful act or omission and <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.19"></a><var>1.19</var>$500,000 to any claimant in any other case, for claims arising on or after July 1, 2009;<br />
         		<a id="pl.1.20"></a><var>1.20</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) $750,000 for any number of claims arising out of a single occurrence, for claims <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.21"></a><var>1.21</var>arising on or after January 1, 1998, and before January 1, 2000; <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.22"></a><var>1.22</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) $1,000,000 for any number of claims arising out of a single occurrence, for <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.23"></a><var>1.23</var>claims arising on or after January 1, 2000, and before January 1, 2008; <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.1"></a><var>2.1</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) $1,200,000 for any number of claims arising out of a single occurrence, for <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.2"></a><var>2.2</var>claims arising on or after January 1, 2008, and before July 1, 2009; or<br />
         		<a id="pl.2.3"></a><var>2.3</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) $1,500,000 for any number of claims arising out of a single occurrence, for <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.4"></a><var>2.4</var>claims arising on or after July 1, 2009.<br />
         		<a id="pl.2.5"></a><var>2.5</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If the amount awarded to or settled upon multiple claimants exceeds the applicable <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.6"></a><var>2.6</var>limit under clause  (d), (e), (f), or  (g), any party may apply to the district court to apportion <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.7"></a><var>2.7</var>to each claimant a proper share of the amount available under the applicable limit under <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.8"></a><var>2.8</var>clause  (d), (e), (f), or  (g). The share apportioned to each claimant shall be in the proportion <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.9"></a><var>2.9</var>that the ratio of the award or settlement bears to the aggregate awards and settlements for <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.10"></a><var>2.10</var>all claims arising out of the occurrence.<br />
         		<a id="pl.2.11"></a><var>2.11</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The limitation imposed by this subdivision on individual claimants includes damages <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.12"></a><var>2.12</var>claimed for loss of services or loss of support arising out of the same tort.<br />
         		<a id="pl.2.13"></a><var>2.13</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective retroactively from August 1, 2007.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.2.0.0"></a><div class="xtend_ce"><a id="pl.2.14"></a><var>2.14</var><b>ARTICLE 2</b><br />
            		
         </div>
         <div class="xtend_ce"><a id="pl.2.15"></a><var>2.15</var><b>I-35W BRIDGE COLLAPSE</b><br />
            		
         </div><br />
         		<a id="bill.2.1.0"></a><a id="pl.2.16"></a><var>2.16</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 1. <b>COMPENSATION FOR VICTIMS OF I-35W BRIDGE COLLAPSE.</b><br />
         		<a id="pl.2.17"></a><var>2.17</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subdivision 1. <b>Findings.</b> (a) The legislature finds that the collapse of the Interstate <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.18"></a><var>2.18</var>Highway 35W bridge over the Mississippi River in Minneapolis on August 1, 2007, <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.19"></a><var>2.19</var>was a catastrophe of historic proportions. The bridge was the third-busiest in the state, <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.20"></a><var>2.20</var>carrying over 140,000 cars per day. Its collapse killed 13 people and injured more than <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.21"></a><var>2.21</var>100. No other state-owned structure has ever fallen with such devastating physical and <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.22"></a><var>2.22</var>psychological impact on so many. <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.23"></a><var>2.23</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The establishment of a compensation process for victims of the bridge collapse <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.24"></a><var>2.24</var>furthers the public interest by providing a remedy for victims while avoiding the <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.25"></a><var>2.25</var>uncertainty and expense of potentially complex and protracted litigation to resolve the <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.26"></a><var>2.26</var>issue of the liability of the state, a municipality, or their employees for damages incurred <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.27"></a><var>2.27</var>by victims.<br />
         		<a id="pl.2.28"></a><var>2.28</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) These findings are not an admission of liability of the state, a municipality, or <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.29"></a><var>2.29</var>their employees for damages caused by the bride collapse.<br />
         		<a id="pl.2.30"></a><var>2.30</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 2. <b>Definitions.</b> For purposes of this article:<br />
         		<a id="pl.2.31"></a><var>2.31</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) "Damages" means damages that are compensable under state tort law and <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.32"></a><var>2.32</var>damages for wrongful death that are compensable under Minnesota Statutes, section <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.33"></a><var>2.33</var>573.02. Damages do not include punitive damages or attorney fees or other fees incurred <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.34"></a><var>2.34</var>by a victim in making a claim under this section or other law.<br />
         		<a id="pl.3.1"></a><var>3.1</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) "Emergency relief fund" means the I-35W bridge emergency relief fund created <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.2"></a><var>3.2</var>by the state on November 30, 2007.<br />
         		<a id="pl.3.3"></a><var>3.3</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) "Municipality" has the meaning given in Minnesota Statutes, section 466.01.<br />
         		<a id="pl.3.4"></a><var>3.4</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) "Panel" means the special master panel created under subdivision 3.<br />
         		<a id="pl.3.5"></a><var>3.5</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) "State" has the meaning given in Minnesota Statutes, section 3.732.<br />
         		<a id="pl.3.6"></a><var>3.6</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) "Victim" means a natural person who was present on the I-35W bridge at the <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.7"></a><var>3.7</var>time of the collapse. Victim also includes:<br />
         		<a id="pl.3.8"></a><var>3.8</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) the parent or legal guardian of a victim who is under 18 years of age;<br />
         		<a id="pl.3.9"></a><var>3.9</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) a legally appointed representative of a victim; or<br />
         		<a id="pl.3.10"></a><var>3.10</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) the surviving spouse or next of kin of a victim who would be entitled to bring an <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.11"></a><var>3.11</var>action under Minnesota Statutes, section 573.02.<br />
         		<a id="pl.3.12"></a><var>3.12</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 3. <b>Special master panel; administration.</b> (a) The chief justice of the <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.13"></a><var>3.13</var>Supreme Court shall establish a special master panel to consider claims, make offers of <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.14"></a><var>3.14</var>settlement, and enter into settlement agreements with victims on behalf of the state. The <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.15"></a><var>3.15</var>panel must consist of three attorneys, at least one of whom must be a retired judge of the <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.16"></a><var>3.16</var>appellate or district courts of this state. Nonjudicial members of the panel must have <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.17"></a><var>3.17</var>experience in legal issues involving the settlement of tort claims and the determination of <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.18"></a><var>3.18</var>damages. The chief justice shall designate a member of the panel who is a retired judge <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.19"></a><var>3.19</var>to serve as chair of the panel. The chief justice shall determine the pay and expenses to <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.20"></a><var>3.20</var>be received by the panel. <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.21"></a><var>3.21</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Within the limits of available appropriations, the state court administrator, in <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.22"></a><var>3.22</var>consultation with the panel, shall hire employees or retain consultants necessary to assist <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.23"></a><var>3.23</var>the panel in performing its duties under this section. Employees are in the unclassified <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.24"></a><var>3.24</var>state civil service. The panel may also use current state employees or consultants who are <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.25"></a><var>3.25</var>under a contract with the state to assist the panel in processing claims under this section.<br />
         		<a id="pl.3.26"></a><var>3.26</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) The panel may adopt procedures, rules, and forms for considering claims, making <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.27"></a><var>3.27</var>offers of settlement, and entering into settlement agreements. <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.28"></a><var>3.28</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) The state court administrator shall forward documentation of salaries, expenses, <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.29"></a><var>3.29</var>and administrative costs under this subdivision to the commissioner of finance for <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.30"></a><var>3.30</var>payment of those amounts.<br />
         		<a id="pl.3.31"></a><var>3.31</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) Members of the panel and employees and consultants acting under the direction <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.32"></a><var>3.32</var>of the panel are absolutely immune from civil liability for any act or omission occurring <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.33"></a><var>3.33</var>within the scope of the performance of their duties under this section.<br />
         		<a id="pl.3.34"></a><var>3.34</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 4. <b>Claims; consideration, settlement, and payment.</b> (a) The panel shall <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.35"></a><var>3.35</var>consider claims, make offers of settlement, and enter into settlement agreements with <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.36"></a><var>3.36</var>victims as provided in this section. In order to be eligible to receive an offer of settlement <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.1"></a><var>4.1</var>or enter into a settlement agreement under this section, a victim must file a claim with the <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.2"></a><var>4.2</var>panel by October 1, 2008. Any offer of settlement must be made by April 1, 2009.<br />
         		<a id="pl.4.3"></a><var>4.3</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)  The amount of an offer of settlement under this section must be based on the <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.4"></a><var>4.4</var>total damages incurred by the victim, less:<br />
         		<a id="pl.4.5"></a><var>4.5</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) a collateral source reduction calculated in the manner provided for in Minnesota <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.6"></a><var>4.6</var>Statutes, section 548.36; <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.7"></a><var>4.7</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) any payment made to the victim from the emergency relief fund; and<br />
         		<a id="pl.4.8"></a><var>4.8</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) any payments made or required to be made to the victim by a third-party <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.9"></a><var>4.9</var>tortfeasor under the terms of an existing settlement or other agreement with the victim <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.10"></a><var>4.10</var>or a final judgment in favor of the victim concerning claims of the victim that relate to, <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.11"></a><var>4.11</var>involve, or arise out of the bridge collapse.<br />
         		<a id="pl.4.12"></a><var>4.12</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The amount of an offer of settlement or payment required by a settlement agreement <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.13"></a><var>4.13</var>must not exceed $400,000 per victim. Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 3.736, <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.14"></a><var>4.14</var>subdivision 4, clause (e), there is no limit on the total amount of payments made to all <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.15"></a><var>4.15</var>victims under this section, subject to the availability of appropriations for this purpose.<br />
         		<a id="pl.4.16"></a><var>4.16</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) A victim who accepts an offer of settlement from the panel must agree in writing <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.17"></a><var>4.17</var>and in a form developed by the panel to release the state and every municipality of this <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.18"></a><var>4.18</var>state and their employees from liability for damages arising from the bridge collapse and <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.19"></a><var>4.19</var>to cooperate with the state in pursuing claims the state may have against any other party. <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.20"></a><var>4.20</var>The panel shall consult with the attorney general in preparing the form. Execution of the <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.21"></a><var>4.21</var>release by the victim extinguishes any claim against or liability of the state, a municipality, <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.22"></a><var>4.22</var>and their employees for damages asserted by a spouse or other family member of a victim <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.23"></a><var>4.23</var>based on payments made or services provided to or on behalf of the victim for damages or <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.24"></a><var>4.24</var>injury that relates to, involves, or arises out of the bridge collapse. The release must also <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.25"></a><var>4.25</var>provide that the victim will indemnify the state, a municipality, and their employees for <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.26"></a><var>4.26</var>any claim of contribution or indemnity, or both, made by other persons against the state, a <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.27"></a><var>4.27</var>municipality, and their employees and the release will satisfy any judgment obtained by <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.28"></a><var>4.28</var>the victim in an action against other persons to the extent of the release, if the claim or <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.29"></a><var>4.29</var>judgment relates in any way to a claim of the victim arising from the bridge collapse. The <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.30"></a><var>4.30</var>release must provide for the subrogation interest of the state under section 2, subdivision 5. <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.31"></a><var>4.31</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) The panel shall promptly forward to the commissioner of finance documentation <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.32"></a><var>4.32</var>of each settlement agreement that has been entered into under this section. The <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.33"></a><var>4.33</var>commissioner of finance shall pay the agreed amount within 30 days after receiving the <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.34"></a><var>4.34</var>documentation and in the order in which the documentation from the panel was received.<br />
         		<a id="pl.5.1"></a><var>5.1</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 5. <b>Effect and finality of offers and settlement agreements.</b> (a) An offer <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.2"></a><var>5.2</var>of settlement made to a victim under this section is considered for all purposes to be an <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.3"></a><var>5.3</var>offer to the victim to settle a legal claim.<br />
         		<a id="pl.5.4"></a><var>5.4</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) A determination by the panel regarding an offer of settlement or settlement <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.5"></a><var>5.5</var>agreement is final and not subject to judicial review.<br />
         		<a id="pl.5.6"></a><var>5.6</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 6. <b>Records.</b> Records of the panel related to a claim filed by a victim, an <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.7"></a><var>5.7</var>offer of settlement, or an acceptance or rejection of an offer are not accessible to the <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.8"></a><var>5.8</var>public except for:<br />
         		<a id="pl.5.9"></a><var>5.9</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) the name of the victim; and<br />
         		<a id="pl.5.10"></a><var>5.10</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) the terms of any written settlement agreement between the victim and the state.<br />
         		<a id="pl.5.11"></a><var>5.11</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 7. <b>Election to proceed in district court.</b> (a) A victim may elect not to file <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.12"></a><var>5.12</var>a claim with the panel or not to accept an offer of settlement from the panel. A victim <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.13"></a><var>5.13</var>who elects not to file a claim with the panel or not to accept an offer of settlement has not <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.14"></a><var>5.14</var>waived any legal rights that may be asserted against the state or a municipality or their <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.15"></a><var>5.15</var>employees and may proceed with a claim in district court.<br />
         		<a id="pl.5.16"></a><var>5.16</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) If a victim elects not to accept an offer of settlement, the state or a municipality or <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.17"></a><var>5.17</var>their employees may not use any data provided by the victim to the panel in a subsequent <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.18"></a><var>5.18</var>legal proceeding. The state or a municipality or their employees may obtain information, <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.19"></a><var>5.19</var>including data provided to the panel, through discovery or other legal processes.<br />
         		<a id="pl.5.20"></a><var>5.20</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.2.2.0"></a><a id="pl.5.21"></a><var>5.21</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 2. <b>EFFECT OF SPECIAL COMPENSATION PROCESS; RELATIONSHIP </b><br />
         		<a id="pl.5.22"></a><var>5.22</var><b>TO OTHER LAW.</b><br />
         		<a id="pl.5.23"></a><var>5.23</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subdivision 1. <b>No state liability or duty created.</b> The establishment of the special <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.24"></a><var>5.24</var>compensation process under section 1 and the emergency relief fund, and an offer of <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.25"></a><var>5.25</var>settlement or a settlement agreement, is not an admission of liability by the state or a <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.26"></a><var>5.26</var>municipality or their employees and does not establish a duty of the state, a municipality, <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.27"></a><var>5.27</var>or their employees to compensate victims. The creation and funding of the compensation <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.28"></a><var>5.28</var>process under this act or an offer of settlement or settlement agreement is not admissible <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.29"></a><var>5.29</var>in a judicial or administrative proceeding to establish liability or a legal duty.<br />
         		<a id="pl.5.30"></a><var>5.30</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 2. <b>Payments as additional compensation.</b> Payments made under section 1 <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.31"></a><var>5.31</var>or from the emergency relief fund are intended to supplement and be in addition to any <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.32"></a><var>5.32</var>payments required to be made by a third party under law or contract. Payments made <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.33"></a><var>5.33</var>under section 1 or from the emergency relief fund are not a collateral source for purposes <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.34"></a><var>5.34</var>of Minnesota Statutes, section 62A.096 or 548.36 or other law providing for the reduction <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.35"></a><var>5.35</var>of a damage award or the amount of benefits recoverable by a victim from a third party.<br />
         		<a id="pl.6.1"></a><var>6.1</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 3. <b>Payments from other sources.</b>  A person required to make payments, <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.2"></a><var>6.2</var>including future payments, to a victim may not eliminate or reduce those payments as a <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.3"></a><var>6.3</var>result of compensation paid to the victim under section 1 or from the emergency relief <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.4"></a><var>6.4</var>fund or as a result of the victim's release of claims against the state, a municipality, or their <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.5"></a><var>6.5</var>employees under section 1. The obligation of any person other than the state to make <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.6"></a><var>6.6</var>payments to a victim is primary as compared to any payment made or to be made under <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.7"></a><var>6.7</var>section 1 or from the emergency relief fund. The persons referenced in and covered by <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.8"></a><var>6.8</var>this subdivision and subdivision 4 include, without limitation:<br />
         		<a id="pl.6.9"></a><var>6.9</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) reparation obligors, as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 65B.43, subdivision <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.10"></a><var>6.10</var>9, whether they are insurers or self-insurers;<br />
         		<a id="pl.6.11"></a><var>6.11</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) health plan companies, as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 62Q.01, <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.12"></a><var>6.12</var>subdivision 4, including the Minnesota Comprehensive Health Association created under <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.13"></a><var>6.13</var>Minnesota Statutes, section 62E.10;<br />
         		<a id="pl.6.14"></a><var>6.14</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) insurance companies, as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 60A.02, <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.15"></a><var>6.15</var>subdivision 4;<br />
         		<a id="pl.6.16"></a><var>6.16</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) self-insured pools of political subdivisions organized under Minnesota Statutes, <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.17"></a><var>6.17</var>section 471.617 or 471.981, including service cooperatives pools organized under <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.18"></a><var>6.18</var>Minnesota Statutes, section 123A.21;<br />
         		<a id="pl.6.19"></a><var>6.19</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5) risk retention groups, as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 60E.02, <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.20"></a><var>6.20</var>subdivision 12;<br />
         		<a id="pl.6.21"></a><var>6.21</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(6) joint self-insurance plans governed by Minnesota Statutes, chapter 60F;<br />
         		<a id="pl.6.22"></a><var>6.22</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(7) workers' compensation insurers and private self-insurers, as defined in Minnesota <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.23"></a><var>6.23</var>Statutes, section 79.01;<br />
         		<a id="pl.6.24"></a><var>6.24</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(8) the Minnesota Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Association governed by <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.25"></a><var>6.25</var>Minnesota Statutes, chapter 61B;<br />
         		<a id="pl.6.26"></a><var>6.26</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(9) the Minnesota Insurance Guaranty Association governed by Minnesota Statutes, <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.27"></a><var>6.27</var>chapter 60C;<br />
         		<a id="pl.6.28"></a><var>6.28</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(10) the Minnesota Joint Underwriting Association governed by Minnesota Statutes, <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.29"></a><var>6.29</var>chapter 62I;<br />
         		<a id="pl.6.30"></a><var>6.30</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(11) all insurers providing credit life, credit accident and health, and credit <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.31"></a><var>6.31</var>involuntary unemployment insurance under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 62B, but also <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.32"></a><var>6.32</var>including those coverages written in connection with real estate mortgage loans and those <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.33"></a><var>6.33</var>provided to borrowers at no additional cost;<br />
         		<a id="pl.6.34"></a><var>6.34</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(12) the Minnesota unemployment insurance program provided under Minnesota <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.35"></a><var>6.35</var>Statutes, chapter 268;<br />
         		<a id="pl.7.1"></a><var>7.1</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(13) coverage offered by the state under medical assistance, general assistance <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.2"></a><var>7.2</var>medical care, and MinnesotaCare; and<br />
         		<a id="pl.7.3"></a><var>7.3</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(14) any other plan providing health, life, disability income, or long-term care <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.4"></a><var>7.4</var>coverage.<br />
         		<a id="pl.7.5"></a><var>7.5</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 4. <b>No third-party subrogation or recovery.</b>  (a) A person who has paid <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.6"></a><var>7.6</var>benefits or compensation to or on behalf of a victim does not have a subrogation or other <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.7"></a><var>7.7</var>right to recover those benefits or compensation by making a claim, or recovering from <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.8"></a><var>7.8</var>payments made, under section 1 or from the emergency relief fund. <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.9"></a><var>7.9</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Following a settlement agreement under section 1, any person claiming a <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.10"></a><var>7.10</var>subrogation interest against the amount to be paid by the state has 60 days in which to <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.11"></a><var>7.11</var>provide notice to the state and the victim of its intent to assert its interest, during which <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.12"></a><var>7.12</var>time the commissioner of finance must not make the payment. The subrogation claim <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.13"></a><var>7.13</var>is waived if the notice is not provided by the deadline. If no notice is received by the <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.14"></a><var>7.14</var>deadline, the commissioner of finance shall make the payment. If a notice of claim is <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.15"></a><var>7.15</var>received, the funds shall remain in escrow until resolution of the subrogation issue. Any <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.16"></a><var>7.16</var>payment to a victim against which a subrogation claim is successfully asserted shall <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.17"></a><var>7.17</var>immediately revert to the state, for further deliberation as to the manner in which to <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.18"></a><var>7.18</var>distribute the payment to the victim.<br />
         		<a id="pl.7.19"></a><var>7.19</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 5. <b>Reimbursement of state; right of subrogation.</b> (a) The state is entitled <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.20"></a><var>7.20</var>to recover from any third party, including an agent, contractor, or vendor retained by <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.21"></a><var>7.21</var>the state, for payments made from the emergency relief fund or under section 1 to the <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.22"></a><var>7.22</var>extent the third party caused or contributed to the bridge collapse. The state may seek <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.23"></a><var>7.23</var>reimbursement from, or assert subrogation rights against, a victim only to the extent that <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.24"></a><var>7.24</var>total payments received by the victim from the emergency relief fund and under section <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.25"></a><var>7.25</var>1 and from third parties for damages that relate to, involve, or arise out of the bridge <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.26"></a><var>7.26</var>collapse, exceed the total damages incurred by the victim as determined by the panel <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.27"></a><var>7.27</var>under section 1, subdivision 4.<br />
         		<a id="pl.7.28"></a><var>7.28</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The state is subrogated to all potential claims against third-party tortfeasors of <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.29"></a><var>7.29</var>a victim receiving payment from the emergency relief fund or under section 1 to the <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.30"></a><var>7.30</var>extent the claims relate to, involve, or arise out of the bridge collapse. The subrogation <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.31"></a><var>7.31</var>right of the state under this subdivision is limited to the amount paid to the victim from the <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.32"></a><var>7.32</var>emergency relief fund and under section 1. The rights of the state under this subdivision <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.33"></a><var>7.33</var>are in addition to other remedies, claims, and rights relating to the bridge collapse that the <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.34"></a><var>7.34</var>state may have against other persons for the recovery of money or to obtain other relief.<br />
         		<a id="pl.7.35"></a><var>7.35</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 6. <b>Amounts not considered for purposes of limit on government tort </b><br />
         		<a id="pl.7.36"></a><var>7.36</var><b>liability.</b> Payments made to victims under section 1 or from the emergency relief fund <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.1"></a><var>8.1</var>are not to be considered in calculating the limit on tort claims in civil actions against the <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.2"></a><var>8.2</var>state arising out of the bridge collapse for purposes of Minnesota Statutes, section 3.736, <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.3"></a><var>8.3</var>subdivision 4, clause (e), or a municipality arising out of the bridge collapse for purposes <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.4"></a><var>8.4</var>of Minnesota Statutes, section 466.04, subdivision 1, clause (5).<br />
         		<a id="pl.8.5"></a><var>8.5</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.2.3.0"></a><a id="pl.8.6"></a><var>8.6</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 3. <b>APPROPRIATIONS.</b><br />
         		<a id="pl.8.7"></a><var>8.7</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) $25,000,000 is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner of <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.8"></a><var>8.8</var>finance to make payments under settlement agreements entered into by the panel under <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.9"></a><var>8.9</var>section 1. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2010. The legislature intends to <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.10"></a><var>8.10</var>fully fund the settlement agreements. If it appears to the commissioner of finance that <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.11"></a><var>8.11</var>this appropriation may be insufficient to pay all agreed upon settlement amounts, the <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.12"></a><var>8.12</var>commissioner shall promptly report to the chairs of the senate Committee on Finance and <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.13"></a><var>8.13</var>the house of representatives Committee on Ways and Means the estimated amount of the <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.14"></a><var>8.14</var>insufficiency and the estimated date when the appropriation will be exhausted. <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.15"></a><var>8.15</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) $750,000 is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner of finance <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.16"></a><var>8.16</var>to pay salaries, expenses, and administrative costs associated with making offers of <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.17"></a><var>8.17</var>settlement and entering into settlement agreements under section 1. This appropriation <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.18"></a><var>8.18</var>is available until June 30, 2009.<br />
         		<a id="pl.8.19"></a><var>8.19</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) $680,000 is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner of finance <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.20"></a><var>8.20</var>for a grant to Pillsbury United Communities in Minneapolis, to allow Waite House <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.21"></a><var>8.21</var>in Minneapolis to provide comprehensive services to youth and families of youth who <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.22"></a><var>8.22</var>were on a school bus on the I-35W bridge when the bridge collapsed. The commissioner <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.23"></a><var>8.23</var>must make $235,000 of this appropriation available immediately, must make $215,000 <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.24"></a><var>8.24</var>available on August 1, 2008, and must make the remainder of the appropriation available <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.25"></a><var>8.25</var>on August 1, 2009. The appropriation is available until spent.<br />
         		<a id="pl.8.26"></a><var>8.26</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br />
         		
      </div>