1.1                          A bill for an act 
  1.2             relating to higher education; exempting certain 
  1.3             student contracts from the contract moratorium; 
  1.4             amending Laws 2002, chapter 220, article 10, section 
  1.5             37. 
  1.6   BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA: 
  1.7      Section 1.  Laws 2002, chapter 220, article 10, section 37, 
  1.8   is amended to read: 
  1.9      Sec. 37.  [MORATORIUM ON CONSULTANT CONTRACTS.] 
  1.10     (a) An entity in the executive branch of state government, 
  1.11  including the Minnesota state colleges and universities, may not 
  1.12  enter into a new contract or renew an existing contract for 
  1.13  professional or technical services after the effective date of 
  1.14  this section and before July 1, 2003.  This section does not 
  1.15  apply to a contract: 
  1.16     (1) that relates to a threat to public health, welfare, or 
  1.17  safety that threatens the functioning of government, the 
  1.18  protection of property, or the health or safety of people; or 
  1.19     (2) that is paid for entirely with federal funds received 
  1.20  before the effective date of this section; or 
  1.21     (3) that is a Minnesota state colleges and universities 
  1.22  contract paid for from any funds that are not state general fund 
  1.23  appropriations.  
  1.24     (b) An entity in the executive branch may apply for a 
  1.25  waiver of the moratorium by sending a letter with reasons for 
  2.1   the request to the commissioner of administration for executive 
  2.2   branch entities.  Upon a finding that a consultant contract is 
  2.3   necessary, the commissioner may grant a waiver.  The decision of 
  2.4   the commissioner is final and not subject to appeal.  A monthly 
  2.5   report of all waivers granted must be filed by the entity 
  2.6   granting the waiver.  The report must be published on the 
  2.7   entity's Web site, and copies must be provided to the chairs of 
  2.8   the house ways and means and senate finance committees and to 
  2.9   the legislative reference library. 
  2.10     <b>[EFFECTIVE DATE.]</b> This section is effective the day 
  2.11  following final enactment.