<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 civil actions; modifying liability limits for certain tort claims against <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.3"></a><var>1.3</var>the state and political subdivisions; regulating certain conciliation court claims; <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.4"></a><var>1.4</var>providing a right of appeal on certain class action orders; modifying prejudgment <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.5"></a><var>1.5</var>interest; regulating attorney fees; providing a cause of action for sex trafficking <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.6"></a><var>1.6</var>violations;amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 3.736, subdivision 4; <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.7"></a><var>1.7</var>466.03, subdivision 6e, by adding a subdivision; 466.04, subdivisions 1, 3; <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.8"></a><var>1.8</var>491A.01, subdivision 3; 549.09, subdivisions 1, 2; proposing coding for new law <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.9"></a><var>1.9</var>in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 540; 549; 609.<br />
         		<a id="pl.1.10"></a><var>1.10</var>BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.0.1.0"></a><a id="pl.1.11"></a><var>1.11</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 3.736, subdivision 4, is amended to read:<br />
         		<a id="pl.1.12"></a><var>1.12</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.1.13"></a><var>1.13</var>scope of their employment on any tort claim shall not exceed:<br />
         		<a id="pl.1.14"></a><var>1.14</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.1.15"></a><var>1.15</var>$300,000 to any claimant in any other case, for claims arising before August 1, 2007;<br />
         		<a id="pl.1.16"></a><var>1.16</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.1.17"></a><var>1.17</var>$400,000 to any claimant in any other case, for claims arising on or after August 1, 2007, <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.18"></a><var>1.18</var>and before July 1, 2009;<br />
         		<a id="pl.1.19"></a><var>1.19</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.1.20"></a><var>1.20</var>$500,000 to any claimant in any other case, for claims arising on or after July 1, 2009;<br />
         		<a id="pl.1.21"></a><var>1.21</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.1.22"></a><var>1.22</var>arising on or after January 1, 1998, and before January 1, 2000;<br />
         		<a id="pl.1.23"></a><var>1.23</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.1.24"></a><var>1.24</var>claims arising on or after January 1, 2000, and before January 1, 2008;<br />
         		<a id="pl.1.25"></a><var>1.25</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.1.26"></a><var>1.26</var>claims arising on or after January 1, 2008, and before July 1, 2009; ~~or~~<br />
         		<a id="pl.2.1"></a><var>2.1</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.2.2"></a><var>2.2</var>claims arising on or after July 1, 2009; or<br />
         		<a id="pl.2.3"></a><var>2.3</var>(h) $1,000,000 for any number of claims arising out of a single occurrence, if the <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.4"></a><var>2.4</var>claim involves a nonprofit organization engaged in or administering outdoor recreational <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.5"></a><var>2.5</var>activities funded in whole or in part by the state or operating under the authorization of <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.6"></a><var>2.6</var>a permit issued by an agency or department of the state.<br />
         		<a id="pl.2.7"></a><var>2.7</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If the amount awarded to or settled upon multiple claimants exceeds the applicable <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.8"></a><var>2.8</var>limit under clause (d), (e), (f), ~~or~~ (g), or (h), any party may apply to the district court to <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.9"></a><var>2.9</var>apportion to each claimant a proper share of the amount available under the applicable <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.10"></a><var>2.10</var>limit under clause (d), (e), (f), or (g). The share apportioned to each claimant shall be in <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.11"></a><var>2.11</var>the proportion that the ratio of the award or settlement bears to the aggregate awards and <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.12"></a><var>2.12</var>settlements for all claims arising out of the occurrence.<br />
         		<a id="pl.2.13"></a><var>2.13</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The limitation imposed by this subdivision on individual claimants includes damages <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.14"></a><var>2.14</var>claimed for loss of services or loss of support arising out of the same tort.<br />
         		<a id="pl.2.15"></a><var>2.15</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.16"></a><var>2.16</var>and applies to claims arising from acts or omissions that occur on or after that date.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.0.2.0"></a><a id="pl.2.17"></a><var>2.17</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 466.03, subdivision 6e, is amended to read:<br />
         		<a id="pl.2.18"></a><var>2.18</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 6e. <b>Parks and recreation areas.</b> Any claim based upon the construction, <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.19"></a><var>2.19</var>operation, or maintenance of any property owned or leased by the municipality that is <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.20"></a><var>2.20</var>intended or permitted to be used as a park, as an open area for recreational purposes, or for <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.21"></a><var>2.21</var>the provision of recreational services, or from any claim based on the clearing of land, <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.22"></a><var>2.22</var>removal of refuse, and creation of trails or paths without artificial surfaces, if the claim <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.23"></a><var>2.23</var>arises from a loss incurred by a user of park and recreation property or services. Nothing <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.24"></a><var>2.24</var>in this subdivision limits the liability of a municipality for conduct that would entitle a <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.25"></a><var>2.25</var>trespasser to damages against a private person, except as provided in subdivision 23.<br />
         		<a id="pl.2.26"></a><var>2.26</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.27"></a><var>2.27</var>and applies to causes of action arising on or after that date.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.0.3.0"></a><a id="pl.2.28"></a><var>2.28</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 466.03, is amended by adding a subdivision <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.29"></a><var>2.29</var>to read:<br />
         		<a id="pl.2.30"></a><var>2.30</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 23. <b>Recreational use of school property and facilities.</b> (a) Any claim for a <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.31"></a><var>2.31</var>loss or injury arising from the use of school property or a school facility made available <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.32"></a><var>2.32</var>for public recreational activity.<br />
         		<a id="pl.2.33"></a><var>2.33</var>(b) Nothing in this subdivision:<br />
         		<a id="pl.3.1"></a><var>3.1</var>(1) limits the liability of a school district for conduct that would entitle a trespasser <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.2"></a><var>3.2</var>to damages against a private person; or<br />
         		<a id="pl.3.3"></a><var>3.3</var>(2) reduces any existing duty owed by the school district.<br />
         		<a id="pl.3.4"></a><var>3.4</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.5"></a><var>3.5</var>and applies to causes of action arising on or after that date.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.0.4.0"></a><a id="pl.3.6"></a><var>3.6</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 466.04, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br />
         		<a id="pl.3.7"></a><var>3.7</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subdivision 1. <b>Limits; punitive damages.</b> (a) Liability of any municipality on any <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.8"></a><var>3.8</var>claim within the scope of sections 466.01 to 466.15 shall not exceed:<br />
         		<a id="pl.3.9"></a><var>3.9</var>(1) $300,000 when the claim is one for death by wrongful act or omission and <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.10"></a><var>3.10</var>$300,000 to any claimant in any other case, for claims arising before January 1, 2008;<br />
         		<a id="pl.3.11"></a><var>3.11</var>(2) $400,000 when the claim is one for death by wrongful act or omission and <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.12"></a><var>3.12</var>$400,000 to any claimant in any other case, for claims arising on or after January 1, <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.13"></a><var>3.13</var>2008, and before July 1, 2009;<br />
         		<a id="pl.3.14"></a><var>3.14</var>(3) $500,000 when the claim is one for death by wrongful act or omission and <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.15"></a><var>3.15</var>$500,000 to any claimant in any other case, for claims arising on or after July 1, 2009;<br />
         		<a id="pl.3.16"></a><var>3.16</var>(4) $750,000 for any number of claims arising out of a single occurrence, for claims <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.17"></a><var>3.17</var>arising on or after January 1, 1998, and before January 1, 2000;<br />
         		<a id="pl.3.18"></a><var>3.18</var>(5) $1,000,000 for any number of claims arising out of a single occurrence, for <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.19"></a><var>3.19</var>claims arising on or after January 1, 2000, and before January 1, 2008;<br />
         		<a id="pl.3.20"></a><var>3.20</var>(6) $1,200,000 for any number of claims arising out of a single occurrence, for <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.21"></a><var>3.21</var>claims arising on or after January 1, 2008, and before July 1, 2009;<br />
         		<a id="pl.3.22"></a><var>3.22</var>(7) $1,500,000 for any number of claims arising out of a single occurrence, for <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.23"></a><var>3.23</var>claims arising on or after July 1, 2009; ~~or~~<br />
         		<a id="pl.3.24"></a><var>3.24</var>(8) twice the limits provided in clauses (1) to (7) when the claim arises out of the <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.25"></a><var>3.25</var>release or threatened release of a hazardous substance, whether the claim is brought under <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.26"></a><var>3.26</var>sections 115B.01 to 115B.15 or under any other law; or<br />
         		<a id="pl.3.27"></a><var>3.27</var>(9) $1,000,000 for any number of claims arising out of a single occurrence, if the <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.28"></a><var>3.28</var>claim involves a nonprofit organization engaged in or administering outdoor recreational <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.29"></a><var>3.29</var>activities funded in whole or in part by a municipality or operating under the authorization <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.30"></a><var>3.30</var>of a permit issued by a municipality.<br />
         		<a id="pl.3.31"></a><var>3.31</var>(b) No award for damages on any such claim shall include punitive damages.<br />
         		<a id="pl.3.32"></a><var>3.32</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.33"></a><var>3.33</var>and applies to claims arising from acts or omissions that occur on or after that date.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.0.5.0"></a><a id="pl.4.1"></a><var>4.1</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 466.04, subdivision 3, is amended to read:<br />
         		<a id="pl.4.2"></a><var>4.2</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 3. <b>Disposition of multiple claims.</b> Where the amount awarded to or settled <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.3"></a><var>4.3</var>upon multiple claimants exceeds the applicable limit under subdivision 1, paragraph <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.4"></a><var>4.4</var>(a), clauses ~~(2) to~~ (4) to (9), any party may apply to any district court to apportion to <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.5"></a><var>4.5</var>each claimant a proper share of the total amount limited by subdivision 1. The share <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.6"></a><var>4.6</var>apportioned each claimant shall be in the proportion that the ratio of the award or <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.7"></a><var>4.7</var>settlement made to each bears to the aggregate awards and settlements for all claims <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.8"></a><var>4.8</var>arising out of the occurrence.<br />
         		<a id="pl.4.9"></a><var>4.9</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.0.6.0"></a><a id="pl.4.10"></a><var>4.10</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 491A.01, subdivision 3, is amended to read:<br />
         		<a id="pl.4.11"></a><var>4.11</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 3. <b>Jurisdiction; general.</b> (a) Except as provided in subdivisions 4 and 5, the <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.12"></a><var>4.12</var>conciliation court has jurisdiction to hear, conciliate, try, and determine civil claims if the <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.13"></a><var>4.13</var>amount of money or property that is the subject matter of the claim does not exceed: (1) <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.14"></a><var>4.14</var>~~$7,500; (2) $4,000,~~ $10,000 or $5,000 if the claim involves a consumer credit transaction; <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.15"></a><var>4.15</var>or ~~(3)~~ (2) $15,000, if the claim involves money or personal property subject to forfeiture <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.16"></a><var>4.16</var>under section 
         <statute_ref>609.5311</statute_ref>, 
         <statute_ref>609.5312</statute_ref>, 
         <statute_ref>609.5314</statute_ref>, or 
         <statute_ref>609.5318</statute_ref>. "Consumer credit transaction" <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.17"></a><var>4.17</var>means a sale of personal property, or a loan arranged to facilitate the purchase of personal <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.18"></a><var>4.18</var>property, in which:<br />
         		<a id="pl.4.19"></a><var>4.19</var>(1) credit is granted by a seller or a lender who regularly engages as a seller or <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.20"></a><var>4.20</var>lender in credit transactions of the same kind;<br />
         		<a id="pl.4.21"></a><var>4.21</var>(2) the buyer is a natural person;<br />
         		<a id="pl.4.22"></a><var>4.22</var>(3) the claimant is the seller or lender in the transaction; and<br />
         		<a id="pl.4.23"></a><var>4.23</var>(4) the personal property is purchased primarily for a personal, family, or household <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.24"></a><var>4.24</var>purpose and not for a commercial, agricultural, or business purpose.<br />
         		<a id="pl.4.25"></a><var>4.25</var>(b) Except as otherwise provided in this subdivision and subdivisions 5 to 10, the <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.26"></a><var>4.26</var>territorial jurisdiction of conciliation court is coextensive with the county in which the <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.27"></a><var>4.27</var>court is established. The summons in a conciliation court action under subdivisions 6 to <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.28"></a><var>4.28</var>10 may be served anywhere in the state, and the summons in a conciliation court action <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.29"></a><var>4.29</var>under subdivision 7, paragraph (b), may be served outside the state in the manner provided <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.30"></a><var>4.30</var>by law. The court administrator shall serve the summons in a conciliation court action <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.31"></a><var>4.31</var>by first class mail, except that if the amount of money or property that is the subject of <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.32"></a><var>4.32</var>the claim exceeds $2,500, the summons must be served by the plaintiff by certified mail, <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.33"></a><var>4.33</var>and service on nonresident defendants must be made in accordance with applicable law <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.34"></a><var>4.34</var>or rule. Subpoenas to secure the attendance of nonparty witnesses and the production of <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.35"></a><var>4.35</var>documents at trial may be served anywhere within the state in the manner provided by law.<br />
         		<a id="pl.5.1"></a><var>5.1</var>When a court administrator is required to summon the defendant by certified mail <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.2"></a><var>5.2</var>under this paragraph, the summons may be made by personal service in the manner <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.3"></a><var>5.3</var>provided in the Rules of Civil Procedure for personal service of a summons of the district <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.4"></a><var>5.4</var>court as an alternative to service by certified mail.<br />
         		<a id="pl.5.5"></a><var>5.5</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective August 1, 2011, and applies to claims <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.6"></a><var>5.6</var>filed on or after that date.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.0.7.0"></a><a id="pl.5.7"></a><var>5.7</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 7. <b>[540.19] CLASS ACTIONS; INTERLOCUTORY APPEAL.</b><br />
         		<a id="pl.5.8"></a><var>5.8</var>A court order certifying a class action, refusing to certify a class action, or denying a <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.9"></a><var>5.9</var>motion to decertify a class action is appealable as a matter of right. While an appeal under <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.10"></a><var>5.10</var>this subdivision is pending, all discovery and other proceedings in the district court are <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.11"></a><var>5.11</var>automatically stayed, except that upon the motion of a party the district court may lift the <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.12"></a><var>5.12</var>stay, in whole or in part, for good cause shown.<br />
         		<a id="pl.5.13"></a><var>5.13</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective July 1, 2011, and applies to orders <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.14"></a><var>5.14</var>issued on or after that date.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.0.8.0"></a><a id="pl.5.15"></a><var>5.15</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 549.09, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br />
         		<a id="pl.5.16"></a><var>5.16</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subdivision 1. <b>When owed; rate.</b> (a) When a judgment or award is for the recovery <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.17"></a><var>5.17</var>of money, including a judgment for the recovery of taxes, interest from the time of <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.18"></a><var>5.18</var>the verdict, award, or report until judgment is finally entered shall be computed by the <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.19"></a><var>5.19</var>court administrator or arbitrator as provided in paragraph (c) and added to the judgment <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.20"></a><var>5.20</var>or award.<br />
         		<a id="pl.5.21"></a><var>5.21</var>(b) Except as otherwise provided by contract or allowed by law, preverdict, <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.22"></a><var>5.22</var>preaward, or prereport interest on pecuniary damages shall be computed as provided <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.23"></a><var>5.23</var>in paragraph (c) from the time of the commencement of the action or a demand for <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.24"></a><var>5.24</var>arbitration, or the time of a written notice of claim, whichever occurs first, except as <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.25"></a><var>5.25</var>provided herein. The action must be commenced within two years of a written notice of <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.26"></a><var>5.26</var>claim for interest to begin to accrue from the time of the notice of claim. If either party <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.27"></a><var>5.27</var>serves a written offer of settlement, the other party may serve a written acceptance or a <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.28"></a><var>5.28</var>written counteroffer within 30 days. After that time, interest on the judgment or award <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.29"></a><var>5.29</var>shall be calculated by the judge or arbitrator in the following manner. The prevailing <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.30"></a><var>5.30</var>party shall receive interest on any judgment or award from the time of commencement <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.31"></a><var>5.31</var>of the action or a demand for arbitration, or the time of a written notice of claim, or as <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.32"></a><var>5.32</var>to special damages from the time when special damages were incurred, if later, until the <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.33"></a><var>5.33</var>time of verdict, award, or report only if the amount of its offer is closer to the judgment or <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.1"></a><var>6.1</var>award than the amount of the opposing party's offer. If the amount of the losing party's <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.2"></a><var>6.2</var>offer was closer to the judgment or award than the prevailing party's offer, the prevailing <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.3"></a><var>6.3</var>party shall receive interest only on the amount of the settlement offer or the judgment or <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.4"></a><var>6.4</var>award, whichever is less, and only from the time of commencement of the action or a <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.5"></a><var>6.5</var>demand for arbitration, or the time of a written notice of claim, or as to special damages <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.6"></a><var>6.6</var>from when the special damages were incurred, if later, until the time the settlement offer <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.7"></a><var>6.7</var>was made. Subsequent offers and counteroffers supersede the legal effect of earlier offers <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.8"></a><var>6.8</var>and counteroffers. For the purposes of clause (2), the amount of settlement offer must <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.9"></a><var>6.9</var>be allocated between past and future damages in the same proportion as determined by <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.10"></a><var>6.10</var>the trier of fact. Except as otherwise provided by contract or allowed by law, preverdict, <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.11"></a><var>6.11</var>preaward, or prereport interest shall not be awarded on the following:<br />
         		<a id="pl.6.12"></a><var>6.12</var>(1) judgments, awards, or benefits in workers' compensation cases, but not including <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.13"></a><var>6.13</var>third-party actions;<br />
         		<a id="pl.6.14"></a><var>6.14</var>(2) judgments or awards for future damages;<br />
         		<a id="pl.6.15"></a><var>6.15</var>(3) punitive damages, fines, or other damages that are noncompensatory in nature;<br />
         		<a id="pl.6.16"></a><var>6.16</var>(4) judgments or awards not in excess of the amount specified in section 
         <statute_ref>491A.01</statute_ref>; <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.17"></a><var>6.17</var>and<br />
         		<a id="pl.6.18"></a><var>6.18</var>(5) that portion of any verdict, award, or report which is founded upon interest, or <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.19"></a><var>6.19</var>costs, disbursements, attorney fees, or other similar items added by the court or arbitrator.<br />
         		<a id="pl.6.20"></a><var>6.20</var>(c)(1) ~~For a judgment or award of $50,000 or less or a judgment or award for or~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.21"></a><var>6.21</var>~~against the state or a political subdivision of the state, regardless of the amount,~~ The <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.22"></a><var>6.22</var>interest shall be computed as simple interest per annum. The rate of interest shall be based <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.23"></a><var>6.23</var>on the secondary market yield of one year United States Treasury bills, calculated on a <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.24"></a><var>6.24</var>bank discount basis as provided in this section.<br />
         		<a id="pl.6.25"></a><var>6.25</var>On or before the 20th day of December of each year the state court administrator <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.26"></a><var>6.26</var>shall determine the rate from the one-year constant maturity treasury yield for the most <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.27"></a><var>6.27</var>recent calendar month, reported on a monthly basis in the latest statistical release of the <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.28"></a><var>6.28</var>board of governors of the Federal Reserve System. This yield, rounded to the nearest one <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.29"></a><var>6.29</var>percent, or four percent, whichever is greater, shall be the annual interest rate during the <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.30"></a><var>6.30</var>succeeding calendar year. The state court administrator shall communicate the interest <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.31"></a><var>6.31</var>rates to the court administrators and sheriffs for use in computing the interest on verdicts <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.32"></a><var>6.32</var>and shall make the interest rates available to arbitrators.<br />
         		<a id="pl.6.33"></a><var>6.33</var>~~This clause applies to any section that references section~~ 
         <statute_ref>~~549.09~~</statute_ref> ~~by citation for the~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.34"></a><var>6.34</var>~~purposes of computing an interest rate on any amount owed to or by the state or a political~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.35"></a><var>6.35</var>~~subdivision of the state, regardless of the amount.~~<br />
         		<a id="pl.7.1"></a><var>7.1</var>(2) ~~For a judgment or award over $50,000, other than a judgment or award for or~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.2"></a><var>7.2</var>~~against the state or a political subdivision of the state, the interest rate shall be ten percent~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.3"></a><var>7.3</var>~~per year until paid.~~<br />
         		<a id="pl.7.4"></a><var>7.4</var>~~(3)~~ When a judgment creditor, or the judgment creditor's attorney or agent, has <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.5"></a><var>7.5</var>received a payment after entry of judgment, whether the payment is made voluntarily by <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.6"></a><var>7.6</var>or on behalf of the judgment debtor, or is collected by legal process other than execution <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.7"></a><var>7.7</var>levy where a proper return has been filed with the court administrator, the judgment <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.8"></a><var>7.8</var>creditor, or the judgment creditor's attorney, before applying to the court administrator <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.9"></a><var>7.9</var>for an execution shall file with the court administrator an affidavit of partial satisfaction. <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.10"></a><var>7.10</var>The affidavit must state the dates and amounts of payments made upon the judgment after <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.11"></a><var>7.11</var>the most recent affidavit of partial satisfaction filed, if any; the part of each payment that <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.12"></a><var>7.12</var>is applied to taxable disbursements and to accrued interest and to the unpaid principal <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.13"></a><var>7.13</var>balance of the judgment; and the accrued, but the unpaid interest owing, if any, after <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.14"></a><var>7.14</var>application of each payment.<br />
         		<a id="pl.7.15"></a><var>7.15</var>(d) This section does not apply to arbitrations between employers and employees <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.16"></a><var>7.16</var>under chapter 179 or 179A. An arbitrator is neither required to nor prohibited from <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.17"></a><var>7.17</var>awarding interest under chapter 179 or under section 
         <statute_ref>179A.16</statute_ref> for essential employees.<br />
         		<a id="pl.7.18"></a><var>7.18</var>~~(e) For purposes of this subdivision:~~<br />
         		<a id="pl.7.19"></a><var>7.19</var>~~(1) "state" includes a department, board, agency, commission, court, or other entity~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.20"></a><var>7.20</var>~~in the executive, legislative, or judicial branch of the state; and~~<br />
         		<a id="pl.7.21"></a><var>7.21</var>~~(2) "political subdivision" includes a town, statutory or home rule charter city,~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.22"></a><var>7.22</var>~~county, school district, or any other political subdivision of the state.~~<br />
         		<a id="pl.7.23"></a><var>7.23</var>(e) This section does not apply to a judgment or award upon which interest is entitled <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.24"></a><var>7.24</var>to be recovered under section 60A.0811.<br />
         		<a id="pl.7.25"></a><var>7.25</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective August 1, 2011, and applies to <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.26"></a><var>7.26</var>judgments and awards entered on or after that date.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.0.9.0"></a><a id="pl.7.27"></a><var>7.27</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 549.09, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br />
         		<a id="pl.7.28"></a><var>7.28</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 2. <b>Accrual of interest.</b> (a) During each calendar year, interest shall accrue <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.29"></a><var>7.29</var>on the unpaid balance of the judgment or award from the time that it is entered or made <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.30"></a><var>7.30</var>until it is paid, at the annual rate provided in subdivision 1 or paragraph (b). The court <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.31"></a><var>7.31</var>administrator shall compute and add the accrued interest to the total amount to be collected <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.32"></a><var>7.32</var>when the execution is issued and compute the amount of daily interest accruing during the <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.33"></a><var>7.33</var>calendar year. The person authorized by statute to make the levy shall compute and add <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.34"></a><var>7.34</var>interest from the date that the writ of execution was issued to the date of service of the writ <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.1"></a><var>8.1</var>of execution and shall direct the daily interest to be computed and added from the date of <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.2"></a><var>8.2</var>service until any money is collected as a result of the levy.<br />
         		<a id="pl.8.3"></a><var>8.3</var>(b) For a judgment or award over $50,000, other than a judgment or award for or <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.4"></a><var>8.4</var>against the state or a political subdivision of the state, the interest rate is ten percent per <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.5"></a><var>8.5</var>year. This paragraph does not apply to a section that references section 549.09 by citation <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.6"></a><var>8.6</var>for the purpose of computing an interest rate on any amount owed to or by the state or a <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.7"></a><var>8.7</var>political subdivision of the state, regardless of the amount.<br />
         		<a id="pl.8.8"></a><var>8.8</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective August 1, 2011, and applies to <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.9"></a><var>8.9</var>judgments and awards entered on or after that date.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.0.10.0"></a><a id="pl.8.10"></a><var>8.10</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 10. <b>[549.255] ATTORNEY FEE AWARDS.</b><br />
         		<a id="pl.8.11"></a><var>8.11</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subdivision 1. <b>Reasonable relation of fees to damages.</b> When a statute provides <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.12"></a><var>8.12</var>for the award of attorney fees to a party that has recovered money damages, the court, in <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.13"></a><var>8.13</var>setting the amount of attorney fees, must take into consideration the reasonableness of the <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.14"></a><var>8.14</var>attorney fees sought in relation to the amount of damages awarded to the prevailing party <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.15"></a><var>8.15</var>along with other relevant factors allowed by law.<br />
         		<a id="pl.8.16"></a><var>8.16</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 2. <b>Offer of judgment.</b> If an offer of judgment is made by a party under Rule <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.17"></a><var>8.17</var>68 of the Rules of Civil Procedure to a party who claims money damages pursuant, in <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.18"></a><var>8.18</var>whole or in part, to a statute that provides for the award of attorney fees, and the party <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.19"></a><var>8.19</var>claiming attorney fees does not obtain a verdict in excess of the offer, exclusive of attorney <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.20"></a><var>8.20</var>fees, no attorney fees may be awarded for fees incurred after service of the offer of <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.21"></a><var>8.21</var>judgment. The party that rejects an offer of judgment must disclose the attorney fees it <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.22"></a><var>8.22</var>has incurred as of the date of the service of the offer of judgment within the time period <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.23"></a><var>8.23</var>provided by Rule 68 for the acceptance of an offer of judgment.<br />
         		<a id="pl.8.24"></a><var>8.24</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 3. <b>Exemption.</b> This section does not apply to actions brought pursuant to <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.25"></a><var>8.25</var>section 325F.71, subdivision 4.<br />
         		<a id="pl.8.26"></a><var>8.26</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective August 1, 2011, and applies to <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.27"></a><var>8.27</var>actions commenced on or after that date.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.0.11.0"></a><a id="pl.8.28"></a><var>8.28</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 11. <b>[609.3244] CIVIL LIABILITY.</b><br />
         		<a id="pl.8.29"></a><var>8.29</var>(a) A sex trafficking victim may bring a cause of action against a person who violates <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.30"></a><var>8.30</var>section 609.322. The court may award damages, including punitive damages, reasonable <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.31"></a><var>8.31</var>attorney fees, and other litigation costs reasonably incurred by the victim.<br />
         		<a id="pl.8.32"></a><var>8.32</var>(b) The rules of evidence set out in section 611A.83 apply to a cause of action under <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.33"></a><var>8.33</var>this section. The evidentiary protections provided by this paragraph do not apply to any <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.1"></a><var>9.1</var>subsequent prosecution of a violent crime, as defined in section 609.1095, subdivision 1, <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.2"></a><var>9.2</var>paragraph (d).<br />
         		<a id="pl.9.3"></a><var>9.3</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective August 1, 2011, and applies to causes <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.4"></a><var>9.4</var>of action commenced on or after that date.<br />
         		
      </div>