<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 state government; regulating certain political expenditures and <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.3"></a><var>1.3</var>contributions; modifying certain filing and reporting requirements; providing <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.4"></a><var>1.4</var>civil penalties; regulating certain filings with the secretary of state;amending <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.5"></a><var>1.5</var>Minnesota Statutes 2008, sections 318.02, subdivision 1; 557.01.<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.0.1.0"></a><a id="pl.1.7"></a><var>1.7</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 10A.01, subdivision 18, is amended to <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.8"></a><var>1.8</var>read:<br />
         		<a id="pl.1.9"></a><var>1.9</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 18. <b>Independent expenditure.</b> "Independent expenditure" means an <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.10"></a><var>1.10</var>expenditure expressly advocating the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate, <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.11"></a><var>1.11</var>if the expenditure is made without the express or implied consent, authorization, or <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.12"></a><var>1.12</var>cooperation of, and not in concert with or at the request or suggestion of, any candidate or <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.13"></a><var>1.13</var>any candidate's principal campaign committee or agent. An independent expenditure is <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.14"></a><var>1.14</var>not a contribution to that candidate. ~~An expenditure by a political party or political party~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.15"></a><var>1.15</var>~~unit in a race where the political party has a candidate on the ballot is not an independent~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.16"></a><var>1.16</var>~~expenditure~~ An independent expenditure does not include the act of announcing a formal <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.17"></a><var>1.17</var>public endorsement of a candidate for public office, unless the act is simultaneously <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.18"></a><var>1.18</var>accompanied by an expenditure that would otherwise qualify as an independent <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.19"></a><var>1.19</var>expenditure under this subdivision.<br />
         		<a id="pl.1.20"></a><var>1.20</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.0.2.0"></a><a id="pl.1.21"></a><var>1.21</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 10A.01, is amended by adding a subdivision <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.22"></a><var>1.22</var>to read:<br />
         		<a id="pl.2.1"></a><var>2.1</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 37. <b>Independent expenditure political committee.</b> "Independent <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.2"></a><var>2.2</var>expenditure political committee" means a political committee that makes only independent <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.3"></a><var>2.3</var>expenditures and disbursements permitted under section 10A.121, subdivision 1.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.0.3.0"></a><a id="pl.2.4"></a><var>2.4</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 10A.01, is amended by adding a subdivision <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.5"></a><var>2.5</var>to read:<br />
         		<a id="pl.2.6"></a><var>2.6</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 38. <b>Independent expenditure political fund.</b> "Independent expenditure <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.7"></a><var>2.7</var>political fund" means a political fund that makes only independent expenditures and <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.8"></a><var>2.8</var>disbursements permitted under section 10A.121, subdivision 1.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.0.4.0"></a><a id="pl.2.9"></a><var>2.9</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 10A.12, is amended by adding a subdivision <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.10"></a><var>2.10</var>to read:<br />
         		<a id="pl.2.11"></a><var>2.11</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 1a. <b>When required for independent expenditures.</b> An association other <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.12"></a><var>2.12</var>than a political committee that makes only independent expenditures and disbursements <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.13"></a><var>2.13</var>permitted under section 10A.121, subdivision 1, must do so by forming and registering <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.14"></a><var>2.14</var>an independent expenditure political fund if the expenditure is in excess of $100 or by <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.15"></a><var>2.15</var>contributing to an existing independent expenditure political committee or political fund.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.0.5.0"></a><a id="pl.2.16"></a><var>2.16</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 5. <b>[10A.121] INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURE POLITICAL </b><br />
         		<a id="pl.2.17"></a><var>2.17</var><b>COMMITTEES AND INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURE POLITICAL FUNDS.</b><br />
         		<a id="pl.2.18"></a><var>2.18</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subdivision 1. <b>Permitted disbursements.</b> An independent expenditure political <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.19"></a><var>2.19</var>committee or an independent expenditure political fund, in addition to making independent <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.20"></a><var>2.20</var>expenditures, may: <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.21"></a><var>2.21</var>(1) pay costs associated with its fund-raising and general operations;<br />
         		<a id="pl.2.22"></a><var>2.22</var>(2) pay for communications that do not constitute contributions or approved <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.23"></a><var>2.23</var>expenditures; and<br />
         		<a id="pl.2.24"></a><var>2.24</var>(3) make contributions to other independent expenditure political committees or <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.25"></a><var>2.25</var>independent expenditure political funds.<br />
         		<a id="pl.2.26"></a><var>2.26</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 2. <b>Penalty.</b> An independent expenditure political committee or independent <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.27"></a><var>2.27</var>expenditure political fund is subject to a civil penalty of up to four times the amount of the <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.28"></a><var>2.28</var>contribution or approved expenditure if it does the following:<br />
         		<a id="pl.2.29"></a><var>2.29</var>(1) makes a contribution to a candidate, party unit, political committee, or political <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.30"></a><var>2.30</var>fund other than an independent expenditure political committee or an independent <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.31"></a><var>2.31</var>expenditure political fund; or<br />
         		<a id="pl.2.32"></a><var>2.32</var>(2) makes an approved expenditure.<br />
         		<a id="pl.2.33"></a><var>2.33</var>This penalty supersedes any penalty otherwise provided in statute.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.0.6.0"></a><a id="pl.3.1"></a><var>3.1</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 10A.20, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br />
         		<a id="pl.3.2"></a><var>3.2</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 2. <b>Time for filing.</b> (a) The reports must be filed with the board on or before <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.3"></a><var>3.3</var>January 31 of each year and additional reports must be filed as required and in accordance <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.4"></a><var>3.4</var>with paragraphs (b) and (c).<br />
         		<a id="pl.3.5"></a><var>3.5</var>(b) In each year in which the name of the candidate is on the ballot, the report of <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.6"></a><var>3.6</var>the principal campaign committee must be filed 15 days before a primary and ten days <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.7"></a><var>3.7</var>before a general election, seven days before a special primary and a special election, <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.8"></a><var>3.8</var>and ten days after a special election cycle.<br />
         		<a id="pl.3.9"></a><var>3.9</var>(c) In each general election year, a political committee, political fund, or party <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.10"></a><var>3.10</var>unit must file reports 28 and 15 days before a primary and ~~ten~~ 42 and 15 days before a <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.11"></a><var>3.11</var>general election. Beginning in 2012, reports required under this paragraph must also be <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.12"></a><var>3.12</var>filed 56 days before a primary.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.0.7.0"></a><a id="pl.3.13"></a><var>3.13</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 10A.20, subdivision 4, is amended to read:<br />
         		<a id="pl.3.14"></a><var>3.14</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 4. <b>Period of report.</b> A report must cover the period from ~~the last day covered~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.15"></a><var>3.15</var>~~by the previous report~~ January 1 of the reporting year to seven days before the filing date, <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.16"></a><var>3.16</var>except that the report due on January 31 must cover the period from the last day covered <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.17"></a><var>3.17</var>by the previous report to December 31.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.0.8.0"></a><a id="pl.3.18"></a><var>3.18</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 10A.20, subdivision 12, is amended to read:<br />
         		<a id="pl.3.19"></a><var>3.19</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 12. <b>Failure to file; penalty.</b> The board must send a notice by certified mail <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.20"></a><var>3.20</var>to any individual who fails to file a statement required by this section. If an individual <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.21"></a><var>3.21</var>fails to file a statement due January 31 within ten business days after the notice was sent, <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.22"></a><var>3.22</var>the board may impose a late filing fee of ~~$5~~ $25 per day, not to exceed ~~$100~~ $1,000, <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.23"></a><var>3.23</var>commencing ~~with~~ the ~~11th~~ day after the notice was sent.<br />
         		<a id="pl.3.24"></a><var>3.24</var>If an individual fails to file a statement due before a primary or election within three <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.25"></a><var>3.25</var>days after the date due, regardless of whether the individual has received any notice, the <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.26"></a><var>3.26</var>board may impose a late filing fee of $50 per day, not to exceed ~~$500~~ $1,000, commencing <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.27"></a><var>3.27</var>on the ~~fourth~~ day after the date the statement was due.<br />
         		<a id="pl.3.28"></a><var>3.28</var>The board must send an additional notice by certified mail to an individual who fails <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.29"></a><var>3.29</var>to file a statement within 14 days after the first notice was sent by the board that the <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.30"></a><var>3.30</var>individual may be subject to a civil penalty for failure to file a statement. An individual <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.31"></a><var>3.31</var>who fails to file the statement within seven days after the second notice was sent by the <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.32"></a><var>3.32</var>board is subject to a civil penalty imposed by the board of up to $1,000.<br />
         		<a id="pl.3.33"></a><var>3.33</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective June 1, 2010, and applies to <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.34"></a><var>3.34</var>statements required to be filed on or after that date.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.0.9.0"></a><a id="pl.4.1"></a><var>4.1</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 10A.27, is amended by adding a subdivision <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.2"></a><var>4.2</var>to read:<br />
         		<a id="pl.4.3"></a><var>4.3</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 14. <b>Contributions of business revenue.</b> An association may, if not <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.4"></a><var>4.4</var>prohibited by other law, contribute revenue from the operation of a business to an <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.5"></a><var>4.5</var>independent expenditure political committee or an independent expenditure political fund <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.6"></a><var>4.6</var>without complying with section 10A.27, subdivision 13.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.0.10.0"></a><a id="pl.4.7"></a><var>4.7</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 10A.27, is amended by adding a subdivision <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.8"></a><var>4.8</var>to read:<br />
         		<a id="pl.4.9"></a><var>4.9</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 15. <b>Contributions of dues or contribution revenue.</b> An association may, <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.10"></a><var>4.10</var>if not prohibited by other law, contribute revenue from membership dues or fees, or <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.11"></a><var>4.11</var>from contributions received by the association to an independent expenditure political <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.12"></a><var>4.12</var>committee or an independent expenditure political fund without complying with section <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.13"></a><var>4.13</var>10A.27, subdivision 13. Before the day when the recipient committee's or fund's <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.14"></a><var>4.14</var>next report must be filed with the board under section 10A.20, subdivision 2 or 5, an <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.15"></a><var>4.15</var>association that has contributed $2,000 or more in aggregate to independent expenditure <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.16"></a><var>4.16</var>political committees or funds during the calendar year must provide in writing to the <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.17"></a><var>4.17</var>recipient's treasurer a statement that includes the name and address of each association <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.18"></a><var>4.18</var>that paid the association dues or fees, or made contributions to the association that, in <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.19"></a><var>4.19</var>total, aggregate $1,000 or more between January 1 of the calendar year and the date of <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.20"></a><var>4.20</var>the contribution. The statement must be certified as true and correct by an officer of the <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.21"></a><var>4.21</var>contributing association.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.0.11.0"></a><a id="pl.4.22"></a><var>4.22</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 10A.27, is amended by adding a subdivision <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.23"></a><var>4.23</var>to read:<br />
         		<a id="pl.4.24"></a><var>4.24</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 16. <b>Treasurer to submit disclosure statements.</b> The treasurer of a political <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.25"></a><var>4.25</var>committee or political fund receiving a statement required under section 10A.27, <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.26"></a><var>4.26</var>subdivision 15, must file a copy of the statement before the deadline for the committee's <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.27"></a><var>4.27</var>or fund's next report filed with the board under section 10A.20, subdivision 2 or 5, after <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.28"></a><var>4.28</var>receiving the statement.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.0.12.0"></a><a id="pl.4.29"></a><var>4.29</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 10A.27, is amended by adding a subdivision <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.30"></a><var>4.30</var>to read:<br />
         		<a id="pl.4.31"></a><var>4.31</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 17. <b>Penalty.</b> (a) An association that makes a contribution under section <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.32"></a><var>4.32</var>10A.27, subdivision 15, and fails to provide the required statement within the time <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.1"></a><var>5.1</var>specified is subject to a civil penalty of up to four times the amount of the contribution, <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.2"></a><var>5.2</var>but not to exceed $25,000, except when the violation was intentional.<br />
         		<a id="pl.5.3"></a><var>5.3</var>(b) An independent expenditure political committee or an independent expenditure <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.4"></a><var>5.4</var>political fund that files a report without including the statement required under section <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.5"></a><var>5.5</var>10A.27, subdivision 15, is subject to a civil penalty of up to four times the amount of the <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.6"></a><var>5.6</var>contribution for which disclosure was not filed, but not to exceed $25,000, except when <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.7"></a><var>5.7</var>the violation was intentional.<br />
         		<a id="pl.5.8"></a><var>5.8</var>(c) The penalties provided under this subdivision supersede any penalty otherwise <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.9"></a><var>5.9</var>provided in statute.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.0.13.0"></a><a id="pl.5.10"></a><var>5.10</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 211B.01, subdivision 3, is amended to read:<br />
         		<a id="pl.5.11"></a><var>5.11</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 3. <b>Candidate.</b> "Candidate" means an individual who seeks nomination <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.12"></a><var>5.12</var>or election to a ~~federal,~~ statewide, legislative, judicial, or local office including special <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.13"></a><var>5.13</var>districts, school districts, towns, home rule charter and statutory cities, and counties~~,~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.14"></a><var>5.14</var>~~except candidates for president and vice-president of the United States~~.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.0.14.0"></a><a id="pl.5.15"></a><var>5.15</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 211B.04, is amended to read:<br />
         		<a id="pl.5.16"></a><var>5.16</var><b>211B.04 CAMPAIGN LITERATURE MUST INCLUDE DISCLAIMER.</b><br />
         		<a id="pl.5.17"></a><var>5.17</var>(a) A person who participates in the preparation or dissemination of campaign <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.18"></a><var>5.18</var>material other than as provided in section 
         <statute_ref>211B.05, subdivision 1</statute_ref>, that does not <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.19"></a><var>5.19</var>prominently include the name and address of the person or committee causing the material <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.20"></a><var>5.20</var>to be prepared or disseminated in a disclaimer substantially in the form provided in <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.21"></a><var>5.21</var>paragraph (b) or (c) is guilty of a misdemeanor.  <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.22"></a><var>5.22</var>(b) Except in cases covered by paragraph (c), the required form of disclaimer is: <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.23"></a><var>5.23</var>"Prepared and paid for by the .......... committee, .........(address)" for material prepared <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.24"></a><var>5.24</var>and paid for by a principal campaign committee, or "Prepared and paid for by the .......... <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.25"></a><var>5.25</var>committee, .........(address), in support of .........(insert name of candidate or ballot <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.26"></a><var>5.26</var>question)" for material prepared and paid for by a person or committee other than a <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.27"></a><var>5.27</var>principal campaign committee.<br />
         		<a id="pl.5.28"></a><var>5.28</var>(c) In the case of broadcast media, the required form of disclaimer is: "Paid for by <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.29"></a><var>5.29</var>the ............ committee."<br />
         		<a id="pl.5.30"></a><var>5.30</var>(d) Campaign material that is not circulated on behalf of a particular candidate <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.31"></a><var>5.31</var>or ballot question must also include in the disclaimer either that it is "in opposition to <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.32"></a><var>5.32</var>.....(insert name of candidate or ballot question.....)"; or that "this publication is not <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.33"></a><var>5.33</var>circulated on behalf of any candidate or ballot question."<br />
         		<a id="pl.6.1"></a><var>6.1</var>(e) This section does not apply to objects stating only the candidate's name and <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.2"></a><var>6.2</var>the office sought, fund-raising tickets, or personal letters that are clearly being sent by <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.3"></a><var>6.3</var>the candidate.<br />
         		<a id="pl.6.4"></a><var>6.4</var>(f) This section does not apply to an individual or association who acts independently <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.5"></a><var>6.5</var>of any candidate, candidate's committee, political committee, or political fund and spends <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.6"></a><var>6.6</var>only from the individual's or association's own resources a sum that is less than ~~$500~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.7"></a><var>6.7</var>$2,000  in the aggregate to produce or distribute campaign material that is distributed at <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.8"></a><var>6.8</var>least seven days before the election to which the campaign material relates.<br />
         		<a id="pl.6.9"></a><var>6.9</var>(g) This section does not modify or repeal section 
         <statute_ref>211B.06</statute_ref>.  <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.10"></a><var>6.10</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective June 1, 2010, and applies to <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.11"></a><var>6.11</var>campaign material prepared and disseminated on or after that date.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.0.15.0"></a><a id="pl.6.12"></a><var>6.12</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 211B.15, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br />
         		<a id="pl.6.13"></a><var>6.13</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 2. <b>Prohibited contributions.</b> A corporation may not make a contribution <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.14"></a><var>6.14</var>or offer or agree to make a contribution~~,~~ directly or indirectly, of any money, property, <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.15"></a><var>6.15</var>free service of its officers, employees, or members, or thing of monetary value to a <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.16"></a><var>6.16</var>major political party, organization, committee, or individual to promote or defeat the <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.17"></a><var>6.17</var>candidacy of an individual for nomination, election, or appointment to a political office. <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.18"></a><var>6.18</var>For the purpose of this subdivision, "contribution" includes an expenditure to promote or <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.19"></a><var>6.19</var>defeat the election or nomination of a candidate to a political office that is made with the <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.20"></a><var>6.20</var>authorization or expressed or implied consent of, or in cooperation or in concert with, or at <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.21"></a><var>6.21</var>the request or suggestion of, a candidate or committee established to support or oppose a <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.22"></a><var>6.22</var>candidate but does not include an independent expenditure authorized by subdivision 3.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.0.16.0"></a><a id="pl.6.23"></a><var>6.23</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 211B.15, subdivision 3, is amended to read:<br />
         		<a id="pl.6.24"></a><var>6.24</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 3. <b>Independent expenditures.</b> A corporation may not make an ~~independent~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.25"></a><var>6.25</var>expenditure or offer or agree to make an ~~independent~~ expenditure to promote or defeat the <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.26"></a><var>6.26</var>candidacy of an individual for nomination, election, or appointment to a political office, <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.27"></a><var>6.27</var>unless the expenditure is an independent expenditure. For the purpose of this subdivision, <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.28"></a><var>6.28</var>"independent expenditure" ~~means an expenditure that is not made with the authorization~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.29"></a><var>6.29</var>~~or expressed or implied consent of, or in cooperation or concert with, or at the request~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.30"></a><var>6.30</var>~~or suggestion of, a candidate or committee established to support or oppose a candidate~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.31"></a><var>6.31</var>has the meaning given in section 10A.01, subdivision 18.<br />
         		<a id="pl.6.32"></a><var>6.32</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.0.17.0"></a><a id="pl.7.1"></a><var>7.1</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 17. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 216B.16, is amended by adding a <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.2"></a><var>7.2</var>subdivision to read:<br />
         		<a id="pl.7.3"></a><var>7.3</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 17. <b>Election or ballot question expenses.</b> The commission may not allow <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.4"></a><var>7.4</var>a public utility to recover from ratepayers expenses resulting from a contribution or <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.5"></a><var>7.5</var>expenditure made for a political purpose, as defined in section 211B.01. This subdivision <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.6"></a><var>7.6</var>does not prohibit a public utility from engaging in political activity or making a <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.7"></a><var>7.7</var>contribution or expenditure otherwise permitted by law.<br />
         		<a id="pl.7.8"></a><var>7.8</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.0.18.0"></a><a id="pl.7.9"></a><var>7.9</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 318.02, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br />
         		<a id="pl.7.10"></a><var>7.10</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subdivision 1. <b>Definition.</b> The term "declaration of trust" as used in this section <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.11"></a><var>7.11</var>means the declaration of trust, business trust instrument, trust indenture, contract of <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.12"></a><var>7.12</var>custodianship, or other instrument pursuant to which such association is organized. Every <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.13"></a><var>7.13</var>such association organized after April 20, 1961, for the purpose of transacting business <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.14"></a><var>7.14</var>in this state shall, prior to transacting any business in this state, file in the Office of the <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.15"></a><var>7.15</var>Secretary of State a true and correct copy of the "declaration of trust" under which the <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.16"></a><var>7.16</var>association proposes to conduct its business. The copy shall also contain a statement that <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.17"></a><var>7.17</var>the true and correct copy of the "declaration of trust" is being filed in the Office of the <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.18"></a><var>7.18</var>Secretary of State of the state of Minnesota pursuant to this chapter and shall also include <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.19"></a><var>7.19</var>the full name and street address of an agent of the business trust in this state. That agent <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.20"></a><var>7.20</var>shall be the agent for service of process which shall be made pursuant to the provisions <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.21"></a><var>7.21</var>of section 
         <statute_ref>543.08</statute_ref>. The "declaration of trust" may provide that the duration of such <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.22"></a><var>7.22</var>association shall be perpetual. Upon the filing of the copy of the "declaration of trust," ~~and~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.23"></a><var>7.23</var>~~the payment of a filing fee of $150 to the secretary of state,~~ the secretary of state shall issue <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.24"></a><var>7.24</var>to such association, or to the trustees named in the said "declaration of trust," or to the <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.25"></a><var>7.25</var>persons or parties to the "declaration of trust," a certificate showing that such "declaration <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.26"></a><var>7.26</var>of trust" has been duly filed; whereupon, such association in its name shall be authorized <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.27"></a><var>7.27</var>to transact business in this state; provided that all other applicable laws have been <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.28"></a><var>7.28</var>complied with. The "declaration of trust" may be amended as provided in the "declaration <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.29"></a><var>7.29</var>of trust" or in any amendments thereto but a true and correct copy of all amendments to the <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.30"></a><var>7.30</var>"declaration of trust," shall be filed in the Office of the Secretary of State ~~upon the payment~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.31"></a><var>7.31</var>~~of a filing fee of $50 to the secretary of state~~ and all amendments shall become effective at <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.32"></a><var>7.32</var>the time of said filing. When such copy of the "declaration of trust" and any amendments <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.33"></a><var>7.33</var>thereto shall have been filed in the Office of the Secretary of State it shall constitute public <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.34"></a><var>7.34</var>notice as to the purposes and manner of the business to be engaged in by such association.  <br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.0.19.0"></a><a id="pl.8.1"></a><var>8.1</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 19. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 557.01, is amended to read:<br />
         		<a id="pl.8.2"></a><var>8.2</var><b>557.01 NONRESIDENT, AGENT TO ACCEPT SERVICE.</b><br />
         		<a id="pl.8.3"></a><var>8.3</var>Any nonresident person or corporation owning or claiming any interest or lien in <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.4"></a><var>8.4</var>or upon lands in the state may file with the secretary of state a writing, executed and <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.5"></a><var>8.5</var>acknowledged in the manner of a conveyance, appointing a resident agent, whose place <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.6"></a><var>8.6</var>of residence shall be stated, to accept service of process or summons in any action or <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.7"></a><var>8.7</var>proceeding in the courts of the state concerning such interest or lien, except actions or <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.8"></a><var>8.8</var>proceedings for the collection of taxes, and consenting that service of such process or <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.9"></a><var>8.9</var>summons upon such agent shall be binding upon the person executing the same. Such <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.10"></a><var>8.10</var>writing shall be recorded by the secretary. No service by publication of summons shall <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.11"></a><var>8.11</var>be made upon any such nonresident who has complied with the provisions hereof, but in <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.12"></a><var>8.12</var>all such cases service of such process or summons, or of any writ or notice in the action <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.13"></a><var>8.13</var>or proceedings, shall be made upon such agent in the manner provided by law for such <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.14"></a><var>8.14</var>service upon residents of the state, and have the same effect as personal service within <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.15"></a><var>8.15</var>the state upon such owner or claimant; but, if such party appears by attorneys therein, the <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.16"></a><var>8.16</var>service of papers shall thereafter be upon such attorney. The authority of such agent <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.17"></a><var>8.17</var>may be revoked by writing similarly executed and acknowledged and recorded, but no <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.18"></a><var>8.18</var>revocation shall affect any action or proceeding then pending. ~~For filing and recording~~ <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.19"></a><var>8.19</var>~~such papers the secretary shall be entitled to 15 cents for each folio~~ The fee for each filing <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.20"></a><var>8.20</var>made under this section is $50.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.0.20.0"></a><a id="pl.8.21"></a><var>8.21</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 20. <b> REPEALER.</b><br />
         		<a id="pl.8.22"></a><var>8.22</var>Minnesota Statutes 2008, sections 72A.12, subdivision 5; and 211B.15, subdivision <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.23"></a><var>8.23</var>12, are repealed.<br />
         		<a id="pl.8.24"></a><var>8.24</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br />
         		
      </div>