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CHAPTER 15. STATE AGENCIES IN GENERAL

Table of Sections
Section Headnote
15.001 APPLICATION OF LAWS 2005, CHAPTER 56, TERMINOLOGY CHANGES.
DEPARTMENTS, AGENCIES, AND TASK FORCES
15.01 DEPARTMENTS OF THE STATE.
15.012 STATE AGENCIES; DESIGNATION BY TYPE.
15.014 ADVISORY TASK FORCES.
15.0145 ETHNIC COUNCILS.
15.0147 COUNCIL ON LGBTQIA2S+ MINNESOTANS.
15.015 [Repealed, 1981 c 253 s 48]
15.02 [Repealed, 1981 c 253 s 48]
15.03 [Repealed, 1981 c 253 s 48]
15.039 EFFECT OF TRANSFER OF POWERS AMONG AGENCIES.
15.0395 INTERAGENCY AGREEMENTS AND INTRA-AGENCY TRANSFERS.
15.04 [Repealed, 1981 c 253 s 48]
15.041 Subdivisions renumbered, repealed, or no longer in effect
15.0411 Subdivisions renumbered, repealed, or no longer in effect
15.0412 Subdivisions renumbered, repealed, or no longer in effect
15.0413 Subdivisions renumbered, repealed, or no longer in effect
15.0414 [Repealed, 1963 c 822 s 4]
15.0415 [Renumbered 14.09]
15.0416 [Renumbered 14.44]
15.0417 [Renumbered 14.45]
15.0418 Subdivisions renumbered, repealed, or no longer in effect
15.0419 [Renumbered 14.60]
15.042 [Repealed, 1957 c 806 s 13]
15.0421 [Renumbered 14.61]
15.0422 [Renumbered 14.62]
15.0423 [Repealed, 1980 c 615 s 61]
15.0424 Subdivisions renumbered, repealed, or no longer in effect
15.0425 [Renumbered 14.69]
15.0426 [Renumbered 14.70]
15.043 [Repealed, 1957 c 806 s 13]
15.044 [Repealed, 1957 c 806 s 13]
15.045 [Repealed, 1955 c 603 s 4]
15.046 [Repealed, 1975 c 61 s 26; 1976 c 149 s 63]
15.047 Subdivisions renumbered, repealed, or no longer in effect
15.0471 [Obsolete]
15.048 [Renumbered 14.37, subdivision 1]
15.049 [Renumbered 14.37, subdivision 1]
15.05 [Renumbered 14.46, subd 5]
15.051 [Renumbered 14.46, subds 1-4]
15.052 Subdivisions renumbered, repealed, or no longer in effect
GENERAL
15.053 USE OF THE NATIONAL GUARD EDUCATION CENTER AT CAMP RIPLEY.
15.054 SALE OR PURCHASE OF STATE PROPERTY; PENALTY.
15.055 [Repealed, 1977 c 347 s 4]
15.056 [Repealed, 1965 c 45 s 73]
15.057 PUBLICITY REPRESENTATIVES.
BOARDS, COUNCILS, COMMITTEES, AND TASK FORCES
15.0575 ADMINISTRATIVE BOARDS AND AGENCIES.
15.058 LICENSING BOARD MEMBERS, COMPENSATION, TERMS, REMOVAL, REPORTS.
15.059 ADVISORY COUNCILS AND COMMITTEES.
15.0591 REPRESENTATIVE OF OLDER POPULATION.
15.0593 AGENCIES CREATED BY EXECUTIVE ORDER.
15.0594 COMMISSIONER'S APPROVAL REQUIRED.
15.0595 COMPENSATION AND PER DIEM; SOURCE OF FUNDS.
15.0596 ADDITIONAL COMPENSATION FROM CONTINGENT FUND PROHIBITED.
APPOINTMENTS; REGISTRATION OF AGENCIES
15.0597 APPOINTMENTS TO MULTIMEMBER AGENCIES.
15.0598 EXCEPTIONS TO OPEN APPOINTMENTS.
15.0599 REGISTRATION OF MULTIMEMBER AGENCIES.
15.06 APPOINTMENT OF DEPARTMENT HEADS; TERMS; DEPUTIES.
GENERAL
15.061 PROFESSIONAL OR TECHNICAL SERVICES.
15.063 BIENNIAL REPORTS; SUBMISSION.
15.065 [Repealed, 1997 c 98 s 17]
15.066 CONFIRMATION OF APPOINTMENTS.
15.07 [Repealed, 1996 c 310 s 1]
15.08 COMMISSIONERS OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION; ACCESS TO RECORDS.
15.082 OBLIGATIONS OF PUBLIC CORPORATIONS.
15.09 [Repealed, 1996 c 310 s 1]
15.10 RECORDS DELIVERED TO DEPARTMENT HEADS.
15.11 [Repealed, 1961 c 561 s 17]
15.12 [Repealed, 1961 c 561 s 17]
15.13 [Repealed, 1976 c 2 s 3]
15.14 [Repealed, 1996 c 310 s 1]
15.15 [Repealed, 1996 c 310 s 1]
15.16 TRANSFER OF LANDS BETWEEN DEPARTMENTS.
15.161 ACCEPTANCE OF FEDERAL LANDS OR BUILDINGS; CONSULTATION WITH LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEES.
15.1611 [Renumbered 13.01]
15.162 Subdivisions renumbered, repealed, or no longer in effect
15.1621 [Renumbered 13.03]
15.163 [Renumbered 13.05, subds 1-9]
15.164 [Repealed, 1975 c 401 s 9]
15.1641 [Repealed, 1979 c 328 s 24]
15.1642 Subdivisions renumbered, repealed, or no longer in effect
15.1643 [Renumbered 13.05, subd 10]
15.165 [Renumbered 13.04]
15.166 [Renumbered 13.08]
15.167 [Renumbered 13.09]
15.1671 [Renumbered 13.07]
15.1672 [Renumbered 13.34]
15.1673 [Renumbered 13.37]
15.1674 [Renumbered 13.52]
15.1675 [Renumbered 13.70, subdivision 1]
15.1676 [Renumbered 13.71]
15.1677 [Renumbered 13.35]
15.1678 [Renumbered 13.44]
15.1679 [Renumbered 13.40]
15.168 [Repealed, 1975 c 401 s 9]
15.1681 [Renumbered 13.86]
15.1682 [Renumbered 13.68]
15.1683 [Renumbered 13.72, subdivision 1]
15.169 [Repealed, 1979 c 328 s 24]
15.1691 [Renumbered 13.46]
15.1692 Subdivisions renumbered, repealed, or no longer in effect
15.1693 Subdivisions renumbered, repealed, or no longer in effect
15.1694 [Renumbered 13.30]
15.1695 [Renumbered 13.81]
15.1696 [Renumbered 13.82, subd 6]
15.1697 [Renumbered 13.33]
15.1698 Subdivisions renumbered, repealed, or no longer in effect
15.1699 [Renumbered 13.43, subd 7]
15.17 OFFICIAL RECORDS.
15.171 [Repealed, 1997 c 206 s 13]
15.172 [Repealed, 1997 c 206 s 13]
15.173 [Repealed, 1997 c 206 s 13]
15.174 [Repealed, 1997 c 206 s 13]
15.18 DISTRIBUTION OF PUBLICATIONS.
15.181 [Renumbered 43.33]
15.185 MAILING LISTS.
15.19 [Repealed, 1969 c 265 s 2]
15.191 IMPREST CASH FUNDS.
15.21 [Obsolete by Laws 1957 c 936, see sections 15A.02 to 15A.15]
15.22 [Obsolete by Laws 1957 c 936, see sections 15A.02 to 15A.15]
15.23 [Obsolete by Laws 1957 c 936, see sections 15A.02 to 15A.15]
15.31 STATE EMPLOYEES, LIABILITY INSURANCE, PAYMENT OF PREMIUMS.
15.315 [Repealed, 1976 c 331 s 43]
15.35 [Repealed, 1965 c 780 s 9]
15.36 [Repealed, 1965 c 780 s 9]
15.37 [Repealed, 1967 c 103 s 10]
15.375 Subdivisions renumbered, repealed, or no longer in effect
15.38 NONINSURANCE OF STATE PROPERTY; EXCEPTIONS.
15.39 EMPLOYMENT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT BUILDINGS.
15.40 LACK OF CARE IN KEEPING STATE PROPERTY SAFE FROM FIRE LOSS, NONFEASANCE IN OFFICE.
15.41 CONSTRUCTION PERMITS, REQUISITES.
15.411 PUBLIC WORKS CONTRACTS; NO DAMAGES FOR DELAY CLAUSES.
15.415 CORRECTIONS IN TRANSACTIONS, WAIVER.
15.42 [Renumbered 15.041]
15.43 ACCEPTANCE OF ADVANTAGE BY STATE EMPLOYEE; PENALTY.
15.435 AIRLINE TRAVEL CREDIT.
15.44 AIDS FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES AT STATE MEETINGS.
15.441 COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES.
PUBLIC EMPLOYEES
PREVENTIVE HEALTH SERVICES
15.45 DEFINITIONS.
15.46 PREVENTIVE HEALTH SERVICES FOR PUBLIC EMPLOYEES.
15.47 [Repealed, 1987 c 186 s 16]
COSTS AND ATTORNEY FEES
15.471 DEFINITIONS.
15.472 FEES AND EXPENSES; CIVIL ACTION OR CONTESTED CASE PROCEEDING INVOLVING STATE.
15.473 PAYMENT OF COSTS AND FEES.
15.474 PROCEDURE FOR AWARD OF FEES; CONTESTED CASE.
15.475 [Repealed, 1997 c 7 art 2 s 67]
15.50 Subdivisions renumbered, repealed, or no longer in effect
INTERCHANGE OF
GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES
15.51 DECLARATION OF POLICY.
15.52 DEFINITIONS.
15.53 AUTHORITY TO INTERCHANGE EMPLOYEES.
15.54 STATUS OF EMPLOYEES OF THIS STATE.
15.55 TRAVEL EXPENSES OF EMPLOYEES OF THIS STATE.
15.56 STATUS OF EMPLOYEES OF OTHER GOVERNMENTS.
15.57 TRAVEL EXPENSES OF EMPLOYEES OF OTHER GOVERNMENTS.
15.58 AGREEMENTS BETWEEN FEDERAL AND RECEIVING AGENCIES.
15.59 EMPLOYEE INTERCHANGE BETWEEN STATE AND PRIVATE INDUSTRY.
GENERAL
15.60 PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICERS; AMERICAN FLAG.
15.61 EMPLOYMENT OF UNEMPLOYED AND UNDEREMPLOYED PERSONS.
15.62 ATHLETIC LEAVE OF ABSENCE.
15.71 PUBLIC CONTRACTS; DEFINITIONS.
15.72 PROGRESS PAYMENTS ON PUBLIC CONTRACTS; RETAINAGE.
15.73 ALTERNATIVE FORM OF RETAINAGE.
15.74 EXCEPTIONS TO APPLICATION.
15.75 CONTRACTS WITH REGIONAL ORGANIZATIONS.
15.76 MS 2016 [Expired, 2011 c 24 s 1 subd 5]
15.771 [Renumbered 13.69, subdivision 1]
15.772 [Renumbered 13.45]
15.773 [Renumbered 13.36]
15.774 [Renumbered 13.57]
15.775 [Renumbered 13.39]
15.776 [Renumbered 13.80]
15.777 [Renumbered 13.83]
15.778 [Renumbered 13.73]
15.779 [Renumbered 13.70, subd 2]
15.781 [Renumbered 13.41]
15.782 [Renumbered 13.53]
15.783 [Renumbered 13.31]
15.784 [Renumbered 13.51]
15.785 [Renumbered 13.38]
15.786 [Renumbered 13.54]
15.787 [Renumbered 13.66]
15.788 [Renumbered 13.67]
15.789 [Renumbered 13.65]
15.791 Subdivisions renumbered, repealed, or no longer in effect
15.792 [Renumbered 13.69, subd 2]
15.793 [Repealed, 1996 c 310 s 1]
15.801 [Renumbered 13.87]
15.802 [Renumbered 13.85]
15.803 [Renumbered 13.84]
15.804 [Renumbered 13.55]
15.805 [Renumbered 13.72, subd 2]
15.806 [Renumbered 13.50]
15.811 [Renumbered 13.56]
15.85 DISCIPLINE FOR RACIAL HARASSMENT.
15.86 STATE AGENCY ACTIONS.
15.87 VICTIMS OF VIOLENCE.
15.90 [Repealed, 1999 c 250 art 1 s 115]
15.91 [Repealed, 1999 c 250 art 1 s 115]
15.92 [Repealed, 1999 c 250 art 1 s 115]
15.95 [Repealed, 1997 c 202 art 3 s 36]
15.96 [Repealed, 1997 c 202 art 3 s 36]
15.97 INFORMATION AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS INSTITUTE.
15.98 INDOOR ICE FACILITIES.
15.985 ADVISORY INSPECTIONS.
AGENCY SERVICE REQUIREMENTS
15.99 TIME DEADLINE FOR AGENCY ACTION.
15.991 CUSTOMER SERVICE.
15.992 TIME LIMITATION.
15.993 OTHER LAW.
15.994 INTERNET GRANT INFORMATION.
15.995 [Repealed, 2007 c 75 s 1]

15.001 APPLICATION OF LAWS 2005, CHAPTER 56, TERMINOLOGY CHANGES.

State agencies shall use the terminology changes specified in Laws 2005, chapter 56, section 1, when printed material and signage are replaced and new printed material and signage are obtained. State agencies do not have to replace existing printed material and signage to comply with Laws 2005, chapter 56, sections 1 and 2. Language changes made according to Laws 2005, chapter 56, sections 1 and 2, shall not expand or exclude eligibility to services.

History:

2005 c 56 s 3

DEPARTMENTS, AGENCIES, AND TASK FORCES

15.01 DEPARTMENTS OF THE STATE.

The following agencies are designated as the departments of the state government: the Department of Administration; the Department of Agriculture; the Department of Children, Youth, and Families; the Department of Commerce; the Department of Corrections; the Department of Education; the Department of Employment and Economic Development; the Department of Health; the Department of Human Rights; the Department of Human Services; the Department of Information Technology Services; the Department of Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation; the Department of Labor and Industry; the Department of Management and Budget; the Department of Military Affairs; the Department of Natural Resources; the Department of Public Safety; the Department of Revenue; the Department of Transportation; the Department of Veterans Affairs; and their successor departments.

15.012 STATE AGENCIES; DESIGNATION BY TYPE.

A multimember state agency hereafter created whose membership includes two or more appointed members shall be named according to the following:

(a) An agency in the executive branch, other than a department, whose primary purpose is to perform prescribed official or representative functions shall be designated a "board." To be classified as a board, an agency must have at least one of the following powers: (i) the power to perform administrative acts, which may include the expenditure of state money, (ii) the power to issue and revoke licenses or certifications, (iii) the power to make rules, or (iv) the power to adjudicate contested cases or appeals.

(b) An agency in the executive branch whose primary purpose is to advise state officers, departments, boards, or other agencies shall be designated a "committee." To be classified as a committee, an agency must have none of the powers available to boards other than the power to compensate its members.

(c) A committee of which at least one-half of the members are required to be certain officers or representatives of specified businesses, occupations, industries, political subdivisions, organizations, or other groupings of persons other than geographical regions shall be designated a "council."

(d) An agency in the legislative branch composed exclusively of members of the legislature shall be designated a "legislative commission."

(e) An agency in the executive branch other than a department whose primary purpose is to issue bonds for the financing, ownership and development of facilities within the state shall be designated an "authority."

(f) A committee or council scheduled upon its creation to expire two years after the effective date of the act creating it or the date of appointment of its members, whichever is later, unless a shorter term is specified in statute, shall be designated an "advisory task force."

15.014 ADVISORY TASK FORCES.

Subdivision 1.Policy.

It is the policy of the legislature to encourage state agencies to solicit and receive advice from members of the public. This advice can best be rendered by an advisory task force of a reasonable number of persons working for a limited duration on a specific and clearly defined subject. By this section it is the intent of the legislature to provide for a common nomenclature scheme, facilitate the gathering of advice, and limit the proliferation of costly, unnecessary or outmoded advisory agencies.

Subd. 2.Creation; limitations.

A commissioner of a state department, a state board or other agency having the powers of a board as defined in section 15.012, may create advisory task forces to advise the commissioner or agency on specific programs or topics within the jurisdiction of the department or agency. A task force so created shall have no more than 15 members. The task force shall expire and the terms and removal of members shall be as provided in section 15.059, subdivision 6. The members of no more than four task forces created pursuant to this section in a department or agency may be paid expenses in the same manner and amount as authorized by the commissioner's plan adopted according to section 43A.18, subdivision 2. Task forces mandated by court order must not be counted for purposes of the limit on the number of task forces whose members may be paid expenses. No member of a task force shall be compensated for services in a manner not provided for in statute. A commissioner, board, council, committee, or other state agency may not create any other multimember agency unless specifically authorized by statute or unless the creation of the agency is authorized by federal law as a condition precedent to the receipt of federal money.

Subd. 3.

[Repealed, 1Sp2003 c 9 art 10 s 14]

15.0145 ETHNIC COUNCILS.

Subdivision 1.Three ethnic councils; creation.

(a) The Minnesota Council on Latino Affairs includes public members with an ethnic heritage from Mexico, any of the countries in Central or South America, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, or Puerto Rico.

(b) The Council for Minnesotans of African Heritage includes public members of black African ancestry.

(c) The Council on Asian-Pacific Minnesotans includes public members with an ethnic heritage from any of the countries east of, and including, Afghanistan or the Pacific Islands.

Subd. 2.Membership.

(a) Each council has 15 voting members. Eleven members of each council are public members appointed by the governor. Four members of each council are legislators.

(b) The governor shall appoint 11 members of each council as follows:

(1) the Minnesota Council on Latino Affairs must include one member representing each of the state's congressional districts and three members appointed at large. The council must include at least five women. The governor must attempt to ensure that the demographic composition of council members accurately reflects the demographic composition of Minnesota's Latino community, including recent immigrants, as determined by the state demographer;

(2) the Council for Minnesotans of African Heritage must include members who are broadly representative of the African heritage community of the state. The council must include at least five women. At least three members must be first or second generation African immigrants, who generally reflect the demographic composition of these African immigrants, as determined by the state demographer; and

(3) the Council on Asian-Pacific Minnesotans must include one member from each of the five ancestries with the state's highest percentages of Asian-Pacific populations, as determined by the state demographer. The other six members must be broadly representative of the rest of the Asian-Pacific population, with no more than one council member from any one ancestry. The council must include at least five women. For purposes of this clause, ancestry refers to heritage that is commonly accepted in Minnesota as a unique population.

(c) Four legislators are voting members of each council. The speaker of the house and the house minority leader shall each appoint one member to each council. The Subcommittee on Committees of the senate Committee on Rules and Administration shall appoint one member of the majority caucus and one member of the minority caucus to each council.

(d) The governor may appoint a commissioner of a state agency or a designee of that commissioner to serve as an ex-officio, nonvoting member of a council.

Subd. 3.Appointments; terms; removal.

(a) In making appointments to a council, the governor shall consider an appointee's proven dedication and commitment to the council's community and any expertise possessed by the appointee that might be beneficial to the council, such as experience in public policy, legal affairs, social work, business, or management. The executive director of a council and legislative members may offer advice to the governor on applicants seeking appointment.

(b) Terms, compensation, and filling of vacancies for members appointed by the governor are as provided in section 15.059. Removal of members appointed by the governor is governed by section 15.059, except that: (1) a member who missed more than half of the council meetings convened during a 12-month period automatically is removed from the council; and (2) a member appointed by the governor may be removed by a vote of three of the four legislative members of the council. The chair of a council shall inform the governor of the need for the governor to fill a vacancy on the council. Legislative members serve at the pleasure of their appointing authority.

(c) A member appointed by the governor may serve no more than a total of eight years on a council. A legislator may serve no more than eight consecutive years or 12 nonconsecutive years on any one council.

Subd. 4.Training; executive committee; meetings; support.

(a) A member appointed by the governor must attend orientation training within the first six months of service for the member's initial term. The commissioner of administration must arrange for the training to include but not be limited to the legislative process, government data practices, open meeting law, Robert's Rules of Order, fiscal management, and human resources. The governor must remove a member who does not complete the training.

(b) Each council shall annually elect from among the members appointed by the governor a chair and other officers it deems necessary. These officers and one legislative member selected by the council shall serve as the executive committee of the council.

(c) Forty percent of voting members of a council constitutes a quorum. A quorum is required to conduct council business. A council member may not vote on any action if the member has a conflict of interest under section 10A.07.

(d) Each council shall receive administrative support from the commissioner of administration under section 16B.371. The council may contract in its own name but may not accept or receive a loan or incur indebtedness except as otherwise provided by law. Contracts must be approved by a majority of the members of the council and executed by the chair and the executive director. The council may apply for, receive, and expend in its own name grants and gifts of money consistent with the powers and duties specified in this section.

(e) The attorney general shall provide legal services to the councils on behalf of the state on all matters relating to the councils, including matters relating to the state as the employer of the executive directors of the council, and other council staff.

Subd. 5.Executive director; staff.

(a) The Legislative Coordinating Commission must appoint an executive director for each council. The executive director must be experienced in administrative activities and familiar with the challenges and needs of the ethnic council's larger community. The executive director serves in the unclassified service at the pleasure of the Legislative Coordinating Commission.

(b) The Legislative Coordinating Commission must establish a process for recruiting and selecting applicants for the executive director positions. This process must include consultation and collaboration with the applicable council.

(c) The executive director and applicable council members must work together in fulfilling council duties. The executive director must consult with the commissioner of administration to ensure appropriate financial, purchasing, human resources, and other services for operation of the council.

(d) Once appointed, each council is responsible for supervising the work of its director. The council chair must report to the chair of the Legislative Coordinating Commission regarding the performance of the executive director, including any recommendations regarding disciplinary actions. The executive director must appoint and supervise the work of other staff necessary to carry out the duties of the council. The executive director must consult with the council chair prior to taking the following disciplinary actions with council staff: written reprimand, suspension, demotion, or discharge. The executive director and other council staff are executive branch employees.

(e) The executive director must submit the council's biennial budget request to the commissioner of management and budget as provided under chapter 16A.

(f) The Legislative Coordinating Commission may delegate its responsibilities under this section to a subcommittee or subgroup of the commission or the chair of the council.

Subd. 6.Duties of council.

(a) A council must work for the implementation of economic, social, legal, and political equality for its constituency. The council shall work with the legislature and governor to carry out this work by performing the duties in this section.

(b) A council shall advise the governor and the legislature on issues confronting the constituency of the council. This may include, but is not limited to, presenting the results of surveys, studies, and community forums to the appropriate executive departments and legislative committees.

(c) A council shall advise the governor and the legislature of administrative and legislative changes needed to improve the economic and social condition of the constituency of the council. This may include but is not limited to working with legislators to develop legislation to address these issues and to work for passage of the legislation. This may also include making recommendations regarding the state's affirmative action program and the state's targeted group small business program, or working with state agencies and organizations to develop business opportunities and promote economic development for the constituency of the council.

(d) A council shall advise the governor and the legislature of the implications and effect of proposed administrative and legislative changes on the constituency of the council. This may include but is not limited to tracking legislation, testifying as appropriate, and meeting with executive departments and legislators.

(e) A council shall serve as a liaison between state government and organizations that serve the constituency of the council. This may include but is not limited to working with these organizations to carry out the duties in paragraphs (a) to (d), and working with these organizations to develop informational programs or publications to involve and empower the constituency in seeking improvement in their economic and social conditions.

(f) A council shall perform or contract for the performance of studies designed to suggest solutions to the problems of the constituency of the council in the areas of education, employment, human rights, health, housing, social welfare, and other related areas.

(g) In carrying out duties under this subdivision, councils may act to advise on issues that affect the shared constituencies of more than one council.

Subd. 7.Duties of council members.

A council member shall:

(1) attend and participate in scheduled meetings and be prepared by reviewing meeting notes;

(2) maintain and build communication with the community represented;

(3) collaborate with the council and executive director in carrying out the council's duties; and

(4) participate in activities the council or executive director deem appropriate and necessary to facilitate the goals and duties of the council.

Subd. 8.Reports.

A council must report on the measurable outcomes achieved in the council's current strategic plan to meet its statutory duties, along with the specific objectives and outcome measures proposed for the following year. The council must submit the report by January 15 each year to the chairs of the committees in the house of representatives and the senate with primary jurisdiction over state government operations. Each report must cover the calendar year of the year before the report is submitted. The specific objectives and outcome measures for the following current year must focus on three or four achievable objectives, action steps, and measurable outcomes for which the council will be held accountable. The strategic plan may include other items that support the statutory purposes of the council but should not distract from the primary statutory proposals presented. The biennial budget of each council must be submitted to the Legislative Coordinating Commission by February 1 in each odd-numbered year.

15.0147 COUNCIL ON LGBTQIA2S+ MINNESOTANS.

Subdivision 1.Council established; membership.

(a) The Council on LGBTQIA2S+ Minnesotans is established. The council consists of 16 voting members.

(b) The governor shall appoint a total of 12 public voting members. The governor may additionally appoint a commissioner of a state agency or a designee of the commissioner to serve as an ex-officio, nonvoting member of the council.

(c) Four legislators shall be appointed to the council. The speaker of the house and the minority leader of the house of representatives shall each appoint one member of the house of representatives to the council. The senate Subcommittee on Committees of the Committee on Rules and Administration shall appoint one member of the senate majority caucus and one member of the senate minority caucus.

Subd. 2.Appointments; terms; removal.

(a) In making appointments to the council, the governor shall consider an appointee's proven dedication and commitment to Minnesota's LGBTQIA2S+ community and any expertise possessed by the appointee that might be beneficial to the council, such as experience in public policy, legal affairs, social work, business, or management. The executive director and legislative members may offer advice to the governor on applicants seeking appointment.

(b) Terms, compensation, and filling of vacancies for members appointed by the governor are as provided in section 15.059. Removal of members appointed by the governor is governed by section 15.059, except that: (1) a member who misses more than half of the council meetings convened during a 12-month period is automatically removed from the council; and (2) a member appointed by the governor may be removed by a vote of three of the four legislative members of the council. The chair of the council shall inform the governor of the need for the governor to fill a vacancy on the council. Legislative members serve at the pleasure of their appointing authority.

(c) A member appointed by the governor may serve no more than a total of eight years on the council. A legislator may serve no more than eight consecutive years or 12 nonconsecutive years on the council.

Subd. 3.Training; executive committee; meetings; support.

(a) A member appointed by the governor must attend orientation training within the first six months of service for the member's initial term. The commissioner of administration must arrange for the training to include but not be limited to the legislative process, government data practices, ethics, conflicts of interest, Open Meeting Law, Robert's Rules of Order, fiscal management, and human resources. The governor must remove a member who does not complete the training.

(b) The council shall annually elect from among the members appointed by the governor a chair and other officers the council deems necessary. These officers and one legislative member selected by the council shall serve as the executive committee of the council.

(c) Forty percent of voting members of the council constitutes a quorum. A quorum is required to conduct council business. A council member may not vote on any action if the member has a conflict of interest under section 10A.07.

(d) The council shall receive administrative support from the commissioner of administration under section 16B.371. The council may contract in its own name but may not accept or receive a loan or incur indebtedness except as otherwise provided by law. Contracts must be approved by a majority of the members of the council and executed by the chair and the executive director. The council may apply for, receive, and expend in its own name grants and gifts of money consistent with the powers and duties specified in this section.

(e) The attorney general shall provide legal services to the council on behalf of the state on all matters relating to the council, including matters relating to the state as the employer of the executive director of the council and other council staff.

Subd. 4.Executive director; staff.

(a) The Legislative Coordinating Commission must appoint an executive director for the council. The executive director must be experienced in administrative activities and familiar with the challenges and needs of Minnesota's LGBTQIA2S+ community of people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, gender expansive, queer, intersex, asexual, or two-spirit. The executive director serves in the unclassified service at the pleasure of the Legislative Coordinating Commission.

(b) The Legislative Coordinating Commission must establish a process for recruiting and selecting applicants for the executive director position. This process must include consultation and collaboration with the council.

(c) The executive director and council members must work together in fulfilling council duties. The executive director must consult with the commissioner of administration to ensure appropriate financial, purchasing, human resources, and other services for operation of the council.

(d) Once appointed, the council is responsible for supervising the work of the executive director. The council chair must report to the chair of the Legislative Coordinating Commission regarding the performance of the executive director, including recommendations regarding any disciplinary actions. The executive director must appoint and supervise the work of other staff necessary to carry out the duties of the council. The executive director must consult with the council chair prior to taking the following disciplinary actions with council staff: written reprimand, suspension, demotion, or discharge. The executive director and other council staff are executive branch employees.

(e) The executive director must submit the council's biennial budget request to the commissioner of management and budget as provided under chapter 16A.

Subd. 5.Duties of council.

(a) The council must work for the implementation of economic, social, legal, and political equality for Minnesota's community of people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, gender expansive, queer, intersex, asexual, or two-spirit. The council shall work with the legislature and governor to carry out this work by performing the duties in this section.

(b) The council shall advise the governor and the legislature on issues confronting the LGBTQIA2S+ community. This may include but is not limited to presenting the results of surveys, studies, and community forums to the appropriate executive departments and legislative committees.

(c) The council shall advise the governor and the legislature of administrative and legislative changes needed to improve the economic and social condition of Minnesota's LGBTQIA2S+ community. This may include but is not limited to working with legislators to develop legislation to address issues and to work for passage of legislation. This may also include making recommendations regarding the state's affirmative action program and the state's targeted group small business program or working with state agencies and organizations to develop business opportunities and promote economic development for the LGBTQIA2S+ community.

(d) The council shall advise the governor and the legislature of the implications and effect of proposed administrative and legislative changes on the constituency of the council. This may include but is not limited to tracking legislation, testifying as appropriate, and meeting with executive departments and legislators.

(e) The council shall serve as a liaison between state government and organizations that serve Minnesota's LGBTQIA2S+ community. This may include but is not limited to working with these organizations to carry out the duties in paragraphs (a) to (d) and working with these organizations to develop informational programs or publications to involve and empower the community in seeking improvement in their economic and social conditions.

(f) The council shall perform or contract for the performance of studies designed to suggest solutions to the problems of Minnesota's LGBTQIA2S+ community in the areas of education, employment, human rights, health, housing, social welfare, and other related areas.

(g) In carrying out duties under this subdivision, the council may act to advise on issues that affect the shared constituencies with the councils established in section 15.0145.

Subd. 6.Duties of council members.

A council member shall:

(1) attend and participate in scheduled meetings and be prepared by reviewing meeting notes;

(2) maintain and build communication with Minnesota's LGBTQIA2S+ community;

(3) collaborate with the council and executive director in carrying out the council's duties; and

(4) participate in activities the council or executive director deem appropriate and necessary to facilitate the goals and duties of the council.

Subd. 7.Reports.

The council must report on the measurable outcomes achieved in the council's current strategic plan to meet its statutory duties, along with the specific objectives and outcome measures proposed for the following year. The council must submit the report by January 15 each year to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with primary jurisdiction over state government operations. Each report must cover the calendar year of the year before the report is submitted. The specific objectives and outcome measures for the following current year must focus on three or four achievable objectives, action steps, and measurable outcomes for which the council will be held accountable. The strategic plan may include other items that support the statutory purposes of the council but should not distract from the primary statutory proposals presented. The biennial budget of the council must be submitted to the Legislative Coordinating Commission by February 1 in each odd-numbered year.

15.015 [Repealed, 1981 c 253 s 48]
15.02 [Repealed, 1981 c 253 s 48]
15.03 [Repealed, 1981 c 253 s 48]

15.039 EFFECT OF TRANSFER OF POWERS AMONG AGENCIES.

Subdivision 1.Application of section.

The provisions of this section apply whenever the responsibilities of an agency are transferred by law to another agency unless the act directing the transfer provides otherwise. The term "responsibilities" includes powers, duties, rights, obligations, and other authority imposed by law on an agency. The term "new agency" means the agency to which responsibilities have been transferred from another agency.

Subd. 2.In general.

The new agency is a continuation of the former agency as to those matters within the jurisdiction of the former agency that are transferred to the new agency. Following a transfer the new agency shall carry out the assigned responsibilities as though the responsibilities of the former agency had not been transferred. A transfer is not a new authority for the purpose of succession to all responsibilities of the former agency as constituted at the time of the transfer.

Subd. 3.Rules.

All rules adopted pursuant to responsibilities that are transferred to another agency remain effective and shall be enforced until amended or repealed in accordance with law by the new agency. Any rulemaking authority that existed to implement the responsibilities that are transferred is transferred to the new agency.

Subd. 4.Court actions.

Any proceeding, court action, prosecution, or other business or matter pending on the effective date of a transfer of responsibilities may be conducted and completed by the new agency in the same manner under the same terms and conditions, and with the same effect, as though it involved or were commenced and conducted or completed by the former agency prior to the transfer.

Subd. 5.Contracts; records.

The agency whose responsibilities are transferred shall give all contracts, books, maps, plans, papers, records, and property of every description relating to the transferred responsibilities and within its jurisdiction or control to the new agency. The new agency shall accept the material presented. The transfer shall be made in accordance with the directions of the new agency.

Subd. 5a.Obligations.

The new agency is the legal successor in all respects of the agency whose responsibilities are transferred. The bonds, resolutions, contracts, and liabilities of the agency whose responsibilities are transferred become the bonds, resolutions, contracts, and liabilities of the new agency.

Subd. 6.Unexpended funds.

The unexpended balance of any appropriation to an agency for the purposes of any responsibilities that are transferred to another agency are reappropriated under the same conditions as the original appropriation to the new agency effective on the date of the transfer of responsibilities. If the responsibilities are transferred to more than one agency, the commissioner of management and budget shall allocate any unexpended appropriation to the agencies affected. The new agencies shall pay all valid claims presented against those appropriations.

Subd. 7.Personnel.

All classified and unclassified positions associated with the responsibilities being transferred are transferred with their incumbents to the new agency. The approved complement for the agency whose responsibilities are being transferred is decreased accordingly. The approved complement for the new agency is increased accordingly. Personnel changes are effective on the date of transfer of responsibilities. Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed as abrogating or modifying any rights now enjoyed by affected employees under the managerial or commissioner's plan under section 43A.18 or the terms of an agreement between an exclusive representative of public employees and the state or one of its appointing authorities.

Subd. 8.Transfer of property; sales tax.

All transfers of motor vehicles or other tangible personal property between agencies or political subdivisions under this section are exempt from the motor vehicle sales tax under chapter 297B and the general sales tax under chapter 297A.

15.0395 INTERAGENCY AGREEMENTS AND INTRA-AGENCY TRANSFERS.

(a) By October 15, 2018, and annually thereafter, the head of each agency must provide reports to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over the department or agency's budget on:

(1) each interagency agreement or service-level agreement, including any renewal or extension of an existing interagency or service-level agreement with another agency if the cumulative value of those agreements between two agencies is more than $100,000 in the previous fiscal year; and

(2) transfers of appropriations between accounts within or between agencies, if the cumulative value of the transfers is more than $100,000 in the previous fiscal year.

The report must include the statutory citation authorizing the agreement, transfer or dollar amount, purpose, the effective date of the agreement, and the duration of the agreement. Interagency agreements and service-level agreements that authorize enterprise central services and transfers specifically required by statute or session law are not required to be reported under this section.

(b) As used in this section, "agency" includes the departments of the state listed in section 15.01, a multimember state agency in the executive branch described in section 15.012, paragraph (a), the Department of Information Technology Services, and the Office of Higher Education.

15.04 [Repealed, 1981 c 253 s 48]
15.041 MS 1953 [Repealed, 1957 c 806 s 13]

15.041

Subdivision 1.

MS 1980 [Renumbered 14.01]

Subd. 2.

MS 1980 [Renumbered 14.03, subdivision 1]

Subd. 3.

MS 1980 [Renumbered 14.03, subd 2]

15.0411

Subdivision 1.

[Renumbered 14.02, subdivision 1]

Subd. 2.

[Renumbered 14.02, subd 2]

Subd. 3.

[Renumbered 14.02, subd 4]

Subd. 4.

[Renumbered 14.02, subd 3]

15.0412

Subdivision 1.

[Renumbered 14.05, subds 1-3, and 14.07 subd 5]

Subd. 1a.

[Renumbered 14.05, subd 4]

Subd. 2.

[Renumbered 14.04]

Subd. 2a.

[Renumbered 14.07, subds 2,4]

Subd. 3.

[Renumbered 14.06]

Subd. 4.

[Renumbered 14.14, subdivision 1]

Subd. 4a.

[Repealed, 1981 c 253 s 48]

Subd. 4b.

[Renumbered 14.13]

Subd. 4c.

[Renumbered 14.14, subd 2]

Subd. 4d.

[Renumbered 14.15, subds 1-4]

Subd. 4e.

[Renumbered 14.14, subd 3, 14.16, and 14.17]

Subd. 4f.

[Renumbered 14.18]

Subd. 4g.

[Renumbered 14.20]

Subd. 4h.

[Renumbered 14.21 to 14.28]

Subd. 5.

[Renumbered 14.29 to 14.36]

Subd. 6.

[Renumbered 14.10]

Subd. 7.

[Renumbered 14.11, subdivision 1]

Subd. 7a.

[Renumbered 14.11, subd 2]

Subd. 8.

[Renumbered 14.12]

Subd. 9.

[Renumbered 14.19]

Subd. 10.

[Renumbered 14.08]

15.0413

Subdivision 1.

[Renumbered 14.38, subdivision 1]

Subd. 1a.

[Renumbered 14.38, subd 2]

Subd. 1b.

[Renumbered 14.38, subd 3]

Subd. 2.

[Renumbered 14.38, subd 4]

Subd. 3.

[Renumbered 14.38, subds 5-9]

Subd. 3a.

[Renumbered 14.38, subd 10]

Subd. 3b.

[Renumbered 14.38, subd 11]

Subd. 4.

[Repealed, 1975 c 380 s 22]

Subd. 5.

[Repealed, 1975 c 380 s 22]

Subd. 6.

[Repealed, 1975 c 380 s 22]

15.0414 [Repealed, 1963 c 822 s 4]
15.0415 [Renumbered 14.09]
15.0416 [Renumbered 14.44]
15.0417 [Renumbered 14.45]

15.0418

Subdivision 1.

[Renumbered 14.57]

Subd. 2.

[Renumbered 14.58]

Subd. 3.

[Renumbered 14.59]

15.0419 [Renumbered 14.60]
15.042 [Repealed, 1957 c 806 s 13]
15.0421 [Renumbered 14.61]
15.0422 [Renumbered 14.62]
15.0423 [Repealed, 1980 c 615 s 61]

15.0424

Subdivision 1.

[Renumbered 14.63]

Subd. 2.

[Renumbered 14.64]

Subd. 3.

[Renumbered 14.65]

Subd. 4.

[Renumbered 14.66]

Subd. 5.

[Renumbered 14.67]

Subd. 6.

[Renumbered 14.68]

15.0425 [Renumbered 14.69]
15.0426 [Renumbered 14.70]
15.043 [Repealed, 1957 c 806 s 13]
15.044 [Repealed, 1957 c 806 s 13]
15.045 [Repealed, 1955 c 603 s 4]
15.046 [Repealed, 1975 c 61 s 26; 1976 c 149 s 63]

15.047

Subdivision 1.

[Repealed, 1980 c 615 s 62]

Subd. 2.

[Repealed, 1980 c 615 s 62]

Subd. 3.

[Repealed, 1963 c 822 s 4]

15.0471 [Obsolete]
15.048 [Renumbered 14.37, subdivision 1]
15.049 [Renumbered 14.37, subdivision 1]
15.05 [Renumbered 14.46, subd 5]
15.051 [Renumbered 14.46, subds 1-4]

15.052

Subdivision 1.

[Renumbered 14.48]

Subd. 2.

[Renumbered 14.49]

Subd. 3.

[Renumbered 14.50]

Subd. 4.

[Renumbered 14.51]

Subd. 5.

[Renumbered 14.52]

Subd. 5a.

[Renumbered 14.52]

Subd. 6.

[Renumbered 14.53]

Subd. 7.

[Renumbered 14.54]

Subd. 8.

[Renumbered 14.55]

Subd. 9.

[Renumbered 14.56]

GENERAL

15.053 USE OF THE NATIONAL GUARD EDUCATION CENTER AT CAMP RIPLEY.

The military reservation at Camp Ripley is designated as the "State of Minnesota Education and Training Center." State agencies may use the National Guard Education Center at Camp Ripley for official conferences, sessions, meetings, seminars, and any other gathering of state employees that otherwise would not be held in the agency's normal place of business.

State agencies are encouraged to coordinate with the adjutant general for availability of the Camp Ripley facilities. In the event the Camp Ripley facilities are being used for military training or are otherwise unavailable, the state agencies may contract for use alternative conference facilities. This section is not intended to preclude adherence to rules of the commissioner of management and budget.

15.054 SALE OR PURCHASE OF STATE PROPERTY; PENALTY.

No officer or employee of the state or any of its political subdivisions shall sell or procure for sale or possess or control for sale to any other officer or employee of the state or subdivision, as appropriate, any property or materials owned by the state or subdivision except pursuant to conditions provided in this section. Property or materials owned by the state or a subdivision and not needed for public purposes, may be sold to an employee of the state or subdivision after reasonable public notice at a public auction or by sealed response, if the employee is not directly involved in the auction or process pertaining to the administration and collection of sealed responses. Requirements for reasonable public notice may be prescribed by other law or ordinance so long as at least one week's published notice is specified. An employee of the state or a political subdivision may purchase no more than one motor vehicle from the state at any one auction. A person violating the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor. This section shall not apply to the sale of property or materials acquired or produced by the state or subdivision for sale to the general public in the ordinary course of business. Nothing in this section shall prohibit an employee of the state or a political subdivision from selling or possessing for sale public property if the sale or possession for sale is in the ordinary course of business or normal course of the employee's duties.

15.055 [Repealed, 1977 c 347 s 4]
15.056 [Repealed, 1965 c 45 s 73]

15.057 PUBLICITY REPRESENTATIVES.

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

BOARDS, COUNCILS, COMMITTEES, AND TASK FORCES

15.0575 ADMINISTRATIVE BOARDS AND AGENCIES.

Subdivision 1.Procedure.

The membership terms, compensation, and removal of members and the filling of membership vacancies of boards shall be governed by this section whenever specifically provided by law. As used in this section, "boards" shall refer to all boards, commissions, agencies, committees, councils, authorities and courts whose provisions are governed by this section.

Subd. 2.Membership terms.

An appointment to an administrative board or agency must be made in the manner provided in section 15.0597. The terms of the members shall be four years with the terms ending on the first Monday in January. The appointing authority shall appoint as nearly as possible one-fourth of the members to terms expiring each year. If the number of members is not evenly divisible by four, the greater number of members, as necessary, shall be appointed to terms expiring in the year of commencement of the governor's term and the year or years immediately thereafter. If the number of terms which can be served by a member of a board or agency is limited by law, a partial term must be counted for this purpose if the time served by a member is greater than one-half of the duration of the regular term. If the membership is composed of categories of members from occupations, industries, political subdivisions, the public or other groupings of persons, and if the categories have two or more members each, the appointing authority shall appoint as nearly as possible one-fourth of the members in each category at each appointment date. Members may serve until their successors are appointed and qualify but in no case later than July 1 in a year in which a term expires unless reappointed.

Subd. 3.Compensation.

(a) Members of the boards may be compensated at the rate of $55 a day spent on board activities, when authorized by the board, plus expenses in the same manner and amount as authorized by the commissioner's plan adopted under section 43A.18, subdivision 2. Members who, as a result of time spent attending board meetings, incur child care expenses that would not otherwise have been incurred, may be reimbursed for those expenses upon board authorization.

(b) Members who are state employees or employees of the political subdivisions of the state must not receive the daily payment for activities that occur during working hours for which they are compensated by the state or political subdivision. However, a state or political subdivision employee may receive the daily payment if the employee uses vacation time or compensatory time accumulated in accordance with a collective bargaining agreement or compensation plan for board activities. Members who are state employees or employees of the political subdivisions of the state may receive the expenses provided for in this subdivision unless the expenses are reimbursed by another source. Members who are state employees or employees of political subdivisions of the state may be reimbursed for child care expenses only for time spent on board activities that are outside their working hours.

(c) Each board must adopt internal standards prescribing what constitutes a day spent on board activities for purposes of making daily payments under this subdivision.

Subd. 4.Removal; vacancies.

A member may be removed by the appointing authority at any time (1) for cause, after notice and hearing, or (2) after missing three consecutive meetings. The chair of the board shall inform the appointing authority of a member missing the three consecutive meetings. After the second consecutive missed meeting and before the next meeting, the secretary of the board shall notify the member in writing that the member may be removed for missing the next meeting. In the case of a vacancy on the board, the appointing authority shall appoint, subject to the advice and consent of the senate if the member is appointed by the governor, a person to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the unexpired term.

Subd. 5.Membership vacancies within three months of appointment.

When a membership on a board becomes vacant within three months after being filled through the open appointments process, the appointing authority may, upon notification to the office of secretary of state, choose a new member from the applications on hand and need not repeat the process.

15.058 LICENSING BOARD MEMBERS, COMPENSATION, TERMS, REMOVAL, REPORTS.

Membership terms, compensation of members, removal of members, the filling of membership vacancies, and fiscal year and reporting requirements for those agencies in the executive branch other than departments whose primary functions include licensing, certification or registration of persons in specified professions or occupations shall be as provided in sections 214.07 to 214.09.

History:

1975 c 136 s 76

15.059 ADVISORY COUNCILS AND COMMITTEES.

Subdivision 1.Application.

The terms, compensation and removal of members, and the expiration date of an advisory council or committee shall be governed by this section whenever specifically provided by law. As used in this section "council or committee" shall mean all advisory boards, councils, committees and commissions whose provisions are governed by this section.

Subd. 2.Membership terms.

An appointment to an advisory council or committee must be made in the manner provided in section 15.0597. The terms of the members of the advisory councils and committees shall be four years. The terms of one-half of the members shall be coterminous with the governor and the terms of the remaining one-half of the members shall end on the first Monday in January one year after the terms of the other members. If there is an odd number of members, the smallest possible majority of the members shall have terms coterminous with the governor. If the number of terms which can be served by a member of an advisory council or committee is limited by law, a partial term must be counted for this purpose if the time served by a member is greater than one-half of the duration of the regular term. If the membership is composed of categories of members from occupations, industries, political subdivisions, the public or other groupings of persons, and if the categories as specified in statute have two or more members each, the appointing authority shall appoint as nearly as possible one-half of the members in each category at each appointment date. Members may serve until their successors are appointed and qualify. If a successor has not been appointed by the July 1 after the scheduled end of a member's term, the term of the member for whom a successor has not been appointed shall be extended until the first Monday in January four years after the scheduled end of the term.

Subd. 3.Compensation.

(a) Members of the advisory councils and committees may be compensated at the rate of $55 a day spent on council or committee activities, when authorized by the council or committee, plus expenses in the same manner and amount as authorized by the commissioner's plan adopted under section 43A.18, subdivision 2. Members who, as a result of time spent attending council or committee meetings, incur child care expenses that would not otherwise have been incurred, may be reimbursed for those expenses upon council or committee authorization.

(b) Members who are state employees or employees of political subdivisions must not receive the daily compensation for activities that occur during working hours for which they are compensated by the state or political subdivision. However, a state or political subdivision employee may receive the daily payment if the employee uses vacation time or compensatory time accumulated in accordance with a collective bargaining agreement or compensation plan for council or committee activity. Members who are state employees or employees of the political subdivisions of the state may receive the expenses provided for in this section unless the expenses are reimbursed by another source. Members who are state employees or employees of political subdivisions of the state may be reimbursed for child care expenses only for time spent on board activities that are outside their working hours.

(c) Each council and committee must adopt internal standards prescribing what constitutes a day spent on council or committee activities for purposes of making daily payments under this subdivision.

Subd. 4.Removal.

A member may be removed by the appointing authority at any time at the pleasure of the appointing authority. The chair of the advisory council or committee shall inform the appointing authority of a member missing the three consecutive meetings. After the second consecutive missed meeting and before the next meeting, the secretary of the council or committee shall notify the member in writing that the member may be removed for missing the next meeting. In the case of a vacancy on the board, the appointing authority shall appoint a person to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the unexpired term.

Subd. 5.

[Repealed, 2014 c 286 art 1 s 5]

Subd. 5a.

[Repealed, 2001 c 161 s 58]

Subd. 5b.

[Repealed, 2014 c 286 art 1 s 5]

Subd. 6.Advisory task forces.

If the existence of an advisory task force is mandated by statute, the task force shall expire on the date specified in the enabling legislation. If no expiration date is specified, the task force shall expire two years after the effective date of the act creating the advisory task force. If the existence of a task force is authorized but not mandated by statute, the task force shall expire at the pleasure of the person or group which creates the task force, or two years after the first members of the task force are appointed, whichever is sooner. A person or group mandated or with discretionary authority to create a task force may create another task force to continue the work of a task force which expires, unless the enabling legislation specifies an expiration date or creation of another task force is prohibited by other law.

Members of advisory task forces shall not receive the per diem specified in this section but shall receive expenses in the same manner and amount as provided in the commissioner's plan under section 43A.18, subdivision 2. Members who, as a result of time spent attending task force meetings, incur child care expenses that would not otherwise have been incurred, may be reimbursed for those expenses upon task force authorization. Members who are state employees or employees of political subdivisions of the state may be reimbursed for child care expenses only for time spent on board activities that are outside their normal working hours. Members appointed to these advisory task forces shall serve until the expiration date of the advisory task force and may be removed pursuant to subdivision 4.

15.0591 REPRESENTATIVE OF OLDER POPULATION.

Subdivision 1.Addition of members.

The membership of state boards, commissions, advisory councils, task forces, or committees listed in subdivision 2 that have more than three public members shall include at least one member, 60 years of age or over. For purposes of this section, a public member is a person who is not a representative of a specified business, occupation, industry, political subdivision, organization, or other grouping of persons other than geographical regions. At least one of the members over 60 shall not be actively engaged in or retired from an occupation, profession, or industry, if any, to be regulated.

Subd. 2.Bodies affected.

A member meeting the qualifications in subdivision 1 must be appointed to the following boards, commissions, advisory councils, task forces, or committees:

(1) Advisory Task Force on the Use of State Facilities;

(2) Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Advisory Council;

(3) Board of Executives for Long Term Services and Supports;

(4) Board on Aging;

(5) Chiropractic Examiners Board;

(6) Council on Disability;

(7) Minnesota Council on Latino Affairs;

(8) Council for Minnesotans of African Heritage;

(9) Dentistry Board;

(10) Minnesota Office of Higher Education;

(11) Housing Finance Agency;

(12) Indian Advisory Council on Chemical Dependency;

(13) Medical Practice Board;

(14) Minnesota State Arts Board;

(15) Nursing Board;

(16) Optometry Board;

(17) Pharmacy Board;

(18) Board of Physical Therapy;

(19) Podiatry Board;

(20) Psychology Board.

15.0593 AGENCIES CREATED BY EXECUTIVE ORDER.

The governor may by executive order create in the governor's office advisory task forces, councils and committees to advise or assist on matters relating to the laws of this state. A task force, council or committee so created shall have no more than 15 members, and vacancies may be filled by the governor. Members of a task force, council or committee shall receive no per diem but may be paid expenses as authorized by the commissioner's plan adopted according to section 43A.18, subdivision 2. A task force, council or committee shall expire two years after the date of order unless otherwise specified consistent with section 4.035, subdivision 3. The task force, council or committee shall be named beginning with the prefix "Governor's Task Force on," "Governor's Council on" or "Governor's Committee on." The governor shall not create a board, commission, authority or other similar multimember agency except as provided in this section. A multimember agency previously created by executive order shall be renamed and shall be consistent with the provisions of this section. Nothing in this section shall apply, to the extent inconsistent with statute or federal law, to any multimember agency specifically authorized by statute or specifically authorized by federal law as a condition precedent to the receipt of federal money.

History:

1977 c 305 s 5; 1984 c 544 s 2; 1986 c 444

15.0594 COMMISSIONER'S APPROVAL REQUIRED.

No person may be employed or consultant retained by an entity created under section 15.0593 without written approval of the commissioner of the Department of Management and Budget.

15.0595 COMPENSATION AND PER DIEM; SOURCE OF FUNDS.

The source of payment of per diems and expenses for agencies governed by sections 15.0575 and 15.058 shall be appropriations or funds otherwise available to the agencies. The source of payment of per diems and expenses for agencies governed by section 15.059 shall be appropriations or funds otherwise available to the appointing authority of agency members.

History:

1977 c 444 s 3

15.0596 ADDITIONAL COMPENSATION FROM CONTINGENT FUND PROHIBITED.

In all cases where the compensation of an officer of the state is fixed by law at a specified sum, it shall be unlawful for any such officer or employee to receive additional compensation for the performance of official services out of the contingent fund of the officer or the department, and it shall be unlawful for the head of any department of the state government to direct the payment of such additional compensation out of the contingent fund; and the commissioner of management and budget is hereby prohibited from issuing a payment upon such contingent fund in payment of such additional compensation.

Every person offending against the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

APPOINTMENTS; REGISTRATION OF AGENCIES

15.0597 APPOINTMENTS TO MULTIMEMBER AGENCIES.

Subdivision 1.Definitions.

(a) As used in this section, the following terms shall have the meanings given them.

(b) "Agency" means (1) a state board, commission, council, committee, authority, task force, including an advisory task force created under section 15.014 or 15.0593, a group created by executive order of the governor, or other similar multimember agency created by law and having statewide jurisdiction; and (2) the Metropolitan Council, metropolitan agency, Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board, and any agency with a regional jurisdiction created in this state pursuant to an interstate compact.

(c) "Vacancy" or "vacant agency position" means (1) a vacancy in an existing agency, or (2) a new, unfilled agency position. Vacancy does not mean (1) a vacant position on an agency composed exclusively of persons employed by a political subdivision or another agency, (2) a vacancy to be filled by a person required to have a specific title or position, (3) a vacancy that is to be filled through appointment of a legislator by a legislator or group of legislators, or (4) a position appointed by a private entity or individual, in the manner specified in the document creating the agency, unless otherwise provided.

(d) "Secretary" means the secretary of state.

(e) "Appointing authority" means the individual or entity with the specific authority to appoint open or direct appointment positions. This includes, but is not limited to, the governor, state agency commissioners, indigenous Tribal leaders, designated legislative leaders and local agency heads, persons who have been specifically delegated the authority to make those appointments, or private entities or persons as designated by the document creating the agency. Appointments should be evidenced by a document signed by the appointing authority's most senior official. Appointments that do not specify an appointing authority shall be made in the manner provided in section 4.04.

(f) "Direct appointments" means: (1) the appointment of members to an agency, pursuant to a process not subject to this section; and (2) those members of an agency appointed through a process not subject to this section. Direct appointments must be provided for specifically in the documents creating the agency, whether enabling law, executive order, commissioner's order, or otherwise.

Subd. 2.Collection of data.

The chair of an existing agency or the chair's designee, or the appointing authority for the members of a newly created agency, shall provide the secretary, in an electronic format prepared and distributed by the secretary, with the following data pertaining to that agency:

(1) the name of the agency, its mailing address, and telephone number;

(2) the legal authority for the creation of the agency and the name of the person appointing agency members;

(3) the powers and duties of the agency;

(4) the number of authorized members, together with any prescribed restrictions on eligibility such as employment experience or geographical representation;

(5) the dates of commencement and expiration of the membership terms and the expiration date of the agency, if any;

(6) the compensation of members, and appropriations or other funds available to the agency;

(7) the regular meeting schedule, if any, and approximate number of hours per month of meetings or other activities required of members;

(8) the roster of current members, including mailing addresses, electronic mail addresses, and telephone numbers; and

(9) a breakdown of the membership showing distribution by county, legislative district, and congressional district, and, only if the member has voluntarily supplied the information, the sex, political party preference or lack of party preference, race, veteran status, and national origin of the members.

The secretary may require the submission of data in accordance with this subdivision by electronic means. The publication requirement under clause (8) may be met by publishing a member's home or business address and telephone number, the address and telephone number of the agency to which the member is appointed, the member's electronic mail address, if provided, or any other information that would enable the public to communicate with the member.

Subd. 3.Publication of agency data.

The secretary of state shall provide for annual updating of the required data and shall annually arrange for the publication on the website of the secretary of state of the compiled data from all agencies on or about October 15 of each year. The compilation must be electronically delivered to the governor and the legislature. Paper copies of the compilation must be made available by the secretary to any interested person at cost, and copies must be available for viewing by interested persons. The chair of an agency who does not submit data required by this section or who does not notify the secretary of a vacancy in the agency, is not eligible for a per diem or expenses in connection with agency service until December 1 of the following year.

Subd. 4.Notice of vacancies.

(a) The chair of an existing agency, shall notify the secretary by electronic means of a vacancy scheduled to occur in the agency as a result of the expiration of membership terms at least 45 days before the vacancy occurs. The chair of an existing agency must notify the secretary of each vacancy occurring as a result of newly created agency positions and of every other vacancy occurring for any reason other than the expiration of membership terms as soon as possible upon learning of the vacancy and in any case within 15 days after the occurrence of the vacancy. The chair may submit vacancy notices by posting seat openings on the secretary of state's boards and commission's website.

(b) If a vacancy is to be appointed by the governor, the chair must first notify the governor and receive permission to post the vacancy. Where a vacancy is created by resignation, the vacancy may not be posted until receipt and acceptance of the resignation of the incumbent as provided by section 351.01, subdivision 1, clause (2), is confirmed by the governor.

(c) The appointing authority for newly created agencies shall give electronic notification to the secretary of all vacancies in the new agency within 15 days after the creation of the agency. The secretary may require the submission of notices required by this subdivision by electronic means.

(d) The secretary shall publish monthly on the website of the secretary of state a list of all vacancies of which the secretary has been so notified. Only one notice of a vacancy shall be so published, unless the appointing authority rejects all applicants and requests the secretary to republish the notice of vacancy. One copy of the listing shall be made available at the office of the secretary to any interested person. The secretary shall distribute by mail or electronic means copies of the listings to requesting persons.

(e) The listing for all vacancies scheduled to occur in the month of January shall be published on the website of the secretary of state together with the compilation of agency data required to be published pursuant to subdivision 3.

(f) If a vacancy occurs within three months after an appointment is made to fill a regularly scheduled vacancy, the appointing authority may, upon notification by electronic means to the secretary, fill the vacancy by appointment from the list of persons submitting applications to fill the regularly scheduled vacancy.

Subd. 5.Nominations for vacancies.

Any person may make a self-nomination for appointment to an agency vacancy by completing an application on a form prepared and distributed by the secretary. The secretary may provide for the submission of the application by electronic means. Any person or group of persons may, on the prescribed application form, nominate another person to be appointed to a vacancy so long as the person so nominated consents on the application form to the nomination. The application form shall specify the nominee's name, mailing address, electronic mail address, telephone number, preferred agency position sought, a statement that the nominee satisfies any legally prescribed qualifications, and any other information the nominating person feels would be helpful to the appointing authority. The nominating person has the option of indicating the nominee's sex, political party preference or lack thereof, status with regard to disability, race, veteran status, and national origin on the application form. The application form shall make the option known. If a person submits an application at the suggestion of an appointing authority, the person shall so indicate on the application form. Twenty-one days after publication of a vacancy on the website of the secretary of state pursuant to subdivision 4, the secretary shall submit electronic copies of all applications received for a position to the appointing authority charged with filling the vacancy. Applications received by the secretary shall be deemed to have expired one year after receipt of the application. An application for a particular agency position shall be deemed to be an application for all vacancies in that agency occurring prior to the expiration of the application and shall be public information.

Subd. 6.Appointments.

(a) In making an appointment to a vacant agency position, the appointing authority shall consider applications for positions in that agency supplied by the secretary. No appointing authority may appoint someone to a vacant agency position until five days after receipt of the applications for positions in that agency from the secretary as provided for in subdivision 5. At least five days before the date of appointment, the appointing authority shall issue a public announcement and inform the secretary by electronic means of the name of the person the appointing authority has appointed to fill the agency vacancy and the expiration date of that person's term.

(b) No person may serve in a position until the appointing authority has submitted either (1) a signed notice of appointment or (2) the documents required by paragraph (e) to the secretary of state, and the term of the appointee may not commence on a date preceding the date of the signature on the notice of appointment or the paragraph (e) submission.

(c) An oath of office for each appointee to an agency must be submitted to the secretary of state under section 358.05.

(d) If the appointing authority intends to appoint a person other than one for whom an application was submitted pursuant to this section, the appointing authority shall complete an application form on behalf of the appointee and submit it to the secretary indicating on the application that it is submitted by the appointing authority.

(e) An appointing authority making a direct appointment must submit a letter to the secretary of state stating the name of the person appointed, the agency and the specific seat to which they are appointed, contact information, the date on which the term begins, and length of the term.

(f) No person may simultaneously occupy more than one position on the same agency board. Appointment or designation of a member as chair of an agency does not constitute a violation of this paragraph.

Subd. 7.Report.

Together with the compilation required in subdivision 3, the secretary shall annually deliver to the governor and the legislature a report in an electronic format containing the following information:

(1) the number of vacancies occurring in the preceding year;

(2) the number of vacancies occurring as a result of scheduled ends of terms, unscheduled vacancies and the creation of new positions;

(3) breakdowns by county, legislative district, and congressional district, and, if known, the sex, political party preference or lack thereof, status with regard to disability, race, veteran status, and national origin, for members whose agency membership terminated during the year and appointees to the vacant positions; and

(4) the number of vacancies filled from applications submitted by (i) the appointing authorities for the positions filled, (ii) nominating persons and self-nominees who submitted applications at the suggestion of appointing authorities, and (iii) all others.

Subd. 8.Transfer of administrative functions.

The commissioner of administration with the approval of the governor may determine that the administration of the open appointment process provided for in this section more properly belongs in another agency of the state. On making that determination, the commissioner may, on or after July 1, 1981, transfer this function to that agency by reorganization order.

15.0598 EXCEPTIONS TO OPEN APPOINTMENTS.

The open appointments program shall not apply to any appointments made jointly by the governor, attorney general, and chief justice.

History:

1980 c 614 s 186

15.0599 REGISTRATION OF MULTIMEMBER AGENCIES.

Subdivision 1.Applicability.

(a) For purposes of this section, "agency" means:

(1) a state board, commission, council, committee, authority, task force, including an advisory task force established under section 15.014 or 15.0593, other multimember agency, however designated, established by statute or order and having statewide jurisdiction;

(2) the Metropolitan Council established by section 473.123, a metropolitan agency as defined in section 473.121, subdivision 5a, or a multimember body, however designated, appointed by the Metropolitan Council or a metropolitan agency if the membership includes at least one person who is not a member of the council or the agency;

(3) a multimember body whose members are appointed by the legislature if the body has at least one nonlegislative member; and

(4) any other multimember body established by law with at least one appointed member, without regard to the appointing authority.

(b) "Secretary" means the secretary of state.

Subd. 2.Registration of new agencies.

Within 30 days after the appointment of members to a new agency, the appointing authority shall register the agency with the secretary, providing the information required in subdivision 4, paragraph (a).

Subd. 3.Annual registration of existing agencies.

Unless an agency has submitted its initial registration under subdivision 2 within the last 90 days, the chair of an existing agency shall register the agency with the secretary by July 15 of each year, providing the information required in subdivision 4, paragraph (b), and updating, if necessary, any of the information previously provided in accordance with subdivision 4, paragraph (a).

Subd. 4.Registration; information required.

(a) The appointing authority of a newly established agency or the authority's designee shall provide the secretary with the following information:

(1) the name, mailing address, electronic mail address, and telephone number of the agency;

(2) the legal authority for the establishment of the agency and the name and the title of the person or persons appointing agency members;

(3) the powers and duties of the agency and whether the agency, however designated, is best described by section 15.012, paragraph (a), (b), (c), (e), or (f);

(4) the number of authorized members, together with any prescribed restrictions on eligibility;

(5) the roster of current members, including mailing addresses, electronic mail addresses, and telephone numbers;

(6) a breakdown of the membership showing distribution by county, legislative district, and congressional district and compliance with any restrictions listed in accordance with clause (4);

(7) if any members have voluntarily provided the information, the sex, age, political preference or lack of preference, status with regard to disability, race, veteran status, and national origin of those members;

(8) the dates of commencement and expiration of membership terms and the expiration date of the agency, if any;

(9) the compensation of members and appropriations or other money available to the agency;

(10) the name of the state agency or other entity, if any, required to provide staff or administrative support to the agency;

(11) the regular meeting schedule, if any, and the approximate number of hours a month of meetings or other activities required of members; and

(12) a brief statement of the goal or purpose of the agency, along with a summary of what an existing agency has done, or what a newly established agency plans to do to achieve its goal or purpose.

The publication requirement under clause (5) may be met by publishing a member's home or business address and telephone number, the address and telephone number of the agency to which the member is appointed, the member's electronic mail address, or any other information that would enable the public to communicate with the member.

(b) The chair of an existing agency or the chair's designee shall provide information, covering the fiscal year in which it is registering, on the number of meetings it has held, its expenses, and the number of staff hours, if any, devoted to its support. The chair or designee shall also, if necessary, update any of the information previously provided in accordance with paragraph (a).

(c) The secretary shall provide electronic forms for the reporting of information required by this subdivision and may require reporting by electronic means.

Subd. 4a.Eligibility for compensation.

The members of an agency that submits all the information required by this section by the prescribed deadlines are eligible to receive compensation, but no compensation, including reimbursement for expenses, may be paid to members of an agency not in compliance with this section. If an agency has not submitted all required information by its applicable deadline, the secretary shall notify the agency that it is not in compliance and that it has 30 days from the date of the notice to achieve compliance. If the agency is out of compliance at the end of the 30-day period, the secretary shall notify the commissioner of management and budget that members of the agency are not entitled to compensation. If the agency subsequently complies with this section, the secretary shall notify the commissioner that the agency's members are eligible for compensation from the date of compliance. No retroactive compensation may be paid, however, for any period during which the agency was out of compliance.

Subd. 5.Reporting by secretary.

By October 15 of each year, the secretary shall furnish copies and a summary of the information collected under subdivision 4 to the Legislative Reference Library.

Subd. 6.Electronic publication.

Any material that under sections 15.0597 to 15.0599 is required to be published in the State Register may instead be published on the World Wide Web.

If that option is used, the secretary of state shall publish notice of that fact in the State Register at least once a year and shall send the same notice by United States mail to all persons who have registered with the secretary for the purpose of receiving notice of the secretary's listings.

15.06 APPOINTMENT OF DEPARTMENT HEADS; TERMS; DEPUTIES.

Subdivision 1.Applicability.

This section applies to the following departments or agencies: the Departments of Administration; Agriculture; Children, Youth, and Families; Commerce; Corrections; Education; Employment and Economic Development; Health; Human Rights; Human Services; Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation; Labor and Industry; Management and Budget; Natural Resources; Public Safety; Revenue; Transportation; and Veterans Affairs; the Housing Finance and Pollution Control Agencies; the Department of Information Technology Services; the Bureau of Mediation Services; and their successor departments and agencies. The heads of the foregoing departments or agencies are "commissioners."

Subd. 1a.

[Repealed, 2013 c 134 s 31]

Subd. 2.Term of office; successor.

The term of a commissioner shall end with the term of the office of governor. In addition, the term shall end if the governor vacates office. The appointing authority shall submit to the president of the senate the name of an appointee as permanent commissioner as provided by section 15.066, subdivision 2, within 45 legislative days after the end of the term of a commissioner and within 45 legislative days after the occurrence of a vacancy. The appointee shall take office as permanent commissioner when the senate notifies the appointing authority that it has consented to the appointment. A commissioner shall serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority.

Subd. 3.Vacancy; temporary commissioner.

The purpose of this subdivision is to provide a procedure to insure the immediate accession to office of a temporary commissioner in the event of a vacancy in the office of commissioner. If at the end of a term of a commissioner the incumbent commissioner is not designated as acting commissioner pursuant to subdivision 4, or if a vacancy occurs in the office of a commissioner, the deputy commissioner as defined in subdivision 7 shall immediately become temporary commissioner without further official action. If there is more than one deputy commissioner, the appointing authority of the commissioner shall designate which of the deputies shall be temporary commissioner. If there is no deputy commissioner, the appointing authority of the commissioner shall designate a temporary commissioner.

Subd. 4.End of term; vacancy; acting commissioner.

The purpose of this subdivision is to provide alternative means whereby an appointing authority may designate a person other than a temporary commissioner to serve as acting commissioner until advice and consent of the senate is received in respect to a permanent appointee. These alternative means include the following:

(1) At the end of the term of a commissioner, the incumbent commissioner may at the discretion of the appointing authority serve as acting commissioner until a successor is appointed and qualifies.

(2) An appointing authority may appoint a person other than a deputy to serve as acting commissioner and to replace any other acting or temporary commissioner designated pursuant to subdivision 3 or 4.

(3) Prior to the advice and consent of the senate, the appointing authority may designate the permanent appointee as commissioner.

Subd. 5.Effect of designation of acting or temporary commissioner.

A person who is designated acting commissioner or temporary commissioner pursuant to subdivisions 3 or 4 shall immediately have all the powers and emoluments and perform all the duties of the office. A person who is designated permanent commissioner shall have all the powers and may perform all the duties of the office upon receipt of the letter of appointment by the president of the senate pursuant to section 15.066. Upon the appointment of a permanent commissioner or acting commissioner to succeed any other acting or temporary commissioner, the subsequent appointee shall immediately take the place of any other acting or temporary commissioner. No person shall serve as a permanent commissioner or acting commissioner after the senate has voted to refuse to consent to the person's appointment as permanent commissioner. Notice of the designation of a commissioner or acting commissioner, or the assumption of office by a temporary commissioner, shall be filed with the president of the senate and the speaker of the house with a copy delivered to the secretary of state and published in the next available edition of the State Register.

Subd. 6.General powers of commissioners.

Except as otherwise expressly provided by law, a commissioner shall have the following powers:

(1) to delegate to any subordinate employee the exercise of specified statutory powers or duties as the commissioner may deem advisable, subject to the commissioner's control; provided, that every delegation shall be made by written order, filed with the secretary of state; and further provided that only a deputy commissioner may have all the powers or duties of the commissioner;

(2) to appoint all subordinate employees and to prescribe their duties; provided, that all departments and agencies shall be subject to the provisions of chapter 43A;

(3) with the approval of the commissioner of administration, to organize the department or agency as deemed advisable in the interest of economy and efficiency; and

(4) to prescribe procedures for the internal management of the department or agency to the extent that the procedures do not directly affect the rights of or procedure available to the public.

Subd. 7.Deputy commissioner.

For purposes of this section, a "deputy commissioner" shall also include a "deputy director" when the department head bears the title "director". A deputy commissioner of a department or agency specified in subdivision 1 shall be in the unclassified civil service and shall be immediately subordinate to the commissioner. The deputy commissioner shall have all the powers and authority of the commissioner unless the commissioner directs otherwise, and shall speak for the commissioner within and without the department or agency. The primary duty of a deputy shall be to assist the commissioner in the general management of the entire department or agency or of major parts thereof, and shall not consist of operating single functional areas. A deputy commissioner serves at the pleasure of the commissioner.

Subd. 8.Number of deputy commissioners.

Unless specifically authorized by statute, no department or agency specified in subdivision 1 shall have more than one deputy commissioner.

Subd. 9.Private employment.

No former commissioner or deputy commissioner may, within one year after leaving the position of commissioner or deputy commissioner in a department or agency, appear or participate in proceedings of that department or agency representing the interests of private persons.

GENERAL

15.061 PROFESSIONAL OR TECHNICAL SERVICES.

In accordance with sections 16C.03 and 16C.08, the head of a state department or agency may, with the approval of the commissioner of administration, contract for professional or technical services in connection with the operation of the department or agency. A contract negotiated under this section is not subject to the competitive bidding requirements of chapter 16C.

15.063 BIENNIAL REPORTS; SUBMISSION.

Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the biennial reports required to be submitted to the legislature by various departments and agencies shall be submitted by November 15 of each even-numbered year.

History:

Ex1971 c 3 s 63

15.065 [Repealed, 1997 c 98 s 17]

15.066 CONFIRMATION OF APPOINTMENTS.

Subdivision 1.Applicability.

This section applies to all appointments which by statute require the advice and consent of the senate. For the purpose of this section, the term "agency" includes state departments, boards, committees, councils, commissions, authorities, and advisory task forces created by statute.

Subd. 2.Procedure.

In all appointments to state agencies which require the advice and consent of the senate, the following procedure shall apply:

(1) the appointing authority shall provide to the president of the senate a letter of appointment which shall include the position title to which the appointment is being made; the name, street address, city and county of the appointee; and the term of the appointment;

(2) for those positions for which a statement of economic interest is required to be filed by section 10A.09, the appointing authority shall give the notice to the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board required by section 10A.09, subdivision 2, at the time the letter of appointment is directed to the president of the senate;

(3) if the appointment is subject to the open appointments program provided by section 15.0597, the appointing authority shall provide the senate with a copy of the application provided by section 15.0597, at the time the letter of appointment is directed to the president of the senate; and

(4) the appointment shall be effective and the appointee may commence to exercise the duties of the office upon the receipt of the letter of appointment by the president of the senate.

Subd. 3.Advice and consent time limit.

(a) For appointments that require confirmation by only the senate, if the senate does not reject an appointment within 60 legislative days of the day of receipt of the letter of appointment by the president of the senate, the senate has consented to the appointment.

(b) For appointments that require confirmation by both the senate and the house of representatives, if neither the senate nor the house of representatives has rejected an appointment within 60 legislative days of the later of the day of receipt of the letter of appointment by the president of the senate or the day of receipt of the letter of appointment by the speaker of the house of representatives, the house of representatives and senate have consented to the appointment.

(c) This section does not apply to appointments to the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board under section 10A.02.

[See Note.]

NOTE: Subdivision 3, as added by Laws 2023, chapter 62, article 2, section 36, is effective January 1, 2027. Laws 2023, chapter 62, article 2, section 36, the effective date.

15.07 [Repealed, 1996 c 310 s 1]

15.08 COMMISSIONERS OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION; ACCESS TO RECORDS.

The commissioner of management and budget and the commissioner of administration and their designated agents shall have free access to the records of all state departments and agencies, and may issue subpoenas for and compel the attendance of witnesses and the giving of testimony and the production of books, records, accounts, documents, and papers; and may administer oaths to witnesses or take their affirmation. If any person shall fail or refuse to appear or testify regarding that upon which the person may be lawfully interrogated, or to produce any books, records, accounts, documents or papers material in the matter under consideration, after having been lawfully required by order or subpoena, any judge of the district court in any county of the state where the order or subpoena was made returnable, on application of the commissioner of management and budget or commissioner of administration, as the case may be, shall compel obedience or punish disobedience as for contempt, as in the case of disobedience of a similar order or subpoena issued by such court.

15.082 OBLIGATIONS OF PUBLIC CORPORATIONS.

Notwithstanding any other law, the state is not liable for obligations of a public corporation created by statute. Upon dissolution of the public corporation, its wholly owned assets become state property. Partially owned assets become state property to the extent that state money was used to acquire them.

This section does not apply to a public corporation governed by chapter 119.

15.09 [Repealed, 1996 c 310 s 1]

15.10 RECORDS DELIVERED TO DEPARTMENT HEADS.

The head of a department or other agency whose functions, powers, and duties are by Laws 1939, chapter 431, assigned and transferred to another department or agency, shall transfer and deliver to such other department or agency all contracts, books, maps, plans, papers, records, and property of every description within the department head's jurisdiction or control, and shall also transfer thereto any or all employees engaged in the exercise of such functions, powers, or duties. The head of such other department or agency to which such assignment or transfer is made is hereby authorized to take possession of the property, and shall take charge of the employees and shall employ them in the exercise of their respective functions, powers, and duties transferred as aforesaid, without reduction of compensation; subject to change or termination of employment or compensation as may be otherwise provided by law.

History:

(53-1k) 1939 c 431 art 8 s 10; 1986 c 444

15.11 [Repealed, 1961 c 561 s 17]
15.12 [Repealed, 1961 c 561 s 17]
15.13 [Repealed, 1976 c 2 s 3]
15.14 [Repealed, 1996 c 310 s 1]
15.15 [Repealed, 1996 c 310 s 1]

15.16 TRANSFER OF LANDS BETWEEN DEPARTMENTS.

Subdivision 1.Agreement.

To facilitate the transfer of the control of state-owned lands between state departments and agencies of government and to avoid the necessity of condemning state lands by a department or agency of government of the state, a department or agency of the state government of Minnesota may acquire the control of state lands for public purposes from the department or agency of state government having those lands under its control and supervision, upon terms and conditions that are mutually agreed upon by the heads of the interested state departments or agencies.

Subd. 2.Executive Council to determine terms.

If the heads of the departments or agencies acting under subdivision 1 are unable to agree on the terms and conditions of a transfer of control of state lands, the Executive Council, upon application of a state department or agency having the power to acquire lands for public purposes, shall determine the terms and conditions and may order the transfer of the control of state lands to the department or agency requesting the transfer.

Subd. 3.Commissioner of management and budget to transfer funds.

The commissioner of management and budget is authorized and directed to transfer funds between state departments and agencies to effect the terms and conditions to transfer the control of real estate as provided in this section.

Subd. 4.Attorney general to prescribe form of transfer.

The transfer of control of real estate as provided under this section must be made on transfer documents prescribed by the attorney general, and the transfer documents must be permanently filed in the office of the commissioner of management and budget.

Subd. 5.Obtaining recommendation.

No control of state-owned lands may be transferred between state departments or agencies without the departments or agencies first consulting the chairs of the senate Finance Committee and house of representatives Ways and Means Committee and obtaining their recommendations. The recommendations are advisory only. Failure to obtain a prompt recommendation is deemed a negative recommendation.

15.161 ACCEPTANCE OF FEDERAL LANDS OR BUILDINGS; CONSULTATION WITH LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEES.

The head of a state department or agency shall consult with the chair of the house of representatives Ways and Means Committee and the chair of the senate Finance Committee before accepting any federal land or buildings thereon or any interest therein which is declared surplus by federal authorities and obtaining a recommendation thereon which shall be advisory only. Failure to obtain a recommendation thereon promptly shall be deemed a negative recommendation.

15.1611 [Renumbered 13.01]

15.162

Subdivision 1.

[Renumbered 13.02, subdivision 1]

Subd. 1a.

[Repealed, 1981 c 311 s 40]

Subd. 2.

[Renumbered 13.02, subd 2]

Subd. 2a.

[Renumbered 13.02, subd 3]

Subd. 3.

[Renumbered 13.02, subd 5]

Subd. 3a.

[Renumbered 13.02, subd 4]

Subd. 4.

[Renumbered 13.02, subd 8]

Subd. 5.

[Renumbered 13.02, subd 11]

Subd. 5a.

[Renumbered 13.02, subd 12]

Subd. 5b.

[Renumbered 13.02, subd 15]

Subd. 5c.

[Renumbered 13.02, subd 9]

Subd. 5d.

[Renumbered 13.02, subd 13]

Subd. 5e.

[Renumbered 13.02, subd 14]

Subd. 6.

[Renumbered 13.02, subd 16]

Subd. 7.

[Renumbered 13.02, subd 17]

Subd. 8.

[Renumbered 13.02, subd 18]

Subd. 9.

[Renumbered 13.02, subd 19]

Subd. 10.

[Renumbered 13.02, subd 6]

Subd. 11.

[Renumbered 13.02, subd 7]

Subd. 12.

[Renumbered 13.02, subd 10]

15.1621 [Renumbered 13.03]
15.163 [Renumbered 13.05, subds 1-9]
15.164 [Repealed, 1975 c 401 s 9]
15.1641 [Repealed, 1979 c 328 s 24]

15.1642

Subdivision 1.

[Renumbered 13.06, subdivision 1]

Subd. 2.

[Renumbered 13.06, subd 2]

Subd. 2a.

[Renumbered 13.06, subd 3]

Subd. 2b.

[Renumbered 13.06, subd 4]

Subd. 3.

[Renumbered 13.06, subd 5]

Subd. 4.

[Repealed, 1979 c 328 s 24]

Subd. 5.

[Renumbered 13.06, subd 6]

Subd. 5a.

[Renumbered 13.06, subd 7]

15.1643 [Renumbered 13.05, subd 10]
15.165 [Renumbered 13.04]
15.166 [Renumbered 13.08]
15.167 [Renumbered 13.09]
15.1671 [Renumbered 13.07]
15.1672 [Renumbered 13.34]
15.1673 [Renumbered 13.37]
15.1674 [Renumbered 13.52]
15.1675 [Renumbered 13.70, subdivision 1]
15.1676 [Renumbered 13.71]
15.1677 [Renumbered 13.35]
15.1678 [Renumbered 13.44]
15.1679 [Renumbered 13.40]
15.168 [Repealed, 1975 c 401 s 9]
15.1681 [Renumbered 13.86]
15.1682 [Renumbered 13.68]
15.1683 [Renumbered 13.72, subdivision 1]
15.169 [Repealed, 1979 c 328 s 24]
15.1691 [Renumbered 13.46]

15.1692

Subdivision 1.

[Renumbered 13.43, subdivision 1]

Subd. 2.

[Renumbered 13.43, subd 2]

Subd. 3.

[Renumbered 13.43, subd 3]

Subd. 4.

[Repealed, 1980 c 603 s 32]

Subd. 5.

[Renumbered 13.43, subd 4]

Subd. 6.

[Renumbered 13.43, subd 5]

Subd. 7.

[Renumbered 13.43, subd 6]

15.1693

Subdivision 1.

[Renumbered 13.32, subdivision 1]

Subd. 1a.

[Renumbered 13.32, subd 2]

Subd. 2.

[Renumbered 13.32, subd 3]

Subd. 3.

[Renumbered 13.32, subd 4]

Subd. 4.

[Renumbered 13.32, subd 5]

15.1694 [Renumbered 13.30]
15.1695 [Renumbered 13.81]
15.1696 [Renumbered 13.82, subd 6]
15.1697 [Renumbered 13.33]

15.1698

Subdivision 1.

[Renumbered 13.42, subdivision 1]

Subd. 2.

[Repealed, 1980 c 603 s 32]

Subd. 3.

[Renumbered 13.42, subd 2]

Subd. 4.

[Renumbered 13.42, subd 3]

15.1699 [Renumbered 13.43, subd 7]

15.17 OFFICIAL RECORDS.

Subdivision 1.Must be kept.

All officers and agencies of the state, counties, cities, towns, school districts, municipal subdivisions or corporations, or other public authorities or political entities within the state, hereinafter "public officer," shall make and preserve all records necessary to a full and accurate knowledge of their official activities. Government records may be produced in the form of computerized records. All government records shall be made on a physical medium of a quality to insure permanent records. Every public officer is empowered to reproduce records if the records are not deemed to be of permanent or archival value by the commissioner of administration and the records disposition panel under section 138.17. The public officer is empowered to reproduce these records by any photographic, photostatic, microphotographic, optical disk imaging system, microfilming, or other reproduction method that clearly and accurately reproduces the records. Each public officer may order that those photographs, photostats, microphotographs, microfilms, optical images, or other reproductions, be substituted for the originals of them. The public officer may direct the destruction or sale for salvage or other disposition of the originals from which they were made, in accordance with the disposition requirements of section 138.17. Photographs, photostats, microphotographs, microfilms, optical images, or other reproductions are for all purposes deemed the original recording of the papers, books, documents, and records reproduced when so ordered by any public officer and are admissible as evidence in all courts and proceedings of every kind. A facsimile or exemplified or certified copy of a photograph, photostat, microphotograph, microfilm, optical image, or other reproduction, or an enlargement or reduction of it, has the same effect and weight as evidence as would a certified or exemplified copy of the original.

Subd. 2.Responsibility for records.

The chief administrative officer of each public agency shall be responsible for the preservation and care of the agency's government records, which shall include written or printed books, papers, letters, contracts, documents, maps, plans, computer-based data, and other records made or received pursuant to law or in connection with the transaction of public business. It shall be the duty of each agency, and of its chief administrative officer, to carefully protect and preserve government records from deterioration, mutilation, loss, or destruction. Records or record books may be repaired, renovated, or rebound when necessary to preserve them properly.

Subd. 3.Delivery to successor.

Every legal custodian of government records, at the expiration of that official's term of office or authority, or on the official's death a legal representative, shall deliver to a successor in office all government records in custody; and the successor shall receipt therefor to the predecessor or legal representative and shall file in the office a signed acknowledgment of the delivery. Every public officer shall demand from a predecessor in office, or the predecessor's legal representative, the delivery of all government records belonging to the office.

Subd. 4.Accessible to public.

Access to records containing government data is governed by sections 13.03 and 138.17.

15.171 [Repealed, 1997 c 206 s 13]
15.172 [Repealed, 1997 c 206 s 13]
15.173 [Repealed, 1997 c 206 s 13]
15.174 [Repealed, 1997 c 206 s 13]

15.18 DISTRIBUTION OF PUBLICATIONS.

Except as provided in sections 3C.12, subdivision 2, and 5.08 and chapter 16B, when any department, agency, or official of the state issues for public distribution any book, document, journal, map, pamphlet, or report copies thereof shall be delivered immediately as follows:

Four copies to the Minnesota Historical Society;

One copy to the general library of the University of Minnesota, and may, upon request of the librarian, deliver additional copies;

Two copies to the state library, and such additional copies as the state librarian deems necessary for exchange with other libraries, with other states, with the United States, and with governments of foreign countries;

One copy to the public library of any city of the first class;

One copy to the library of each state university as defined in chapter 136.

15.181 [Renumbered 43.33]

15.185 MAILING LISTS.

A department, agency, or official of the state issuing for public distribution any book, document, journal, map, pamphlet, or report on a regular basis to a list of persons who have asked to receive regular publications shall insert into at least one publication per person per year a returnable card which must be returned by that person in order to receive future similar publications from that department, agency, or official.

History:

1982 c 562 s 3

15.19 [Repealed, 1969 c 265 s 2]

15.191 IMPREST CASH FUNDS.

Subdivision 1.Emergency disbursements.

Imprest cash funds for the purpose of making minor disbursements, providing for change, and providing employees with travel advances or a portion or all of their payroll where the payment has not been received through the payroll system, may be established by state departments or agencies from existing appropriations in the manner prescribed by this section.

Subd. 2.Approval.

Before an imprest cash fund is established an application showing the need therefor shall be presented to the commissioner of management and budget who shall fix the amount of the fund for the department or agency. Upon the approval of the application by the commissioner of management and budget, the imprest cash fund is established and the commissioner of management and budget shall notify the applicant.

Subd. 3.Payment against designated appropriation.

Imprest cash funds established under this section shall be created by payment issued against the appropriation designated by the commissioner of management and budget.

15.21 [Obsolete by Laws 1957 c 936, see sections 15A.02 to 15A.15]
15.22 [Obsolete by Laws 1957 c 936, see sections 15A.02 to 15A.15]
15.23 [Obsolete by Laws 1957 c 936, see sections 15A.02 to 15A.15]

15.31 STATE EMPLOYEES, LIABILITY INSURANCE, PAYMENT OF PREMIUMS.

The state shall pay premiums on insurance policies insuring its employees against liability from claims for bodily injuries, death or property damage made upon such employees while operating state-owned vehicles in the performance of, in connection with or incidental to their duties as state employees. Payment of such premiums shall be made from funds appropriated or otherwise available to the various departments and agencies of the state. The payment of such premiums shall not impose upon the state any liability whatsoever for the payment of damages as a result of a claim against the state employee.

History:

1953 c 676 s 1

15.315 [Repealed, 1976 c 331 s 43]
15.35 [Repealed, 1965 c 780 s 9]
15.36 [Repealed, 1965 c 780 s 9]
15.37 [Repealed, 1967 c 103 s 10]

15.375

Subdivision 1.

[Repealed, 1983 c 355 s 4]

Subd. 2.

[Renumbered 16A.134]

15.38 NONINSURANCE OF STATE PROPERTY; EXCEPTIONS.

Subdivision 1.Insurance prohibited.

No public funds shall be expended on account of any insurance upon state property against loss or damage by fire or tornado, nor shall any state officer or board contract for or incur any indebtedness against the state on account of any such insurance, except as specifically authorized in this section, section 15.39, or other law.

Subd. 2.Stillwater prison.

The commissioner of corrections may insure the state of Minnesota against loss by fire or tornado to the Minnesota Correctional Facility-Stillwater, or the contents thereof, in any insurance companies licensed to do business in this state, in such an amount as the commissioner may from time to time determine and to pay the premiums therefor from the revolving fund of the institution.

Subd. 3.Minnesota State Colleges and Universities.

The Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities may purchase insurance coverage as it deems necessary and appropriate to protect buildings and contents and for activities ancillary to the programs of the state colleges and universities.

Subd. 4.

[Repealed, 1995 c 212 art 4 s 65]

Subd. 5.

[Repealed, 2010 c 382 s 87]

Subd. 6.Department of Military Affairs.

The adjutant general may purchase insurance coverage deemed necessary to indemnify the Department of Military Affairs for workers' compensation awards paid for state employees employed under federal cooperative funding agreements.

Subd. 7.Department of Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation.

After seeking a recommendation from the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board, the commissioner of Iron Range resources and rehabilitation may purchase insurance the commissioner deems necessary and appropriate to insure facilities operated by the commissioner.

Subd. 8.Authorized purchases.

The commissioner of administration may authorize the purchase of insurance on state property that agencies of state government deem necessary and appropriate to protect buildings and contents.

Subd. 9.Sibley House.

The Sibley House Association may purchase fire, wind, hail, and vandalism insurance and insurance coverage for fine art objects from state appropriations.

15.39 EMPLOYMENT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT BUILDINGS.

Subdivision 1.Insurance.

Notwithstanding other law to the contrary, the commissioner of the Department of Employment and Economic Development of the state of Minnesota may purchase insurance against loss to state-owned buildings occupied by the department, from any insurance companies licensed to do business in this state in an amount that the commissioner may from time to time determine and pay premiums for the insurance from federal funds granted for the administration of the Department of Employment and Economic Development.

Subd. 2.Requisition authority.

The commissioner is authorized to requisition from the administration fund any amount necessary to pay premiums for the insurance specified in subdivision 1 and money in the amount necessary is appropriated for that purpose.

15.40 LACK OF CARE IN KEEPING STATE PROPERTY SAFE FROM FIRE LOSS, NONFEASANCE IN OFFICE.

Every state officer, board, or other authority having the control of any state buildings or property shall keep the same at all times as safe from fire loss as is reasonably possible. Failure of any state officer, board, or authority having control over any state property to keep the same as safe from fire loss as is reasonably possible shall constitute nonfeasance in office and be grounds for removal.

History:

(3602) 1919 c 256 s 4

15.41 CONSTRUCTION PERMITS, REQUISITES.

Subdivision 1.Names on permit.

Every agency of the state of Minnesota and every political subdivision thereof shall specify on every construction permit the name and address of the applicant therefor, and the general contractor thereon if there be one. This information shall be a matter of public record, and available to any interested person during business hours.

Subd. 2.Posting.

All construction permits shall be posted in a conspicuous and accessible place at the premises or site of construction.

History:

1957 c 125 s 1,2

15.411 PUBLIC WORKS CONTRACTS; NO DAMAGES FOR DELAY CLAUSES.

Subdivision 1.Definition.

As used in this section, the term "public works contract" means a contract of the state, or a county, city, town, school district, special district, or any other political subdivision of the state, for the construction, alteration, repair, addition to, subtraction from, improvement to, or maintenance of any building, structure, highway, bridge, viaduct, pipeline, railway, public works, or any other works dealing with construction. The term includes, but is not limited to, moving, demolition, or excavation performed in conjunction with the work specified in this subdivision.

Subd. 2.Unenforceability.

Any clause in a public works contract that waives, releases, or extinguishes the rights of a contractor to seek recovery for costs or damages, or seek an equitable adjustment, for delays, disruption, or acceleration in performing the contract is void and unenforceable if the delay, disruption, or acceleration is caused by acts of the contracting public entity or persons acting on behalf of the public entity for which the public entity is legally responsible.

Subd. 3.Severability.

When a contract contains a provision that is void and unenforceable under subdivision 2, that provision must be severed from the other provisions of the contract to the extent that it is void and unenforceable. The fact that the provision is void and unenforceable does not affect the other provisions of the contract.

Subd. 4.Scope and effect.

Subdivision 2 does not make void and unenforceable any contract provision of a public works contract that:

(1) requires notice of any delay, disruption, or acceleration by the party affected thereby;

(2) provides for reasonable liquidated damages; or

(3) provides for arbitration or any other procedure designed to settle contract disputes.

History:

2002 c 299 s 1

15.415 CORRECTIONS IN TRANSACTIONS, WAIVER.

In any instance where a correction concerning any state department or agency transaction involves an amount less than the administrative cost of making the correction, the correction shall be waived unless it is possible at a relatively nominal expense to include the correction in a later transaction. If the amount of any correction is less than $5 it shall be prima facie evidence that the cost of the correction would exceed the amount involved.

15.42 [Renumbered 15.041]

15.43 ACCEPTANCE OF ADVANTAGE BY STATE EMPLOYEE; PENALTY.

Subdivision 1.Financial interest of agents.

No employee of the state or of the University of Minnesota in direct contact with suppliers or potential suppliers to the state or the university, or who may directly or indirectly influence a purchasing decision or contract by establishing specification, testing purchased products, evaluating contracted services, or otherwise has official involvement in the purchasing or contracting process may:

(1) have any financial interest or have any personal beneficial interest directly or indirectly in contracts or purchase orders for goods or services used by, or purchased for resale or furnished to a department or agency of the state or the university; or

(2) accept directly or indirectly from a person, firm, or corporation to which a contract or purchase order has been or may be, awarded, a rebate, gift, money, or anything of value other than items of nominal value. No such employee may further accept any promise, obligation or contract for future reward.

Subd. 2.Textbooks exempted.

Textbooks, software, and other course materials authored by an employee of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities or of the University of Minnesota may be used as required course material. Instructors in state institutions and at the university may accept free samples of textbooks and related teaching materials.

Subd. 3.Other exemptions.

The commissioners of human services and corrections may by rule prescribe procedures for the acceptance of gifts from any person or organization, provided that such gifts are accepted by the commissioner, or a designated representative of the commissioner, and that such gifts are used solely for the direct benefit of patients or inmates under the jurisdiction of the accepting state officer.

Subd. 4.Penalties.

A violation of this section is a misdemeanor.

15.435 AIRLINE TRAVEL CREDIT.

(a) Whenever public funds are used to pay for airline travel by an elected official or public employee, any credits or other benefits issued by any airline must accrue to the benefit of the public body providing the funding. In the event the issuing airline will not honor a transfer or assignment of any credit or benefit, the individual passenger shall report receipt of the credit or benefit to the public body issuing the initial payment within 90 days of receipt.

(b) By July 1, 1993, the appropriate authorities in the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the state and the governing body of each political subdivision shall develop and implement policies covering accrual of credits or other benefits issued by an airline whenever public funds are used to pay for airline travel by a public employee or an elected or appointed official. The policies must apply to all airline travel, regardless of where or how tickets are purchased. The policies must include procedures for reporting receipt of credits or other benefits.

History:

1992 c 592 s 20

15.44 AIDS FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES AT STATE MEETINGS.

After July 1, 1980, a state agency which sponsors, in whole or in part, a meeting or conference for the public or for state employees shall ensure that a physically disabled participant who gives reasonable advance notice to the agency will receive the auxiliary aids necessary for effective participation. Auxiliary aids may include taped or Brailled materials, interpreters or other effective means of making orally delivered material available to participants who are deaf, deafblind, and hard-of-hearing, and equipment adaptable for use by participants with manual impairments and other similar services and action; however, nothing in this section shall (1) require a state agency to provide attendants, individually prescribed devices, or other devices or services of a personal nature or (2) apply to the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities or the University of Minnesota with respect to classes, seminars or training programs which are offered by them. When sign language interpreters are provided, they shall be provided in a manner so that participants who are deaf, deafblind, and hard-of-hearing will be able to see their signing clearly. For the purposes of this section, "physically disabled" has the meaning given in section 326B.103, subdivision 10. For the purposes of this section, "agency" means any state officer, employee, board, commission, authority, department or other agency or the executive branch of state government.

15.441 COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES.

Subdivision 1.State agencies; bilingual employees.

Every state agency that is directly involved in furnishing information or rendering services to the public and that serves a substantial number of non-English-speaking people shall employ enough qualified bilingual persons in public contact positions, or enough interpreters to assist those in these positions, to ensure provision of information and services in the language spoken by a substantial number of non-English-speaking people.

The commissioner of administration shall determine the application of this section to each state agency, in consultation with the Minnesota Council on Latino Affairs, groups representing other non-English-speaking people, and the head of the agency. In determining what constitutes a substantial number of non-English-speaking people, the commissioner shall consider:

(1) the number of people served by the agency;

(2) the number of non-English-speaking people served by the agency;

(3) the frequency with which non-English-speaking people are served by the agency; and

(4) the extent to which information or services rendered by the agency affect legal rights, privileges, or duties.

Subd. 2.Translations of materials explaining agency services.

Every state agency that serves a substantial number of non-English-speaking people and that provides materials in English explaining services is encouraged to provide equivalent materials in any non-English language spoken by a substantial number of the people served by the agency. An agency should give highest priority to providing in a non-English language materials that notify people of legal rights, duties, or privileges they are entitled to, and the steps they must take to obtain or maintain those rights, duties, or privileges. When notice of the availability of material explaining services available is given, orally or in writing, it should be given in English and the non-English language into which any material has been translated.

Subd. 3.Translated materials for local offices.

A state agency is encouraged to provide its local offices with written materials in the appropriate foreign language when:

(1) the local office or facility serves a substantial number of non-English-speaking people;

(2) written materials such as forms, applications, questionnaires, letters, or notices are used to ask or order a person to provide information or to give a person information; and

(3) the information asked for or given could affect the person's rights, duties, or privileges with regard to the agency's services or benefits.

Subd. 4.Limitations.

(a) A state agency may not dismiss an employee or increase its complement to carry out the purposes of this section. A state agency need only implement this section by filling employee public contact positions made vacant by retirement or normal attrition.

(b) This section shall be implemented to the extent permissible under federal law, civil service laws governing state agencies, and collective bargaining agreements.

PUBLIC EMPLOYEES
PREVENTIVE HEALTH SERVICES

15.45 DEFINITIONS.

Subdivision 1.Scope.

For the purposes of this section and section 15.46, the terms defined in this section have the meanings given them.

Subd. 2.Preventive health services.

"Preventive health services" means services intended to:

(1) protect state employees against health hazards in their work environment;

(2) insure and facilitate the placement and suitability of employees, according to their physical capacities and their emotional make up, in work which they can reasonably perform with an acceptable degree of efficiency and without endangering their own health and safety or that of their fellow employees; and

(3) encourage personal health maintenance.

Subd. 3.

[Repealed, 1987 c 186 s 16]

15.46 PREVENTIVE HEALTH SERVICES FOR PUBLIC EMPLOYEES.

The commissioner of the Department of Management and Budget may establish and operate a program of preventive health services for state employees and shall provide the staff, equipment, and facilities necessary to do so. The commissioner shall develop these services in accordance with the accepted practices of and standards for occupational preventive health services in the state of Minnesota. Specific services must be directed to the work environment and to the health of the employee in relation to the job. The commissioner shall cooperate with the Department of Health as well as other private and public community agencies providing health, safety, employment, and welfare services. A county or a statutory or home rule charter city may establish and operate a program of preventive health and employee recognition services for its employees and may provide necessary staff, equipment, and facilities and may expend funds as necessary to achieve the objectives of the program.

15.47 [Repealed, 1987 c 186 s 16]

COSTS AND ATTORNEY FEES

15.471 DEFINITIONS.

Subdivision 1.Terms defined.

For purposes of this section and sections 15.471 to 15.474, the terms defined in this section have the meanings given them.

Subd. 2.Administrative law judge.

"Administrative law judge" means the official assigned to conduct a contested case hearing under chapter 14.

Subd. 3.Contested case.

"Contested case" means a proceeding defined in section 14.02, subdivision 3, in which the position of the state is represented by counsel. It does not include a contested case to establish or fix a rate or grant or renew a license.

Subd. 4.Expenses.

"Expenses" means the costs incurred by the party in the litigation, including:

(1) filing fees;

(2) subpoena fees and mileage;

(3) transcript costs and court reporter fees;

(4) expert witness fees;

(5) the reasonable cost of any study, analysis, engineering report, test, or project;

(6) photocopying and printing costs;

(7) postage and delivery costs; and

(8) service of process fees.

Subd. 5.Fees.

"Fees" means the reasonable attorney fees or reasonable fees charged by a person not an attorney who is authorized by law or rule to represent the party and may include reasonable charges by the party, the party's employee, or agent. The amount of fees must be based upon prevailing market rates for the kind and quality of the services furnished, subject to the following limitations:

(1) In a court action, an expert witness may not be compensated at a rate in excess of the highest rate of compensation for expert witnesses paid by the state.

(2) In a contested case proceeding, an expert witness may not be compensated at a rate in excess of the highest rate of compensation for expert witnesses paid by the state agency involved.

Subd. 6.Party.

(a) Except as modified by paragraph (b), "party" means a person named or admitted as a party, or seeking and entitled to be admitted as a party, in a court action or contested case proceeding, or a person admitted by an administrative law judge for limited purposes, and who is:

(1) an unincorporated business, partnership, corporation, association, or organization, having not more than 500 employees at the time the civil action was filed or the contested case proceeding was initiated; and

(2) an unincorporated business, partnership, corporation, association, or organization whose annual revenues did not exceed $7,000,000 at the time the civil action was filed or the contested case proceeding was initiated.

(b) "Party" also includes a partner, officer, shareholder, member, or owner of an entity described in paragraph (a), clauses (1) and (2).

(c) "Party" does not include a person providing services pursuant to licensure or reimbursement on a cost basis by the Department of Health or the Department of Human Services, when that person is named or admitted or seeking to be admitted as a party in a matter which involves the licensing or reimbursement rates, procedures, or methodology applicable to those services.

Subd. 7.State.

"State" means the state of Minnesota or an agency or official of the state acting in an official capacity.

Subd. 8.Substantially justified.

"Substantially justified" means that the state's position had a reasonable basis in law and fact, based on the totality of the circumstances before and during the litigation or contested case proceeding.

15.472 FEES AND EXPENSES; CIVIL ACTION OR CONTESTED CASE PROCEEDING INVOLVING STATE.

(a) If a prevailing party other than the state, in a civil action or contested case proceeding other than a tort action, brought by or against the state, shows that the position of the state was not substantially justified, the court or administrative law judge shall award fees and other expenses to the party unless special circumstances make an award unjust.

(b) A party seeking an award of fees and other expenses shall, within 30 days of final judgment in the action, submit to the court or administrative law judge an application of fees and other expenses which shows that the party is a prevailing party and is eligible to receive an award, and the amount sought, including an itemized statement from any attorney or expert witness representing or appearing on behalf of the party stating the actual time expended and the rate at which fees and other expenses were computed. The party shall also allege that the position of the state was not substantially justified.

(c) The court or administrative law judge may reduce the amount to be awarded under this section, or deny an award, to the extent that the prevailing party during the proceedings engaged in conduct that unduly and unreasonably protracted the final resolution of the matter in controversy. The decision of an administrative law judge under this section must be made a part of the record containing the final decision of the agency and must include written findings and conclusions.

(d) This section does not preclude a party from recovering costs, disbursements, fees, and expenses under other applicable law.

15.473 PAYMENT OF COSTS AND FEES.

Subdivision 1.Civil action.

A judgment against the state in a civil action for fees and expenses under section 15.472 must be paid from funds of the agency.

Subd. 2.Contested case proceeding.

Fees and other expenses awarded in a contested case proceeding under section 15.472 must be paid by the agency over which the party prevails from funds of the agency.

15.474 PROCEDURE FOR AWARD OF FEES; CONTESTED CASE.

Subdivision 1.Applications.

The chief administrative law judge shall by rule establish uniform procedures for the submission and consideration of applications for an award of fees and expenses in a contested case proceeding. If a court reviews the underlying decision of the contested case under sections 14.63 to 14.68, an award for fees and expenses may be made only under subdivision 3.

Subd. 2.Appeal.

A party dissatisfied with the fee determination made under subdivision 1 may petition for leave to appeal to the court having jurisdiction to review the merits of the underlying decision of the contested case. If the court denies the petition for leave to appeal, no appeal may be taken from the denial. If the court grants the petition, it may modify the determination only if it finds that the failure to make an award, or the calculation of the amount of the award, was an abuse of discretion.

Subd. 3.Judicial review.

(a) In awarding fees and expenses under subdivision 1 to a prevailing party in an action for judicial review of a contested case under sections 14.63 to 14.68, the court shall include in that award fees and expenses to the extent authorized in section 15.472.

(b) Fees and expenses awarded under this subdivision may be paid in accordance with section 15.473, subdivision 2.

15.475 [Repealed, 1997 c 7 art 2 s 67]

15.50

Subdivision 1.

[Renumbered 15B.01; 15B.03, subds 1,3,4]

Subd. 2.

[Renumbered 15B.02; 15B.03, subds 5,6; 15B.05, subds 1-7; 15B.06; 15B.08; 15B.10; 15B.11; 15B.13; 15B.15, subds 1,2,4; 15B.19; 15B.21; paragraph (o) renumbered 16B.24, subd 5a]

Subd. 2a.

[Renumbered 15B.03, subd 2]

Subd. 3.

[Renumbered 15B.03, subd 7; 15B.17]

Subd. 4.

[Repealed, 1974 c 580 s 18]

Subd. 5.

[Repealed, 1996 c 463 s 61]

Subd. 6.

[Renumbered 15B.23; 15B.24]

Subd. 7.

[Renumbered 15B.28]

Subd. 8.

[Repealed, 1974 c 580 s 18]

Subd. 9.

[Renumbered 15B.15, subd 3]

Subd. 10.

[Renumbered 15B.05, subd 8]

INTERCHANGE OF
GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES

15.51 DECLARATION OF POLICY.

The state of Minnesota recognizes that intergovernmental cooperation is an essential factor in resolving problems affecting this state and that the interchange of personnel between and among governmental agencies at the same or different levels of government is a significant factor in achieving such cooperation.

History:

Ex1967 c 46 s 1

15.52 DEFINITIONS.

Subdivision 1.Application.

For the purposes of sections 15.51 to 15.57 the following words and phrases have the meanings ascribed to them in this section.

Subd. 2.Sending agency.

"Sending agency" means any department, political subdivision or agency of the federal government or a state government which sends any employee thereof to another government agency under sections 15.51 to 15.57.

Subd. 3.Receiving agency.

"Receiving agency" means any department, political subdivision or agency of the federal government or a state government which receives an employee of another government agency under sections 15.51 to 15.57.

15.53 AUTHORITY TO INTERCHANGE EMPLOYEES.

Subdivision 1.No interchange except as authorized.

No department, agency, political subdivision or instrumentality of the state is authorized to participate in a program of interchange of employees with departments, agencies, or instrumentalities of the federal government, the state, or another state, as a sending or receiving agency except in accordance with sections 15.51 to 15.57.

Subd. 2.Period of assignment.

The period of individual assignment or detail under an interchange program shall not exceed 24 months, nor shall any person be assigned or detailed for more than 24 months during any 36-month period, except when the assignment or detail is made to coincide with an unclassified appointment under section 15.06. However, the head of an agency may extend the period of assignment for not more than two additional years. A school district, a county, or a public health entity may make an assignment for a period not to exceed five years if the assignment is made pursuant to section 142D.15, subdivision 8. Details relating to any matter covered in sections 15.51 to 15.57 may be the subject of an agreement between the sending and receiving agencies. Elected officials shall not be assigned from a sending agency nor detailed to a receiving agency.

Subd. 3.Political subdivisions.

A state department or agency must report to the Department of Management and Budget an interchange with a political subdivision in which it is participating either as a sending or receiving agency. The report must include identification of the political subdivision, the length of the individual assignment, and the duties of the individual assignment.

15.54 STATUS OF EMPLOYEES OF THIS STATE.

Subdivision 1.Employees considered on regular work assignments.

Employees of a sending agency participating in an exchange of personnel as authorized in section 15.53 may be considered during such participation to be on detail to regular work assignments of the sending agency.

Subd. 2.Salary and benefits.

Employees who are on detail shall be entitled to the same salary and benefits to which they would otherwise be entitled and shall remain employees of the sending agency for all other purposes except that the supervision of their duties during the period of detail may be governed by agreement between the sending agency and the receiving agency.

Subd. 3.Personal injury.

Any employee who participates in an exchange under the terms of this section who suffers disability or death as a result of personal injury arising out of and in the course of an exchange, or sustained in performance of duties in connection therewith, shall be treated, for the purposes of the sending agency's employee compensation program, as an employee, as defined in such act, who has sustained such injury in the performance of such duty, but shall not receive benefits under that act for any period for which the employee is entitled to and elects to receive similar benefits under the receiving agency's employee compensation program.

History:

Ex1967 c 46 s 4; 1986 c 444

15.55 TRAVEL EXPENSES OF EMPLOYEES OF THIS STATE.

A sending agency in this state may, in accordance with the travel rules of such agency, pay the travel expenses of employees assigned to a receiving agency on either a detail or leave basis, but shall not pay the travel expenses of such employees incurred in connection with their work assignments at the receiving agency. During the period of assignment, the sending agency may pay a per diem allowance to the employee on assignment or detail. Such per diem allowance shall be in lieu of, but not to exceed, the travel expense allowable under the plan adopted by the commissioner of management and budget pursuant to section 43A.18, subdivision 2.

15.56 STATUS OF EMPLOYEES OF OTHER GOVERNMENTS.

Subdivision 1.Status of employees.

When any unit of government of this state acts as a receiving agency, employees of the sending agency who are assigned under authority of sections 15.51 to 15.57 may be considered to be on detail to the receiving agency.

Subd. 2.Application of appointment laws or rules.

Appointments of persons so assigned may be made without regard to the laws or rules governing the selection of employees of the receiving agency. Such person shall be in the unclassified service of the state.

Subd. 3.Not considered employees.

Employees who are detailed to the receiving agency shall not by virtue of such detail be considered to be employees thereof, except as provided in subdivision 4. The salary and supervision of the duties of such employees during the period of detail may be governed by agreement between the sending agency and the receiving agency.

Subd. 4.Personal injury.

Any employee of a sending agency assigned in this state who suffers disability or death as a result of personal injury arising out of and in the course of such assignment, or sustained in the performance of duties in connection therewith, shall be treated for the purpose of receiving agency's employee compensation program, as an employee, as defined in such act, who has sustained such injury in the performance of such duty, but shall not receive benefits under that act for any period for which the employee elects to receive similar benefits as an employee under the sending agency's employee compensation program.

Subd. 5.Contracts between agencies.

Sending and receiving agencies may contract for the services of interchanged employees and by contract arrange for the method and amount of payment for employees and other terms of their employment, so far as not governed by sections 15.51 to 15.57. Any interchange of employees contemplated by a department, agency, or instrumentality of the state which is subject to the provisions of chapter 16B, shall be submitted for review to the commissioner of administration before arrangements are entered into for such interchange.

Subd. 6.Consultants.

Consultants who are not full-time employees may be paid by both the sending and receiving agencies, but not for the same work. Sections 15.51 to 15.57 shall not affect the method of paying or employing persons for full-time or part-time service in the military service of the state or the United States.

15.57 TRAVEL EXPENSES OF EMPLOYEES OF OTHER GOVERNMENTS.

A receiving agency in this state may, in accordance with the travel rules of such agency, pay travel expenses of persons assigned thereto under sections 15.51 to 15.57 during the period of such assignments on the same basis as if they were regular employees of the receiving agency.

15.58 AGREEMENTS BETWEEN FEDERAL AND RECEIVING AGENCIES.

Notwithstanding the provisions of sections 15.51 to 15.57, a receiving agency in this state participating in an interchange of employees under the Intergovernmental Personnel Act of 1970 may enter into a written agreement with a federal agency. Such agreement may provide for the state agency to pay all or a portion of the salary and fringe benefits of the federal employee assigned. Such payments may be made directly to the employee or as reimbursement to the federal agency.

History:

Ex1971 c 48 s 11 subd 2

15.59 EMPLOYEE INTERCHANGE BETWEEN STATE AND PRIVATE INDUSTRY.

In addition to the interchange of government employees, any department, political subdivision or agency of state government and private industry may serve as sending and receiving agencies as provided in section 15.52, and interchange employees pursuant to the requirements of sections 15.53 to 15.57.

History:

1974 c 320 s 1

GENERAL

15.60 PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICERS; AMERICAN FLAG.

(a) A public employer may not forbid a peace officer or firefighter from wearing a patch or pin depicting the flag of the United States of America on the employee's uniform, according to customary and standard flag etiquette. However, a public employer may limit the size of a flag patch worn on a uniform to no more than three inches by five inches.

(b) For purposes of this section:

(1) "peace officer" has the meaning given in section 626.84, subdivision 1, paragraph (c) or (f);

(2) "firefighter" means a person as defined in section 299A.41, subdivision 4, clause (3) or (4); and

(3) "public employer" has the meaning given in section 179A.03, subdivision 15, and also includes a municipal fire department and an independent nonprofit firefighting corporation.

(c) A peace officer or firefighter who believes a public employer is violating this section may request the attorney general to issue an opinion on the issue. Upon request, the attorney general must issue a written opinion, which is binding, unless a court makes a contrary decision. If after issuing an opinion, the attorney general determines that a public employer continues to violate this section, the attorney general may bring an action in district court to compel compliance.

15.61 EMPLOYMENT OF UNEMPLOYED AND UNDEREMPLOYED PERSONS.

Subdivision 1.Employment.

The state of Minnesota, its departments, agencies, and instrumentalities, and any county, city, town, school district or other body corporate and politic, may employ unemployed and underemployed persons as defined in the federal Emergency Employment Act of 1971, as amended, and Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973, as amended, pursuant to the terms of those acts.

Subd. 2.Preference provisions.

The provisions of Minnesota Statutes 1969, sections 197.455 to 197.48 and 43A.11 and any other law or ordinance relating to preference in employment and promotion of persons having served in the armed services, the provisions of any law, rule, or regulation, the provisions of any city charter or any ordinance or resolution, or the provisions of any other law or statute in conflict with the provisions of the federal Emergency Employment Act of 1971, as amended, and Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973, as amended, shall not be applicable to the employment of the persons specified in subdivision 1.

Subd. 3.

[Repealed, 1977 c 455 s 95]

15.62 ATHLETIC LEAVE OF ABSENCE.

Subdivision 1.Definitions.

For the purposes of this section, the terms defined in this subdivision shall have the meanings here given them:

(1) "public employee" has the meaning given it in section 179A.03;

(2) "team" includes any group leader, coach, official or athlete who comprise the official delegation of the United States to world or Olympic competition.

Subd. 2.Public employee.

A public employee who qualifies as a member of a United States team for athletic competition on the world championship, Pan American, or Olympic team in a sport sanctioned by the International Olympic Committee, may be granted a leave of absence without loss of pay or other benefits or rights for the purpose of preparing for and engaging in the competition. In no event shall the paid leave under this section exceed the period of the official training camp and competition combined or 90 calendar days a year, whichever is less.

Subd. 3.Political subdivision employee.

If the public employee granted the leave is an employee of a school district, university system or other political subdivision, the employer is responsible for the actual cost of employing a substitute.

15.71 PUBLIC CONTRACTS; DEFINITIONS.

Subdivision 1.Scope.

For the purposes of sections 15.71 to 15.74 unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the terms defined in this section have the meanings given them.

Subd. 1a.Indemnification agreement.

"Indemnification agreement" means an agreement by the promisor to indemnify, defend, or hold harmless the promisee against liability or claims of liability for damages arising out of bodily injury to persons or out of physical damage to tangible or real property.

Subd. 1b.Promisee.

"Promisee" includes that party's independent contractors, agents, employees, or indemnitees.

Subd. 2.Public contract.

"Public contract" means any purchase, lease or sale by a public agency of personal property, public improvements or services, other than agreements which are exclusively for personal services.

Subd. 3.Public agency.

"Public agency" or "public contracting agency" means any agency of the state of Minnesota or any of its political subdivisions authorized by law to enter into public contracts.

Subd. 4.Public improvement.

"Public improvement" means any construction of improvements on real property or highways by or for a public agency.

Subd. 5.Retainage.

"Retainage" means the difference between the amount earned by the contractor on a public contract and the amount paid on the contract by the public contracting agency.

15.72 PROGRESS PAYMENTS ON PUBLIC CONTRACTS; RETAINAGE.

Subdivision 1.Monthly payments.

Unless the terms of the contract provide otherwise, a public contracting agency shall make progress payments on a public contract for a public improvement monthly as the work progresses. Payments shall be based upon estimates of work completed as approved by the public contracting agency. A progress payment shall not be considered acceptance or approval of any work or waiver of any defects therein.

Subd. 2.Retainage.

(a) A public contracting agency may reserve as retainage from any progress payment on a public contract for a public improvement an amount not to exceed five percent of the payment. A public contracting agency may reduce the amount of the retainage and may eliminate retainage on any monthly contract payment if, in the agency's opinion, the work is progressing satisfactorily.

(b) The public contracting agency must release all retainage no later than 60 days after substantial completion, subject to the terms of this subdivision. If the public contracting agency reduces the amount of retainage, the contractor must reduce retainage for any subcontractors at the same rate.

(c) A contractor on a public contract for a public improvement must pay all remaining retainage to its subcontractors no later than ten days after receiving payment of retainage from the public contracting agency, unless there is a dispute about the work under a subcontract. If there is a dispute about the work under a subcontract, the contractor must pay out retainage to any subcontractor whose work is not involved in the dispute, and must provide a written statement detailing the amount and reason for the withholding to the affected subcontractor.

(d) Upon written request of a subcontractor, the public contracting agency shall notify the subcontractor of a progress payment, retainage payment, or final payment made to the contractor.

(e) After substantial completion, a public contracting agency may withhold no more than:

(1) 250 percent of the cost to correct or complete work known at the time of substantial completion; and

(2) one percent of the value of the contract or $500, whichever is greater, pending completion and submission of all final paperwork by the contractor or subcontractor. For purposes of this subdivision, "final paperwork" means documents required to fulfill contractual obligations, including, but not limited to, operation manuals, payroll documents for projects subject to prevailing wage requirements, and the withholding exemption certificate required by section 270C.66.

If the public contracting agency withholds payment under this paragraph, the public contracting agency must promptly provide a written statement detailing the amount and basis of withholding to the contractor. The public contracting agency and contractor must provide a copy of this statement to any subcontractor that requests it. Any amounts withheld under clause (1) must be paid within 60 days after completion of the work. Any amounts withheld under clause (2) must be paid within 60 days after submission of all final paperwork.

(f) As used in this subdivision, "substantial completion" shall be determined as provided in section 541.051, subdivision 1, paragraph (a). For construction, reconstruction, or improvement of streets and highways, including bridges, substantial completion means the date when construction-related traffic devices and ongoing inspections are no longer required.

(g) Withholding retainage for warranty work is prohibited. This provision does not waive any rights for warranty claims.

(h) For a project funded with federal or state aid, the public contracting agency is not required to pay that portion of the contract funded by federal or state aid until the federal or state aid payments have been received.

(i) Nothing in this section requires payment for a portion of a contract that is not complete or for which an invoice has not been submitted.

Subd. 3.Unenforceability of certain agreements.

(a) An indemnification agreement contained in, or executed in connection with, a contract for a public improvement is unenforceable except to the extent that:

(1) the underlying injury or damage is attributable to the negligent or otherwise wrongful act or omission, including breach of a specific contractual duty, of the promisor or the promisor's independent contractors, agents, employees, or delegatees; or

(2) an owner, a responsible party, or a governmental entity agrees to indemnify a contractor directly or through another contractor with respect to strict liability under environmental laws.

(b) A provision in a public building or construction contract that requires a party to provide insurance coverage to one or more other parties, including third parties, for the negligence or intentional acts or omissions of any of those other parties, including third parties, is against public policy and is void and unenforceable.

(c) Paragraph (b) does not affect the validity of a provision that requires a party to provide or obtain workers' compensation insurance, construction performance or payment bonds, builder's risk policies, owner or contractor-controlled insurance programs or policies, or project-specific insurance for claims arising out of the promisor's negligent acts or omissions or the negligent acts or omissions of the promisor's independent contractors, agents, employees, or delegatees.

(d) Paragraph (b) does not affect the validity of a provision that requires the promisor to provide or obtain insurance coverage for the promisee's vicarious liability, or liability imposed by warranty, arising out of the acts or omissions of the promisor.

(e) Paragraph (b) does not apply to building and construction contracts for work within 50 feet of public or private railroads, or railroads regulated by the Federal Railroad Administration.

15.73 ALTERNATIVE FORM OF RETAINAGE.

Subdivision 1.Contractor's option.

At the option of the contractor, retainage shall be paid to the contractor in accordance with this section.

Subd. 2.Security.

The contractor may deposit bonds or securities with the public contracting agency or in any bank or trust company to be held in lieu of cash retainage for the benefit of the public contracting agency. In that event the public agency shall reduce the retainage in an amount equal to the value of the bonds and securities and pay the amount of the reduction to the contractor. Interest on the bonds or securities shall be payable to the contractor as it accrues.

Subd. 3.Approval required.

Bonds and securities deposited or acquired in lieu of retainage, as permitted by subdivision 2, shall be of a character approved by the commissioner of management and budget, including but not limited to:

(1) bills, certificates, notes or bonds of the United States;

(2) other obligations of the United States or its agencies;

(3) obligations of any corporation wholly owned by the federal government; or

(4) indebtedness of the Federal National Mortgage Association.

Subd. 4.Recovery of additional costs.

If the public agency incurs additional costs as a result of the exercise of the option described in this section, the agency may recover the costs from the contractor by reducing the final payment due under the contract. As work on the contract progresses, the agency shall, upon demand, inform the contractor of all accrued costs.

15.74 EXCEPTIONS TO APPLICATION.

Sections 15.71 to 15.73 apply to all public contracts except those contracts in which receipt of federal financing is conditioned on adherence to terms and conditions which are inconsistent with sections 15.71 to 15.73.

History:

1980 c 464 s 4

15.75 CONTRACTS WITH REGIONAL ORGANIZATIONS.

Subdivision 1.Purpose.

The purpose of this section is to promote efficient and effective delivery of government services throughout greater Minnesota by encouraging state agencies to cooperate in the provision of services with a system of regional organizations that have the capacity to coordinate state resources with resources of local government units.

Subd. 2.Authority.

A state agency may contract with a system of regional organizations in greater Minnesota for delivery of services not currently delivered at the regional level on behalf of the state agency.

Subd. 3.Designation of service delivery area.

For the purposes of this section, the service delivery areas of the system are the challenge grant regions designated under section 116J.415, subdivision 2.

Subd. 4.Designation of regional organization.

(a) The system of regional organizations that may provide services for state agencies in service delivery areas are as established in paragraphs (b) to (e).

(b) If a service delivery area is identical to the region designated under section 462.385, the regional development commission established under section 462.387 shall perform the services.

(c) If a service delivery area contains more than one region designated under section 462.385, services must be performed on the basis of contractual agreements among all regional development commissions in the service delivery area.

(d) If a service delivery area is only partially served by active regional development commissions, state funds for the service must first be offered to potential service providers in the area not served by an active commission. If no provider agrees to provide the service, an active commission or other regional entity in the area not served by an active commission, may, on the basis of an agreement with local units of government in the service delivery area, perform the services.

(e) If a service delivery area does not contain an active regional development commission, state funds for the service must first be offered to potential service providers in the area. If no provider agrees to provide the service, a state agency may enter into an agreement with another regional entity to provide services. In this case, the regional entity providing services shall create an advisory committee which includes elected officials of counties, cities, and towns in the region.

(f) This subdivision does not limit the authority of a state agency to enter into contractual agreements for services with other agencies or with local units of government.

Subd. 5.Agreements with Department of Employment and Economic Development.

The commissioner of employment and economic development may enter into agreements with regional entities established under subdivision 4 to prepare plans to ensure coordination of the department's business development, community development, workforce development, and trade functions with programs of local units of government and other public and private development agencies in the regions. The plans will identify regional development priorities and serve as a guide for the implementation of the department's programs in the regions.

15.76 MS 2016 [Expired, 2011 c 24 s 1 subd 5]
15.771 [Renumbered 13.69, subdivision 1]
15.772 [Renumbered 13.45]
15.773 [Renumbered 13.36]
15.774 [Renumbered 13.57]
15.775 [Renumbered 13.39]
15.776 [Renumbered 13.80]
15.777 [Renumbered 13.83]
15.778 [Renumbered 13.73]
15.779 [Renumbered 13.70, subd 2]
15.781 [Renumbered 13.41]
15.782 [Renumbered 13.53]
15.783 [Renumbered 13.31]
15.784 [Renumbered 13.51]
15.785 [Renumbered 13.38]
15.786 [Renumbered 13.54]
15.787 [Renumbered 13.66]
15.788 [Renumbered 13.67]
15.789 [Renumbered 13.65]

15.791

Subdivision 1.

[Renumbered 13.82, subdivision 1]

Subd. 2.

[Renumbered 13.82, subd 2]

Subd. 3.

[Renumbered 13.82, subd 3]

Subd. 4.

[Renumbered 13.82, subd 4]

Subd. 5.

[Renumbered 13.82, subd 5]

Subd. 6.

[Renumbered 13.82, subd 7]

Subd. 7.

[Renumbered 13.82, subd 8]

Subd. 8.

[Renumbered 13.82, subd 9]

Subd. 9.

[Renumbered 13.82, subd 10]

Subd. 10.

[Renumbered 13.82, subd 11]

15.792 [Renumbered 13.69, subd 2]
15.793 [Repealed, 1996 c 310 s 1]
15.801 [Renumbered 13.87]
15.802 [Renumbered 13.85]
15.803 [Renumbered 13.84]
15.804 [Renumbered 13.55]
15.805 [Renumbered 13.72, subd 2]
15.806 [Renumbered 13.50]
15.811 [Renumbered 13.56]

15.85 DISCIPLINE FOR RACIAL HARASSMENT.

It is the policy of this state that each public employee has the right to work in an environment free from harassment based on race or disability and that any public employee who harasses another public employee because of disability, race, creed, color, or national origin will be subject to disciplinary action, including discharge.

History:

1989 c 96 s 1

15.86 STATE AGENCY ACTIONS.

Subdivision 1.Statement of zero tolerance of violence.

In furtherance of the state policy in section 1.50, by January 1, 1993, each house of the legislature, each state agency, and each public corporation created in statute must adopt a goal of zero tolerance of violence. Each agency is encouraged to develop a plan that describes how the agency will:

(1) seek to eliminate any potential for violence in and around the agency workplace; and

(2) seek to eliminate any potential for violence by affecting the attitudes and behavior of people that the agency serves or regulates.

Agency statements and any plans must be filed with the Legislative Reference Library, where they will be available for public inspection.

Subd. 2.Workplace plans.

An agency plan for eliminating potential for violence in and around the workplace may include:

(1) elimination of sexual harassment, as defined in section 363A.03, subdivision 43; and

(2) assuring that areas in and around the workplace, such as parking facilities and areas between the workplace and parking facilities, are designed and operated in a manner that provides for the safety of employees and guests.

Subd. 3.Client plans.

An agency plan for eliminating violence by affecting attitudes and behavior of persons that the agency serves or regulates may include, but is not limited to, the following:

(1) educational programs;

(2) incorporating the policy of zero tolerance of violence into the agency's direct service and regulatory programs; and

(3) attempting to assure that persons and businesses receiving grants from or providing goods or services to the agency adopt zero tolerance of violence policies.

Subd. 4.Liability.

This section does not create any civil liability on the part of the state of Minnesota.

History:

1992 c 452 s 2

15.87 VICTIMS OF VIOLENCE.

In furtherance of the state policy of zero tolerance for violence in section 1.50, the state shall have a goal of providing:

(1) every victim of violence in Minnesota, regardless of the county of residence, access to necessary services, including, but not limited to:

(i) crisis intervention services, including a 24-hour emergency telephone line;

(ii) safe housing;

(iii) counseling and peer support services; and

(iv) assistance in pursuing legal remedies and appropriate medical care; and

(2) every child who is a witness to abuse or who is a victim of violence, access to necessary services, including, but not limited to:

(i) crisis child care;

(ii) safe supervised parenting time or independent, neutral exchange locations for parenting time, when needed;

(iii) age appropriate counseling and support; and

(iv) assistance with legal remedies, medical care, and needed social services.

15.90 [Repealed, 1999 c 250 art 1 s 115]
15.91 [Repealed, 1999 c 250 art 1 s 115]
15.92 [Repealed, 1999 c 250 art 1 s 115]
15.95 [Repealed, 1997 c 202 art 3 s 36]
15.96 [Repealed, 1997 c 202 art 3 s 36]

15.97 INFORMATION AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS INSTITUTE.

The legislature intends to establish an Institute of Telecommunications Technology Applications and Education. The institute must be structured as a collaboration between at least the computer science, health science, teacher education, and extension programs at the University of Minnesota, other postsecondary educational institutions in the state, Enterprise Minnesota, Inc., the Department of Employment and Economic Development, libraries, and other institutions and entities that have an interest in applications for and education on telecommunications and information technology. The mission of the institute will be to:

(1) engage in applied research in order to develop applications and methodologies for use of existing and expanded telecommunications and information resources and networks particularly in the areas of provision of health care, education, business, and employment communications and services; and

(2) provide technical assistance, education, and information to current and potential users of telecommunications networks and systems, including at least health care providers, teachers, employers, and employees and to advocate and promote appropriate and efficient use of the networks and systems to improve efficiency and flexibility of the networks and systems and of their users.

15.98 INDOOR ICE FACILITIES.

This section applies to an indoor ice arena operated by a political subdivision, a state agency, the University of Minnesota, a state higher education institution, or any other organization that makes an arena available to the public. If the arena provides more prime ice time to groups of one gender than to groups of the other gender, the arena may not deny a request for prime ice time from the group of the underrepresented gender, provided that the group of the underrepresented gender pays the same price charged to groups of the other gender. An underrepresented gender group must be allowed up to 15 percent of prime ice time for the 1994-1995 season, up to 30 percent by the 1995-1996 season, and up to 50 percent by the 1996-1997 season. This section does not: (1) require an arena to allocate more time to any one group than is generally allocated to other groups; or (2) affect a political subdivision's ability to grant preference to groups based in the political subdivision, provided this preference is not based on gender. For purposes of this section, prime ice time means the hours of 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Monday to Friday and 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Any group that generates revenue as a result of tickets sold to persons in attendance at arena events must be excluded in determining if the arena provides more prime ice time to groups of one gender than the other.

15.985 ADVISORY INSPECTIONS.

(a) Upon the voluntary request of a person to a state agency for an advisory inspection for the purpose of complying with state law, the agency must, except as provided in paragraphs (f) and (g), conduct an advisory inspection. An agency is not required to conduct an advisory inspection if the agency has a regularly scheduled inspection that would occur within 90 days after the request for the advisory inspection, or if before an advisory inspection is requested, the agency has notified the person that it will be conducting an inspection within 45 days. If an advisory inspection results in findings that potentially could make a person subject to a fine or other penalty imposed by the agency, the agency must notify the person in writing of those findings within ten days of the inspection.

(1) Except as provided in clause (2), if within 60 days of receiving notice, the person notifies the agency that it has corrected the situation that made the person potentially subject to the fine or penalty, and the agency later determines that the situation is corrected, the agency may not impose a fine or penalty as a result of the findings in the advisory inspection.

(2) For violations of chapter 177, if the person notifies the agency within the time period for remedying violations required under the applicable section of chapter 177 that it has corrected the situation that made the person potentially subject to the fine or penalty, and the agency later determines that the situation is corrected, the agency may not impose a fine or penalty as a result of the finding in the advisory inspection.

(3) A person may not request more than one advisory inspection from the same agency in a calendar year. A person may not request an advisory inspection after an inspection resulting in a fine or other penalty has been determined and the violator notified of the amount to be paid, until fines or penalties have been paid or settled.

(b) For purposes of this section:

(1) "inspection" includes an examination of real or personal property or an audit or other examination of financial or other documents;

(2) "penalty" includes a civil or administrative fine or other financial sanction;

(3) "person" includes a real person and businesses, including corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies, and unincorporated associations; and

(4) "state agency" means a department, agency, board, commission, constitutional office, or other group in the executive branch of state government.

(c) If an agency revises, amends, extends, or adds additional violations to a notice, the person has 60 days from the date of those changes to correct the situation without fine or penalty. For violations of chapter 177, the person has the time period for remedying violations under the applicable section of chapter 177 to correct the situation without fine or penalty.

(d) An agency conducting an inspection under this section may impose and collect from the person requesting the inspection a fee equal to the costs incurred by the agency related to the inspection. Fees under this section shall be considered charges for goods and services provided for the direct and primary use of a private individual, business, or other entity under section 16A.1283, paragraph (b), clause (3). Fee revenue collected under this section must be deposited in an appropriate fund other than the general fund and is appropriated from that fund to the agency collecting the fee for the purpose of conducting inspections under this section.

(e) Nothing in this section shall prohibit or interfere with an agency offering similar programs that allow independent audits or inspections, including the environmental improvement program under chapter 114C. If a person conducts a self-audit under chapter 114C, the terms and conditions of this section do not apply. For advisory inspections conducted by the Pollution Control Agency, terms and conditions of sections 114C.20 to 114C.28 shall be used instead of those in paragraphs (a) to (c) and (g).

(f) If agency staff resources are limited, an agency must give higher priority to the agency's regular inspections over advisory inspections under this section. Insofar as conducting advisory inspections reduces an agency's costs, the savings must be reflected in the charges for advisory inspections. Before hiring additional staff complement for purposes of this section, an agency must report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative budget committees with jurisdiction over the agency documenting: (1) the demand for advisory inspections and why additional staff complement is needed to meet the demand; and (2) that the revenue generated by advisory inspections will cover the expenses of the additional staff complement. If a person requests an advisory inspection, but the agency does not have staff resources necessary to conduct the advisory inspection before a regular inspection is conducted, and the regular inspection results in findings that could make a person subject to a fine or penalty, the agency must take into account the person's request for an advisory inspection and the person's desire to take corrective action before taking any enforcement action against the person.

(g) This section does not apply to:

(1) criminal penalties;

(2) situations in which implementation of this section is prohibited by federal law or would result in loss of federal funding or in other federal sanctions or in which implementation would interfere with multistate agreements, international agreements, or agreements between state and federal regulatory agencies;

(3) conduct constituting fraud;

(4) violations in a manner that endangers human life or presents significant risk of major injury or severe emotional harm to humans;

(5) violations that are part of a pattern that has occurred repeatedly and shows willful intent;

(6) violations for which it may be demonstrated that the alternative inspections process is being used to avoid enforcement;

(7) violations that occur within three years of violating an applicable law;

(8) the Department of Revenue;

(9) the Workers' Compensation Division at the Department of Labor and Industry;

(10) violations of vehicle size weight limits under sections 169.80 to 169.88;

(11) commercial motor vehicle inspections under section 169.781 and motor carrier regulations under chapter 221;

(12) state inspections or surveys of hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient surgical centers, supervised living facilities, board and lodging with special services, home care, housing with services and assisted living settings, hospice, and supplemental nursing services agencies;

(13) examinations of health maintenance organizations or county-based purchasing entities regulated under chapter 62D;

(14) special transportation services under section 174.30; and

(15) entities regulated by the Department of Commerce's Financial Institutions and Insurance Divisions for purposes of regulatory requirements of those divisions.

If an agency determines that this section does not apply due to situations specified in clause (2), the agency must report the basis for that determination to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over the agency.

(h) An agency may terminate an advisory inspection and proceed as if an inspection were a regular inspection if, in the process of conducting an advisory inspection, the agency finds a situation that the agency determines: could lead to criminal penalties; endangers human life or presents significant risk of major injury or severe emotional harm to humans; presents a severe and imminent threat to animals, food, feed, crops, commodities, or the environment; or evidences a pattern of willful violations.

AGENCY SERVICE REQUIREMENTS

15.99 TIME DEADLINE FOR AGENCY ACTION.

Subdivision 1.Definitions.

(a) For purposes of this section, the following terms shall have the meanings given.

(b) "Agency" means a department, agency, board, commission, or other group in the executive branch of state government; a statutory or home rule charter city, county, town, or school district; any metropolitan agency or regional entity; and any other political subdivision of the state.

(c) "Request" means a written application related to zoning, septic systems, watershed district review, soil and water conservation district review, or the expansion of the metropolitan urban service area, for a permit, license, or other governmental approval of an action. A request must be submitted in writing to the agency on an application form provided by the agency, if one exists. The agency may reject as incomplete a request not on a form of the agency if the request does not include information required by the agency. A request not on a form of the agency must clearly identify on the first page the specific permit, license, or other governmental approval being sought. No request shall be deemed made if not in compliance with this paragraph.

(d) "Applicant" means a person submitting a request under this section. An applicant may designate a person to act on the applicant's behalf regarding a request under this section and any action taken by or notice given to the applicant's designee related to the request shall be deemed taken by or given to the applicant.

Subd. 2.Deadline for response.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, section 462.358, subdivision 3b, or 473.175, or chapter 505, and notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, an agency must approve or deny within 60 days a written request relating to zoning, septic systems, watershed district review, soil and water conservation district review, or expansion of the metropolitan urban service area for a permit, license, or other governmental approval of an action. Failure of an agency to deny a request within 60 days is approval of the request. If an agency denies the request, it must state in writing the reasons for the denial at the time that it denies the request.

(b) When a vote on a resolution or properly made motion to approve a request fails for any reason, the failure shall constitute a denial of the request provided that those voting against the motion state on the record the reasons why they oppose the request. A denial of a request because of a failure to approve a resolution or motion does not preclude an immediate submission of a same or similar request.

(c) Except as provided in paragraph (b), if an agency, other than a multimember governing body, denies the request, it must state in writing the reasons for the denial at the time that it denies the request. If a multimember governing body denies a request, it must state the reasons for denial on the record and provide the applicant in writing a statement of the reasons for the denial. If the written statement is not adopted at the same time as the denial, it must be adopted at the next meeting following the denial of the request but before the expiration of the time allowed for making a decision under this section. The written statement must be consistent with the reasons stated in the record at the time of the denial. The written statement must be provided to the applicant upon adoption.

Subd. 3.Application; extensions.

(a) The time limit in subdivision 2 begins upon the agency's receipt of a written request containing all information required by law or by a previously adopted rule, ordinance, or policy of the agency, including the applicable application fee. If an agency receives a written request that does not contain all required information, the 60-day limit starts over only if the agency sends written notice within 15 business days of receipt of the request telling the requester what information is missing.

(b) If a request relating to zoning, septic systems, watershed district review, soil and water conservation district review, or expansion of the metropolitan urban service area requires the approval of more than one state agency in the executive branch, the 60-day period in subdivision 2 begins to run for all executive branch agencies on the day a request containing all required information is received by one state agency. The agency receiving the request must forward copies to other state agencies whose approval is required.

(c) An agency response, including an approval with conditions, meets the 60-day time limit if the agency can document that the response was sent within 60 days of receipt of the written request. Failure to satisfy the conditions, if any, may be a basis to revoke or rescind the approval by the agency and will not give rise to a claim that the 60-day limit was not met.

(d) The time limit in subdivision 2 is extended if a state statute, federal law, or court order requires a process to occur before the agency acts on the request, and the time periods prescribed in the state statute, federal law, or court order make it impossible to act on the request within 60 days. In cases described in this paragraph, the deadline is extended to 60 days after completion of the last process required in the applicable statute, law, or order. Final approval of an agency receiving a request is not considered a process for purposes of this paragraph.

(e) The time limit in subdivision 2 is extended if: (1) a request submitted to a state agency requires prior approval of a federal agency; or (2) an application submitted to a city, county, town, school district, metropolitan or regional entity, or other political subdivision requires prior approval of a state or federal agency. In cases described in this paragraph, the deadline for agency action is extended to 60 days after the required prior approval is granted.

(f) An agency may extend the time limit in subdivision 2 before the end of the initial 60-day period by providing written notice of the extension to the applicant. The notification must state the reasons for the extension and its anticipated length, which may not exceed 60 days unless approved by the applicant.

(g) An applicant may by written notice to the agency request an extension of the time limit under this section.

15.991 CUSTOMER SERVICE.

Subdivision 1.Definitions.

For purposes of this section and section 15.992:

(1) "business license" or "license" has the meaning given it in section 116J.70, subdivision 2;

(2) "customer" means an individual; a small business as defined in section 645.445, but also including a nonprofit corporation that otherwise meets the criteria in that section; a family farm, family farm corporation, or family farm partnership as defined in section 500.24, subdivision 2; or a political subdivision as defined in section 103G.005, subdivision 14b;

(3) "initial agency" means the state agency to which a customer submits an application for a license or inquires about submitting an application; and

(4) "responsible agency" means the initial agency or another state agency that agrees to be designated the responsible agency.

Subd. 2.Responsibility for customer needs.

(a) When a customer applies to a state agency for a license to engage in activity, the agency is responsible for providing the customer with information the customer needs from the state to complete the application, including information on any other agency or agencies that must take action before the license may be granted or that must issue a separate license before the customer may proceed with the activity. The employee of the initial agency or responsible agency who accepts the customer's application or inquiry regarding an application shall provide the customer with the employee's name, title, and work telephone number and shall inform the customer that the employee will be available to provide assistance and information as the customer proceeds with the application and awaits the agency's action on it.

(b) If the responsible agency determines that another state agency or agencies must act on an application, the responsible agency shall forward all necessary application forms and other required information to the other agency or agencies and shall coordinate with the other agency or agencies in an effort to assure that all action on the application is completed within the time specified in section 15.992.

(c) At the request of a customer, the responsible agency shall prepare a written work plan, which is not a binding contract, setting out the steps necessary for the customer to complete the application, the time when the responsible agency may be expected to take action on the application, the steps the responsible agency will take to forward an application or required information to any other state agency or agencies that must take action, and the process by which the other agency or agencies may be expected to act. The work plan must include information on the deadline for agency action under section 15.992 and on the result of agency failure to meet the deadline. The work plan must be provided to a customer no later than 20 working days after the customer requested the plan.

15.992 TIME LIMITATION.

Subdivision 1.Deadline for action.

Unless a shorter period is provided by law, all state agencies that must act on a customer's application for a license shall take final action on it within 60 days after the customer's submission of a completed application to the responsible agency or within 60 days after the customer has been provided with a work plan under section 15.991, subdivision 2, paragraph (c), whichever is later. If action on the application is not completed within 60 days, the license is deemed to be granted. The time period specified in this subdivision does not begin to run until the customer has completed any required application in complete, correct form and has provided any additional required information or documentation.

Subd. 2.Longer time limits.

An agency may provide for a longer time for the conclusion of action on an application, by itself and by another agency or agencies, if:

(1) the agency states in writing to the customer that a longer time is needed to protect against serious and significant harm to the public health, safety, or welfare, states the reason why, and specifies the additional time needed;

(2) the agency states in writing to the customer that a longer time is needed to comply with state or federal requirements, states the requirements, and specifies the additional time needed; or

(3) an agency that must take action on an application is a multimember board that meets periodically, in which case the agency must complete its action within 60 days after its first meeting after receipt of the application, or within a longer period established under clause (1) or (2).

Subd. 3.Exclusions.

This section does not apply to an application requiring one or more public hearings or an environmental impact statement or environmental assessment worksheet.

Subd. 4.Compliance.

When a license is deemed granted under subdivision 1, this section does not limit the right of an agency to suspend, limit, revoke, or change a license for failure of the customer to comply with applicable laws or rules.

Subd. 5.Limit on review.

A decision of an agency under subdivision 2 that a time longer than 60 days is needed to complete action on an application is not subject to judicial review.

15.993 OTHER LAW.

A state agency action that is subject to section 15.99 is governed by section 15.99 if there is a conflict between that section and sections 15.991 and 15.992.

15.994 INTERNET GRANT INFORMATION.

A state agency with an Internet site must provide information on grants available through the agency and must provide a link to any grant application under section 16E.20.

15.995 [Repealed, 2007 c 75 s 1]

Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes