2006 Minnesota Statutes

45.012 COMMISSIONER.
(a) The Department of Commerce is under the supervision and control of the commissioner
of commerce. The commissioner is appointed by the governor in the manner provided by section
15.06.
(b) Data that is received by the commissioner or the commissioner's designee by virtue of
membership or participation in an association, group, or organization that is not otherwise subject
to chapter 13 is confidential or protected nonpublic data but may be shared with the department
employees as the commissioner considers appropriate. The commissioner may release the data to
any person, agency, or the public if the commissioner determines that the access will aid the law
enforcement process, promote public health or safety, or dispel widespread rumor or unrest.
(c) It is part of the department's mission that within the department's resources the
commissioner shall endeavor to:
(1) prevent the waste or unnecessary spending of public money;
(2) use innovative fiscal and human resource practices to manage the state's resources and
operate the department as efficiently as possible;
(3) coordinate the department's activities wherever appropriate with the activities of other
governmental agencies;
(4) use technology where appropriate to increase agency productivity, improve customer
service, increase public access to information about government, and increase public participation
in the business of government;
(5) utilize constructive and cooperative labor-management practices to the extent otherwise
required by chapters 43A and 179A;
(6) report to the legislature on the performance of agency operations and the accomplishment
of agency goals in the agency's biennial budget according to section 16A.10, subdivision 1; and
(7) recommend to the legislature appropriate changes in law necessary to carry out the
mission and improve the performance of the department.
(d) The commissioner also has all the powers and responsibilities and shall perform all the
duties previously assigned to the commissioner of public service and the Department of Public
Service under chapters 216, 216A, 216B, 216C, 237, 238, 239, and other statutes prior to the date
of final enactment of Laws 2001, First Special Session chapter 4, except in the case where those
powers, responsibilities, or duties have been specifically otherwise assigned by law.
History: 1983 c 289 s 12; 1992 c 564 art 1 s 1; 1995 c 248 art 11 s 5; 1998 c 366 s 52;
1Sp2001 c 4 art 6 s 14