Part 1

 


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2845


 

                                                                                                                2010                               2011                              Total

 

General                                                                                           $46,096,000                 $46,096,000                 $92,192,000

 

Clean Water                                                                                     $3,075,000                   $5,850,000                   $8,925,000

 

Remediation                                                                                       $388,000                       $388,000                       $776,000

 

Total                                                                                               $49,559,000                 $52,334,000               $101,893,000

 

Sec. 2.  AGRICULTURE APPROPRIATIONS.

 

The sums shown in the columns marked "Appropriations" are appropriated to the agencies and for the purposes specified in this act.  The appropriations are from the general fund, or another named fund, and are available for the fiscal years indicated for each purpose.  The figures "2010" and "2011" used in this act mean that the appropriations listed under them are available for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2010, or June 30, 2011, respectively. "The first year" is fiscal year 2010. "The second year" is fiscal year 2011. "The biennium" is fiscal years 2010 and 2011.

 

                                                                                                                                                             APPROPRIATIONS

                                                                                                                                                           Available for the Year

                                                                                                                                                                 Ending June 30

                                                                                                                                                   2010                                      2011

 

 

      Sec. 3.  DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE                                                      $42,853,000                 $45,628,000

 

      Subdivision 1.  Total Appropriation                                                                         $42,853,000                 $45,628,000

 

Appropriations by Fund

 

                                                       2010                                       2011

 

General                             39,390,000                           39,390,000

 

Remediation                          388,000                                 388,000

 

Clean Water                       3,075,000                              5,850,000

 

The amounts that may be spent for each purpose are specified in the following subdivisions.

 

      Subd. 2.  Protection Services                                                                                        14,503,000                   15,778,000

 

Appropriations by Fund

 

General                             12,540,000                           12,540,000

 

Remediation                          388,000                                 388,000

 

Clean Water                       1,575,000                              2,850,000


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2846


 

$388,000 the first year and $388,000 the second year are from the remediation fund for administrative funding for the voluntary cleanup program.

 

$325,000 the first year and $350,000 the second year are from the clean water fund to increase monitoring for pesticides and pesticide degradates in surface water and groundwater and to use data collected to assess pesticide use practices.

 

$375,000 the first year and $750,000 the second year are from the clean water fund to increase drinking water protection from agricultural chemicals, primarily nitrates.

 

$875,000 the first year and $1,750,000 the second year are from the clean water fund for research, pilot projects, and technical assistance related to ways agricultural practices can contribute to restoring impaired waters.

 

$75,000 the first year and $75,000 the second year are for compensation for destroyed or crippled animals under Minnesota Statutes, section 3.737.  If the amount in the first year is insufficient, the amount in the second year is available in the first year.

 

$75,000 the first year and $75,000 the second year are for compensation for crop damage under Minnesota Statutes, section 3.7371.  If the amount in the first year is insufficient, the amount in the second year is available in the first year.

 

If the commissioner determines that claims made under Minnesota Statutes, section 3.737 or 3.7371, are unusually high, amounts appropriated for either program may be transferred to the appropriation for the other program.

 

      Subd. 3.  Agricultural Marketing and Development                                                6,195,000                      7,695,000

 

Appropriations by Fund

 

General                                4,695,000                              4,695,000

 

Clean Water                       1,500,000                              3,000,000

 

$186,000 the first year and $186,000 the second year are for transfer to the Minnesota grown account and may be used as grants for Minnesota grown promotion under Minnesota Statutes, section 17.102.  Grants may be made for one year.  Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.28, the appropriations encumbered under contract on or before June 30, 2011, for Minnesota grown grants in this paragraph are available until June 30, 2013. $50,000 of the appropriation in each year is for efforts that identify and promote Minnesota grown products in retail food establishments including but not limited to restaurants, grocery stores, and convenience stores.


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2847


 

$100,000 the first year and $100,000 the second year are to provide training and technical assistance to county and town officials relating to livestock siting issues and local zoning and land use planning, including maintenance of the checklist template clarifying the federal, state, and local government requirements for consideration of an animal agriculture modernization or expansion project.  For the training and technical assistance program, the commissioner shall continue to seek guidance, advice, and support of livestock producer organizations, general agricultural organizations, local government associations, academic institutions, other government agencies, and others with expertise in land use and agriculture.

 

$1,500,000 the first year and $3,000,000 the second year are from the clean water fund for the agricultural best management practices loan program.  At least $1,450,000 the first year and at least $2,900,000 the second year is for transfer to the agricultural best management practices loan account created pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 17.117, subdivision 5a, and is available for pass-through to local governments and lenders for low-interest loans.

 

$100,000 the first year and $100,000 the second year are for annual cost-share payments to resident farmers or persons who sell, process, or package agricultural products in this state for the costs of organic certification.  Annual cost-share payments per farmer must be two-thirds of the cost of the certification or $350, whichever is less.  In any year that a resident farmer or person who sells, processes, or packages agricultural products in this state receives a federal organic certification cost-share payment, that resident farmer or person is not eligible for state cost-share payments.  A certified farmer is eligible to receive annual certification cost-share payments for up to five years. $15,000 each year is for organic market and program development.  The commissioner may allocate any excess appropriation in either fiscal year for organic producer education efforts, assistance for persons transitioning from conventional to organic agriculture, or sustainable agriculture demonstration grants authorized under Minnesota Statutes, section 17.166, and pertaining to organic research or demonstration.  Any unencumbered balance does not cancel at the end of the first year and is available for the second year.

 

      Subd. 4.  Bioenergy and Value-Added Agriculture                                                15,168,000                   15,168,000

 

$15,168,000 the first year and $15,168,000 the second year are for ethanol producer payments under Minnesota Statutes, section 41A.09.  If the total amount for which all producers are eligible in a quarter exceeds the amount available for payments, the commissioner shall make payments on a pro rata basis.  If the appropriation exceeds the total amount for which all producers are eligible in a fiscal year for scheduled payments and for deficiencies


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2848


 

in payments during previous fiscal years, the balance in the appropriation is available to the commissioner to provide financial assistance under the 21st century agricultural reinvestment program in Minnesota Statutes, section 41A.12.  The appropriation remains available until spent.

 

      Subd. 5.  Administration and Financial Assistance                                                   6,987,000                      6,987,000

 

$1,000,000 the first year and $1,000,000 the second year are for the 21st century agricultural reinvestment program in new Minnesota Statutes, section 41A.12.  Priority must be given to livestock programs under Minnesota Statutes, section 17.118.  The commissioner may use up to 4-1/2 percent of this appropriation for costs incurred to administer the program.

 

$505,000 the first year and $505,000 the second year are for continuation of the dairy development and profitability enhancement and dairy business planning grant programs established under Laws 1997, chapter 216, section 7, subdivision 2, and Laws 2001, First Special Session chapter 2, section 9, subdivision 2.  The commissioner may allocate the available sums among permissible activities, including efforts to improve the quality of milk produced in the state in the proportions that the commissioner deems most beneficial to Minnesota's dairy farmers.  The commissioner must submit a work plan detailing plans for expenditures under this program to the chairs of the house of representatives and senate committees dealing with agricultural policy and budget on or before the start of each fiscal year.  If significant changes are made to the plans in the course of the year, the commissioner must notify the chairs.

 

$50,000 the first year and $50,000 the second year are for the Northern Crops Institute.  These appropriations may be spent to purchase equipment.

 

$19,000 the first year and $19,000 the second year are for a grant to the Minnesota Livestock Breeders Association.

 

$250,000 the first year and $250,000 the second year are for grants to the Minnesota Agricultural Education and Leadership Council for programs of the council under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 41D.

 

$474,000 the first year and $474,000 the second year are for payments to county and district agricultural societies and associations under Minnesota Statutes, section 38.02, subdivision 1.  Of this amount, $4,000 each year is for 4-H premiums.  Aid payments to county and district agricultural societies and associations shall be disbursed not later than July 15 of each year.  These payments are the amount of aid from the state for an annual fair held in the previous calendar year.


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2849


 

$1,000 the first year and $1,000 the second year are for grants to the Minnesota State Poultry Association.

 

$65,000 the first year and $65,000 the second year are for annual grants to the Minnesota Turf Seed Council for basic and applied research on the improved production of forage and turf seed related to new and improved varieties.  The grant recipient may subcontract with a qualified third party for some or all of the basic and applied research.

 

$500,000 the first year and $500,000 the second year are for grants to Second Harvest Heartland on behalf of Minnesota's six Second Harvest food banks for the purchase of milk for distribution to Minnesota's food shelves and other charitable organizations that are eligible to receive food from the food banks.  Milk purchased under the grants must be acquired from Minnesota milk processors and based on low-cost bids.  The milk must be allocated to each Second Harvest food bank serving Minnesota according to the formula used in the distribution of United States Department of Agriculture commodities under The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP).  Second Harvest Heartland must submit quarterly reports to the commissioner on forms prescribed by the commissioner.  The reports must include, but are not limited to, information on the expenditure of funds, the amount of milk purchased, and the organizations to which the milk was distributed.  Second Harvest Heartland may enter into contracts or agreements with food banks for shared funding or reimbursement of the direct purchase of milk.  Each food bank receiving money from this appropriation may use up to two percent of the grant for administrative expenses.

 

$100,000 the first year and $100,000 the second year are for transfer to the Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities for mental health counseling support to farm families and business operators through farm business management programs at Central Lakes College and Ridgewater College.

 

$18,000 the first year and $18,000 the second year are for grants to the Minnesota Horticultural Society.

 

      Sec. 4.  BOARD OF ANIMAL HEALTH           $5,156,000                                   $5,156,000

 

$2,531,000 the first year and $2,531,000 the second year are for bovine tuberculosis eradication efforts in cattle herds.

 

$100,000 the first year and $100,000 the second year are for a program to control paratuberculosis (Johne's disease) in domestic bovine herds.


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2850


 

$40,000 the first year and $40,000 the second year are for a program to investigate the avian pneumovirus disease and to identify the infected flocks.  This appropriation must be matched on a dollar-for-dollar or in-kind basis with nonstate sources and is in addition to money currently designated for turkey disease research.  Costs of blood sample collection, handling, and transportation, in addition to costs associated with early diagnosis tests and the expenses of vaccine research trials, may be credited to the match.

 

$400,000 the first year and $400,000 the second year are for the purposes of cervidae inspection as authorized in Minnesota Statutes, section 35.155.

 

      Sec. 5.  AGRICULTURAL UTILIZATION RESEARCH INSTITUTE                                                                                          $1,550,000       $1,550,000

 

$350,000 the first year and $350,000 the second year are for technical assistance and technology transfer to bioenergy crop producers and users.

 

Sec. 6.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 3.737, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Compensation required.  (a) Notwithstanding section 3.736, subdivision 3, paragraph (e), or any other law, a livestock owner shall be compensated by the commissioner of agriculture for livestock that is destroyed by a gray wolf or is so crippled by a gray wolf that it must be destroyed.  Except as provided in this section, the owner is entitled to the fair market value of the destroyed livestock as determined by the commissioner, upon recommendation of a university extension agent or a conservation officer.  In any fiscal year, a livestock owner may not be compensated for a destroyed animal claim that is less than $100 in value and may be compensated up to $20,000, as determined under this section.  In any fiscal year, the commissioner may provide compensation for claims filed under this section and section 3.7371 up to a total of $100,000 for both programs combined the amount expressly appropriated for this purpose.

 

(b) Either the agent or the conservation officer must make a personal inspection of the site.  The agent or the conservation officer must take into account factors in addition to a visual identification of a carcass when making a recommendation to the commissioner.  The commissioner, upon recommendation of the agent or conservation officer, shall determine whether the livestock was destroyed by a gray wolf and any deficiencies in the owner's adoption of the best management practices developed in subdivision 5.  The commissioner may authorize payment of claims only if the agent or the conservation officer has recommended payment.  The owner shall file a claim on forms provided by the commissioner and available at the university extension agent's office.

 

Sec. 7.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 3.7371, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 3.  Compensation.  The crop owner is entitled to the target price or the market price, whichever is greater, of the damaged or destroyed crop plus adjustments for yield loss determined according to agricultural stabilization and conservation service programs for individual farms, adjusted annually, as determined by the commissioner, upon recommendation of the county extension agent for the owner's county.  The commissioner, upon recommendation of the agent, shall determine whether the crop damage or destruction is caused by elk and, if so, the amount of the crop that is damaged or destroyed.  In any fiscal year, a crop owner may not be compensated for a damaged or destroyed crop that is less than $100 in value and may be compensated up to $20,000, as determined under this section, if normal harvest procedures for the area are followed.  In any fiscal year, the commissioner may provide compensation for claims filed under this section and section 3.737 up to a total of $100,000 for both programs combined the amount expressly appropriated for this purpose.


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2851


 

Sec. 8.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 13.643, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 7.  Research, monitoring, or assessment data.  (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), the following data created, collected, and maintained by the Department of Agriculture during research, monitoring, or the assessment of farm practices and related to natural resources, the environment, agricultural facilities, or agricultural practices are classified as private or nonpublic:

 

(1) names, addresses, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses of study participants or cooperators; and

 

(2) location of research, study site, and global positioning system data.

 

(b) The following data is public:

 

(1) location data and unique well numbers for wells and springs unless protected under section 18B.10 or another statute or rule; and

 

(2) data from samples collected from a public water supply as defined in Minnesota Rules, part 4720.5100.

 

(c) The Department of Agriculture may disclose data collected under paragraph (a) if the Department of Agriculture determines that there is a substantive threat to human health and safety or to the environment, or to aid in the law enforcement process.  The Department of Agriculture may also disclose data with written consent of the subject of the data.

 

Sec. 9.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 17.03, subdivision 12, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 12.  Contracts; appropriation.  The commissioner may accept money as part of a contract with any public or private entity to provide statutorily prescribed services by the department.  A contract must specify the services to be provided by the department and the amount and method of reimbursement.  Money generated in a contractual agreement under this section must be deposited in a special revenue fund and is appropriated to the department for purposes of providing services specified in the contracts.  Contracts under this section must be processed in accordance with section 16C.05.  The commissioner must report revenues collected and expenditures made under this section to the chairs of the Environment and Natural Resources Finance Committee in the house of representatives and the Environment and Agriculture Budget Division in the senate by January 15 of each odd-numbered year.

 

Sec. 10.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 17.115, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2.  Loan criteria.  (a) The shared savings loan program must provide loans for purchase of new or used machinery and installation of equipment for projects that make environmental improvements or and enhance farm profitability.  Eligible loan uses do not include seed, fertilizer, or fuel.

 

(b) Loans may not exceed $25,000 $40,000 per individual applying for a loan and may not exceed $100,000 for loans to four or more individuals on joint projects.  The loan repayment period may be up to seven years as determined by project cost and energy savings.  The interest rate on the loans must not exceed six percent.  For loans made from May 1, 2004, to June 30, 2007, the interest rate must not exceed three percent.

 

(c) Loans may only be made to residents of this state engaged in farming.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective the day following final enactment.

 

Sec. 11.  [17.459] HORSES. 

 

Subdivision 1.  Classification as livestock.  Horses and other equines raised for the purposes of riding, driving, farm or ranch work, competition, racing, recreation, sale, or as breeding stock are livestock.  Horses may be used for meat, hides, and animal by-products.  Horses and their products are livestock and farm products for purposes of financial transactions and collateral.


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2852


 

Subd. 2.  Agricultural pursuit.  Raising horses and other equines is agricultural production and an agricultural pursuit.  Horse breeding farms, horse training farms, horse boarding farms, or farms combining those purposes, are an intensive agricultural use that may be accomplished on limited acreage.  These intensive agricultural uses are necessary for horses in order to control the feeding, safety, and overall condition of the animals.

 

Subd. 3.  Nonapplicability for property tax laws.  This section does not apply to the treatment of land used for raising horses under chapter 273.

 

Sec. 12.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 18.75, is amended to read:

 

18.75 PURPOSE. 

 

It is the policy of the legislature that residents of the state be protected from the injurious effects of noxious weeds on public health, the environment, public roads, crops, livestock, and other property.  Sections 18.76 to 18.88 18.91 contain procedures for controlling and eradicating noxious weeds on all lands within the state.

 

Sec. 13.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 18.76, is amended to read:

 

18.76 CITATION. 

 

Sections 18.76 to 18.88 18.91 may be cited as the "Minnesota Noxious Weed Law."

 

Sec. 14.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 18.77, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Scope.  The definitions in this section apply to sections 18.76 to 18.88 18.91.

 

Sec. 15.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 18.77, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 2a.  Certified noxious weed free.  "Certified noxious weed free" means that the material being certified has been inspected, tested, or processed to devitalize or remove the noxious weed propagating parts in order to verify that viable noxious weed propagating parts are not present in the material.

 

Sec. 16.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 18.77, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 2b.  Commissioner.  "Commissioner" means the commissioner of agriculture.

 

Sec. 17.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 18.77, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 3.  Control.  "Control" means to destroy all or part of the aboveground growth of noxious weeds by a lawful method that prevents the maturation and spread of noxious weed propagating parts from one area to another.

 

Sec. 18.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 18.77, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 3a.  County-designated employee.  "County-designated employee" means a person designated by a county board to oversee the responsibilities in section 18.81, subdivision 1a.

 

Sec. 19.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 18.77, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 5.  Growing crop.  "Growing crop" means an agricultural, horticultural, or forest crop that has been planted or regularly maintained and intended for harvest. "Growing crop" does not mean a permanent pasture, hay meadow, woodlot, or other noncrop area which contains native or seeded perennial plants used for grazing or hay purposes, and which is not harvested on a regular basis.


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2853


 

Sec. 20.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 18.77, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 5a.  Inspector.  "Inspector" means the commissioner, agent of the commissioner, county agricultural inspector, local weed inspector, or assistant weed inspector.

 

Sec. 21.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 18.77, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 8a.  Noxious weed management plan.  "Noxious weed management plan" means controlling or eradicating noxious weeds in the manner designated in a management plan developed for the area or site where the infestations are found using specific strategies or methods that are to be used singly or in combination to achieve control or eradication.

 

Sec. 22.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 18.77, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 13.  Weed management area.  "Weed management area" means a designated area where special or unique noxious weed control or eradication strategies or methods are used according to a specific management plan developed for each management area established.

 

Sec. 23.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 18.78, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Generally.  A person owning land, a person occupying land, or a person responsible for the maintenance of public land shall control or eradicate all noxious weeds on the land at a time and in a manner ordered by the county agricultural inspector or a local weed an inspector or county-designated employee.

 

Sec. 24.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 18.78, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 3.  Cooperative weed control agreement.  The commissioner, municipality, or county agricultural inspector or county-designated employee may enter into a cooperative weed control agreement with a landowner or weed management area group to establish a mutually agreed upon noxious weed management plan for up to three years duration, whereby a noxious weed problem will be controlled without additional enforcement action.  If a property owner fails to comply with the noxious weed management plan, an individual notice may be served.

 

Sec. 25.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 18.79, is amended to read:

 

18.79 DUTIES OF COMMISSIONER. 

 

Subdivision 1.  Enforcement.  The commissioner of agriculture shall administer and enforce sections 18.76 to 18.88 18.91.

 

Subd. 2.  Authorized agents.  County agricultural inspectors may administer and enforce sections 18.76 to 18.88 18.91.  A county-designated employee may enforce sections 18.78, 18.82, 18.83, 18.84, 18.86, and 18.87.

 

Subd. 3.  Entry upon land.  To administer and enforce sections 18.76 to 18.88 18.91, county agricultural inspectors and local weed inspectors an inspector or county-designated employee may enter upon land without consent of the owner and without being subject to an action for trespass or any damages.

 

Subd. 4.  Rules.  The commissioner may adopt necessary rules under chapter 14 for the proper enforcement of sections 18.76 to 18.88 18.91.

 

Subd. 5.  Order for control or eradication of noxious weeds.  A county agricultural inspector or a local weed An inspector or county-designated employee may order the control or eradication of noxious weeds on any land within the state inspector's or county-designated employee's jurisdiction.


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2854


 

Subd. 6.  Initial Training for control or eradication of noxious weeds.  The commissioner shall conduct initial training considered necessary for weed inspectors and county-designated employees in the enforcement of the Minnesota Noxious Weed Law.  The director of the Minnesota Extension Service may conduct educational programs for the general public that will aid compliance with the Minnesota Noxious Weed Law.  Upon request, the commissioner may provide information and other technical assistance to the county weed inspector or county-designated employee to aid in the performance of responsibilities specified by the county board under section 18.81, subdivision 1.

 

Subd. 7.  Meetings and reports.  The commissioner shall designate by rule the reports that are required to be made and the meetings that must be attended by weed inspectors.

 

Subd. 8.  Prescribed forms.  The commissioner shall prescribe the forms to be used by weed inspectors and county-designated employees in the enforcement of sections 18.76 to 18.88 18.91.

 

Subd. 9.  Injunction.  If the county agricultural inspector or county-designated employee applies to a court for a temporary or permanent injunction restraining a person from violating or continuing to violate sections 18.76 to 18.88 18.91, the injunction may be issued without requiring a bond.

 

Subd. 10.  Prosecution.  On finding that a person has violated sections 18.76 to 18.88 18.91, the county agricultural inspector or county-designated employee may start court proceedings in the locality in which the violation occurred.  The county attorney may prosecute actions under sections 18.76 to 18.88 18.91 within the county attorney's jurisdiction.

 

Subd. 12.  Noxious-weed-free forage and mulch certification agency.  The official certification agency for noxious-weed-free forage and, mulch shall, soil, gravel, and other material must be determined by the commissioner of agriculture in consultation with the director of the Minnesota agricultural experiment station.  The commissioner may also certify forage, mulch, soil, gravel, or other material as noxious weed free.

 

Subd. 13.  Noxious weed designation.  The commissioner, in consultation with the Noxious Weed Advisory Committee, shall determine which plants are noxious weeds subject to control under sections 18.76 to 18.91.  The commissioner shall prepare, publish, and revise as necessary, but at least once every three years, a list of noxious weeds and their designated classification.  The list must be distributed to the public by the commissioner who may request the help of the University of Minnesota Extension, the county agricultural inspectors, and any other organization the commissioner considers appropriate to assist in the distribution.  The commissioner may, in consultation with the Noxious Weed Advisory Committee, accept and consider noxious weed designation petitions from Minnesota citizens or Minnesota organizations or associations.

 

Subd. 14.  County petition.  A county may petition the commissioner to designate specific noxious weeds which are a control problem in the county.

 

Subd. 15.  Noxious weed management.  The commissioner, in consultation with the Noxious Weed Advisory Committee, shall develop management strategies and criteria for each noxious weed category.

 

Subd. 16.  Gifts; grants; contracts; funds.  The commissioner, counties, and municipalities may apply for and accept any gift, grant, contract, or other funds or grants-in-aid from the federal government or other public and private sources for noxious weed control purposes.

 

Subd. 17.  Noxious weed investigation.  The commissioner shall investigate the subject of noxious weeds and conduct investigations outside this state to protect the interest of the agricultural industry, forests, or the environment of this state from noxious weeds not generally growing in Minnesota.


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2855


 

Subd. 18.  Noxious weed education.  The commissioner shall disseminate information and conduct educational campaigns with respect to control of noxious weeds or invasive plants to enhance regulatory compliance and voluntary efforts to eliminate or manage these plants.  The commissioner shall call and attend meetings and conferences dealing with the subject of noxious weeds.  The commissioner shall maintain on the department's Web site weed management information including but not limited to the roles and responsibilities of citizens and government entities under sections 18.76 to 18.91 and specific guidance as to whom a person should contact to report a noxious weed issue.

 

Subd. 19.  State and federal lands.  The commissioner shall inform and direct state and federal agencies regarding their responsibility to manage and control noxious weeds on land that those agencies own, control, or manage.

 

Subd. 20.  Interagency cooperation.  The commissioner shall cooperate with agencies of federal, state, and local governments and other persons in carrying out duties under sections 18.76 to 18.91.

 

Subd. 21.  Weed management area.  The commissioner, in consultation with the Noxious Weed Advisory Committee, may establish a weed management area to include a part of one or more counties or all of one or more counties of this state and shall include all the land within the boundaries of the area established.  Weed management plans developed for a weed management area must be reviewed and approved by the commissioner and the Noxious Weed Advisory Committee.  Weed management areas may seek funding under section 18.90.

 

Sec. 26.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 18.80, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  County agricultural inspectors; and county-designated employees.  The county board shall either appoint at least one or more county agricultural inspectors that meet the qualifications prescribed by rule.  The appointment must be for a period of time which is sufficient to accomplish the duties assigned to this position inspector to carry out the duties specified under section 18.81, subdivisions 1a and 1b, or a county-designated employee to carry out the duties specified under section 18.81, subdivision 1a.  A notice of the appointment of either a county agricultural inspector or county-designated employee must be delivered to the commissioner within ten 30 days of the appointment and it must establish the initial number of hours to be worked annually.

 

Sec. 27.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 18.81, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 1a.  Duties; county agricultural inspectors and county-designated employees.  The county agricultural inspector or county-designated employee shall be responsible for:

 

(1) the enforcement provisions under sections 18.78, 18.82, 18.83, 18.84, 18.86 and 18.87; and

 

(2) providing a point of contact within the county for noxious weed issues.

 

Sec. 28.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 18.81, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 1b.  County agricultural inspectors.  In addition to the mandatory duties specified in subdivision 1a, the county board must specify the responsibilities of the county agricultural inspector in the annual work plan.  The responsibilities may include:

 

(1) to see that sections 18.76 to 18.91 and rules adopted under those sections are carried out within the inspector's jurisdiction;

 

(2) to see that sections 21.80 to 21.92 and rules adopted under those sections are carried out within the inspector's jurisdiction;


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2856


 

(3) to see that sections 21.71 to 21.78 and rules adopted under those sections are carried out within the inspector's jurisdiction;

 

(4) to participate in the control programs for invasive plant species, feed, fertilizer, pesticide, and plant and insect pests when requested, in writing, to do so by the commissioner;

 

(5) to participate in other agricultural programs under the control of the commissioner when requested, in writing, by the commissioner to do so;

 

(6) to administer the distribution of funds allocated by the county board to the county agricultural inspector for noxious weed control and eradication within the county;

 

(7) to submit reports and attend meetings that the commissioner requires;

 

(8) to publish a general weed notice of the legal duty to control noxious weeds in one or more legal newspapers of general circulation throughout the county; and

 

(9) to be the primary contact in the county for all plant biological control agents.

 

Sec. 29.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 18.81, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 3.  Nonperformance by inspectors; reimbursement for expenses.  If local weed inspectors neglect or fail to do their duty as prescribed in this section, the county agricultural inspector shall or county-designated employee, in consultation with the commissioner, may issue a notice to the inspector providing instructions on how and when to do their duty.  If, after the time allowed in the notice, the local weed inspector has not complied as directed, the county agricultural inspector or county-designated employee may consult with the commissioner to perform the duty for the local weed inspector.  A claim for the expense of doing the local weed inspector's duty is a legal charge against the municipality in which the inspector has jurisdiction.  The county agricultural inspector doing or county-designated employee overseeing the work may file an itemized statement of costs with the clerk of the municipality in which the work was performed.  The municipality shall immediately issue proper warrants to the county for the work performed.  If the municipality fails to issue the warrants, the county auditor may include the amount contained in the itemized statement of costs as part of the next annual tax levy in the municipality and withhold that amount from the municipality in making its next apportionment.

 

Sec. 30.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 18.82, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Permits.  Except as provided in section 21.74, if a person wants to transport along a public highway materials or equipment containing the propagating parts of weeds designated as noxious by the commissioner, the person must secure a written permit for transportation of the material or equipment from a local weed inspector or county agricultural an inspector or county-designated employee.  Inspectors or county-designated employees may issue permits to persons residing or operating within their jurisdiction.  If the noxious weed propagating parts are removed from materials and equipment or devitalized before being transported, a permit is not needed.

 

Sec. 31.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 18.82, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 3.  Duration of permit; revocation.  A permit under subdivision 1 is valid for up to one year after the date it is issued unless otherwise specified by the weed inspector or county-designated employee issuing the permit.  The permit may be revoked if a county agricultural inspector or local weed an inspector or county-designated employee determines that the applicant has not complied with this section.


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2857


 

Sec. 32.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 18.83, is amended to read:

 

18.83 CONTROL; ERADICATION; NOTICES; EXPENSES. 

 

Subdivision 1.  General weed notice.  A general notice for noxious weed control or eradication must be published on or before May 15 of each year and at other times the commissioner directs.  Failure of the county agricultural weed inspector or county-designated employee to publish the general notice does not relieve a person from the necessity of full compliance with sections 18.76 to 18.88 18.91 and related rules.  The published notice is legal and sufficient notice when an individual notice cannot be served.

 

Subd. 2.  Individual notice.  A weed An inspector may find it necessary to secure more prompt or definite control or eradication of noxious weeds than is accomplished by the published general notice.  In these special or individual instances, involving one or a limited number of persons, the weed inspector or county-designated employee having jurisdiction shall serve individual notices in writing upon the person who owns the land and the person who occupies the land, or the person responsible for or charged with the maintenance of public land, giving specific instructions on when and how named noxious weeds are to be controlled or eradicated.  Individual notices provided for in this section must be served in the same manner as a summons in a civil action in the district court or by certified mail.  Service on a person living temporarily or permanently outside of the weed inspector's or county-designated employee's jurisdiction may be made by sending the notice by certified mail to the last known address of the person, to be ascertained, if necessary, from the last tax list in the county treasurer's office.

 

Subd. 3.  Appeal of individual notice; appeal committee.  (1) A recipient of an individual notice may appeal, in writing, the order for control or eradication of noxious weeds.  This appeal must be filed with a member of the appeal committee in the county where the land is located within two working days of the time the notice is received.  The committee must inspect the land specified in the notice and report back to the recipient and the inspector or county-designated employee who issued the notice within five working days, either agreeing, disagreeing, or revising the order.  The decision may be appealed in district court.  If the committee agrees or revises the order, the control or eradication specified in the order, as approved or revised by the committee, may be carried out.

 

(2) The county board of commissioners shall appoint members of the appeal committee.  The membership must include a county commissioner or municipal official and a landowner residing in the county.  The expenses of the members may be reimbursed by the county upon submission of an itemized statement to the county auditor.  At its option, the county board of commissioners, by resolution, may delegate the duties of the appeal committee to its board of adjustment established pursuant to section 394.27.  When carrying out the duties of the appeal committee, the zoning board of adjustment shall comply with all of the procedural requirements of this section.

 

Subd. 4.  Control or eradication by inspector or county-designated employee.  If a person does not comply with an individual notice served on the person or an individual notice cannot be served, the weed inspector or county-designated employee having jurisdiction shall have the noxious weeds controlled or eradicated within the time and in the manner the weed inspector or county-designated employee designates.

 

Subd. 5.  Control or eradication by inspector or county-designated employee in growing crop.  A weed An inspector or county-designated employee may consider it necessary to control or eradicate noxious weeds along with all or a part of a growing crop to prevent the maturation and spread of noxious weeds within the inspector's or county-designated employee's jurisdiction.  If this situation exists, the weed inspector or county-designated employee may have the noxious weeds controlled or eradicated together with the crop after the appeal committee has reviewed the matter as outlined in subdivision 3 and reported back agreement with the order.

 

Subd. 6.  Authorization for person hired to enter upon land.  The weed inspector or county-designated employee may hire a person to control or eradicate noxious weeds if the person who owns the land, the person who occupies the land, or the person responsible for the maintenance of public land has failed to comply with an individual notice or with the published general notice when an individual notice cannot be served.  The person hired must have authorization, in writing, from the weed inspector or county-designated employee to enter upon the land.


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2858


 

Subd. 7.  Expenses; reimbursements.  A claim for the expense of controlling or eradicating noxious weeds, which may include the costs of serving notices, is a legal charge against the county in which the land is located.  The officers having the work done must file with the county auditor a verified and itemized statement of cost for all services rendered on each separate tract or lot of land.  The county auditor shall immediately issue proper warrants to the persons named on the statement as having rendered services.  To reimburse the county for its expenditure in this regard, the county auditor shall certify the total amount due and, unless an appeal is made in accordance with section 18.84, enter it on the tax roll as a tax upon the land and it must be collected as other real estate taxes are collected.

 

If public land is involved, the amount due must be paid from funds provided for maintenance of the land or from the general revenue or operating fund of the agency responsible for the land.  Each claim for control or eradication of noxious weeds on public lands must first be approved by the commissioner of agriculture.

 

Sec. 33.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 18.84, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Counties and municipalities.  Counties and municipalities are not liable for damages from the noxious weed control program for actions conducted in accordance with sections 18.76 to 18.88 18.91.

 

Sec. 34.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 18.84, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2.  Appeal of charges to county board.  A person who is ordered to control noxious weeds under sections 18.76 to 18.88 18.91 and is charged for noxious weed control may appeal the cost of noxious weed control to the county board of the county where the noxious weed control measures were undertaken within 30 days after being charged.  The county board shall determine the amount and approve the charge and filing of a lien against the property if it determines that the owner, or occupant if other than the owner, responsible for controlling noxious weeds did not comply with the order of the inspector or county-designated employee.

 

Sec. 35.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 18.84, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 3.  Court Appeal of costs to district court; petition.  (a) A landowner who has appealed person who is ordered to control noxious weeds under sections 18.76 to 18.91 and is charged for the cost of noxious weed control measures under subdivision 2 may petition for judicial review of the charges.  The petition must be filed within 30 days after the conclusion of the hearing before the county board being charged.  The petition must be filed with the court administrator in the county in which the land where the noxious weed control measures were undertaken is located, together with proof of service of a copy of the petition on the county auditor.  No responsive pleadings may be required of the county, and no court fees may be charged for the appearance of the county in this matter.

 

(b) The petition must be captioned in the name of the person making the petition as petitioner and respective county as respondents.  The petition must include the petitioner's name, the legal description of the land involved, a copy of the notice to control noxious weeds, and the date or dates on which appealed control measures were undertaken.

 

(c) The petition must state with specificity the grounds upon which the petitioner seeks to avoid the imposition of a lien for the cost of noxious weed control measures.

 

Sec. 36.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 18.86, is amended to read:

 

18.86 UNLAWFUL ACTS. 

 

No person may:

 

(1) hinder or obstruct in any way the county agricultural inspectors or local weed inspectors an inspector or county-designated employee in the performance of their duties as provided in under sections 18.76 to 18.88 18.91 or related rules;


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2859


 

(2) neglect, fail, or refuse to comply with section 18.82 or related rules in the transportation and use of material or equipment infested with noxious weed propagating parts;

 

(3) sell material containing noxious weed propagating parts to a person who does not have a permit to transport that material or to a person who does not have a screenings permit issued in accordance with section 21.74; or

 

(4) neglect, fail, or refuse to comply with a general notice or an individual notice to control or eradicate noxious weeds.

 

Sec. 37.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 18.87, is amended to read:

 

18.87 PENALTY. 

 

A violation of section 18.86 or a rule adopted under that section is a misdemeanor.  County agricultural inspectors, local weed Inspectors, or county-designated employees, or their appointed assistants are not subject to the penalties of this section for failure, neglect, or refusal to perform duties imposed on them by sections 18.76 to 18.88 18.91.

 

Sec. 38.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 18.88, is amended to read:

 

18.88 NOXIOUS WEED PROGRAM FUNDING. 

 

Subdivision 1.  County.  The county board shall pay, from the general revenue or other fund for the county, the expenses for the county agricultural inspector position or county-designated employee, for noxious weed control or eradication on all land owned by the county or on land that for which the county is responsible for the its maintenance of, and for the expenses of the appeal committee, and for necessary expenses as required for quarantines within the county.  Use of funding from grants and other sources for the administration and enforcement of the Minnesota Noxious Weed Law must be approved by the county board.

 

Subd. 2.  Municipality.  The municipality shall pay, from the general revenue or other fund for the municipality, the necessary expenses of the local weed inspector in the performance of duties required for quarantines within the municipality, and for noxious weed control or eradication on land owned by the municipality or on land for which the municipality is responsible for its maintenance.  Use of funding from grants and other sources for the administration and enforcement of the Minnesota Noxious Weed Law must be approved by the town board or city mayor.

 

Subd. 3.  Funding.  Funding in the form of grants or cost sharing may be provided to the counties for the performance of their activities under section 18.81, subdivision 1.

 

Sec. 39.  [18.89] NOXIOUS WEED AND INVASIVE PLANT SPECIES ASSISTANCE FUND. 

 

The noxious weed and invasive plant species assistance fund is created in the state treasury.  The fund may be used to carry out the purposes of section 18.90.  Any money appropriated to the fund and any money received by the fund as gifts or grants or other private or public funds obtained for the purposes in section 18.91 must be credited to the fund.  The money in the account is continuously appropriated to the commissioner to implement section 18.90.

 

Sec. 40.  [18.90] GRANT PROGRAM. 

 

(a) From funds available in the noxious weed and invasive plant species assistance fund established in section 18.89, the commissioner shall administer a grant program to assist counties and municipalities and other weed management entities in the cost of implementing and maintaining noxious weed control programs and in addressing


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2860


 

special weed control problems.  The commissioner shall receive applications by counties, municipalities, weed management areas, and weed management entities for assistance under this section and, in consultation with the Noxious Weed Advisory Committee, award grants for any of the following eligible purposes:

 

(1) to conduct applied research to solve locally significant weed management problems;

 

(2) to demonstrate innovative control methods or land management practices which have the potential to reduce landowner costs to control noxious weeds or improve the effectiveness of noxious weed control;

 

(3) to encourage the ongoing support of weed management areas;

 

(4) to respond to introductions or infestations of invasive plants that threaten or potentially threaten the productivity of cropland and rangeland over a wide area;

 

(5) to respond to introductions or infestations of invasive plant species that threaten or potentially threaten the productivity of biodiversity of wildlife and fishery habitats on public and private lands;

 

(6) to respond to special weed control problems involving weeds not included in the list of noxious weeds published and distributed by the commissioner;

 

(7) to conduct monitoring or surveillance activities to detect, map, or determine the distribution of invasive plant species and to determine susceptible locations for the introduction or spread of invasive plant species; and

 

(8) to conduct educational activities.

 

(b) The commissioner shall select and prioritize applications for assistance under this section based on the following considerations:

 

(1) the seriousness of the noxious weed or invasive plant problem or potential problem addressed by the project;

 

(2) the ability of the project to provide timely intervention to save current and future costs of control and eradication;

 

(3) the likelihood that the project will prevent or resolve the problem or increase knowledge about resolving similar problems in the future;

 

(4) the extent to which the project will leverage federal funds and other nonstate funds;

 

(5) the extent to which the applicant has made progress in addressing noxious weed or invasive plant problems;

 

(6) the extent to which the project will provide a comprehensive approach to the control or eradication of noxious weeds;

 

(7) the extent to which the project will reduce the total population or area of infestation of a noxious weed;

 

(8) the extent to which the project uses the principles of integrated vegetation management and sound science; and

 

(9) other factors that the commissioner determines to be relevant.

 

(c) Nothing in this section may be construed to relieve a person of the duty or responsibility to control the spread of noxious weeds on lands owned and controlled by the person.


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2861


 

Sec. 41.  [18.91] ADVISORY COMMITTEE; MEMBERSHIP. 

 

Subdivision 1.  Duties.  The commissioner shall consult with the Noxious Weed Advisory Committee to advise the commissioner concerning responsibilities under the noxious weed control program.  The committee shall also evaluate species for invasiveness, difficulty of control, cost of control, benefits, and amount of injury caused by them.  For each species evaluated, the committee shall recommend to the commissioner on which noxious weed list or lists, if any, the species should be placed.  Species currently designated as prohibited or restricted noxious weeds must be reevaluated every three years for a recommendation on whether or not they need to remain on the noxious weed lists.  Members of the committee are not entitled to reimbursement of expenses nor payment of per diem.  Members shall serve two-year terms with subsequent reappointment by the commissioner.

 

Subd. 2.  Membership.  The commissioner shall appoint members, which shall include representatives from the following:

 

(1) horticultural science, agronomy, and forestry at the University of Minnesota;

 

(2) the nursery and landscape industry in Minnesota;

 

(3) the seed industry in Minnesota;

 

(4) the Department of Agriculture;

 

(5) the Department of Natural Resources;

 

(6) a conservation organization;

 

(7) an environmental organization;

 

(8) at least two farm organizations;

 

(9) the county agricultural inspectors;

 

(10) city, township, and county governments;

 

(11) the Department of Transportation;

 

(12) the University of Minnesota Extension;

 

(13) the timber and forestry industry in Minnesota;

 

(14) the Board of Water and Soil Resources; and

 

(15) soil and water conservation districts.

 

Subd. 3.  Additional duties.  The committee shall conduct evaluations of terrestrial plant species to recommend if they need to be designated as noxious weeds and into which noxious weed classification they should be designated, advise the commissioner on the implementation of the Minnesota Noxious Weed Law, and assist the commissioner in the development of management criteria for each noxious weed category.

 

Subd. 4.  Organization.  The committee shall select a chair from its membership.  Meetings of the committee may be called by or at the direction of the commissioner or upon direction of the chair.


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2862


 

Subd. 5.  Expiration.  Notwithstanding section 15.059, subdivision 5, the committee expires June 30, 2013.

 

Sec. 42.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 18B.01, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 1a.  Agricultural pesticide.  "Agricultural pesticide" means a pesticide that bears labeling that meets federal worker protection agricultural use requirements as provided by Code of Federal Regulations, title 40, parts 156 and 170 (2008).

 

Sec. 43.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 18B.01, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 1b.  Agricultural pesticide dealer.  "Agricultural pesticide dealer" means a person who distributes an agricultural pesticide in the state or into the state to an end user.  This action would commonly be described as a retail sale.

 

Sec. 44.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 18B.01, subdivision 8, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 8.  Distribute.  "Distribute" means offer for sale, sell, barter, ship, deliver for shipment, receive and deliver, and offer to deliver pesticides in this state or into this state.

 

Sec. 45.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 18B.01, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 14b.  Nonagricultural pesticide.  "Nonagricultural pesticide" means a pesticide that does not bear labeling that meets federal worker protection agricultural use requirements as provided by Code of Federal Regulation, title 40, parts 156 and 170 (2008).

 

Sec. 46.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 18B.065, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Collection and disposal.  The commissioner of agriculture shall establish and operate a program to collect and dispose of waste pesticides.  The program must be made available to agricultural and residential nonagricultural pesticide end users whose waste generating activity occurs in this state.  Waste pesticide generated in another state is not eligible for collection under this section.

 

Sec. 47.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 18B.065, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2.  Implementation.  (a) The commissioner may obtain a United States Environmental Protection Agency hazardous waste identification number to manage the waste pesticides collected.

 

(b) The commissioner may not limit the type and quantity of waste pesticides accepted for collection and may not assess pesticide end users for portions of the costs incurred.

 

Sec. 48.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 18B.065, subdivision 2a, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2a.  Disposal site requirement.  (a) For agricultural waste pesticides, the commissioner must designate a place in each county of the state that is available at least every other year for persons to dispose of unused portions of agricultural pesticides.  The commissioner shall consult with the person responsible for solid waste management and disposal in each county to determine an appropriate location and to advertise each collection event.  The commissioner may provide a collection opportunity in a county more frequently if the commissioner determines that a collection is warranted.

 

(b) For residential nonagricultural waste pesticides, the commissioner must provide periodic a disposal opportunities opportunity each year in each county.


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2863


 

(c) As provided under subdivision 7, the commissioner may enter into cooperative agreements with county or regional solid waste management entities local units of government to provide these the collections required under paragraph (a) or (b) and shall provide these entities a local unit of government, as part of the cooperative agreement, with funding for reasonable costs incurred including, but not limited to, related supplies, transportation, advertising, and disposal costs as well as reasonable overhead costs.

 

(c) (d) A person who collects waste pesticide under paragraph (a) or (b) this section shall, on a form provided or in a method approved by the commissioner, record information on each waste pesticide product collected including, but not limited to, the quantity collected and either the product name, and its active ingredient or ingredients, quantity, and or the United States Environmental Protection Agency registration number, on a form provided by the commissioner.  The person must submit this information to the commissioner at least annually by January 30.

 

Sec. 49.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 18B.065, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 3.  Information and; education; report.  (a) The commissioner shall provide informational and educational materials regarding waste pesticides and the proper management of waste pesticides to the public.

 

(b) No later than March 15 each year, the commissioner must report the following to the legislative committees with jurisdiction over agriculture finance:

 

(1) each instance of a refusal to collect waste pesticide or the assessment of a fee, in addition to the $350 minimum fee, to a pesticide end user as authorized in subdivision 2, paragraph (b); and

 

(2) waste pesticide collection information including a discussion of the type and quantity of waste pesticide collected by the commissioner and any entity collecting waste pesticide under subdivision 7 during the previous calendar year, a summary of waste pesticide collection trends, and any corresponding program recommendations.

 

Sec. 50.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 18B.065, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 7.  Cooperative agreements.  (a) The commissioner may enter into cooperative agreements with state agencies and local units of government for administration of the waste pesticide collection program.  The commissioner shall ensure that the program is carried out in all counties.  If the commissioner cannot contract with another party to administer the program in a county, the commissioner shall perform collections according to the provisions of this section.

 

(b) The commissioner, according to the terms of a cooperative agreement between the commissioner and a local unit of government, may establish limits for unusual types or excessive quantities of waste pesticide offered by pesticide end users to the local unit of government.

 

Sec. 51.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 18B.065, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 8.  Waste pesticide program surcharge.  The commissioner shall annually collect a waste pesticide program surcharge of $50 on each pesticide product registered in the state as part of a pesticide product registration application under section 18B.26, subdivision 3.

 

Sec. 52.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 18B.065, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 9.  Waste pesticide cooperative agreement account.  (a) A waste pesticide cooperative agreement account is created in the agricultural fund.  Notwithstanding section 18B.05, the proceeds of surcharges imposed under subdivision 8 must be deposited in the agricultural fund and credited to the waste pesticide cooperative agreement account.


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2864


 

(b) Money in the waste pesticide cooperative agreement account, including interest, is appropriated to the commissioner and may only be used for costs incurred under a cooperative agreement pursuant to this section.

 

(c) Notwithstanding paragraph (b), if the amount available in the waste pesticide cooperative agreement account in any fiscal year exceeds the amount obligated to local units of government under subdivision 7, the excess is appropriated to the commissioner to perform waste pesticide collections under this section.

 

Sec. 53.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 18B.26, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Requirement.  (a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) to (d), a person may not use or distribute a pesticide in this state unless it is registered with the commissioner.  Pesticide registrations expire on December 31 of each year and may be renewed on or before that date for the following calendar year.

 

(b) Registration is not required if a pesticide is shipped from one plant or warehouse to another plant or warehouse operated by the same person and used solely at the plant or warehouse as an ingredient in the formulation of a pesticide that is registered under this chapter.

 

(c) An unregistered pesticide that was previously registered with the commissioner may be used for a period of two years following the cancellation of the registration of the pesticide, unless the commissioner determines that the continued use of the pesticide would cause unreasonable adverse effects on the environment, or with the written permission of the commissioner.  To use the unregistered pesticide at any time after the two-year period, the pesticide end user must demonstrate to the satisfaction of the commissioner, if requested, that the pesticide has been continuously registered under a different brand name or by a different manufacturer and has similar composition, or, the pesticide end user obtains the written permission of the commissioner.

 

(d) The commissioner may allow specific pesticide products that are not registered with the commissioner to be distributed in this state for use in another state.

 

(e) Each pesticide with a unique United States Environmental Protection Agency pesticide registration number or a unique brand name must be registered with the commissioner.

 

(f) It is unlawful for a person to distribute or use a pesticide in the state, or to sell into the state for use in the state, any pesticide product that has not been registered by the commissioner and for which the applicable pesticide registration application fee, gross sales fee, or waste pesticide program surcharge is not paid pursuant to subdivisions 3 and 4.

 

(g) Every person who sells for use in the state a pesticide product that has been registered by the commissioner shall pay to the commissioner the applicable registration application fees, sales fees, and waste pesticide program surcharges.  These sales expressly include all sales made electronically, telephonically, or by any other means that result in a pesticide product being shipped to or used in the state.  There is a rebuttable presumption that pesticide products that are sold or distributed in or into the state by any person are sold or distributed for use in the state.

 

Sec. 54.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 18B.26, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 3.  Registration application and gross sales fee.  (a) For an agricultural pesticide, a registrant shall pay an annual registration application fee for each agricultural pesticide to be registered, and this fee is set at 0.4 percent of annual gross sales within the state and annual gross sales of pesticides used in the state, with a minimum nonrefundable fee of $250 $350.  The fee is due by December 31 preceding the year for which the application for registration is made.  The fee is nonrefundable.


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2865


 

The registrant shall determine when and which pesticides are sold or used in this state. (b) For a nonagricultural pesticide, a registrant shall pay a minimum annual registration application fee for each nonagricultural pesticide of $350.  The fee is due by December 31 preceding the year for which the application for registration is made.  The fee is nonrefundable.  The registrant of a nonagricultural pesticide shall pay, in addition to the $350 minimum fee, a fee of 0.5 percent of annual gross sales of the nonagricultural pesticide in the state and the annual gross sales of the nonagricultural pesticide sold into the state for use in this state.  The commissioner may not assess a fee under this paragraph if the amount due based on percent of annual gross sales is less than $10.  The registrant shall secure sufficient sales information of nonagricultural pesticides distributed into this state from distributors and dealers, regardless of distributor location, to make a determination.  Sales of nonagricultural pesticides in this state and sales of nonagricultural pesticides for use in this state by out-of-state distributors are not exempt and must be included in the registrant's annual report, as required under paragraph (c) (g), and fees shall be paid by the registrant based upon those reported sales.  Sales of nonagricultural pesticides in the state for use outside of the state are exempt from the application gross sales fee in this paragraph if the registrant properly documents the sale location and distributors.  A registrant paying more than the minimum fee shall pay the balance due by March 1 based on the gross sales of the nonagricultural pesticide by the registrant for the preceding calendar year.  The fee for disinfectants and sanitizers shall be the minimum.  The minimum fee is due by December 31 preceding the year for which the application for registration is made.  In each fiscal year, the commissioner shall allocate from the pesticide regulatory account a sum sufficient to collect and dispose of waste pesticides under section 18B.065.  However, notwithstanding section 18B.065, if the commissioner determines that the balance in the pesticide regulatory account at the end of the fiscal year will be less than $500,000, the commissioner may suspend waste pesticide collections or provide partial payment to a person for waste pesticide collection.  The commissioner must notify as soon as possible and no later than August 1 a person under contract to collect waste pesticides of an anticipated suspension or payment reduction.  A pesticide determined by the commissioner to be a sanitizer or disinfectant is exempt from the gross sales fee.

 

(c) For agricultural pesticides, a licensed agricultural pesticide dealer shall pay a gross sales fee of 0.55 percent of annual gross sales of the agricultural pesticide in the state and the annual gross sales of the agricultural pesticide sold into the state for use in this state.

 

(d) In those cases where a registrant first sells an agricultural pesticide in or into the state to a pesticide end user, the registrant must first obtain an agricultural pesticide dealer license and is responsible for payment of the annual gross sales fee under paragraph (c), record keeping under paragraph (i), and all other requirements of section 18B.316.

 

(e) If the total annual revenue from fees collected by the commissioner on the registration and sale of pesticides is less than $6,600,000 for revenue collected in fiscal year 2011, 2012, or 2013, the commissioner may increase pesticide sales and product registration fees by the amount necessary to ensure this level of revenue is achieved.

 

(b) (f) An additional fee of $100 50 percent of the registration application fee must be paid by the applicant for each pesticide to be registered if the application is a renewal application that is submitted after December 31.

 

(c) (g) A registrant must annually report to the commissioner the amount and, type and annual gross sales of each registered nonagricultural pesticide sold, offered for sale, or otherwise distributed in the state.  The report shall be filed by March 1 for the previous year's registration.  The commissioner shall specify the form of the report or approve the method for submittal of the report and may require additional information deemed necessary to determine the amount and type of pesticides nonagricultural pesticide annually distributed in the state.  The information required shall include the brand name, United States Environmental Protection Agency registration number and amount, and formulation of each nonagricultural pesticide sold, offered for sale, or otherwise distributed in the state, but the information collected, if made public, shall be reported in a manner which does not identify a specific brand name in the report.


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2866


 

(h) A licensed agricultural pesticide dealer must annually report to the commissioner the amount, type, and annual gross sales of each registered agricultural pesticide sold, offered for sale, or otherwise distributed in the state or into the state for use in the state.  The report must be filed by January 31 for the previous year's sales.  The commissioner shall specify the form, contents, and approved electronic method for submittal of the report and may require additional information deemed necessary to determine the amount and type of agricultural pesticide annually distributed within the state or into the state.  The information required must include the brand name, United States Environmental Protection Agency registration number, and amount of each agricultural pesticide sold, offered for sale, or otherwise distributed in the state or into the state.

 

(i) A person who registers a pesticide with the commissioner under paragraph (b), or a registrant under paragraph (d), shall keep accurate records for five years detailing all distribution or sales transactions into the state or in the state and subject to a fee and surcharge under this section.

 

(j) The records are subject to inspection, copying, and audit by the commissioner and must clearly demonstrate proof of payment of all applicable fees and surcharges for each registered pesticide product sold for use in this state.  A person who is located outside of this state must maintain and make available records required by this subdivision in this state or pay all costs incurred by the commissioner in the inspecting, copying, or auditing of the records.

 

(k) The commissioner may adopt by rule regulations that require persons subject to audit under this section to provide information determined by the commissioner to be necessary to enable the commissioner to perform the audit.

 

(d) (l) A registrant who is required to pay more than the minimum fee for any pesticide under paragraph (a) (b) must pay a late fee penalty of $100 for each pesticide application fee paid after March 1 in the year for which the license is to be issued.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective July 1, 2009.  However:

 

(1) the provisions of Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 18B.26, subdivision 3, remain in effect until December 31, 2010, for the registrants of pesticide products sold within the state or used in the state during calendar year 2009; and

 

(2) the commissioner of agriculture may not implement paragraph (c), (d), (e), (f), (g), (h), (i), (j), (k), or (l) until January 1, 2010.

 

Sec. 55.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 18B.31, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 3.  License.  A pesticide dealer license:

 

(1) is issued by the commissioner upon receipt and review of a complete initial or renewal application;

 

(2) is valid for one year and expires on December January 31 of each year unless it is suspended or revoked before that date;

 

(2) (3) is not transferable to another location; and

 

(3) (4) must be prominently displayed to the public in the pesticide dealer's place of business.

 

Sec. 56.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 18B.31, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 4.  Application.  (a) A person must apply to the commissioner for a pesticide dealer license on the forms and in the manner required by the commissioner.


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2867


 

(b) The commissioner may require an additional demonstration of dealer qualification if the dealer has had a license suspended or revoked, or has otherwise had a history of violations of this chapter.

 

(c) An application for renewal of a pesticide dealer license is not complete until the commissioner receives the report and applicable fees required under section 18B.316, subdivision 8.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective January 1, 2010.

 

Sec. 57.  [18B.316] AGRICULTURAL PESTICIDE DEALER LICENSE AND REPORTING. 

 

Subdivision 1.  Requirement.  (a) A person must not distribute or sell an agricultural pesticide in the state or into the state without first obtaining an agricultural pesticide dealer license.

 

(b) Each location or place of business from which an agricultural pesticide is distributed or sold in the state or into the state is required to have a separate agricultural pesticide dealer license.

 

(c)     A person who is a licensed pesticide dealer under section 18B.31 is not required to also be licensed under this subdivision.

 

Subd. 2.  Exemption.  A person who is a pesticide registrant under provisions of this chapter is exempt from the requirement of subdivision 1, except in those cases where a registrant first sells an agricultural pesticide in or into the state to a pesticide end user, the registrant must first obtain an agricultural pesticide dealer license.

 

Subd. 3.  Resident agent.  (a) A person required to be licensed under subdivisions 1 and 2, or a person licensed as a pesticide dealer pursuant to section 18B.31 and who operates from a location or place of business outside the state and who distributes or sells an agricultural pesticide into the state, must continuously maintain in this state the following:

 

(1) a registered office; and

 

(2) a registered agent, who may be either a resident of this state whose business office or residence is identical with the registered office under clause (1), a domestic corporation or limited liability company, or a foreign corporation of limited liability company authorized to transact business in this state and having a business office identical with the registered office.

 

A person licensed under this section or section 18B.31 shall annually file with the commissioner, either at the time of initial licensing or as part of license renewal, the name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address of the licensee's registered agent.

 

For licensees under section 18B.31 who are located in the state, the licensee is the registered agent.

 

Subd. 4.  Responsibility.  The resident agent is responsible for the acts of a licensed agricultural pesticide dealer, or of a licensed pesticide dealer under section 18B.31 who operates from a location or place of business outside the state and who distributes or sells an agricultural pesticide into the state, as well as the acts of the employees of those licensees.

 

Subd. 5.  Records.  A person licensed as an agricultural pesticide dealer, or a person licensed as a pesticide dealer pursuant to section 18B.31, must maintain for five years at the person's principal place of business accurate records of purchases, sales, and distributions of agricultural pesticides in and into this state, including those of its branch locations.  The records shall be made available for audit under provisions of this chapter and chapter 18D.


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2868


 

Subd. 6.  Agricultural pesticide sales invoices.  Sales invoices for agricultural pesticides sold in or into this state by a licensed agricultural pesticide dealer or a pesticide dealer under this section must show the percent of gross sales fee rate assessed and the gross sales fee paid under section 18B.26, subdivision 3, paragraph (c).  Only the person who actually will pay the gross sales fee may show the rate or the amount of the fee as a line item on the sales invoice.

 

Subd. 7.  License.  An agricultural pesticide dealer license:

 

(1) is issued by the commissioner upon receipt and review of a complete initial or renewal application;

 

(2) is valid for one year and expires on January 31 of each year;

 

(3) is not transferable from one location or place of business to another location or place of business; and

 

(4) must be prominently displayed to the public in the agricultural pesticide dealer's place of business and in the registered office of the resident agent.

 

Subd. 8.  Report of sales and payment to the commissioner.  A person who is an agricultural pesticide dealer, or is a licensed pesticide dealer under section 18B.31, who distributes or sells an agricultural pesticide in or into the state, and a pesticide registrant pursuant to section 18B.26, subdivision 3, paragraph (d), shall no later than January 31 of each year report and pay applicable fees on annual gross sales of agricultural pesticides to the commissioner pursuant to requirements under section 18B.26, subdivision 3, paragraphs (c) and (h).

 

Subd. 9.  Application.  (a) A person must apply to the commissioner for an agricultural pesticide dealer license on forms and in a manner approved by the commissioner.

 

(b) The applicant must be the person in charge of each location or place of business from which agricultural pesticides are distributed or sold in or into the state.

 

(c) The commissioner may require that the applicant provide information regarding the applicant's proposed operations and other information considered pertinent by the commissioner.

 

(d) The commissioner may require additional demonstration of licensee qualification if the licensee has had a license suspended or revoked, or has otherwise had a history of violations in another state or violations of this chapter.

 

(e) A licensed agricultural pesticide dealer who changes the dealer's address or place of business must immediately notify the commissioner of the change.

 

(f) An application for renewal of an agricultural pesticide dealer license is complete only when a report and any applicable payment of fees under subdivision 8 are received by the commissioner.

 

Subd. 10.  Application fee.  (a) An application for an agricultural pesticide dealer license, or a renewal of an agricultural pesticide dealer license, must be accompanied by a nonrefundable fee of $150.

 

(b) If an application for renewal of an agricultural pesticide dealer license is not filed before January of the year for which the license is to be issued, an additional fee of 50 percent of the application fee must be paid by the applicant before the commissioner may issue the license.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective July 1, 2009.  However, the commissioner of agriculture may not implement subdivision 9, paragraph (f), until January 1, 2011.


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2869


 

Sec. 58.  [18B.346] PESTICIDE APPLICATION ON RAILROAD PROPERTY. 

 

Subdivision 1.  Applicability.  This section applies only to common carrier railroads.

 

Subd. 2.  Safety information.  (a) In coordination with common carrier railroad companies operating in this state, the commissioner shall provide annual pesticide safety outreach opportunities for railroad employees.

 

(b) A common carrier railroad that operates in this state must provide annual employee pesticide safety training opportunities.

 

Subd. 3.  Pesticide applications.  (a) A person may not directly apply a restricted use pesticide to occupied or unoccupied locomotives, track repair equipment, or on-track housing units unless the pesticide is specifically labeled for that use.

 

(b) Employees of common carrier railroads must not be required to work in affected areas in a manner that is inconsistent with the pesticide label.

 

Subd. 4.  Misuse reporting.  A common carrier railroad or a commercial applicator hired by the common carrier railroad to apply pesticide must report to the commissioner within four hours, or as soon as practicable, any pesticide misuse known to the railroad company or commercial applicator that occurred on railroad property or to other property under the control of the railroad company.  For the purposes of this section, "misuse" means a pesticide application that violates subdivision 3 or any provision in section 18B.07.

 

Sec. 59.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 18B.37, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Pesticide dealer.  (a) A pesticide dealer must maintain records of all sales of restricted use pesticides as required by the commissioner.  Records must be kept at the time of sale on forms supplied by the commissioner or on the pesticide dealer's forms if they are approved by the commissioner.

 

(b) Records must be submitted annually with the renewal application for a pesticide dealer license or upon request of the commissioner.

 

(c) Copies of records required under this subdivision must be maintained by the pesticide dealer for a period of five years after the date of the pesticide sale.

 

Sec. 60.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 18C.415, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 3.  Effective period.  Other Licenses are for the period from January 1 to the following December 31 and must be renewed annually by the licensee before January 1.  A license is not transferable from one person to another, from the ownership to whom issued to another ownership, or from one location to another location.

 

Sec. 61.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 18C.421, is amended to read:

 

18C.421 DISTRIBUTOR'S TONNAGE REPORT. 

 

Subdivision 1.  Semiannual statement Annual tonnage report.  (a) Each licensed distributor of fertilizer and each registrant of a specialty fertilizer, soil amendment, or plant amendment must file a semiannual statement for the periods ending December 31 and June 30 with the commissioner on forms furnished by the commissioner stating the number of net tons and grade of each raw fertilizer material distributed or the number of net tons of each brand or grade of fertilizer, soil amendment, or plant amendment registrant under section 18C.411 and licensee under section 18C.415 shall file an annual tonnage report for the previous year ending June 30 with the commissioner, on forms


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2870


 

provided or approved by the commissioner, stating the number of net tons of each brand or grade of fertilizer, soil amendment, or plant amendment distributed in this state or the number of net tons and grade of each raw fertilizer material distributed in this state during the reporting period.

 

(b) A tonnage reports are report is not required to be filed with submitted and an inspection fee under section 18C.425, subdivision 6, is not required to be paid to the commissioner from licensees by a licensee who distributed distributes fertilizer solely by custom application.

 

(c) A report from a licensee who sells to an ultimate consumer must be accompanied by records or invoice copies indicating the name of the distributor who paid the inspection fee, the net tons received, and the grade or brand name of the products received.

 

(d) (c) The annual tonnage report is due must be submitted to the commissioner on or before the last day of the month following the close of each reporting period July 31 of each calendar year.

 

(e) (d) The inspection fee at the rate stated in section 18C.425, subdivision 6, must accompany the statement.

 

Subd. 2.  Additional reports.  The commissioner may by rule require additional reports for the purpose of gathering statistical data relating to fertilizer, soil amendments, and plant amendments distribution in the state.

 

Subd. 3.  Late annual report and inspection fee penalty.  (a) If a distributor does not file the semiannual statement registrant or licensee fails to submit an annual tonnage report or pay the inspection fees fee under section 18C.425, subdivision 6, by 31 days after the end of the reporting period July 31, the commissioner shall assess the registrant or licensee a penalty of the greater of $25 $50 or ten percent of the amount due against the licensee or registrant.

 

(b) The fees due, plus the penalty, may be recovered in a civil action against the licensee or registrant.

 

(c) The assessment of the penalty does not prevent the commissioner from taking other actions as provided in this chapter and sections 18D.301 to 18D.331.

 

Subd. 4.  Responsibility for inspection fees.  If more than one person is involved in the distribution of a fertilizer, soil amendment, or plant amendment, the distributor who imports, manufactures, or produces the fertilizer or who has the specialty fertilizer, soil amendment, or plant amendment registered is responsible for the inspection fee on products produced or brought into this state.  The distributor must separately list the inspection fee on the invoice to the licensee.  The last licensee must retain the invoices showing proof of inspection fees paid for three years and must pay the inspection fee on products brought into this state before July 1, 1989, unless the reporting and paying of fees have been made by a prior distributor of the fertilizer.

 

Subd. 5.  Verification of statements annual tonnage report.  The commissioner may verify the records on which the statement of annual tonnage report is based.

 

Sec. 62.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 18C.425, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 4.  Fee for late application.  If an application for renewal of a fertilizer license or registration of a specialty fertilizer, soil amendment, or plant amendment under section 18C.411 or a license under section 18C.415 is not filed before January 1 or July 1 of a year, as required submitted to the commissioner after December 31, an additional application late fee of one-half of the amount due must be paid in addition to the application fee before the renewal license or registration may be issued.


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2871


 

Sec. 63.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 18C.425, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 6.  Payment of inspection fees fee.  (a) The person who registers and distributes in the state a specialty fertilizer, soil amendment, or plant amendment under section 18C.411 shall pay the inspection fee to the commissioner.

 

(b) The person licensed under section 18C.415 who distributes a fertilizer to a person not required to be so licensed shall pay the inspection fee to the commissioner, except as exempted under section 18C.421, subdivision 1, paragraph (b).

 

(c) The person responsible for payment of the inspection fees for fertilizers, soil amendments, or plant amendments sold and used in this state must pay an inspection fee of 30 70 cents per ton of fertilizer, soil amendment, and plant amendment sold or distributed in this state, with a minimum of $10 on all tonnage reports.  Products sold or distributed to manufacturers or exchanged between them are exempt from the inspection fee imposed by this subdivision if the products are used exclusively for manufacturing purposes.

 

(d) A registrant or licensee must retain invoices showing proof of fertilizer, plant amendment, or soil amendment distribution amounts and inspection fees paid for a period of three years.

 

Sec. 64.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 18E.03, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2.  Expenditures.  (a) Money in the agricultural chemical response and reimbursement account may only be used:

 

(1) to pay for the commissioner's responses to incidents under chapters 18B, 18C, and 18D that are not eligible for payment under section 115B.20, subdivision 2;

 

(2) to pay for emergency responses that are otherwise unable to be funded;

 

(3) to reimburse and pay corrective action costs under section 18E.04; and

 

(4) by the board to reimburse the commissioner for board staff and other administrative costs and the commissioner's incident response program costs related to eligible incident sites, up to $225,000 $450,000 per fiscal year.

 

(b) Money in the agricultural chemical response and reimbursement account is appropriated to the commissioner to make payments as provided in this subdivision.

 

Sec. 65.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 18E.03, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 4.  Fee.  (a) The response and reimbursement fee consists of the surcharges and any adjustments made by the commissioner in this subdivision and shall be collected by the commissioner.  The amount of the response and reimbursement fee shall be determined and imposed annually by the commissioner as required to satisfy the requirements in subdivision 3.  The commissioner shall adjust the amount of the surcharges imposed in proportion to the amount of the surcharges listed in this subdivision.  License application categories under paragraph (d) must be charged in proportion to the amount of surcharges imposed up to a maximum of 50 percent of the license fees set under chapters 18B and 18C.

 

(b) The commissioner shall impose a surcharge on pesticides registered under chapter 18B to be collected as a surcharge on the registration application fee gross sales under section 18B.26, subdivision 3, that is equal to 0.1 percent of sales of the pesticide in the state and sales of pesticides for use in the state during the previous calendar


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2872


 

year, except the surcharge may not be imposed on pesticides that are sanitizers or disinfectants as determined by the commissioner.  No surcharge is required if the surcharge amount based on percent of annual gross sales is less than $10.  The registrant shall determine when and which pesticides are sold or used in this state.  The registrant shall secure sufficient sales information of pesticides distributed into this state from distributors and dealers, regardless of distributor location, to make a determination.  Sales of pesticides in this state and sales of pesticides for use in this state by out-of-state distributors are not exempt and must be included in the registrant's annual report, as required under section 18B.26, subdivision 3, paragraph (c), and fees shall be paid by the registrant based upon those reported sales.  Sales of pesticides in the state for use outside of the state are exempt from the surcharge in this paragraph if the registrant, agricultural pesticide dealer, or pesticide dealer properly documents the sale location and the distributors.

 

(c) The commissioner shall impose a ten cents per ton surcharge on the inspection fee under section 18C.425, subdivision 6, for fertilizers, soil amendments, and plant amendments.

 

(d) The commissioner shall impose a surcharge on the license application of persons licensed under chapters 18B and 18C consisting of:

 

(1) a $75 surcharge for each site where pesticides are stored or distributed, to be imposed as a surcharge on pesticide dealer application fees under section 18B.31, subdivision 5, and the agricultural pesticide dealer application fee under section 18B.316, subdivision 10;

 

(2) a $75 surcharge for each site where a fertilizer, plant amendment, or soil amendment is distributed, to be imposed on persons licensed under sections 18C.415 and 18C.425;

 

(3) a $50 surcharge to be imposed on a structural pest control applicator license application under section 18B.32, subdivision 6, for business license applications only;

 

(4) a $20 surcharge to be imposed on commercial applicator license application fees under section 18B.33, subdivision 7; and

 

(5) a $20 surcharge to be imposed on noncommercial applicator license application fees under section 18B.34, subdivision 5, except a surcharge may not be imposed on a noncommercial applicator that is a state agency, political subdivision of the state, the federal government, or an agency of the federal government.

 

(e) A $1,000 fee shall be imposed on each site where pesticides are stored and sold for use outside of the state unless:

 

(1) the distributor properly documents that it has less than $2,000,000 per year in wholesale value of pesticides stored and transferred through the site; or

 

(2) the registrant pays the surcharge under paragraph (b) and the registration fee under section 18B.26, subdivision 3, for all of the pesticides stored at the site and sold for use outside of the state.

 

(f) Paragraphs (c) to (e) apply to sales, licenses issued, applications received for licenses, and inspection fees imposed on or after July 1, 1990.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective July 1, 2009.  However, the commissioner of agriculture may not implement the change to paragraph (b) until January 1, 2010.


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2873


 

Sec. 66.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 18E.06, is amended to read:

 

18E.06 REPORT. 

 

By December 1 of each year, the Agricultural Chemical Response Compensation Board and the commissioner shall submit to the house of representatives Committee on Ways and Means, the senate Committee on Finance, the house of representatives and senate committees with jurisdiction over the environment, natural resources, and agriculture, and the Environmental Quality Board a report detailing the board's activities and reimbursements and the expenditures and activities associated with the commissioner's incident response program for which money from the account has been spent during the previous year.

 

Sec. 67.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 18H.02, subdivision 12a, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 12a.  Individual Dormant.  "Individual" means a human being "Dormant" means nursery stock without etiolated growth.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective the day following final enactment.

 

Sec. 68.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 18H.02, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 12b.  Etiolated growth.  "Etiolated growth" means bleached and unnatural growth resulting from the exclusion of sunlight.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective the day following final enactment.

 

Sec. 69.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 18H.02, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 12c.  Individual.  "Individual" means a human being.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective the day following final enactment.

 

Sec. 70.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 18H.02, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 24a.  Packaged stock.  "Packaged stock" means bare root nursery stock packed with the roots in moisture-retaining material encased in plastic film or other material designed to hold the moisture-retaining material in place.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective the day following final enactment.

 

Sec. 71.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 18H.07, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2.  Nursery stock grower certificate.  (a) A nursery stock grower must pay an annual fee based on the area of all acreage on which nursery stock is grown for certification as follows:

 

(1) less than one-half acre, $150;

 

(2) from one-half acre to two acres, $200;

 

(3) over two acres up to five acres, $300;

 

(4) over five acres up to ten acres, $350;


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2874


 

(5) over ten acres up to 20 acres, $500;

 

(6) over 20 acres up to 40 acres, $650;

 

(7) over 40 acres up to 50 acres, $800;

 

(8) over 50 acres up to 200 acres, $1,100;

 

(9) over 200 acres up to 500 acres, $1,500; and

 

(10) over 500 acres, $1,500 plus $2 for each additional acre.

 

(b) In addition to the fees in paragraph (a), a penalty of ten percent of the fee due must be charged for each month, or portion thereof, that the fee is delinquent up to a maximum of 30 percent for any application for renewal not received by January 1 postmarked by December 31 of the current year following expiration of a certificate.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective the day following final enactment.

 

Sec. 72.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 18H.07, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 3.  Nursery stock dealer certificate.  (a) A nursery stock dealer must pay an annual fee based on the dealer's gross sales of certified nursery stock per location during the most recent certificate year.  A certificate applicant operating for the first time must pay the minimum fee.  The fees per sales location are:

 

(1) gross sales up to $5,000, $150;

 

(2) gross sales over $5,000 up to $20,000, $175;

 

(3) gross sales over $20,000 up to $50,000, $300;

 

(4) gross sales over $50,000 up to $75,000, $425;

 

(5) gross sales over $75,000 up to $100,000, $550;

 

(6) gross sales over $100,000 up to $200,000, $675; and

 

(7) gross sales over $200,000, $800.

 

(b) In addition to the fees in paragraph (a), a penalty of ten percent of the fee due must be charged for each month, or portion thereof, that the fee is delinquent up to a maximum of 30 percent for any application for renewal not received by January 1 postmarked by December 31 of the current year following expiration of a certificate.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective the day following final enactment.

 

Sec. 73.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 18H.09, is amended to read:

 

18H.09 NURSERY STOCK CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS. 

 

(a) All nursery stock growing at sites identified by nursery stock dealers or nursery stock growers and submitted for inspection must be inspected by the commissioner within the previous 12 months prior to sale and found apparently free from quarantine and regulated nonquarantine pests as well as significantly dangerous or potentially damaging plant pests.  The commissioner may waive a site inspection under the following conditions:


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2875


 

(1) the nursery stock is not going to be sold within 12 months;

 

(2) the nursery stock will not be moved out of Minnesota; and

 

(3) the nursery site or stock is not subject to certification requirements associated with a state or federally regulated or quarantined plant pest.

 

All nursery stock originating from out of state and offered for sale in Minnesota must have been inspected by the appropriate state or federal agency during the previous 12 months and found free from quarantine and regulated nonquarantine pests as well as significantly dangerous or potentially damaging plant pests.  A nursery stock certificate is valid from January 1 to December 31.

 

(b) Nursery stock must be accessible to the commissioner for inspection during regular business hours.  Weeds or other growth that hinder a proper inspection are grounds to suspend or withhold a certificate or require a reinspection.

 

(c) Inspection reports issued to growers must contain a list of the plant pests found at the time of inspection.  Withdrawal-from-distribution orders are considered part of the inspection reports.  A withdrawal-from-distribution order must contain a list of plants withdrawn from distribution and the location of the plants.

 

(d) The commissioner may post signs to delineate sections withdrawn from distribution.  These signs must remain in place until the commissioner removes them or grants written permission to the grower to remove the signs.

 

(e) Inspection reports issued to dealers must outline the violations involved and corrective actions to be taken including withdrawal-from-distribution orders which would specify nursery stock that could not be distributed from a certain area.

 

(f) Optional inspections of plants may be conducted by the commissioner upon request by any persons desiring an inspection.  A fee as provided in section 18H.07 must be charged for such an inspection.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective the day following final enactment.

 

Sec. 74.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 18H.10, is amended to read:

 

18H.10 STORAGE OF NURSERY STOCK. 

 

All nursery stock must be kept and displayed under conditions of temperature, light, and moisture sufficient to maintain the viability and vigor of the nursery stock.  Packaged dormant nursery stock must be stored under conditions that retard growth, prevent etiolated growth, and protect its viability.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective the day following final enactment.

 

Sec. 75.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 28A.085, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Violations; prohibited acts.  The commissioner may charge a reinspection fee for each reinspection of a food handler that:

 

(1) is found with a major violation of requirements in chapter 28, 29, 30, 31, 31A, 32, 33, or 34, or rules adopted under one of those chapters;


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2876


 

(2) is found with a violation of section 31.02, 31.161, or 31.165, and requires a follow-up inspection after an administrative meeting held pursuant to section 31.14; or

 

(3) fails to correct equipment and facility deficiencies as required in rules adopted under chapter 28, 29, 30, 31, 31A, 32, or 34.  The first reinspection of a firm with gross food sales under $1,000,000 must be assessed at $75 $150.  The fee for a firm with gross food sales over $1,000,000 is $100 $200.  The fee for a subsequent reinspection of a firm for the same violation is 50 percent of their current license fee or $200 $300, whichever is greater.  The establishment must be issued written notice of violations with a reasonable date for compliance listed on the notice.  An initial inspection relating to a complaint is not a reinspection.

 

Sec. 76.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 28A.21, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 5.  Duties.  The task force shall:

 

(1) coordinate educational efforts regarding food safety and defense;

 

(2) provide advice and coordination to state agencies as requested by the agencies;

 

(3) serve as a source of information and referral for the public, news media, and others concerned with food safety and defense; and

 

(4) make recommendations to Congress, the legislative committees with jurisdiction over agriculture finance and policy, the legislature, and others about appropriate action to improve food safety and defense in the state.

 

Sec. 77.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 31.94, is amended to read:

 

31.94 COMMISSIONER DUTIES. 

 

(a) In order to promote opportunities for organic agriculture in Minnesota, the commissioner shall:

 

(1) survey producers and support services and organizations to determine information and research needs in the area of organic agriculture practices;

 

(2) work with the University of Minnesota to demonstrate the on-farm applicability of organic agriculture practices to conditions in this state;

 

(3) direct the programs of the department so as to work toward the promotion of organic agriculture in this state;

 

(4) inform agencies of how state or federal programs could utilize and support organic agriculture practices; and

 

(5) work closely with producers, the University of Minnesota, the Minnesota Trade Office, and other appropriate organizations to identify opportunities and needs as well as ensure coordination and avoid duplication of state agency efforts regarding research, teaching, marketing, and extension work relating to organic agriculture.

 

(b) By November 15 of each even-numbered year the commissioner, in conjunction with the task force created in paragraph (c), shall report on the status of organic agriculture in Minnesota to the legislative policy and finance committees and divisions with jurisdiction over agriculture.  The report must include:

 

(1) a description of current state or federal programs directed toward organic agriculture, including significant results and experiences of those programs;


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2877


 

(2) a description of specific actions the department of agriculture is taking in the area of organic agriculture, including the proportion of the department's budget spent on organic agriculture;

 

(3) a description of current and future research needs at all levels in the area of organic agriculture;

 

(4) suggestions for changes in existing programs or policies or enactment of new programs or policies that will affect organic agriculture;

 

(5) a description of market trends and potential for organic products;

 

(6) available information, using currently reliable data, on the price received, yield, and profitability of organic farms, and a comparison with data on conventional farms; and

 

(7) available information, using currently reliable data, on the positive and negative impacts of organic production on the environment and human health.

 

(c) The commissioner shall appoint A Minnesota Organic Advisory Task Force to shall advise the commissioner and the University of Minnesota on policies and practices to programs that will improve organic agriculture in Minnesota, including how available resources can most effectively be used for outreach, education, research, and technical assistance that meet the needs of the organic agriculture community.  The task force must consist of the following residents of the state:

 

(1) three farmers using organic agriculture methods;

 

(2) two organic food wholesalers, retailers, or distributors of organic products;

 

(3) one representative of organic food certification agencies;

 

(4) two organic food processors;

 

(5) one representative from the University of Minnesota Extension Service;

 

(6) one representative from a University of Minnesota postsecondary research institution faculty member;

 

(7) one representative from a nonprofit organization representing producers;

 

(8) one two at-large member members;

 

(9) one representative from the United States Department of Agriculture; and

 

(10) one organic consumer representative.

 

The commissioner, in consultation with the director of the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station; the dean and director of University of Minnesota Extension; and the dean of the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences shall appoint members to serve staggered two-year terms.

 

Terms, Compensation, and removal of members are governed by section 15.059, subdivision 6.  The task force must meet at least twice each year and expires on June 30, 2009 2013.


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2878


 

(d) For the purposes of expanding, improving, and developing production and marketing of the organic products of Minnesota agriculture, the commissioner may receive funds from state and federal sources and spend them, including through grants or contracts, to assist producers and processors to achieve certification, to conduct education or marketing activities, to enter into research and development partnerships, or to address production or marketing obstacles to the growth and well-being of the industry.

 

(e) The commissioner may facilitate the registration of state organic production and handling operations including those exempt from organic certification according to Code of Federal Regulations, title 7, section 205.101, and certification agents operating within the state.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective June 30, 2009.

 

Sec. 78.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 32.394, subdivision 8, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 8.  Grade A inspection fees.  A processor or marketing organization of milk, milk products, sheep milk, or goat milk who wishes to market Grade A milk or use the Grade A label must apply for Grade A inspection service from the commissioner.  A pasteurization plant requesting Grade A inspection service must hold a Grade A permit and pay an annual inspection fee of no more than $500.  For Grade A farm inspection service, the fee must be no more than $50 per farm, paid annually by the processor or by the marketing organization on behalf of its patrons.  For a farm requiring a reinspection in addition to the required biannual inspections, an additional fee of $45 $100 per reinspection must be paid by the processor or by the marketing organization on behalf of its patrons.

 

Sec. 79.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 41A.09, subdivision 2a, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2a.  Definitions.  For the purposes of this section, the terms defined in this subdivision have the meanings given them.

 

(a) "Ethanol" means fermentation ethyl alcohol derived from agricultural products, including potatoes, cereal grains, cheese whey, and sugar beets; forest products; or other renewable resources, including residue and waste generated from the production, processing, and marketing of agricultural products, forest products, and other renewable resources, that:

 

(1) meets all of the specifications in ASTM specification D4806-04a; and

 

(2) is denatured as specified in Code of Federal Regulations, title 27, parts 20 and 21.

 

(b) "Ethanol plant" means a plant at which ethanol is produced.

 

(c) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of agriculture.

 

(d) "Rural economic infrastructure" means the development of activities that will enhance the value of agricultural crop or livestock commodities or by-products or waste from farming operations through new and improved value-added conversion processes and technologies, the development of more timely and efficient infrastructure delivery systems, and the enhancement of marketing opportunities. "Rural economic infrastructure" also means land, buildings, structures, fixtures, and improvements located or to be located in Minnesota and used or operated primarily for the processing or the support of production of marketable products from agricultural commodities or wind energy produced in Minnesota.

 

Sec. 80.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 41A.09, subdivision 3a, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 3a.  Ethanol producer payments.  (a) The commissioner shall make cash payments to producers of ethanol located in the state that have begun production at a specific location by June 30, 2000.  For the purpose of this subdivision, an entity that holds a controlling interest in more than one ethanol plant is considered a single producer.  The amount of the payment for each producer's annual production, except as provided in paragraph (c), is


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2879


 

20 cents per gallon for each gallon of ethanol produced at a specific location on or before June 30, 2000, or ten years after the start of production, whichever is later.  Annually, within 90 days of the end of its fiscal year, an ethanol producer receiving payments under this subdivision must file a disclosure statement on a form provided by the commissioner.  The initial disclosure statement must include a summary description of the organization of the business structure of the claimant, a listing of the percentages of ownership by any person or other entity with an ownership interest of five percent or greater, and a copy of its annual audited financial statements, including the auditor's report and footnotes.  The disclosure statement must include information demonstrating what percentage of the entity receiving payments under this section is owned by farmers or other entities eligible to farm or own agricultural land in Minnesota under the provisions of section 500.24.  Subsequent annual reports must reflect noncumulative changes in ownership of ten percent or more of the entity.  The report need not disclose the identity of the persons or entities eligible to farm or own agricultural land with ownership interests, individuals residing within 30 miles of the plant, or of any other entity with less than ten percent ownership interest, but the claimant must retain information within its files confirming the accuracy of the data provided.  This data must be made available to the commissioner upon request.  Not later than the 15th day of February in each year the commissioner shall deliver to the chairs of the standing committees of the senate and the house of representatives that deal with agricultural policy and agricultural finance issues an annual report summarizing aggregated data from plants receiving payments under this section during the preceding calendar year.  Audited financial statements and notes and disclosure statements submitted to the commissioner are nonpublic data under section 13.02, subdivision 9.  Notwithstanding the provisions of chapter 13 relating to nonpublic data, summaries of the submitted audited financial reports and notes and disclosure statements will be contained in the report to the committee chairs and will be public data.

 

(b) No payments shall be made for ethanol production that occurs after June 30, 2010.  A producer of ethanol shall not transfer the producer's eligibility for payments under this section to an ethanol plant at a different location.

 

(c) If the level of production at an ethanol plant increases due to an increase in the production capacity of the plant, the payment under paragraph (a) applies to the additional increment of production until ten years after the increased production began.  Once a plant's production capacity reaches 15,000,000 gallons per year, no additional increment will qualify for the payment.

 

(d) Total payments under paragraphs (a) and (c) to a producer in a fiscal year may not exceed $3,000,000.

 

(e) By the last day of October, January, April, and July, each producer shall file a claim for payment for ethanol production during the preceding three calendar months.  A producer that files a claim under this subdivision shall include a statement of the producer's total ethanol production in Minnesota during the quarter covered by the claim.  For each claim and statement of total ethanol production filed under this subdivision, the volume of ethanol production must be examined by an independent certified public accountant in accordance with standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

 

(f) Payments shall be made November 15, February 15, May 15, and August 15.  A separate payment shall be made for each claim filed.  Except as provided in paragraph (g), the total quarterly payment to a producer under this paragraph may not exceed $750,000.

 

(g) Notwithstanding the quarterly payment limits of paragraph (f), the commissioner shall make an additional payment in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year to ethanol producers for the lesser of: (1) 20 cents per gallon of production in the fourth quarter of the year that is greater than 3,750,000 gallons; or (2) the total amount of payments lost during the first three quarters of the fiscal year due to plant outages, repair, or major maintenance.  Total payments to an ethanol producer in a fiscal year, including any payment under this paragraph, must not exceed the total amount the producer is eligible to receive based on the producer's approved production capacity.  The provisions of this paragraph apply only to production losses that occur in quarters beginning after December 31, 1999.


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2880


 

(h) The commissioner shall reimburse ethanol producers for any deficiency in payments during earlier quarters if the deficiency occurred because of unallotment or because appropriated money was insufficient to make timely payments in the full amount provided in paragraph (a).  Notwithstanding the quarterly or annual payment limitations in this subdivision, the commissioner shall begin making payments for earlier deficiencies in each fiscal year that appropriations for ethanol payments exceed the amount required to make eligible scheduled payments.  Payments for earlier deficiencies must continue until the deficiencies for each producer are paid in full, except the commissioner shall not make a deficiency payment to an entity that no longer produces ethanol on a commercial scale at the location for which the entity qualified for producer payments, or to an assignee of the entity.

 

(i) The commissioner may make direct payments to producers of rural economic infrastructure provide financial assistance under the 21st century agricultural reinvestment program in section 41A.12 with any amount of the annual appropriation for ethanol producer payments and rural economic infrastructure that is in excess of the amount required to make scheduled ethanol producer payments and deficiency payments under paragraphs (a) to (h).

 

Sec. 81.  [41A.12] 21ST CENTURY AGRICULTURAL REINVESTMENT PROGRAM. 

 

Subdivision 1.  Establishment.  The 21st century agricultural reinvestment program is established in order to promote the advancement of the state's agricultural and renewable energy industries.

 

Subd. 2.  Activities authorized.  For the purposes of this program, the commissioner may issue grants, loans, or other forms of financial assistance.  Eligible activities include, but are not limited to, grants to livestock producers under the livestock investment grant program under section 17.118 and bioenergy awards made by the NextGen Energy Board under section 41A.105.

 

Subd. 3.  Oversight.  The commissioner, in consultation with the chairs and ranking minority members of the house of representatives and senate committees with jurisdiction over agriculture finance, must allocate available funds among eligible uses, develop competitive eligibility criteria, and award funds on a needs basis.

 

Sec. 82.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 41B.039, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2.  State participation.  The state may participate in a new real estate loan with an eligible lender to a beginning farmer to the extent of 45 percent of the principal amount of the loan or $200,000 $300,000, whichever is less.  The interest rates and repayment terms of the authority's participation interest may be different than the interest rates and repayment terms of the lender's retained portion of the loan.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective the day following final enactment.

 

Sec. 83.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 41B.04, subdivision 8, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 8.  State's State participation.  With respect to loans that are eligible for restructuring under sections 41B.01 to 41B.23 and upon acceptance by the authority, the authority shall enter into a participation agreement or other financial arrangement whereby it shall participate in a restructured loan to the extent of 45 percent of the primary principal or $225,000 $400,000, whichever is less.  The authority's portion of the loan must be protected during the authority's participation by the first mortgage held by the eligible lender to the extent of its participation in the loan.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective the day following final enactment.


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2881


 

Sec. 84.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 41B.042, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 4.  Participation limit; interest.  The authority may participate in new seller-sponsored loans to the extent of 45 percent of the principal amount of the loan or $200,000 $300,000, whichever is less.  The interest rates and repayment terms of the authority's participation interest may be different than the interest rates and repayment terms of the seller's retained portion of the loan.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective the day following final enactment.

 

Sec. 85.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 41B.043, subdivision 1b, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 1b.  Loan participation.  The authority may participate in an agricultural improvement loan with an eligible lender to a farmer who meets the requirements of section 41B.03, subdivision 1, clauses (1) and (2), and who is actively engaged in farming.  Participation is limited to 45 percent of the principal amount of the loan or $200,000 $300,000, whichever is less.  The interest rates and repayment terms of the authority's participation interest may be different than the interest rates and repayment terms of the lender's retained portion of the loan.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective the day following final enactment.

 

Sec. 86.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 41B.045, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2.  Loan participation.  The authority may participate in a livestock expansion loan with an eligible lender to a livestock farmer who meets the requirements of section 41B.03, subdivision 1, clauses (1) and (2), and who are actively engaged in a livestock operation.  A prospective borrower must have a total net worth, including assets and liabilities of the borrower's spouse and dependents, of less than $660,000 in 2004 and an amount in subsequent years which is adjusted for inflation by multiplying that amount by the cumulative inflation rate as determined by the United States All-Items Consumer Price Index.

 

Participation is limited to 45 percent of the principal amount of the loan or $275,000 $400,000, whichever is less.  The interest rates and repayment terms of the authority's participation interest may be different from the interest rates and repayment terms of the lender's retained portion of the loan.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective the day following final enactment.

 

Sec. 87.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 97A.045, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Duties; generally.  (a) The commissioner shall do all things the commissioner determines are necessary to preserve, protect, and propagate desirable species of wild animals.  The commissioner shall make special provisions for the management of fish and wildlife to ensure recreational opportunities for anglers and hunters.  The commissioner shall acquire wild animals for breeding or stocking and may dispose of or destroy undesirable or predatory wild animals and their dens, nests, houses, or dams.

 

(b) Notwithstanding chapters 17 and 35, the commissioner, in consultation with the commissioner of agriculture and the executive director of the Board of Animal Health, may capture or control nonnative or domestic animals that are released, have escaped, or are otherwise running at large and causing damage to natural resources or agricultural lands, or that are posing a threat to wildlife, domestic animals, or human health.  The commissioner may work with other agencies to assist in the capture or control and may authorize persons to take such animals.

 

Sec. 88.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 239.791, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Minimum ethanol content required.  (a) Except as provided in subdivisions 10 to 14, a person responsible for the product shall ensure that all gasoline sold or offered for sale in Minnesota must contain at least the quantity of ethanol required by clause (1) or (2), whichever is greater:


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2882


 

(1) 10.0 percent denatured ethanol by volume; or

 

(2) the maximum percent of denatured ethanol by volume authorized in a waiver granted by the United States Environmental Protection Agency under section 211(f)(4) of the Clean Air Act, United States Code, title 42, section 7545, subsection (f), paragraph (4).

 

(b) For purposes of enforcing the minimum ethanol requirement of paragraph (a), a gasoline/ethanol blend will be construed to be in compliance if the ethanol content, exclusive of denaturants and permitted contaminants, comprises not less than 9.2 percent by volume and not more than 10.0 percent by volume of the blend as determined by an appropriate United States Environmental Protection Agency or American Society of Testing Materials standard method of analysis of alcohol/ether content in engine fuels.

 

(c) The provisions of this subdivision are suspended during any period of time that subdivision 1a, paragraph (a), is in effect.

 

Sec. 89.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 239.791, subdivision 1a, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 1a.  Minimum ethanol content required.  (a) Except as provided in subdivisions 10 to 14, on August 30, 2013, and thereafter, a person responsible for the product shall ensure that all gasoline sold or offered for sale in Minnesota must contain at least the quantity of ethanol required by clause (1) or (2), whichever is greater:

 

(1) 20 percent denatured ethanol by volume; or

 

(2) the maximum percent of denatured ethanol by volume authorized in a waiver granted by the United States Environmental Protection Agency under section 211(f)(4) of the Clean Air Act, United States Code, title 42, section 7545, subsection (f), paragraph (4).

 

(b) For purposes of enforcing the minimum ethanol requirement of paragraph (a), a gasoline/ethanol blend will be construed to be in compliance if the ethanol content, exclusive of denaturants and permitted contaminants, comprises not less than 18.4 percent by volume and not more than 20 percent by volume of the blend as determined by an appropriate United States Environmental Protection Agency or American Society of Testing Materials standard method of analysis of alcohol content in motor fuels.

 

(c) No motor fuel shall be deemed to be a defective product by virtue of the fact that the motor fuel is formulated or blended pursuant to the requirements of paragraph (a) under any theory of liability except for simple or willful negligence or fraud.  This paragraph does not preclude an action for negligent, fraudulent, or willful acts.  This paragraph does not affect a person whose liability arises under chapter 115, water pollution control; 115A, waste management; 115B, environmental response and liability; 115C, leaking underground storage tanks; or 299J, pipeline safety; under public nuisance law for damage to the environment or the public health; under any other environmental or public health law; or under any environmental or public health ordinance or program of a municipality as defined in section 466.01.

 

(d) This subdivision expires on December 31, 2010, if by that date:

 

(1) the commissioner of agriculture certifies and publishes the certification in the State Register that at least 20 percent of the volume of gasoline sold in the state is denatured ethanol; or

 

(2) federal approval has not been granted for the use of E20 as gasoline.  The United States Environmental Protection Agency's failure to act on an application shall not be deemed approval of the use of E20, or a waiver under section 211(f)(4) of the Clean Air Act, United States Code, title 42, section 7545, subsection (f), paragraph (4).


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2883


 

Sec. 90.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 336.9-601, is amended to read:

 

336.9-601 RIGHTS AFTER DEFAULT; JUDICIAL ENFORCEMENT; CONSIGNOR OR BUYER OF ACCOUNTS, CHATTEL PAPER, PAYMENT INTANGIBLES, OR PROMISSORY NOTES. 

 

(a) Rights of secured party after default.  After default, a secured party has the rights provided in this part and, except as otherwise provided in section 336.9-602, those provided by agreement of the parties.  A secured party:

 

(1) may reduce a claim to judgment, foreclose, or otherwise enforce the claim, security interest, or agricultural lien by any available judicial procedure; and

 

(2) if the collateral is documents, may proceed either as to the documents or as to the goods they cover.

 

(b) Rights and duties of secured party in possession or control.  A secured party in possession of collateral or control of collateral under section 336.7-106, 336.9-104, 336.9-105, 336.9-106, or 336.9-107 has the rights and duties provided in section 336.9-207.

 

(c) Rights cumulative; simultaneous exercise.  The rights under subsections (a) and (b) are cumulative and may be exercised simultaneously.

 

(d) Rights of debtor and obligor.  Except as otherwise provided in subsection (g) and section 336.9-605, after default, a debtor and an obligor have the rights provided in this part and by agreement of the parties.

 

(e) Lien of levy after judgment.  If a secured party has reduced its claim to judgment, the lien of any levy that may be made upon the collateral by virtue of an execution based upon the judgment relates back to the earliest of:

 

(1) the date of perfection of the security interest or agricultural lien in the collateral;

 

(2) the date of filing a financing statement covering the collateral; or

 

(3) any date specified in a statute under which the agricultural lien was created.

 

(f) Execution sale.  A sale pursuant to an execution is a foreclosure of the security interest or agricultural lien by judicial procedure within the meaning of this section.  A secured party may purchase at the sale and thereafter hold the collateral free of any other requirements of this article.

 

(g) Consignor or buyer of certain rights to payment.  Except as otherwise provided in section 336.9-607(c), this part imposes no duties upon a secured party that is a consignor or is a buyer of accounts, chattel paper, payment intangibles, or promissory notes.

 

(h) Security interest in collateral that is agricultural property; enforcement.  A person may not begin to enforce a security interest in collateral that is agricultural property subject to sections 583.20 to 583.32 that has secured a debt of more than $5,000 unless:  a mediation notice under subsection (i) is served on the debtor after a condition of default has occurred in the security agreement and a copy served on the director of the agricultural extension service; and the debtor and creditor have completed mediation under sections 583.20 to 583.32; or as otherwise allowed under sections 583.20 to 583.32.

 

(i) Mediation notice.  A mediation notice under subsection (h) must contain the following notice with the blanks properly filled in.

 

"TO: ...(Name of Debtor)...


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2884


 

YOU HAVE DEFAULTED ON THE ...(Debt in Default)...  SECURED BY AGRICULTURAL PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS ...(Reasonable Description of Agricultural Property Collateral)...  THE AMOUNT OF THE OUTSTANDING DEBT IS ...(Amount of Debt)...

 

AS A SECURED PARTY, ...(Name of Secured Party)...  INTENDS TO ENFORCE THE SECURITY AGREEMENT AGAINST THE AGRICULTURAL PROPERTY DESCRIBED ABOVE BY REPOSSESSING, FORECLOSING ON, OR OBTAINING A COURT JUDGMENT AGAINST THE PROPERTY.

 

YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO HAVE THE DEBT REVIEWED FOR MEDIATION.  IF YOU REQUEST MEDIATION, A DEBT THAT IS IN DEFAULT WILL BE MEDIATED ONLY ONCE.  IF YOU DO NOT REQUEST MEDIATION, THIS DEBT WILL NOT BE SUBJECT TO FUTURE MEDIATION IF THE SECURED PARTY ENFORCES THE DEBT.

 

IF YOU PARTICIPATE IN MEDIATION, THE DIRECTOR OF THE AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SERVICE WILL PROVIDE AN ORIENTATION MEETING AND A FINANCIAL ANALYST TO HELP YOU TO PREPARE FINANCIAL INFORMATION.  IF YOU DECIDE TO PARTICIPATE IN MEDIATION, IT WILL BE TO YOUR ADVANTAGE TO ASSEMBLE YOUR FARM FINANCE AND OPERATION RECORDS AND TO CONTACT A COUNTY EXTENSION OFFICE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.  MEDIATION WILL ATTEMPT TO ARRIVE AT AN AGREEMENT FOR HANDLING FUTURE FINANCIAL RELATIONS.

 

TO HAVE THE DEBT REVIEWED FOR MEDIATION YOU MUST FILE A MEDIATION REQUEST WITH THE DIRECTOR WITHIN 14 DAYS AFTER YOU RECEIVE THIS NOTICE.  THE MEDIATION REQUEST FORM IS AVAILABLE AT ANY COUNTY RECORDER'S OR COUNTY EXTENSION OFFICE.

 

FROM: ...(Name and Address of Secured Party)..."

 

Sec. 91.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 550.365, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2.  Contents.  A mediation notice must contain the following notice with the blanks properly filled in.

 

"TO: ....(Name of Judgment Debtor)....

 

A JUDGMENT WAS ORDERED AGAINST YOU BY ....(Name of Court)....  ON ....(Date of Judgment).

 

AS A JUDGMENT CREDITOR, ....(Name of Judgment Creditor)....  INTENDS TO TAKE ACTION AGAINST THE AGRICULTURAL PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS ....(Description of Agricultural Property)....  TO SATISFY THE JUDGMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF ....(Amount of Debt).

 

YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO HAVE THE DEBT REVIEWED FOR MEDIATION.  IF YOU REQUEST MEDIATION, A DEBT THAT IS IN DEFAULT WILL BE MEDIATED ONLY ONCE.  IF YOU DO NOT REQUEST MEDIATION, THIS DEBT WILL NOT BE SUBJECT TO FUTURE MEDIATION IF THE SECURED PARTY ENFORCES THE DEBT.

 

IF YOU PARTICIPATE IN MEDIATION, THE DIRECTOR OF THE AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SERVICE WILL PROVIDE AN ORIENTATION MEETING AND A FINANCIAL ANALYST TO HELP YOU PREPARE FINANCIAL INFORMATION.  IF YOU DECIDE TO PARTICIPATE IN MEDIATION, IT WILL BE TO YOUR ADVANTAGE TO ASSEMBLE YOUR FARM FINANCE AND OPERATION RECORDS AND TO CONTACT A COUNTY EXTENSION OFFICE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.  MEDIATION WILL ATTEMPT TO ARRIVE AT AN AGREEMENT FOR HANDLING FUTURE FINANCIAL RELATIONS.

 

TO HAVE THE DEBT REVIEWED FOR MEDIATION YOU MUST FILE A MEDIATION REQUEST WITH THE DIRECTOR WITHIN 14 DAYS AFTER YOU RECEIVE THIS NOTICE.  THE MEDIATION REQUEST FORM IS AVAILABLE AT ANY COUNTY RECORDER'S OR COUNTY EXTENSION OFFICE.

 

FROM: ....(Name and Address of Judgment Creditor)...."


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2885


 

Sec. 92.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 559.209, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2.  Contents.  A mediation notice must contain the following notice with the blanks properly filled in.

 

"TO: ....(Name of Contract for Deed Purchaser)....

 

YOU HAVE DEFAULTED ON THE CONTRACT FOR DEED OF THE AGRICULTURAL PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS ....(Size and Reasonable Location of Property, Not Legal Description)....  THE AMOUNT OF THE OUTSTANDING DEBT IS ....(Amount of Debt)....

 

AS THE CONTRACT FOR DEED VENDOR, ....(Contract for Deed Vendor)....  INTENDS TO TERMINATE THE CONTRACT AND TAKE BACK THE PROPERTY.

 

YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO HAVE THE CONTRACT FOR DEED DEBT REVIEWED FOR MEDIATION.  IF YOU REQUEST MEDIATION, A DEBT THAT IS IN DEFAULT WILL BE MEDIATED ONLY ONCE.  IF YOU DO NOT REQUEST MEDIATION, THIS DEBT WILL NOT BE SUBJECT TO FUTURE MEDIATION IF THE CONTRACT FOR DEED VENDOR BEGINS REMEDIES TO ENFORCE THE DEBT.

 

IF YOU PARTICIPATE IN MEDIATION, THE DIRECTOR OF THE AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SERVICE WILL PROVIDE AN ORIENTATION MEETING AND A FINANCIAL ANALYST TO HELP YOU PREPARE FINANCIAL INFORMATION.  IF YOU DECIDE TO PARTICIPATE IN MEDIATION, IT WILL BE TO YOUR ADVANTAGE TO ASSEMBLE YOUR FARM FINANCE AND OPERATION RECORDS AND TO CONTACT A COUNTY EXTENSION OFFICE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.  MEDIATION WILL ATTEMPT TO ARRIVE AT AN AGREEMENT FOR HANDLING FUTURE FINANCIAL RELATIONS.

 

TO HAVE THE CONTRACT FOR DEED DEBT REVIEWED FOR MEDIATION YOU MUST FILE A MEDIATION REQUEST WITH THE DIRECTOR WITHIN 14 DAYS AFTER YOU RECEIVE THE NOTICE.  THE MEDIATION REQUEST FORM IS AVAILABLE AT ANY COUNTY EXTENSION OFFICE.

 

FROM: ....(Name and Address of Contract for Deed Vendor)...."

 

Sec. 93.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 582.039, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2.  Contents.  A mediation notice must contain the following notice with the blanks properly filled in.

 

"TO: ....(Name of Record Owner)....

 

YOU HAVE DEFAULTED ON THE MORTGAGE OF THE AGRICULTURAL PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS ....(Size and Reasonable Location, Not Legal Description)....  THE AMOUNT OF THE OUTSTANDING DEBT ON THIS PROPERTY IS ....(Amount of Debt)....

 

AS HOLDER OF THE MORTGAGE, ....(Name of Holder of Mortgage)....  INTENDS TO FORECLOSE ON THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED ABOVE.

 

YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO HAVE THE MORTGAGE DEBT REVIEWED FOR MEDIATION.  IF YOU REQUEST MEDIATION, A DEBT THAT IS IN DEFAULT WILL BE MEDIATED ONLY ONCE.  IF YOU DO NOT REQUEST MEDIATION, THIS DEBT WILL NOT BE SUBJECT TO FUTURE MEDIATION IF THE SECURED PARTY ENFORCES THE DEBT.


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2886


 

IF YOU PARTICIPATE IN MEDIATION, THE DIRECTOR OF THE AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SERVICE WILL PROVIDE AN ORIENTATION MEETING AND A FINANCIAL ANALYST TO HELP YOU PREPARE FINANCIAL INFORMATION.  IF YOU DECIDE TO PARTICIPATE IN MEDIATION, IT WILL BE TO YOUR ADVANTAGE TO ASSEMBLE YOUR FARM FINANCE AND OPERATION RECORDS AND TO CONTACT A COUNTY EXTENSION OFFICE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.  MEDIATION WILL ATTEMPT TO ARRIVE AT AN AGREEMENT FOR HANDLING FUTURE FINANCIAL RELATIONS.

 

TO HAVE THE MORTGAGE DEBT REVIEWED FOR MEDIATION YOU MUST FILE A MEDIATION REQUEST WITH THE DIRECTOR WITHIN 14 DAYS AFTER YOU RECEIVE THIS NOTICE.  THE MEDIATION REQUEST FORM IS AVAILABLE AT ANY COUNTY RECORDER'S OR COUNTY EXTENSION OFFICE.

 

FROM: ....(Name and Address of Holder of Mortgage)...."

 

Sec. 94.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 583.215, is amended to read:

 

583.215 EXPIRATION. 

 

(a) Sections 336.9-601, subsections (h) and (i); 550.365; 559.209; 582.039; and 583.20 to 583.32, expire June 30, 2009 2013.

 

(b) Laws 1986, chapter 398, article 1, section 18, as amended, is repealed.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective the day following final enactment.

 

Sec. 95.  HUMAN RESOURCES. 

 

For fiscal years 2010 and 2011, the Department of Agriculture, Board of Animal Health, and Agricultural Utilization Research Institute may not use funds appropriated in sections 1 to 5 or statutorily appropriated from the agricultural fund to directly or indirectly pay for the services of staff in the Office of the Governor.

 

Sec. 96.  BOVINE TUBERCULOSIS CONTROL ASSESSMENT; TEMPORARY ASSESSMENT; APPROPRIATION. 

 

(a) From January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2009, a person who purchases cattle that were raised or fed within this state shall collect a bovine tuberculosis control assessment of $1 per head from the seller and shall submit all assessments collected to the commissioner of agriculture at least once every 30 days.  If cattle that were raised or fed within this state are sold outside of the state and the assessment is not collected by the purchaser, the seller is responsible for submitting the assessment to the commissioner.  For the purposes of this section, "a person who purchases cattle that were raised or fed within this state" includes the first purchaser, as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 17.53, subdivision 8, paragraph (a), and any subsequent purchaser of the living animal.

 

(b) Money collected under this section shall be deposited in an account in the special revenue fund and is appropriated to the Board of Animal Health for bovine tuberculosis control activities.

 

(c) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), a person may not collect a bovine tuberculosis control assessment from a person whose cattle operation is located within a modified accredited zone established under Minnesota Statutes, section 35.244, unless the cattle owner voluntarily pays the assessment.  The commissioner of agriculture shall publish and make available a list of cattle producers exempt under this paragraph.

 

(d) This section may be enforced under Minnesota Statutes, sections 17.982 to 17.984.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective the day following final enactment and applies retroactively to cattle purchased on or after January 1, 2009.


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2887


 

Sec. 97.  BIOFUEL STUDY; REPORT. 

 

The commissioner of agriculture must study the economic and technological feasibility of producing ethanol from whey.  No later than May 1, 2010, the commissioner of agriculture must report findings to the legislative committees with jurisdiction over agriculture policy and finance.

 

Sec. 98.  FEDERAL STIMULUS FUNDING. 

 

The commissioner of agriculture must apply for funding available to the state through the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, Public Law 111-5, for areas under the purview of the commissioner including but not limited to agriculture and rural development, bioenergy, food safety, farm-to-school and related nutrition programs, and the development of local and regional food systems.

 

Sec. 99.  REPORT ON MINNESOTA PROCESSED FOODS LABELING. 

 

(a) The commissioner of agriculture must consult with Minnesota food processors and retailers regarding the development of labeling that identifies food products processed in this state.  The commissioner must consult with interested parties including, but not limited to, the following organizations:

 

(1) at least four food processor industry representatives who represent different business sizes and product categories;

 

(2) at least two food retailers of which at least one must have retail store locations located outside of the Twin Cities metropolitan area;

 

(3) two representatives of the Department of Agriculture, one who works with the Minnesota grown program and one who works with the processed foods program;

 

(4) one representative of the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute; and

 

(5) two representatives of statewide agricultural producer groups.

 

(b) No later than March 31, 2010, the commissioner must report findings and recommendations to the legislative committees with jurisdiction over agriculture policy and finance.  The report should include an assessment of the level of food processor interest in developing a trademarked logo or labeling statement as well as recommendations regarding program funding options, product eligibility criteria, and coordination with existing labeling and promotion programs and resources.

 

Sec. 100.  FERAL SWINE REPORT. 

 

The commissioner of natural resources, in coordination with the commissioner of agriculture and the executive director of the Board of Animal Health, must develop a report and recommend any necessary changes to state policies, authorities, and penalties related to feral swine and other nonnative or domestic animals released, that have escaped, or that are otherwise running at large.  The agencies must consult with interested stakeholders.  No later than January 15, 2010, the commissioner of natural resources must submit the report to the legislative committees with jurisdiction over natural resources or agriculture policy or finance.

 

Sec. 101.  DEADLINE FOR APPOINTMENTS. 

 

The commissioner of agriculture must complete the appointments required under Minnesota Statutes, section 18.91, by September 1, 2009.  The commissioner or the commissioner's designee shall convene the first meeting of the committee no later than October 1, 2009.


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2888


 

Sec. 102.  APPROPRIATION MODIFICATION. 

 

(a) Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 35.085, the Board of Animal Health may make onetime grants to certain beef cattle producers participating in the bovine tuberculosis herd buyout authorized in Minnesota Statutes, section 35.086, from the $100,000 appropriation for reimbursements in Laws 2007, chapter 45, article 1, section 4.

 

(b) A buyout participant is eligible for payment under this section if the Board of Animal Health quarantined the participant's herd and required the participant to sell young cattle at slaughter rather than as feeder cattle.

 

(c) For each head of cattle sold at slaughter under paragraph (b), the Board of Animal Health must pay the difference between the fair market feeder cattle value at the time of sale, as determined by the Board of Animal Health, and the documented slaughter price received by the participant.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective the day following final enactment.

 

Sec. 103.  UNUSED OFFICE SPACE. 

 

The commissioner of agriculture, in consultation with the commissioner of administration, must actively seek tenants to rent vacant or unused space in the Freeman Building.  The commissioner of agriculture must notify entities that receive state funding of the amount and type of space available, the rental rate, and other lease terms.  No later than February 1, 2011, the commissioner of agriculture must report actions taken and outcomes achieved under this section to the legislative committees with jurisdiction over agriculture finance.

 

Sec. 104.  REPEALER. 

 

Minnesota Statutes 2008, sections 17.49, subdivision 3; 18G.12, subdivision 5; 38.02, subdivisions 3 and 4; 41.51; 41.52; 41.53; 41.55; 41.56; 41.57; 41.58, subdivisions 1 and 2; 41.59, subdivision 1; 41.60; 41.61, subdivision 1; 41.62; 41.63; and 41.65, and Minnesota Rules, part 1505.0820, are repealed.

 

ARTICLE 2

 

RURAL FINANCE AUTHORITY

 

Section 1.  RURAL FINANCE AUTHORITY; APPROPRIATION. 

 

Subdivision 1.  Appropriation.  $35,000,000 is appropriated from the bond proceeds fund to the commissioner of agriculture, as chair of the Board of the Rural Finance Authority, to purchase participation interests in or to make direct agricultural loans to farmers under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 41B, as authorized by the Minnesota Constitution, article XI, section 5, clause (h).  This appropriation is for the beginning farmer program under Minnesota Statutes, section 41B.039; the loan restructuring program under Minnesota Statutes, section 41B.04; the seller-sponsored program under Minnesota Statutes, section 41B.042; the agricultural improvement loan program under Minnesota Statutes, section 41B.043; and the livestock expansion loan program under Minnesota Statutes, section 41B.045.  All debt service on bond proceeds used to finance this appropriation must be repaid by the Rural Finance Authority under Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.643.  Loan participations must be priced to provide full interest and principal coverage and a reserve for potential losses.  Priority for loans must be given first, to basic beginning farmer loans; second, to seller-sponsored loans; and third, to agricultural improvement loans.

 

Subd. 2.  Bond sale.  To provide the money appropriated in this section from the bond proceeds fund, the commissioner of finance shall sell and issue bonds of the state in an amount up to $35,000,000 in the manner, upon the terms, and with the effect prescribed by Minnesota Statutes, sections 16A.631 to 16A.675, and by the Minnesota Constitution, article XI, sections 4 to 7.


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2889


 

Subd. 3.  Notice.  If the appropriations in this section are enacted more than once in the 2009 regular legislative session, these appropriations must be given effect only once.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective the day following final enactment.

 

ARTICLE 3

 

VETERANS AFFAIRS

 

      Section 1.  VETERANS AFFAIRS.

 

The sums shown in the columns marked "Appropriations" are appropriated to the agencies and for the purposes specified in this article.  The appropriations are from the general fund and are available for the fiscal years indicated for each purpose.  The figures "2010" and "2011" used in this article mean that the appropriations listed under them are available for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2010, or June 30, 2011, respectively. "The first year" is fiscal year 2010. "The second year" is fiscal year 2011. "The biennium" is fiscal years 2010 and 2011.

 

                                                                                                                                                             APPROPRIATIONS

                                                                                                                                                           Available for the Year

                                                                                                                                                                 Ending June 30

                                                                                                                                                   2010                                      2011

 

      Sec. 2.  VETERANS AFFAIRS                                                                                                                                                

 

      Subdivision 1.  Total Appropriation                                                                         $66,958,000                 $68,558,000

 

      Subd. 2.  Veterans Services                                                                                           22,032,000                   22,032,000

 

Of this amount, $980,000 in fiscal year 2010 and $980,000 in fiscal year 2011 are to be used to continue working on the merger of the Department of Veterans Affairs computer system and the former Veterans Homes Board computer system.

 

Homeless Veterans.  $750,000 each year is in addition to the base and is a onetime appropriation for a grant to the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV) to provide assistance throughout Minnesota to veterans and their families who are homeless or in danger of homelessness, including housing, utility, employment, and legal assistance, according to guidelines established by the commissioner.  In order to avoid duplication of services, the commissioner must ensure that this assistance will be coordinated with all other available programs for veterans.

 

State Soldiers Assistance Fund.  $500,000 each year is to be added to the state soldiers assistance fund.

 

      Subd. 3.  Veterans Homes                                                                                              44,926,000                   46,526,000

 

Veterans Homes Special Revenue Account.  The general fund appropriations made to the department may be transferred to a veterans homes special revenue account in the special revenue


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2890


 

fund in the same manner as other receipts are deposited according to Minnesota Statutes, section 198.34, and are appropriated to the department for the operation of veterans homes facilities and programs.

 

Repair and Betterment.  Of this appropriation, $1,250,000 in fiscal year 2010 and $1,250,000 in fiscal year 2011 are to be used for repair, maintenance, rehabilitation, and betterment activities at facilities statewide.

 

Sec. 3.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 16C.16, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 6a.  Veteran-owned small businesses.  (a) The commissioner shall award up to a six percent preference, but no less than the percentage awarded to any other group under this section, in the amount bid on state procurement to certified small businesses that are majority-owned and operated either:

 

(1) by veterans, as indicated by the person's United States Department of Defense form DD-214 or by the commissioner of veterans affairs; or

 

(2) by veterans having service-connected disabilities, as determined at any time by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.

 

(b) The purpose of this designation is to facilitate the transition of veterans from military to civilian life, and to help compensate veterans for their sacrifices, including but not limited to their sacrifice of health and time, to the state and nation during their military service, as well as to enhance economic development within Minnesota.

 

(c) For purposes of this section and section 16C.19, the following terms have the meanings given them:

 

(1) "veteran" has the meaning given in section 197.447;

 

(2) "service-connected disability" has the meaning given in United States Code, title 38, section 101(16), as determined by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective July 1, 2009, and applies to procurement contract bid solicitations issued on and after that date.

 

Sec. 4.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 16C.19, is amended to read:

 

16C.19 ELIGIBILITY; RULES. 

 

(a) A small business wishing to participate in the programs under section 16C.16, subdivisions 4 to 7, must be certified by the commissioner.  The commissioner shall adopt by rule standards and procedures for certifying that small businesses, small targeted group businesses, and small businesses located in economically disadvantaged areas are eligible to participate under the requirements of sections 16C.16 to 16C.21.  The commissioner shall adopt by rule standards and procedures for hearing appeals and grievances and other rules necessary to carry out the duties set forth in sections 16C.16 to 16C.21. 

 

(b) The commissioner may make rules which exclude or limit the participation of nonmanufacturing business, including third-party lessors, brokers, franchises, jobbers, manufacturers' representatives, and others from eligibility under sections 16C.16 to 16C.21. 


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2891


 

(c) The commissioner may make rules that set time limits and other eligibility limits on business participation in programs under sections 16C.16 to 16C.21. 

 

(d) Notwithstanding paragraph (c), for purposes of sections 16C.16 to 16C.21, a veteran-owned small business or service-disabled veteran-owned small business, the principal place of business of which is in Minnesota, is certified if it has been verified by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs as being a veteran-owned small business or service disabled veteran-owned small business in accordance with Public Law 109-461 and Code of Federal Regulations, title 38, part 74.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective July 1, 2009, and applies to procurement contract bid solicitations issued on and after that date.

 

Sec. 5.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 16C.20, is amended to read:

 

16C.20 CERTIFICATION. 

 

A business that is certified by the commissioner of administration as a small business, small targeted group business or, a small business located in an economically disadvantaged area, or a veteran-owned small business is eligible to participate under the requirements of sections 137.31 and 161.321 and, if certified as a small business or, small targeted group business, or veteran-owned small business, under section 473.142 without further certification by the contracting agency. 

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective July 1, 2009, and applies to procurement contract bid solicitations issued on and after that date.

 

Sec. 6.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 43A.11, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 7.  Ranking of veterans.  Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications for a vacant position and claim disabled veteran's preference shall be listed in the applicant pool ahead of all other applicants.  Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications for a vacant position and claim nondisabled veteran's preference shall be listed in the applicant pool after those claiming disabled veteran's preference and ahead of nonveterans.  Each recently separated veteran who meets minimum qualifications for a vacant position and has claimed a veterans or disabled veterans preference must be granted an interview for the position by the hiring authority.

 

The term "recently separated veteran" means a veteran, as defined in section 197.447, who has served in active military service, at any time on or after September 11, 2001, and who has been honorably discharged from active service, as shown by the person's form DD-214.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective July 1, 2009, and applies to all appointments made on or after that date.

 

Sec. 7.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 43A.23, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  General.  (a) The commissioner is authorized to request proposals or to negotiate and to enter into contracts with parties which in the judgment of the commissioner are best qualified to provide service to the benefit plans.  Contracts entered into are not subject to the requirements of sections 16C.16 to 16C.19.  The commissioner may negotiate premium rates and coverage.  The commissioner shall consider the cost of the plans, conversion options relating to the contracts, service capabilities, character, financial position, and reputation of the carriers, and any other factors which the commissioner deems appropriate.  Each benefit contract must be for a uniform term of at least one year, but may be made automatically renewable from term to term in the absence of notice of termination by either party.  A carrier licensed under chapter 62A is exempt from the taxes imposed by chapter 297I on premiums paid to it by the state.


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2892


 

(b) All self-insured hospital and medical service products must comply with coverage mandates, data reporting, and consumer protection requirements applicable to the licensed carrier administering the product, had the product been insured, including chapters 62J, 62M, and 62Q.  Any self-insured products that limit coverage to a network of providers or provide different levels of coverage between network and nonnetwork providers shall comply with section 62D.123 and geographic access standards for health maintenance organizations adopted by the commissioner of health in rule under chapter 62D.

 

(c) Notwithstanding paragraph (b), a self-insured hospital and medical product offered under sections 43A.22 to 43A.30 is not required to extend dependent coverage to an eligible employee's unmarried child under the age of 25 to the full extent required under chapters 62A and 62L.  Dependent coverage must, at a minimum, extend to an eligible employee's unmarried child who is under the age of 19 or an unmarried child under the age of 25 who is a full-time student.  A person who is at least 19 years of age but who is under the age of 25 and who is not a full-time student must be permitted to be enrolled as a dependent of an eligible employee until age 25 if the person:

 

(1) was a full-time student immediately prior to being ordered into active military service, as defined in section 190.05, subdivision 5b or 5c;

 

(2) has been separated or discharged from active military service; and

 

(3) would be eligible to enroll as a dependent of an eligible employee, except that the person is not a full-time student.

 

The definition of "full-time student" for purposes of this paragraph includes any student who by reason of illness, injury, or physical or mental disability as documented by a physician is unable to carry what the educational institution considers a full-time course load so long as the student's course load is at least 60 percent of what otherwise is considered by the institution to be a full-time course load.  Any notice regarding termination of coverage due to attainment of the limiting age must include information about this definition of "full-time student."

 

(d) Beginning January 1, 2010, the health insurance benefit plans offered in the commissioner's plan under section 43A.18, subdivision 2, and the managerial plan under section 43A.18, subdivision 3, must include an option for a health plan that is compatible with the definition of a high-deductible health plan in section 223 of the United States Internal Revenue Code.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective the day following final enactment and applies to persons separated or discharged from active military service before, on, or after that date.

 

Sec. 8.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 85.053, subdivision 10, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 10.  Free entrance; totally and permanently disabled veterans.  The commissioner shall issue an annual park permit for no charge for to any veteran with a total and permanent service-connected disability, as determined by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, who presents each year a copy of their determination letter to a park attendant or commissioner's designee.  For the purposes of this section, "veteran" with a total and permanent service-connected disability" means a resident who has a total and permanent service-connected disability as adjudicated by the United States Veterans Administration or by the retirement board of one of the several branches of the armed forces has the meaning given in section 197.447.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective July 1, 2009, for state park permits issued on or after that date.

 

Sec. 9.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 97A.465, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 5.  Preference to service members.  (a) For purposes of this subdivision:

 

(1) "qualified service member or veteran" means a Minnesota resident who:


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2893


 

(i) is currently serving, or has served at any time during the past 24 months, in active service as a member of the United States armed forces, including the National Guard or other military reserves;

 

(ii) has received a Purple Heart medal for qualifying military service, as shown by official military records; or

 

(iii) has a service-connected disability rated at 70 percent or more as defined by the United States Veterans Administration; and

 

(2) "active service" means service defined under section 190.05, subdivision 5b or 5c.

 

(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, chapter 97B or 97C, or administrative rules, the commissioner may shall give first preference to qualified service members or veterans in any drawing or lottery involving the selection of applicants for hunting or fishing licenses, permits, and special permits.  This subdivision does not apply to licenses or permits for taking moose, elk, or prairie chickens.  Actions of the commissioner under this subdivision are not rules under the Administrative Procedure Act and section 14.386 does not apply.

 

Sec. 10.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 161.321, is amended to read:

 

161.321 SMALL BUSINESS CONTRACTS. 

 

Subdivision 1.  Definitions.  For purposes of this section the following terms have the meanings given them, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning is intended.

 

(a) "Award" means the granting of a contract in accordance with all applicable laws and rules governing competitive bidding except as otherwise provided in this section.

 

(b) "Contract" means an agreement entered into between a business entity and the state of Minnesota for the construction of transportation improvements.

 

(c) "Subcontractor" means a business entity which enters into a legally binding agreement with another business entity which is a party to a contract as defined in paragraph (b).

 

(d) "Targeted group business" means a business designated under section 16C.16, subdivision 5. 

 

(e) "Veteran-owned small business" means a business designated under section 16C.16, subdivision 6a.

 

Subd. 2.  Small business set-asides.  (a) The commissioner may award up to a six percent preference in the amount bid for specified construction work to small targeted group businesses and veteran-owned small businesses.

 

(b) The commissioner may designate a contract for construction work for award only to small targeted group businesses if the commissioner determines that at least three small targeted group businesses are likely to bid.  The commissioner may designate a contract for construction work for award only to veteran-owned small businesses if the commissioner determines that at least three veteran-owned small businesses are likely to bid.

 

(c) The commissioner, as a condition of awarding a construction contract, may set goals that require the prime contractor to subcontract a portion of the contract to small targeted group businesses and veteran-owned small businesses.  The commissioner must establish a procedure for granting waivers from the subcontracting requirement when qualified small targeted group businesses and veteran-owned small businesses are not reasonably available.  The commissioner may establish financial incentives for prime contractors who exceed the goals for use of subcontractors and financial penalties for prime contractors who fail to meet goals under this paragraph.  The subcontracting requirements of this paragraph do not apply to prime contractors who are small targeted group businesses or veteran-owned small businesses.


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2894


 

(d) The commissioner may award up to a four percent preference in the amount bid on procurement to small businesses located in an economically disadvantaged area as defined in section 16C.16, subdivision 7. 

 

Subd. 3.  Awards to small businesses.  At least 75 percent of subcontracts awarded to small targeted group businesses must be performed by the business to which the subcontract is awarded or another small targeted group business.  At least 75 percent of subcontracts awarded to veteran-owned small businesses must be performed by the business to which the subcontract is awarded or another veteran-owned small business.

 

Subd. 4.  Awards, limitations.  Contracts awarded pursuant to this section are subject to all limitations contained in rules adopted by the commissioner of administration.

 

Subd. 5.  Recourse to other businesses.  If the commissioner is unable to award a contract pursuant to the provisions of subdivisions 2 and 3, the award may be placed pursuant to the normal solicitation and award provisions set forth in this chapter and chapter 16C.

 

Subd. 6.  Rules.  The rules adopted by the commissioner of administration to define small businesses and to set time and other eligibility requirements for participation in programs under sections 16C.16 to 16C.19 apply to this section.  The commissioner may promulgate other rules necessary to carry out this section. 

 

Subd. 7.  Noncompetitive bids.  The commissioner is encouraged to purchase from small targeted group businesses and veteran-owned small businesses designated under section 16C.16 when making purchases that are not subject to competitive bidding procedures. 

 

Subd. 8.  Report by commissioner.  The commissioner of transportation shall report to the commissioner of administration on compliance with this section.  The information must be reported at the time and in the manner requested by the commissioner.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective July 1, 2009, and applies to procurement contract bid solicitations issued on and after that date.

 

Sec. 11.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 171.06, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 3.  Contents of application; other information.  (a) An application must:

 

(1) state the full name, date of birth, sex, and either (i) the residence address of the applicant, or (ii) designated address under section 5B.05;

 

(2) as may be required by the commissioner, contain a description of the applicant and any other facts pertaining to the applicant, the applicant's driving privileges, and the applicant's ability to operate a motor vehicle with safety;

 

(3) state:

 

(i) the applicant's Social Security number; or

 

(ii) if the applicant does not have a Social Security number and is applying for a Minnesota identification card, instruction permit, or class D provisional or driver's license, that the applicant certifies that the applicant does not have a Social Security number;

 

(4) contain a space where the applicant may indicate a desire to make an anatomical gift according to paragraph (b); and


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2895


 

(5) contain a notification to the applicant of the availability of a living will/health care directive designation on the license under section 171.07, subdivision 7; and

 

(6) contain a space where the applicant may request a veteran designation on the license under section 171.07, subdivision 15, and the driving record under section 171.12, subdivision 5a.

 

(b) If the applicant does not indicate a desire to make an anatomical gift when the application is made, the applicant must be offered a donor document in accordance with section 171.07, subdivision 5.  The application must contain statements sufficient to comply with the requirements of the Darlene Luther Revised Uniform Anatomical Gift Act, chapter 525A, so that execution of the application or donor document will make the anatomical gift as provided in section 171.07, subdivision 5, for those indicating a desire to make an anatomical gift.  The application must be accompanied by information describing Minnesota laws regarding anatomical gifts and the need for and benefits of anatomical gifts, and the legal implications of making an anatomical gift, including the law governing revocation of anatomical gifts.  The commissioner shall distribute a notice that must accompany all applications for and renewals of a driver's license or Minnesota identification card.  The notice must be prepared in conjunction with a Minnesota organ procurement organization that is certified by the federal Department of Health and Human Services and must include:

 

(1) a statement that provides a fair and reasonable description of the organ donation process, the care of the donor body after death, and the importance of informing family members of the donation decision; and

 

(2) a telephone number in a certified Minnesota organ procurement organization that may be called with respect to questions regarding anatomical gifts.

 

(c) The application must be accompanied also by information containing relevant facts relating to:

 

(1) the effect of alcohol on driving ability;

 

(2) the effect of mixing alcohol with drugs;

 

(3) the laws of Minnesota relating to operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance; and

 

(4) the levels of alcohol-related fatalities and accidents in Minnesota and of arrests for alcohol-related violations.

 

Sec. 12.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 171.07, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 15.  Veteran designation.  (a) At the request of the applicant and on payment of the required fee, the department shall issue, renew, or reissue a driver's license or Minnesota identification card bearing the designation "Veteran" to an applicant who is a veteran, as defined in section 197.447.

 

(b) At the time of the initial application for the designation provided under this subdivision, the applicant must have a certified copy of the veteran's discharge papers.

 

(c) The commissioner of public safety is required to issue drivers' licenses and Minnesota identification cards with the veteran designation only after entering a new contract or in coordination with producing a new card design with modifications made as required by law.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective August 1, 2009, and applies to drivers' licenses and Minnesota identification cards issued as stated in paragraph (c).


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2896


 

Sec. 13.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 171.12, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 5a.  Veteran designation.  When an applicant for a driver's license, instruction permit, or Minnesota identification card requests a veteran designation under section 171.06, subdivision 3, the commissioner shall maintain a computer record of veteran designations.  The veteran designation may be removed from the computer record only upon written notice to the department.  The veteran designation is classified as private data on individuals as defined in section 13.02, subdivision 12, except that this information is available to the commissioner of veterans affairs for the purpose of administering veterans benefits.

 

Sec. 14.  [192.525] POSTDEPLOYMENT HEALTH ASSESSMENTS. 

 

The adjutant general shall establish a program of postdeployment health assessments for members of the National Guard who have been called into active military service and deployed outside the state.  There must be health assessments approximately six months and one year after the end of a member's deployment.  The adjutant general may call on other state agencies, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, county veteran service officers, and other appropriate resources in administering this program.

 

Sec. 15.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 197.455, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Application.  (a) This section shall govern preference of a veteran under the civil service laws, charter provisions, ordinances, rules or regulations of a county, city, town, school district, or other municipality or political subdivision of this state.  Any provision in a law, charter, ordinance, rule or regulation contrary to the applicable provisions of this section is void to the extent of such inconsistency.

 

(b) Sections 197.46 to 197.48 shall not 197.481 also apply to state civil service. a veteran who is an incumbent in a classified appointment in the state civil service and has completed the probationary period for that position, as defined under section 43A.16.  In matters of dismissal from such a position, a qualified veteran has the irrevocable option of using the procedures described in sections 197.46 to 197.481, or the procedures provided in the collective bargaining agreement applicable to the person, but not both.  For a qualified veteran electing to use the procedures of sections 197.46 to 197.481, the matters governed by those sections must not be considered grievances under a collective bargaining agreement, and if a veteran elects to appeal the dispute through those sections, the veteran is precluded from making an appeal under the grievance procedure of the collective bargaining agreement.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective July 1, 2009, and applies to appointments to state and local government positions of employment made on or after that date.

 

Sec. 16.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 197.46, is amended to read:

 

197.46 VETERANS PREFERENCE ACT; REMOVAL FORBIDDEN; RIGHT OF MANDAMUS. 

 

Any person whose rights may be in any way prejudiced contrary to any of the provisions of this section, shall be entitled to a writ of mandamus to remedy the wrong.  No person holding a position by appointment or employment in the several counties, cities, towns, school districts and all other political subdivisions in the state, who is a veteran separated from the military service under honorable conditions, shall be removed from such position or employment except for incompetency or misconduct shown after a hearing, upon due notice, upon stated charges, in writing.

 

Any veteran who has been notified of the intent to discharge the veteran from an appointed position or employment pursuant to this section shall be notified in writing of such intent to discharge and of the veteran's right to request a hearing within 60 days of receipt of the notice of intent to discharge.  The failure of a veteran to request a hearing within the provided 60-day period shall constitute a waiver of the right to a hearing.  Such failure shall also waive all other available legal remedies for reinstatement.


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2897


 

Request for a hearing concerning such a discharge shall be made in writing and submitted by mail or personal service to the employment office of the concerned employer or other appropriate office or person.

 

In all governmental subdivisions having an established civil service board or commission, or merit system authority, such hearing for removal or discharge shall be held before such civil service board or commission or merit system authority.  Where no such civil service board or commission or merit system authority exists, such hearing shall be held by a board of three persons appointed as follows:  one by the governmental subdivision, one by the veteran, and the third by the two so selected.  In the event the two persons so selected do not appoint the third person within ten days after the appointment of the last of the two, then the judge of the district court of the county wherein the proceeding is pending, or if there be more than one judge in said county then any judge in chambers, shall have jurisdiction to appoint, and upon application of either or both of the two so selected shall appoint, the third person to the board and the person so appointed by the judge with the two first selected shall constitute the board.  The veteran may appeal from the decision of the board upon the charges to the district court by causing written notice of appeal, stating the grounds thereof, to be served upon the governmental subdivision or officer making the charges within 15 days after notice of the decision and by filing the original notice of appeal with proof of service thereof in the office of the court administrator of the district court within ten days after service thereof.  Nothing in section 197.455 or this section shall be construed to apply to the position of private secretary, teacher, superintendent of schools, or one chief deputy of any elected official or head of a department, or to any person holding a strictly confidential relation to the appointing officer.  The burden of establishing such relationship shall be upon the appointing officer in all proceedings and actions relating thereto.

 

All officers, boards, commissions, and employees shall conform to, comply with, and aid in all proper ways in carrying into effect the provisions of section 197.455 and this section notwithstanding any laws, charter provisions, ordinances or rules to the contrary.  Any willful violation of such sections by officers, officials, or employees is a misdemeanor.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective July 1, 2009.

 

Sec. 17.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 198.003, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 4a.  Federal funding.  The commissioner is authorized to apply for and accept federal funding for purposes of this section.

 

Sec. 18.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 198.003, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 7.  Use of Medicare Part D for pharmacy costs.  (a) The commissioner shall maximize the use of Medicare Part D to pay pharmacy costs for eligible veterans residing at the veterans homes.

 

(b) The commissioner shall encourage eligible veterans to participate in the Medicare Part D program and assist veterans in obtaining Medicare Part D coverage.

 

(c) The commissioner shall take any necessary steps to prevent an eligible veteran participating in Medicare Part D from receiving fewer benefits under Medicare Part D than they would have received under their existing Veterans Administration benefits.

 

Sec. 19.  [198.365] VETERANS MENTAL HEALTH FACILITY; KANDIYOHI COUNTY. 

 

Subdivision 1.  Establishment.  (a) The commissioner of veterans affairs shall establish a 90-bed facility in Kandiyohi County to provide residential mental health nursing services to veterans, in conformance with licensing rules of the Department of Health and funding requirements of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2898


 

(b) Services provided by the facility may include, but not be limited to:

 

(1) geriatric care for mentally ill veterans who have severe behavior problems; and

 

(2) standard long-term care.

 

(c) To the extent practicable, the facility shall accept referrals from veterans homes in the state.

 

Subd. 2.  Funding.  (a) The facility must be purchased or built with funds, 65 percent of which must be provided by the federal government and 35 percent by other nonstate sources, including local units of government, veterans organizations, business entities, volunteer organizations, and any other nonstate sources deemed acceptable by the commissioner.  Local contributions must include land for the facility and grounds, and funding sufficient to cover the full state and local contribution for the federal matching grant.  The commissioner is authorized to accept pledges and funding, including contributions of land, from these local sources for this purpose.

 

(b) The commissioner shall seek private, local, state, and federal funding for possible development of a public-private partnership to provide services at this facility for veterans with traumatic brain injury and with posttraumatic stress disorder, as well as for veterans who have a dual diagnosis of mental illness and chemical dependency.

 

(c) The commissioner shall seek funding from private, local, state, and federal sources for possible development of traumatic brain injury research at this facility.

 

Sec. 20.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 471.975, is amended to read:

 

471.975 MAY PAY DIFFERENTIAL OF RESERVE ON ACTIVE DUTY. 

 

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), a statutory or home rule charter city, county, town, or other political subdivision may pay to each eligible member of the National Guard or other reserve component of the armed forces of the United States an amount equal to the difference between the member's basic base active duty military salary and the salary the member would be paid as an active political subdivision employee, including any adjustments the member would have received if not on leave of absence.  This payment may be made only to a person whose basic base active duty military salary is less than the salary the person would be paid as an active political subdivision employee.  Back pay authorized by this section may be paid in a lump sum.  Payment under this section must not extend beyond four years from the date the employee reported for active service, plus any additional time the employee may be legally required to serve.

 

(b) Subject to the limits under paragraph (g), each school district shall pay to each eligible member of the National Guard or other reserve component of the armed forces of the United States an amount equal to the difference between the member's basic base active duty military salary and the salary the member would be paid as an active school district employee, including any adjustments the member would have received if not on leave of absence.  The pay differential must be based on a comparison between the member's daily base rate of active duty pay, calculated by dividing the member's base military monthly salary by the number of paid days in the month, and the member's daily rate of pay for the member's school district salary, calculated by dividing the member's total school district salary by the number of contract days.  The member's salary as a school district employee must include the member's basic salary and any additional salary the member earns from the school district for cocurricular and extracurricular activities.  The differential payment under this paragraph must be the difference between the daily base rates of military pay times the number of school district contract days the member misses because of military active duty.  This payment may be made only to a person whose basic active duty military salary daily base rate of active duty pay is less than the salary the person would be paid person's daily rate of pay as an active school district employee.  Payments may be made at the intervals at which the member received pay as a school district employee.  Payment under this section must not extend beyond four years from the date the employee reported for active service, plus any additional time the employee may be legally required to serve.


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2899


 

(c) An eligible member of the reserve components of the armed forces of the United States is a reservist or National Guard member who was an employee of a political subdivision at the time the member reported for active service on or after May 29, 2003, or who is on active service on May 29, 2003.

 

(d) Except as provided in paragraph (e) and elsewhere in Minnesota Statutes, a statutory or home rule charter city, county, town, or other political subdivision has total discretion regarding employee benefit continuation for a member who reports for active service and the terms and conditions of any benefit.

 

(e) A school district must continue the employee's enrollment in health and dental coverage, and the employer contribution toward that coverage, until the employee is covered by health and dental coverage provided by the armed forces.  If the employee had elected dependent coverage for health or dental coverage as of the time that the employee reported for active service, a school district must offer the employee the option to continue the dependent coverage at the employee's own expense.  A school district must permit the employee to continue participating in any pretax account in which the employee participated when the employee reported for active service, to the extent of employee pay available for that purpose.

 

(f) For purposes of this section, "active service" has the meaning given in section 190.05, subdivision 5, but excludes service performed exclusively for purposes of:

 

(1) basic combat training, advanced individual training, annual training, and periodic inactive duty training;

 

(2) special training periodically made available to reserve members; and

 

(3) service performed in accordance with section 190.08, subdivision 3.

 

(g) A school district making payments under paragraph (b) shall place a sum equal to any difference between the amount of salary that would have been paid to the employee who is receiving the payments and the amount of salary being paid to substitutes for that employee into a special fund that must be used to pay or partially pay the deployed employee's payments under paragraph (b).  A school district is required to pay only this amount to the deployed school district employee.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective the day following final enactment and applies to members of the National Guard and other reserve components of the United States armed forces serving in active military service on or after that date.

 

Sec. 21.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 473.142, is amended to read:

 

473.142 SMALL BUSINESSES. 

 

(a) The Metropolitan Council and agencies specified in section 473.143, subdivision 1, may award up to a six percent preference in the amount bid for specified goods or services to small targeted group businesses and veteran-owned small businesses designated under section 16C.16. 

 

(b) The council and each agency specified in section 473.143, subdivision 1, may designate a purchase of goods or services for award only to small targeted group businesses designated under section 16C.16 if the council or agency determines that at least three small targeted group businesses are likely to bid.  The council and each agency specified in section 473.143, subdivision 1, may designate a purchase of goods or services for award only to veteran-owned small businesses designated under section 16C.16 if the council or agency determines that at least three veteran-owned small businesses are likely to bid.


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2900


 

(c) The council and each agency specified in section 473.143, subdivision 1, as a condition of awarding a construction contract or approving a contract for consultant, professional, or technical services, may set goals that require the prime contractor to subcontract a portion of the contract to small targeted group businesses and veteran-owned small businesses designated under section 16C.16.  The council or agency must establish a procedure for granting waivers from the subcontracting requirement when qualified small targeted group businesses and veteran-owned small businesses are not reasonably available.  The council or agency may establish financial incentives for prime contractors who exceed the goals for use of subcontractors and financial penalties for prime contractors who fail to meet goals under this paragraph.  The subcontracting requirements of this paragraph do not apply to prime contractors who are small targeted group businesses and veteran-owned small businesses.  At least 75 percent of the value of the subcontracts awarded to small targeted group businesses under this paragraph must be performed by the business to which the subcontract is awarded or by another small targeted group business.  At least 75 percent of the value of the subcontracts awarded to veteran-owned small businesses under this paragraph must be performed by the business to which the subcontract is awarded or another veteran-owned small business.

 

(d) The council and each agency listed in section 473.143, subdivision 1, are encouraged to purchase from small targeted group businesses and veteran-owned small businesses designated under section 16C.16 when making purchases that are not subject to competitive bidding procedures.

 

(e) The council and each agency may adopt rules to implement this section.

 

(f) Each council or agency contract must require the prime contractor to pay any subcontractor within ten days of the prime contractor's receipt of payment from the council or agency for undisputed services provided by the subcontractor.  The contract must require the prime contractor to pay interest of 1-1/2 percent per month or any part of a month to the subcontractor on any undisputed amount not paid on time to the subcontractor.  The minimum monthly interest penalty payment for an unpaid balance of $100 or more is $10.  For an unpaid balance of less than $100, the prime contractor shall pay the actual penalty due to the subcontractor.  A subcontractor who prevails in a civil action to collect interest penalties from a prime contractor must be awarded its costs and disbursements, including attorney fees, incurred in bringing the action.

 

(g) This section does not apply to procurement financed in whole or in part with federal funds if the procurement is subject to federal disadvantaged, minority, or women business enterprise regulations.  The council and each agency shall report to the commissioner of administration on compliance with this section.  The information must be reported at the time and in the manner requested by the commissioner.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective July 1, 2009, and applies to procurement contract bid solicitations issued on and after that date.

 

Sec. 22.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 626.8517, is amended to read:

 

626.8517 ELIGIBILITY FOR RECIPROCITY EXAMINATION BASED ON RELEVANT MILITARY EXPERIENCE. 

 

(a) For purposes of this section, "relevant military experience" means five years of active duty military police service.:

 

(1) five years' active service experience in a military law enforcement occupational specialty;

 

(2) three years' active service experience in a military law enforcement occupational specialty and completion of a two-year or more degree from a regionally accredited postsecondary education institution; or

 

(3) five years' cumulative experience as a full-time peace officer in another state combined with active service experience in a military law enforcement occupational specialty.


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2901


 

(b) A person who has relevant military experience under paragraph (a) and who has been honorably discharged from the military active service as evidenced by a form DD-214 is eligible to take the reciprocity examination. "Active service" has the meaning given in section 190.05, subdivision 5.

 

Sec. 23.  Laws 2008, chapter 297, article 2, section 26, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 3.  Administrative provisions.  (a) The commissioner of veterans affairs, or the commissioner's designee, must convene the initial meeting of the working group.  Upon request of the working group, the commissioner must provide meeting space and administrative services for the group.  The members of the working group must elect a chair or co-chairs from the legislative members of the working group at the initial meeting.  Each subsequent meeting is at the call of the chair or co-chairs.

 

(b) Public members of the working group serve without special compensation or special payment of expenses from the working group.

 

(c) The working group expires on June 30, 2009 2010, unless an extension is authorized by law by that date.

 

Sec. 24.  DATE OPERATIONAL. 

 

To the extent practicable, the commissioner of veterans affairs shall design, construct, furnish, and equip the veterans mental health facility authorized in Minnesota Statutes, section 198.365, for commencement of operations on July 1, 2013.  No state general fund money may be expended for operational costs for this facility prior to that date and without further legislative authorization.

 

Sec. 25.  REPORTING REQUIRED. 

 

(a) The commissioner of finance must collect the following data annually from each cabinet-level state agency, with the exception of the Metropolitan Council, and must report those data, by agency, by the second week of each legislative session, beginning in 2011, to the chairs and leading minority members of each of the house of representatives and senate committees having responsibility for veterans policy and finance issues:

 

(1) the total number of persons employed in full-time positions by the state agency;

 

(2) the total number of employees identified in clause (1) who are veterans;

 

(3) the total number of vacant full-time positions in the agency filled by hiring or appointment during the designated fiscal year;

 

(4) the total number of applications received for the positions identified in clause (3);

 

(5) the total number of applications identified in clause (4) for which veterans preference was elected by the applicant;

 

(6) the total number of applications identified in clause (5) for which the veteran applicant was judged by the hiring authority as meeting minimum requirements for the open positions of employment;

 

(7) the total number of veteran applicants identified in clause (6) who were interviewed by the hiring authority for the open positions of employment in the agency;

 

(8) the total number of veteran applicants identified in clause (7) who were selected for and offered employment within the open positions of employment in the agency;


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2902


 

(9) the total number of veteran applicants identified in clause (8) who were hired into the open positions of employment in the agency;

 

(10) the total number of veteran applicants identified in clause (6) who were sent a rejection letter, in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, section 43A.11, subdivision 9; and

 

(11) any other data or information deemed important by the commissioner of administration and reflecting on the efforts of the subject agency to recruit and hire veterans.

 

(b) The data must reflect one full fiscal year or one full calendar year, as determined by the commissioner of finance.

 

(c) The term "veteran" has the meaning given in Minnesota Statutes, section 197.447.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective July 1, 2009.

 

Sec. 26.  INTERAGENCY STAFF. 

 

For fiscal years 2010 and 2011, the Department of Veterans Affairs may not use funds appropriated in this article directly or indirectly to pay for the services of staff in the Office of the Governor.

 

ARTICLE 4

 

MILITARY AFFAIRS

 

      Section 1.  MILITARY APPROPRIATIONS.

 

The sums shown in the columns marked "Appropriations" are appropriated to the agencies and for the purposes specified in this article.  The appropriations are from the general fund and are available for the fiscal years indicated for each purpose.  The figures "2010" and "2011" used in this article mean that the appropriations listed under them are available for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2010, or June 30, 2011, respectively. "The first year" is fiscal year 2010. "The second year" is fiscal year 2011. "The biennium" is fiscal years 2010 and 2011.

 

                                                                                                                                                             APPROPRIATIONS

                                                                                                                                                           Available for the Year

                                                                                                                                                                 Ending June 30

                                                                                                                                                   2010                                      2011

 

      Sec. 2.  MILITARY AFFAIRS                                                                                                         

 

      Subdivision 1.  Total Appropriation                                                                         $19,374,000                 $19,374,000

 

The amounts that may be spent for each purpose are specified in the following subdivisions.

 

      Subd. 2.  Maintenance of Training Facilities                                                             6,660,000                      6,660,000

 

      Subd. 3.  General Support                                                                                               2,366,000                      2,366,000

 

      Subd. 4.  Enlistment Incentives                                                                                    10,348,000                   10,348,000


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2903


 

If appropriations for either year of the biennium are insufficient, the appropriation from the other year is available.  The appropriations for enlistment incentives are available until expended."

 

Delete the title and insert:

 

"A bill for an act relating to appropriations; appropriating money for agriculture, the Board of Animal Health, the Rural Finance Authority, veterans, and the military; changing certain requirements and programs; amending Minnesota Statutes 2008, sections 3.737, subdivision 1; 3.7371, subdivision 3; 13.643, by adding a subdivision; 16C.16, by adding a subdivision; 16C.19; 16C.20; 17.03, subdivision 12; 17.115, subdivision 2; 18.75; 18.76; 18.77, subdivisions 1, 3, 5, by adding subdivisions; 18.78, subdivision 1, by adding a subdivision; 18.79; 18.80, subdivision 1; 18.81, subdivision 3, by adding subdivisions; 18.82, subdivisions 1, 3; 18.83; 18.84, subdivisions 1, 2, 3; 18.86; 18.87; 18.88; 18B.01, subdivision 8, by adding subdivisions; 18B.065, subdivisions 1, 2, 2a, 3, 7, by adding subdivisions; 18B.26, subdivisions 1, 3; 18B.31, subdivisions 3, 4; 18B.37, subdivision 1; 18C.415, subdivision 3; 18C.421; 18C.425, subdivisions 4, 6; 18E.03, subdivisions 2, 4; 18E.06; 18H.02, subdivision 12a, by adding subdivisions; 18H.07, subdivisions 2, 3; 18H.09; 18H.10; 28A.085, subdivision 1; 28A.21, subdivision 5; 31.94; 32.394, subdivision 8; 41A.09, subdivisions 2a, 3a; 41B.039, subdivision 2; 41B.04, subdivision 8; 41B.042, subdivision 4; 41B.043, subdivision 1b; 41B.045, subdivision 2; 43A.11, subdivision 7; 43A.23, subdivision 1; 85.053, subdivision 10; 97A.045, subdivision 1; 97A.465, subdivision 5; 161.321; 171.06, subdivision 3; 171.07, by adding a subdivision; 171.12, by adding a subdivision; 197.455, subdivision 1; 197.46; 198.003, by adding subdivisions; 239.791, subdivisions 1, 1a; 336.9-601; 471.975; 473.142; 550.365, subdivision 2; 559.209, subdivision 2; 582.039, subdivision 2; 583.215; 626.8517; Laws 2008, chapter 297, article 2, section 26, subdivision 3; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 17; 18; 18B; 41A; 192; 198; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2008, sections 17.49, subdivision 3; 18G.12, subdivision 5; 38.02, subdivisions 3, 4; 41.51; 41.52; 41.53; 41.55; 41.56; 41.57; 41.58, subdivisions 1, 2; 41.59, subdivision 1; 41.60; 41.61, subdivision 1; 41.62; 41.63; 41.65; Minnesota Rules, part 1505.0820."

 

Signed:

 

Ron Shimanski

 

      Shimanski moved that the Minority Report on H. F. No. 1122 be substituted for the Majority Report and that the Minority Report be now adopted.

 

 

LAY ON THE TABLE

 

      Juhnke moved that the Minority report on H. F. No. 1122 be laid on the table.

 

 

      A roll call was requested and properly seconded.

 

 

CALL OF THE HOUSE

 

      On the motion of Seifert and on the demand of 10 members, a call of the House was ordered.  The following members answered to their names:

 


Abeler

Anderson, B.

Anderson, P.

Anderson, S.

Anzelc

Atkins

Beard

Benson

Bigham

Bly

Brod

Brown

Brynaert

Buesgens

Bunn

Carlson

Champion

Clark


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2904


 

Cornish

Davids

Davnie

Dean

Demmer

Dettmer

Dill

Dittrich

Doepke

Doty

Downey

Drazkowski

Eastlund

Eken

Emmer

Falk

Faust

Fritz

Gardner

Garofalo

Gottwalt

Greiling

Gunther

Hackbarth

Hamilton

Hansen

Hausman

Haws

Hayden

Hilstrom

Hilty

Holberg

Hoppe

Hornstein

Hortman

Hosch

Howes

Huntley

Jackson

Johnson

Juhnke

Kahn

Kalin

Kath

Kelly

Kiffmeyer

Knuth

Koenen

Kohls

Laine

Lanning

Lenczewski

Lesch

Liebling

Lieder

Lillie

Loeffler

Loon

Mack

Magnus

Mahoney

Mariani

Marquart

Masin

McFarlane

McNamara

Morgan

Morrow

Mullery

Murdock

Murphy, E.

Murphy, M.

Nelson

Newton

Nornes

Norton

Obermueller

Olin

Otremba

Paymar

Pelowski

Peppin

Persell

Peterson

Poppe

Reinert

Rosenthal

Rukavina

Ruud

Sailer

Sanders

Scalze

Scott

Seifert

Sertich

Severson

Shimanski

Simon

Slawik

Slocum

Smith

Solberg

Sterner

Swails

Thao

Thissen

Tillberry

Torkelson

Urdahl

Wagenius

Ward

Welti

Westrom

Winkler

Zellers

Spk. Kelliher


 

 

      Seifert moved that further proceedings of the roll call be suspended and that the Sergeant at Arms be instructed to bring in the absentees.  The motion prevailed and it was so ordered.

 

 

      The question recurred on the Juhnke motion and the roll was called.

 

      Sertich moved that those not voting be excused from voting.  The motion prevailed.

 

      There were 86 yeas and 47 nays as follows

 

      Those who voted in the affirmative were:

 


Anzelc

Atkins

Benson

Bigham

Bly

Brown

Brynaert

Bunn

Carlson

Champion

Davnie

Dill

Dittrich

Doty

Eken

Falk

Faust

Fritz

Gardner

Greiling

Hansen

Hausman

Haws

Hayden

Hilstrom

Hilty

Hornstein

Hortman

Hosch

Huntley

Jackson

Johnson

Juhnke

Kahn

Kalin

Kath

Knuth

Koenen

Laine

Lenczewski

Lesch

Liebling

Lieder

Lillie

Loeffler

Mahoney

Mariani

Marquart

Masin

Morgan

Morrow

Mullery

Murphy, E.

Murphy, M.

Nelson

Newton

Norton

Obermueller

Olin

Otremba

Paymar

Pelowski

Persell

Peterson

Poppe

Reinert

Rosenthal

Rukavina

Ruud

Sailer

Scalze

Sertich

Simon

Slawik

Slocum

Solberg

Sterner

Swails

Thao

Thissen

Tillberry

Wagenius

Ward

Welti

Winkler

Spk. Kelliher


 

 

      Those who voted in the negative were:

 


Abeler

Anderson, B.

Anderson, P.

Anderson, S.

Beard

Brod

Buesgens

Cornish

Davids

Dean

Demmer

Dettmer

Doepke

Downey

Drazkowski

Eastlund

Emmer

Garofalo


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2905


 

Gottwalt

Gunther

Hackbarth

Hamilton

Holberg

Hoppe

Howes

Kelly

Kiffmeyer

Kohls

Lanning

Loon

Mack

Magnus

McFarlane

McNamara

Murdock

Nornes

Peppin

Sanders

Scott

Seifert

Severson

Shimanski

Smith

Torkelson

Urdahl

Westrom

Zellers


 

 

      The motion prevailed and the Minority Report on H. F. No. 1122 was laid on the table.

 

 

      The question recurred on the adoption of the Majority Report from the Committee on Finance relating to H. F. No. 1122.

 

 

      A roll call was requested and properly seconded.

 

 

      The question was taken on the adoption of the Majority Report from the Committee on Finance relating to H F. No. 1122 and the roll was called.  There were 87 yeas and 47 nays as follows:

 

      Those who voted in the affirmative were:

 


Anzelc

Atkins

Benson

Bigham

Bly

Brown

Brynaert

Bunn

Carlson

Champion

Clark

Davnie

Dill

Dittrich

Doty

Eken

Falk

Faust

Fritz

Gardner

Greiling

Hansen

Hausman

Haws

Hayden

Hilstrom

Hilty

Hornstein

Hortman

Hosch

Huntley

Jackson

Johnson

Juhnke

Kahn

Kalin

Kath

Knuth

Koenen

Laine

Lenczewski

Lesch

Liebling

Lieder

Lillie

Loeffler

Mahoney

Mariani

Marquart

Masin

Morgan

Morrow

Mullery

Murphy, E.

Murphy, M.

Nelson

Newton

Norton

Obermueller

Olin

Otremba

Paymar

Pelowski

Persell

Peterson

Poppe

Reinert

Rosenthal

Rukavina

Ruud

Sailer

Scalze

Sertich

Simon

Slawik

Slocum

Solberg

Sterner

Swails

Thao

Thissen

Tillberry

Wagenius

Ward

Welti

Winkler

Spk. Kelliher


 

 

      Those who voted in the negative were:

 


Abeler

Anderson, B.

Anderson, P.

Anderson, S.

Beard

Brod

Buesgens

Cornish

Davids

Dean

Demmer

Dettmer

Doepke

Downey

Drazkowski

Eastlund

Emmer

Garofalo

Gottwalt

Gunther

Hackbarth

Hamilton

Holberg

Hoppe

Howes

Kelly

Kiffmeyer

Kohls

Lanning

Loon

Mack

Magnus

McFarlane

McNamara

Murdock

Nornes

Peppin

Sanders

Scott

Seifert

Severson

Shimanski

Smith

Torkelson

Urdahl

Westrom

Zellers


 

 

      The Majority Report on H. F. No. 1122 was adopted.

 

 

CALL OF THE HOUSE LIFTED

 

      Sertich moved that the call of the House be lifted.  The motion prevailed and it was so ordered.


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2906


 

Carlson from the Committee on Finance to which was referred:

 

H. F. No. 1169, A bill for an act relating to employment; concerning certain purchases and acquisitions by public employers; concerning required work-related purchases for employees of public employers; establishing purchasing preferences; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 181.

 

Reported the same back with the following amendments:

 

Delete everything after the enacting clause and insert:

 

"ARTICLE 1

 

JOBS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS

 

      Section 1.  JOBS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS.

 

The amounts shown in this section summarize direct appropriations, by fund, made in this article.

 

                                                                                                                       2010                               2011                              Total

 

General                                                                                         $134,168,000               $133,992,000               $268,160,000

 

Workforce Development                                                               26,208,000                   25,358,000                   51,566,000

 

Remediation                                                                                          700,000                         700,000                      1,400,000

 

Workers' Compensation                                                                22,574,000                   22,574,000                   45,148,000

 

Total                                                                                            $183,650,000               $182,624,000               $366,274,000

 

Sec. 2.  JOBS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

 

The sums shown in the columns marked "Appropriations" are appropriated to the agencies and for the purposes specified in this article.  The appropriations are from the general fund, or another named fund, and are available for the fiscal years indicated for each purpose.  The figures "2010" and "2011" used in this article mean that the appropriations listed under them are available for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2010, or June 30, 2011, respectively. "The first year" is fiscal year 2010. "The second year" is fiscal year 2011. "The biennium" is fiscal years 2010 and 2011.

 

                                                                                                                                                             APPROPRIATIONS

                                                                                                                                                           Available for the Year

                                                                                                                                                                 Ending June 30

                                                                                                                                                   2010                                      2011

 

 

      Sec. 3.  DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

 

      Subdivision 1.  Total Appropriation                                                                         $65,064,000                 $64,214,000

 

Appropriations by Fund

 

                                                       2010                                       2011

 

General                             39,185,000                           39,185,000

 

Remediation                          700,000                                 700,000

 

Workforce

 Development                  25,179,000                           24,329,000


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2907


 

The amounts that may be spent for each purpose are specified in the following subdivisions.

 

      Subd. 2.  Business and Community Development                                                      8,015,000                      8,015,000

 

Appropriations by Fund

 

General                                6,926,000                              6,926,000

 

Remediation                          700,000                                 700,000

 

Workforce Development    389,000                                 389,000

 

(a) $700,000 each year is from the remediation fund for contaminated site cleanup and development grants under Minnesota Statutes, section 116J.554.  This appropriation is available until expended.

 

(b)(1) $150,000 each year is from the workforce development fund for a grant under Minnesota Statutes, section 116J.421, to the Rural Policy and Development Center at St. Peter, Minnesota.  The grant shall be used for research and policy analysis on emerging economic and social issues in rural Minnesota, to serve as a policy resource center for rural Minnesota communities, to encourage collaboration across higher education institutions, to provide interdisciplinary team approaches to research and problem-solving in rural communities, and to administer overall operations of the center.

 

(2) The grant shall be provided upon the condition that each state-appropriated dollar be matched with a nonstate dollar.  Acceptable matching funds are nonstate contributions that the center has received and have not been used to match previous state grants.  Any funds not spent the first year are available the second year.

 

(c) $225,000 each year is from the general fund for a grant to WomenVenture for women's business development programs and for programs that encourage and assist women to enter nontraditional careers in the trades; manual and technical occupations; science, technology, engineering, and mathematics-related occupations; and green jobs.  This appropriation may be matched dollar for dollar with any resources available from the federal government for these purposes with priority given to initiatives that have a goal of increasing by at least ten percent the number of women in occupations where women currently comprise less than 25 percent of the workforce.  The appropriation is available until expended.

 

(d) $105,000 each year is from the general fund and $50,000 each year is from the workforce development fund for a grant to the Metropolitan Economic Development Association for continuing minority business development programs in the metropolitan area and for contract procurement support to businesses in northeast and southwest Minnesota.


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2908


 

(e) $50,000 each year is from the general fund for a grant to the Minnesota Inventors Congress, of which at least $5,000 must be used for youth inventors.

 

(f)(1) $100,000 each year is from the general fund for a grant to BioBusiness Alliance of Minnesota for bioscience business development programs to promote and position the state as a global leader in bioscience business activities.  This is a onetime appropriation.  These funds may be used to create, recruit, retain, and expand biobusiness activity in Minnesota; implement the destination 2025 statewide plan; update a statewide assessment of the bioscience industry and the competitive position of Minnesota-based bioscience businesses relative to other states and other nations; and develop and implement business and scenario-planning models to create, recruit, retain, and expand biobusiness activity in Minnesota.

 

(2) The BioBusiness Alliance must report each year by February 15 to the committees of the house of representatives and the senate having jurisdiction over bioscience industry activity in Minnesota on the use of funds; the number of bioscience businesses and jobs created, recruited, retained, or expanded in the state since the last reporting period; the competitive position of the biobusiness industry; and utilization rates and results of the business and scenario-planning models and outcomes resulting from utilization of the business and scenario-planning models.

 

(g) Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 268.18, subdivision 2, $500,000 of funds collected for unemployment insurance administration under this subdivision is appropriated as follows: $250,000 to the city of Hugo for reimbursement of tornado relief efforts and $250,000 to Lake County for ice storm damage; and $70,000 the first year is from the general fund for tornado relief for the city of Hugo.

 

(h) $1,000,000 in the first year is from the 21st Century Minerals Fund to the Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities for a grant to the Northeast Higher Education District for planning, design, and construction of classrooms and housing facilities for upper division students in the engineering program.

 

(i)(1) $189,000 each year is appropriated from the general fund for grants of $63,000 to eligible organizations each year to assist in the development of entrepreneurs and small businesses.  Each state grant dollar must be matched with $1 of nonstate funds.  Any balance in the first year does not cancel but is available in the second year.

 

(2) Three grants must be awarded to continue or to develop a program.  One grant must be awarded to the Riverbend Center for Entrepreneurial Facilitation in Blue Earth County, and two to other


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2909


 

organizations serving Faribault and Martin Counties.  Grant recipients must report to the commissioner by February 1 of each year that the organization receives a grant with the number of customers served; the number of businesses started, stabilized, or expanded; the number of jobs created and retained; and business success rates.  The commissioner must report to the house of representatives and senate committees with jurisdiction over economic development finance on the effectiveness of these programs for assisting in the development of entrepreneurs and small businesses.

 

(j) Of the amount appropriated in Laws 2008, chapter 179, section 21, subdivision 3, from the bond proceeds fund to the commissioner of employment and economic development for bioscience business development public infrastructure grants under Minnesota Statutes, section 116J.435, up to $2,000,000 may be used for a grant to the city of Pine Island for the design and construction of publicly owned water and sewer infrastructure at the Elk Run Bioscience Park.  Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 116J.435, the grant under this section may be used for public infrastructure to support residential, industrial, office, or research park development.  The limits under Minnesota Statutes, section 116J.435, subdivision 3, paragraph (b), apply to the grant under this section.

 

      Subd. 3.  Workforce Development                                                                              54,603,000                   53,753,000

 

Appropriations by Fund

 

General                             29,813,000                           29,813,000

 

Workforce

 Development                  24,790,000                           23,940,000

 

(a) $4,562,000 each year is from the general fund for the Minnesota job skills partnership program under Minnesota Statutes, sections 116L.01 to 116L.17.  If the appropriation for either year is insufficient, the appropriation for the other year is available.  This appropriation is available until spent.

 

(b) $8,800,000 each year is from the general fund for the state's vocational rehabilitation program under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 268A.

 

(c) $5,986,000 each year is from the general fund for the state services for the blind activities.

 

(d) $2,380,000 each year is from the general fund for grants to centers for independent living under Minnesota Statutes, section 268A.11.


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2910


 

(e) $350,000 each year is from the general fund and $105,000 each year is from the workforce development fund for a grant under Minnesota Statutes, section 116J.8747, to Twin Cities RISE! to provide training to hard-to-train individuals.  Funds unexpended in the first year are available for expenditure in the second year.

 

(f) $150,000 each year is from the general fund and $50,000 each year is from the workforce development fund for a grant to Northern Connections in Perham to implement and operate a pilot workforce program that provides one-stop supportive services to individuals as they transition into the workforce.

 

(g) $150,000 each year is from the general fund for a grant to Advocating Change Together for training, technical assistance, and resource materials for persons with developmental and mental illness disabilities.

 

(h) $5,627,000 each year is from the general fund and $6,920,000 each year is from the workforce development fund for extended employment services for persons with severe disabilities or related conditions under Minnesota Statutes, section 268A.15.  Of the general fund appropriation, $125,000 each year is to supplement funds paid for wage incentives for the community support fund established in Minnesota Rules, part 3300.2045.

 

(i) $1,613,000 each year is from the general fund for grants to programs that provide employment support services to persons with mental illness under Minnesota Statutes, sections 268A.13 and 268A.14.  Grants may be used for special projects for young people with mental illness transitioning from school to work and people with serious mental illness receiving services through a mental health court or civil commitment court.  Special projects must demonstrate interagency collaboration.

 

(j) $145,000 each year is from the general fund and $175,000 each year is from the workforce development fund for a grant under Minnesota Statutes, section 268A.03, to Rise, Inc. for the Minnesota Employment Center for People Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.  Money not expended the first year is available the second year.

 

(k) $50,000 each year is from the general fund and $250,000 each year is from the workforce development fund for a grant to Lifetrack Resources for its immigrant and refugee collaborative program, including those related to job-seeking skills and workplace orientation, intensive job development, functional work English, and on-site job coaching.  This appropriation may also be used in Rochester.

 

(l) $3,500,000 each year is from the workforce development fund for the Minnesota youth program under Minnesota Statutes, sections 116L.56 and 116L.561.


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2911


 

(m) $1,375,000 each year is from the workforce development fund for the Opportunities Industrialization Center programs.

 

(n) $1,250,000 each year is from the workforce development fund for grants for the Minneapolis summer youth employment program.  The grants shall be used to fund up to 500 jobs for youth each summer.  Of this appropriation, $310,000 each year is for a grant to the learn-to-earn summer youth employment program.  The commissioner shall establish criteria for awarding the grants.  This appropriation is available in either year of the biennium and is available until spent.

 

(o) $575,000 each year is from the workforce development fund for grants to fund summer youth employment in St. Paul.  The grants shall be used to fund up to 500 jobs for youth each summer.  The commissioner shall establish criteria for awarding the grants.  This appropriation is available in either year of the biennium and is available until spent.

 

(p) $1,000,000 each year is from the workforce development fund for the youthbuild program under Minnesota Statutes, sections 116L.361 to 116L.366.

 

(q) $100,000 each year is from the workforce development fund for grants for the indigenous earthkeepers program for American Indian youth environmental education and training.  Funds must be used to provide summer programming for up to 80 American Indian youth ages 14 to 19 for up to eight weeks.  The indigenous earthkeepers program must use the environment, with native language as its primary core, to develop student academic skills and knowledge at Center School and Healthy Nations Program of the Minneapolis American Indian Center.  The program must foster a sense of civic and environmental responsibility by providing youth the opportunity to serve on small, natural, and urban resource crews in the Twin Cities metropolitan area and outside of the metropolitan area.  In addition, it must build the capacity of these youths to improve their lives in an indigenous-inspired and culturally relevant manner.  At a minimum, the program curriculum must include water studies, identification of waterway cleanup sites, cleanup of waterways significant to indigenous culture and education, plant identification, gardening, and indigenous language components.  This is a onetime appropriation.

 

(r) $340,000 each year is from the workforce development fund for grants to provide interpreters for a regional transition program that specializes in providing culturally appropriate transition services leading to employment for deaf, hard-of-hearing, and deaf-blind students.


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2912


 

(s) The first $1,450,000 deposited in each year of the biennium into the contingent account created under Minnesota Statutes, section 268.199, shall be transferred before the closing of each fiscal year to the workforce development fund created under Minnesota Statutes, section 116L.20.  Deposits in excess of $1,450,000 shall be transferred before the closing of each fiscal year to the general fund.

 

(t) $75,000 each year is from the workforce development fund for a grant to the Ramsey County Workforce Investment Board for the development of the building lives program.  This is a onetime appropriation.

 

(u) $75,000 each year is from the workforce development fund for a grant to a nonprofit organization.  The nonprofit organization must work on behalf of all licensed vendors to coordinate their efforts to respond to solicitations or other requests from private and governmental units as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 471.59, subdivision 1, in order to increase employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.  This is a onetime appropriation.

 

(v) $500,000 each year from the workforce development fund is for a grant to the Minnesota Alliance of Boys and Girls Clubs to administer a statewide project of youth job skills development.  This project, which may have career guidance components, including health and life skills, is to encourage, train, and assist youth in job-seeking skills, workplace orientation, and job site knowledge through coaching.  This grant requires a 25 percent match from nonstate resources.

 

(w) $100,000 in the first year is from the workforce development fund for a grant to the Southeast Asian Collaborative in Hennepin County for an intensive intervention transitional employment training project to move refugee and immigrant welfare recipients into unsubsidized employment leading to economic self-sufficiency.  One of the five partners in the collaborative shall be chosen as the fiscal agent by the commissioner of employment and economic development.  The primary effort must be on intensive employment skills training, including workplace English and overcoming cultural barriers, and on specialized training in fields of work which involve a credit-based curriculum.  For recipients without a high school diploma or a GED, extra effort shall be made to help the recipient meet the ability to benefit test so the recipient can receive financial aid for further training.  During the specialized training, efforts should be made to involve the recipients with an internship program and retention specialist.  This appropriation is not available until the commissioner of finance has determined that at least an equal amount has been committed from nonstate funds.


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2913


 

(x) $7,500,000 each year is from the workforce development fund for grants to establish two emergency employment pilot projects in counties with high unemployment rates.  The grants may be used for wage subsidies of up to 50 percent of the wage paid.  The maximum wage subsidy shall be $5 per hour.  This is a onetime appropriation.

 

(y) $1,000,000 each year is from reserve funds allocated to the Department of Employment and Economic Development under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Public Law 115-5, for Workforce Investment Act adult and displaced worker programs for on-the-job training for eligible persons in counties with high unemployment.  This is a onetime appropriation.

 

(z) $750,000 the first year is from the workforce development fund to Enterprise Minnesota, Inc. for the small business growth acceleration program established under Minnesota Statutes, section 116O.115.

 

(aa) $150,000 each year is for a grant to the nonprofit organization selected to administer the demonstration project for high-risk adults under Laws 2007, chapter 54, article 1, section 19, in order to continue the project for a second biennium.  This is a onetime appropriation.

 

(bb) Of the money available to Minnesota from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, Public Law 111-5, and allocated to the Department of Employment and Economic Development for state employment programs, $500,000 is for a grant to an organization doing business in St. Paul, Hibbing, and Grand Rapids, Minnesota, that provides progressive development and employment opportunities in competitive business enterprises for people with disabilities.  The appropriation in this section must be used to provide employee and program services, and is available until expended.  No nonstate match is required for this grant.

 

(cc) All Wagner-Peyser funds available to the state for job seeker services under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, Public Law 111-5, must be allocated to workforce development centers for universal job seeker services.

 

(dd) All Workforce Investment Act discretionary funds available to the commissioner for workforce development under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, Public Law 111-5, must first be allocated to replace reductions in state general fund or workforce development fund resources for employment and training or youth programs.

 

      Subd. 4.  State-Funded Administration                                                                        2,446,000                      2,446,000


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2914


 

      Sec. 4.  PUBLIC FACILITIES AUTHORITY                                                             $100,000                       $100,000

 

$100,000 the first year and $100,000 the second year are for the small community wastewater treatment program under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 446A.  This appropriation is available until spent.

 

      Sec. 5.  EXPLORE MINNESOTA TOURISM                                                       $10,311,000                 $10,311,000

 

(a) Of this amount, $12,000 each year is for a grant to the Upper Minnesota Film Office.

 

(b) To develop maximum private sector involvement in tourism, $500,000 the first year and $500,000 the second year must be matched by Explore Minnesota Tourism from nonstate sources.  Each $1 of state incentive must be matched with $3 of private sector funding.  Cash match is defined as revenue to the state or documented cash expenditures directly expended to support Explore Minnesota Tourism programs.  Up to one-half of the private sector contribution may be in-kind or soft match.  The incentive in the first year shall be based on fiscal year 2009 private sector contributions.  The incentive in the second year will be based on fiscal year 2010 private sector contributions.  This incentive is ongoing.

 

Funding for the marketing grants is available either year of the biennium.  Unexpended grant funds from the first year are available in the second year.

 

Unexpended money from the general fund appropriations made under this section does not cancel but must be placed in a special marketing account for use by Explore Minnesota Tourism for additional marketing activities.

 

(c) $325,000 the first year and $325,000 the second year are for the Minnesota Film and TV Board.  The appropriation in each year is available only upon receipt by the board of $1 in matching contributions of money or in-kind contributions from nonstate sources for every $3 provided by this appropriation.

 

(d) $650,000 the first year and $650,000 the second year are appropriated for a grant to the Minnesota Film and TV Board for the film jobs production program under Minnesota Statutes, section 116U.26.  These appropriations are available in either year of the biennium and are available until expended.

 

      Sec. 6.  HOUSING FINANCE AGENCY

 

      Subdivision 1.  Total Appropriation                                                                         $45,208,000                 $45,208,000

 

The amounts that may be spent for each purpose are specified in the following subdivisions.


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2915


 

This appropriation is for transfer to the housing development fund for the programs specified.  Except as otherwise indicated, this transfer is part of the agency's permanent budget base.

 

      Subd. 2.  Challenge Program                                                                                          9,517,000                      9,517,000

 

For the economic development and housing challenge program under Minnesota Statutes, section 462A.33.  Of this amount, $1,395,000 each year shall be made available during the first 11 months of the fiscal year exclusively for housing projects for American Indians.  Any funds not committed to housing projects for American Indians in the first 11 months of the fiscal year shall be available for any eligible activity under Minnesota Statutes, section 462A.33.

 

Base Adjustment. Beginning July 1, 2011, the base is reduced by $1,150,000.

 

      Subd. 3.  Housing Trust Fund                                                                                       10,555,000                   10,555,000

 

For deposit in the housing trust fund account created under Minnesota Statutes, section 462A.201, and used for the purposes provided in that section.

 

      Subd. 4.  Rental Assistance for Mentally Ill                                                                2,638,000                      2,638,000

 

For a rental housing assistance program for persons with a mental illness or families with an adult member with a mental illness under Minnesota Statutes, section 462A.2097.

 

      Subd. 5.  Family Homeless Prevention                                                                        7,465,000                      7,465,000

 

For the family homeless prevention and assistance programs under Minnesota Statutes, section 462A.204.

 

      Subd. 6.  Home Ownership Assistance Fund                                                                  385,000                         385,000

 

For the home ownership assistance program under Minnesota Statutes, section 462A.21, subdivision 8.  In fiscal years 2012 and 2013, the base shall be $885,000 each year.

 

      Subd. 7.  Affordable Rental Investment Fund                                                            8,996,000                      8,996,000

 

For the affordable rental investment fund program under Minnesota Statutes, section 462A.21, subdivision 8b.  The appropriation is to finance the acquisition, rehabilitation, and debt restructuring of federally assisted rental property and for making equity take-out loans under Minnesota Statutes, section 462A.05, subdivision 39.


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2916


 

The owner of federally assisted rental property must agree to participate in the applicable federally assisted housing program and to extend any existing low-income affordability restrictions on the housing for the maximum term permitted.  The owner must also enter into an agreement that gives local units of government, housing and redevelopment authorities, and nonprofit housing organizations the right of first refusal if the rental property is offered for sale.  Priority must be given among comparable federally assisted rental properties to properties with the longest remaining term under an agreement for federal assistance.  Priority must also be given among comparable rental housing developments to developments that are or will be owned by local government units, a housing and redevelopment authority, or a nonprofit housing organization.

 

The appropriation also may be used to finance the acquisition, rehabilitation, and debt restructuring of existing supportive housing properties.  For purposes of this subdivision, "supportive housing" means affordable rental housing with links to services necessary for individuals, youth, and families with children to maintain housing stability.

 

      Subd. 8.  Housing Rehabilitation                                                                                   4,287,000                      4,287,000

 

For the housing rehabilitation program under Minnesota Statutes, section 462A.05, subdivision 14, for rental housing developments.

 

      Subd. 9.  Homeownership Education, Counseling, and Training                                                                                                         865,000              865,000

 

For the homeownership education, counseling, and training program under Minnesota Statutes, section 462A.209.

 

      Subd. 10.  Capacity Building Grants                                                                               250,000                         250,000

 

For nonprofit capacity building grants under Minnesota Statutes, section 462A.21, subdivision 3b.

 

      Subd. 11.  Transfer of Disaster Relief Contingency Funds

 

$1,500,000 of the amount unobligated and unencumbered in the disaster relief contingency fund under Minnesota Statutes, section 462A.21, subdivision 29, is transferred to the housing trust fund under Minnesota Statutes, section 462A.201, for grants for temporary rental assistance for families with children who are homeless and in need of or utilizing an emergency shelter facility.  This is a onetime transfer and is not added to the agency's permanent budget base.


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2917


 

      Subd. 12.  Demonstration Project for High-Risk Adults

 

$250,000 in fiscal year 2010 and $250,000 in fiscal year 2011 are appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner of the Housing Finance Agency for grants to the nonprofit organization selected to administer the demonstration project for high-risk adults under Laws 2007, chapter 54, article 1, section 19, in order to continue the project for a second biennium.  This is a onetime appropriation.

 

      Sec. 7.  Commissioner of Finance                                                                                       $5,000                           $5,000

 

$5,000 in fiscal year 2010 and $5,000 in fiscal year 2011 are for the commissioner of finance for administrative expenses under section 327C.03.

 

      Sec. 8.  DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND INDUSTRY

 

      Subdivision 1.  Total Appropriation                                                                         $22,780,000                 $22,780,000

 

Appropriations by Fund

 

                                                       2010                                       2011

 

General                                   880,000                                 880,000

 

Workers'

 Compensation                20,871,000                           20,871,000

 

Workforce

 Development                    1,029,000                              1,029,000

 

The amounts that may be spent for each purpose are specified in the following subdivisions.

 

      Subd. 2.  Workers' Compensation                                                                              14,890,000                   14,890,000

 

This appropriation is from the workers' compensation fund.

 

$200,000 each year is for grants to the Vinland Center for rehabilitation services.  Grants shall be distributed as the department refers injured workers to the Vinland Center for rehabilitation services.

 

      Subd. 3.  Labor Standards/Apprenticeship                                                                 1,909,000                      1,909,000

 

Appropriations by Fund

 

General                                   880,000                                 880,000

 

Workforce

 Development                    1,029,000                              1,029,000


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2918


 

(a) The appropriation from the workforce development fund is for the apprenticeship program under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 178, and includes $100,000 each year for labor education and advancement program grants and to expand and promote registered apprenticeship training in nonconstruction trade programs.

 

(b) $150,000 each year is from the workforce development fund for prevailing wage enforcement.

 

(c) $200,000 the first year and $200,000 the second year are from the assigned risk safety account for independent contractor investigator services to ensure compliance with the state's independent contractor exemption certificate program under Minnesota Statutes, section 181.723.

 

      Subd. 4.  General Support                                                                                               5,981,000                      5,981,000

 

This appropriation is from the workers' compensation fund.

 

      Sec. 9.  BUREAU OF MEDIATION SERVICES

 

      Subdivision 1.  Total Appropriation                                                                           $1,683,000                   $1,683,000

 

The amounts that may be spent for each purpose are specified in the following subdivisions.

 

      Subd. 2.  Mediation Services                                                                                           1,583,000                      1,583,000

 

      Subd. 3.  Labor Management Cooperation Grants                                                      100,000                         100,000

 

$100,000 each year is for grants to area labor management committees.  Grants may be awarded for a 12-month period beginning July 1 each year.  Any unencumbered balance remaining at the end of the first year does not cancel but is available for the second year.

 

     Sec. 10.  WORKERS' COMPENSATION COURT OF APPEALS                                                                                   $1,703,000       $1,703,000

 

This appropriation is from the workers' compensation fund.

 

      Sec. 11.  MINNESOTA HISTORICAL SOCIETY

 

      Subdivision 1.  Total Appropriation                                                                         $22,719,000                 $22,613,000

 

The amounts that may be spent for each purpose are specified in the following subdivisions.

 

      Subd. 2.  Education and Outreach                                                                              12,870,000                   12,870,000

 

Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 138.668, the Minnesota Historical Society may not charge a fee for its general tours at the Capitol, but may charge fees for special programs other than general tours.


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2919


 

      Subd. 3.  Preservation and Access                                                                                 9,585,000                      9,585,000

 

      Subd. 4.  Fiscal Agent

 

(a) Minnesota International Center                                                                                            40,000                           40,000

 

(b) Minnesota Air National Guard Museum                                                                              14,000                                      0

 

(c) Minnesota Military Museum                                                                                                  92,000                                      0

 

(d) Farmamerica                                                                                                                           118,000                         118,000

 

(e) Balances Forward

 

Any unencumbered balance remaining in this subdivision the first year does not cancel but is available for the second year of the biennium.

 

The general fund base for the Minnesota Air National Guard Museum in fiscal year 2012 is $16,000.

 

The general fund base for the Minnesota Military Museum in fiscal year 2012 is $100,000.

 

      Subd. 5.  Fund Transfer

 

The Minnesota Historical Society may reallocate funds appropriated in and between subdivisions 2 and 3 for any program purposes and the appropriations are available in either year of the biennium.

 

      Sec. 12.  BOARD OF ACCOUNTANCY                $505,000                                       $505,000

 

      Sec. 13.  BOARD OF ARCHITECTURE, ENGINEERING, LAND SURVEYING, LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE, GEOSCIENCE, AND INTERIOR DESIGN                       $815,000                       $815,000

 

      Sec. 14.  BOARD OF BARBER AND COSMETOLOGIST EXAMINERS                                                                                      $839,000           $839,000

 

      Sec. 15.  COMBATIVE SPORTS COMMISSION                                                     $125,000                       $125,000

 

The appropriation is to transition the commission to being a self-funded entity.

 

      Sec. 16.  LEGISLATIVE COORDINATING COMMISSION                                    $70,000                                   $0

 

From the general fund to the Legislative Coordinating Commission under Minnesota Statutes, section 3.303, for fiscal year 2010 for the economic development strategy working group established in article 2, section 40.


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2920


 

      Sec. 17.  BOARD OF THE ARTS

 

      Subdivision 1.  Total Appropriation                                                                           $9,530,000                   $9,530,000

 

The amounts that may be spent for each purpose are specified in the following subdivisions.

 

      Subd. 2.  Operations and Services                                                                                    600,000                         600,000

 

      Subd. 3.  Grants Program                                                                                               6,202,000                      6,202,000

 

      Subd. 4.  Regional Arts Councils                                                                                   2,728,000                      2,728,000

 

      Sec. 18.  MINNESOTA HUMANITIES CENTER                                                      $238,000                       $238,000

 

      Sec. 19.  PUBLIC BROADCASTING                                                                         $1,955,000                   $1,955,000

 

(a) $1,161,000 the first year and $1,161,000 the second year are for matching grants for public television.

 

(b) $200,000 the first year and $200,000 the second year are for public television equipment grants.  Equipment or matching grant allocations shall be made after considering the recommendations of the Minnesota Public Television Association.

 

(c) $17,000 the first year and $17,000 the second year are for grants to the Twin Cities regional cable channel.

 

(d) $287,000 the first year and $287,000 the second year are for community service grants to public educational radio stations.

 

(e) $100,000 the first year and $100,000 the second year are for equipment grants to public educational radio stations.

 

(f) The grants in paragraphs (d) and (e) must be allocated after considering the recommendations of the Association of Minnesota Public Educational Radio Stations under Minnesota Statutes, section 129D.14.

 

(g) $190,000 the first year and $190,000 the second year are for equipment grants to Minnesota Public Radio, Inc.

 

(h) Any unencumbered balance remaining the first year for grants to public television or radio stations does not cancel and is available for the second year.

 

      Sec. 20.  Laws 1998, chapter 404, section 23, subdivision 6, as amended by Laws 2002, chapter 220, article 10, section 35, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

 

      Subd. 6.  St. Paul RiverCentre Arena                                                                                                                 65,000,000


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2921


 

This appropriation is from the general fund to the commissioner of finance for a loan to the city of St. Paul to demolish the existing St. Paul RiverCentre Arena and to design, construct, furnish, and equip a new arena.  This appropriation is not available until the lessee to whom the city has leased the arena has agreed to make rental or other payments to the city under the terms set forth in this subdivision.  The loan is repayable solely from and secured by the payments made to the city by the lessee.  The loan is not a public debt and the full faith, credit, and taxing powers of the city are not pledged for its repayment.

 

(a) $48,000,000 $15,250,000 of the loan must be repaid to the commissioner, without interest, within 20 12 years from the date of substantial completion of the arena in accordance with the following schedule:

 

(1) no repayments are due in the first two years from the date of substantial completion;

 

(2) in each of the years three to five, the lessee must pay $1,250,000;

 

(3) in each of the years six to ten, the lessee must pay $1,500,000; and

 

(4) in each of the years 11 to 13 12, the lessee must pay $2,000,000;.

 

(5) in year 14, the lessee must pay $3,000,000;

 

(6) in year 15, the lessee must pay $4,000,000; and

 

(7) in each of the years 16 to 20, the lessee must pay $4,750,000.

 

(b) The commissioner must deposit the repayments in the state treasury and credit them to the general fund.

 

(c) The loan may not be made until the commissioner has entered into an agreement with the city of St. Paul identifying the rental or other payments that will be made and establishing the dates on and the amounts in which the payments will be made to the city and by the city to the commissioner.  The payments may include operating revenues and additional payments to be made by the lessee under agreements to be negotiated between the commissioner, the city, and the lessee.  Those agreements may include, but are not limited to, an agreement whereby the lessee pledges to provide each year a letter of credit sufficient to guarantee the payment of the amount due for the next succeeding year; an agreement whereby the lessee agrees to maintain a net worth, certified each year by a financial institution or accounting firm satisfactory to the commissioner, that is greater than the balance due under the payment schedule in paragraph (a); and any other agreements the commissioner may deem necessary to ensure that the payments are made as scheduled.


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2922


 

(d) The agreements must provide that the failure of the lessee to make a payment due to the city under the agreement is an event of default under the lease between the city and the lessee and that the state is entitled to enforce the remedies of the lessor under the lease in the event of default.  Those remedies must include, but need not be limited to, the obligation of the lessee to pay the balance due for the remainder of the payment schedule in the event the lessee ceases to operate a National Hockey League team in the arena.

 

(e) By January 1, 1999, the commissioner shall report to the chair of the senate committee on state government finance and the chair of the house committee on ways and means the terms of an agreement between the lessee and the amateur sports commission whereby the lessee agrees to make the facilities of the arena available to the commission on terms satisfactory to the commission for amateur sports activities consistent with the purposes of Minnesota Statutes, chapter 240A, each year during the time the loan is outstanding.  The amateur sports commission must negotiate in good faith and may be required to pay no more than actual out-of-pocket expenses for the time it uses the arena.  The agreement may not become effective before February 1, 1999.  During any calendar year after 1999 that an agreement under this paragraph is not in effect and a payment is due under the schedule, the lessee must pay to the commissioner a penalty of $750,000 for that year.  If the amateur sports commission has not negotiated in good faith, no penalty is due.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective the day after the city of St. Paul issues up to $40,000,000 in bonds for a community ice facility as authorized in law.

 

ARTICLE 2

 

EMPLOYMENT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT-RELATED PROVISIONS

 

Section 1.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 15.75, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

 

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.

 

Sec. 2.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 16B.54, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2.  Vehicles.  (a) The commissioner may direct an agency to make a transfer of a passenger motor vehicle or truck currently assigned to it.  The transfer must be made to the commissioner for use in the central motor pool.  The commissioner shall reimburse an agency whose motor vehicles have been paid for with funds dedicated by the Constitution for a special purpose and which are assigned to the central motor pool.  The amount of reimbursement for a motor vehicle is its average wholesale price as determined from the midwest edition of the National Automobile Dealers Association official used car guide.


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2923


 

(b) To the extent that funds are available for the purpose, the commissioner may purchase or otherwise acquire additional passenger motor vehicles and trucks necessary for the central motor pool.  The title to all motor vehicles assigned to or purchased or acquired for the central motor pool is in the name of the Department of Administration.

 

(c) On the request of an agency, the commissioner may transfer to the central motor pool any passenger motor vehicle or truck for the purpose of disposing of it.  The department or agency transferring the vehicle or truck must be paid for it from the motor pool revolving account established by this section in an amount equal to two-thirds of the average wholesale price of the vehicle or truck as determined from the midwest edition of the National Automobile Dealers Association official used car guide.

 

(d) The commissioner shall provide for the uniform marking of all motor vehicles.  Motor vehicle colors must be selected from the regular color chart provided by the manufacturer each year.  The commissioner may further provide for the use of motor vehicles without marking by:

 

(1) the governor;

 

(2) the lieutenant governor;

 

(3) the Division of Criminal Apprehension, the Division of Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement, and arson investigators of the Division of Fire Marshal in the Department of Public Safety;

 

(4) the Financial Institutions Division and investigative staff of the Department of Commerce;

 

(5) the Division of Disease Prevention and Control of the Department of Health;

 

(6) the State Lottery;

 

(7) criminal investigators of the Department of Revenue;

 

(8) state-owned community service facilities in the Department of Human Services;

 

(9) the investigative staff of the Department of Employment and Economic Development;

 

(10) (9) the Office of the Attorney General; and

 

(11) (10) the investigative staff of the Gambling Control Board.

 

Sec. 3.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 84.94, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 3.  Identification and classification.  The Department of Natural Resources, with the cooperation of the state Geological Survey, Departments the Department of Transportation, and Energy, Planning and Development the Department of Employment and Economic Development, outside of the metropolitan area as defined in section 473.121, shall conduct a program of identification and classification of potentially valuable publicly or privately owned aggregate lands located outside of urban or developed areas where aggregate mining is restricted, without consideration of their present land use.  The program shall give priority to identification and classification in areas of the state where urbanization or other factors are or may be resulting in a loss of aggregate resources to development.  Lands shall be classified as: 

 

(1) identified resources, being those containing significant aggregate deposits;

 

(2) potential resources, being those containing potentially significant deposits and meriting further evaluation; or


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2924


 

(3) subeconomic resources, being those containing no significant deposits.

 

As lands are classified, the information on the classification shall be transmitted to each of the departments and agencies named in this subdivision, to the planning authority of the appropriate county and municipality, and to the appropriate county engineer.  The county planning authority shall notify owners of land classified under this subdivision by publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the county or by mail.

 

Sec. 4.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 115C.08, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 4.  Expenditures.  (a) Money in the fund may only be spent:

 

(1) to administer the petroleum tank release cleanup program established in this chapter;

 

(2) for agency administrative costs under sections 116.46 to 116.50, sections 115C.03 to 115C.06, and costs of corrective action taken by the agency under section 115C.03, including investigations;

 

(3) for costs of recovering expenses of corrective actions under section 115C.04;

 

(4) for training, certification, and rulemaking under sections 116.46 to 116.50;

 

(5) for agency administrative costs of enforcing rules governing the construction, installation, operation, and closure of aboveground and underground petroleum storage tanks;

 

(6) for reimbursement of the environmental response, compensation, and compliance account under subdivision 5 and section 115B.26, subdivision 4;

 

(7) for administrative and staff costs as set by the board to administer the petroleum tank release program established in this chapter;

 

(8) for corrective action performance audits under section 115C.093;

 

(9) for contamination cleanup grants, as provided in paragraph (c); and

 

(10) to assess and remove abandoned underground storage tanks under section 115C.094 and, if a release is discovered, to pay for the specific consultant and contractor services costs necessary to complete the tank removal project, including, but not limited to, excavation soil sampling, groundwater sampling, soil disposal, and completion of an excavation report.

 

(b) Except as provided in paragraph (c), money in the fund is appropriated to the board to make reimbursements or payments under this section.

 

(c) $6,200,000 is annually appropriated from the fund to the commissioner of employment and economic development for contamination cleanup grants under section 116J.554.  Of this amount, the commissioner may spend up to $180,000 $225,000 annually for administration of the contamination cleanup grant program.  The appropriation does not cancel and is available until expended.  The appropriation shall not be withdrawn from the fund nor the fund balance reduced until the funds are requested by the commissioner of employment and economic development.  The commissioner shall schedule requests for withdrawals from the fund to minimize the necessity to impose the fee authorized by subdivision 2.  Unless otherwise provided, the appropriation in this paragraph may be used for:


Journal of the House - 36th Day - Monday, April 20, 2009 - Top of Page 2925


 

(1) project costs at a qualifying site if a portion of the cleanup costs are attributable to petroleum contamination or new and used tar and tar-like substances, including but not limited to bitumen and asphalt, but excluding bituminous or asphalt pavement, that consist primarily of hydrocarbons and are found in natural deposits in the earth or are distillates, fractions or residues from the processing of petroleum crude or petroleum products as defined in section 296A.01; and

 

(2) the costs of performing contamination investigation if there is a reasonable basis to suspect the contamination is attributable to petroleum or new and used tar and tar-like substances, including but not limited to bitumen and asphalt, but excluding bituminous or asphalt pavement, that consist primarily of hydrocarbons and are found in natural deposits in the earth or are distillates, fractions, or residues from the processing of petroleum crude or petroleum products as defined in section 296A.01.

 

Sec. 5.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 116J.035, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Powers.  (a) The commissioner may:

 

(1) apply for, receive, and expend money from municipal, county, regional, and other government agencies;