Thursday, April 15, 2021 - 39th Legislative Day

A quorum was present.

Albright, Boe and Xiong, T., were excused.

The Chief Clerk proceeded to read the Journal of the preceding day. There being no objection, further reading of the Journal was dispensed with and the Journal was approved as corrected by the Chief Clerk.

Journal of the House - 39th Day - Thursday, April 15, 2021 - Top of Page 4020

REPORTS OF CHIEF CLERK

S. F. No. 1284 and H. F. No. 1067, which had been referred to the Chief Clerk for comparison, were examined and found to be identical.

Davnie moved that S. F. No. 1284 be substituted for H. F. No. 1067 and that the House File be indefinitely postponed. The motion prevailed.

S. F. No. 1315 and H. F. No. 1403, which had been referred to the Chief Clerk for comparison, were examined and found to be identical.

Becker-Finn moved that S. F. No. 1315 be substituted for H. F. No. 1403 and that the House File be indefinitely postponed. The motion prevailed.

REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES AND DIVISIONS

Becker-Finn from the Committee on Judiciary Finance and Civil Law to which was referred:

H. F. No. 600, A bill for an act relating to cannabis; establishing the Cannabis Management Board; establishing advisory councils; requiring reports relating to cannabis use and sales; legalizing and limiting the possession and use of cannabis by adults; providing for the licensing, inspection, and regulation of cannabis businesses; requiring testing of cannabis and cannabis products; requiring labeling of cannabis and cannabis products; limiting the advertisement of cannabis, cannabis products, and cannabis businesses; providing for the cultivation of cannabis in private residences; transferring regulatory authority for the medical cannabis program; taxing the sale of adult-use cannabis; establishing grant and loan programs; amending criminal penalties; establishing expungement procedures for certain individuals; establishing labor standards for the use of cannabis by employees and testing of employees; creating a civil cause of action for certain nuisances; amending the scheduling of marijuana and tetrahydrocannabinols; classifying data; appropriating money; amending Minnesota Statutes 2020, sections 13.411, by adding a subdivision; 13.871, by adding a subdivision; 152.02, subdivisions 2, 4; 152.022, subdivisions 1, 2; 152.023, subdivisions 1, 2; 152.024, subdivision 1; 152.025, subdivisions 1, 2; 181.938, subdivision 2; 181.950, subdivisions 2, 4, 5, 8, 13, by adding a subdivision; 181.951, by adding subdivisions; 181.952, by adding a subdivision; 181.953; 181.954; 181.955; 181.957, subdivision 1; 244.05, subdivision 2; 256.01, subdivision 18c; 256D.024, subdivision 1; 256J.26, subdivision 1; 290.0132, subdivision 29; 290.0134, subdivision 19; 297A.67, subdivisions 2, 7; 297A.99, by adding a subdivision; 297D.01, subdivision 2; 297D.04; 297D.06; 297D.07; 297D.08; 297D.085; 297D.09, subdivision 1a; 297D.10; 297D.11; 609.135, subdivision 1; 609.531, subdivision 1; 609.5311, subdivision 1; 609.5314, subdivision 1; 609.5316, subdivision 2; 609.5317, subdivision 1; 609A.01; 609A.03, subdivisions 5, 9; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 17; 28A; 34A; 116J; 116L; 120B; 144; 152; 289A; 295; 604; 609A; proposing coding for new law as Minnesota Statutes, chapter 342; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2020, sections 152.027, subdivisions 3, 4; 152.22, subdivisions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 5a, 5b, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14; 152.23; 152.24; 152.25, subdivisions 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 2, 3, 4; 152.26; 152.261; 152.27, subdivisions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7; 152.28, subdivisions 1, 2, 3; 152.29, subdivisions 1, 2, 3, 3a, 4; 152.30; 152.31; 152.32, subdivisions 1, 2, 3; 152.33, subdivisions 1, 1a, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; 152.34; 152.35; 152.36, subdivisions 1, 1a, 2, 3, 4, 5; 152.37; 297D.01, subdivision 1; Minnesota Rules, parts 4770.0100; 4770.0200; 4770.0300; 4770.0400; 4770.0500; 4770.0600; 4770.0800; 4770.0900; 4770.1000; 4770.1100; 4770.1200; 4770.1300; 4770.1400; 4770.1460; 4770.1500; 4770.1600; 4770.1700; 4770.1800; 4770.1900; 4770.2000; 4770.2100; 4770.2200; 4770.2300; 4770.2400; 4770.2700; 4770.2800; 4770.4000; 4770.4002; 4770.4003; 4770.4004; 4770.4005; 4770.4007; 4770.4008; 4770.4009; 4770.4010; 4770.4012; 4770.4013; 4770.4014; 4770.4015; 4770.4016; 4770.4017; 4770.4018; 4770.4030.

Reported the same back with the recommendation that the bill be re-referred to the Committee on State Government Finance and Elections.

The report was adopted.

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Moran from the Committee on Ways and Means to which was referred:

H. F. No. 1031, A bill for an act relating to commerce; establishing a biennial budget for certain Department of Commerce activities; modifying various provisions governing and administered by the Department of Commerce; establishing a prescription drug affordability board and related regulations; modifying various provisions regulating insurance; establishing a student loan borrower bill of rights; modifying and adding consumer protections; modifying provisions governing collection agencies and debt buyers; modifying requirements for real estate appraiser continuing education; modifying fees; establishing penalties; requiring reports; appropriating money; amending Minnesota Statutes 2020, sections 13.712, by adding a subdivision; 45.305, subdivision 1, by adding a subdivision; 45.306, by adding a subdivision; 45.33, subdivision 1, by adding a subdivision; 47.59, subdivision 2; 47.60, subdivision 2; 47.601, subdivisions 2, 6; 48.512, subdivisions 2, 3, 7; 53.04, subdivision 3a; 56.131, subdivision 1; 60A.092, subdivision 10a, by adding a subdivision; 60A.0921, subdivision 2; 60A.14, subdivision 1; 60A.71, subdivision 7; 61A.245, subdivision 4; 62J.23, subdivision 2; 65B.15, subdivision 1; 65B.43, subdivision 12; 65B.472, subdivision 1; 79.55, subdivision 10; 80G.06, subdivision 1; 82.57, subdivisions 1, 5; 82.62, subdivision 3; 82.81, subdivision 12; 82B.021, subdivision 18, by adding subdivisions; 82B.03, by adding a subdivision; 82B.11, subdivision 3; 82B.195, by adding a subdivision; 115C.094; 174.29, subdivision 1; 174.30, subdivisions 1, 10; 216B.62, subdivision 3b; 221.031, subdivision 3b; 256B.0625, subdivisions 10, 17; 308A.201, subdivision 12; 325E.21, by adding subdivisions; 325F.171, by adding a subdivision; 325F.172, by adding a subdivision; 332.31, subdivisions 3, 6, by adding subdivisions; 332.311; 332.32; 332.33, subdivisions 1, 2, 5, 5a, 7, 8, by adding a subdivision; 332.34; 332.345; 332.355; 332.37; 332.385; 332.40, subdivision 3; 332.42, subdivisions 1, 2; 386.375, subdivision 3; 514.972, subdivisions 4, 5; 514.973, subdivisions 3, 4; 514.974; 514.977; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 60A; 62J; 62Q; 80G; 82B; 325E; 325F; 332; proposing coding for new law as Minnesota Statutes, chapter 58B; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2020, sections 45.017; 45.306, subdivision 1; 60A.98; 60A.981; 60A.982; 115C.13.

Reported the same back with the following amendments:

Delete everything after the enacting clause and insert:

"ARTICLE 1

COMMERCE FINANCE

Section 1. 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, or another named fund, and are available for the fiscal years indicated for each purpose. The figures "2022" and "2023" used in this article mean that the appropriations listed under them are available for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022, or June 30, 2023, respectively. "The first year" is fiscal year 2022. "The second year" is fiscal year 2023. "The biennium" is fiscal years 2022 and 2023. If an appropriation in this act is enacted more than once in the 2021 legislative session, the appropriation must be given effect only once.

			APPROPRIATIONS
			Available for the Year
			Ending June 30
			2022	2023

Sec. 2. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Subdivision 1. Total Appropriation			$27,603,000	$26,920,000
Journal of the House - 39th Day - Thursday, April 15, 2021 - Top of Page 4022 Appropriations by Fund
	2022	2023
General	24,267,000	24,061,000
Special Revenue	2,570,000	2,093,000
Workers' Compensation Fund	766,000	766,000

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

Subd. 2. Financial Institutions

1,923,000

1,941,000

Appropriations by Fund

General

1,923,000

1,941,000

(a) $400,000 each year is for a grant to Prepare and Prosper to develop, market, evaluate, and distribute a financial services inclusion program that (1) assists low-income and financially underserved populations to build savings and strengthen credit, and (2) provides services to assist low-income and financially underserved populations to become more financially stable and secure. Money remaining after the first year is available for the second year.

(b) $254,000 each year is to administer the requirements of Minnesota Statutes, chapter 58B.

Subd. 3. Administrative Services

9,346,000

8,821,000

(a) $392,000 in the first year and $401,000 in the second year are for additional compliance efforts with unclaimed property. The commissioner may issue contracts for these services.

(b) $5,000 each year is for Real Estate Appraisal Advisory Board compensation pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 82B.073, subdivision 2a.

(d) $564,000 each year is for additional operations of the unclaimed property program.

(e) $832,000 in the first year and $208,000 in the second year are for IT system modernization. The base in fiscal year 2024 and beyond is $0.

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Subd. 4. Telecommunications

3,443,000

3,183,000

Appropriations by Fund

General

1,073,000

1,090,000

Special Revenue

2,370,000

2,093,000

$2,370,000 in the first year and $2,093,000 in the second year are from the telecommunications access Minnesota fund account in the special revenue fund for the following transfers:

(1) $1,620,000 each year is to the commissioner of human services to supplement the ongoing operational expenses of the Commission of Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard-of-Hearing Minnesotans. This transfer is subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.281;

(2) $290,000 each year is to the chief information officer to coordinate technology accessibility and usability;

(3) $410,000 in the first year and $133,000 in the second year are to the Legislative Coordinating Commission for captioning legislative coverage. This transfer is subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.281. Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the commissioner of management and budget must determine whether $310,000 of the expenditures authorized under this clause for the first year are eligible uses of federal funding received under the Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund or any other federal funds received by the state under the American Rescue Plan Act, Public Law 117-2. If the commissioner of management and budget determines an expenditure is eligible for funding under Public Law 117-2, the amount of the eligible expenditure is appropriated from the account where the federal funds have been deposited and the corresponding Telecommunications Access Minnesota Fund amounts appropriated under this clause cancel to the Telecommunications Access Minnesota Fund; and

(4) $50,000 each year is to the Office of MN.IT Services for a consolidated access fund to provide grants or services to other state agencies related to accessibility of web-based services.

Subd. 5. Enforcement

6,231,000

5,632,000

Appropriations by Fund
General	5,825,000	5,426,000
Workers' Compensation	206,000	206,000
Special Revenue Fund	200,000	-0-

(a) $283,000 in the first year and $286,000 in the second year are for health care enforcement.

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(b) $201,000 each year is from the workers' compensation fund.

(d) Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 297I.11, subdivision 2, $200,000 in the first year is from the auto theft prevention account in the special revenue fund for the catalytic converter theft prevention pilot project. This balance does not cancel but is available in the second year.

(e) $190,000 in the first year is from the general fund for the catalytic converter theft prevention pilot project. This balance does not cancel but is available in the second year. The general fund base for the catalytic converter theft prevention pilot project in fiscal year 2024 and fiscal year 2025 is $92,000.

(f) $300,000 in the first year is transferred from the consumer education account in the special revenue fund to the general fund. $300,000 in the first year is to the commissioner of education to issue grants of $150,000 each year to the Minnesota Council on Economic Education. This balance does not cancel but is available in the second year.

Subd. 6. Insurance

6,660,000

7,343,000

Appropriations by Fund

General

6,100,000

6,783,000

Workers' Compensation

560,000

(a) $656,000 in the first year and $671,000 in the second year are for health insurance rate review staffing.

(b) $421,000 in the first year and $431,000 in the second year are for actuarial work to prepare for implementation of principle-based reserves.

(c) $30,000 in the first year is to pay for two years of membership dues for Minnesota to the National Conference of Insurance Legislators.

(d) $428,000 in the first year and $432,000 in the second year are for licensing activities under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 62W. Of this amount, $246,000 each year must be used only for staff costs associated with two enforcement investigators to enforce Minnesota Statutes, chapter 62W.

(e) $560,000 each year is from the workers' compensation fund.

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(f) $197,000 in the first year is to establish the Prescription Drug Affordability Board under Minnesota Statutes, section 62J.87. Following the first meeting of the board and prior to June 30, 2022, the commissioner shall transfer any funds remaining from this appropriation to the board.

(g) $358,000 in the second year is to the Prescription Drug Affordability Board established under Minnesota Statutes, section 62J.87, to implement the Prescription Drug Affordability Act.

(h) $456,000 in the second year is to the attorney general's office to enforce the Prescription Drug Affordability Act.

Sec. 3. CANCELLATION; FISCAL YEAR 2021.

$1,220,000 of the fiscal year 2021 general fund appropriation under Laws 2019, First Special Session chapter 7, article 1, section 6, subdivision 3, is canceled.

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

Sec. 4. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE; APPROPRIATION.

(a) $4,000 in fiscal year 2021 is appropriated from the workers' compensation fund to the commissioner of commerce for insurance fraud specialist salary increases.

(b) $97,000 in fiscal year 2021 is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner of commerce for enforcement.

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

ARTICLE 2

PRESCRIPTION DRUG AFFORDABILITY BOARD

Section 1. [62J.85] CITATION.

Sections 62J.85 to 62J.95 may be cited as the "Prescription Drug Affordability Act."

Sec. 2. [62J.86] DEFINITIONS.

Subdivision 1. Definitions. For the purposes of sections 62J.85 to 62J.95, the following terms have the meanings given them.

Subd. 2. Advisory council. "Advisory council" means the Prescription Drug Affordability Advisory Council established under section 62J.88.

Subd. 3. Biologic. "Biologic" means a drug that is produced or distributed in accordance with a biologics license application approved under Code of Federal Regulations, title 42, section 447.502.

Subd. 4. Biosimilar. "Biosimilar" has the meaning given in section 62J.84, subdivision 2, paragraph (b).

Subd. 5. Board. "Board" means the Prescription Drug Affordability Board established under section 62J.87.

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Subd. 6. Brand name drug. "Brand name drug" has the meaning given in section 62J.84, subdivision 2, paragraph (c).

Subd. 7. Generic drug. "Generic drug" has the meaning given in section 62J.84, subdivision 2, paragraph (e).

Subd. 8. Group purchaser. "Group purchaser" has the meaning given in section 62J.03, subdivision 6, and includes pharmacy benefit managers, as defined in section 62W.02, subdivision 15.

Subd. 9. Manufacturer. "Manufacturer" means an entity that:

(1) engages in the manufacture of a prescription drug product or enters into a lease with another manufacturer to market and distribute a prescription drug product under the entity's own name; and

(2) sets or changes the wholesale acquisition cost of the prescription drug product it manufacturers or markets.

Subd. 10. Prescription drug product. "Prescription drug product" means a brand name drug, a generic drug, a biologic, or a biosimilar.

Subd. 11. Wholesale acquisition cost or WAC. "Wholesale acquisition cost" or "WAC" has the meaning given in United States Code, title 42, section 1395W-3a(c)(6)(B).

Sec. 3. [62J.87] PRESCRIPTION DRUG AFFORDABILITY BOARD.

Subdivision 1. Establishment. The commissioner of commerce shall establish the Prescription Drug Affordability Board, which shall be governed as a board under section 15.012, paragraph (a), to protect consumers, state and local governments, health plan companies, providers, pharmacies, and other health care system stakeholders from unaffordable costs of certain prescription drugs.

Subd. 2. Membership. (a) The Prescription Drug Affordability Board consists of nine members appointed as follows:

(1) seven voting members appointed by the governor;

(2) one nonvoting member appointed by the majority leader of the senate; and

(3) one nonvoting member appointed by the speaker of the house.

(b) All members appointed must have knowledge and demonstrated expertise in pharmaceutical economics and finance or health care economics and finance. A member must not be an employee of, a board member of, or a consultant to a manufacturer or trade association for manufacturers or a pharmacy benefit manager or trade association for pharmacy benefit managers.

Subd. 3. Terms. (a) Board appointees shall serve four-year terms, except that initial appointees shall serve staggered terms of two, three, or four years as determined by lot by the secretary of state. A board member shall serve no more than two consecutive terms.

(b) A board member may resign at any time by giving written notice to the board.

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Subd. 4. Chair; other officers. (a) The governor shall designate an acting chair from the members appointed by the governor. The acting chair shall convene the first meeting of the board.

(b) The board shall elect a chair to replace the acting chair at the first meeting of the board by a majority of the members. The chair shall serve for one year.

Subd. 5. Staff; technical assistance. (a) The board shall hire an executive director and other staff, who shall serve in the unclassified service. The executive director must have knowledge and demonstrated expertise in pharmacoeconomics, pharmacology, health policy, health services research, medicine, or a related field or discipline. The board may employ or contract for professional and technical assistance as the board deems necessary to perform the board's duties.

(b) The attorney general shall provide legal services to the board.

Subd. 6. Compensation. The board members shall not receive compensation but may receive reimbursement for expenses as authorized under section 15.059, subdivision 3.

Subd. 7. Meetings. (a) Meetings of the board are subject to chapter 13D. The board shall meet publicly at least every three months to review prescription drug product information submitted to the board under section 62J.90. If there are no pending submissions, the chair of the board may cancel or postpone the required meeting. The board may meet in closed session when reviewing proprietary information, as determined under the standards developed in accordance with section 62J.91, subdivision 4.

(b) The board shall announce each public meeting at least two weeks prior to the scheduled date of the meeting. Any materials for the meeting shall be made public at least one week prior to the scheduled date of the meeting.

(c) At each public meeting, the board shall provide the opportunity for comments from the public, including the opportunity for written comments to be submitted to the board prior to a decision by the board.

Sec. 4. [62J.88] PRESCRIPTION DRUG AFFORDABILITY ADVISORY COUNCIL.

Subdivision 1. Establishment. The governor shall appoint a 12-member stakeholder advisory council to provide advice to the board on drug cost issues and to represent stakeholders' views. The members of the advisory council shall be appointed based on the members' knowledge and demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following areas: the pharmaceutical business; practice of medicine; patient perspectives; health care cost trends and drivers; clinical and health services research; and the health care marketplace.

Subd. 2. Membership. The council's membership shall consist of the following:

(1) two members representing patients and health care consumers;

(2) two members representing health care providers;

(3) one member representing health plan companies;

(4) two members representing employers, with one member representing large employers and one member representing small employers;

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(5) one member representing government employee benefit plans;

(6) one member representing pharmaceutical manufacturers;

(7) one member who is a health services clinical researcher;

(8) one member who is a pharmacologist; and

(9) one member with expertise in health economics representing the commissioner of health.

Subd. 3. Terms. (a) The initial appointments to the advisory council shall be made by January 1, 2022. The initial appointed advisory council members shall serve staggered terms of two, three, or four years determined by lot by the secretary of state. Following the initial appointments, the advisory council members shall serve four-year terms.

(b) Removal and vacancies of advisory council members is governed by section 15.059.

Subd. 4. Compensation. Advisory council members may be compensated according to section 15.059.

Subd. 5. Meetings. Meetings of the advisory council are subject to chapter 13D. The advisory council shall meet publicly at least every three months to advise the board on drug cost issues related to the prescription drug product information submitted to the board under section 62J.90.

Subd. 6. Exemption. Notwithstanding section 15.059, the advisory council does not expire.

Sec. 5. [62J.89] CONFLICTS OF INTEREST.

Subdivision 1. Definition. For purposes of this section, "conflict of interest" means a financial or personal association that has the potential to bias or have the appearance of biasing a person's decisions in matters related to the board, the advisory council, or in the conduct of the board's or council's activities. A conflict of interest includes any instance in which a person, a person's immediate family member, including a spouse, parent, child, or other legal dependent, or an in-law of any of the preceding individuals has received or could receive a direct or indirect financial benefit of any amount deriving from the result or findings of a decision or determination of the board. For purposes of this section, a financial benefit includes honoraria, fees, stock, the value of the member's, immediate family member's, or in-law's stock holdings, and any direct financial benefit deriving from the finding of a review conducted under sections 62J.85 to 62J.95. Ownership of securities is not a conflict of interest if the securities are: (1) part of a diversified mutual or exchange traded fund; or (2) in a tax-deferred or tax-exempt retirement account that is administered by an independent trustee.

Subd. 2. General. (a) Prior to the acceptance of an appointment or employment, or prior to entering into a contractual agreement, a board or advisory council member, board staff member, or third-party contractor must disclose to the appointing authority or the board any conflicts of interest. The information disclosed shall include the type, nature, and magnitude of the interests involved.

(b) A board member, board staff member, or third-party contractor with a conflict of interest with regard to any prescription drug product under review must recuse themselves from any discussion, review, decision, or determination made by the board relating to the prescription drug product.

(c) Any conflict of interest must be disclosed in advance of the first meeting after the conflict is identified or within five days after the conflict is identified, whichever is earlier.

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Subd. 3. Prohibitions. Board members, board staff, or third-party contractors are prohibited from accepting gifts, bequeaths, or donations of services or property that raise the specter of a conflict of interest or have the appearance of injecting bias into the activities of the board.

Sec. 6. [62J.90] PRESCRIPTION DRUG PRICE INFORMATION; DECISION TO CONDUCT COST REVIEW.

Subdivision 1. Drug price information from the commissioner of health and other sources. (a) The commissioner of health shall provide to the board the information reported to the commissioner by drug manufacturers under section 62J.84, subdivisions 3, 4, and 5. The commissioner shall provide this information to the board within 30 days of the date the information is received from drug manufacturers.

(b) The board shall subscribe to one or more prescription drug pricing files, such as Medispan or FirstDatabank, or as otherwise determined by the board.

Subd. 2. Identification of certain prescription drug products. (a) The board, in consultation with the advisory council, shall identify the following prescription drug products:

(1) brand name drugs or biologics for which the WAC increases by more than ten percent or by more than $10,000 during any 12-month period or course of treatment if less than 12 months, after adjusting for changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI);

(2) brand name drugs or biologics that have been introduced at a WAC of $30,000 or more per calendar year or per course of treatment;

(3) biosimilar drugs that have been introduced at a WAC that is not at least 15 percent lower than the referenced brand name biologic at the time the biosimilar is introduced; and

(4) generic drugs for which the WAC:

(i) is $100 or more, after adjusting for changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), for:

(A) a 30-day supply lasting a patient for a period of 30 consecutive days based on the recommended dosage approved for labeling by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA);

(B) a supply lasting a patient for fewer than 30 days based on recommended dosage approved for labeling by the FDA; or

(ii) is increased by 200 percent or more during the immediate preceding 12-month period, as determined by the difference between the resulting WAC and the average of the WAC reported over the preceding 12 months, after adjusting for changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

(b) The board, in consultation with the advisory council, shall identify prescription drug products not described in paragraph (a) that may impose costs that create significant affordability challenges for the state health care system or for patients, including but not limited to drugs to address public health emergencies.

(c) The board shall make available to the public the names and related price information of the prescription drug products identified under this subdivision, with the exception of information determined by the board to be proprietary under the standards developed by the board under section 62J.91, subdivision 4.

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Subd. 3. Determination to proceed with review. (a) The board may initiate a cost review of a prescription drug product identified by the board under this section.

(b) The board shall consider requests by the public for the board to proceed with a cost review of any prescription drug product identified under this section.

(c) If there is no consensus among the members of the board with respect to whether or not to initiate a cost review of a prescription drug product, any member of the board may request a vote to determine whether or not to review the cost of the prescription drug product.

Sec. 7. [62J.91] PRESCRIPTION DRUG PRODUCT REVIEWS.

Subdivision 1. General. Once a decision by the board has been made to proceed with a cost review of a prescription drug product, the board shall conduct the review and make a determination as to whether appropriate utilization of the prescription drug under review, based on utilization that is consistent with the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) label or standard medical practice, has led or will lead to affordability challenges for the state health care system or for patients.

Subd. 2. Review considerations. In reviewing the cost of a prescription drug product, the board may consider the following factors:

(1) the price at which the prescription drug product has been and will be sold in the state;

(2) the average monetary price concession, discount, or rebate the manufacturer provides to a group purchaser in this state as reported by the manufacturer and the group purchaser expressed as a percent of the WAC for prescription drug product under review;

(3) the price at which therapeutic alternatives have been or will be sold in the state;

(4) the average monetary price concession, discount, or rebate the manufacturer provides or is expected to provide to a group purchaser in the state or is expected to provide to group purchasers in the state for therapeutic alternatives;

(5) the cost to group purchasers based on patient access consistent with the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) labeled indications;

(6) the impact on patient access resulting from the cost of the prescription drug product relative to insurance benefit design;

(7) the current or expected dollar value of drug-specific patient access programs that are supported by manufacturers;

(8) the relative financial impacts to health, medical, or other social services costs that can be quantified and compared to baseline effects of existing therapeutic alternatives;

(9) the average patient co-pay or other cost-sharing for the prescription drug product in the state;

(10) any information a manufacturer chooses to provide; and

(11) any other factors as determined by the board.

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Subd. 3. Further review factors. If, after considering the factors described in subdivision 2, the board is unable to determine whether a prescription drug product will produce or has produced an affordability challenge, the board may consider:

(1) manufacturer research and development costs, as indicated on the manufacturer's federal tax filing for the most recent tax year in proportion to the manufacturer's sales in the state;

(2) that portion of direct-to-consumer marketing costs eligible for favorable federal tax treatment in the most recent tax year that are specific to the prescription drug product under review and that are multiplied by the ratio of total manufacturer in-state sales to total manufacturer sales in the United States for the product under review;

(3) gross and net manufacturer revenues for the most recent tax year;

(4) any information and research related to the manufacturer's selection of the introductory price or price increase, including but not limited to:

(i) life cycle management;

(ii) market competition and context; and

(iii) projected revenue; and

(5) any additional factors determined by the board to be relevant.

Subd. 4. Public data; proprietary information. (a) Any submission made to the board related to a drug cost review shall be made available to the public, with the exception of information determined by the board to be proprietary.

(b) The board shall establish the standards for the information to be considered proprietary under paragraph (a) and section 62J.90, subdivision 2, including standards for heightened consideration of proprietary information for submissions for a cost review of a drug that is not yet approved by the FDA.

(c) Prior to the board establishing the standards under paragraph (b), the public shall be provided notice and the opportunity to submit comments.

Sec. 8. [62J.92] DETERMINATIONS; COMPLIANCE; REMEDIES.

Subdivision 1. Upper payment limit. (a) In the event the board finds that the spending on a prescription drug product reviewed under section 62J.91 creates an affordability challenge for the state health care system or for patients, the board shall establish an upper payment limit after considering:

(1) the cost to administer the drug;

(2) the cost to deliver the drug to consumers;

(3) the range of prices at which the drug is sold in the United States according to one or more pricing files accessed under section 62J.90, subdivision 1, and the range at which pharmacies are reimbursed in Canada; and

(4) any other relevant pricing and administrative cost information for the drug.

(b) The upper payment limit shall apply to all public and private purchases, payments, and payer reimbursements for the prescription drug product that is intended for individuals in the state in person, by mail, or by other means.

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Subd. 2. Noncompliance. (a) The failure of an entity to comply with an upper payment limit established by the board under this section shall be referred to the Office of the Attorney General.

(b) If the Office of the Attorney General finds that an entity was noncompliant with the upper payment limit requirements, the attorney general may pursue remedies consistent with chapter 8 or appropriate criminal charges if there is evidence of intentional profiteering.

(c) An entity who obtains price concessions from a drug manufacturer that result in a lower net cost to the stakeholder than the upper payment limit established by the board shall not be considered to be in noncompliance.

(d) The Office of the Attorney General may provide guidance to stakeholders concerning activities that could be considered noncompliant.

Subd. 3. Appeals. (a) A person affected by a decision of the board may request an appeal of the board's decision within 30 days of the date of the decision. The board shall hear the appeal and render a decision within 60 days of the hearing.

(b) All appeal decisions are subject to judicial review in accordance with chapter 14.

Sec. 9. [62J.93] REPORTS.

Beginning March 1, 2022, and each March 1 thereafter, the board shall submit a report to the governor and legislature on general price trends for prescription drug products and the number of prescription drug products that were subject to the board's cost review and analysis, including the result of any analysis as well as the number and disposition of appeals and judicial reviews.

Sec. 10. [62J.94] ERISA PLANS AND MEDICARE DRUG PLANS.

(a) Nothing in sections 62J.85 to 62J.95 shall be construed to require ERISA plans or Medicare Part D plans to comply with decisions of the board, but are free to choose to exceed the upper payment limit established by the board under section 62J.92.

(b) Providers who dispense and administer drugs in the state must bill all payers no more than the upper payment limit without regard to whether or not an ERISA plan or Medicare Part D plan chooses to reimburse the provider in an amount greater than the upper payment limit established by the board.

(c) For purposes of this section, an ERISA plan or group health plan is an employee welfare benefit plan established by or maintained by an employer or an employee organization, or both, that provides employer sponsored health coverage to employees and the employee's dependents and is subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).

Sec. 11. [62J.95] SEVERABILITY.

If any provision of sections 62J.85 to 62J.94 or the application of sections 62J.85 to 62J.94 to any person or circumstance is held invalid for any reason in a court of competent jurisdiction, the invalidity does not affect other provisions or any other application of sections 62J.85 to 62J.94 that can be given effect without the invalid provision or application.

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ARTICLE 3

INSURANCE

Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 60A.092, subdivision 10a, is amended to read:

Subd. 10a. Other jurisdictions. The reinsurance is ceded and credit allowed to an assuming insurer not meeting the requirements of subdivision 2, 3, 4, 5, or 10, or 10b, but only with respect to the insurance of risks located in jurisdictions where the reinsurance is required by applicable law or regulation of that jurisdiction.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective January 1, 2022, and applies to reinsurance contracts entered into or renewed on or after that date.

Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 60A.092, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 10b. Credit allowed; reciprocal jurisdiction. (a) Credit shall be allowed when the reinsurance is ceded to an assuming insurer meeting each of the following conditions:

(1) the assuming insurer must have its head office in or be domiciled in, as applicable, and be licensed in a reciprocal jurisdiction. A "reciprocal jurisdiction" means a jurisdiction that is:

(i) a non-United States jurisdiction that is subject to an in-force covered agreement with the United States, each within its legal authority, or, in the case of a covered agreement between the United States and the European Union, is a member state of the European Union. For purposes of this subdivision, a "covered agreement" means an agreement entered into pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, United States Code, title 31, sections 313 and 314, that is currently in effect or in a period of provisional application and addresses the elimination, under specified conditions, of collateral requirements as a condition for entering into any reinsurance agreement with a ceding insurer domiciled in Minnesota or for allowing the ceding insurer to recognize credit for reinsurance;

(ii) a United States jurisdiction that meets the requirements for accreditation under the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) financial standards and accreditation program; or

(iii) a qualified jurisdiction, as determined by the commissioner, which is not otherwise described in item (i) or (ii) and which meets the following additional requirements, consistent with the terms and conditions of in-force covered agreements:

(A) provides that an insurer which has its head office or is domiciled in such qualified jurisdiction shall receive credit for reinsurance ceded to a United States-domiciled assuming insurer in the same manner as credit for reinsurance is received for reinsurance assumed by insurers domiciled in such qualified jurisdiction;

(B) does not require a United States-domiciled assuming insurer to establish or maintain a local presence as a condition for entering into a reinsurance agreement with any ceding insurer subject to regulation by the non-United States jurisdiction or as a condition to allow the ceding insurer to recognize credit for such reinsurance;

(C) recognizes the United States state regulatory approach to group supervision and group capital, by providing written confirmation by a competent regulatory authority, in such qualified jurisdiction, that insurers and insurance groups that are domiciled or maintain their headquarters in this state or another jurisdiction accredited by the NAIC shall be subject only to worldwide prudential insurance group supervision including worldwide group governance, solvency and capital, and reporting, as applicable, by the commissioner or the commissioner of the domiciliary state and will not be subject to group supervision at the level of the worldwide parent undertaking of the insurance or reinsurance group by the qualified jurisdiction; and

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(D) provides written confirmation by a competent regulatory authority in such qualified jurisdiction that information regarding insurers and their parent, subsidiary, or affiliated entities, if applicable, shall be provided to the commissioner in accordance with a memorandum of understanding or similar document between the commissioner and such qualified jurisdiction, including but not limited to the International Association of Insurance Supervisors Multilateral Memorandum of Understanding or other multilateral memoranda of understanding coordinated by the NAIC;

(2) the assuming insurer must have and maintain, on an ongoing basis, minimum capital and surplus, or its equivalent, calculated according to the methodology of its domiciliary jurisdiction, on at least an annual basis as of the preceding December 31 or on the date otherwise statutorily reported to the reciprocal jurisdiction, in the following amounts:

(i) no less than $250,000,000; or

(ii) if the assuming insurer is an association, including incorporated and individual unincorporated underwriters:

(A) minimum capital and surplus equivalents, net of liabilities, or own funds of the equivalent of at least $250,000,000; and

(B) a central fund containing a balance of the equivalent of at least $250,000,000;

(3) the assuming insurer must have and maintain, on an ongoing basis, a minimum solvency or capital ratio, as applicable, as follows:

(i) if the assuming insurer has its head office or is domiciled in a reciprocal jurisdiction defined in clause (1), item (i), the ratio specified in the applicable covered agreement;

(ii) if the assuming insurer is domiciled in a reciprocal jurisdiction defined in clause (1), item (ii), a risk-based capital ratio of 300 percent of the authorized control level, calculated in accordance with the formula developed by the NAIC; or

(iii) if the assuming insurer is domiciled in a Reciprocal Jurisdiction defined in clause (1), item (iii), after consultation with the reciprocal jurisdiction and considering any recommendations published through the NAIC Committee Process, such solvency or capital ratio as the commissioner determines to be an effective measure of solvency;

(4) the assuming insurer must agree and provide adequate assurance in the form of a properly executed Form AR-1, Form CR-1, and Form RJ-1 of its agreement to the following:

(i) the assuming insurer must provide prompt written notice and explanation to the commissioner if it falls below the minimum requirements set forth in clause (2) or (3), or if any regulatory action is taken against the assuming insurer for serious noncompliance with applicable law;

(ii) the assuming insurer must consent in writing to the jurisdiction of the courts of Minnesota and to the appointment of the commissioner as agent for service of process. The commissioner may require that consent for service of process be provided to the commissioner and included in each reinsurance agreement. Nothing in this subdivision shall limit or in any way alter the capacity of parties to a reinsurance agreement to agree to alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, except to the extent such agreements are unenforceable under applicable insolvency or delinquency laws;

(iii) the assuming insurer must consent in writing to pay all final judgments, wherever enforcement is sought, obtained by a ceding insurer or its legal successor, that have been declared enforceable in the jurisdiction where the judgment was obtained;

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(iv) each reinsurance agreement must include a provision requiring the assuming insurer to provide security in an amount equal to 100 percent of the assuming insurer's liabilities attributable to reinsurance ceded pursuant to that agreement if the assuming insurer resists enforcement of a final judgment that is enforceable under the law of the jurisdiction in which it was obtained or a properly enforceable arbitration award, whether obtained by the ceding insurer or by its legal successor on behalf of its resolution estate;

(v) the assuming insurer must confirm that it is not presently participating in any solvent scheme of arrangement which involves this state's ceding insurers, and agree to notify the ceding insurer and the commissioner and to provide security in an amount equal to 100 percent of the assuming insurer's liabilities to the ceding insurer, should the assuming insurer enter into such a solvent scheme of arrangement. The security shall be in a form consistent with sections 60A.092, subdivision 10, 60A.093, 60A.096, and 60A.097. For purposes of this section, the term "solvent scheme of arrangement" means a foreign or alien statutory or regulatory compromise procedure subject to requisite majority creditor approval and judicial sanction in the assuming insurer's home jurisdiction either to finally commute liabilities of duly noticed classed members or creditors of a solvent debtor, or to reorganize or restructure the debts and obligations of a solvent debtor on a final basis, and which may be subject to judicial recognition and enforcement of the arrangement by a governing authority outside the ceding insurer's home jurisdiction; and

(vi) the assuming insurer must agree in writing to meet the applicable information filing requirements set forth in clause (5);

(5) the assuming insurer or its legal successor must provide, if requested by the commissioner, on behalf of itself and any legal predecessors, the following documentation to the commissioner:

(i) for the two years preceding entry into the reinsurance agreement and on an annual basis thereafter, the assuming insurer's annual audited financial statements, in accordance with the applicable law of the jurisdiction of its head office or domiciliary jurisdiction, as applicable, including the external audit report;

(ii) for the two years preceding entry into the reinsurance agreement, the solvency and financial condition report or actuarial opinion, if filed with the assuming insurer's supervisor;

(iii) prior to entry into the reinsurance agreement and not more than semiannually thereafter, an updated list of all disputed and overdue reinsurance claims outstanding for 90 days or more, regarding reinsurance assumed from ceding insurers domiciled in the United States; and

(iv) prior to entry into the reinsurance agreement and not more than semiannually thereafter, information regarding the assuming insurer's assumed reinsurance by ceding insurer, ceded reinsurance by the assuming insurer, and reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses by the assuming insurer to allow for the evaluation of the criteria set forth in clause (6);

(6) the assuming insurer must maintain a practice of prompt payment of claims under reinsurance agreements. The lack of prompt payment will be evidenced if any of the following criteria is met:

(i) more than 15 percent of the reinsurance recoverables from the assuming insurer are overdue and in dispute as reported to the commissioner;

(ii) more than 15 percent of the assuming insurer's ceding insurers or reinsurers have overdue reinsurance recoverable on paid losses of 90 days or more which are not in dispute and which exceed for each ceding insurer $100,000, or as otherwise specified in a covered agreement; or

(iii) the aggregate amount of reinsurance recoverable on paid losses which are not in dispute, but are overdue by 90 days or more, exceeds $50,000,000, or as otherwise specified in a covered agreement;

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(7) the assuming insurer's supervisory authority must confirm to the commissioner by December 31, 2021, and annually thereafter, or at the annual date otherwise statutorily reported to the reciprocal jurisdiction, that the assuming insurer complies with the requirements set forth in clauses (2) and (3); and

(8) nothing in this subdivision precludes an assuming insurer from providing the commissioner with information on a voluntary basis.

(b) The commissioner shall timely create and publish a list of reciprocal jurisdictions. The commissioner's list shall include any reciprocal jurisdiction as defined under paragraph (a), clause (1), items (i) and (ii), and shall consider any other reciprocal jurisdiction included on the NAIC list. The commissioner may approve a jurisdiction that does not appear on the NAIC list of reciprocal jurisdictions in accordance with criteria developed under rules issued by the commissioner. The commissioner may remove a jurisdiction from the list of reciprocal jurisdictions upon a determination that the jurisdiction no longer meets the requirements of a reciprocal jurisdiction, in accordance with a process set forth in rules issued by the commissioner, except that the commissioner shall not remove from the list a reciprocal jurisdiction as defined under paragraph (a), clause (1), items (i) and (ii). Upon removal of a reciprocal jurisdiction from the list, credit for reinsurance ceded to an assuming insurer which has its home office or is domiciled in that jurisdiction shall be allowed, if otherwise allowed pursuant to law.

(c) The commissioner shall timely create and publish a list of assuming insurers that have satisfied the conditions set forth in this subdivision and to which cessions shall be granted credit in accordance with this subdivision. The commissioner may add an assuming insurer to the list if an NAIC accredited jurisdiction has added the assuming insurer to a list of assuming insurers or if, upon initial eligibility, the assuming insurer submits the information to the commissioner as required under paragraph (a), clause (4), and complies with any additional requirements that the commissioner may impose by rule, except to the extent that they conflict with an applicable covered agreement.

(i) If an NAIC-accredited jurisdiction has determined that the conditions set forth in paragraph (a), clause (2), have been met, the commissioner has the discretion to defer to that jurisdiction's determination, and add such assuming insurer to the list of assuming insurers to which cessions shall be granted credit in accordance with this paragraph. The commissioner may accept financial documentation filed with another NAIC-accredited jurisdiction or with the NAIC in satisfaction of the requirements of paragraph (a), clause (2);

(ii) When requesting that the commissioner defer to another NAIC-accredited jurisdiction's determination, an assuming insurer must submit a properly executed Form RJ-1 and additional information as the commissioner may require. A state that has received such a request will notify other states through the NAIC Committee Process and provide relevant information with respect to the determination of eligibility.

(d) If the commissioner determines that an assuming insurer no longer meets one or more of the requirements under this subdivision, the commissioner may revoke or suspend the eligibility of the assuming insurer for recognition under this subdivision in accordance with procedures set forth in rule. While an assuming insurer's eligibility is suspended, no reinsurance agreement issued, amended, or renewed after the effective date of the suspension qualifies for credit, except to the extent that the assuming insurer's obligations under the contract are secured in accordance with this section. If an assuming insurer's eligibility is revoked, no credit for reinsurance may be granted after the effective date of the revocation with respect to any reinsurance agreements entered into by the assuming insurer, including reinsurance agreements entered into prior to the date of revocation, except to the extent that the assuming insurer's obligations under the contract are secured in a form acceptable to the commissioner and consistent with the provisions of this section.

(e) Before denying statement credit or imposing a requirement to post security with respect to paragraph (d) or adopting any similar requirement that will have substantially the same regulatory impact as security, the commissioner shall:

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(1) communicate with the ceding insurer, the assuming insurer, and the assuming insurer's supervisory authority that the assuming insurer no longer satisfies one of the conditions listed in paragraph (a), clause (2);

(2) provide the assuming insurer with 30 days from the initial communication to submit a plan to remedy the defect, and 90 days from the initial communication to remedy the defect, except in exceptional circumstances in which a shorter period is necessary for policyholder and other consumer protection;

(3) after the expiration of 90 days or less, as set out in clause (2), if the commissioner determines that no or insufficient action was taken by the assuming insurer, the commissioner may impose any of the requirements as set out in this paragraph; and

(4) provide a written explanation to the assuming insurer of any of the requirements set out in this paragraph.

(f) If subject to a legal process of rehabilitation, liquidation, or conservation, as applicable, the ceding insurer, or its representative, may seek and, if determined appropriate by the court in which the proceedings are pending, may obtain an order requiring that the assuming insurer post security for all outstanding ceded liabilities.

(g) Nothing in this subdivision limits or in any way alters the capacity of parties to a reinsurance agreement to agree on requirements for security or other terms in the reinsurance agreement, except as expressly prohibited by applicable law or rule.

(h) Credit may be taken under this subdivision only for reinsurance agreements entered into, amended, or renewed on or after the effective date of this subdivision, and only with respect to losses incurred and reserves reported on or after the later of: (1) the date on which the assuming insurer has met all eligibility requirements pursuant to this subdivision; and (2) the effective date of the new reinsurance agreement, amendment, or renewal. This paragraph does not alter or impair a ceding insurer's right to take credit for reinsurance, to the extent that credit is not available under this subdivision, as long as the reinsurance qualifies for credit under any other applicable provision of law. Nothing in this subdivision shall authorize an assuming insurer to withdraw or reduce the security provided under any reinsurance agreement, except as permitted by the terms of the agreement. Nothing in this subdivision shall limit, or in any way alter, the capacity of parties to any reinsurance agreement to renegotiate the agreement.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective January 1, 2022, and applies to reinsurance contracts entered into or renewed on or after that date.

Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 60A.0921, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Certification procedure. (a) The commissioner shall post notice on the department's website promptly upon receipt of any application for certification, including instructions on how members of the public may respond to the application. The commissioner may not take final action on the application until at least 30 days after posting the notice.

(b) The commissioner shall issue written notice to an assuming insurer that has applied and been approved as a certified reinsurer. The notice must include the rating assigned the certified reinsurer in accordance with subdivision 1. The commissioner shall publish a list of all certified reinsurers and their ratings.

(1) be domiciled and licensed to transact insurance or reinsurance in a qualified jurisdiction, as determined by the commissioner under subdivision 3;

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(2) maintain capital and surplus, or its equivalent, of no less than $250,000,000 calculated in accordance with paragraph (d), clause (8). This requirement may also be satisfied by an association including incorporated and individual unincorporated underwriters having minimum capital and surplus equivalents net of liabilities of at least $250,000,000 and a central fund containing a balance of at least $250,000,000;

(3) maintain financial strength ratings from two or more rating agencies acceptable to the commissioner. These ratings shall be based on interactive communication between the rating agency and the assuming insurer and shall not be based solely on publicly available information. These financial strength ratings shall be one factor used by the commissioner in determining the rating that is assigned to the assuming insurer. Acceptable rating agencies include the following:

(i) Standard & Poor's;

(ii) Moody's Investors Service;

(iii) Fitch Ratings;

(iv) A.M. Best Company; or

(v) any other nationally recognized statistical rating organization; and

(4) ensure that the certified reinsurer complies with any other requirements reasonably imposed by the commissioner.

(d) Each certified reinsurer shall be rated on a legal entity basis, with due consideration being given to the group rating where appropriate, except that an association including incorporated and individual unincorporated underwriters that has been approved to do business as a single certified reinsurer may be evaluated on the basis of its group rating. Factors that may be considered as part of the evaluation process include, but are not limited to:

(1) certified reinsurer's financial strength rating from an acceptable rating agency. The maximum rating that a certified reinsurer may be assigned will correspond to its financial strength rating as outlined in the table below. The commissioner shall use the lowest financial strength rating received from an approved rating agency in establishing the maximum rating of a certified reinsurer. A failure to obtain or maintain at least two financial strength ratings from acceptable rating agencies will result in loss of eligibility for certification;

Ratings	Best	S&P	Moody's	Fitch
Secure - 1	A++	AAA	Aaa	AAA
Secure - 2	A+	AA+, AA, AA-	Aa1, Aa2, Aa3	AA+, AA, AA-
Secure - 3	A	A+, A	A1, A2	A+, A
Secure - 4	A-	A-	A3	A-
Secure - 5	B++, B-	BBB+, BBB, BBB-	Baa1, Baa2, Baa3	BBB+, BBB, BBB-
Vulnerable - 6	B, B-C++, C+, C, C-, D, E, F	BB+, BB, BB-, B+, B, B-, CCC, CC, C, D, R	Ba1, Ba2, Ba3, B1, B2, B3, Caa, Ca, C	BB+, BB, BB-, B+, B, B-, CCC+, CC, CCC-, DD

(2) the business practices of the certified reinsurer in dealing with its ceding insurers, including its record of compliance with reinsurance contractual terms and obligations;

(3) for certified reinsurers domiciled in the United States, a review of the most recent applicable NAIC annual statement;

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(4) for certified reinsurers not domiciled in the United States, a review annually of such forms as may be required by the commissioner;

(5) the reputation of the certified reinsurer for prompt payment of claims under reinsurance agreements, based on an analysis of ceding insurers' reporting of overdue reinsurance recoverables, including the proportion of obligations that are more than 90 days past due or are in dispute, with specific attention given to obligations payable to companies that are in administrative supervision or receivership;

(6) regulatory actions against the certified reinsurer;

(7) the report of the independent auditor on the financial statements of the insurance enterprise, on the basis described in clause (8);

(8) for certified reinsurers not domiciled in the United States, audited financial statements (audited United States GAAP basis if available, audited IFRS basis statements are allowed, but must include an audited footnote reconciling equity and net income to a United States GAAP basis, or, with permission of the commissioner, audited IFRS statements with reconciliation to United States GAAP certified by an officer of the company). Upon the initial application for certification, the commissioner will consider audited financial statements for the last ~~three~~ two years filed with its non-United States jurisdiction supervisor;

(9) the liquidation priority of obligations to a ceding insurer in the certified reinsurer's domiciliary jurisdiction in the context of an insolvency proceeding;

(10) a certified reinsurer's participation in any solvent scheme of arrangement, or similar procedure, which involves United States ceding insurers. The commissioner must receive prior notice from a certified reinsurer that proposes participation by the certified reinsurer in a solvent scheme of arrangement; and

(11) other information as determined by the commissioner.

(e) Based on the analysis conducted under paragraph (d), clause (5), of a certified reinsurer's reputation for prompt payment of claims, the commissioner may make appropriate adjustments in the security the certified reinsurer is required to post to protect its liabilities to United States ceding insurers, provided that the commissioner shall, at a minimum, increase the security the certified reinsurer is required to post by one rating level under paragraph (d), clause (1), if the commissioner finds that:

(1) more than 15 percent of the certified reinsurer's ceding insurance clients have overdue reinsurance recoverables on paid losses of 90 days or more which are not in dispute and which exceed $100,000 for each cedent; or

(2) the aggregate amount of reinsurance recoverables on paid losses which are not in dispute that are overdue by 90 days or more exceeds $50,000,000.

(f) The assuming insurer must submit such forms as required by the commissioner as evidence of its submission to the jurisdiction of this state, appoint the commissioner as an agent for service of process in this state, and agree to provide security for 100 percent of the assuming insurer's liabilities attributable to reinsurance ceded by United States ceding insurers if it resists enforcement of a final United States judgment. The commissioner shall not certify an assuming insurer that is domiciled in a jurisdiction that the commissioner has determined does not adequately and promptly enforce final United States judgments or arbitration awards.

(g) The certified reinsurer must agree to meet filing requirements as determined by the commissioner, both with respect to an initial application for certification and on an ongoing basis. All data submitted by certified reinsurers to the commissioner is nonpublic under section 13.02, subdivision 9. The certified reinsurer must file with the commissioner:

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(1) a notification within ten days of any regulatory actions taken against the certified reinsurer, any change in the provisions of its domiciliary license, or any change in rating by an approved rating agency, including a statement describing such changes and the reasons therefore;

(2) an annual report regarding reinsurance assumed, in a form determined by the commissioner;

(3) an annual report of the independent auditor on the financial statements of the insurance enterprise, on the basis described in clause (4);

(4) an annual audited financial statement, regulatory filings, and actuarial opinion filed with the certified reinsurer's supervisor. Upon the initial certification, audited financial statements for the last ~~three~~ two years filed with the certified reinsurer's supervisor;

(5) at least annually, an updated list of all disputed and overdue reinsurance claims regarding reinsurance assumed from United States domestic ceding insurers;

(6) a certification from the certified reinsurer's domestic regulator that the certified reinsurer is in good standing and maintains capital in excess of the jurisdiction's highest regulatory action level; and

(7) any other relevant information as determined by the commissioner.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective January 1, 2022, and applies to reinsurance contracts entered into or renewed on or after that date.

Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 60A.14, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Fees other than examination fees. In addition to the fees and charges provided for examinations, the following fees must be paid to the commissioner for deposit in the general fund:

(a) by township mutual fire insurance companies:

(1) for filing certificate of incorporation $25 and amendments thereto, $10;

(2) for filing annual statements, $15;

(3) for each annual certificate of authority, $15;

(4) for filing bylaws $25 and amendments thereto, $10;

(b) by other domestic and foreign companies including fraternals and reciprocal exchanges:

(1) for filing an application for an initial certification of authority to be admitted to transact business in this state, $1,500;

(2) for filing certified copy of certificate of articles of incorporation, $100;

(3) for filing annual statement, ~~$225~~ $300;

(4) for filing certified copy of amendment to certificate or articles of incorporation, $100;

(5) for filing bylaws, $75 or amendments thereto, $75;

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(6) for each company's certificate of authority, ~~$575~~ $750, annually;

(1) for each certificate, including certified copy of certificate of authority, renewal, valuation of life policies, corporate condition or qualification, $25;

(2) for each copy of paper on file in the commissioner's office 50 cents per page, and $2.50 for certifying the same;

(3) for license to procure insurance in unadmitted foreign companies, $575;

(4) for valuing the policies of life insurance companies, ~~one cent~~ two cents per $1,000 of insurance so valued, provided that the fee shall not exceed ~~$13,000~~ $26,000 per year for any company. The commissioner may, in lieu of a valuation of the policies of any foreign life insurance company admitted, or applying for admission, to do business in this state, accept a certificate of valuation from the company's own actuary or from the commissioner of insurance of the state or territory in which the company is domiciled;

(5) for receiving and filing certificates of policies by the company's actuary, or by the commissioner of insurance of any other state or territory, $50;

(6) for each appointment of an agent filed with the commissioner, $30;

(7) for filing forms, rates, and compliance certifications under section 60A.315, $140 per filing, or $125 per filing when submitted via electronic filing system. Filing fees may be paid on a quarterly basis in response to an invoice. Billing and payment may be made electronically;

(8) for annual renewal of surplus lines insurer license, ~~$300~~ $400.

The commissioner shall adopt rules to define filings that are subject to a fee.

Sec. 5. [60A.985] DEFINITIONS.

Subdivision 1. Terms. As used in sections 60A.985 to 60A.9857, the following terms have the meanings given.

Subd. 2. Authorized individual. "Authorized individual" means an individual known to and screened by the licensee and determined to be necessary and appropriate to have access to the nonpublic information held by the licensee and its information systems.

Subd. 3. Consumer. "Consumer" means an individual, including but not limited to an applicant, policyholder, insured, beneficiary, claimant, and certificate holder who is a resident of this state and whose nonpublic information is in a licensee's possession, custody, or control.

Subd. 4. Cybersecurity event. "Cybersecurity event" means an event resulting in unauthorized access to, or disruption or misuse of, an information system or nonpublic information stored on an information system.

Cybersecurity event does not include the unauthorized acquisition of encrypted nonpublic information if the encryption, process, or key is not also acquired, released, or used without authorization.

Cybersecurity event does not include an event with regard to which the licensee has determined that the nonpublic information accessed by an unauthorized person has not been used or released and has been returned or destroyed.

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Subd. 5. Encrypted. "Encrypted" means the transformation of data into a form which results in a low probability of assigning meaning without the use of a protective process or key.

Subd. 6. Information security program. "Information security program" means the administrative, technical, and physical safeguards that a licensee uses to access, collect, distribute, process, protect, store, use, transmit, dispose of, or otherwise handle nonpublic information.

Subd. 7. Information system. "Information system" means a discrete set of electronic information resources organized for the collection, processing, maintenance, use, sharing, dissemination, or disposition of nonpublic electronic information, as well as any specialized system such as industrial or process controls systems, telephone switching and private branch exchange systems, and environmental control systems.

Subd. 8. Licensee. "Licensee" means any person licensed, authorized to operate, or registered, or required to be licensed, authorized, or registered by the Department of Commerce or the Department of Health under chapters 59A to 62M and 62Q to 79A.

Subd. 9. Multifactor authentication. "Multifactor authentication" means authentication through verification of at least two of the following types of authentication factors:

(1) knowledge factors, such as a password;

(2) possession factors, such as a token or text message on a mobile phone; or

(3) inherence factors, such as a biometric characteristic.

Subd. 10. Nonpublic information. "Nonpublic information" means electronic information that is not publicly available information and is:

(1) any information concerning a consumer which because of name, number, personal mark, or other identifier can be used to identify the consumer, in combination with any one or more of the following data elements:

(i) Social Security number;

(ii) driver's license number or nondriver identification card number;

(iii) financial account number, credit card number, or debit card number;

(iv) any security code, access code, or password that would permit access to a consumer's financial account; or

(v) biometric records; or

(2) any information or data, except age or gender, in any form or medium created by or derived from a health care provider or a consumer that can be used to identify a particular consumer and that relates to:

(i) the past, present, or future physical, mental, or behavioral health or condition of any consumer or a member of the consumer's family;

(ii) the provision of health care to any consumer; or

(iii) payment for the provision of health care to any consumer.

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Subd. 11. Person. "Person" means any individual or any nongovernmental entity, including but not limited to any nongovernmental partnership, corporation, branch, agency, or association.

Subd. 12. Publicly available information. "Publicly available information" means any information that a licensee has a reasonable basis to believe is lawfully made available to the general public from: federal, state, or local government records; widely distributed media; or disclosures to the general public that are required to be made by federal, state, or local law.

For the purposes of this definition, a licensee has a reasonable basis to believe that information is lawfully made available to the general public if the licensee has taken steps to determine:

(1) that the information is of the type that is available to the general public; and

(2) whether a consumer can direct that the information not be made available to the general public and, if so, that such consumer has not done so.

Subd. 13. Risk assessment. "Risk assessment" means the risk assessment that each licensee is required to conduct under section 60A.9853, subdivision 3.

Subd. 14. State. "State" means the state of Minnesota.

Subd. 15. Third-party service provider. "Third-party service provider" means a person, not otherwise defined as a licensee, that contracts with a licensee to maintain, process, or store nonpublic information, or is otherwise permitted access to nonpublic information through its provision of services to the licensee.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2021.

Sec. 6. [60A.9851] INFORMATION SECURITY PROGRAM.

Subdivision 1. Implementation of an information security program. Commensurate with the size and complexity of the licensee, the nature and scope of the licensee's activities, including its use of third-party service providers, and the sensitivity of the nonpublic information used by the licensee or in the licensee's possession, custody, or control, each licensee shall develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive written information security program based on the licensee's risk assessment and that contains administrative, technical, and physical safeguards for the protection of nonpublic information and the licensee's information system.

Subd. 2. Objectives of an information security program. A licensee's information security program shall be designed to:

(1) protect the security and confidentiality of nonpublic information and the security of the information system;

(2) protect against any threats or hazards to the security or integrity of nonpublic information and the information system;

(3) protect against unauthorized access to, or use of, nonpublic information, and minimize the likelihood of harm to any consumer; and

(4) define and periodically reevaluate a schedule for retention of nonpublic information and a mechanism for its destruction when no longer needed.

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Subd. 3. Risk assessment. The licensee shall:

(1) designate one or more employees, an affiliate, or an outside vendor authorized to act on behalf of the licensee who is responsible for the information security program;

(2) identify reasonably foreseeable internal or external threats that could result in unauthorized access, transmission, disclosure, misuse, alteration, or destruction of nonpublic information, including threats to the security of information systems and nonpublic information that are accessible to, or held by, third-party service providers;

(3) assess the likelihood and potential damage of the threats identified pursuant to clause (2), taking into consideration the sensitivity of the nonpublic information;

(4) assess the sufficiency of policies, procedures, information systems, and other safeguards in place to manage these threats, including consideration of threats in each relevant area of the licensee's operations, including:

(i) employee training and management;

(ii) information systems, including network and software design, as well as information classification, governance, processing, storage, transmission, and disposal; and

(iii) detecting, preventing, and responding to attacks, intrusions, or other systems failures; and

(5) implement information safeguards to manage the threats identified in its ongoing assessment, and no less than annually, assess the effectiveness of the safeguards' key controls, systems, and procedures.

Subd. 4. Risk management. Based on its risk assessment, the licensee shall:

(1) design its information security program to mitigate the identified risks, commensurate with the size and complexity of the licensee, the nature and scope of the licensee's activities, including its use of third-party service providers, and the sensitivity of the nonpublic information used by the licensee or in the licensee's possession, custody, or control;

(2) determine which of the following security measures are appropriate and implement any appropriate security measures:

(i) place access controls on information systems, including controls to authenticate and permit access only to authorized individuals, to protect against the unauthorized acquisition of nonpublic information;

(ii) identify and manage the data, personnel, devices, systems, and facilities that enable the organization to achieve business purposes in accordance with their relative importance to business objectives and the organization's risk strategy;

(iii) restrict physical access to nonpublic information to authorized individuals only;

(iv) protect, by encryption or other appropriate means, all nonpublic information while being transmitted over an external network and all nonpublic information stored on a laptop computer or other portable computing or storage device or media;

(v) adopt secure development practices for in-house developed applications utilized by the licensee;

(vi) modify the information system in accordance with the licensee's information security program;

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(vii) utilize effective controls, which may include multifactor authentication procedures for any authorized individual accessing nonpublic information;

(viii) regularly test and monitor systems and procedures to detect actual and attempted attacks on, or intrusions into, information systems;

(ix) include audit trails within the information security program designed to detect and respond to cybersecurity events and designed to reconstruct material financial transactions sufficient to support normal operations and obligations of the licensee;

(x) implement measures to protect against destruction, loss, or damage of nonpublic information due to environmental hazards, such as fire and water damage, other catastrophes, or technological failures; and

(xi) develop, implement, and maintain procedures for the secure disposal of nonpublic information in any format;

(3) include cybersecurity risks in the licensee's enterprise risk management process;

(4) stay informed regarding emerging threats or vulnerabilities and utilize reasonable security measures when sharing information relative to the character of the sharing and the type of information shared; and

(5) provide its personnel with cybersecurity awareness training that is updated as necessary to reflect risks identified by the licensee in the risk assessment.

Subd. 5. Oversight by board of directors. If the licensee has a board of directors, the board or an appropriate committee of the board shall, at a minimum:

(1) require the licensee's executive management or its delegates to develop, implement, and maintain the licensee's information security program;

(2) require the licensee's executive management or its delegates to report in writing, at least annually, the following information:

(i) the overall status of the information security program and the licensee's compliance with this act; and

(ii) material matters related to the information security program, addressing issues such as risk assessment, risk management and control decisions, third-party service provider arrangements, results of testing, cybersecurity events or violations and management's responses thereto, and recommendations for changes in the information security program; and

(3) if executive management delegates any of its responsibilities under this section, it shall oversee the development, implementation, and maintenance of the licensee's information security program prepared by the delegate and shall receive a report from the delegate complying with the requirements of the report to the board of directors.

Subd. 6. Oversight of third-party service provider arrangements. (a) A licensee shall exercise due diligence in selecting its third-party service provider.

(b) A licensee shall require a third-party service provider to implement appropriate administrative, technical, and physical measures to protect and secure the information systems and nonpublic information that are accessible to, or held by, the third-party service provider.

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Subd. 7. Program adjustments. The licensee shall monitor, evaluate, and adjust, as appropriate, the information security program consistent with any relevant changes in technology, the sensitivity of its nonpublic information, internal or external threats to information, and the licensee's own changing business arrangements, such as mergers and acquisitions, alliances and joint ventures, outsourcing arrangements, and changes to information systems.

Subd. 8. Incident response plan. (a) As part of its information security program, each licensee shall establish a written incident response plan designed to promptly respond to, and recover from, any cybersecurity event that compromises the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of nonpublic information in its possession, the licensee's information systems, or the continuing functionality of any aspect of the licensee's business or operations.

(b) The incident response plan shall address the following areas:

(1) the internal process for responding to a cybersecurity event;

(2) the goals of the incident response plan;

(3) the definition of clear roles, responsibilities, and levels of decision-making authority;

(4) external and internal communications and information sharing;

(5) identification of requirements for the remediation of any identified weaknesses in information systems and associated controls;

(6) documentation and reporting regarding cybersecurity events and related incident response activities; and

(7) the evaluation and revision, as necessary, of the incident response plan following a cybersecurity event.

Subd. 9. Annual certification to commissioner. (a) Subject to paragraph (b), by April 15 of each year, an insurer domiciled in this state shall certify in writing to the commissioner that the insurer is in compliance with the requirements set forth in this section. Each insurer shall maintain all records, schedules, and data supporting this certificate for a period of five years and shall permit examination by the commissioner. To the extent an insurer has identified areas, systems, or processes that require material improvement, updating, or redesign, the insurer shall document the identification and the remedial efforts planned and underway to address such areas, systems, or processes. Such documentation must be available for inspection by the commissioner.

(b) The commissioner must post on the department's website, no later than 60 days prior to the certification required by paragraph (a), the form and manner of submission required and any instructions necessary to prepare the certification.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2021. Licensees have one year from the effective date to implement subdivisions 1 to 5 and 7 to 9, and two years from the effective date to implement subdivision 6.

Sec. 7. [60A.9852] INVESTIGATION OF A CYBERSECURITY EVENT.

Subdivision 1. Prompt investigation. If the licensee learns that a cybersecurity event has or may have occurred, the licensee, or an outside vendor or service provider designated to act on behalf of the licensee, shall conduct a prompt investigation.

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Subd. 2. Investigation contents. During the investigation, the licensee, or an outside vendor or service provider designated to act on behalf of the licensee, shall, at a minimum and to the extent possible:

(1) determine whether a cybersecurity event has occurred;

(2) assess the nature and scope of the cybersecurity event, if any;

(3) identify whether any nonpublic information was involved in the cybersecurity event and, if so, what nonpublic information was involved; and

(4) perform or oversee reasonable measures to restore the security of the information systems compromised in the cybersecurity event in order to prevent further unauthorized acquisition, release, or use of nonpublic information in the licensee's possession, custody, or control.

Subd. 3. Third-party systems. If the licensee learns that a cybersecurity event has or may have occurred in a system maintained by a third-party service provider, the licensee will complete the steps listed in subdivision 2 or confirm and document that the third-party service provider has completed those steps.

Subd. 4. Records. The licensee shall maintain records concerning all cybersecurity events for a period of at least five years from the date of the cybersecurity event and shall produce those records upon demand of the commissioner.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2021.

Sec. 8. [60A.9853] NOTIFICATION OF A CYBERSECURITY EVENT.

Subdivision 1. Notification to the commissioner. Each licensee shall notify the commissioner of commerce or commissioner of health, whichever commissioner otherwise regulates the licensee, without unreasonable delay but in no event later than three business days from a determination that a cybersecurity event has occurred when either of the following criteria has been met:

(1) this state is the licensee's state of domicile, in the case of an insurer, or this state is the licensee's home state, in the case of a producer, as those terms are defined in chapter 60K and the cybersecurity event has a reasonable likelihood of materially harming:

(i) any consumer residing in this state; or

(ii) any part of the normal operations of the licensee; or

(2) the licensee reasonably believes that the nonpublic information involved is of 250 or more consumers residing in this state and that is either of the following:

(i) a cybersecurity event impacting the licensee of which notice is required to be provided to any government body, self-regulatory agency, or any other supervisory body pursuant to any state or federal law; or

(ii) a cybersecurity event that has a reasonable likelihood of materially harming:

(A) any consumer residing in this state; or

(B) any part of the normal operations of the licensee.

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Subd. 2. Information; notification. A licensee making the notification required under subdivision 1 shall provide the information in electronic form as directed by the commissioner. The licensee shall have a continuing obligation to update and supplement initial and subsequent notifications to the commissioner concerning material changes to previously provided information relating to the cybersecurity event. The licensee shall provide as much of the following information as possible:

(1) date of the cybersecurity event;

(2) description of how the information was exposed, lost, stolen, or breached, including the specific roles and responsibilities of third-party service providers, if any;

(3) how the cybersecurity event was discovered;

(4) whether any lost, stolen, or breached information has been recovered and, if so, how this was done;

(5) the identity of the source of the cybersecurity event;

(6) whether the licensee has filed a police report or has notified any regulatory, government, or law enforcement agencies and, if so, when such notification was provided;

(7) description of the specific types of information acquired without authorization. Specific types of information means particular data elements including, for example, types of medical information, types of financial information, or types of information allowing identification of the consumer;

(8) the period during which the information system was compromised by the cybersecurity event;

(9) the number of total consumers in this state affected by the cybersecurity event. The licensee shall provide the best estimate in the initial report to the commissioner and update this estimate with each subsequent report to the commissioner pursuant to this section;

(10) the results of any internal review identifying a lapse in either automated controls or internal procedures, or confirming that all automated controls or internal procedures were followed;

(11) description of efforts being undertaken to remediate the situation which permitted the cybersecurity event to occur;

(12) a copy of the licensee's privacy policy and a statement outlining the steps the licensee will take to investigate and notify consumers affected by the cybersecurity event; and

(13) name of a contact person who is familiar with the cybersecurity event and authorized to act for the licensee.

Subd. 3. Notification to consumers. (a) If a licensee is required to submit a report to the commissioner under subdivision 1, the licensee shall notify any consumer residing in Minnesota if, as a result of the cybersecurity event reported to the commissioner, the consumer's nonpublic information was or is reasonably believed to have been acquired by an unauthorized person, and there is a reasonable likelihood of material harm to the consumer as a result of the cybersecurity event. Consumer notification is not required for a cybersecurity event resulting from the good faith acquisition of nonpublic information by an employee or agent of the licensee for the purposes of the licensee's business, provided the nonpublic information is not used for a purpose other than the licensee's business or subject to further unauthorized disclosure. The notification must be made in the most expedient time possible and without unreasonable delay, consistent with the legitimate needs of law enforcement or with any measures necessary to determine the scope of the breach, identify the individuals affected, and restore the reasonable integrity of the data system. The notification may be delayed to a date certain if the commissioner determines that providing the notice impedes a criminal investigation. The licensee shall provide a copy of the notice to the commissioner.

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(b) For purposes of this subdivision, notice required under paragraph (a) must be provided by one of the following methods:

(1) written notice to the consumer's most recent address in the licensee's records;

(2) electronic notice, if the licensee's primary method of communication with the consumer is by electronic means or if the notice provided is consistent with the provisions regarding electronic records and signatures in United States Code, title 15, section 7001; or

(3) if the cost of providing notice exceeds $250,000, the affected class of consumers to be notified exceeds 500,000, or the licensee does not have sufficient contact information for the subject consumers, notice as follows:

(i) email notice when the licensee has an email address for the subject consumers;

(ii) conspicuous posting of the notice on the website page of the licensee; and

(iii) notification to major statewide media.

(c) Notwithstanding paragraph (b), a licensee that maintains its own notification procedure as part of its information security program that is consistent with the timing requirements of this subdivision is deemed to comply with the notification requirements if the licensee notifies subject consumers in accordance with its program.

(d) A waiver of the requirements under this subdivision is contrary to public policy, and is void and unenforceable.

Subd. 4. Notice regarding cybersecurity events of third-party service providers. (a) In the case of a cybersecurity event in a system maintained by a third-party service provider, of which the licensee has become aware, the licensee shall treat such event as it would under subdivision 1 unless the third-party service provider provides the notice required under subdivision 1.

(b) The computation of a licensee's deadlines shall begin on the day after the third-party service provider notifies the licensee of the cybersecurity event or the licensee otherwise has actual knowledge of the cybersecurity event, whichever is sooner.

(c) Nothing in this act shall prevent or abrogate an agreement between a licensee and another licensee, a third‑party service provider, or any other party to fulfill any of the investigation requirements imposed under section 60A.9854 or notice requirements imposed under this section.

Subd. 5. Notice regarding cybersecurity events of reinsurers to insurers. (a) In the case of a cybersecurity event involving nonpublic information that is used by the licensee that is acting as an assuming insurer or in the possession, custody, or control of a licensee that is acting as an assuming insurer and that does not have a direct contractual relationship with the affected consumers, the assuming insurer shall notify its affected ceding insurers and the commissioner of its state of domicile within three business days of making the determination that a cybersecurity event has occurred.

(b) The ceding insurers that have a direct contractual relationship with affected consumers shall fulfill the consumer notification requirements imposed under subdivision 3 and any other notification requirements relating to a cybersecurity event imposed under this section.

(c) In the case of a cybersecurity event involving nonpublic information that is in the possession, custody, or control of a third-party service provider of a licensee that is an assuming insurer, the assuming insurer shall notify its affected ceding insurers and the commissioner of its state of domicile within three business days of receiving notice from its third-party service provider that a cybersecurity event has occurred.

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(d) The ceding insurers that have a direct contractual relationship with affected consumers shall fulfill the consumer notification requirements imposed under subdivision 3 and any other notification requirements relating to a cybersecurity event imposed under this section.

(e) Any licensee acting as an assuming insurer shall have no other notice obligations relating to a cybersecurity event or other data breach under this section.

Subd. 6. Notice regarding cybersecurity events of insurers to producers of record. (a) In the case of a cybersecurity event involving nonpublic information that is in the possession, custody, or control of a licensee that is an insurer or its third-party service provider and for which a consumer accessed the insurer's services through an independent insurance producer, the insurer shall notify the producers of record of all affected consumers no later than the time at which notice is provided to the affected consumers.

(b) The insurer is excused from this obligation for those instances in which it does not have the current producer of record information for any individual consumer or in those instances in which the producer of record is no longer appointed to sell, solicit, or negotiate on behalf of the insurer.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2021.

Sec. 9. [60A.9854] POWER OF COMMISSIONER.

(a) The commissioner of commerce or commissioner of health, whichever commissioner otherwise regulates the licensee, shall have power to examine and investigate into the affairs of any licensee to determine whether the licensee has been or is engaged in any conduct in violation of sections 60A.985 to 60A.9857. This power is in addition to the powers which the commissioner has under section 60A.031. Any such investigation or examination shall be conducted pursuant to section 60A.031.

(b) Whenever the commissioner of commerce or commissioner of health has reason to believe that a licensee has been or is engaged in conduct in this state which violates sections 60A.985 to 60A.9857, the commissioner of commerce or commissioner of health may take action that is necessary or appropriate to enforce those sections.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2021.

Sec. 10. [60A.9855] CONFIDENTIALITY.

Subdivision 1. Licensee information. Any documents, materials, or other information in the control or possession of the department that are furnished by a licensee or an employee or agent thereof acting on behalf of a licensee pursuant to section 60A.9851, subdivision 9; section 60A.9853, subdivision 2, clauses (2), (3), (4), (5), (8), (10), and (11); or that are obtained by the commissioner in an investigation or examination pursuant to section 60A.9854 shall be classified as confidential, protected nonpublic, or both; shall not be subject to subpoena; and shall not be subject to discovery or admissible in evidence in any private civil action. However, the commissioner is authorized to use the documents, materials, or other information in the furtherance of any regulatory or legal action brought as a part of the commissioner's duties.

Subd. 2. Certain testimony prohibited. Neither the commissioner nor any person who received documents, materials, or other information while acting under the authority of the commissioner shall be permitted or required to testify in any private civil action concerning any confidential documents, materials, or information subject to subdivision 1.

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Subd. 3. Information sharing. In order to assist in the performance of the commissioner's duties under this act, the commissioner:

(1) may share documents, materials, or other information, including the confidential and privileged documents, materials, or information subject to subdivision 1, with other state, federal, and international regulatory agencies, with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, its affiliates or subsidiaries, and with state, federal, and international law enforcement authorities, provided that the recipient agrees in writing to maintain the confidentiality and privileged status of the document, material, or other information;

(2) may receive documents, materials, or information, including otherwise confidential and privileged documents, materials, or information, from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, its affiliates or subsidiaries, and from regulatory and law enforcement officials of other foreign or domestic jurisdictions, and shall maintain as confidential or privileged any document, material, or information received with notice or the understanding that it is confidential or privileged under the laws of the jurisdiction that is the source of the document, material, or information;

(3) may share documents, materials, or other information subject to subdivision 1, with a third-party consultant or vendor provided the consultant agrees in writing to maintain the confidentiality and privileged status of the document, material, or other information; and

(4) may enter into agreements governing sharing and use of information consistent with this subdivision.

Subd. 4. No waiver of privilege or confidentiality. No waiver of any applicable privilege or claim of confidentiality in the documents, materials, or information shall occur as a result of disclosure to the commissioner under this section or as a result of sharing as authorized in subdivision 3. Any document, material, or information disclosed to the commissioner under this section about a cybersecurity event must be retained and preserved by the licensee for the time period under section 541.05, or longer if required by the licensee's document retention policy.

Subd. 5. Certain actions public. Nothing in sections 60A.985 to 60A.9857 shall prohibit the commissioner from releasing final, adjudicated actions that are open to public inspection pursuant to chapter 13 to a database or other clearinghouse service maintained by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, its affiliates, or subsidiaries.

Subd. 6. Classification, protection, and use of information by others. Documents, materials, or other information in the possession or control of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners or a third-party consultant pursuant to sections 60A.985 to 60A.9857 are classified as confidential, protected nonpublic, and privileged; are not subject to subpoena; and are not subject to discovery or admissible in evidence in a private civil action.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2021.

Sec. 11. [60A.9856] EXCEPTIONS.

Subdivision 1. Generally. The following exceptions shall apply to sections 60A.985 to 60A.9857:

(1) a licensee with fewer than 25 employees is exempt from sections 60A.9851 and 60A.9852;

(2) a licensee subject to and in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, Public Law 104-191, 110 Stat. 1936 (HIPAA), is considered to comply with sections 60A.9851, 60A.9852, and 60A.9853, subdivisions 3 to 5, provided the licensee submits a written statement certifying its compliance with HIPAA;

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(3) a licensee affiliated with a depository institution that maintains an information security program in compliance with the interagency guidelines establishing standards for safeguarding customer information as set forth pursuant to United States Code, title 15, sections 6801 and 6805, shall be considered to meet the requirements of section 60A.9851 provided that the licensee produce, upon request, documentation satisfactory to the commission that independently validates the affiliated depository institution's adoption of an information security program that satisfies the interagency guidelines;

(4) an employee, agent, representative, or designee of a licensee, who is also a licensee, is exempt from sections 60A.9851 and 60A.9852 and need not develop its own information security program to the extent that the employee, agent, representative, or designee is covered by the information security program of the other licensee; and

(5) an employee, agent, representative, or designee of a producer licensee, as defined under section 60K.31, subdivision 6, who is also a licensee, is exempt from sections 60A.985 to 60A.9857.

Subd. 2. Exemption lapse; compliance. In the event that a licensee ceases to qualify for an exception, such licensee shall have 180 days to comply with this act.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2021.

Sec. 12. [60A.9857] PENALTIES.

In the case of a violation of sections 60A.985 to 60A.9856, a licensee may be penalized in accordance with section 60A.052.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2021.

Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 61A.245, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4. Minimum values. The minimum values as specified in subdivisions 5, 6, 7, 8 and 10 of any paid-up annuity, cash surrender or death benefits available under an annuity contract shall be based upon minimum nonforfeiture amounts as defined in this subdivision.

(a) The minimum nonforfeiture amount at any time at or prior to the commencement of any annuity payments shall be equal to an accumulation up to that time at rates of interest as indicated in paragraph (b) of the net considerations, as defined in this subdivision, paid prior to that time, decreased by the sum of clauses (1) through (4):

(1) any prior withdrawals from or partial surrenders of the contract accumulated at rates of interest as indicated in paragraph (b);

(2) an annual contract charge of $50, accumulated at rates of interest as indicated in paragraph (b);

(3) any premium tax paid by the company for the contract and not subsequently credited back to the company, such as upon early termination of the contract, in which case this decrease must not be taken, accumulated at rates of interest as indicated in paragraph (b); and

(4) the amount of any indebtedness to the company on the contract, including interest due and accrued.

The net considerations for a given contract year used to define the minimum nonforfeiture amount shall be an amount equal to 87.5 percent of the gross considerations credited to the contract during that contract year.

(b) The interest rate used in determining minimum nonforfeiture amounts must be an annual rate of interest determined as the lesser of three percent per annum and the following, which must be specified in the contract if the interest rate will be reset:

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(1) the five-year constant maturity treasury rate reported by the Federal Reserve as of a date, or average over a period, rounded to the nearest 1/20 of one percent, specified in the contract no longer than 15 months prior to the contract issue date or redetermination date under clause (4);

(2) reduced by 125 basis points;

(3) where the resulting interest rate is not less than ~~one~~ 0.15 percent; and

(4) the interest rate shall apply for an initial period and may be redetermined for additional periods. The redetermination date, basis, and period, if any, shall be stated in the contract. The basis is the date or average over a specified period that produces the value of the five-year constant maturity treasury rate to be used at each redetermination date.

(c) During the period or term that a contract provides substantive participation in an equity indexed benefit, it may increase the reduction described in clause (2) by up to an additional 100 basis points to reflect the value of the equity index benefit. The present value at the contract issue date, and at each redetermination date thereafter, of the additional reduction must not exceed the market value of the benefit. The commissioner may require a demonstration that the present value of the additional reduction does not exceed the market value of the benefit. Lacking such a demonstration that is acceptable to the commissioner, the commissioner may disallow or limit the additional reduction.

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

Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 62J.23, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Restrictions. (a) From July 1, 1992, until rules are adopted by the commissioner under this section, the restrictions in the federal Medicare antikickback statutes in section 1128B(b) of the Social Security Act, United States Code, title 42, section 1320a-7b(b), and rules adopted under the federal statutes, apply to all persons in the state, regardless of whether the person participates in any state health care program.

(b) Nothing in paragraph (a) shall be construed to prohibit an individual from receiving a discount or other reduction in price or a limited-time free supply or samples of a prescription drug, medical supply, or medical equipment offered by a pharmaceutical manufacturer, medical supply or device manufacturer, health plan company, or pharmacy benefit manager, so long as:

(1) the discount or reduction in price is provided to the individual in connection with the purchase of a prescription drug, medical supply, or medical equipment prescribed for that individual;

(2) it otherwise complies with the requirements of state and federal law applicable to enrollees of state and federal public health care programs;

(3) the discount or reduction in price does not exceed the amount paid directly by the individual for the prescription drug, medical supply, or medical equipment; and

(4) the limited-time free supply or samples are provided by a physician, advanced practice registered nurse, or pharmacist, as provided by the federal Prescription Drug Marketing Act.

For purposes of this paragraph, "prescription drug" includes prescription drugs that are administered through infusion, injection, or other parenteral methods, and related services and supplies.

(c) No benefit, reward, remuneration, or incentive for continued product use may be provided to an individual or an individual's family by a pharmaceutical manufacturer, medical supply or device manufacturer, or pharmacy benefit manager, except that this prohibition does not apply to:

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(1) activities permitted under paragraph (b);

(2) a pharmaceutical manufacturer, medical supply or device manufacturer, health plan company, or pharmacy benefit manager providing to a patient, at a discount or reduced price or free of charge, ancillary products necessary for treatment of the medical condition for which the prescription drug, medical supply, or medical equipment was prescribed or provided; and

(3) a pharmaceutical manufacturer, medical supply or device manufacturer, health plan company, or pharmacy benefit manager providing to a patient a trinket or memento of insignificant value.

(d) Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed to prohibit a health plan company from offering a tiered formulary with different co-payment or cost-sharing amounts for different drugs.

Sec. 15. [62Q.472] SCREENING AND TESTING FOR OPIOIDS.

(a) A health plan company shall not place a lifetime or annual limit on screenings and urinalysis testing for opioids for an enrollee in an inpatient or outpatient substance use disorder treatment program when the screening or testing is ordered by a health care provider and performed by an accredited clinical laboratory. A health plan company is not prohibited from conducting a medical necessity review when screenings or urinalysis testing for an enrollee exceeds 24 tests in any 12-month period.

(b) This section does not apply to managed care plans or county-based purchasing plans when the plan provides coverage to public health care program enrollees under chapter 256B or 256L.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective January 1, 2022, and applies to health plans offered, issued, or renewed on or after that date.

Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 256B.0625, subdivision 10, is amended to read:

Subd. 10. Laboratory and x-ray services. (a) Medical assistance covers laboratory and x-ray services.

(b) Medical assistance covers screening and urinalysis tests for opioids without lifetime or annual limits.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective January 1, 2022.

Sec. 17. REPEALER.

Minnesota Statutes 2020, sections 60A.98; 60A.981; and 60A.982, are repealed.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2021.

ARTICLE 4

CONSUMER PROTECTION

Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 13.712, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 7. Student loan servicers. Data collected, created, received, maintained, or disseminated under chapter 58B are governed by section 58B.10.

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Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 47.59, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Application. Extensions of credit or purchases of extensions of credit by financial institutions under sections 47.20, 47.21, 47.201, 47.204, 47.58, ~~47.60,~~ 48.153, 48.185, 48.195, 59A.01 to 59A.15, 334.01, 334.011, 334.012, 334.022, 334.06, and 334.061 to 334.19 may, but need not, be made according to those sections in lieu of the authority set forth in this section to the extent those sections authorize the financial institution to make extensions of credit or purchase extensions of credit under those sections. If a financial institution elects to make an extension of credit or to purchase an extension of credit under those other sections, the extension of credit or the purchase of an extension of credit is subject to those sections and not this section, except this subdivision, and except as expressly provided in those sections. A financial institution may also charge an organization a rate of interest and any charges agreed to by the organization and may calculate and collect finance and other charges in any manner agreed to by that organization. Except for extensions of credit a financial institution elects to make under section 334.01, 334.011, 334.012, 334.022, 334.06, or 334.061 to 334.19, chapter 334 does not apply to extensions of credit made according to this section or the sections listed in this subdivision. This subdivision does not authorize a financial institution to extend credit or purchase an extension of credit under any of the sections listed in this subdivision if the financial institution is not authorized to do so under those sections. A financial institution extending credit under any of the sections listed in this subdivision shall specify in the promissory note, contract, or other loan document the section under which the extension of credit is made.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2021, and applies to consumer short-term loans and small loans originated on or after that date.

Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 47.60, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Authorization, terms, conditions, and prohibitions. (a) ~~In lieu of the interest, finance charges, or fees in any other law,~~ A consumer small loan lender may charge ~~the following:~~ interest, finance charges, and fees. The sum of any interest, finance charges, and fees must not exceed an annual percentage rate, as defined in section 47.59, subdivision 1, paragraph (b), of 36 percent.

~~(1) on any amount up to and including $50, a charge of $5.50 may be added;~~

~~(2) on amounts in excess of $50, but not more than $100, a charge may be added equal to ten percent of the loan proceeds plus a $5 administrative fee;~~

~~(3) on amounts in excess of $100, but not more than $250, a charge may be added equal to seven percent of the loan proceeds with a minimum of $10 plus a $5 administrative fee;~~

(4) for amounts in excess of $250 and not greater than the maximum in subdivision 1, paragraph (a), a charge may be added equal to six percent of the loan proceeds with a minimum of $17.50 plus a $5 administrative fee.

(b) The term of a loan made under this section shall be for no more than 30 calendar days.

(c) After maturity, the contract rate must not exceed 2.75 percent per month of the remaining loan proceeds after the maturity date calculated at a rate of 1/30 of the monthly rate in the contract for each calendar day the balance is outstanding.

(d) No insurance charges or other charges must be permitted to be charged, collected, or imposed on a consumer small loan except as authorized in this section.

(e) On a loan transaction in which cash is advanced in exchange for a personal check, a return check charge may be charged as authorized by section 604.113, subdivision 2, paragraph (a). The civil penalty provisions of section 604.113, subdivision 2, paragraph (b), may not be demanded or assessed against the borrower.

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(f) A loan made under this section must not be repaid by the proceeds of another loan made under this section by the same lender or related interest. The proceeds from a loan made under this section must not be applied to another loan from the same lender or related interest. No loan to a single borrower made pursuant to this section shall be split or divided and no single borrower shall have outstanding more than one loan with the result of collecting a higher charge than permitted by this section or in an aggregate amount of principal exceed at any one time the maximum of $350.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2021, and applies to consumer short-term loans and small loans originated on or after that date.

Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 47.601, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Consumer short-term loan contract. (a) No contract or agreement between a consumer short-term loan lender and a borrower residing in Minnesota may contain the following:

(1) a provision selecting a law other than Minnesota law under which the contract is construed or enforced;

(2) a provision choosing a forum for dispute resolution other than the state of Minnesota; or

(3) a provision limiting class actions against a consumer short-term lender for violations of subdivision 3 or for making consumer short-term loans:

(i) without a required license issued by the commissioner; or

(ii) in which interest rates, fees, charges, or loan amounts exceed those allowable under section ~~47.59, subdivision 6, or~~ 47.60, subdivision 2~~, other than by de minimis amounts if no pattern or practice exists~~.

(b) Any provision prohibited by paragraph (a) is void and unenforceable.

(c) A consumer short-term loan lender must furnish a copy of the written loan contract to each borrower. The contract and disclosures must be written in the language in which the loan was negotiated with the borrower and must contain:

(1) the name; address, which may not be a post office box; and telephone number of the lender making the consumer short-term loan;

(2) the name and title of the individual employee or representative who signs the contract on behalf of the lender;

(3) an itemization of the fees and interest charges to be paid by the borrower;

(4) in bold, 24-point type, the annual percentage rate as computed under United States Code, chapter 15, section 1606; and

(5) a description of the borrower's payment obligations under the loan.

(d) The holder or assignee of a check or other instrument evidencing an obligation of a borrower in connection with a consumer short-term loan takes the instrument subject to all claims by and defenses of the borrower against the consumer short-term lender.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2021, and applies to consumer short-term loans and small loans originated on or after that date.

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Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 47.601, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6. Penalties for violation; private right of action. (a) Except for a "bona fide error" as set forth under United States Code, chapter 15, section 1640, subsection (c), an individual or entity who violates subdivision 2 or 3 is liable to the borrower for:

(1) all money collected or received in connection with the loan;

(2) actual, incidental, and consequential damages;

(3) statutory damages of up to $1,000 per violation;

(4) costs, disbursements, and reasonable attorney fees; and

(5) injunctive relief.

(b) In addition to the remedies provided in paragraph (a), a loan is void, and the borrower is not obligated to pay any amounts owing if the loan is made:

(1) by a consumer short-term lender who has not obtained an applicable license from the commissioner;

(2) in violation of any provision of subdivision 2 or 3; or

(3) in which interest, fees, charges, or loan amounts exceed the interest, fees, charges, or loan amounts allowable under ~~sections 47.59, subdivision 6, and~~ section 47.60, subdivision 2.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2021, and applies to consumer short-term loans and small loans originated on or after that date.

Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 48.512, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Required information. Before opening or authorizing signatory power over a transaction account, a financial intermediary shall require one applicant to provide the following information on an application document signed by the applicant:

(a) full name;

(b) birth date;

(d) address of current employment, if employed;

(e) telephone numbers of residence and place of employment, if any;

(f) Social Security number;

(g) driver's license or identification card number issued pursuant to section 171.07. If the applicant does not have a driver's license or identification card, the applicant may provide an identification document number issued for identification purposes by any state, federal, or foreign government if the document includes the applicant's photograph, full name, birth date, and signature. ~~A valid Wisconsin driver's license without a photograph may be accepted in satisfaction of the requirement of this paragraph until January 1, 1985~~;

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(h) whether the applicant has had a transaction account at the same or another financial intermediary within 12 months immediately preceding the application, and if so, the name of the financial intermediary;

(i) whether the applicant has had a transaction account closed by a financial intermediary without the applicant's consent within 12 months immediately preceding the application, and if so, the reason the account was closed; and

(j) whether the applicant has been convicted of a criminal offense because of the use of a check or other similar item within 24 months immediately preceding the application.

A financial intermediary may require an applicant to disclose additional information.

An applicant who makes a false material statement that the applicant does not believe to be true in an application document with respect to information required to be provided by this subdivision is guilty of perjury. The financial intermediary shall notify the applicant of the provisions of this paragraph.

Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 48.512, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Confirm no involuntary closing. (a) Before opening or authorizing signatory power over a transaction account, the financial intermediary shall attempt to verify the information disclosed for subdivision 2, clause (i). Inquiries made to verify this information through persons in the business of providing such information must include an inquiry based on the applicant's identification number provided under subdivision 2, clause (g).

(b) The financial intermediary may not open or authorize signatory power over a transaction account if (i) the applicant had a transaction account closed by a financial intermediary without consent because of issuance by the applicant of dishonored checks within 12 months immediately preceding the application, or (ii) the applicant has been convicted of a criminal offense because of the use of a check or other similar item within 24 months immediately preceding the application. This paragraph does not apply to programs designed to expand access to financial services to individuals who do not possess a transaction account.

(c) If the transaction account is refused pursuant to this subdivision, the reasons for the refusal shall be given to the applicant in writing and the applicant shall be allowed to provide additional information.

Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 48.512, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Subd. 7. Transaction account service charges and charges relating to dishonored checks. (a) The establishment of transaction account service charges and the amounts of the charges not otherwise limited or prescribed by law or rule is a business decision to be made by each financial intermediary according to sound business judgment and safe, sound financial institution operational standards. In establishing transaction account service charges, the financial intermediary may consider, but is not limited to considering:

(1) costs incurred by the institution, plus a profit margin, in providing the service;

(2) the deterrence of misuse by customers of financial institution services;

(3) the establishment of the competitive position of the financial institution in accordance with the institution's marketing strategy; and

(4) maintenance of the safety and soundness of the institution.

(b) Transaction account service charges must be reasonable in relation to these considerations and should be arrived at by each financial intermediary on a competitive basis and not on the basis of any agreement, arrangement, undertaking, or discussion with other financial intermediaries or their officers.

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(c) A financial intermediary may not impose a service charge in excess of $4 $10 for a dishonored check on any person other than the issuer of the check.

Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 53.04, subdivision 3a, is amended to read:

Subd. 3a. Loans. (a) The right to make loans, secured or unsecured, at the rates and on the terms and other conditions permitted under chapters 47 and 334. Loans made under this authority must be in amounts in compliance with section 53.05, clause (7). A licensee making a loan under this chapter secured by a lien on real estate shall comply with the requirements of section 47.20, subdivision 8. A licensee making a loan that is a consumer small loan, as defined in section 47.60, subdivision 1, paragraph (a), must comply with section 47.60. A licensee making a loan that is a consumer short-term loan, as defined in section 47.601, subdivision 1, paragraph (d), must comply with section 47.601.

(b) Loans made under this subdivision may be secured by real or personal property, or both. If the proceeds of a loan secured by a first lien on the borrower's primary residence are used to finance the purchase of the borrower's primary residence, the loan must comply with the provisions of section 47.20.

(c) An agency or instrumentality of the United States government or a corporation otherwise created by an act of the United States Congress or a lender approved or certified by the secretary of housing and urban development, or approved or certified by the administrator of veterans affairs, or approved or certified by the administrator of the Farmers Home Administration, or approved or certified by the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, or approved or certified by the Federal National Mortgage Association, that engages in the business of purchasing or taking assignments of mortgage loans and undertakes direct collection of payments from or enforcement of rights against borrowers arising from mortgage loans, is not required to obtain a certificate of authorization under this chapter in order to purchase or take assignments of mortgage loans from persons holding a certificate of authorization under this chapter.

(d) This subdivision does not authorize an industrial loan and thrift company to make loans under an overdraft checking plan.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2021, and applies to consumer short-term loans and small loans originated on or after that date.

Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 56.131, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Interest rates and charges. (a) On any loan in a principal amount not exceeding $100,000 or 15 percent of a Minnesota corporate licensee's capital stock and surplus as defined in section 53.015, if greater, a licensee may contract for and receive interest, finance charges, and other charges as provided in section 47.59.

(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), a licensee making a loan that is a consumer small loan, as defined in section 47.60, subdivision 1, paragraph (a), must comply with section 47.60. A licensee making a loan that is a consumer short-term loan, as defined in section 47.601, subdivision 1, paragraph (d), must comply with section 47.601.

~~(b)~~ (c) With respect to a loan secured by an interest in real estate, and having a maturity of more than 60 months, the original schedule of installment payments must fully amortize the principal and interest on the loan. The original schedule of installment payments for any other loan secured by an interest in real estate must provide for payment amounts that are sufficient to pay all interest scheduled to be due on the loan.

~~(c)~~ (d) A licensee may contract for and collect a delinquency charge as provided for in section 47.59, subdivision 6, paragraph (a), clause (4).

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~~(d)~~ (e) A licensee may grant extensions, deferments, or conversions to interest-bearing as provided in section 47.59, subdivision 5.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2021, and applies to consumer short-term loans and small loans originated on or after that date.

Sec. 11. [58B.01] TITLE.

This chapter may be cited as the "Student Loan Borrower Bill of Rights."

Sec. 12. [58B.02] DEFINITIONS.

Subdivision 1. Scope. For purposes of this chapter, the following terms have the meanings given them.

Subd. 2. Borrower. "Borrower" means a resident of this state who has received or agreed to pay a student loan or a person who shares responsibility with a resident for repaying a student loan.

Subd. 3. Commissioner. "Commissioner" means the commissioner of commerce.

Subd. 4. Financial institution. "Financial institution" means any of the following organized under the laws of this state, any other state, or the United States: a bank, bank and trust, trust company with banking powers, savings bank, savings association, or credit union.

Subd. 5. Person in control. "Person in control" means any member of senior management, including owners or officers, and other persons who directly or indirectly possess the power to direct or cause the direction of the management policies of an applicant or student loan servicer under this chapter, regardless of whether the person has any ownership interest in the applicant or student loan servicer. Control is presumed to exist if a person directly or indirectly owns, controls, or holds with power to vote ten percent or more of the voting stock of an applicant or student loan servicer or of a person who owns, controls, or holds with power to vote ten percent or more of the voting stock of an applicant or student loan servicer.

Subd. 6. Servicing. "Servicing" means:

(1) receiving any scheduled periodic payments from a borrower or notification of payments, and applying payments to the borrower's account pursuant to the terms of the student loan or of the contract governing servicing;

(2) during a period when no payment is required on a student loan, maintaining account records for the loan and communicating with the borrower regarding the loan, on behalf of the loan's holder; and

(3) interacting with a borrower, including activities to help prevent default on obligations arising from student loans, conducted to facilitate the requirements in clauses (1) and (2).

Subd. 7. Student loan. "Student loan" means a government, commercial, or foundation loan for actual costs paid for tuition and reasonable education and living expenses.

Subd. 8. Student loan servicer. "Student loan servicer" means any person, wherever located, responsible for the servicing of any student loan to any borrower, including a nonbank covered person, as defined in Code of Federal Regulations, title 12, section 1090.101, who is responsible for the servicing of any student loan to any borrower.

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Sec. 13. [58B.03] LICENSING OF STUDENT LOAN SERVICERS.

Subdivision 1. License required. No person shall directly or indirectly act as a student loan servicer without first obtaining a license from the commissioner.

Subd. 2. Exempt persons. The following persons are exempt from the requirements of this chapter:

(1) a financial institution;

(2) a person servicing student loans made with the person's own funds, if no more than three student loans are made in any 12-month period;

(3) an agency, instrumentality, or political subdivision of this state that makes, services, or guarantees student loans;

(4) a person acting in a fiduciary capacity, such as a trustee or receiver, as a result of a specific order issued by a court of competent jurisdiction;

(5) the University of Minnesota; or

(6) a person exempted by order of the commissioner.

Subd. 3. Application for licensure. (a) Any person seeking to act within the state as a student loan servicer must apply for a license in a form and manner specified by the commissioner. At a minimum, the application must include:

(1) a financial statement prepared by a certified public accountant or a public accountant;

(2) the history of criminal convictions, excluding traffic violations, for persons in control of the applicant;

(3) any information requested by the commissioner related to the history of criminal convictions disclosed under clause (2);

(4) a nonrefundable license fee established by the commissioner; and

(5) a nonrefundable investigation fee established by the commissioner.

(b) The commissioner may conduct a state and national criminal history records check of the applicant and of each person in control or employee of the applicant.

Subd. 4. Issuance of a license. (a) Upon receipt of a complete application for an initial license and the payment of fees for a license and investigation, the commissioner must investigate the financial condition and responsibility, character, financial and business experience, and general fitness of the applicant. The commissioner may issue a license if the commissioner finds:

(1) the applicant's financial condition is sound;

(2) the applicant's business will be conducted honestly, fairly, equitably, carefully, and efficiently within the purposes and intent of this chapter;

(3) each person in control of the applicant is in all respects properly qualified and of good character;

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(4) no person, on behalf of the applicant, has knowingly made any incorrect statement of a material fact in the application or in any report or statement made pursuant to this section;

(5) no person, on behalf of the applicant, has knowingly omitted any information required by the commissioner from an application, report, or statement made pursuant to this section;

(6) the applicant has paid the fees required under this section; and

(7) the application has met other similar requirements as determined by the commissioner.

(b) A license issued under this chapter is not transferable or assignable.

Subd. 5. Notification of a change in status. An applicant or student loan servicer must notify the commissioner in writing of any change in the information provided in the initial application for a license or the most recent renewal application for a license. The notification must be received no later than ten business days after the date of an event that results in the information becoming inaccurate.

Subd. 6. Term of license. Licenses issued under this chapter expire on December 31 of each year and are renewable on January 1.

Subd. 7. Exemption from application. (a) A person is exempt from the application procedures under subdivision 3 if the commissioner determines that the person is servicing student loans in this state pursuant to a contract awarded by the United States Secretary of Education under United States Code, title 20, section 1087f. Documentation of eligibility for this exemption shall be in a form and manner determined by the commissioner.

(b) A person determined to be eligible for the exemption under paragraph (a) shall, upon payment of the fees under subdivision 3, be issued a license and deemed to meet all of the requirements of subdivision 4.

Subd. 8. Notice. (a) A person issued a license under subdivision 7 must provide the commissioner with written notice no less than seven days after the date the person's contract under United States Code, title 20, section 1087f, expires, is revoked, or is terminated.

(b) A person issued a license under subdivision 7 has 30 days from the date the notification under paragraph (a) is provided to complete the requirements of subdivision 3. If a person does not meet the requirements of subdivision 3 within this time period, the commissioner shall immediately suspend the person's license under this chapter.

Sec. 14. [58B.04] LICENSING MULTIPLE PLACES OF BUSINESS.

A person licensed to act as a student loan servicer in this state is prohibited from servicing student loans under any other name or at any other place of business than that named in the license. Any time a student loan servicer changes the location of the servicer's place of business, the servicer must provide prior written notice to the commissioner. A student loan servicer may not maintain more than one place of business under the same license. The commissioner may issue more than one license to the same student loan servicer, provided that the servicer complies with the application procedures in section 58B.03 for each license.

Sec. 15. [58B.05] LICENSE RENEWAL.

Subdivision 1. Term. Licenses are renewable on January 1 of each year.

Subd. 2. Timely renewal. (a) A person whose application is properly and timely filed who has not received notice of denial of renewal is considered approved for renewal. The person may continue to act as a student loan servicer whether or not the renewed license has been received on or before January 1 of the renewal year. An

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application for renewal of a license is considered timely filed if the application is received by the commissioner, or mailed with proper postage and postmarked, by the December 15 before the renewal year. An application for renewal is considered properly filed if the application is made upon forms duly executed, accompanied by fees prescribed by this chapter, and containing any information that the commissioner requires.

(b) A person who fails to make a timely application for renewal of a license and who has not received the renewal license as of January 1 of the renewal year is unlicensed until the renewal license has been issued by the commissioner and is received by the person.

Subd. 3. Contents of renewal application. An application for renewal of an existing license must contain the information specified in section 58B.03, subdivision 3, except that only the requested information having changed from the most recent prior application need be submitted.

Subd. 4. Cancellation. A student loan servicer ceasing an activity or activities regulated by this chapter and desiring to no longer be licensed shall inform the commissioner in writing and, at the same time, surrender the license and all other symbols or indicia of licensure. The licensee shall include a plan for the withdrawal from student loan servicing, including a timetable for the disposition of the student loans being serviced.

Subd. 5. Renewal fees. The following fees must be paid to the commissioner for a renewal license:

(1) a nonrefundable renewal license fee established by the commissioner; and

(2) a nonrefundable renewal investigation fee established by the commissioner.

Sec. 16. [58B.06] DUTIES OF STUDENT LOAN SERVICERS.

Subdivision 1. Response requirements. Upon receiving a written communication from a borrower, a student loan servicer must:

(1) acknowledge receipt of the communication in less than ten days from the date the communication is received; and

(2) provide information relating to the communication and, if applicable, the action the student loan servicer will take to either (i) correct the borrower's issue or (ii) explain why the issue cannot be corrected. The information must be provided less than 30 days after the date the written communication was received by the student loan servicer.

Subd. 2. Overpayments. (a) A student loan servicer must ask a borrower in what manner the borrower would like any overpayment to be applied to a student loan. A borrower's instruction regarding the application of overpayments is effective for the term of the loan or until the borrower provides a different instruction.

(b) For purposes of this subdivision, "overpayment" means a payment on a student loan that exceeds the monthly amount due.

Subd. 3. Partial payments. (a) A student loan servicer must apply a partial payment in a manner intended to minimize late fees and the negative impact on the borrower's credit history. If a borrower has multiple student loans with the same student loan servicer, upon receipt of a partial payment the servicer must apply the payments to satisfy as many individual loan payments as possible.

(b) For purposes of this subdivision, "partial payment" means a payment on a student loan that is less than the monthly amount due.

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Subd. 4. Transfer of student loan. (a) If a borrower's student loan servicer changes pursuant to the sale, assignment, or transfer of the servicing, the original student loan servicer must:

(1) require the new student loan servicer to honor all benefits that were made available, or which may have become available, to a borrower from the original student loan servicer; and

(2) transfer to the new student loan servicer all information regarding the borrower, the account of the borrower, and the borrower's student loan, including but not limited to the repayment status of the student loan and the benefits described in clause (1).

(b) The student loan servicer must complete the transfer under paragraph (a), clause (2), less than 45 days from the date of the sale, assignment, or transfer of the servicing.

(c) A sale, assignment, or transfer of the servicing must be completed no less than seven days from the date the next payment is due on the student loan.

(d) A new student loan servicer must adopt policies and procedures to verify that the original student loan servicer has met the requirements of paragraph (a).

Subd. 5. Income-driven repayment. A student loan servicer must evaluate a borrower for eligibility for an income-driven repayment program before placing a borrower in forbearance or default.

Subd. 6. Records. A student loan servicer must maintain adequate records of each student loan for not less than two years following the final payment on the student loan or the sale, assignment, or transfer of the servicing.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2021, and applies to student loan contracts executed on or after that date.

Sec. 17. [58B.07] PROHIBITED CONDUCT.

Subdivision 1. Misleading borrowers. A student loan servicer must not directly or indirectly attempt to mislead a borrower.

Subd. 2. Misrepresentation. A student loan servicer must not engage in any unfair or deceptive practice or misrepresent or omit any material information in connection with the servicing of a student loan, including but not limited to misrepresenting the amount, nature, or terms of any fee or payment due or claimed to be due on a student loan, the terms and conditions of the loan agreement, or the borrower's obligations under the loan.

Subd. 3. Misapplication of payments. A student loan servicer must not knowingly or negligently misapply student loan payments.

Subd. 4. Inaccurate information. A student loan servicer must not knowingly or negligently provide inaccurate information to any consumer reporting agency.

Subd. 5. Reporting of payment history. A student loan servicer must not fail to report both the favorable and unfavorable payment history of the borrower to a consumer reporting agency at least annually, if the student loan servicer regularly reports payment history information.

Subd. 6. Refusal to communicate with a borrower's representative. A student loan servicer must not refuse to communicate with a representative of the borrower who provides a written authorization signed by the borrower. The student loan servicer may adopt procedures reasonably related to verifying that the representative is in fact authorized to act on behalf of the borrower.

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Subd. 7. False statements and omissions. A student loan servicer must not knowingly or negligently make any false statement or omission of material fact in connection with any application, information, or reports filed with the commissioner or any other federal, state, or local government agency.

Subd. 8. Noncompliance with applicable laws. A student loan servicer must not violate any other federal, state, or local laws, including those related to fraudulent, coercive, or dishonest practices.

Subd. 9. Incorrect information regarding student loan forgiveness. A student loan servicer must not misrepresent the availability of student loan forgiveness for which the servicer has reason to know the borrower is eligible. This includes but is not limited to student loan forgiveness programs specific to military borrowers, borrowers working in public service, or borrowers with disabilities.

Subd. 10. Compliance with servicer duties. A student loan servicer must comply with the duties and obligations under section 58B.06.

Sec. 18. [58B.08] EXAMINATIONS.

The commissioner has the same powers with respect to examinations of student loan servicers under this chapter that the commissioner has under section 46.04.

Sec. 19. [58B.09] DENIAL; SUSPENSION; REVOCATION OF LICENSES.

Subdivision 1. Powers of commissioner. (a) The commissioner may by order take any or all of the following actions:

(1) bar a person from engaging in student loan servicing;

(2) deny, suspend, or revoke a student loan servicer license;

(3) censure a student loan servicer;

(4) impose a civil penalty, as provided in section 45.027, subdivision 6;

(5) order restitution to the borrower, if applicable; or

(6) revoke an exemption.

(b) In order to take the action in paragraph (a), the commissioner must find:

(1) the order is in the public interest; and

(2) the student loan servicer, applicant, person in control, employee, or agent has:

(i) violated any provision of this chapter or a rule or order adopted or issued under this chapter;

(ii) violated a standard of conduct or engaged in a fraudulent, coercive, deceptive, or dishonest act or practice, including but not limited to negligently making a false statement or knowingly omitting a material fact, whether or not the act or practice involves student loan servicing;

(iii) engaged in an act or practice that demonstrates untrustworthiness, financial irresponsibility, or incompetence, whether or not the act or practice involves student loan servicing;

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(iv) pled guilty or nolo contendere to or been convicted of a felony, gross misdemeanor, or misdemeanor;

(v) paid a civil penalty or been the subject of a disciplinary action by the commissioner, order of suspension or revocation, cease and desist order, injunction order, or order barring involvement in an industry or profession issued by the commissioner or any other federal, state, or local government agency;

(vi) been found by a court of competent jurisdiction to have engaged in conduct evidencing gross negligence, fraud, misrepresentation, or deceit;

(vii) refused to cooperate with an investigation or examination by the commissioner;

(viii) failed to pay any fee or assessment imposed by the commissioner; or

(ix) failed to comply with state and federal tax obligations.

Subd. 2. Orders of the commissioner. To begin a proceeding under this section, the commissioner shall issue an order requiring the subject of the proceeding to show cause why action should not be taken against the person according to this section. The order must be calculated to give reasonable notice of the time and place for the hearing and must state the reasons for entry of the order. The commissioner may by order summarily suspend a license or exemption or summarily bar a person from engaging in student loan servicing pending a final determination of an order to show cause. If a license or exemption is summarily suspended or if the person is summarily barred from any involvement in the servicing of student loans pending final determination of an order to show cause, a hearing on the merits must be held within 30 days of the issuance of the order of summary suspension or bar. All hearings must be conducted under chapter 14. After the hearing, the commissioner shall enter an order disposing of the matter as the facts require. If the subject of the order fails to appear at a hearing after having been duly notified, the person is considered in default and the proceeding may be determined against the subject of the order upon consideration of the order to show cause, the allegations of which may be considered to be true.

Subd. 3. Actions against lapsed license. If a license or certificate of exemption lapses; is surrendered, withdrawn, or terminated; or otherwise becomes ineffective, the commissioner may (1) institute a proceeding under this subdivision within two years after the license or certificate of exemption was last effective and enter a revocation or suspension order as of the last date on which the license or certificate of exemption was in effect, and (2) impose a civil penalty as provided for in this section or section 45.027, subdivision 6.

Sec. 20. [58B.10] DATA PRACTICES.

Subdivision 1. Classification of data. Data collected, created, received, maintained, or disseminated by the Department of Commerce under this chapter are governed by section 46.07.

Subd. 2. Data sharing. To the extent data collected, created, received, maintained, or disseminated under this chapter are not public data as defined by section 13.02, subdivision 8a, the data may, when necessary to accomplish the purpose of this chapter, be shared between:

(1) the United States Department of Education;

(2) the Office of Higher Education;

(3) the Department of Commerce;

(4) the Office of the Attorney General; and

(5) any other local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.

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Sec. 21. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 65B.15, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Grounds and notice. No cancellation or reduction in the limits of liability of coverage during the policy period of any policy shall be effective unless notice thereof is given and unless based on one or more reasons stated in the policy which shall be limited to the following:

1. nonpayment of premium; or

2. the policy was obtained through a material misrepresentation; or

3. any insured made a false or fraudulent claim or knowingly aided or abetted another in the presentation of such a claim; or

4. the named insured failed to disclose fully motor vehicle accidents and moving traffic violations of the named insured for the preceding 36 months if called for in the written application; or

5. the named insured failed to disclose in the written application any requested information necessary for the acceptance or proper rating of the risk; or

6. the named insured knowingly failed to give any required written notice of loss or notice of lawsuit commenced against the named insured, or, when requested, refused to cooperate in the investigation of a claim or defense of a lawsuit; or

7. the named insured or any other operator who either resides in the same household, or customarily operates an automobile insured under such policy, unless the other operator is identified as a named insured in another policy as an insured:

(a) has, within the 36 months prior to the notice of cancellation, had that person's driver's license under suspension or revocation because the person committed a moving traffic violation or because the person refused to be tested under section 169A.20, subdivision 1; or

(b) is or becomes subject to epilepsy or heart attacks, and such individual does not produce a written opinion from a physician testifying to that person's medical ability to operate a motor vehicle safely, such opinion to be based upon a reasonable medical probability; or

(c) has an accident record, conviction record (criminal or traffic), physical condition or mental condition, any one or all of which are such that the person's operation of an automobile might endanger the public safety; or

(d) has been convicted, or forfeited bail, during the 24 months immediately preceding the notice of cancellation for criminal negligence in the use or operation of an automobile, or assault arising out of the operation of a motor vehicle, or operating a motor vehicle while in an intoxicated condition or while under the influence of drugs; or leaving the scene of an accident without stopping to report; or making false statements in an application for a driver's license, or theft or unlawful taking of a motor vehicle; or

(e) has been convicted of, or forfeited bail for, one or more violations within the 18 months immediately preceding the notice of cancellation, of any law, ordinance, or rule which justify a revocation of a driver's license; or

8. the insured automobile is:

(a) so mechanically defective that its operation might endanger public safety; or

(b) used in carrying passengers for hire or compensation, provided however that the use of an automobile for a car pool or a private passenger vehicle used by a volunteer driver, as defined under section 65B.472, subdivision 1, paragraph (h), shall not be considered use of an automobile for hire or compensation; or

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(d) an authorized emergency vehicle; or

(e) subject to an inspection law and has not been inspected or, if inspected, has failed to qualify within the period specified under such inspection law; or

(f) substantially changed in type or condition during the policy period, increasing the risk substantially, such as conversion to a commercial type vehicle, a dragster, sports car or so as to give clear evidence of a use other than the original use.

Sec. 22. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 65B.43, subdivision 12, is amended to read:

Subd. 12. Commercial vehicle. "Commercial vehicle" means:

(a) any motor vehicle used as a common carrier,

(b) any motor vehicle, other than a passenger vehicle defined in section 168.002, subdivision 24, which has a curb weight in excess of 5,500 pounds apart from cargo capacity, or

Commercial vehicle does not include a "commuter van," which for purposes of this chapter ~~shall mean~~ means (1) a motor vehicle having a capacity of seven to 16 persons which is used principally to provide prearranged transportation of persons to or from their place of employment or to or from a transit stop authorized by a local transit authority which vehicle is to be operated by a person who does not drive the vehicle as a principal occupation but is driving it only to or from the principal place of employment, to or from a transit stop authorized by a local transit authority or, for personal use as permitted by the owner of the vehicle, or (2) a private passenger vehicle driven by a volunteer driver.

Sec. 23. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 65B.472, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Definitions. (a) Unless a different meaning is expressly made applicable, the terms defined in paragraphs (b) through (g) have the meanings given them for the purposes of this chapter.

(b) A "digital network" means any online-enabled application, software, website, or system offered or utilized by a transportation network company that enables the prearrangement of rides with transportation network company drivers.

(c) A "personal vehicle" means a vehicle that is used by a transportation network company driver in connection with providing a prearranged ride and is:

(1) owned, leased, or otherwise authorized for use by the transportation network company driver; and

(2) not a taxicab, limousine, or for-hire vehicle, or a private passenger vehicle driven by a volunteer driver.

(d) A "prearranged ride" means the provision of transportation by a driver to a rider, beginning when a driver accepts a ride requested by a rider through a digital network controlled by a transportation network company, continuing while the driver transports a requesting rider, and ending when the last requesting rider departs from the personal vehicle. A prearranged ride does not include transportation provided using a taxicab, limousine, or other for-hire vehicle.

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(e) A "transportation network company" means a corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship, or other entity that is operating in Minnesota that uses a digital network to connect transportation network company riders to transportation network company drivers who provide prearranged rides.

(f) A "transportation network company driver" or "driver" means an individual who:

(1) receives connections to potential riders and related services from a transportation network company in exchange for payment of a fee to the transportation network company; and

(2) uses a personal vehicle to provide a prearranged ride to riders upon connection through a digital network controlled by a transportation network company in return for compensation or payment of a fee.

(g) A "transportation network company rider" or "rider" means an individual or persons who use a transportation network company's digital network to connect with a transportation network driver who provides prearranged rides to the rider in the driver's personal vehicle between points chosen by the rider.

(h) A "volunteer driver" means an individual who transports persons or goods on behalf of a nonprofit entity or governmental unit in a private passenger vehicle and receives no compensation for services provided other than the reimbursement of actual expenses.

Sec. 24. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 174.29, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Definition. For the purpose of sections 174.29 and 174.30 "special transportation service" means motor vehicle transportation provided on a regular basis by a public or private entity or person that is designed exclusively or primarily to serve individuals who are elderly or disabled and who are unable to use regular means of transportation but do not require ambulance service, as defined in section 144E.001, subdivision 3. Special transportation service includes but is not limited to service provided by specially equipped buses, vans, taxis, and volunteers driving private automobiles, as defined in section 65B.472, subdivision 1, paragraph (h). Special transportation service also means those nonemergency medical transportation services under section 256B.0625, subdivision 17, that are subject to the operating standards for special transportation service under sections 174.29 to 174.30 and Minnesota Rules, chapter 8840.

Sec. 25. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 174.30, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Applicability. (a) The operating standards for special transportation service adopted under this section do not apply to special transportation provided by:

(1) a public transit provider receiving financial assistance under sections 174.24 or 473.371 to 473.449;

(2) a volunteer driver, as defined in section 65B.472, subdivision 1, paragraph (h), using a private automobile;

(3) a school bus as defined in section 169.011, subdivision 71; or

(4) an emergency ambulance regulated under chapter 144.

(b) The operating standards adopted under this section only apply to providers of special transportation service who receive grants or other financial assistance from either the state or the federal government, or both, to provide or assist in providing that service; except that the operating standards adopted under this section do not apply to any nursing home licensed under section 144A.02, to any board and care facility licensed under section 144.50, or to any day training and habilitation services, day care, or group home facility licensed under sections 245A.01 to 245A.19 unless the facility or program provides transportation to nonresidents on a regular basis and the facility receives reimbursement, other than per diem payments, for that service under rules promulgated by the commissioner of human services.

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(c) Notwithstanding paragraph (b), the operating standards adopted under this section do not apply to any vendor of services licensed under chapter 245D that provides transportation services to consumers or residents of other vendors licensed under chapter 245D and transports 15 or fewer persons, including consumers or residents and the driver.

Sec. 26. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 174.30, subdivision 10, is amended to read:

Subd. 10. Background studies. (a) Providers of special transportation service regulated under this section must initiate background studies in accordance with chapter 245C on the following individuals:

(1) each person with a direct or indirect ownership interest of five percent or higher in the transportation service provider;

(2) each controlling individual as defined under section 245A.02;

(3) managerial officials as defined in section 245A.02;

(4) each driver employed by the transportation service provider;

(5) each individual employed by the transportation service provider to assist a passenger during transport; and

(6) all employees of the transportation service agency who provide administrative support, including those who:

(i) may have face-to-face contact with or access to passengers, their personal property, or their private data;

(ii) perform any scheduling or dispatching tasks; or

(iii) perform any billing activities.

(b) The transportation service provider must initiate the background studies required under paragraph (a) using the online NETStudy system operated by the commissioner of human services.

(c) The transportation service provider shall not permit any individual to provide any service or function listed in paragraph (a) until the transportation service provider has received notification from the commissioner of human services indicating that the individual:

(1) is not disqualified under chapter 245C; or

(2) is disqualified, but has received a set-aside of that disqualification according to sections 245C.22 and 245C.23 related to that transportation service provider.

(d) When a local or contracted agency is authorizing a ride under section 256B.0625, subdivision 17, by a volunteer driver, as defined in section 65B.472, subdivision 1, paragraph (h), and the agency authorizing the ride has reason to believe the volunteer driver has a history that would disqualify the individual or that may pose a risk to the health or safety of passengers, the agency may initiate a background study to be completed according to chapter 245C using the commissioner of human services' online NETStudy system, or through contacting the Department of Human Services background study division for assistance. The agency that initiates the background study under this paragraph shall be responsible for providing the volunteer driver with the privacy notice required under section 245C.05, subdivision 2c, and payment for the background study required under section 245C.10, subdivision 11, before the background study is completed.

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Sec. 27. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 221.031, subdivision 3b, is amended to read:

Subd. 3b. Passenger transportation; exemptions. (a) A person who transports passengers for hire in intrastate commerce, who is not made subject to the rules adopted in section 221.0314 by any other provision of this section, must comply with the rules for hours of service of drivers while transporting employees of an employer who is directly or indirectly paying the cost of the transportation.

(b) This subdivision does not apply to:

(1) a local transit commission;

(2) a transit authority created by law; or

(3) persons providing transportation:

(i) in a school bus as defined in section 169.011, subdivision 71;

(ii) in a Head Start bus as defined in section 169.011, subdivision 34;

(iii) in a commuter van;

(iv) in an authorized emergency vehicle as defined in section 169.011, subdivision 3;

(v) in special transportation service certified by the commissioner under section 174.30;

(vi) that is special transportation service as defined in section 174.29, subdivision 1, when provided by a volunteer driver, as defined in section 65B.472, subdivision 1, paragraph (h), operating a private passenger vehicle as defined in section 169.011, subdivision 52;

(vii) in a limousine the service of which is licensed by the commissioner under section 221.84; or

(viii) in a taxicab, if the fare for the transportation is determined by a meter inside the taxicab that measures the distance traveled and displays the fare accumulated.

Sec. 28. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 256B.0625, subdivision 17, is amended to read:

Subd. 17. Transportation costs. (a) "Nonemergency medical transportation service" means motor vehicle transportation provided by a public or private person that serves Minnesota health care program beneficiaries who do not require emergency ambulance service, as defined in section 144E.001, subdivision 3, to obtain covered medical services.

(b) Medical assistance covers medical transportation costs incurred solely for obtaining emergency medical care or transportation costs incurred by eligible persons in obtaining emergency or nonemergency medical care when paid directly to an ambulance company, nonemergency medical transportation company, or other recognized providers of transportation services. Medical transportation must be provided by:

(1) nonemergency medical transportation providers who meet the requirements of this subdivision;

(2) ambulances, as defined in section 144E.001, subdivision 2;

(3) taxicabs that meet the requirements of this subdivision;

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(4) public transit, as defined in section 174.22, subdivision 7; or

(5) not-for-hire vehicles, including volunteer drivers, as defined in section 65B.472, subdivision 1, paragraph (h).

(c) Medical assistance covers nonemergency medical transportation provided by nonemergency medical transportation providers enrolled in the Minnesota health care programs. All nonemergency medical transportation providers must comply with the operating standards for special transportation service as defined in sections 174.29 to 174.30 and Minnesota Rules, chapter 8840, and all drivers must be individually enrolled with the commissioner and reported on the claim as the individual who provided the service. All nonemergency medical transportation providers shall bill for nonemergency medical transportation services in accordance with Minnesota health care programs criteria. Publicly operated transit systems, volunteers, and not-for-hire vehicles are exempt from the requirements outlined in this paragraph.

(d) An organization may be terminated, denied, or suspended from enrollment if:

(1) the provider has not initiated background studies on the individuals specified in section 174.30, subdivision 10, paragraph (a), clauses (1) to (3); or

(2) the provider has initiated background studies on the individuals specified in section 174.30, subdivision 10, paragraph (a), clauses (1) to (3), and:

(i) the commissioner has sent the provider a notice that the individual has been disqualified under section 245C.14; and

(ii) the individual has not received a disqualification set-aside specific to the special transportation services provider under sections 245C.22 and 245C.23.

(e) The administrative agency of nonemergency medical transportation must:

(1) adhere to the policies defined by the commissioner in consultation with the Nonemergency Medical Transportation Advisory Committee;

(2) pay nonemergency medical transportation providers for services provided to Minnesota health care programs beneficiaries to obtain covered medical services;

(3) provide data monthly to the commissioner on appeals, complaints, no-shows, canceled trips, and number of trips by mode; and

(4) by July 1, 2016, in accordance with subdivision 18e, utilize a web-based single administrative structure assessment tool that meets the technical requirements established by the commissioner, reconciles trip information with claims being submitted by providers, and ensures prompt payment for nonemergency medical transportation services.

(f) Until the commissioner implements the single administrative structure and delivery system under subdivision 18e, clients shall obtain their level-of-service certificate from the commissioner or an entity approved by the commissioner that does not dispatch rides for clients using modes of transportation under paragraph (i), clauses (4), (5), (6), and (7).

(g) The commissioner may use an order by the recipient's attending physician, advanced practice registered nurse, or a medical or mental health professional to certify that the recipient requires nonemergency medical transportation services. Nonemergency medical transportation providers shall perform driver-assisted services for

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eligible individuals, when appropriate. Driver-assisted service includes passenger pickup at and return to the individual's residence or place of business, assistance with admittance of the individual to the medical facility, and assistance in passenger securement or in securing of wheelchairs, child seats, or stretchers in the vehicle.

Nonemergency medical transportation providers must take clients to the health care provider using the most direct route, and must not exceed 30 miles for a trip to a primary care provider or 60 miles for a trip to a specialty care provider, unless the client receives authorization from the local agency.

Nonemergency medical transportation providers may not bill for separate base rates for the continuation of a trip beyond the original destination. Nonemergency medical transportation providers must maintain trip logs, which include pickup and drop-off times, signed by the medical provider or client, whichever is deemed most appropriate, attesting to mileage traveled to obtain covered medical services. Clients requesting client mileage reimbursement must sign the trip log attesting mileage traveled to obtain covered medical services.

(h) The administrative agency shall use the level of service process established by the commissioner in consultation with the Nonemergency Medical Transportation Advisory Committee to determine the client's most appropriate mode of transportation. If public transit or a certified transportation provider is not available to provide the appropriate service mode for the client, the client may receive a onetime service upgrade.

(i) The covered modes of transportation are:

(1) client reimbursement, which includes client mileage reimbursement provided to clients who have their own transportation, or to family or an acquaintance who provides transportation to the client;

(2) volunteer transport, which includes transportation by volunteers using their own vehicle;

(3) unassisted transport, which includes transportation provided to a client by a taxicab or public transit. If a taxicab or public transit is not available, the client can receive transportation from another nonemergency medical transportation provider;

(4) assisted transport, which includes transport provided to clients who require assistance by a nonemergency medical transportation provider;

(5) lift-equipped/ramp transport, which includes transport provided to a client who is dependent on a device and requires a nonemergency medical transportation provider with a vehicle containing a lift or ramp;

(6) protected transport, which includes transport provided to a client who has received a prescreening that has deemed other forms of transportation inappropriate and who requires a provider: (i) with a protected vehicle that is not an ambulance or police car and has safety locks, a video recorder, and a transparent thermoplastic partition between the passenger and the vehicle driver; and (ii) who is certified as a protected transport provider; and

(7) stretcher transport, which includes transport for a client in a prone or supine position and requires a nonemergency medical transportation provider with a vehicle that can transport a client in a prone or supine position.

(j) The local agency shall be the single administrative agency and shall administer and reimburse for modes defined in paragraph (i) according to paragraphs (m) and (n) when the commissioner has developed, made available, and funded the web-based single administrative structure, assessment tool, and level of need assessment under subdivision 18e. The local agency's financial obligation is limited to funds provided by the state or federal government.

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(k) The commissioner shall:

(1) in consultation with the Nonemergency Medical Transportation Advisory Committee, verify that the mode and use of nonemergency medical transportation is appropriate;

(2) verify that the client is going to an approved medical appointment; and

(3) investigate all complaints and appeals.

(l) The administrative agency shall pay for the services provided in this subdivision and seek reimbursement from the commissioner, if appropriate. As vendors of medical care, local agencies are subject to the provisions in section 256B.041, the sanctions and monetary recovery actions in section 256B.064, and Minnesota Rules, parts 9505.2160 to 9505.2245.

(m) Payments for nonemergency medical transportation must be paid based on the client's assessed mode under paragraph (h), not the type of vehicle used to provide the service. The medical assistance reimbursement rates for nonemergency medical transportation services that are payable by or on behalf of the commissioner for nonemergency medical transportation services are:

(1) $0.22 per mile for client reimbursement;

(2) up to 100 percent of the Internal Revenue Service business deduction rate for volunteer transport;

(3) equivalent to the standard fare for unassisted transport when provided by public transit, and $11 for the base rate and $1.30 per mile when provided by a nonemergency medical transportation provider;

(4) $13 for the base rate and $1.30 per mile for assisted transport;

(5) $18 for the base rate and $1.55 per mile for lift-equipped/ramp transport;

(6) $75 for the base rate and $2.40 per mile for protected transport; and

(7) $60 for the base rate and $2.40 per mile for stretcher transport, and $9 per trip for an additional attendant if deemed medically necessary.

(n) The base rate for nonemergency medical transportation services in areas defined under RUCA to be super rural is equal to 111.3 percent of the respective base rate in paragraph (m), clauses (1) to (7). The mileage rate for nonemergency medical transportation services in areas defined under RUCA to be rural or super rural areas is:

(1) for a trip equal to 17 miles or less, equal to 125 percent of the respective mileage rate in paragraph (m), clauses (1) to (7); and

(2) for a trip between 18 and 50 miles, equal to 112.5 percent of the respective mileage rate in paragraph (m), clauses (1) to (7).

(o) For purposes of reimbursement rates for nonemergency medical transportation services under paragraphs (m) and (n), the zip code of the recipient's place of residence shall determine whether the urban, rural, or super rural reimbursement rate applies.

(p) For purposes of this subdivision, "rural urban commuting area" or "RUCA" means a census-tract based classification system under which a geographical area is determined to be urban, rural, or super rural.

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(q) The commissioner, when determining reimbursement rates for nonemergency medical transportation under paragraphs (m) and (n), shall exempt all modes of transportation listed under paragraph (i) from Minnesota Rules, part 9505.0445, item R, subitem (2).

Sec. 29. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 325E.21, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 2b. Purchase of catalytic converters. (a) Any person who purchases or receives a catalytic converter must comply with this section.

(b) Every scrap metal dealer, including an agent, employee, or representative of the dealer, must create a permanent record, written in English and using an electronic record program, at the time of each catalytic converter purchase or acquisition. The record must include:

(1) the vehicle identification number of the vehicle from which the catalytic converter was removed; and

(2) the name of the person who removed the catalytic converter.

(c) A scrap metal dealer must make the information under paragraph (b) available for examination by a law enforcement agency or a person who has reported theft of a catalytic converter.

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

Sec. 30. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 325E.21, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 2c. Catalytic converter theft prevention pilot project. (a) The catalytic converter theft prevention pilot project is created to deter the theft of catalytic converters by marking catalytic converters with vehicle identification numbers or other unique identifiers.

(b) The commissioner must establish a procedure to mark the catalytic converters of vehicles most likely to be targeted for theft with unique identification numbers using labels, engraving, theft deterrence paint, or other methods that permanently mark the catalytic converter without damaging the catalytic converter's function.

(c) The commissioner must work with law enforcement agencies, insurance companies, and scrap metal dealers to (1) identify vehicles that are most frequently targeted for catalytic converter theft, and (2) establish the most effective methods for marking catalytic converters.

(d) Materials purchased under this program may be distributed to dealers, as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 6, automobile repair shops and service centers, law enforcement agencies, and community organizations to arrange the catalytic converters of vehicles most likely to be targeted for theft to be marked at no cost to the vehicle owners.

(e) The commissioner may prioritize distribution of materials to areas experiencing the highest rates of catalytic converter theft.

(f) The commissioner must make educational information resulting form the pilot program available to law enforcement agencies and scrap metal dealers, and is encouraged to publicize the program to the general public.

(g) The commissioner must include a report on the pilot project in the report required under section 65B.84, subdivision 2. The report must describe the progress, results, and any findings of the pilot project including the total number of catalytic converters marked under the program, and, to the extent known, whether any catalytic converters marked under the pilot project were stolen and the outcome of any criminal investigation into the thefts.

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Sec. 31. [325E.80] ABNORMAL MARKET DISRUPTIONS; UNCONSCIONABLY EXCESSIVE PRICES.

Subdivision 1. Definitions. (a) For purposes of this section, the terms in this subdivision have the meanings given.

(b) "Abnormal market disruption" means a change in the market resulting from a natural or man-made disaster, a national or local emergency, a public health emergency, or an event resulting in a declaration of a state of emergency by the governor; and occurs when specifically declared by the governor. The governor's declaration of an abnormal market disruption must note the geographic area to which this section applies. An abnormal market disruption terminates no later than 30 days after the end of the state of emergency for which the abnormal market disruption was activated.

(c) "Essential consumer good or service" means a good or service vital and necessary for the health, safety, and welfare of the public, including without limitation: food; water; fuel; gasoline; shelter; transportation; health care services; pharmaceuticals; and medical, personal hygiene, sanitation, and cleaning supplies.

(d) "Seller" means a manufacturer, supplier, wholesaler, distributor, or retail seller of goods or services.

(e) "Unconscionably excessive" means there is a gross disparity between the seller's price of a good or service offered for sale or sold in the usual course of business during the 30 days immediately prior to the governor's declaration of an abnormal market disruption and the seller's price of the same or similar good or service after the governor's declaration of an abnormal market disruption, and the gross disparity is not substantially related to an increase in the cost of obtaining or selling the good or of providing the service. A gross disparity between the price of a good or service does not occur when the amount charged after the abnormal market disruption increased the price 30 percent or less.

Subd. 2. Prohibition. If the governor declares an abnormal market disruption a person is prohibited from selling or offering to sell an essential consumer good or service for an amount that represents an unconscionably excessive price.

Subd. 3. Civil penalty. A person who is found to have violated this section is subject to a civil penalty of not more than $1,000 per sale or transaction, with a maximum penalty of $10,000 per day.

Subd. 4. Enforcement authority. The attorney general may investigate an alleged violation of this section. The authority of the attorney general under this section includes but is not limited to the authority provided under section 8.31.

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

Sec. 32. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 325F.171, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 5. Enforcement. This section may be enforced as provided under sections 325F.10 to 325F.12, 325F.14 to 325F.16, and 45.027, subdivisions 1 to 6. The commissioner may coordinate with the commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency and the commissioner of health to enforce this section.

Sec. 33. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 325F.172, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 4. Enforcement. Sections 325F.173 to 325F.175 may be enforced as provided under sections 325F.10 to 325F.12, 325F.14 to 325F.16, and 45.027, subdivisions 1 to 6. The commissioner may coordinate with the commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency and the commissioner of health to enforce this section.

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Sec. 34. [325F.179] ENFORCEMENT.

Sections 325F.177 and 325F.178 may be enforced as provided under sections 325F.10 to 325F.12, 325F.14 to 325F.16, and 45.027, subdivisions 1 to 6. The commissioner may coordinate with the commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency and the commissioner of health to enforce this section.

Sec. 35. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 514.972, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4. Denial of access. Upon default, the owner shall mail notice of default as provided under section 514.974. The owner may deny the occupant access to the personal property contained in the self-service storage facility after default, service of the notice of default, expiration of the date stated for denial of access, and application of any security deposit to unpaid rent. The notice of default must state the date that the occupant will be denied access to the occupant's personal property in the self-service storage facility and that access will be denied until the owner's claim has been satisfied. The notice of default must state that any dispute regarding denial of access can be raised by the occupant beginning legal action in court. Notice of default must further state the rights of the occupant contained in subdivision 5.

Sec. 36. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 514.972, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5. Access to certain items. The occupant may remove from the self-service storage facility personal papers, health aids, personal clothing of the occupant and the occupant's dependents, and personal property that is necessary for the livelihood of the occupant, that has a market value of less than $50 per item, if demand is made to any of the persons listed in section 514.976, subdivision 1. The occupant shall present a list of the items, and may remove them during the facility's ordinary business hours prior to the sale authorized by section 514.973. If the owner unjustifiably denies the occupant access for the purpose of removing the items specified in this subdivision, the occupant is entitled to an order allowing access to the storage unit for removal of the specified items. The self‑service storage facility is liable to the occupant for the costs, disbursements and attorney fees expended by the occupant to obtain this order. (a) Any occupant may remove from the self-storage facility personal papers and health aids upon demand made to any of the persons listed in section 514.976, subdivision 1.

(b) An occupant who provides documentation from a government or nonprofit agency or legal aid office that the occupant is a recipient of relief based on need, is eligible for legal aid services, or is a survivor of domestic violence or sexual assault may remove, in addition to the items provided in paragraph (a), personal clothing of the occupant and the occupant's dependents and tools of the trade that are necessary for the livelihood of the occupant that has a market value not to exceed $125 per item.

(c) The occupant shall present a list of the items and may remove the items during the facility's ordinary business hours prior to the sale authorized by section 514.973. If the owner unjustifiably denies the occupant access for the purpose of removing the items specified in this subdivision, the occupant is entitled to request relief from the court for an order allowing access to the storage space for removal of the specified items. The self-service storage facility is liable to the occupant for the costs, disbursements, and attorney fees expended by the occupant to obtain this order.

(d) For the purposes of this subdivision, "relief based on need" includes but is not limited to receipt of a benefit from the Minnesota family investment program and diversionary work program, medical assistance, general assistance, emergency general assistance, Minnesota supplemental aid, Minnesota supplemental aid housing assistance, MinnesotaCare, Supplemental Security Income, energy assistance, emergency assistance, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, earned income tax credit, or Minnesota working family tax credit. Relief based on need can also be proven by providing documentation from a legal aid organization that the individual is receiving legal aid assistance, or by providing documentation from a government agency, nonprofit, or housing assistance program that the individual is receiving assistance due to domestic violence or sexual assault.

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Sec. 37. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 514.973, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Contents of notice. The notice must include:

(1) a statement of the amount owed for rent and other charges and demand for payment within a specified time not less than 14 days after delivery of the notice;

(2) pursuant to section 514.972, subdivision 4, a notice of denial of access to the storage space, if this denial is permitted under the terms of the rental agreement;

(3) the date that the occupant will be denied access to the occupant's personal property in the self-service storage facility;

(4) a statement that access will be denied until the owner's claim has been satisfied;

(5) a statement that any dispute regarding denial of access can be raised by an occupant beginning legal action in court;

~~(3)~~ (6) the name, street address, and telephone number of the owner, or of the owner's designated agent, whom the occupant may contact to respond to the notice;

~~(4)~~ (7) a conspicuous statement that unless the claim is paid within the time stated in the notice, the personal property will be advertised for sale. The notice must specify the time and place of the sale; and

~~(5)~~ (8) a conspicuous statement of the items that the occupant may remove without charge pursuant to section 514.972, subdivision 5, if the occupant is denied general access to the storage space.

Sec. 38. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 514.973, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4. Sale of property. (a) A sale of personal property may take place no sooner than 45 days after default or, if the personal property is a motor vehicle or watercraft, no sooner than 60 days after default.

(b) After the expiration of the time given in the notice, the sale must be published once a week for two weeks consecutively in a newspaper of general circulation where the sale is to be held. The sale may take place no sooner than 15 days after the first publication. If the lien is satisfied before the second publication occurs, the second publication is waived. If there is no qualified newspaper under chapter 331A where the sale is to be held, the advertisement may be posted on an independent, publicly accessible website that advertises self-storage lien sales or public notices. The advertisement must include a general description of the goods, the name of the person on whose account the goods are being held, and the time and place of the sale.

(d) A sale of the personal property must be public and must be either:

(1) held via an online auction; or

(2) held at the storage facility, or at the nearest suitable place at which the personal property is held or stored.

Owners shall require all bidders, including online bidders, to register and agree to the rules of the sale.

(e) The sale must be conducted in a commercially reasonable manner. A sale is commercially reasonable if the property is sold in conformity with the practices among dealers in the property sold or sellers of similar distressed property sales.

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Sec. 39. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 514.974, is amended to read:

514.974 ADDITIONAL NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENT.

~~Notification of the proposed sale of personal property must include a notice of denial of access to the personal property until the owner's claim has been satisfied.~~ Any notice the owner is required to mail to the occupant under sections 514.970 to 514.979 shall be sent to:

(1) the email address, if consented to by the occupant, as provided in section 514.973, subdivision 2;

(2) the mailing address and any alternate mailing address provided by the occupant in the rental agreement; or

(3) the last known mailing address of the occupant, if the last known mailing address differs from the mailing address listed by the occupant in the rental agreement and the owner has reason to believe that the last known mailing address is more current.

Sec. 40. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 514.977, is amended to read:

514.977 ~~DEFAULT~~ ADDITIONAL REMEDIES.

Subdivision 1. Default; breach of rental agreement. If an occupant defaults in the payment of rent for the storage space or otherwise breaches the rental agreement, the owner may commence an ~~eviction~~ action ~~under chapter 504B~~ to terminate the rental agreement, recover possession of the storage space, remove the occupant, and dispose of the stored personal property. The action shall be conducted in accordance with the Minnesota Rules of Civil Procedure, except as provided in this section.

Subd. 2. Service of summons. The summons must be served at least seven days before the date of the court appearance as provided in subdivision 3.

Subd. 3. Appearance. Except as provided in subdivision 4, in an action filed under this section the appearance shall be not less than seven or more than 14 days from the day of issuing the summons.

Subd. 4. Expedited hearing. If the owner files a motion and affidavit stating specific facts and instances in support of an allegation that the occupant is causing a nuisance or engaging in illegal or other behavior that seriously endangers the safety of others, others' property, or the storage facility's property, the appearance shall be not less than three days nor more than seven days from the date the summons is issued. The summons in an expedited hearing shall be served upon the occupant within 24 hours of issuance unless the court orders otherwise for good cause shown.

Subd. 5. Answer; trial; continuance. At the court appearance specified in the summons, the defendant may answer the complaint, and the court shall hear and decide the action, unless it grants a continuance of the trial, which may be for no longer than six days, unless all parties consent to longer continuance.

Subd. 6. Counterclaims. The occupant is prohibited from bringing counterclaims in the action that are unrelated to the possession of the storage space. Nothing in this section prevents the occupant from bringing the claim in a separate action.

Subd. 7. Judgment; writ. Judgment in matters adjudicated under this section shall be in accordance with section 504B.345, paragraph (a). Execution of a writ issued under this section shall be in accordance with section 504B.365.

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Sec. 41. THIRD-PARTY FOOD DELIVERY FEES; LIMITATION.

Subdivision 1. Definitions. (a) For purposes of this section, the terms defined in this subdivision have the meanings given.

(b) "Delivery fee" means a fee charged by a third-party food delivery service to a food and beverage establishment for a service that delivers food or beverages from the establishment to customers. Delivery fee does not include (1) any other fee that may be charged by a third-party food delivery service to a food and beverage establishment, including but not limited to fees for marketing, listing, or advertising the food and beverage establishment on the third-party food delivery service platform, or (2) fees related to processing an online order.

(c) "Food and beverage establishment" or "establishment" means a retail business that sells prepared food or beverages to the public.

(d) "Online order" means an order, including a telephone order, placed by a customer through or with the assistance of a platform provided by a third-party food delivery service.

(e) "Purchase price" means the total price of the items contained in an online order that are listed on the menu of the food and beverage establishment where the order is placed. Purchase price does not include taxes, gratuities, or other fees that may make up the total cost of a customer's online order.

(f) "Third-party food delivery service" means a platform offered through an online-enabled application, software, website, or other Internet service that offers or arranges for the sale of food and beverages prepared by, delivered by, or picked up from a food and beverage establishment.

Subd. 2. Limitation on food delivery fees. (a) A third-party food delivery service is prohibited from:

(1) charging a food and beverage establishment a delivery fee that totals more than ten percent of an online order's purchase price;

(2) charging a food and beverage establishment any fee, other than the delivery fee described in clause (1), to use the third-party delivery service that totals more than five percent of an online order's purchase price;

(3) charging a customer a purchase price that is higher than the price set by the food and beverage establishment or, if no price is set by the food and beverage establishment, the price listed on the establishment's menu; or

(4) reducing the compensation rates paid to third-party food delivery service drivers as a result of the limitations on fees instituted by this section.

(b) A food and beverage establishment may choose, but a third-party food delivery service is prohibited from requiring, an exemption for marketing or advertising the food and beverage establishment on the third-party food delivery service platform from the limitations in paragraph (a).

Subd. 3. Enforcement by attorney general. (a) The attorney general must enforce this section under Minnesota Statutes, section 8.31.

(b) In addition to the remedies otherwise provided by law, a person injured by a violation of subdivision 2 may bring a civil action and recover damages, together with costs and disbursements, including costs of investigation and reasonable attorney fees, and receive other equitable relief as determined by the court.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment and expires 60 days after the peacetime emergency declared by the governor in an executive order that relates to the infectious disease known as COVID-19 is terminated or rescinded.

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ARTICLE 5

COLLECTION AGENCIES AND DEBT BUYERS

Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 332.31, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Collection agency. "Collection agency" or "licensee" means ~~and includes any~~ (1) a person engaged in the business of collection for others any account, bill, or other indebtedness, except as hereinafter provided; or (2) a debt buyer. It includes persons who furnish collection systems carrying a name which simulates the name of a collection agency and who supply forms or form letters to be used by the creditor, even though such forms direct the debtor to make payments directly to the creditor rather than to such fictitious agency.

Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 332.31, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6. Collector. "Collector" is a person acting under the authority of a collection agency under subdivision 3 or a debt buyer under subdivision 8, and on its behalf in the business of collection for ~~others~~ an account, bill, or other indebtedness except as otherwise provided in this chapter.

Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 332.31, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 8. Debt buyer. "Debt buyer" means a business engaged in the purchase of any charged-off account, bill, or other indebtedness for collection purposes, whether the business collects the account, bill, or other indebtedness, hires a third party for collection, or hires an attorney for litigation related to the collection.

Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 332.31, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 9. Affiliated company. "Affiliated company" means a company that: (1) directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with another company or companies; (2) has the same executive management team or owner that exerts control over the business operations of the company; (3) maintains a uniform network of corporate and compliance policies and procedures; and (4) does not engage in active collection of debts.

Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 332.311, is amended to read:

332.311 TRANSFER OF ADMINISTRATIVE FUNCTIONS.

The powers, duties, and responsibilities of the consumer services section under sections 332.31 to 332.44 relating to collection agencies and debt buyers are hereby transferred to and imposed upon the commissioner of commerce.

Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 332.32, is amended to read:

332.32 EXCLUSIONS.

(a) The term "collection agency" ~~shall~~ does not include ~~persons whose collection activities are confined to and are directly related to the operation of a business other than that of a collection agency such as, but not limited to~~ banks when collecting accounts owed to the banks and when the bank will sustain any loss arising from uncollectible accounts, abstract companies doing an escrow business, real estate brokers, public officers, persons acting under order of a court, lawyers, trust companies, insurance companies, credit unions, savings associations, loan or finance companies unless they are engaged in asserting, enforcing or prosecuting unsecured claims which have been purchased from any person, firm, or association when there is recourse to the seller for all or part of the claim if the claim is not collected.

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(b) The term "collection agency" shall not include a trade association performing services authorized by section 604.15, subdivision 4a, but the trade association in performing the services may not engage in any conduct that would be prohibited for a collection agency under section 332.37.

Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 332.33, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Requirement. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, no person shall conduct ~~within this state a collection agency or engage within this state in the business of collecting claims for others~~ business in Minnesota as a collection agency or debt buyer, as defined in sections 332.31 to 332.44, without having first applied for and obtained a collection agency license. A person acting under the authority of a collection agency, debt buyer, or as a collector, must first register with the commissioner under this section. A registered collector may use one additional assumed name only if the assumed name is registered with and approved by the commissioner. A business that operates as a debt buyer must submit a completed license application no later than January 1, 2022. A debt buyer who has filed an application with the commissioner for a collection agency license prior to January 1, 2022, and whose application remains pending with the commissioner thereafter, may continue to operate without a license until the commissioner approves or denies the application.

Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 332.33, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Penalty. A person who carries on business as a collection agency or debt buyer without first having obtained a license or acts as a collector without first having registered with the commissioner pursuant to sections 332.31 to 332.44, or who carries on this business after the revocation, suspension, or expiration of a license or registration is guilty of a misdemeanor.

Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 332.33, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5. ~~Collection agency~~ License rejection. On finding that an applicant for a ~~collection agency~~ license is not qualified under sections 332.31 to 332.44, the commissioner shall reject the application and shall give the applicant written notice of the rejection and the reasons for the rejection.

Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 332.33, subdivision 5a, is amended to read:

Subd. 5a. Individual collector registration. A ~~licensed collection agency~~ licensee, on behalf of an individual collector, must register with the state all individuals in the ~~collection agency's~~ licensee's employ who are performing the duties of a collector as defined in sections 332.31 to 332.44. The ~~collection agency~~ licensee must apply for an individual collection registration in a form prescribed by the commissioner. The ~~collection agency~~ licensee shall verify on the form that the applicant has confirmed that the applicant meets the requirements to perform the duties of a collector as defined in sections 332.31 to 332.44. Upon submission of the application to the department, the individual may begin to perform the duties of a collector and may continue to do so unless the ~~licensed collection agency~~ licensee is informed by the commissioner that the individual is ineligible.

Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 332.33, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Subd. 7. Changes; notice to commissioner. (a) A ~~licensed collection agency~~ licensee must give the commissioner written notice of a change in company name, address, or ownership not later than ten days after the change occurs. A registered individual collector must give written notice of a change of address, name, or assumed name no later than ten days after the change occurs.

(b) Upon the death of any ~~collection agency~~ licensee, the license of the decedent may be transferred to the executor or administrator of the estate for the unexpired term of the license. The executor or administrator may be authorized to continue or discontinue the collection business of the decedent under the direction of the court having jurisdiction of the probate.

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Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 332.33, subdivision 8, is amended to read:

Subd. 8. Screening process requirement. (a) Each ~~licensed collection agency~~ licensee must establish procedures to follow when screening an individual collector applicant prior to submitting an applicant to the commissioner for initial registration and at renewal.

(b) The screening process for initial registration must be done at the time of hiring. The process must include a national criminal history record search, an attorney licensing search, and a county criminal history search for all counties where the applicant has resided within the five years immediately preceding the initial registration, to determine whether the applicant is eligible to be registered under section 332.35. Each ~~licensed collection agency~~ licensee shall use a vendor that is a member of the National Association of Professional Background Screeners, or an equivalent vendor, to conduct this background screening process.

(c) Screening for renewal of individual collector registration must include a national criminal history record search and a county criminal history search for all counties where the individual has resided during the immediate preceding year. Screening for renewal of individual collector registrations must take place no more than 60 days before the license expiration or renewal date. A renewal screening is not required if an individual collector has been subjected to an initial background screening within 12 months of the first registration renewal date. A renewal screening is required for all subsequent annual registration renewals.

(d) The commissioner may review the procedures to ensure the integrity of the screening process. Failure by a ~~licensed collection agency~~ licensee to establish these procedures is subject to action under section 332.40.

Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 332.33, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 9. Affiliated companies. The commissioner must permit affiliated companies to operate under a single license and be subject to a single examination, provided that all of the affiliated company names are listed on the license.

Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 332.34, is amended to read:

332.34 BOND.

The commissioner of commerce shall require each ~~collection agency~~ licensee to file and maintain in force a corporate surety bond, in a form to be prescribed by, and acceptable to, the commissioner, and in a sum of at least $50,000 plus an additional $5,000 for each $100,000 received by the collection agency from debtors located in Minnesota during the previous calendar year, less commissions earned by the collection agency on those collections for the previous calendar year. The total amount of the bond shall not exceed $100,000. A ~~collection agency~~ licensee may deposit cash in and with a depository acceptable to the commissioner in an amount and in the manner prescribed and approved by the commissioner in lieu of a bond.

Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 332.345, is amended to read:

332.345 SEGREGATED ACCOUNTS.

A payment collected by a collector or collection agency on behalf of a customer shall be held by the collector or collection agency in a separate trust account clearly designated for customer funds. The account must be in a bank or other depository institution authorized or chartered under the laws of any state or of the United States. This section does not apply to a debt buyer, except to the extent the debt buyer engages in third-party debt collection for others.

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Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 332.355, is amended to read:

332.355 AGENCY RESPONSIBILITY FOR COLLECTORS.

The commissioner may take action against a ~~collection agency~~ licensee for any violations of debt collection laws by its debt collectors. The commissioner may also take action against the debt collectors themselves for these same violations.

Sec. 17. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 332.37, is amended to read:

332.37 PROHIBITED PRACTICES.

(a) No collection agency, debt buyer, or collector shall:

(1) in collection letters or publications, or in any communication, oral or written threaten wage garnishment or legal suit by a particular lawyer, unless it has actually retained the lawyer;

(2) use or employ sheriffs or any other officer authorized to serve legal papers in connection with the collection of a claim, except when performing their legally authorized duties;

(3) use or threaten to use methods of collection which violate Minnesota law;

(4) furnish legal advice or otherwise engage in the practice of law or represent that it is competent to do so;

(5) communicate with debtors in a misleading or deceptive manner by using the stationery of a lawyer, forms or instruments which only lawyers are authorized to prepare, or instruments which simulate the form and appearance of judicial process;

(6) exercise authority on behalf of a ~~creditor~~ client to employ the services of lawyers unless the ~~creditor~~ client has specifically authorized the agency in writing to do so and the agency's course of conduct is at all times consistent with a true relationship of attorney and client between the lawyer and the ~~creditor~~ client;

(7) publish or cause to be published any list of debtors except for credit reporting purposes, use shame cards or shame automobiles, advertise or threaten to advertise for sale any claim as a means of forcing payment thereof, or use similar devices or methods of intimidation;

(8) refuse to return any claim or claims and all valuable papers deposited with a claim or claims upon written request of the ~~creditor~~ client, claimant or forwarder after tender of the amounts due and owing to ~~the~~ a collection agency within 30 days after the request; refuse or intentionally fail to account to its clients for all money collected within 30 days from the last day of the month in which the same is collected; or, refuse or fail to furnish at intervals of not less than 90 days upon written request of the claimant or forwarder, a written report upon claims received from the claimant or forwarder;

(9) operate under a name or in a manner which implies that the collection agency or debt buyer is a branch of or associated with any department of federal, state, county or local government or an agency thereof;

(10) commingle money collected for a customer with the collection agency's operating funds or use any part of a customer's money in the conduct of the collection agency's business;

(11) transact business or hold itself out as a debt ~~prorater~~ settlement company, debt management company, debt adjuster, or any person who settles, adjusts, prorates, pools, liquidates or pays the indebtedness of a debtor, unless there is no charge to the debtor, or the pooling or liquidation is done pursuant to court order or under the supervision of a creditor's committee;

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(12) violate any of the provisions of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act of 1977, Public Law 95-109, while attempting to collect on any account, bill or other indebtedness;

(13) communicate with a debtor by use of a recorded message utilizing an automatic dialing announcing device unless the recorded message is immediately preceded by a live operator who discloses prior to the message the name of the collection agency and the fact the message intends to solicit payment and the operator obtains the consent of the debtor to hearing the message after the debtor expressly informs the agency or collector to cease communication utilizing an automatic dialing announcing device;

(14) in collection letters or publications, or in any communication, oral or written, imply or suggest that health care services will be withheld in an emergency situation;

(15) when a debtor has a listed telephone number, enlist the aid of a neighbor or third party to request that the debtor contact the licensee or collector, except a person who resides with the debtor or a third party with whom the debtor has authorized the licensee or collector to place the request. This clause does not apply to a call back message left at the debtor's place of employment which is limited to the licensee's or collector's telephone number and name;

(16) when attempting to collect a debt, fail to provide the debtor with the full name of the collection agency or debt buyer as it appears on its license or as listed on any "doing business as" or "d/b/a" registered with the Department of Commerce;

(17) collect any money from a debtor that is not reported to a ~~creditor or~~ client;

(18) fail to return any amount of overpayment from a debtor to the debtor or to the state of Minnesota pursuant to the requirements of chapter 345;

~~(18)~~ (19) accept currency or coin as payment for a debt without issuing an original receipt to the debtor and maintaining a duplicate receipt in the debtor's payment records;

~~(19)~~ (20) attempt to collect any amount ~~of money~~, including any interest, fee, charge, or expense incidental to the charge-off obligation, from a debtor or unless the amount is expressly authorized by the agreement creating the debt or is otherwise permitted by law;

(21) charge a fee to a ~~creditor~~ client that is not authorized by agreement with the client;

~~(20)~~ (22) falsify any collection agency documents with the intent to deceive a debtor, creditor, or governmental agency;

~~(21)~~ (23) when initially contacting a Minnesota debtor by mail, fail to include a disclosure on the contact notice, in a type size or font which is equal to or larger than the largest other type of type size or font used in the text of the notice. The disclosure must state: "This collection agency is licensed by the Minnesota Department of Commerce" or "This debt buyer is licensed by the Minnesota Department of Commerce" as applicable; or

~~(22)~~ (24) commence legal action to collect a debt outside the limitations period set forth in section 541.053.

(b) Paragraph (a), clauses (6), (8), (10), (17), and (21), do not apply to debt buyers except to the extent the debt buyer engages in third-party debt collection for others.

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Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 332.385, is amended to read:

332.385 NOTIFICATION TO COMMISSIONER.

The collection agency or debt buyer licensee shall notify the commissioner of any employee termination within ten days of the termination if it the termination is based in whole or in part ~~based~~ on a violation of this chapter.

Sec. 19. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 332.40, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Commissioner's powers. (a) For the purpose of any investigation or proceeding under sections 332.31 to 332.44, the commissioner or any person designated by the commissioner may administer oaths and affirmations, subpoena collection agencies, debt buyers, or collectors and compel their attendance, take evidence and require the production of any books, papers, correspondence, memoranda, agreements or other documents or records which the commissioner deems relevant or material to the inquiry. The subpoena shall contain a written statement setting forth the circumstances which have reasonably caused the commissioner to believe that a violation of sections 332.31 to 332.44 may have occurred.

(b) In the event that the collection agency, debt buyer, or collector refuses to obey the subpoena, or should the commissioner, upon completion of the examination of the collection agency, debt buyer, or collector, reasonably conclude that a violation has occurred, the commissioner may examine additional witnesses, including third parties, as may be necessary to complete the investigation.

(c) Any subpoena issued pursuant to this section shall be served by certified mail or by personal service. Service shall be made at least 15 days prior to the date of appearance.

Sec. 20. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 332.42, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Verified financial statement. The commissioner of commerce may at any time require a ~~collection agency~~ licensee to submit a verified financial statement for examination by the commissioner to determine whether the ~~collection agency~~ licensee is financially responsible to carry on a collection ~~agency~~ business within the intents and purposes of sections 332.31 to 332.44.

Sec. 21. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 332.42, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Record keeping. The commissioner shall require the collection agency or debt buyer licensee to keep such books and records in the licensee's place of business in this state as will enable the commissioner to determine whether there has been compliance with the provisions of sections 332.31 to 332.44, unless the agency is a foreign corporation duly authorized, admitted, and licensed to do business in this state and complies with all the requirements of chapter 303 and with all other requirements of sections 332.31 to 332.44. Every collection agency licensee shall preserve the records of final entry used in such business for a period of five years after final remittance is made on any amount placed with the licensee for collection or after any account has been returned to the claimant on which one or more payments have been made. Every debt buyer licensee must preserve the records of final entry used in the business for a period of five years after final collection of any purchased account.

Sec. 22. GARNISHMENT PROHIBITIONS ON COVID-19 GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE.

(a) Federal, state, local, and tribal governmental payments issued to relieve the adverse economic impact caused by the COVID-19 pandemic are exempt from all claims for garnishments and levies of consumer debtors of debt primarily for personal, family, or household purposes governed by Minnesota Statutes, chapters 550, 551, and 571.

(b) Paragraph (a) does not apply to domestic support orders and obligations, including child support and spousal maintenance obligations, including but not limited to orders and obligations under Minnesota Statutes, chapters 518 and 518A.

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EFFECTIVE DATE; APPLICATION. This section is effective the day following final enactment and applies to government assistance provided on or after March 13, 2020.

ARTICLE 6

COMMERCE MISCELLANEOUS

Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 45.305, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. ~~Appraiser and~~ Insurance Internet prelicense courses. The design and delivery of ~~an appraiser prelicense education course or~~ an insurance prelicense education course must be approved by the International Distance Education Certification Center (IDECC) before the course is submitted for the commissioner's approval.

Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 45.305, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 1a. Appraiser Internet prelicense courses. The requirements for the design and delivery of an appraiser prelicense education course are the requirements established by the Appraiser Qualifications Board of the Appraisal Foundation and published in the most recent version of the Real Property Appraiser Qualification Criteria.

Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 45.306, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 1a. Appraiser Internet continuing education courses. The requirements for the design and delivery of an appraiser continuing education course are the requirements established by the Appraiser Qualifications Board of the Appraisal Foundation and published in the most recent version of the Real Property Appraiser Qualification Criteria.

Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 45.33, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Prohibitions. In connection with an approved course, coordinators and instructors must not:

(1) recommend or promote the services or practices of a particular business;

(2) encourage or recruit individuals to engage the services of, or become associated with, a particular business;

(3) use materials, clothing, or other evidences of affiliation with a particular entity, except as provided under subdivision 3;

(4) require students to participate in other programs or services offered by the instructor, coordinator, or education provider;

(5) attempt, either directly or indirectly, to discover questions or answers on an examination for a license;

(6) disseminate to any other person specific questions, problems, or information known or believed to be included in licensing examinations;

(7) misrepresent any information submitted to the commissioner;

(8) fail to cover, or ensure coverage of, all points, issues, and concepts contained in the course outline approved by the commissioner during the approved instruction; and

(9) issue inaccurate course completion certificates.

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

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Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 45.33, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 3. Exceptions. In connection with an approved course, coordinators and instructors may:

(1) display a company or course provider's logo or branding;

(2) establish a trade-show or conference booth outside the classroom where the educational content is being delivered that is separate from a registration location used to track or facilitate student attendance;

(3) display the logo or branding associated with a particular entity to thank the entity as an organizational partner of the course provider during a scheduled and approved break in the delivery of course content. The display must be separate from a registration location used to track or facilitate student attendance; and

(4) display a third-party logo, promotion, advertisement, or affiliation with a particular entity as part of a course program or advertising for an approved course. For purposes of this subdivision, course program means digital or paper literature describing the schedule of the events, presenters, duration, or background information of the approved course or courses. A course program may be made available in the classroom or at a registration location used to track or facilitate student attendance.

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

Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 60A.71, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Subd. 7. Duration; fees. (a) Each applicant for a reinsurance intermediary license shall pay to the commissioner a fee of $200 for an initial two-year license and a fee of $150 for each renewal. Applications shall be submitted on forms prescribed by the commissioner.

(b) Initial licenses issued under this chapter are valid for a period not to exceed 24 months and expire on October 31 of the renewal year assigned by the commissioner. Each renewal reinsurance intermediary license is valid for a period of 24 months. Licensees who submit renewal applications postmarked or delivered on or before October 15 of the renewal year may continue to transact business whether or not the renewal license has been received by November 1. Licensees who submit applications postmarked or delivered after October 15 of the renewal year must not transact business after the expiration date of the license until the renewal license has been received.

Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 79.55, subdivision 10, is amended to read:

Subd. 10. Duties of commissioner; report. The commissioner shall issue a report by March 1 of each year, comparing the average rates charged by workers' compensation insurers in the state to the pure premium base rates filed by the association, as reviewed by the Rate Oversight Commission. The Rate Oversight Commission shall review the commissioner's report and if the experience indicates that rates have not reasonably reflected changes in pure premiums, the rate oversight commission shall recommend to the legislature appropriate legislative changes to this chapter.

(a) By March 1 of each year, the commissioner must issue a report that evaluates the competitiveness of the workers' compensation market in Minnesota in order to evaluate whether the competitive rating law is working.

(b) The report under this subdivision must: (1) compare the average rates charged by workers' compensation insurers in Minnesota with the pure premium base rates filed by the association; and (2) provide market information, including but not limited to the number of carriers, market shares, the loss-cost multipliers used by companies, and the residual market and self-insurance.

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(c) The commissioner must provide the report to the Rate Oversight Commission for review. If after reviewing the report the Rate Oversight Commission concludes that concerns exist regarding the competitiveness of the workers' compensation market in Minnesota, the Rate Oversight Commission must recommend to the legislature appropriate modifications to this chapter.

Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 80G.06, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Surety bond requirement. (a) Every dealer shall maintain a current, valid surety bond issued by a surety company admitted to do business in Minnesota in an amount based on the transactions conducted with Minnesota consumers (purchases from and sales to consumers at retail) during the 12-month period prior to registration, or renewal, whichever is applicable.

(b) The amount of the surety bond shall be as specified in the table below:

Transaction Amount in Preceding 12-month Period	Surety Bond Required
~~$25,000~~ $0 to $200,000	$25,000
$200,000.01 to $500,000	$50,000
$500,000.01 to $1,000,000	$100,000
$1,000,000.01 to $2,000,000	$150,000
Over $2,000,000	$200,000

Sec. 9. [80G.11] NOTIFICATION TO COMMISSIONER.

A dealer must notify the commissioner of any dealer representative termination within ten days of the termination if the termination is based in whole or in part on a violation of this chapter.

Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 82.57, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Amounts. The following fees shall be paid to the commissioner:

(a) a fee of $150 for each initial individual broker's license, and a fee of $100 for each renewal thereof;

(b) a fee of $70 for each initial salesperson's license, and a fee of $40 for each renewal thereof;

(d) a fee of $150 for each initial corporate, limited liability company, or partnership license, and a fee of $100 for each renewal thereof;

(e) a fee for payment to the education, research and recovery fund in accordance with section 82.86;

(f) a fee of $20 for each transfer;

~~(g) a fee of $50 for license reinstatement;~~

~~(h)~~ (g) a fee of $20 for reactivating a corporate, limited liability company, or partnership license; and

~~(i)~~ (h) in addition to the fees required under this subdivision, individual licensees under clauses (a) and (b) shall pay, for each initial license and renewal, a technology surcharge of up to $40 under section 45.24, unless the commissioner has adjusted the surcharge as permitted under that section.

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Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 82.57, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5. Initial license expiration; fee reduction. If an initial license issued under subdivision 1, paragraph (a), (b), (c), or (d) expires less than 12 months after issuance, the license fee shall be reduced by an amount equal to one-half the fee for a renewal of the license. An initial license issued under this chapter expires in the year that results in the term of the license being at least 12 months, but no more than 24 months.

Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 82.62, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Timely renewals. A person ~~whose application for a license renewal has not been timely submitted and~~ who has not received notice of approval of renewal may not continue to transact business either as a real estate broker, salesperson, or closing agent after June 30 of the renewal year until approval of renewal is received. Application for renewal of a license is timely submitted if: all requirements for renewal, including continuing education requirements, have been completed and reported pursuant to section 45.43, subdivision 1.

~~(1) all requirements for renewal, including continuing education requirements, have been completed by June 15 of the renewal year; and~~

(2) the application is submitted before the renewal deadline in the manner prescribed by the commissioner, duly executed and sworn to, accompanied by fees prescribed by this chapter, and containing any information the commissioner requires.

Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 82.81, subdivision 12, is amended to read:

Subd. 12. Fraudulent, deceptive, and dishonest practices. (a) Prohibitions. For the purposes of section 82.82, subdivision 1, clause (b), the following acts and practices constitute fraudulent, deceptive, or dishonest practices:

(1) act on behalf of more than one party to a transaction without the knowledge and consent of all parties;

(2) act in the dual capacity of licensee and undisclosed principal in any transaction;

(3) receive funds while acting as principal which funds would constitute trust funds if received by a licensee acting as an agent, unless the funds are placed in a trust account. Funds need not be placed in a trust account if a written agreement signed by all parties to the transaction specifies a different disposition of the funds, in accordance with section 82.82, subdivision 1;

(4) violate any state or federal law concerning discrimination intended to protect the rights of purchasers or renters of real estate;

(5) make a material misstatement in an application for a license or in any information furnished to the commissioner;

(6) procure or attempt to procure a real estate license for ~~himself or herself~~ the procuring individual or any person by fraud, misrepresentation, or deceit;

(7) represent membership in any real estate-related organization in which the licensee is not a member;

(8) advertise in any manner that is misleading or inaccurate with respect to properties, terms, values, policies, or services conducted by the licensee;

(9) make any material misrepresentation or permit or allow another to make any material misrepresentation;

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(10) make any false or misleading statements, or permit or allow another to make any false or misleading statements, of a character likely to influence, persuade, or induce the consummation of a transaction contemplated by this chapter;

(11) fail within a reasonable time to account for or remit any money coming into the licensee's possession which belongs to another;

(12) commingle with ~~his or her~~ the individual's own money or property trust funds or any other money or property of another held by the licensee;

(13) a demand from a seller for a commission to or compensation to which the licensee is not entitled, knowing that ~~he or she~~ the individual is not entitled to the commission or compensation;

(14) pay or give money or goods of value to an unlicensed person for any assistance or information relating to the procurement by a licensee of a listing of a property or of a prospective buyer of a property (this item does not apply to money or goods paid or given to the parties to the transaction);

(15) fail to maintain a trust account at all times, as provided by law;

(16) engage, with respect to the offer, sale, or rental of real estate, in an anticompetitive activity;

(17) represent on advertisements, cards, signs, circulars, letterheads, or in any other manner, that ~~he or she~~ the individual is engaged in the business of financial planning unless ~~he or she~~ the individual provides a disclosure document to the client. The document must be signed by the client and a copy must be left with the client. The disclosure document must contain the following:

(i) the basis of fees, commissions, or other compensation received by ~~him or her~~ an individual in connection with rendering of financial planning services or financial counseling or advice in the following language:

"My compensation may be based on the following:

(a) ... commissions generated from the products I sell you;

(b) ... fees; or

(ii) the name and address of any company or firm that supplies the financial services or products offered or sold by ~~him or her~~ an individual in the following language:

"I am authorized to offer or sell products and/or services issued by or through the following firm(s):

[List]

The products will be traded, distributed, or placed through the clearing/trading firm(s) of:

[List]";

(iii) the license(s) held by the person under this chapter or chapter 60A or 80A in the following language:

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"I am licensed in Minnesota as a(n):

(a) ... insurance agent;

(b) ... securities agent or broker/dealer;

(d) ... investment adviser"; and

(iv) the specific identity of any financial products or services, by category, for example mutual funds, stocks, or limited partnerships, the person is authorized to offer or sell in the following language:

"The license(s) entitles me to offer and sell the following products and/or services:

(a) ... securities, specifically the following: [List];

(b) ... real property;

(d) ... other: [List]."

(b) Determining violation. A licensee shall be deemed to have violated this section if the licensee has been found to have violated sections 325D.49 to 325D.66, by a final decision or order of a court of competent jurisdiction.

(c) Commissioner's authority. Nothing in this section limits the authority of the commissioner to take actions against a licensee for fraudulent, deceptive, or dishonest practices not specifically described in this section.

Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 82B.021, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 14a. Evaluation. "Evaluation" means an estimate of the value of real property, made in accordance with the Interagency Appraisal and Evaluation Guidelines provided to an entity regulated by a federal financial institution's regulatory agency, for use in a real estate-related financial transaction for which an appraisal is not required by federal law.

Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 82B.021, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 16a. Interagency Appraisal and Evaluation Guidelines. "Interagency Appraisal and Evaluation Guidelines" means the appraisal and evaluation guidelines provided by a federal financial institution's regulatory agency, as provided by Federal Register, volume 75, page 77450 (2010), as amended.

Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 82B.021, subdivision 18, is amended to read:

Subd. 18. Licensed real property appraiser. "Licensed real property appraiser" means an individual licensed under this chapter to perform appraisals on noncomplex one-family to four-family residential units or agricultural property having a transactional value of less than $1,000,000 and complex one-family to four-family residential units or agricultural property having a transactional value of less than ~~$250,000~~ $400,000.

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Sec. 17. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 82B.03, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 3. Evaluation. A licensed real estate appraiser may provide an evaluation. When providing an evaluation, a licensed real estate appraiser is not engaged in real estate appraisal activity and is not subject to this chapter. An evaluation by a licensed real estate appraiser under this subdivision must contain a disclosure that the evaluation is not an appraisal.

Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 82B.11, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Licensed residential real property appraiser. A licensed residential real property appraiser may appraise noncomplex residential property or agricultural property having a transaction value less than $1,000,000 and complex residential or agricultural property having a transaction value less than ~~$250,000~~ $400,000.

Sec. 19. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 82B.195, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 5. Evaluation. When providing an evaluation, a licensed real estate appraiser is not required to comply with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice.

Sec. 20. [82B.25] VALUATION BIAS.

Subdivision 1. Definition. For the purposes of this section, "valuation bias" means to explicitly, implicitly, or structurally select data and apply that data to an appraisal methodology or technique in a biased manner that harms a protected class, as defined by the Fair Housing Act of 1968, as amended.

Subd. 2. Education. Within two years of receiving a license under this chapter, and as required by the Appraiser Qualifications Board, a real property appraiser shall provide to the commissioner evidence of satisfactory completion of a continuing education course on the valuation bias of real property.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective September 1, 2021. A real property appraiser who has received their license prior to the effective date of this section must complete the course required by this section by August 31, 2023.

Sec. 21. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 115C.094, is amended to read:

115C.094 ABANDONED UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS.

(a) As used in this section, an abandoned underground petroleum storage tank means an underground petroleum storage tank that was:

(1) taken out of service prior to December 22, 1988; or

(2) taken out of service on or after December 22, 1988, if the current property owner did not know of the existence of the underground petroleum storage tank and could not have reasonably been expected to have known of the tank's existence at the time the owner first acquired right, title, or interest in the tank.; or

(3) taken out of service and is located on property that is being held by the state in trust for local taxing districts under section 281.25.

(b) The board may contract for:

(1) a statewide assessment in order to determine the quantity, location, cost, and feasibility of removing abandoned underground petroleum storage tanks;

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(2) the removal of an abandoned underground petroleum storage tank; and

(3) the removal and disposal of petroleum-contaminated soil if the removal is required by the commissioner at the time of tank removal.

(c) Before the board may contract for removal of an abandoned petroleum storage tank, the tank owner must provide the board with written access to the property and release the board from any potential liability for the work performed.

(d) If at the time of the forfeiture of property identified under paragraph (a), clause (3), the property owner or the owner's heirs, devisees, or representatives, or any person to whom the right to pay taxes was granted by statute, mortgage, or other agreement, repurchases the property under section 282.241, the board's contracted costs for the underground storage tank removal project must be included as a special assessment included in the repurchase price, as provided under section 282.251, and must be returned to the board upon the sale of the property.

~~(d)~~ (e) Money in the fund is appropriated to the board for the purposes of this section.

Sec. 22. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 308A.201, subdivision 12, is amended to read:

Subd. 12. Electric cooperative powers. (a) An electric cooperative has the power and authority to:

(1) make loans to its members;

(2) prerefund debt;

(3) obtain funds through negotiated financing or public sale;

(4) borrow money and issue its bonds, debentures, notes, or other evidence of indebtedness;

(5) mortgage, pledge, or otherwise hypothecate its assets as may be necessary;

(6) invest its resources;

(7) deposit money in state and national banks and trust companies authorized to receive deposits; and

(8) exercise all other powers and authorities granted to cooperatives.

(b) A cooperative organized to provide rural electric power may enter agreements and contracts with other electric power cooperatives or with a cooperative constituted of electric power cooperatives to share losses and risk of losses to their transmission and distribution lines, transformers, substations, and related appurtenances from storm, sleet, hail, tornado, cyclone, hurricane, or windstorm. An agreement or contract or a cooperative formed to share losses under this paragraph is not subject to the laws of this state relating to insurance and insurance companies.

(c) An electric cooperative, an affiliate of the cooperative formed to provide broadband, or another entity pursuant to an agreement with the cooperative or the cooperative's affiliate may use the cooperative, affiliate, or entity's existing or subsequently acquired electric transmission or distribution easements for broadband infrastructure and to provide broadband service, which may include an agreement to lease fiber capacity. To exercise rights granted under this paragraph, the cooperative must provide to the property owner on which the easement is located two written notices, at least two months apart, that the cooperative intends to use the easement for broadband purposes. The use of the easement for broadband services vests and runs with the land beginning

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six months after the first notice is provided under paragraph (d) unless a court action challenging the use of the easement for broadband purposes has been filed before that time by the property owner as provided under paragraph (e). The cooperative must also file evidence of the notices for recording with the county recorder.

(d) The cooperative's notices under paragraph (c) must be sent by first class mail to the last known address of the owner of the property on which the easement is located or by printed insertion in the property owner's utility bill. The notice must include the following:

(1) the name and mailing address of the cooperative;

(2) a narrative describing the nature and purpose of the intended easement use;

(3) a description of any trenching or other underground work expected to result from the intended use, including the anticipated time frame for the work;

(4) a phone number of a cooperative employee to contact regarding the easement; and

(5) the following statement, in bold red lettering: "It is important to make any challenge by the deadline to preserve any legal rights you may have."

(e) A property owner, within six months after receiving notice under paragraph (d), may commence an action seeking to recover damages for an electric cooperative's use of an electric transmission or distribution easement for broadband service purposes. If the claim for damages is under $15,000, the claim may be brought in conciliation court. Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, the procedures and substantive matters set forth in this subdivision govern an action under this paragraph and are the exclusive means to bring a claim for compensation with respect to a notice of intent to use a cooperative transmission or distribution easement for broadband purposes. To commence an action under this paragraph, the property owner must serve a complaint upon the electric cooperative as in a civil action and file the complaint with the district court for the county in which the easement is located. The complaint must state whether the property owner (1) is challenging the electric cooperative's right to use the easement for broadband services or infrastructure as authorized under paragraph (c), (2) is seeking damages as provided under paragraph (f), or (3) both.

(f) If the property owner is seeking damages, the electric cooperative may, at any time after answering the complaint, (1) deposit with the court administrator an amount equal to the cooperative's estimate of damages, up to $5,000, and (2) after making the deposit, use the electric transmission or service line easements for broadband purposes, conditioned on an obligation to pay the amount of damages determined by the court. If the property owner is challenging the electric cooperative's right to use the easement for broadband services or infrastructure as authorized under paragraph (c), after the electric cooperative answers the complaint the district court must promptly hold a hearing on the property owner's challenge. If the district court denies the property owner's challenge, the electric cooperative may proceed to make a deposit and make use of the easement for broadband service purposes, as provided under clause (2).

(g) In an action involving a property owner's claim for damages, the landowner has the burden to prove the existence and amount of any net reduction in the fair market value of the property, considering the existence, installation, construction, maintenance, modification, operation, repair, replacement, or removal of broadband infrastructure in the easement, as well as any benefit to the property from access to broadband service. Consequential or special damages must not be awarded. Evidence of revenue, profits, fees, income, or similar benefits to the electric cooperative, the cooperative's affiliate, or a third party is inadmissible. Any fees or costs incurred as a result of an action under this subdivision must be paid by the party that incurred the fees or costs.

(h) Nothing in this section limits in any way an electric cooperative's existing easement rights, including but not limited to rights an electric cooperative has or may acquire to transmit communications for electric system operations or otherwise.

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(i) Placement of broadband infrastructure for use in providing broadband service under paragraphs (c) to (h) in any portion of an electric transmission or distribution easement located in the public right-of-way is subject to local government permitting and right-of-way management authority under section 237.163, and the placement must be coordinated with the relevant local government unit to minimize potential future relocations. The cooperative must notify a local government unit prior to placing infrastructure for broadband service in an easement that is in or adjacent to the local government unit's public right-of-way.

(j) For purposes of this subdivision:

(1) "broadband infrastructure" has the meaning given in section 116J.394; and

(2) "broadband service" means broadband infrastructure and any services provided over the infrastructure that offer advanced telecommunications capability and Internet access.

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

Sec. 23. [332.61] INFORMATIVE DISCLOSURE.

A lead generator must prominently make the following disclosure on all print, electronic, and nonprint solicitations, including advertising on websites, radio, or television: "This company does not actually provide any of the credit services you are seeking. We ONLY refer you to companies that want to provide some or all of those services."

Sec. 24. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 349.11, is amended to read:

349.11 PURPOSE.

The purpose of sections 349.11 to 349.22 is to regulate lawful gambling, to insure integrity of operations, ~~and~~ to provide for the use of net profits only for lawful purposes, and to authorize only those games or game features discussed in this chapter.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective September 6, 2022.

Sec. 25. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 349.12, subdivision 12a, is amended to read:

Subd. 12a. Electronic bingo device. "Electronic bingo device" means a handheld and portable electronic device that:

(1) is used by a bingo player to:

(i) monitor bingo paper sheets or a facsimile of a bingo paper sheet purchased and played at the time and place of an organization's bingo occasion, or to play an electronic bingo game that is linked with other permitted premises;

(ii) activate numbers announced or displayed, and to compare the numbers to the bingo faces previously stored in the memory of the device;

(iii) identify a winning bingo pattern or game requirement; and

(iv) play against other bingo players;

(2) limits the play of bingo faces to 36 faces per game;

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(3) requires coded entry to activate play but does not allow the use of a coin, currency, or tokens to be inserted to activate play;

(4) may only be used for play against other bingo players in a bingo game;

(5) may only display the results of the electronic bingo game in a manner typically associated with bingo played in a paper format, may only display the grid of numbers and letters typically associated with paper bingo, and may not display or simulate any other form of gambling, entertainment, slot machines, electronic video lotteries, or video games of chance;

(6) has no spinning reels or other representations that mimic a slot machine, including but not limited to nonstraight win line graphics, nonstraight pay line graphics, open all features, single button press reveals, hold and spin features, delayed reveals, cascading or tumbling reveals, bonus games, bonus wheels, free play, free spins, or screens or game features that are triggered after the initial symbols are revealed that display the results of the game;

~~(5)~~ (7) has no additional function as an amusement or gambling device other than as an electronic pull-tab game defined under section 349.12, subdivision 12c;

~~(6)~~ (8) has the capability to ensure adequate levels of security internal controls;

~~(7)~~ (9) has the capability to permit the board to electronically monitor the operation of the device and the internal accounting systems; and

~~(8)~~ (10) has the capability to allow use by a player who is visually impaired.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective September 6, 2022.

Sec. 26. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 349.12, subdivision 12b, is amended to read:

Subd. 12b. Electronic pull-tab device. "Electronic pull-tab device" means a handheld and portable electronic device that:

(1) is used to play one or more electronic pull-tab games;

(2) requires coded entry to activate play but does not allow the use of coin, currency, or tokens to be inserted to activate play;

(3) requires that a player must manually activate or open each electronic pull-tab ticket and also manually activate or open each ~~individual~~ line, row, or column of ~~each electronic pull-tab ticket~~ symbols on each electronic pull-tab ticket with a separate push of a button, and must display the underlying symbols in a given line, row, or column immediately after the player manually activates or opens the applicable line, row, or column of symbols;

(4) maintains information pertaining to accumulated win credits that may be applied to games in play or redeemed upon termination of play;

(5) may only display the results of the electronic pull-tab game in a manner typically associated with paper pull‑tabs tickets, may only display symbols typically associated with paper pull-tab tickets, may not include continuation play, bonus games, or additional screens or game features that display the results of the game after the initial symbols are revealed, and may not display or simulate any other form of gambling, entertainment, slot machines, electronic video lotteries, or video games of chance;

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~~(5)~~ (6) has no spinning reels or other representations that mimic a video slot machine, including but not limited to nonstraight win line graphics, nonstraight pay line graphics, open all features, single button press reveals, hold and spin features, delayed reveals, cascading or tumbling reveals, bonus games, bonus wheels, free play, free spins, progressive prizes or jackpots, or screens or game features that are triggered after the initial symbols are revealed that display the results of the game;

~~(6)~~ (7) has no additional function as a gambling device other than as an electronic-linked bingo game played on a device defined under section 349.12, subdivision 12a;

~~(7)~~ (8) may incorporate an amusement game feature as part of the pull-tab game but may not require additional consideration for that feature or award any prize, or other benefit for that feature;

~~(8)~~ (9) may have auditory or visual enhancements to promote or provide information about the game being played, provided the component does not affect the outcome of a game or display the results of a game;

~~(9)~~ (10) maintains, on nonresettable meters, a printable, permanent record of all transactions involving each device and electronic pull-tab games played on the device;

~~(10)~~ (11) is not a pull-tab dispensing device as defined under subdivision 32a; and

~~(11)~~ (12) has the capability to allow use by a player who is visually impaired.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective September 6, 2022.

Sec. 27. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 349.12, subdivision 12c, is amended to read:

Subd. 12c. Electronic pull-tab game. "Electronic pull-tab game" means a pull-tab game containing:

(1) facsimiles of pull-tab tickets that are played on an electronic pull-tab device, provided that any game with multiple lines, rows, or columns of symbols requires a separate push of a button to reveal the symbols underneath the applicable line, row, or column and results are displayed pursuant to subdivision 12b;

(2) a predetermined, finite number of winning and losing tickets, not to exceed 7,500 tickets;

(3) the same price for each ticket in the game;

(4) a price paid by the player of not less than 25 cents per ticket;

(5) tickets that are in conformance with applicable board rules for pull-tabs;

(6) winning tickets that comply with prize limits under section 349.211;

(7) a unique serial number that may not be regenerated;

(8) an electronic flare that displays the game name; form number; predetermined, finite number of tickets in the game; and prize tier; and

(9) no spinning reels or other representations that mimic a video slot machine as provided in subdivision 12b, clause (6).

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective September 6, 2022.

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Sec. 28. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 386.375, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Consumer education information. (a) A person other than the mortgagor or fee owner who transfers or offers to transfer an abstract of title shall present to the mortgagor or fee owner basic information in plain English about abstracts of title. This information must be sent in a form prepared and approved by the commissioner of commerce and must contain at least the following items:

(1) a definition and description of abstracts of title;

(2) an explanation that holders of abstracts of title must maintain it with reasonable care;

(3) an approximate cost or range of costs to replace a lost or damaged abstract of title; and

~~(4) an explanation that abstracts of title may be required to sell, finance, or refinance real estate; and~~

~~(5)~~ (4) an explanation of options for storage of abstracts.

(b) The commissioner shall prepare the form for use under this subdivision as soon as possible. This subdivision does not apply until 60 days after the form is approved by the commissioner.

Sec. 29. APPRAISER INTERNET COURSE REQUIREMENTS.

Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, sections 45.305, subdivision 1a, and 45.306, subdivision 1a, education providers may submit to the commissioner of commerce for approval a classroom course under Minnesota Statutes, section 45.25, subdivision 2a, clause (3), or a distance learning course, as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 45.25, subdivision 5a, that has not been approved by the International Distance Education Certification Center.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment and expires after the peacetime emergency declared by the governor in an executive order that relates to the infectious disease known as COVID-19 is terminated or rescinded or December 31, 2021, whichever is later.

Sec. 30. MINNESOTA COUNCIL ON ECONOMIC EDUCATION.

(a) The Minnesota Council on Economic Education, with funds made available through grants from the commissioner of education in fiscal years 2022 and 2023, must:

(1) provide professional development to Minnesota's kindergarten through grade 12 teachers implementing state graduation standards in learning areas related to economic education;

(2) support the direct-to-student ancillary economic and personal finance programs that Minnesota teachers supervise and coach; and

(3) provide support to geographically diverse affiliated higher education-based centers for economic education, including those based at Minnesota State University Mankato, Minnesota State University Moorhead, St. Cloud State University, St. Catherine University, and the University of St. Thomas, as the centers' work relates to activities in clauses (1) and (2).

(b) By February 15 of each year following the receipt of a grant, the Minnesota Council on Economic Education must report to the commissioner of education on the number and type of in-person and online teacher professional development opportunities provided by the Minnesota Council on Economic Education or affiliated state centers.

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The report must include a description of the content, length, and location of the programs; the number of preservice and licensed teachers receiving professional development through each of these opportunities; and a summary of evaluations of professional opportunities for teachers.

(c) On August 15, 2021, the Department of Education must pay the full amount of the grant for fiscal year 2022 to the Minnesota Council on Economic Education. On August 15, 2022, the Department of Education must pay the full amount of the grant for fiscal year 2023 to the Minnesota Council on Economic Education. The Minnesota Council on Economic Education must submit its fiscal reporting in the form and manner specified by the commissioner. The commissioner may request additional information as necessary.

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

Sec. 31. CONSUMER DEBT COLLECTION LANGUAGE BARRIER WORKING GROUP.

Subdivision 1. Establishment. The commissioner of commerce shall convene a working group to review language barriers and the effect on creditors, debt collectors, and limited English proficient communities.

Subd. 2. Membership. The working group consists of the following members:

(1) the commissioner of commerce or a designee;

(2) one member appointed by the Attorney General's Office;

(3) two members of the public representing creditors or debt collectors, appointed by the industry and subject to approval by the commissioner of commerce;

(4) two members of the public representing consumer rights, appointed by consumer rights advocate organizations and subject to approval by the commissioner of commerce;

(5) one member appointed by the Council for Minnesotans of African Heritage;

(6) one member appointed by the Minnesota Council on Latino Affairs;

(7) one member appointed by the Council on Asian-Pacific Minnesotans;

(8) two members appointed by the Indian Affairs Council; and

(9) one member appointed by Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid.

Subd. 3. Report. (a) By January 1, 2022, the commissioner of commerce shall report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the house of representatives and senate committees with jurisdiction over commerce with the working group's recommendations to address language barriers between creditors, debt collectors, and consumers.

(b) The working group shall examine:

(1) current practices for communicating with consumers in the consumer's preferred language when attempting to collect a debt or enforce a lien;

(2) the availability of translation services or a written glossary of financial terms for consumers whose primary language is not English; and

(3) state and federal laws involving issues under clauses (1) and (2).

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Sec. 32. COLLECTION AGENCY EMPLOYEES; WORK FROM HOME.

An employee of a collection agency licensed under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 332, may work from a location other than the licensee's business location if the licensee and employee comply with all the requirements of Minnesota Statutes, section 332.33, that would apply if the employee were working at the business location. The fee for a collector registration or renewal under Minnesota Statutes, section 332.33, subdivision 3, entitles the individual collector to work at a licensee's business location or a location otherwise acceptable under this section. An additional branch license is not required for a location used under this section. This section expires May 31, 2022.

Sec. 33. REPEALER.

Minnesota Statutes 2020, sections 45.017; 45.306, subdivision 1; and 115C.13, are repealed.

ARTICLE 7

ENERGY CONSERVATION AND STORAGE

Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 16B.86, is amended to read:

16B.86 ~~PRODUCTIVITY~~ STATE BUILDING ENERGY CONSERVATION IMPROVEMENT REVOLVING LOAN ACCOUNT.

Subdivision 1. Definitions. (a) For purposes of this section and section 16B.87, the following terms have the meanings given.

(b) "Energy conservation" has the meaning given in section 216B.241, subdivision 1, paragraph (d).

(d) "Energy efficiency" has the meaning given in section 216B.241, subdivision 1, paragraph (f).

(e) "Project" means the energy conservation improvements financed by a loan made under this section.

(f) "State building" means an existing building owned by the state of Minnesota.

Subd. 2. Account established. The ~~productivity~~ state building energy conservation improvement revolving loan account is established as a ~~special~~ separate account in the state treasury. The commissioner shall manage the account and shall credit to the account investment income, repayments of principal and interest, and any other earnings arising from assets of the account. Money in the account is appropriated to the commissioner of administration to make loans to ~~finance agency projects that will result in either reduced operating costs or increased revenues, or both, for a state agency~~ state agencies to implement energy conservation and energy efficiency improvements in state buildings under section 16B.87.

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

Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 16B.87, is amended to read:

16B.87 AWARD AND REPAYMENT OF ~~PRODUCTIVITY~~ STATE BUILDING ENERGY IMPROVEMENT CONSERVATION LOANS.

Subdivision 1. Committee. The ~~Productivity~~ State Building Energy Conservation Improvement Loan Committee consists of the commissioners of administration, management and budget, and ~~revenue~~ commerce. The commissioner of administration serves as chair of the committee. The members serve without compensation or reimbursement for expenses.

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Subd. 2. Award and terms of loans. (a) An agency shall apply for a loan on a form ~~provided~~ developed by the commissioner of administration. that requires an applicant to submit the following information:

(1) a description of the proposed project, including existing equipment, structural elements, operating characteristics, and other conditions affecting energy use that the energy conservation improvements financed by the loan modify or replace;

(2) the total estimated project cost and the loan amount sought;

(3) a detailed project budget;

(4) projections of the proposed project's expected energy and monetary savings;

(5) information demonstrating the agency's ability to repay the loan;

(6) a description of the energy conservation programs offered by the utility providing service to the state building from which the applicant seeks additional funding for the project; and

(7) any additional information requested by the commissioner.

(b) The committee shall review applications for loans and shall award a loan based upon criteria adopted by the committee. ~~The committee shall determine the amount, interest, and other terms of the loan. The time for repayment of a loan may not exceed five years.~~ A loan made under this section must:

(1) be at or below the market rate of interest, including a zero interest loan; and

(2) have a term no longer than seven years.

(1) applicants that have sought funding for the project through energy conservation projects offered by the utility serving the state building that is the subject of the application; and

(2) to the extent feasible, applications for state buildings located within the electric retail service area of the utility that is subject to section 116C.779.

Subd. 3. Repayment. An agency receiving a loan under this section shall repay the loan according to the terms of the loan agreement. The principal and interest must be paid to the commissioner of administration, who shall deposit it in the ~~productivity~~ state building energy conservation improvement revolving loan ~~fund~~ account. Payments of loan principal and interest must begin no later than one year after the project is completed.

Sec. 3. [216B.1698] INNOVATIVE CLEAN TECHNOLOGIES.

(a) For purposes of this section, "innovative clean technology" means advanced energy technology that is:

(1) environmentally superior to technologies currently in use;

(2) expected to offer energy-related, environmental, or economic benefits; and

(3) not widely deployed by the utility industry.

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(b) A public utility may petition the commission for authorization to invest in a project or projects to deploy one or more innovative clean technologies to further the development, commercialization, and deployment of innovative clean technologies that benefit the public utility's customers.

(1) the technologies proposed are innovative clean technologies;

(2) the investment in an innovative clean energy technology is likely to provide benefits to customers that exceed the technology's cost;

(3) the public utility is meeting its energy conservation goals under section 216B.241; and

(4) the project complies with the spending limits under paragraph (d).

(d) Over any three consecutive years, a public utility must not spend more on innovative clean technologies under this section than:

(1) for a public utility providing service to 200,000 or more retail Minnesota customers, $6,000,000; or

(2) for a public utility providing service to fewer than 200,000 retail Minnesota customers, $3,000,000.

(e) The commission may authorize a public utility to file a rate schedule containing provisions that automatically adjust charges for public utility service in direct relation to changes in prudent costs incurred by a public utility under this section, up to the amounts allowed under paragraph (d). To the extent the public utility investment under this section is for a capital asset, the utility may request that the asset be included in the utility's rate base.

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

Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 216B.2401, is amended to read:

216B.2401 ENERGY SAVINGS AND OPTIMIZATION POLICY GOAL.

(a) The legislature finds that energy savings are an energy resource, and that cost-effective energy savings are preferred over all other energy resources. In addition, the legislature finds that optimizing the timing and method used by energy consumers to manage energy use provides significant benefits to the consumers and to the utility system as a whole. The legislature further finds that cost-effective energy savings and load management programs should be procured systematically and aggressively in order to reduce utility costs for businesses and residents, improve the competitiveness and profitability of businesses, create more energy-related jobs, reduce the economic burden of fuel imports, and reduce pollution and emissions that cause climate change. Therefore, it is the energy policy of the state of Minnesota to achieve annual energy savings ~~equal~~ equivalent to at least ~~1.5~~ 2.5 percent of annual retail energy sales of electricity and natural gas through cost-effective energy conservation improvement programs and rate design, energy efficiency achieved by energy consumers without direct utility involvement, energy codes and appliance standards, programs designed to transform the market or change consumer behavior, energy savings resulting from efficiency improvements to the utility infrastructure and system, and other efforts to promote energy efficiency and energy conservation. multiple measures, including but not limited to:

(1) cost-effective energy conservation improvement programs and efficient fuel-switching utility programs under sections 216B.2402 to 216B.241;

(2) rate design;

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(3) energy efficiency achieved by energy consumers without direct utility involvement;

(4) advancements in statewide energy codes and cost-effective appliance and equipment standards;

(5) programs designed to transform the market or change consumer behavior;

(6) energy savings resulting from efficiency improvements to the utility infrastructure and system; and

(7) other efforts to promote energy efficiency and energy conservation.

(b) A utility is encouraged to design and offer to customers load management programs that enable: (1) customers to maximize the economic value gained from the energy purchased from the customer's utility service provider; and (2) utilities to optimize the infrastructure and generation capacity needed to effectively serve customers and facilitate the integration of renewable energy into the energy system.

(c) The commissioner must provide a reasonable estimate of progress made toward the statewide energy-savings goal under paragraph (a) in the annual report required under section 216B.241, subdivision 1c, and make recommendations for administrative or legislative initiatives to increase energy savings toward that goal. The commissioner must annually report on the energy productivity of the state's economy by estimating the ratio of economic output produced in the most recently completed calendar year to the primary energy inputs used in that year.

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

Sec. 5. [216B.2402] DEFINITIONS.

Subdivision 1. Definitions. For the purposes of section 216B.16, subdivision 6b, and sections 216B.2401 to 216B.241, the following terms have the meanings given them.

Subd. 2. Consumer-owned utility. "Consumer-owned utility" means a municipal gas utility, a municipal electric utility, or a cooperative electric association.

Subd. 3. Cumulative lifetime savings. "Cumulative lifetime savings" means the total electric energy or natural gas savings in a given year from energy conservation improvements installed in that given year and energy conservation improvements installed in previous years that are still in operation.

Subd. 4. Efficient fuel-switching improvement. "Efficient fuel-switching improvement" means a project that:

(1) replaces a fuel used by a customer with electricity or natural gas delivered at retail by a utility subject to section 216B.2403 or 216B.241;

(2) results in a net increase in the use of electricity or natural gas and a net decrease in source energy consumption on a fuel-neutral basis;

(3) otherwise meets the criteria established for consumer-owned utilities in section 216B.2403, subdivision 8, and for public utilities under section 216B.241, subdivisions 11 and 12; and

(4) requires the installation of equipment that utilizes electricity or natural gas, resulting in a reduction or elimination of the previous fuel used.

An efficient fuel-switching improvement is not an energy conservation improvement or energy efficiency even if it results in a net reduction in electricity or natural gas consumption.

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Subd. 5. Energy conservation. "Energy conservation" means an action that results in a net reduction in electricity or natural gas consumption. Energy conservation does not include an efficient fuel-switching improvement.

Subd. 6. Energy conservation improvement. "Energy conservation improvement" means a project that results in energy efficiency or energy conservation. Energy conservation improvement may include waste heat that is recovered and converted into electricity or used as thermal energy, but does not include electric utility infrastructure projects approved by the commission under section 216B.1636.

Subd. 7. Energy efficiency. "Energy efficiency" means measures or programs, including energy conservation measures or programs, that: (1) target consumer behavior, equipment, processes, or devices; (2) are designed to reduce the consumption of electricity or natural gas on either an absolute or per unit of production basis; and (3) do not reduce the quality or level of service provided to an energy consumer.

Subd. 8. Fuel. "Fuel" means energy, including electricity, propane, natural gas, heating oil, gasoline, diesel fuel, or steam, consumed by a retail utility customer.

Subd. 9. Fuel neutral. "Fuel neutral" means an approach that compares the use of various fuels for a given end use, using a common metric.

Subd. 10. Gross annual retail energy sales. "Gross annual retail energy sales" means a utility's annual electric sales to all Minnesota retail customers, or natural gas throughput to all retail customers, including natural gas transportation customers, on a utility's distribution system in Minnesota. Gross annual retail energy sales does not include:

(1) gas sales to:

(i) a large energy facility;

(ii) a large customer facility whose natural gas utility has been exempted by the commissioner under section 216B.241, subdivision 1a, paragraph (a), with respect to natural gas sales made to the large customer facility; or

(iii) a commercial gas customer facility whose natural gas utility has been exempted by the commissioner under section 216B.241, subdivision 1a, paragraph (b), with respect to natural gas sales made to the commercial gas customer facility;

(2) electric sales to a large customer facility whose electric utility has been exempted by the commissioner under section 216B.241, subdivision 1a, paragraph (a), with respect to electric sales made to the large customer facility; or

(3) the amount of electric sales prior to December 31, 2032, that are associated with a utility's program, rate, or tariff for electric vehicle charging based on a methodology and assumptions developed by the department in consultation with interested stakeholders no later than December 31, 2021. After December 31, 2032, incremental sales to electric vehicles must be included in calculating a utility's gross annual retail sales.

Subd. 11. Investments and expenses of a public utility. "Investments and expenses of a public utility" means the investments and expenses incurred by a public utility in connection with an energy conservation improvement.

Subd. 12. Large customer facility. "Large customer facility" means all buildings, structures, equipment, and installations at a single site that in aggregate: (1) impose a peak electrical demand on an electric utility's system of at least 20,000 kilowatts, measured in the same manner as the utility that serves the customer facility measures electric demand for billing purposes; or (2) consume at least 500,000,000 cubic feet of natural gas annually. When

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calculating peak electrical demand, a large customer facility may include demand offset by on-site cogeneration facilities and, if engaged in mineral extraction, may include peak energy demand from the large customer facility's mining processing operations.

Subd. 13. Large energy facility. "Large energy facility" has the meaning given in section 216B.2421, subdivision 2, clause (1).

Subd. 14. Lifetime energy savings. "Lifetime energy savings" means the amount of savings a particular energy conservation improvement is projected to produce over the improvement's effective useful lifetime.

Subd. 15. Load management. "Load management" means an activity, service, or technology that changes the timing or the efficiency of a customer's use of energy that allows a utility or a customer to: (1) respond to local and regional energy system conditions; or (2) reduce peak demand for electricity or natural gas. Load management that reduces a customer's net annual energy consumption is also energy conservation.

Subd. 16. Low-income household. "Low-income household" means a household whose household income is 60 percent or less of the state median household income.

Subd. 17. Low-income programs. "Low-income programs" means energy conservation improvement programs that directly serve the needs of low-income households, including low-income renters.

Subd. 18. Member. "Member" has the meaning given in section 308B.005, subdivision 15.

Subd. 19. Multifamily building. "Multifamily building" means a residential building containing five or more dwelling units.

Subd. 20. Preweatherization measure. "Preweatherization measure" means an improvement that is necessary to allow energy conservation improvements to be installed in a home.

Subd. 21. Qualifying utility. "Qualifying utility" means a utility that supplies a customer with energy that enables the customer to qualify as a large customer facility.

Subd. 22. Waste heat recovered and used as thermal energy. "Waste heat recovered and used as thermal energy" means the capture of heat energy that would otherwise be exhausted or dissipated to the environment from machinery, buildings, or industrial processes, and productively using the recovered thermal energy where it was captured or distributing it as thermal energy to other locations where it is used to reduce demand-side consumption of natural gas, electric energy, or both.

Subd. 23. Waste heat recovery converted into electricity. "Waste heat recovery converted into electricity" means an energy recovery process that converts to electricity energy from the heat of exhaust stacks or pipes used for engines or manufacturing or industrial processes, or from the reduction of high pressure in water or gas pipelines, that would otherwise be lost.

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

Sec. 6. [216B.2403] CONSUMER-OWNED UTILITIES; ENERGY CONSERVATION AND OPTIMIZATION.

Subdivision 1. Applicability. This section applies to:

(1) a cooperative electric association that provides retail service to more than 5,000 members;

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(2) a municipality that provides electric service to more than 1,000 retail customers; and

(3) a municipality with more than 1,000,000,000 cubic feet in annual throughput sales to natural gas retail customers.

Subd. 2. Consumer-owned utility; energy-savings goal. (a) Each individual consumer-owned utility subject to this section has an annual energy-savings goal equivalent to 1.5 percent of gross annual retail energy sales, which must be met with a minimum of energy savings from energy conservation improvements equivalent to at least one percent of the consumer-owned utility's gross annual retail energy sales. The balance of energy savings toward the annual energy-savings goal may be achieved only by the following consumer-owned utility activities:

(1) energy savings from additional energy conservation improvements;

(2) electric utility infrastructure projects, as defined in section 216B.1636, subdivision 1, that result in increased efficiency greater than would have occurred through normal maintenance activity;

(3) net energy savings from efficient fuel-switching improvements that meet the criteria under subdivision 8; or

(4) subject to department approval, demand-side natural gas or electric energy displaced by use of waste heat recovered and used as thermal energy, including the recovered thermal energy from a cogeneration or combined heat and power facility.

(b) The energy-savings goals specified in this section must be calculated based on weather-normalized sales averaged over the most recent three years. A consumer-owned utility may elect to carry forward energy savings in excess of 1.5 percent for a year to the next three years, except that energy savings from electric utility infrastructure projects may be carried forward for five years. A particular energy savings can only be used to meet one year's goal.

(c) A consumer-owned utility subject to this section is not required to make energy conservation improvements that are not cost-effective, even if the improvement is necessary to attain the energy-savings goal. A consumer‑owned utility subject to this section must make reasonable efforts to implement energy conservation improvements that exceed the minimum level established under this subdivision if cost-effective opportunities and funding are available, considering other potential investments the consumer-owned utility intends to make to benefit customers during the term of the plan filed under subdivision 3.

Subd. 3. Consumer-owned utility; energy conservation and optimization plans. (a) By June 1, 2022, and at least every three years thereafter, each consumer-owned utility must file with the commissioner an energy conservation and optimization plan that describes the programs for energy conservation, efficient fuel-switching, load management, and other measures the consumer-owned utility intends to offer to achieve the utility's energy savings goal.

(b) A plan's term may extend up to three years. A multiyear plan must identify the total energy savings and energy savings resulting from energy conservation improvements that are projected to be achieved in each year of the plan. A multiyear plan that does not, in each year of the plan, meet both the minimum energy savings goal from energy conservation improvements and the total energy savings goal of 1.5 percent, or lower goals adjusted by the commissioner under paragraph (k), must:

(1) state why each goal is projected to be unmet; and

(2) demonstrate how the consumer-owned utility proposes to meet both goals on an average basis over the duration of the plan.

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(1) for existing programs, an analysis of the cost-effectiveness of the consumer-owned utility's programs offered under the plan, using a list of baseline energy- and capacity-savings assumptions developed in consultation with the department; and

(2) for new programs, a preliminary analysis upon which the program will proceed, in parallel with further development of assumptions and standards.

(d) The commissioner must evaluate a plan filed under this subdivision based on the plan's likelihood to achieve the energy-savings goals established in subdivision 2. The commissioner may make recommendations to a consumer-owned utility regarding ways to increase the effectiveness of the consumer-owned utility's energy conservation activities and programs under this subdivision. The commissioner may recommend that a consumer‑owned utility implement a cost-effective energy conservation program, including an energy conservation program suggested by an outside source, including but not limited to a political subdivision, nonprofit corporation, or community organization.

(e) Beginning June 1, 2023, and every June 1 thereafter, each consumer-owned utility must file: (1) an annual update identifying the status of the plan filed under this subdivision, including: (i) total expenditures and investments made to date under the plan; and (ii) any intended changes to the plan; and (2) a summary of the annual energy-savings achievements under a plan. An annual filing made in the last year of a plan must contain a new plan that complies with this section.

(f) When evaluating the cost-effectiveness of a consumer-owned utility's energy conservation programs, the consumer-owned utility and the commissioner must consider the costs and benefits to ratepayers, the utility, participants, and society. The commissioner must also consider the rate at which the consumer-owned utility is increasing energy savings and expenditures on energy conservation, and lifetime energy savings and cumulative energy savings.

(g) A consumer-owned utility may annually spend and invest up to ten percent of the total amount spent and invested on energy conservation improvements on research and development projects that meet the definition of energy conservation improvement.

(h) A generation and transmission cooperative electric association or municipal power agency that provides energy services to consumer-owned utilities may file a plan under this subdivision on behalf of the consumer-owned utilities to which the association or agency provides energy services and may make investments, offer conservation programs, and otherwise fulfill the energy-savings goals and reporting requirements under this subdivision for the consumer-owned utilities on an aggregate basis.

(i) A consumer-owned utility is prohibited from spending for or investing in energy conservation improvements that directly benefit a large energy facility or a large electric customer facility the commissioner has exempted under section 216B.241, subdivision 1a.

(j) The energy conservation and optimization plan of a consumer-owned utility may include activities to improve energy efficiency in the public schools served by the utility. These activities may include programs to:

(1) increase the efficiency of the school's lighting and heating and cooling systems;

(2) recommission buildings;

(3) train building operators; and

(4) provide opportunities to educate students, teachers, and staff regarding energy efficiency measures implemented at the school.

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(k) A consumer-owned utility may request that the commissioner adjust the consumer-owned utility's minimum goal for energy savings from energy conservation improvements under subdivision 2, paragraph (a), for the duration of the plan filed under this subdivision. The request must be made by January 1 of the year the consumer-owned utility is required to file a plan under this subdivision. The request must be based on:

(1) historical energy conservation improvement program achievements;

(2) customer class makeup;

(3) projected load growth;

(4) an energy conservation potential study that estimates the amount of cost-effective energy conservation potential that exists in the consumer-owned utility's service territory;

(5) the cost-effectiveness and quality of the energy conservation programs offered by the consumer-owned utility; and

(6) other factors the commissioner and consumer-owned utility determine warrant an adjustment.

The commissioner must adjust the energy savings goal to a level the commissioner determines is supported by the record, but must not approve a minimum energy savings goal from energy conservation improvements that is less than an average of one percent per year over the consecutive years of the plan's duration, including the year the minimum energy savings goal is adjusted.

Subd. 4. Consumer-owned utility; energy savings investment. (a) Except as otherwise provided, a consumer‑owned utility that the commissioner determines falls short of the minimum energy savings goal from energy conservation improvements established in subdivision 2, paragraph (a), for three consecutive years during which the utility has annually spent on energy conservation improvements less than 1.5 percent of gross operating revenues for an electric utility, or less than 0.5 percent of gross operating revenues for a natural gas utility, must spend no less than the following amounts for energy conservation improvements:

(1) for a municipality, 0.5 percent of gross operating revenues from the sale of gas and 1.5 percent of gross operating revenues from the sale of electricity, excluding gross operating revenues from electric and gas service provided in Minnesota to large electric customer facilities; and

(2) for a cooperative electric association, 1.5 percent of gross operating revenues from service provided in Minnesota, excluding gross operating revenues from service provided in Minnesota to large electric customers facilities indirectly through a distribution cooperative electric association.

(b) The commissioner must not impose the spending requirement under this subdivision if the commissioner has determined that the utility has followed the commissioner's recommendations, if any, provided under subdivision 3, paragraph (d).

(c) Upon request of a consumer-owned utility, the commissioner may reduce the amount or duration of the spending requirement imposed under this subdivision, or both, if the commissioner determines that the consumer‑owned utility's failure to maintain the minimum energy savings goal is the result of:

(1) a natural disaster or other emergency that is declared by the executive branch through an emergency executive order that affects the consumer-owned utility's service area;

(2) a unique load distribution experienced by the consumer-owned utility; or

(3) other factors that the commissioner determines justifies a reduction.

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(d) Unless the commissioner reduces the duration of the spending requirement under paragraph (c), the spending requirement under this subdivision remains in effect until the consumer-owned utility has met the minimum energy savings goal for three consecutive years.

Subd. 5. Energy conservation programs for low-income households. (a) A consumer-owned utility subject to this section must provide energy conservation programs to low-income households. The commissioner must evaluate a consumer-owned utility's plans under this section by considering the consumer-owned utility's historic spending on energy conservation programs directed to low-income households, the rate of customer participation in and the energy savings resulting from those programs, and the number of low-income persons residing in the consumer-owned utility's service territory. A municipal utility that furnishes natural gas service must spend at least 0.2 percent of the municipal utility's most recent three-year average gross operating revenue from residential customers in Minnesota on energy conservation programs for low-income households. A consumer-owned utility that furnishes electric service must spend at least 0.2 percent of the consumer-owned utility's gross operating revenue from residential customers in Minnesota on energy conservation programs for low-income households. The requirement under this paragraph applies to each generation and transmission cooperative association's aggregate gross operating revenue from the sale of electricity to residential customers in Minnesota by all of the association's member distribution cooperatives.

(b) To meet all or part of the spending requirements of paragraph (a), a consumer-owned utility may contribute money to the energy and conservation account established in section 216B.241, subdivision 2a. An energy conservation optimization plan must state the amount of contributions the consumer-owned utility plans to make to the energy and conservation account. Contributions to the account must be used for energy conservation programs serving low-income households, including renters, located in the service area of the consumer-owned utility making the contribution. Contributions must be remitted to the commissioner by February 1 each year.

(c) The commissioner must establish energy conservation programs for low-income households funded through contributions made to the energy and conservation account under paragraph (b). When establishing energy conservation programs for low-income households, the commissioner must consult political subdivisions, utilities, and nonprofit and community organizations, including organizations providing energy and weatherization assistance to low-income households. The commissioner must record and report expenditures and energy savings achieved as a result of energy conservation programs for low-income households funded through the energy and conservation account in the report required under section 216B.241, subdivision 1c, paragraph (f). The commissioner may contract with a political subdivision, nonprofit or community organization, public utility, municipality, or consumer‑owned utility to implement low-income programs funded through the energy and conservation account.

(d) A consumer-owned utility may petition the commissioner to modify the required spending under this subdivision if the consumer-owned utility and the commissioner were unable to expend the amount required for three consecutive years.

(e) The commissioner must develop and establish guidelines for determining the eligibility of multifamily buildings to participate in energy conservation programs provided to low-income households. Notwithstanding the definition of low-income household in section 216B.2402, a consumer-owned utility or association may apply the most recent guidelines published by the department for purposes of determining the eligibility of multifamily buildings to participate in low-income programs. The commissioner must convene a stakeholder group to review and update these guidelines by July 1, 2022, and at least once every five years thereafter. The stakeholder group must include but is not limited to representatives of public utilities; municipal electric or gas utilities; electric cooperative associations; multifamily housing owners and developers; and low-income advocates.

(f) Up to 15 percent of a consumer-owned utility's spending on low-income energy conservation programs may be spent on preweatherization measures. A consumer-owned utility is prohibited from claiming energy savings from preweatherization measures toward the consumer-owned utility's energy savings goal.

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(g) The commissioner must, by order, establish a list of preweatherization measures eligible for inclusion in low‑income energy conservation programs no later than March 15, 2022.

(h) A consumer-owned utility may elect to contribute money to the Healthy AIR account under section 216B.241, subdivision 7, paragraph (h), to provide preweatherization measures for households eligible for weatherization assistance from the state weatherization assistance program in section 216C.264. Remediation activities must be executed in conjunction with federal weatherization assistance program services.

Subd. 6. Recovery of expenses. The commission must allow a cooperative electric association subject to rate regulation under section 216B.026 to recover expenses resulting from: (1) a plan under this section; and (2) assessments and contributions to the energy and conservation account under section 216B.241, subdivision 2a.

Subd. 7. Ownership of preweatherization measure or energy conservation improvement. (a) A preweatherization measure or energy conservation improvement installed in a building under this section, excluding a system owned by a consumer-owned utility that is designed to turn off, limit, or vary the delivery of energy, is the exclusive property of the building owner, except to the extent that the improvement is subject to a security interest in favor of the consumer-owned utility in case of a loan to the building owner for the improvement.

(b) A consumer-owned utility has no liability for loss, damage, or injury directly or indirectly caused by a preweatherization measure or energy conservation improvement, unless a consumer-owned utility is determined to have been negligent in purchasing, installing, or modifying a preweatherization measure or energy conservation improvement.

Subd. 8. Criteria for efficient fuel-switching improvements. (a) A fuel-switching improvement is deemed efficient if, applying the technical criteria established under section 216B.241, subdivision 1d, paragraph (b), the improvement, relative to the fuel being displaced:

(1) results in a net reduction in the amount of source energy consumed for a particular use, measured on a fuel‑neutral basis;

(2) results in a net reduction of statewide greenhouse gas emissions, as defined in section 216H.01, subdivision 2, over the lifetime of the improvement. For an efficient fuel-switching improvement installed by an electric consumer-owned utility, the reduction in emissions must be measured based on the hourly emissions profile of the consumer-owned utility or the utility's electricity supplier, as reported in the most recent resource plan approved by the commission under section 216B.2422. If the hourly emissions profile is not available, the commissioner must develop a method consumer-owned utilities must use to estimate that value;

(3) is cost-effective, considering the costs and benefits from the perspective of the consumer-owned utility, participants, and society; and

(4) is installed and operated in a manner that improves the consumer-owned utility's system load factor.

(b) For purposes of this subdivision, "source energy" means the total amount of primary energy required to deliver energy services, adjusted for losses in generation, transmission, and distribution, and expressed on a fuel‑neutral basis.

Subd. 9. Manner of filing and service. (a) A consumer-owned utility must submit the filings required under this section to the department using the department's electronic filing system. The commissioner may approve an exemption from this requirement if a consumer-owned utility is unable to submit filings via the department's electronic filing system. All other interested parties must submit filings to the department via the department's electronic filing system whenever practicable but may also file by personal delivery or by mail.

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(b) The submission of a document to the department's electronic filing system constitutes service on the department. If a department rule requires service of a notice, order, or other document by the department, a consumer-owned utility, or an interested party upon persons on a service list maintained by the department, service may be made by personal delivery, mail, or electronic service. Electronic service may be made only to persons on the service list that have previously agreed in writing to accept electronic service at an email address provided to the department for electronic service purposes.

Subd. 10. Assessment. The commission or department may assess consumer-owned utilities subject to this section to carry out the purposes of section 216B.241, subdivisions 1d, 1e, and 1f. An assessment under this subdivision must be proportionate to a consumer-owned utility's gross operating revenue from sales of gas or electric service in Minnesota during the previous calendar year, as applicable. Assessments under this subdivision are not subject to the cap on assessments under section 216B.62 or any other law.

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

Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 216B.241, subdivision 1a, is amended to read:

Subd. 1a. ~~Investment, expenditure, and contribution; public utility~~ Large customer facility. (a) For purposes of this subdivision and subdivision 2, "public utility" has the meaning given it in section 216B.02, subdivision 4. Each public utility shall spend and invest for energy conservation improvements under this subdivision and subdivision 2 the following amounts:

~~(1) for a utility that furnishes gas service, 0.5 percent of its gross operating revenues from service provided in the state;~~

~~(2) for a utility that furnishes electric service, 1.5 percent of its gross operating revenues from service provided in the state; and~~

(3) for a utility that furnishes electric service and that operates a nuclear-powered electric generating plant within the state, two percent of its gross operating revenues from service provided in the state.

For purposes of this paragraph (a), "gross operating revenues" do not include revenues from large customer facilities exempted under paragraph (b), or from commercial gas customers that are exempted under paragraph (c) or (e).

~~(b)~~ (a) The owner of a large customer facility may petition the commissioner to exempt both electric and gas utilities serving the large customer facility from ~~the investment and expenditure requirements of paragraph (a)~~ contributing to investments and expenditures made under an energy and conservation optimization plan filed under subdivision 2 or section 216B.2403, subdivision 3, with respect to retail revenues attributable to the large customer facility. The filing must include a discussion of the competitive or economic pressures facing the owner of the facility and the efforts taken by the owner to identify, evaluate, and implement energy conservation and efficiency improvements. A filing submitted on or before October 1 of any year must be approved within 90 days and become effective January 1 of the year following the filing, unless the commissioner finds that the owner of the large customer facility has failed to take reasonable measures to identify, evaluate, and implement energy conservation and efficiency improvements. If a facility qualifies as a large customer facility solely due to its peak electrical demand or annual natural gas usage, the exemption may be limited to the qualifying utility if the commissioner finds that the owner of the large customer facility has failed to take reasonable measures to identify, evaluate, and implement energy conservation and efficiency improvements with respect to the nonqualifying utility. Once an exemption is approved, the commissioner may request the owner of a large customer facility to submit, not more often than once every five years, a report demonstrating the large customer facility's ongoing commitment to energy conservation and efficiency improvement after the exemption filing. The commissioner may request such reports for up to ten years after the effective date of the exemption, unless the majority ownership of the large customer

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facility changes, in which case the commissioner may request additional reports for up to ten years after the change in ownership occurs. The commissioner may, within 180 days of receiving a report submitted under this paragraph, rescind any exemption granted under this paragraph upon a determination that the large customer facility is not continuing to make reasonable efforts to identify, evaluate, and implement energy conservation improvements. A large customer facility that is, under an order from the commissioner, exempt from the investment and expenditure requirements of paragraph (a) as of December 31, 2010, is not required to submit a report to retain its exempt status, except as otherwise provided in this paragraph with respect to ownership changes. No exempt large customer facility may participate in a utility conservation improvement program unless the owner of the facility submits a filing with the commissioner to withdraw its exemption.

~~(c)~~ (b) A commercial gas customer that is not a large customer facility and that purchases or acquires natural gas from a public utility having fewer than 600,000 natural gas customers in Minnesota may petition the commissioner to exempt gas utilities serving the commercial gas customer from ~~the investment and expenditure requirements of paragraph (a)~~ contributing to investments and expenditures made under an energy and conservation optimization plan filed under subdivision 2 or section 216B.2403, subdivision 3, with respect to retail revenues attributable to the commercial gas customer. The petition must be supported by evidence demonstrating that the commercial gas customer has acquired or can reasonably acquire the capability to bypass use of the utility's gas distribution system by obtaining natural gas directly from a supplier not regulated by the commission. The commissioner shall grant the exemption if the commissioner finds that the petitioner has made the demonstration required by this paragraph.

(d) The commissioner may require investments or spending greater than the amounts required under this subdivision for a public utility whose most recent advance forecast required under section 216B.2422 or 216C.17 projects a peak demand deficit of 100 megawatts or greater within five years under midrange forecast assumptions.

~~(e)~~ (c) A public utility, consumer-owned utility, or owner of a large customer facility may appeal a decision of the commissioner under paragraph (a) or (b)~~, (c), or (d)~~ to the commission under subdivision 2. In reviewing a decision of the commissioner under paragraph (a) or (b), ~~(c), or (d),~~ the commission shall rescind the decision if it finds ~~that the required investments or spending will:~~

~~(1) not result in cost-effective energy conservation improvements; or~~

~~(2) otherwise~~ the decision is not be in the public interest.

(d) A public utility is prohibited from spending for or investing in energy conservation improvements that directly benefit a large energy facility or a large electric customer facility to which the commissioner has issued an exemption under this section.

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

Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 216B.241, subdivision 1c, is amended to read:

Subd. 1c. Public utility; energy-saving goals. (a) The commissioner shall establish energy-saving goals for energy conservation ~~improvement expenditures~~ improvements and shall evaluate an energy conservation improvement program on how well it meets the goals set.

(b) ~~Each individual~~ A public utility ~~and association shall have~~ providing electric service has an annual energy‑savings goal equivalent to ~~1.5~~ 1.75 percent of gross annual retail energy sales unless modified by the commissioner under paragraph ~~(d).~~ (c). A public utility providing natural gas service has an annual energy-savings goal equivalent to one percent of gross annual retail energy sales, which must not be lowered by the commissioner. The savings goals must be calculated based on the most recent three-year weather-normalized average. A public utility ~~or association~~ providing electric service may elect to carry forward energy savings in excess of ~~1.5~~

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1.75 percent for a year to the succeeding three calendar years, except that savings from electric utility infrastructure projects allowed under paragraph (d) may be carried forward for five years. A public utility providing natural gas service may elect to carry forward energy savings in excess of one percent for a year to the succeeding three calendar years. A particular energy savings can only be used ~~only for~~ to meet one year's goal.

~~(c) The commissioner must adopt a filing schedule that is designed to have all utilities and associations operating under an energy-savings plan by calendar year 2010.~~

~~(d)~~ (c) In its energy conservation ~~improvement~~ and optimization plan filing, a public utility ~~or association~~ may request the commissioner to adjust its annual energy-savings percentage goal based on its historical conservation investment experience, customer class makeup, load growth, a conservation potential study, or other factors the commissioner determines warrants an adjustment.

(d) The commissioner may not approve a plan of a public utility that provides for an annual energy-savings goal of less than one percent of gross annual retail energy sales from energy conservation improvements.

~~A utility or association may include in its energy conservation plan energy savings from~~ The balance of the 1.75 percent annual energy savings goal may be achieved through energy savings from:

(1) additional energy conservation improvements;

(2) electric utility infrastructure projects approved by the commission under section 216B.1636 that result in increased efficiency greater than would have occurred through normal maintenance activity; or waste heat recovery converted into electricity projects that may count as energy savings in addition to a minimum energy-savings goal of at least one percent for energy conservation improvements. Energy savings from electric utility infrastructure projects, as defined in section 216B.1636, may be included in the energy conservation plan of a municipal utility or cooperative electric association. Electric utility infrastructure projects must result in increased energy efficiency greater than that which would have occurred through normal maintenance activity

(3) subject to department approval, demand-side natural gas or electric energy displaced by use of waste heat recovered and used as thermal energy, including the recovered thermal energy from a cogeneration or combined heat and power facility.

(e) An energy-savings goal is not satisfied by attaining the revenue expenditure requirements of subdivisions 1a and 1b, but can only be satisfied by meeting the energy-savings goal established in this subdivision.

~~(f) An association or~~ (e) A public utility is not required to make energy conservation investments to attain the energy-savings goals of this subdivision that are not cost-effective even if the investment is necessary to attain the energy-savings goals. For the purpose of this paragraph, in determining cost-effectiveness, the commissioner shall consider: (1) the costs and benefits to ratepayers, the utility, participants, and society~~. In addition, the commissioner shall consider~~; (2) the rate at which ~~an association or municipal~~ a public utility is increasing both its energy savings and its expenditures on energy conservation; and (3) the public utility's lifetime energy savings and cumulative energy savings.

~~(g)~~ (f) On an annual basis, the commissioner shall produce and make publicly available a report on the annual energy and capacity savings and estimated carbon dioxide reductions achieved by the ~~energy conservation improvement~~ programs under this section and section 216B.2403 for the two most recent years for which data is available. The report must also include information regarding any annual energy sales or generation capacity increases resulting from efficient fuel-switching improvements. The commissioner shall report on program performance both in the aggregate and for each entity filing an energy conservation improvement plan for approval or review by the commissioner, and must estimate progress made toward the statewide energy-savings goal under section 216B.2401.

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(h) By January 15, 2010, the commissioner shall report to the legislature whether the spending requirements under subdivisions 1a and 1b are necessary to achieve the energy-savings goals established in this subdivision.

~~(i) This subdivision does not apply to:~~

~~(1) a cooperative electric association with fewer than 5,000 members;~~

~~(2) a municipal utility with fewer than 1,000 retail electric customers; or~~

~~(3) a municipal utility with less than 1,000,000,000 cubic feet in annual throughput sales to retail natural gas customers.~~

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

Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 216B.241, subdivision 1d, is amended to read:

Subd. 1d. Technical assistance. (a) The commissioner shall evaluate energy conservation improvement programs filed under this section and section 216B.2403 on the basis of cost-effectiveness and the reliability of the technologies employed. The commissioner shall, by order, establish, maintain, and update energy-savings assumptions that must be used by utilities when filing energy conservation improvement programs. The department must track a public utility's or consumer-owned utility's lifetime energy savings and cumulative lifetime energy savings reported in plans submitted under this section and section 216B.2403.

(b) The commissioner shall establish an inventory of the most effective energy conservation programs, techniques, and technologies, and encourage all Minnesota utilities to implement them, where appropriate~~, in their service territories~~. The commissioner shall describe these programs in sufficient detail to provide a utility reasonable guidance concerning implementation. The commissioner shall prioritize the opportunities in order of potential energy savings and in order of cost-effectiveness.

(c) The commissioner may contract with a third party to carry out any of the commissioner's duties under this subdivision, and to obtain technical assistance to evaluate the effectiveness of any conservation improvement program.

(d) The commissioner may assess up to $850,000 annually for the purposes of this subdivision. The assessments must be deposited in the state treasury and credited to the energy and conservation account created under subdivision 2a. An assessment made under this subdivision is not subject to the cap on assessments provided by section 216B.62, or any other law.

(b) Of the assessment authorized under paragraph (a), the commissioner may expend up to $400,000 annually for the purpose of developing, operating, maintaining, and providing technical support for a uniform electronic data reporting and tracking system available to all utilities subject to this section, in order to enable accurate measurement of the cost and energy savings of the energy conservation improvements required by this section. This paragraph expires June 30, 2018.

(e) The commissioner must work with stakeholders to develop technical guidelines that public utilities and consumer-owned utilities must use to:

(1) determine whether deployment of a fuel-switching improvement meets the criteria established in subdivision 11, paragraph (e), or section 216B.2403, subdivision 8, as applicable; and

(2) calculate the amount of energy saved by deploying a fuel-switching improvement.

The guidelines under this paragraph must be issued by the commissioner by order no later than March 15, 2022, and must be updated as the commissioner determines is necessary.

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

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Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 216B.241, subdivision 1f, is amended to read:

Subd. 1f. Facilities energy efficiency. (a) The commissioner of administration and the commissioner of commerce shall maintain and, as needed, revise the sustainable building design guidelines developed under section 16B.325.

(b) The commissioner of administration and the commissioner of commerce shall maintain and update the benchmarking tool developed under Laws 2001, chapter 212, article 1, section 3, so that all public buildings can use the benchmarking tool to maintain energy use information for the purposes of establishing energy efficiency benchmarks, tracking building performance, and measuring the results of energy efficiency and conservation improvements.

(c) The commissioner shall require that utilities include in their conservation improvement plans programs that facilitate professional engineering verification to qualify a building as Energy Star-labeled, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified, or Green Globes-certified. ~~The state goal is to achieve certification of 1,000 commercial buildings as Energy Star-labeled, and 100 commercial buildings as LEED-certified or Green Globes-certified by December 31, 2010.~~

(d) The commissioner may assess up to $500,000 annually for the purposes of this subdivision. The assessments must be deposited in the state treasury and credited to the energy and conservation account created under subdivision 2a. An assessment made under this subdivision is not subject to the cap on assessments provided by section 216B.62, or any other law.

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

Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 216B.241, subdivision 1g, is amended to read:

Subd. 1g. Manner of filing and service. (a) A public utility~~, generation and transmission cooperative electric association, municipal power agency, cooperative electric association, and municipal utility~~ shall submit filings to the department via the department's electronic filing system. The commissioner may approve an exemption from this requirement in the event ~~an affected~~ a public utility ~~or association~~ is unable to submit filings via the department's electronic filing system. All other interested parties shall submit filings to the department via the department's electronic filing system whenever practicable but may also file by personal delivery or by mail.

(b) Submission of a document to the department's electronic filing system constitutes service on the department. Where department rule requires service of a notice, order, or other document by the department, public utility, ~~association,~~ or interested party upon persons on a service list maintained by the department, service may be made by personal delivery, mail, or electronic service, except that electronic service may only be made upon persons on the service list who have previously agreed in writing to accept electronic service at an electronic address provided to the department for electronic service purposes.

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

Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 216B.241, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. ~~Programs~~ Public utility; energy conservation and optimization plans. (a) The commissioner may require a public ~~utilities~~ utility to make investments and expenditures in energy conservation improvements, explicitly setting forth the interest rates, prices, and terms under which the improvements must be offered to the customers. ~~The required programs must cover no more than a three-year period.~~

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(b) A public ~~utilities~~ utility shall file an energy conservation ~~improvement plans~~ and optimization plan by June 1, on a schedule determined by order of the commissioner, but at least every three years. ~~Plans received~~ As provided in subdivisions 11 to 13, plans may include programs for efficient fuel-switching improvements and load management. An individual utility program may combine elements of energy conservation, load management, or efficient fuel-switching. The plan must estimate the lifetime energy savings and cumulative lifetime energy savings projected to be achieved under the plan. A plan filed by a public utility by June 1 must be approved or approved as modified by the commissioner by December 1 of that same year.

(c) The commissioner shall evaluate the ~~program~~ plan on the basis of cost-effectiveness and the reliability of technologies employed. The commissioner's order must provide to the extent practicable for a free choice, by consumers participating in ~~the~~ an energy conservation program, of the device, method, material, or project constituting the energy conservation improvement and for a free choice of the seller, installer, or contractor of the energy conservation improvement, provided that the device, method, material, or project seller, installer, or contractor is duly licensed, certified, approved, or qualified, including under the residential conservation services program, where applicable.

~~(b)~~ (d) The commissioner may require a utility subject to subdivision 1c to make an energy conservation improvement investment or expenditure whenever the commissioner finds that the improvement will result in energy savings at a total cost to the utility less than the cost to the utility to produce or purchase an equivalent amount of new supply of energy. ~~The commissioner shall nevertheless ensure that every public utility operate one or more programs under periodic review by the department.~~

~~(c)~~ (e) Each public utility subject to this subdivision 1a may spend and invest annually up to ten percent of the total amount ~~required to be~~ spent and invested on energy conservation improvements under this section by the public utility on research and development projects that meet the definition of energy conservation improvement ~~in subdivision 1 and that are funded directly by the public utility~~.

(d) A public utility may not spend for or invest in energy conservation improvements that directly benefit a large energy facility or a large electric customer facility for which the commissioner has issued an exemption pursuant to subdivision 1a, paragraph (b).

(f) The commissioner shall consider and may require a public utility to undertake a an energy conservation program suggested by an outside source, including a political subdivision, a nonprofit corporation, or community organization.

~~(e)~~ (g) A public utility, a political subdivision, or a nonprofit or community organization that has suggested a an energy conservation program, the attorney general acting on behalf of consumers and small business interests, or a public utility customer that has suggested a an energy conservation program and is not represented by the attorney general under section 8.33 may petition the commission to modify or revoke a department decision under this section, and the commission may do so if it determines that the energy conservation program is not cost-effective, does not adequately address the residential conservation improvement needs of low-income persons, has a long‑range negative effect on one or more classes of customers, or is otherwise not in the public interest. The commission shall reject a petition that, on its face, fails to make a reasonable argument that a an energy conservation program is not in the public interest.

~~(f)~~ (h) The commissioner may order a public utility to include, with the filing of the public utility's annual status report, the results of an independent audit of the public utility's conservation improvement programs and expenditures performed by the department or an auditor with experience in the provision of energy conservation and energy efficiency services approved by the commissioner and chosen by the public utility. The audit must specify the energy savings or increased efficiency in the use of energy within the service territory of the public utility that is the result of the public utility's spending and investments. The audit must evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the public utility's conservation programs.

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(g) A gas utility may not spend for or invest in energy conservation improvements that directly benefit a large customer facility or commercial gas customer facility for which the commissioner has issued an exemption pursuant to subdivision 1a, paragraph (b), (c), or (e). The commissioner shall consider and may require a utility to undertake a program suggested by an outside source, including a political subdivision, a nonprofit corporation, or a community organization.

(i) The energy conservation and optimization plan of each public utility subject to this section must include activities to improve energy efficiency in public schools served by the utility. As applicable to each public utility, at a minimum the activities must include programs to increase the efficiency of the school's lighting and heating and cooling systems, and to provide for building recommissioning, building operator training, and opportunities to educate students, teachers, and staff regarding energy efficiency measures implemented at the school.

(j) The commissioner may require investments or spending greater than the amounts proposed in a plan filed under this subdivision or section 216C.17 for a public utility whose most recent advanced forecast required under section 216B.2422 projects a peak demand deficit of 100 megawatts or more within five years under midrange forecast assumptions.

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

Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 216B.241, subdivision 2b, is amended to read:

Subd. 2b. Recovery of expenses. (a) The commission shall allow a public utility to recover expenses resulting from a an energy conservation ~~improvement program required~~ and optimization plan approved by the department under this section and contributions and assessments to the energy and conservation account, unless the recovery would be inconsistent with a financial incentive proposal approved by the commission. The commission shall allow a cooperative electric association subject to rate regulation under section 216B.026, to recover expenses resulting from energy conservation improvement programs, load management programs, and assessments and contributions to the energy and conservation account unless the recovery would be inconsistent with a financial incentive proposal approved by the commission. In addition,

(b) A public utility may file annually, or the Public Utilities Commission may require the public utility to file, and the commission may approve, rate schedules containing provisions for the automatic adjustment of charges for utility service in direct relation to changes in the expenses of the public utility for real and personal property taxes, fees, and permits, the amounts of which the public utility cannot control. A public utility is eligible to file for adjustment for real and personal property taxes, fees, and permits under this subdivision only if, in the year previous to the year in which it files for adjustment, it has spent or invested at least 1.75 percent of its gross revenues from provision of electric service, excluding gross operating revenues from electric service provided in the state to large electric customer facilities for which the commissioner has issued an exemption under subdivision 1a, paragraph (b), and 0.6 percent of its gross revenues from provision of gas service, excluding gross operating revenues from gas services provided in the state to large electric customer facilities for which the commissioner has issued an exemption under subdivision 1a, paragraph (b), for that year for energy conservation improvements under this section.

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

Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 216B.241, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Ownership of preweatherization measure or energy conservation improvement. An (a) A preweatherization measure or energy conservation improvement made to or installed in a building in accordance with this section, except systems owned by ~~the~~ a public utility and designed to turn off, limit, or vary the delivery of energy, are the exclusive property of the owner of the building except to the extent that the improvement is subjected to a security interest in favor of the public utility in case of a loan to the building owner. ~~The~~

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(b) A public utility has no liability for loss, damage, or injury caused directly or indirectly by an a preweatherization measure or energy conservation improvement except for negligence by the utility in ~~purchase, installation, or modification of the product.~~ purchasing, installing, or modifying a preweatherization measure or energy conservation improvement.

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

Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 216B.241, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5. Efficient lighting program. (a) Each public utility~~, cooperative electric association, and municipal~~ and consumer-owned utility that provides electric service to retail customers and is subject to subdivision 1c or section 216B.2403 shall include as part of its conservation improvement activities a program to strongly encourage the use of LED lamps. The program must include at least a public information campaign to encourage use of LED lamps and proper management of spent lamps by all customer classifications.

(b) A public utility that provides electric service at retail to 200,000 or more customers shall establish, either directly or through contracts with other persons, including lamp manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, and retailers and local government units, a system to collect for delivery to a reclamation or recycling facility spent fluorescent and high-intensity discharge lamps from households and from small businesses as defined in section 645.445 that generate an average of fewer than ten spent lamps per year.

(c) A collection system must include establishing reasonably convenient locations for collecting spent lamps from households and financial incentives sufficient to encourage spent lamp generators to take the lamps to the collection locations. Financial incentives may include coupons for purchase of new LED lamps, a cash back system, or any other financial incentive or group of incentives designed to collect the maximum number of spent lamps from households and small businesses that is reasonably feasible.

(d) A public utility that provides electric service at retail to fewer than 200,000 customers, ~~a cooperative electric association, or a municipal~~ or a consumer-owned utility that provides electric service at retail to customers may establish a collection system under paragraphs (b) and (c) as part of conservation improvement activities required under this section.

(e) The commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency may not, unless clearly required by federal law, require a public utility~~, cooperative electric association, or municipality~~ or consumer-owned utility that establishes a household fluorescent and high-intensity discharge lamp collection system under this section to manage the lamps as hazardous waste as long as the lamps are managed to avoid breakage and are delivered to a recycling or reclamation facility that removes mercury and other toxic materials contained in the lamps prior to placement of the lamps in solid waste.

(f) If a public utility~~, cooperative electric association, or municipal~~ or consumer-owned utility contracts with a local government unit to provide a collection system under this subdivision, the contract must provide for payment to the local government unit of all the unit's incremental costs of collecting and managing spent lamps.

(g) All the costs incurred by a public utility~~, cooperative electric association, or municipal~~ or consumer-owned utility to promote the use of LED lamps and to ~~collect fluorescent and high-intensity discharge~~ collect LED lamps under this subdivision are conservation improvement spending under this section.

(h) For the purposes of this subdivision, "LED lamp" means a light-emitting diode ~~lamp that consists of a solid state device that emits visible light when an electric current passes through a semiconductor~~ bulb or lighting product.

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

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Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 216B.241, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Subd. 7. Low-income programs. (a) The commissioner shall ensure that each public utility ~~and association~~ subject to subdivision 1c provides ~~low-income~~ energy conservation programs to low-income households. When approving spending and energy-savings goals for low-income programs, the commissioner shall consider historic spending and participation levels, energy savings ~~for~~ achieved by low-income programs, and the number of low‑income persons residing in the utility's service territory. A ~~municipal utility that furnishes gas service must spend at least 0.2 percent, and a~~ public utility furnishing gas service must spend at least ~~0.4~~ 0.8 percent, of its most recent three-year average gross operating revenue from residential customers in the state on low-income programs. A public utility ~~or association~~ that furnishes electric service must spend at least ~~0.1~~ 0.4 percent of its gross operating revenue from residential customers in the state on low-income programs. For a generation and transmission cooperative association, this requirement shall apply to each association's members' aggregate gross operating revenue from sale of electricity to residential customers in the state. Beginning in 2010, a utility or association that furnishes electric service must spend 0.2 percent of its gross operating revenue from residential customers in the state on low-income programs.

(b) To meet the requirements of paragraph (a), a public utility ~~or association~~ may contribute money to the energy and conservation account established under subdivision 2a. An energy conservation improvement plan must state the amount, if any, of low-income energy conservation improvement funds the public utility ~~or association~~ will contribute to the energy and conservation account. Contributions must be remitted to the commissioner by February 1 of each year.

(c) The commissioner shall establish low-income energy conservation programs to utilize ~~money contributed~~ contributions made to the energy and conservation account under paragraph (b). In establishing low-income programs, the commissioner shall consult political subdivisions, utilities, and nonprofit and community organizations, especially organizations ~~engaged in~~ providing energy and weatherization assistance to low-income ~~persons~~ households. ~~Money contributed~~ Contributions made to the energy and conservation account under paragraph (b) must provide programs for low-income ~~persons~~ households, including low-income renters, in the service territory of the public utility ~~or association~~ providing the money. The commissioner shall record and report expenditures and energy savings achieved as a result of low-income programs funded through the energy and conservation account in the report required under subdivision 1c, paragraph ~~(g)~~ (f). The commissioner may contract with a political subdivision, nonprofit or community organization, public utility, ~~municipality,~~ or ~~cooperative electric association~~ consumer-owned utility to implement low-income programs funded through the energy and conservation account.

(d) A public utility ~~or association~~ may petition the commissioner to modify its required spending under paragraph (a) if the utility ~~or association~~ and the commissioner have been unable to expend the amount required under paragraph (a) for three consecutive years.

(e) The commissioner must develop and establish guidelines to determine the eligibility of multifamily buildings to participate in low-income energy conservation programs. Notwithstanding the definition of low-income household in section 216B.2402, for purposes of determining the eligibility of multifamily buildings for low-income programs a public utility may apply the most recent guidelines published by the department. The commissioner must convene a stakeholder group to review and update guidelines by July 1, 2022, and at least once every five years thereafter. The stakeholder group must include but is not limited to representatives of public utilities as defined in section 216B.02, subdivision 4; municipal electric or gas utilities; electric cooperative associations; multifamily housing owners and developers; and low-income advocates.

(f) Up to 15 percent of a public utility's spending on low-income programs may be spent on preweatherization measures. A public utility is prohibited from claiming energy savings from preweatherization measures toward the public utility's energy savings goal.

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(g) The commissioner must, by order, establish a list of preweatherization measures eligible for inclusion in low‑income programs no later than March 15, 2022.

(h) A Healthy AIR (Asbestos Insulation Removal) account is established as a separate account in the special revenue fund in the state treasury. A public utility may elect to contribute money to the Healthy AIR account to provide preweatherization measures to households eligible for weatherization assistance under section 216C.264. Remediation activities must be executed in conjunction with federal weatherization assistance program services. Money contributed to the account counts toward: (1) the minimum low-income spending requirement in paragraph (a); and (2) the cap on preweatherization measures under paragraph (f). Money in the account is annually appropriated to the commissioner of commerce to pay for Healthy AIR-related activities.

~~(e)~~ (i) The costs and benefits associated with any approved low-income gas or electric conservation improvement program that is not cost-effective when considering the costs and benefits to the public utility may, at the discretion of the utility, be excluded from the calculation of net economic benefits for purposes of calculating the financial incentive to the public utility. The energy and demand savings may, at the discretion of the public utility, be applied toward the calculation of overall portfolio energy and demand savings for purposes of determining progress toward annual goals and in the financial incentive mechanism.

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

Sec. 17. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 216B.241, subdivision 8, is amended to read:

Subd. 8. Assessment. The commission or department may assess public utilities subject to this section ~~in proportion to their respective~~ to carry out the purposes of subdivisions 1d, 1e, and 1f. An assessment under this subdivision must be proportionate to a public utility's gross operating revenue from sales of gas or electric service within ~~the state~~ Minnesota during the last calendar year ~~to carry out the purposes of subdivisions 1d, 1e, and 1f. Those assessments~~, as applicable. Assessments made under this subdivision are not subject to the cap on assessments provided by section 216B.62, or any other law.

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

Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 216B.241, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 11. Programs for efficient fuel-switching improvements; electric utilities. (a) A public utility providing electric service at retail may include in the plan required under subdivision 2 programs to implement efficient fuel-switching improvements or combinations of energy conservation improvements, fuel-switching improvements, and load management. For each program, the public utility must provide a proposed budget, an analysis of the program's cost-effectiveness, and estimated net energy and demand savings.

(b) The department may approve proposed programs for efficient fuel-switching improvements if the department determines the improvements meet the requirements of paragraph (d). For fuel-switching improvements that require the deployment of electric technologies, the department must also consider whether the fuel-switching improvement can be operated in a manner that facilitates the integration of variable renewable energy into the electric system. The net benefits from an efficient fuel-switching improvement that is integrated with an energy efficiency program approved under this section may be counted toward the net benefits of the energy efficiency program if the department determines the primary purpose and effect of the program is energy efficiency.

(c) A public utility may file a rate schedule with the commission that provides for annual cost recovery of reasonable and prudent costs incurred to implement and promote efficient fuel-switching programs. The commission may not approve a financial incentive to encourage efficient fuel-switching programs operated by a public utility providing electric service.

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(d) A fuel-switching improvement is deemed efficient if, applying the technical criteria established under section 216B.241, subdivision 1d, paragraph (b), the improvement meets the following criteria, relative to the fuel that is being displaced:

(1) results in a net reduction in the amount of source energy consumed for a particular use, measured on a fuel‑neutral basis;

(2) results in a net reduction of statewide greenhouse gas emissions as defined in section 216H.01, subdivision 2, over the lifetime of the improvement. For an efficient fuel-switching improvement installed by an electric utility, the reduction in emissions must be measured based on the hourly emission profile of the electric utility, using the hourly emissions profile in the most recent resource plan approved by the commission under section 216B.2422;

(3) is cost-effective, considering the costs and benefits from the perspective of the utility, participants, and society; and

(4) is installed and operated in a manner that improves the utility's system load factor.

(e) For purposes of this subdivision, "source energy" means the total amount of primary energy required to deliver energy services, adjusted for losses in generation, transmission, and distribution, and expressed on a fuel‑neutral basis.

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

Sec. 19. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 216B.241, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 12. Programs for efficient fuel-switching improvements; natural gas utilities. (a) As part of a public utility's plan filed under subdivision 2, a public utility that provides natural gas service to Minnesota retail customers may propose as an energy conservation improvement one or more programs to install electric technologies that reduce the consumption of natural gas by the utility's retail customers. The commissioner may approve a proposed program if the commissioner, applying the technical criteria developed under section 216B.241, subdivision 1d, paragraph (b), determines:

(1) the electric technology to be installed meets the criteria established under section 216B.241, subdivision 11, paragraph (d), clauses (1) and (2); and

(2) the program is cost-effective, considering the costs and benefits to ratepayers, the utility, participants, and society.

(b) If a program is approved by the commission under this subdivision, the public utility may count the program's energy savings toward the public utility's energy savings goal under section 216B.241, subdivision 1c. Notwithstanding section 216B.2402, subdivision 4, efficient fuel-switching achieved through programs approved under this subdivision is energy conservation.

(c) A public utility may file rate schedules with the commission that provide annual cost-recovery for programs approved by the department under this subdivision, including reasonable and prudent costs incurred to implement and promote the programs.

(d) The commission may approve, modify, or reject a proposal made by the department or a utility for an incentive plan to encourage efficient fuel-switching programs approved under this subdivision, applying the considerations established under section 216B.16, subdivision 6c, paragraphs (b) and (c). The commission may approve a financial incentive mechanism that is calculated based on the combined energy savings and net benefits that the commission determines have been achieved by a program approved under this subdivision, provided the commission determines that the financial incentive mechanism is in the ratepayers' interest.

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(e) A public utility is not eligible for a financial incentive for an efficient fuel-switching program under this subdivision in any year in which the utility achieves energy savings below one percent of gross annual retail energy sales, excluding savings achieved through fuel-switching programs.

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

Sec. 20. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 216B.241, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 13. Cost-effective load management programs. (a) A public utility may include in the utility's plan required under subdivision 2 programs to implement load management activities, or combinations of energy conservation improvements, fuel-switching improvements, and load management activities. For each program the public utility must provide a proposed budget, cost-effectiveness analysis, and estimated net energy and demand savings.

(b) The commissioner may approve a proposed program if the commissioner determines the program is cost‑effective, considering the costs and benefits to ratepayers, the utility, participants, and society.

(c) A public utility providing retail service to Minnesota customers may file rate schedules with the commission that provide for annual cost recovery of reasonable and prudent costs incurred to implement and promote cost‑effective load management programs approved by the department under this subdivision.

(d) In determining whether to approve, modify, or reject a proposal made by the department or a public utility for an incentive plan to encourage investments in load management programs, the commission shall consider whether the plan:

(1) is needed to increase the public utility's investment in cost-effective load management;

(2) is compatible with the interest of the public utility's ratepayers; and

(3) links the incentive to the public utility's performance in achieving cost-effective load management.

(e) The commission may structure an incentive plan to encourage cost-effective load management programs as an asset on which a public utility earns a rate of return at a level the commission determines is reasonable and in the public interest.

(f) The commission may include the net benefits from a load management activity integrated with an energy efficiency program approved under this section in the net benefits of the energy efficiency program for purposes of a financial incentive program under section 216B.16, subdivision 6c, if the department determines the primary purpose of the load management activity is energy efficiency.

(g) A public utility is not eligible for a financial incentive for a load management program in any year in which the utility achieves energy savings below one percent of gross annual retail energy sales, excluding savings achieved through load management programs.

(h) The commission may include net benefits from a particular load management activity in an incentive plan under this subdivision or section 216B.16, subdivision 6c, but not both.

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

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Sec. 21. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 216B.241, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 14. Minnesota efficient technology accelerator. (a) A nonprofit organization with extensive experience implementing energy efficiency programs and conducting energy-efficient technology research in Minnesota may file a proposal with the commissioner for a program to accelerate deployment and reduce the cost of emerging and innovative efficient technologies and approaches and result in lower energy costs for Minnesota ratepayers. The program must include strategic initiatives with technology manufacturers to improve the efficiency and performance of products, and with equipment installers and other key actors in the technology supply chain. The program's goals are to achieve cost-effective energy savings for Minnesota utilities, provide bill savings to Minnesota utility consumers, enhance employment opportunities in Minnesota, and avoid greenhouse gas emissions.

(b) Prior to developing and filing a proposal, the nonprofit must submit to the commissioner a notice of intent to file a proposal under this subdivision that describes the nonprofit's eligibility with respect to the requirements of paragraph (a). The commissioner shall review the notice of intent and issue a determination of eligibility within 30 days of the date the notice of intent is filed.

(c) Upon receiving approval from the commissioner to file a proposal under this section, a nonprofit organization must engage interested stakeholders in discussions regarding, at a minimum, the following elements required of a program proposal under this subdivision:

(1) a proposed budget and operational guidelines for the accelerator;

(2) proposed methodologies to estimate, evaluate, and allocate energy savings and net benefits from program activities. Energy savings and net benefits from program activities must be allocated to participating utilities and must be considered when determining the cost-effectiveness of energy savings achieved by the program and related incentives;

(3) a process to identify and select technologies that:

(i) address energy use in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings; and

(ii) benefit utility customers in proportion to the funds contributed to the program by electric and natural gas utilities, respectively; and

(4) a process to identify and track performance metrics for each technology selected so that progress toward achieving energy savings can be measured, including one or more methods to evaluate cost-effectiveness.

(d) No earlier than 180 days from the date of the commissioner's eligibility determination under paragraph (b), the nonprofit may file a program proposal under this subdivision. The filing must address each of the elements listed in paragraph (c), clauses (1) to (4), and the recommendations and concerns identified in the stakeholder engagement process required under paragraph (c). Within 90 days of the filing of the proposal, after notice and comment, and after the commissioner has considered the estimated program costs and benefits from the perspectives of ratepayers, utilities, and society, the commissioner shall approve, modify, or reject the proposal. An approved program may have a term extending up to five years, and may be renewed by the commissioner one or more times for additional terms of up to five years.

(e) Upon approval of a program under paragraph (d), each public utility with over 30,000 customers must participate in the program and contribute to the approved program budget in proportion to the public utility's gross operating revenue from sales of gas or electric service in Minnesota, excluding revenues from large customer facilities exempted under subdivision 1a. A participating utility is not required to contribute more than the following percentages of the utility's spending approved by the commission in the plan filed under subdivision 2: (1) two percent in the program's initial two years; (2) 3.5 percent in the program's third and fourth years; and (3) five percent each year thereafter. Other utilities may elect to participate in an approved program.

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(f) A participating utility may request the commissioner to adjust its approved annual budget under subdivision 2, if necessary to meet approved energy savings goals under subdivision 2. Other utilities may elect to participate in the accelerator program.

(g) Costs incurred by a public utility under this subdivision are recoverable under subdivision 2b as an assessment to the energy and conservation account. Amounts provided to the account under this subdivision are not subject to the cap on assessments in section 216B.62. The commissioner may make expenditures from the account for the purposes of this subdivision, including amounts necessary to reimburse administrative costs incurred by the department under this subdivision. Costs for research projects under this subdivision that the commissioner determines may be duplicative to projects that would be eligible for funding under subdivision 1e, paragraph (a), may be deducted from the assessment under subdivision 1e for utilities participating in the accelerator.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective immediately upon enactment.

Sec. 22. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 216B.2412, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Pilot programs. The commission shall allow one or more rate-regulated utilities to participate in a pilot program to assess the merits of a rate-decoupling strategy to promote energy efficiency and conservation. Each pilot program must utilize the criteria and standards established in subdivision 2 and be designed to determine whether a rate-decoupling strategy achieves energy savings. On or before a date established by the commission, the commission shall require electric and gas utilities that intend to implement a decoupling program to file a decoupling pilot plan, which shall be approved or approved as modified by the commission. A pilot program may not exceed three years in length. Any extension beyond three years can only be approved in a general rate case, unless that decoupling program was previously approved as part of a general rate case. ~~The commission shall report on the programs annually to the chairs of the house of representatives and senate committees with primary jurisdiction over energy policy.~~

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

Sec. 23. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 216B.2422, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 7a. Energy storage systems; installation. The commission shall, as part of an order with respect to a public utility's integrated resource plan filed under this section, require a public utility to install one or more energy storage systems, provided that the commission finds the investments are reasonable, prudent, and in the public interest. In determining the aggregate capacity of the energy storage systems ordered under this subdivision, the commission must consider the public utility's assessment of energy storage systems contained in the public utility's integrated resource plan, as required under subdivision 7.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment and applies to any order issued to a public utility by the commission in an integrated resource plan proceeding after July 1, 2021.

Sec. 24. [216B.2427] ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM; APPLICATION.

Subdivision 1. Definition. For the purposes of this section, "energy storage system" has the meaning given in section 216B.2422, subdivision 1, paragraph (f).

Subd. 2. Application requirement. No later than one year following the commission's order to a public utility in an integrated resource plan proceeding under section 216B.2422, the public utility must submit an application to the commission for review and approval to install one or more energy storage systems whose aggregate capacity meets or exceeds that ordered by the commission in the public utility's most recent integrated resource plan proceeding under section 216B.2422, subdivision 7a.

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Subd. 3. Application contents. (a) Each application submitted under this section shall contain the following information:

(1) technical specifications of the energy storage system, including but not limited to:

(i) the maximum amount of electric output that the energy storage system can provide;

(ii) the length of time the energy storage system can sustain maximum output;

(iii) the location of the project and a description of the analysis conducted to determine the location;

(iv) a description of the public utility's electric system needs that the proposed energy storage system address;

(v) a description of the types of services the energy storage system is expected to provide; and

(vi) a description of the technology required to construct, operate, and maintain the energy storage system, including any data or communication system necessary to operate the energy storage system;

(2) the estimated cost of the project, including:

(i) capital costs;

(ii) the estimated cost per unit of energy delivered by the energy storage system; and

(iii) an evaluation of the cost-effectiveness of the energy storage system;

(3) the estimated benefits of the energy storage system to the public utility's electric system, including but not limited to:

(i) deferred investments in generation, transmission, or distribution capacity;

(ii) reduced need for electricity during times of peak demand;

(iii) improved reliability of the public utility's transmission or distribution system; and

(iv) improved integration of the public utility's renewable energy resources;

(4) how the addition of an energy storage system complements proposed actions of the public utility described in the most recent integrated resource plan submitted under section 216B.2422 to meet expected demand with the least cost combination of resources; and

(5) any additional information required by the commission.

(b) A public utility must include in the application an evaluation of the potential to store energy in the public utility's electric system and must identify geographic areas in the public utility's service area where the deployment of energy storage systems has the greatest potential to achieve the economic benefits identified in paragraph (a), clause (3).

Subd. 4. Commission review. The commission shall review each proposal submitted under this section and may approve, reject, or modify the proposal. The commission shall approve a proposal the commission determines is in the public interest and reasonably balances the value derived from the deployment of an energy storage system for ratepayers and the public utility's operations with the costs of procuring, constructing, operating, and maintaining the energy storage system.

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Subd. 5. Cost recovery. A public utility may recover from ratepayers all costs prudently incurred by the public utility to deploy an energy storage system approved by the commission under this section, net of any revenues generated by the operation of the energy storage system.

Subd. 6. Commission authority; orders. The commission may issue orders necessary to implement and administer this section.

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

Sec. 25. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 216C.05, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Energy policy goals. It is the energy policy of the state of Minnesota that: