Journal of the House - 56th Day - Tuesday, April 25, 2023

A quorum was present.

Davids, Kiel and Nadeau were excused.

McDonald was excused until 8:45 p.m.

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.

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REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES AND DIVISIONS

Olson, L., from the Committee on Ways and Means to which was referred:

H. F. No. 2, A bill for an act relating to employment; creating a family and medical benefit insurance program; requiring leave from employment under certain circumstances; allowing substitution of a private plan; prohibiting retaliation; classifying data; authorizing expedited rulemaking; appropriating money; amending Minnesota Statutes 2022, sections 13.719, by adding a subdivision; 62A.01, subdivision 1; 177.27, subdivision 4; 181.032; 256B.0659, subdivision 18; 256B.85, subdivisions 13, 13a; 256J.561, by adding a subdivision; 256J.95, subdivisions 3, 11; 256P.01, subdivision 3; 268.19, subdivision 1; proposing coding for new law as Minnesota Statutes, chapter 268B.

Reported the same back with the following amendments:

Page 53, line 24, delete everything after "wages" and insert "on which the employer half of the quarterly premium is required is reduced by the lesser of:"

Page 53, delete line 25

Page 72, delete section 41

Page 76, after line 15, insert:

"ARTICLE 4

APPROPRIATIONS

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 family and medical benefit insurance account under Minnesota Statutes, section 268B.02, subdivision 4, and are available for the fiscal years indicated for each purpose. The figures "2024" and "2025" used in this article mean that the appropriations listed under them are available for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, or June 30, 2025, respectively. "The first year" is fiscal year 2024. "The second year" is fiscal year 2025. "The biennium" is fiscal years 2024 and 2025.

			APPROPRIATIONS
			Available for the Year
			Ending June 30
			2024	2025

Sec. 2. DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

$50,938,000

$71,357,000

This amount is for the purposes of Minnesota Statutes, chapter 268B, including start-up and information technology costs, administration, and outreach.

The base from the family and medical benefit insurance account for fiscal year 2026 is $76,088,000 and for fiscal year 2027 is $73,641,000.

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Sec. 3. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND INDUSTRY

$601,000

$374,000

This amount is for the purposes of Minnesota Statutes, chapter 268B.

The base from the family and medical benefit insurance account for fiscal year 2026 and beyond is $731,000.

Sec. 4. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

$376,000

$316,000

This amount is for the purposes of Minnesota Statutes, chapter 268B.

The base from the family and medical benefit insurance account for fiscal year 2026 and beyond is $128,000.

Sec. 5. MINNESOTA MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET

$-0-

$118,000

This amount is for the purposes of Minnesota Statutes, chapter 268B.

The base from the family and medical benefit insurance account for fiscal year 2026 and beyond is $79,000.

Sec. 6. DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES

$2,649,000

$-0-

This amount is for the purposes of Minnesota Statutes, chapter 268B.

The base from the family and medical benefit insurance account for fiscal year 2026 and beyond is $530,000.

Sec. 7. SECRETARY OF STATE

$384,000

$4,000

This amount is for the purposes of Minnesota Statutes, chapter 268B.

The base from the family and medical benefit insurance account for fiscal year 2026 and beyond is $77,000.

Sec. 8. SUPREME COURT; APPROPRIATIONS.

$15,000 in fiscal year 2024 and $15,000 in fiscal year 2025 are appropriated from the family and medical benefit insurance account to the supreme court for the purposes of Minnesota Statutes, chapter 268B. This is a onetime appropriation.

Sec. 9. LEGISLATURE; APPROPRIATION.

$18,000 in fiscal year 2024 is appropriated from the family and medical benefit insurance account to the house of representatives for the purposes of Minnesota Statutes, chapter 268B. This is a onetime appropriation.

Sec. 10. UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA; APPROPRIATION.

$1,372,000 in fiscal year 2025 is appropriated from the family and medical benefit insurance account to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota for the purposes of Minnesota Statutes, chapter 268B. This is a onetime appropriation.

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Sec. 11. TRANSFER.

The commissioner of management and budget shall transfer $668,321,000 in fiscal year 2024 from the general fund to the family and medical benefit insurance account for the purposes of Minnesota Statutes, chapter 268B.

Sec. 12. ENTERPRISE COSTS BASE ESTABLISHMENT.

A general fund base of $3,049,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $3,049,000 in fiscal year 2027 are established to fund enterprise requirements under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 268B, employee notification, and the costs incurred by state agencies due to employer-paid premiums established under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 268B. The commissioner of management and budget shall allocate these amounts to agency base budgets based on the expected costs incurred by those agencies."

Renumber the sections in sequence and correct the internal references

Amend the title as follows:

Page 1, line 5, before "appropriating" insert "transferring money;"

With the recommendation that when so amended the bill be placed on the General Register.

The report was adopted.

Olson, L., from the Committee on Ways and Means to which was referred:

H. F. No. 782, A bill for an act relating to retirement; establishing the Minnesota Secure Choice retirement program; transferring money; appropriating money; proposing coding for new law as Minnesota Statutes, chapter 187.

Reported the same back with the following amendments:

Delete everything after the enacting clause and insert:

"Section 1. [187.01] MINNESOTA SECURE CHOICE RETIREMENT PROGRAM; CITATION.

This chapter shall be known as and may be cited as the "Minnesota Secure Choice Retirement Program Act."

Sec. 2. [187.03] DEFINITIONS.

Subdivision 1. Applicability. For purposes of this chapter, the terms defined in this section have the meanings given them.

Subd. 2. Board. "Board" or "board of directors" means the board of directors of the Minnesota Secure Choice retirement program.

Subd. 3. Compensation. "Compensation" means compensation within the meaning of section 219(f)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code that is received by a covered employee from, or with respect to service performed for, a covered employer.

Subd. 4. Contribution rate. "Contribution rate" means the percentage of compensation withheld from a covered employee's compensation and deposited in an account established for the covered employee under the program.

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Subd. 5. Covered employee. (a) "Covered employee" means a person who is employed by a covered employer and who satisfies any other criteria established by the board.

(b) Covered employee does not include:

(1) a person who, on December 31 of the preceding calendar year, was younger than 18 years of age;

(2) a person covered under the federal Railway Labor Act, as amended, United States Code, title 45, sections 151 et seq.;

(3) a person on whose behalf an employer makes contributions to a Taft-Hartley multiemployer pension trust fund; or

(4) a person employed by the government of the United States, another country, the state of Minnesota, another state, or any subdivision thereof.

Subd. 6. Covered employer. (a) "Covered employer" means a person or entity:

(1) engaged in a business, industry, profession, trade, or other enterprise in Minnesota, whether for profit or not for profit;

(2) that employs five or more covered employees; and

(3) that does not sponsor or contribute to and did not in the immediately preceding 12 months sponsor or contribute to a retirement savings plan for its employees.

(b) Covered employer does not include:

(1) an employer that has not engaged in a business, industry, profession, trade, or other enterprise in Minnesota, whether for profit or not for profit, at any time during the immediately preceding 12 months; and

(2) a state or federal government or any political subdivision thereof.

Subd. 7. Executive director. "Executive director" means the chief executive and administrative head of the program.

Subd. 8. Internal Revenue Code. "Internal Revenue Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, United States Code, title 26.

Subd. 9. Program. "Program" means the Minnesota Secure Choice retirement program.

Subd. 10. Retirement savings plan. "Retirement savings plan" means a plan or program offered by an employer that permits contributions to be set aside for retirement on a pretax or after-tax basis and permits all employees of the employer to participate except those employees who have not satisfied participation eligibility requirements that are no more restrictive than the eligibility requirements permitted under section 410(b) of the Internal Revenue Code. Retirement savings plan includes but is not limited to a plan described in section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, an annuity plan or annuity contract described in section 403(a) or 403(b) of the Internal Revenue Code, a plan within the meaning of section 457(b) of the Internal Revenue Code, a simplified employee pension (SEP) plan, a savings incentive match plan for employees (SIMPLE) plan, an automatic enrollment payroll deduction individual retirement account, and a multiemployer pension plan described in section 414(f) of the Internal Revenue Code.

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Subd. 11. Secure Choice administrative fund. "Secure Choice administrative fund" or "administrative fund" means the fund established under section 187.06, subdivision 2.

Subd. 12. Secure Choice trust. "Secure Choice trust" or "trust" means a trust established under section 187.06, subdivision 1, to hold contributions and investment earnings thereon under the program.

Subd. 13. Roth IRA. "Roth IRA" means an individual retirement account established under section 408A of the Internal Revenue Code to hold and invest after-tax assets.

Subd. 14. Traditional IRA. "Traditional IRA" means an individual retirement account established under section 408 of the Internal Revenue Code to hold and invest pretax assets.

Sec. 3. [187.05] SECURE CHOICE RETIREMENT PROGRAM.

Subdivision 1. Program established. (a) The board must operate an employee retirement savings program whereby employee payroll deduction contributions are transmitted on an after-tax or pretax basis by covered employers to individual retirement accounts established under the program.

(b) The board must establish procedures for opening a Roth IRA, a traditional IRA, or both a Roth IRA and a traditional IRA for each covered employee whose covered employer transmits employee payroll deduction contributions under the program.

(c) Contributions must be made on an after-tax (Roth) basis, unless the covered employee elects to contribute on a pretax basis.

Subd. 2. Compliance with Internal Revenue Code. The board must establish and administer each Roth IRA and traditional IRA opened under the program in compliance with section 408 or 408A of the Internal Revenue Code, as applicable, for the benefit of the covered employee for whom the account was opened.

Subd. 3. Contributions held in trust. Each covered employer must transmit employee payroll deduction contributions to an account established for the benefit of the covered employee in a trust established to hold contributions under the program.

Subd. 4. Contribution rate. (a) The board must establish default, minimum, and maximum employee contribution rates and an escalation schedule to automatically increase each covered employee's contribution rate annually until the contribution rate is equal to the maximum contribution rate.

(b) A covered employee must have the right, annually or more frequently as determined by the board, to change the contribution rate, opt out or elect not to contribute, or cease contributions.

Subd. 5. Vesting. Covered employees are 100 percent vested in their accounts at all times.

Subd. 6. Withdrawals and distributions. The board must establish alternatives permitting covered employees to take a withdrawal of all or a portion of the covered employee's account while employed and one or more distributions following termination of employment. Distribution alternatives must include lifetime income options.

Subd. 7. Individuals not employed by a covered employer. The board may allow individuals to open and contribute to an account in the program, in which case the individual shall be considered a covered employee for purposes of sections 187.05 to 187.11.

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Subd. 8. Employee leasing companies. (a) For purposes of this chapter, in the case of a taxpaying employer described in section 268.046 that contracts with an employee leasing company, professional employer organization, or other similar entity to obtain workers for the taxpaying employer from the entity for a fee, the workers covered by the contract must be treated as employed by the taxpaying employer and not by the entity, except that if the entity provides the workers with a retirement savings plan, the taxpaying employer is not a covered employer.

(b) A covered employer that is a taxpaying employer described in section 268.046 may contract with an employee leasing company, professional employer organization, or other similar entity to assist the taxpaying employer with the performance of some or all of the taxpaying employer's responsibilities under this chapter.

Sec. 4. [187.06] ESTABLISHMENT OF SECURE CHOICE TRUST AND ADMINISTRATIVE FUND; EMPLOYEE ACCOUNTS; INVESTMENTS.

Subdivision 1. Secure Choice trust established. The Secure Choice trust is established as an instrumentality of the state to hold employee payroll deduction contributions and earnings on the contributions. The board must appoint a financial institution to act as trustee or custodian. The trustee or custodian must manage and administer trust assets for the exclusive purposes of providing benefits and defraying reasonable expenses of administering the program.

Subd. 2. Secure Choice administrative fund established; money appropriated. (a) The Secure Choice administrative fund is established in the state treasury as a fund separate and apart from the Secure Choice trust.

(b) The board of directors may assess administrative fees on each covered employee's account to be applied toward the expenses of administering the program. Money in the administrative fund is appropriated to the board to pay administrative expenses of administering the program if fees from the trust are not sufficient to cover expenses. The board must determine which administrative expenses will be paid using money in the administrative fund and which administrative expenses will be paid using money in the trust in the exercise of its fiduciary duty.

(c) The board may receive and deposit into the administrative fund any gifts, grants, donations, loans, appropriations, or other moneys designated for the administrative fund from the state, any unit of federal or local government, any other entity, or any person.

(d) Any interest or investment earnings that are attributable to money in the administrative fund must be deposited into the administrative fund.

Subd. 3. Individual accounts established. The trustee or custodian, as applicable, must maintain an account for employee payroll deduction contributions with respect to each covered employee. Interest and earnings on the amount in the account are credited to the account and losses are deducted.

Subd. 4. Investments. The board must make available for investment a diversified array of investment funds selected by the State Board of Investment. Members of the board, the executive director and members of the State Board of Investment, and all other fiduciaries are relieved of fiduciary responsibility for investment losses resulting from a covered employee's investment directions. Each covered employee is entitled to direct the investment of the contributions credited to the covered employee's account in the trust and earnings on the contributions into the array of investment funds selected by the State Board of Investment.

Subd. 5. Default investment fund. The board must designate a default investment fund that is diversified to minimize the risk of large losses and consists of target date funds, a balanced fund, a capital preservation fund, or any combination of the foregoing funds. Accounts for which no investment direction has been given by the covered employee must be invested in the default investment fund. Members of the board, the executive director of the State Board of Investment, and all other fiduciaries are relieved of fiduciary duty with regard to investment of assets in the default investment fund.

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Subd. 6. Inalienability of accounts. No account under the program is subject to assignment or alienation, either voluntarily or involuntarily, or to the claims of creditors, except as provided in section 518.58.

Subd. 7. Accounts not property of the state or covered employers. The assets of the Secure Choice trust shall be preserved, invested, and expended solely for the purposes of the trust and no property rights in the trust assets shall exist in favor of the state or any covered employer. The assets of the Secure Choice trust shall not be transferred or used by the state for any purpose other than the purposes of the trust, including reasonable administrative expenses of the program. Amounts deposited in the trust shall not constitute property of the state and shall not be commingled with state funds, and the state shall have no claim to or against, or interest in, the assets of the Secure Choice trust.

Sec. 5. [187.07] RESPONSIBILITIES OF COVERED EMPLOYERS.

Subdivision 1. Requirement to enroll employees. Each covered employer must enroll its covered employees in the program and withhold payroll deduction contributions from each covered employee's paycheck, unless the covered employee has elected not to contribute.

Subd. 2. Remitting contributions. A covered employer must timely remit contributions as required by the board.

Subd. 3. Distribution of information. Covered employers must provide information prepared by the board to all covered employees regarding the program. The information must be provided to each covered employee at least 30 days prior to the date of the first paycheck from which employee contributions could be deducted for transmittal to the program, if the covered employee does not elect to opt out of the program.

Subd. 4. No fiduciary responsibility. Except for the responsibilities described in subdivisions 1 to 3, a covered employer has no obligations to covered employees and is not a fiduciary for any purpose under the program or in connection with the Secure Choice trust. Covered employers are not responsible for the administration, investment performance, plan design, or benefits paid to covered employees.

Subd. 5. Employer liability. A covered employer is not liable to a covered employee for damages alleged to have resulted from a covered employee's participation in or failure to participate in the program.

Subd. 6. Enforcement. (a) The board may impose statutory civil penalties against any covered employer that fails to comply with subdivisions 1, 2, and 3.

(b) At the request of the board, the attorney general shall enforce the penalties imposed by the board against a covered employer. Proceeds of such penalties, after deducting enforcement expenses, must be deposited in the Secure Choice administrative fund and are appropriated to the program.

(c) The board must provide covered employers with written warnings for the first year of noncompliance before assessing penalties.

Sec. 6. [187.08] SECURE CHOICE RETIREMENT PROGRAM BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

Subdivision 1. Membership. The policy-making function of the program is vested in a board of directors consisting of seven members as follows:

(1) the executive director of the Minnesota State Retirement System or the executive director's designee;

(2) the executive director of the State Board of Investment or the executive director's designee;

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(3) three members chosen by the Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement, one from each of the following experience categories:

(i) executive or operations manager with substantial experience in record keeping 401(k) plans;

(ii) executive or operations manager with substantial experience in individual retirement accounts; and

(iii) executive or other professional with substantial experience in retirement plan investments;

(4) a human resources or retirement benefits executive from a private company with substantial experience in administering the company's 401(k) plan, appointed by the governor; and

(5) a small business owner or executive appointed by the governor.

Subd. 2. Appointment. Members appointed by the governor must be appointed as provided in section 15.0597.

Subd. 3. Membership terms. (a) Board members serve for two-year terms, except for the executive directors of the Minnesota State Retirement System and the State Board of Investment, who serve indefinitely.

(b) Board members' terms may be renewed, but no member may serve more than two consecutive terms.

Subd. 4. Resignation; removal; vacancies. (a) A board member may resign at any time by giving written notice to the board.

(b) A board member may be removed by the appointing authority and a majority vote of the board following notice and hearing before the board. For purposes of this subdivision, the chair may invite the appointing authority or a designee of the appointing authority to serve as a voting member of the board if necessary to constitute a quorum.

(c) If a vacancy occurs, the Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement or the governor, as applicable, shall appoint a new member within 90 days.

Subd. 5. Compensation. Public members are compensated and expenses reimbursed as provided under section 15.0575, subdivision 3.

Subd. 6. Chair. The board shall select a chair from among its members. The chair shall serve a two-year term. The board may select other officers as necessary to assist the board in performing the board's duties.

Subd. 7. Executive director; staff. The board must appoint an executive director, determine the duties of the director, and set the compensation of the executive director. The board may also hire staff as necessary to support the board in performing its duties.

Subd. 8. Duties. In addition to the duties set forth elsewhere in this chapter, the board has the following duties:

(1) to establish secure processes for enrolling covered employees in the program and for transmitting employee and employer contributions to accounts in the trust;

(2) to prepare a budget and establish procedures for the payment of costs of administering and operating the program;

(3) to lease or otherwise procure equipment necessary to administer the program;

(4) to procure insurance in connection with the property of the program and the activities of the board, executive director, and other staff;

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(5) to determine the following:

(i) any criteria for a covered employee other than employment with a covered employer under section 187.03, subdivision 5;

(ii) contribution rates and an escalation schedule under section 187.05, subdivision 4;

(iii) withdrawal and distribution options under section 187.05, subdivision 6; and

(iv) the default investment fund under section 187.06, subdivision 5;

(6) to keep annual administrative fees, costs, and expenses as low as possible:

(i) except that any administrative fee assessed against the accounts of covered employees may not exceed a reasonable amount relative to the fees charged by auto-IRA or defined contribution programs of similar size in the state of Minnesota or another state; and

(ii) the fee may be asset-based, flat fee, or a hybrid combination of asset-based and flat fee;

(7) to determine the eligibility of an employer, employee, or other individual to participate in the program and review and decide claims for benefits and make factual determinations;

(8) to prepare information regarding the program that is clear and concise for dissemination to all covered employees and includes the following:

(i) the benefits and risks associated with participating in the program;

(ii) procedures for enrolling in the program and opting out of the program, electing a different or zero percent employee contribution rate, making investment elections, applying for a distribution of employee accounts, and making a claim for benefits;

(iii) the federal and state income tax consequences of participating in the program, which may consist of or include the disclosure statement required to be distributed by retirement plan trustees or custodians under the Internal Revenue Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder;

(iv) how to obtain additional information on the program; and

(v) disclaimers of covered employer and state responsibility, including the following statements:

(A) covered employees seeking financial, investment, or tax advice should contact their own advisors;

(B) neither a covered employer nor the state of Minnesota are liable for decisions covered employees make regarding their account in the program;

(C) neither a covered employer nor the state of Minnesota guarantees the accounts in the program or any particular investment rate of return; and

(D) neither a covered employer nor the state of Minnesota monitors or has an obligation to monitor any covered employee's eligibility under the Internal Revenue Code to make contributions to an account in the program, or whether the covered employee's contributions to an account in the program exceed the maximum permissible contribution under the Internal Revenue Code;

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(9) to publish an annual financial report, prepared according to generally accepted accounting principles, on the operations of the program, which must include but not be limited to costs attributable to the use of outside consultants, independent contractors, and other persons who are not state employees and deliver the report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over jobs and economic development and state government finance, the executive directors of the State Board of Investment and the Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement, and the Legislative Reference Library;

(10) to publish an annual report regarding plan outcomes, progress toward savings goals established by the board, statistics on covered employees and participating employers, plan expenses, estimated impact of the program on social safety net programs, and penalties and violations and deliver the report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over jobs and economic development and state government finance, the executive directors of the State Board of Investment and the Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement, and the Legislative Reference Library;

(11) to file all reports required under the Internal Revenue Code or chapter 290;

(12) to, at the board's discretion, seek and accept gifts, grants, and donations to be used for the program, unless such gifts, grants, or donations would result in a conflict of interest relating to the solicitation of service provider for program administration, and deposit such gifts, grants, or donations in the Secure Choice administrative fund;

(13) to, at the board's discretion, seek and accept appropriations from the state or loans from the state or any agency of the state;

(14) to assess the feasibility of partnering with another state or a governmental subdivision of another state to administer the program through shared administrative resources and, if determined beneficial, enter into contracts, agreements, memoranda of understanding, or other arrangements with any other state or an agency or subdivision of any other state to administer, operate, or manage any part of the program, which may include combining resources, investments, or administrative functions;

(15) to hire, retain, and terminate third-party service providers as the board deems necessary or desirable for the program, including but not limited to the trustees, consultants, investment managers or advisors, custodians, insurance companies, recordkeepers, administrators, consultants, actuaries, legal counsel, auditors, and other professionals, provided that each service provider is authorized to do business in the state;

(16) to interpret the program's governing documents and this chapter and make all other decisions necessary to administer the program;

(17) to conduct comprehensive employer and worker education and outreach regarding the program that reflect the cultures and languages of the state's diverse workforce population, which may, in the board's discretion, include collaboration with state and local government agencies, community-based and nonprofit organizations, foundations, vendors, and other entities deemed appropriate to develop and secure ongoing resources; and

(18) to prepare notices for delivery to covered employees regarding the escalation schedule and to each covered employee before the covered employee is subject to an automatic contribution increase.

Subd. 9. Rules. The board of directors is authorized to adopt rules as necessary to implement this chapter.

Subd. 10. Conflict of interest; economic interest statement. No member of the board may participate in deliberations or vote on any matter before the board that will or is likely to result in direct, measurable economic gain to the member or the member's family. Members of the board shall file with the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board an economic interest statement in a manner as prescribed by section 10A.09, subdivisions 5 and 6.

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Sec. 7. [187.09] FIDUCIARY DUTY; STANDARD OF CARE.

(a) The members of the board, the executive director of the program, the executive director and members of the State Board of Investment, and any person who controls the disposition or investment of the assets of the Secure Choice trust:

(1) owe a fiduciary duty to the covered employees who participate in the program and their beneficiaries;

(2) must administer the program solely for the exclusive benefit of such covered employees and their beneficiaries, and for the exclusive purpose of providing benefits and paying reasonable plan expenses;

(3) are subject to the standard of care established in section 356A.04, subdivision 2; and

(4) are indemnified and held harmless by the state of Minnesota for the reasonable costs, expenses, or liability incurred as a result of any actual or threatened litigation or administrative proceeding arising out of the performance of the person's duties.

(b) Except as otherwise established in this chapter, the fiduciaries under paragraph (a) owe no other duty to covered employees, express or implied, in common law or otherwise.

Sec. 8. [187.10] NO STATE LIABILITY.

The state has no liability for the payment of, the amount of, or losses to any benefit to any participant in the program.

Sec. 9. [187.11] OTHER STATE AGENCIES TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE.

(a) The board may enter into intergovernmental agreements with the commissioner of revenue, the commissioner of labor and industry, and any other state agency that the board deems necessary or appropriate to provide outreach, technical assistance, or compliance services. An agency that enters into an intergovernmental agreement with the board pursuant to this section must collaborate and cooperate with the board to provide the outreach, technical assistance, or compliance services under any such agreement.

(b) The commissioner of administration must provide office space in the Capitol complex for the executive director and staff of the program.

Sec. 10. MINNESOTA SECURE CHOICE RETIREMENT PROGRAM; START OF OPERATIONS.

Subdivision 1. Program start; phasing. (a) The board of directors of the Minnesota Secure Choice retirement program must begin operation of the secure choice retirement program under Minnesota Statutes, section 187.05, no earlier than January 1, 2025.

(b) The board of directors must open the program in phases, and the last phase must be opened no later than two years after the opening of the first phase.

Subd. 2. Board appointments; first meeting. Appointing authorities must make appointments to the board of directors under Minnesota Statutes, section 187.08, by January 15, 2024. The Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement must designate one member of the board to convene the first meeting of the board of directors, which must occur by March 1, 2024. At the first meeting, the board shall elect a chair.

Sec. 11. BOARD SUPPORT UNTIL APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR.

With the assistance of the Legislative Coordinating Commission, the executive director of the Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement must:

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(1) provide notice to members of the board regarding the first meeting of the board and work with the member designated under section 10, subdivision 2, to determine the agenda and provide meeting support; and

(2) serve as the interim executive director to assist the board until the board completes the search, recruitment, and interview process and appoints the executive director under Minnesota Statutes, section 187.08, subdivision 8.

Sec. 12. BOARD TO RECOMMEND PENALTIES TO THE LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION ON PENSIONS AND RETIREMENT.

No later than December 31, 2024, the board of directors of the Minnesota Secure Choice retirement program must recommend to the Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement penalties for failure by covered employers to comply with Minnesota Statutes, section 187.07, subdivisions 1, 2, and 3. The penalties for a failure to comply with Minnesota Statutes, section 187.07, subdivision 2, must be commensurate with penalties for failure to remit state payroll taxes and, for any other compliance failure, commensurate with penalties under similar programs in other states. The Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement must accept or modify the recommendation and recommend legislation for passage during the 2025 legislative session.

Sec. 13. TRANSFERS.

$5,000,000 in fiscal year 2024 is transferred from the general fund to the Secure Choice administrative fund established under Minnesota Statutes, section 187.06, to establish and administer the Secure Choice retirement program.

Sec. 14. EFFECTIVE DATE.

Sections 1 to 4 and 6 to 13 are effective the day following final enactment. Section 5 is effective the day after the Secure Choice retirement program board of directors opens the Secure Choice retirement savings program for enrollment of covered employees."

Amend the title as follows:

Page 1, line 3, after the first semicolon, insert "providing for civil penalties;"

With the recommendation that when so amended the bill be placed on the General Register.

The report was adopted.

Olson, L., from the Committee on Ways and Means to which was referred:

H. F. No. 1234, A bill for an act relating to labor; modifying peace officer and firefighter duty disability provisions; requiring a report; appropriating money; amending Minnesota Statutes 2022, sections 299A.465, subdivision 4, by adding a subdivision; 352B.10, subdivisions 1, 2a, 4; 352B.101; 353.01, subdivision 47; 353.031, subdivisions 1, 3, 4, 8, 9; 353.335; 353.656, subdivisions 1, 1a, 1b, 3, 3a, 4, 6a, 10; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 352B; 353; 626; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 353.656, subdivisions 2, 2a.

Reported the same back with the following amendments:

Page 1, after line 9, insert:

"Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 299A.42, is amended to read:

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299A.42 PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICER'S BENEFIT ACCOUNT.

Subdivision 1. Public safety officer's benefit account. The public safety officer's benefit account is created in the state treasury. Money in the account consists of money transferred and appropriated to that account. Money in the account that is not expended in the fiscal year in which it is transferred or appropriated does not revert to the general fund until claims for reimbursement under section 299A.465 that are submitted in that fiscal year are either paid or denied.

Subd. 2. Annual report. The commissioner of public safety must annually report, no later than 30 days after the end of each fiscal year, to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over public safety and pensions regarding the financial status of the public safety officer's benefit account; the reimbursements paid by the commissioner during the preceding fiscal year under sections 299A.465, 352B.102, and 353.032; and payments, if any, made during the preceding fiscal year under sections 352B.103 and 353.033. If the commissioner anticipates, based on historical averages, that the public safety officer's benefit account will not have enough money to fund all reimbursements the commissioner reasonably anticipates will be requested under sections 299A.465, 352B.102, and 353.032 and payments for which invoices will be received under sections 352B.103 and 353.033 for the current and next fiscal year, the commissioner must include in the report the amounts the commissioner believes are necessary to fund the anticipated reimbursements and payments."

Page 1, line 11, strike "subject to this section"

Page 1, line 13, reinstate "~~of its costs of complying with this section"~~ and before the period, insert "and sections 352B.102 and 353.032"

Page 1, line 15, after "account" insert a period

Page 1, strike lines 16 to 18

Page 2, after line 7, insert:

"EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2023."

Page 2, delete section 2

Page 2, line 24, before "injury" insert "the" and after "injury" insert "or event"

Page 2, line 25, before "illness" insert "mental" and delete "to" and insert "of"

Page 2, after line 28, insert:

"EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2023."

Page 3, after line 4, insert:

"EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2023."

Page 3, after line 15, insert:

"EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2023."

Page 3, after line 29, insert:

"EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2023."

Journal of the House - 56th Day - Tuesday, April 25, 2023 - Top of Page 6839

Page 5, line 2, before "occupation" insert "employee's"

Page 5, line 11, delete "police and fire" and insert "State Patrol"

Page 5, line 13, delete "353.656, subdivision 1" and insert "352B.10"

Page 5, line 15, delete "353.031" and insert "352B.101"

Page 5, line 17, delete "The" and insert "Within six business days after the application has been received by the executive director, the"

Page 5, line 18, after "for" insert "treatment of a" and delete "treatment has" and insert "has"

Page 5, line 20, delete everything after "entity" and insert a period

Page 5, delete line 21

Page 5, line 30, delete "determination" and insert "confirmation" and before the period, insert ", paragraph (a)"

Page 7, line 8, delete "An employee shall obtain service credit for the" and insert "The"

Page 7, line 9, before the period, insert "is allowable service under section 352B.011, subdivision 3"

Page 7, line 24, delete "association" and insert "executive director"

Page 8, line 3, after "under" insert "this" and delete "352B.102"

Page 8, line 4, delete everything after "benefit"

Page 8, line 6, delete "association" and insert "executive director"

Page 8, line 7, delete "shall" and insert "must" and delete "because" and insert "if"

Page 8, line 9, delete "this" and after "section" insert "352B.10"

Page 8, line 11, before the period, insert "or the date permitted under section 352B.10, subdivision 2a, whichever is later"

Page 8, line 13, delete "association shall" and insert "executive director must"

Page 8, line 14, delete "because" insert ". The executive director must approve the employee's application for disability benefits if"

Page 8, line 16, delete "this" and after "section" insert "352B.10"

Page 8, line 18, before the period, insert "or the date permitted under section 352B.10, subdivision 2a, whichever is later"

Page 9, line 7, delete "determination" and insert "confirmation" and delete "(b)" and insert "(c)"

Page 10, line 19, delete everything after "examination" and insert "under paragraph (c); and"

Page 10, delete lines 20 to 30

Journal of the House - 56th Day - Tuesday, April 25, 2023 - Top of Page 6840

Page 11, after line 3, insert:

"(c) An employee who wishes to appeal the independent medical provider's determination under paragraph (a), clause (2), item (ii), may request an examination by a qualified professional selected by the employee from a panel established by mutual agreement among the League of Minnesota Cities, the Association of Minnesota Counties, the Minnesota Peace and Police Officers Association, the Minnesota Professional Fire Fighters Association, the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association, and the Minnesota Law Enforcement Association. The panel shall consist of five licensed psychiatrists or psychologists who have expertise regarding psychological or emotional disorders and who are qualified to opine as to the employee's fitness to engage in police or firefighting duties. The agreed upon panel of qualified professionals must be submitted to the executive director and made available for use in the appeal process. If the employee fails to select a qualified professional from the panel within ten days of any notice of appeal, the employing entity may select the qualified professional from the panel. A determination made by a qualified professional under this paragraph is binding and not subject to appeal. The panel may be the same panel as the panel established under section 353.032, subdivision 10."

Page 11, delete lines 9 to 13 and insert:

"Subd. 12. Relationship to workers' compensation. Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect the procedures for an employee's claim for workers' compensation benefits under chapter 176 or diminish or delay an employer's or insurer's obligations related to an employee's claim for workers' compensation benefits under chapter 176, except that when an employee receives psychological condition treatment pursuant to an application approved under subdivision 3, the treatment is not compensable under chapter 176.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2023."

Page 11, delete lines 15 to 18 and insert:

"Subdivision 1. Account created and money appropriated. The MSRS psychological condition treatment account is created in the special revenue fund. Money in the account is appropriated to the executive director of the Minnesota State Retirement System for administration of the psychological condition treatment under section 352B.102.

Subd. 2. Account to defray administrative costs. The executive director of the Minnesota State Retirement System must pay the costs of administering the psychological condition treatment under section 352B.102 using the money in the MSRS psychological condition treatment account under subdivision 1 until the money is expended.

Subd. 3. Commissioner of public safety to pay costs when account is depleted. When the MSRS psychological condition treatment account is depleted, the executive director of the Minnesota State Retirement System may invoice the commissioner of public safety for the costs of administering the psychological condition treatment under section 352B.102. The commissioner must pay invoices submitted by the executive director of the Minnesota State Retirement System from the public safety officer's benefit account under section 299A.42 within 30 days of receipt.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2023."

Page 14, after line 2, insert:

"EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2023."

Page 14, line 29, strike "a" and strike "by the board of trustees" and strike "353.03, subdivision 3," and insert "356.96"

Page 15, line 20, delete "the day following final enactment" and insert "July 1, 2023"

Journal of the House - 56th Day - Tuesday, April 25, 2023 - Top of Page 6841

Page 16, after line 33, insert:

"EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2023."

Page 17, line 22, delete "the day following final enactment" and insert "July 1, 2023"

Page 17, line 27, strike "within 60 days"

Page 17, strike line 28

Page 17, line 29, strike "or" and delete "reapplication" and insert "under section 356.96"

Page 18, line 3, delete "the day following final enactment" and insert "July 1, 2023"

Page 18, line 12, delete the colon and insert "member under section 353.64 or was a member under section 353.64 within the 18 months preceding the date of the application under subdivision 2;"

Page 18, delete lines 13 to 18

Page 19, line 32, delete "an employee's application" and insert "receiving notice from the executive director"

Page 20, line 6, delete "determination" and insert "confirmation"

Page 22, line 15, delete "shall" and insert "must" and delete "because" and insert "if"

Page 22, line 19, before the period, insert "and section 353.656, subdivision 4, paragraph (a)"

Page 22, line 26, before the period, insert "and section 353.656, subdivision 4, paragraph (a)"

Page 23, line 15, delete "determination" and insert "confirmation"

Page 24, line 23, before the semicolon, insert ", if the employee otherwise meets the eligibility requirements under section 353.031"

Page 24, line 25, delete everything after "examination" and insert "under paragraph (c); and"

Page 24, delete lines 26 to 33

Page 25, delete lines 1 to 3

Page 25, after line 8, insert:

"(c) An employee who wishes to appeal the independent medical provider's determination under paragraph (a), clause (2), item (ii), may request an examination by a qualified professional selected by the employee from a panel established by mutual agreement among the League of Minnesota Cities, the Association of Minnesota Counties, the Minnesota Peace and Police Officers Association, the Minnesota Professional Fire Fighters Association, the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association, and the Minnesota Law Enforcement Association. The panel shall consist of five licensed psychiatrists or psychologists who have expertise regarding psychological or emotional disorders and who are qualified to opine as to the employee's fitness to engage in police or firefighting duties. The agreed upon panel of qualified professionals must be submitted to the executive director and made available for use in the appeal process. If the employee fails to select a qualified professional from the panel within ten days of any notice of appeal, the employing entity may select the qualified professional from the panel. A determination made by a qualified professional under this item is binding and not subject to appeal. This panel may be the same panel as the panel established under section 352B.102, subdivision 10."

Journal of the House - 56th Day - Tuesday, April 25, 2023 - Top of Page 6842

Page 25, delete lines 14 to 18 and insert:

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2023."

Page 25, delete lines 20 to 23 and insert:

"Subdivision 1. Account created and money appropriated. The PERA psychological condition treatment account is created in the special revenue fund. Money in the account is appropriated to the executive director of the Public Employees Retirement Association for administration of the psychological condition treatment under section 353.032.

Subd. 2. Account to defray administrative costs. The executive director of the Public Employees Retirement Association must pay the costs of administering the PERA psychological condition treatment under section 353.032 using the money in the psychological condition treatment account under subdivision 1 until the money is expended.

Subd. 3. Commissioner of public safety to pay costs when account is depleted. When the PERA psychological condition treatment account is depleted, the executive director of the Public Employees Retirement Association may invoice the commissioner of public safety for the costs of administering the psychological condition treatment under section 353.032. The commissioner must pay invoices submitted by the executive director of the Public Employees Retirement Association from the public safety officer's benefit account under section 299A.42 within 30 days of receipt.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2023."

Page 25, delete section 17, and insert:

"Sec. 17. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 353.335, is amended to read:

353.335 DISABILITANT EARNINGS REPORTS.

Subdivision 1. Reemployment earnings reporting required. Unless waived by the executive director, a disability benefit recipient must report all earnings from reemployment and from income from workers' compensation to the association annually by May 15 in a format prescribed by the executive director. If the form is not submitted by May 15, benefits must be suspended effective June 1. If, upon receipt of the form ~~by the association, if~~, the executive director determines that the disability benefit recipient is ~~deemed by the executive director to be~~ eligible for continued payment, benefits must be reinstated retroactive to June 1. The executive director may waive the requirements in this section if the medical evidence supports that the disability benefit recipient will not have earnings from reemployment.

Subd. 2. Workers' compensation reporting not required. Notwithstanding subdivision 1, a recipient of disability benefits from the police and fire plan must not be required to report to the association any workers' compensation received by the recipient.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective January 1, 2024."

Journal of the House - 56th Day - Tuesday, April 25, 2023 - Top of Page 6843

Page 26, line 26, delete "the day following final enactment" and insert "July 1, 2023"

Page 29, line 12, delete "the day following final enactment" and insert "July 1, 2023"

Page 30, line 3, delete "the day following final enactment" and insert "July 1, 2023"

Page 31, line 3, delete "the day following final enactment" and insert "July 1, 2023"

Page 31, delete lines 29 to 33 and insert:

"(c) This paragraph applies to members who begin disability payments or are required to reapply under section 353.031, subdivision 8, on or after July 1, 2023. If a disabled member resumes a gainful occupation with earnings, the amount of the member's disability benefit must be reduced by a pro rata share each year until normal retirement age of the sum of clauses (1) and (2), not to exceed the amount of the member's disability benefit:

(1) for members with less than 20 years of service for a duty disability benefit or less than 15 years of service for a regular disability benefit, one dollar for each dollar of reemployment earnings, but not more than the lesser of (i) and (ii), but not to exceed the employee contribution rate as defined under section 353.65, subdivision 2, multiplied by the average salary used to determine the amount of the member's disability benefit when granted:

(i) an amount equal to the employee contribution rate as defined under section 353.65, subdivision 2, multiplied by the average salary used to determine the amount of the member's disability benefit, when granted, multiplied by the difference between 20 for a duty disability benefit or 15 for a regular disability benefit and the member's years of service, divided by 55 minus the member's age at the time of disability; or

(ii) 50 percent of the member's yearly reemployment earnings; and

(2) for all members, one dollar for each dollar by which the sum of the current disability benefit plus actual monthly reemployment earnings exceeds the base monthly salary currently paid by the employing governmental subdivision for similar positions.

(d) Paragraphs (b) and (c) do not apply to a member receiving total and permanent disability benefits under section 353.656, subdivision 1a or 3a."

Page 32, delete lines 1 to 6

Page 33, line 4, delete "the day following final enactment" and insert "July 1, 2023"

Page 33, line 21, delete "the day following final enactment" and insert "July 1, 2023"

Page 34, after line 16, insert:

"EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2023."

Page 34, line 17, delete "APPROPRIATION" and insert "TRANSFERS TO THE PSYCHOLOGICAL CONDITION TREATMENT ACCOUNTS"

Page 34, line 18, delete "$......." and insert "$1,000,000" and delete "and $....... in fiscal year 2025 are appropriated" and insert "is transferred"

Page 34, line 19, delete "for transfer" and before "psychological" insert "MSRS"

Page 34, line 21, delete "$......." and insert "$3,000,000" and delete "and $....... in fiscal year 2025 are appropriated" and insert "is transferred"

Journal of the House - 56th Day - Tuesday, April 25, 2023 - Top of Page 6844

Page 34, line 22, delete "for transfer" and before "psychological" insert "PERA"

Page 34, after line 23, insert:

"(c) This is a onetime transfer."

Page 34, before line 24, insert:

"Sec. 28. TRANSFERS TO THE PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICER'S BENEFIT ACCOUNT.

$100,000,000 in fiscal year 2024 is transferred from the general fund to the public safety officer's benefit account under Minnesota Statutes, section 299A.42, and appropriated to the commissioner of public safety for the following uses:

(1) to cover administrative costs of the department of public safety to administer reimbursements under Minnesota Statutes, section 299A.465, and costs to implement and administer Minnesota Statutes, section 626.8478;

(2) to cover administrative costs of the Minnesota State Retirement System and the Public Employees Retirement Association after the respective psychological condition treatment accounts under Minnesota Statutes, section 352B.103 or 353.033, are depleted; and

(3) to fund reimbursements of public employers under Minnesota Statutes, section 299A.465.

This is a onetime transfer. If, for a fiscal year after 2024, the public safety officer's benefit account does not have enough money remaining from the $100,000,000 transferred to it in fiscal year 2024 to cover all administrative costs and reimbursements under clauses (1) to (3), the commissioner of public safety must first cover the costs under clause (2) for the fiscal year and, if any funds remain in the public safety officer's benefit account, the commissioner must cover the costs under clause (3) next and, if any funds remain in the public safety officer's benefit account, the commissioner must cover the costs under clause (1)."

Renumber the sections in sequence

Correct the title numbers accordingly

With the recommendation that when so amended the bill be placed on the General Register.

The report was adopted.

Olson, L., from the Committee on Ways and Means to which was referred:

S. F. No. 2744, A bill for an act relating to commerce; establishing a biennial budget for Department of Commerce; modifying various provisions governing insurance; regulating virtual currency activities; providing for reports relating to retail sales of intermediate blends of gasoline and biofuel; prohibiting excessive price increases by pharmaceutical manufacturers; establishing a Prescription Drug Affordability Board; establishing a student loan advocate position; regulating money transmitters; making technical changes; establishing penalties; authorizing administrative rulemaking; requiring reports; appropriating money; transferring money; amending Minnesota Statutes 2022, sections 46.131, subdivision 11; 60A.14, subdivision 1; 62A.152, subdivision 3; 62D.02, by adding a subdivision; 62D.095, subdivisions 2, 3, 4, 5; 62K.10, subdivision 4; 62Q.19, subdivision 1; 62Q.46, subdivisions 1, 3; 62Q.47; 62Q.81, subdivision 4, by adding a subdivision; 151.071, subdivisions 1, 2; 239.791, subdivision 8;

Journal of the House - 56th Day - Tuesday, April 25, 2023 - Top of Page 6845

256B.0631, subdivision 1; 256L.03, subdivision 5; Laws 2022, chapter 93, article 1, section 2, subdivision 5; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 53B; 58B; 62J; 62Q; 62W; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2022, sections 53B.01; 53B.02; 53B.03; 53B.04; 53B.05; 53B.06; 53B.07; 53B.08; 53B.09; 53B.10; 53B.11; 53B.12; 53B.13; 53B.14; 53B.15; 53B.16; 53B.17; 53B.18; 53B.19; 53B.20; 53B.21; 53B.22; 53B.23; 53B.24; 53B.25; 53B.26; 53B.27, subdivisions 1, 2, 5, 6, 7.

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 "2024" and "2025" used in this article mean that the appropriations listed under them are available for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, or June 30, 2025, respectively. "The first year" is fiscal year 2024. "The second year" is fiscal year 2025. "The biennium" is fiscal years 2024 and 2025. If an appropriation in this act is enacted more than once in the 2023 legislative session, the appropriation must be given effect only once.

			APPROPRIATIONS
			Available for the Year
			Ending June 30
			2024	2025

Sec. 2. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Subdivision 1. Total Appropriation

$33,857,000

$264,125,000

Appropriations by Fund

2024

2025

General

30,876,000

261,217,000

Workers' Compensation

Fund

788,000

815,000

Telecommunications

Access Fund

2,093,000

Consumer Education

Account

100,000

-0-

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

Subd. 2. Financial Institutions

2,372,000

2,492,000

(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

Journal of the House - 56th Day - Tuesday, April 25, 2023 - Top of Page 6846

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

10,078,000

10,104,000

(a) $353,000 each year is for information technology and cybersecurity upgrades for the unclaimed property program.

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

(d) $568,000 in the first year and $537,000 in the second year are to create and maintain the Prescription Drug Affordability Board established under Minnesota Statutes, section 62J.87. The base in fiscal year 2026 is $500,000.

(e) $150,000 each year is for a grant to Exodus Lending to expand program and operational capacity to assist individuals with financial stability through small dollar consumer loans, including but not limited to resolving consumer short-term loans carrying interest rates greater than 36 percent. Loans issued under the program must be: (1) interest- and fee-free; and (2) made to Minnesotans facing significant barriers to mainstream financial products. Program participants must be recruited through a statewide network of trusted community-based partners. Loan payments by borrowers must be reported to the credit bureaus. The appropriations in this paragraph are onetime and are available until June 30, 2027.

(f) For the purposes of paragraphs (e) and (g), the following terms have the meanings given:

(1) "barriers to financial inclusion" means a person's financial history, credit history and credit score requirements, scarcity of depository institutions in lower income and communities of color, and low or irregular income flows;

(2) "character-based lending" means the practice of issuing loans based on a borrower's involvement in and ties to community-based organizations that provide client services, including but not limited to financial coaching; and

Journal of the House - 56th Day - Tuesday, April 25, 2023 - Top of Page 6847

(3) "mainstream financial products" means financial products that are provided most commonly by regulated financial institutions, including but not limited to credit cards and installment loans.

(g) $200,000 in the first year is for a grant to Exodus Lending to assist in the development of a character-based small dollar loan program. This is a onetime appropriation and is available until June 30, 2027.

(h) No later than July 15, 2024, and annually thereafter until the appropriations under paragraphs (e) and (g) have been exhausted or canceled, Exodus Lending must submit a report to the commissioner of commerce on the activities required of Exodus Lending under paragraphs (e) and (g). Until July 15, 2027, the report must detail, at a minimum, each of the following for the prior calendar year and, after July 15, 2027, the report must detail, at a minimum, each of the following that relate to the activities of Exodus Lending under paragraph (g) for the prior calendar year:

(1) the total number of loans granted;

(2) the total number of participants granted loans;

(3) an analysis of the participants' race, ethnicity, gender, and geographic locations;

(4) the average loan amount;

(5) the total loan amounts paid back by participants;

(6) a list of the trusted community-based partners;

(7) the final criteria developed for character-based small dollar loan program determinations under paragraph (g); and

(8) summary data on the significant barriers to mainstream financial products faced by participants.

(i) No later than August 15, 2024, and annually thereafter until the appropriations under paragraphs (e) and (g) have been exhausted or canceled, the commissioner of commerce must submit a report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with primary jurisdiction over commerce and consumer protection. The report must detail the information collected by the commissioner of commerce under paragraph (h).

(j) $12,000 each year is for the intermediate blends of gasoline and biofuels report under Minnesota Statutes, section 239.791, subdivision 8.

Journal of the House - 56th Day - Tuesday, April 25, 2023 - Top of Page 6848

Subd. 4. Enforcement

7,482,000

7,670,000

Appropriations by Fund
General	7,174,000	7,455,000
Workers' Compensation	208,000	215,000
Consumer Education Account	100,000	-0-

(a) $811,000 each year is for five additional peace officers in the Commerce Fraud Bureau. Money under this paragraph is transferred from the general fund to the insurance fraud prevention account under Minnesota Statutes, section 45.0135, subdivision 6.

(b) $345,000 each year is for additional staff to focus on market conduct examinations.

(d) $208,000 in the first year and $215,000 in the second year are from the workers' compensation fund.

(e) $100,000 in the second year is for the creation and maintenance of the Mental Health Parity and Substance Abuse Accountability Office under Minnesota Statutes, section 62Q.465. The base for fiscal year 2026 is $198,000.

(f) $100,000 in the first year is transferred from the consumer education account in the special revenue fund to the general fund.

(g) $197,000 each year is to create and maintain a student loan advocate position under Minnesota Statutes, section 58B.011.

(h) $283,000 each year is for law enforcement salary increases, as authorized under Laws 2021, chapter 4, article 9, section 1.

Subd. 5. Telecommunications

3,221,000

3,261,000

Appropriations by Fund

General

1,128,000

1,168,000

Telecommunications

Access Fund

2,093,000

$2,093,000 each year is 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;

Journal of the House - 56th Day - Tuesday, April 25, 2023 - Top of Page 6849

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

(3) $133,000 each year is to the Legislative Coordinating Commission for captioning legislative coverage. This transfer is subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.281; 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. 6. Insurance

9,173,000

9,577,000

Appropriations by Fund

General

8,593,000

8,977,000

Workers' Compensation

580,000

600,000

(a) $136,000 each year is to advance standardized health plan options.

(b) $318,000 each year is to conduct a feasibility study on a proposal to offer free primary care to Minnesotans. The appropriations in this paragraph are onetime.

(c) $105,000 each year is to evaluate legislation for new mandated health benefits under Minnesota Statutes, section 62J.26.

(d) $180,000 each year is for additional staff to focus on property‑ and casualty-related insurance products.

(e) $580,000 in the first year and $600,000 in the second year are from the workers' compensation fund.

(f) $42,000 each year is for ensuring health plan company compliance with Minnesota Statutes, section 62Q.47, paragraph (h).

(g) $25,000 each year is to evaluate existing statutory health benefit mandates.

(h) $20,000 each year is to pay membership dues for Minnesota to the National Conference of Insurance Legislators. The appropriations in this paragraph are onetime.

Subd. 7. Weights and Measures Division

1,531,000

1,556,000

Sec. 3. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Subdivision 1. Total Appropriation

$100,000

$-0-

Appropriations by Fund

2024

2025

General

100,000

-0-

Journal of the House - 56th Day - Tuesday, April 25, 2023 - Top of Page 6850

$100,000 in the first year is to issue grants of $50,000 each year to the Minnesota Council on Economic Education. This balance does not cancel but is available in the second year. This appropriation is onetime.

Sec. 4. ATTORNEY GENERAL

Subdivision 1. Total Appropriation

$691,000

Appropriations by Fund

2024

2025

General

691,000

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

Subd. 2. Excessive Price Increases to Generic Drugs

549,000

$549,000 each year is for the duties under Minnesota Statutes, sections 62J.841 to 64J.845.

Subd. 3. Age-Appropriate Design

142,000

$142,000 each year is to enforce the Minnesota Age-Appropriate Design Code Act.

Sec. 5. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Subdivision 1. Total Appropriation

$74,000

$56,000

Appropriations by Fund

2024

2025

General

74,000

56,000

(a) $69,000 in the first year and $51,000 in the second year are for the duties under Minnesota Statutes, sections 62J.841 to 64J.845.

(b) $5,000 each year is to evaluate existing statutory health benefit mandates.

Sec. 6. PREMIUM SECURITY ACCOUNT TRANSFER; OUT.

$275,775,000 in fiscal year 2026 is transferred from the premium security plan account under Minnesota Statutes, section 62E.25, subdivision 1, to the general fund. This is a onetime transfer.

ARTICLE 2

INSURANCE

Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 60A.08, subdivision 15, is amended to read:

Subd. 15. Classification of insurance filings data. (a) All forms, rates, and related information filed with the commissioner under section 61A.02 shall be nonpublic data until the filing becomes effective.

Journal of the House - 56th Day - Tuesday, April 25, 2023 - Top of Page 6851

(b) All forms, rates, and related information filed with the commissioner under section 62A.02 shall be nonpublic data until the filing becomes effective.

(c) All forms, rates, and related information filed with the commissioner under section 62C.14, subdivision 10, shall be nonpublic data until the filing becomes effective.

(d) All forms, rates, and related information filed with the commissioner under section 70A.06 shall be nonpublic data until the filing becomes effective.

(e) All forms, rates, and related information filed with the commissioner under section 79.56 shall be nonpublic data until the filing becomes effective.

(f) All forms, rates, and related information filed with the commissioner under section 65A.298 are nonpublic data until the filing becomes effective.

~~(f)~~ (g) Notwithstanding paragraphs (b) and (c), for all rate increases subject to review under section 2794 of the Public Health Services Act and any amendments to, or regulations, or guidance issued under the act that are filed with the commissioner on or after September 1, 2011, the commissioner:

(1) may acknowledge receipt of the information;

(2) may acknowledge that the corresponding rate filing is pending review;

(3) must provide public access from the Department of Commerce's website to parts I and II of the Preliminary Justifications of the rate increases subject to review; and

(4) must provide notice to the public on the Department of Commerce's website of the review of the proposed rate, which must include a statement that the public has 30 calendar days to submit written comments to the commissioner on the rate filing subject to review.

~~(g)~~ (h) Notwithstanding paragraphs (b) and (c), for all proposed premium rates filed with the commissioner for individual health plans, as defined in section 62A.011, subdivision 4, and small group health plans, as defined in section 62K.03, subdivision 12, the commissioner must provide public access on the Department of Commerce's website to compiled data of the proposed changes to rates, separated by health plan and geographic rating area, within ten business days after the deadline by which health carriers, as defined in section 62A.011, subdivision 2, must submit proposed rates to the commissioner for approval.

Sec. 2. [60A.0812] PROPERTY AND CASUALTY POLICY EXCLUSIONS.

Subdivision 1. Short title. This section may be cited as the "Family Protection Act."

Subd. 2. Definitions. (a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have the meanings given.

(b) "Boat" means a motorized or nonmotorized vessel that floats and is used for personal, noncommercial use on waters in Minnesota.

(c) "Boat insurance policy" means an insurance policy that provides liability coverage for bodily injury resulting from the ownership, maintenance, or use of a boat, although the policy may also provide for property insurance coverage for the boat for noncommercial use.

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(d) "Insured" means an insured under a policy specified in subdivision 3, clauses (1) to (4), including the named insured and the following persons not identified by name as an insured while residing in the same household with the named insured:

(1) a spouse of a named insured;

(2) a relative of a named insured; or

(3) a minor in the custody of a named insured, spouse of a named insured, or of a relative residing in the same household with a named insured.

For purposes of this section, a person resides in or is a member of the same household with the named insured if the person's home is usually in the same family unit, even if the person is temporarily living elsewhere.

(e) "Permitted exclusion" means an exclusion of or limitation on liability for damages for bodily injury resulting from fraud, intentional conduct, criminal conduct that intentionally causes an injury, and other exclusions permitted by law, including a permitted exclusion contained in a boat insurance policy issued in this state pursuant to subdivision 6.

(f) "Prohibited exclusion" means an exclusion of or limitation on liability for damages for bodily injury because the injured person is:

(1) an insured other than a named insured;

(2) a resident or member of the insured's household; or

(3) related to the insured by blood or marriage.

Subd. 3. Prohibited exclusions. A prohibited exclusion contained in a plan or policy identified in clauses (1) to (4) is against public policy and is void. The following insurance coverage issued in this state must not contain a prohibited exclusion, unless expressly provided otherwise under this section:

(1) a plan of reparation security, as defined under section 65B.43;

(2) a boat insurance policy;

(3) a personal excess liability policy; and

(4) a personal umbrella policy.

Subd. 4. Permitted exclusions. An insurance policy listed in this section may contain a permitted exclusion for bodily injury to an insured.

Subd. 5. Underlying coverage requirement. An excess or umbrella policy may contain a requirement that coverage for family or household members under an excess or umbrella policy governed by this section is available only to the extent coverage is first available from an underlying policy that provides coverage for damages for bodily injury.

Subd. 6. Election of coverage for boat insurance policies. (a) An insurer issuing bodily injury liability coverage for a boat insurance policy under this section must notify a person at the time of sale of the person's rights under this section to decline coverage for insureds and be provided an updated quote reflecting the appropriate premium for the coverage provided.

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(b) Named insureds must affirmatively make an election to decline coverage, in a form approved by the commissioner, after being informed that an updated quote will be provided.

(c) An insurer offering an election of coverage under this subdivision must have the disclosure approved by the commissioner. The notice must be in 14-point bold type, in a conspicuous location of the notice document, and contain at least the following:

ELECTION TO DECLINE COVERAGE: YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO DECLINE BODILY INJURY COVERAGE FOR INJURIES TO YOUR FAMILY AND HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS FOR WHICH YOU WOULD OTHERWISE BE ENTITLED TO UNDER MINNESOTA LAW. IF YOU ELECT TO DECLINE THIS COVERAGE, YOU WILL RECEIVE AN UPDATED PREMIUM QUOTE BASED ON THE COVERAGE YOU ARE ELECTING TO PURCHASE. READ YOUR POLICY CAREFULLY TO DETERMINE WHICH FAMILY AND HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS WOULD NOT BE COVERED FOR BODILY INJURY IF YOU ELECT TO DECLINE COVERAGE.

Subd. 7. Excessive rate hearings for boat insurance policies. Whenever an insurer files a change in a rate for a boat insurance policy that will result in a 15 percent or more increase in a 12-month period over existing rates, the commissioner may hold a hearing to determine if the change is excessive. The hearing must be conducted under chapter 14. The commissioner must give notice of intent to hold a hearing within 60 days of the filing of the change. It shall be the responsibility of the insurer to show the rate is not excessive. The rate is effective unless it is determined as a result of the hearing that the rate is excessive. This subdivision expires January 1, 2029.

Subd. 8. No endorsement required. An endorsement, rider, or contract amendment is not required for this section to be effective.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective January 1, 2024, for plans of reparation security, as defined under Minnesota Statutes, section 65B.43, a personal excess liability policy, or a personal umbrella policy offered, issued, or renewed on or after that date. This section is effective on May 1, 2024, for a boat insurance policy covering a personal injury sustained while using a boat.

Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2022, 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;

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

(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. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 61A.031, is amended to read:

61A.031 SUICIDE PROVISIONS.

(a) The sanity or insanity of a person shall not be a factor in determining whether a person committed suicide within the terms of an individual or group life insurance policy regulating the payment of benefits in the event of the insured's suicide. This section shall not be construed to alter present law but is intended to clarify present law.

(b) A life insurance policy or certificate issued or delivered in this state may exclude or restrict liability for any death benefit in the event the insured dies as a result of suicide within one year from the date the policy or certificate is issued. Any exclusion or restriction shall be clearly stated in the policy or certificate. Any life insurance policy or certificate which contains any exclusion or restriction under this paragraph shall also provide that in the event any death benefit is denied because the insured dies as a result of suicide within one year from the date the policy or certificate is issued, the insurer shall refund all premiums paid for coverage providing the denied death benefit on the insured.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective January 1, 2024, and applies to policies issued or after that date.

Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 61A.60, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

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Subd. 3. Definitions. The following definitions must appear on the back of the notice forms provided in subdivisions 1 and 2:

DEFINITIONS

PREMIUMS: Premiums are the payments you make in exchange for an insurance policy or annuity contract. They are unlike deposits in a savings or investment program, because if you drop the policy or contract, you might get back less than you paid in.

CASH SURRENDER VALUE: This is the amount of money you can get in cash if you surrender your life insurance policy or annuity. If there is a policy loan, the cash surrender value is the difference between the cash value printed in the policy and the loan value. Not all policies have cash surrender values.

LAPSE: A life insurance policy may lapse when you do not pay the premiums within the grace period. If you had a cash surrender value, the insurer might change your policy to as much extended term insurance or paid-up insurance as the cash surrender value will buy. Sometimes the policy lets the insurer borrow from the cash surrender value to pay the premiums.

SURRENDER: You surrender a life insurance policy when you either let it lapse or tell the company you want to drop it. Whenever a policy has a cash surrender value, you can get it in cash if you return the policy to the company with a written request. Most insurers will also let you exchange the cash value of the policy for paid-up or extended term insurance.

CONVERT TO PAID-UP INSURANCE: This means you use your cash surrender value to change your insurance to a paid-up policy with the same insurer. The death benefit generally will be lower than under the old policy, but you will not have to pay any more premiums.

PLACE ON EXTENDED TERM: This means you use your cash surrender value to change your insurance to term insurance with the same insurer. In this case, the net death benefit will be the same as before. However, you will only be covered for a specified period of time stated in the policy.

BORROW POLICY LOAN VALUES: If your life insurance policy has a cash surrender value, you can almost always borrow all or part of it from the insurer. Interest will be charged according to the terms of the policy, and if the loan with unpaid interest ever exceeds the cash surrender value, your policy will be surrendered. If you die, the amount of the loan and any unpaid interest due will be subtracted from the death benefits.

EVIDENCE OF INSURABILITY: This means proof that you are an acceptable risk. You have to meet the insurer's standards regarding age, health, occupation, etc., to be eligible for coverage.

INCONTESTABLE CLAUSE: This says that after two years, depending on the policy or insurer, the life insurer will not resist a claim because you made a false or incomplete statement when you applied for the policy. For the early years, though, if there are wrong answers on the application and the insurer finds out about them, the insurer can deny a claim as if the policy had never existed.

SUICIDE CLAUSE: This says that if you ~~commit~~ complete suicide after being insured for less than ~~two years~~ one year, depending on the policy and insurer, your beneficiaries will receive only a refund of the premiums that were paid.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective January 1, 2024, and applies to policies issued on or after that date.

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Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 62A.152, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Provider discrimination prohibited. All group policies and group subscriber contracts that provide benefits for mental or nervous disorder treatments in a hospital must provide direct reimbursement for those services at a hospital or psychiatric residential treatment facility if performed by a mental health professional qualified according to section 245I.04, subdivision 2, to the extent that the services and treatment are within the scope of mental health professional licensure.

This subdivision is intended to provide payment of benefits for mental or nervous disorder treatments performed by a licensed mental health professional in a hospital or psychiatric residential treatment facility and is not intended to change or add benefits for those services provided in policies or contracts to which this subdivision applies.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective January 1, 2025, and applies to health plans offered, issued, or renewed on or after that date.

Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 62A.3099, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 18b. Open enrollment period. "Open enrollment period" means the time period described in Code of Federal Regulations, title 42, section 422.62, paragraph (a), clauses (2) to (4), as amended.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2024, and applies to policies offered, issued, or renewed on or after that date.

Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 62A.31, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Policy requirements. No individual or group policy, certificate, subscriber contract issued by a health service plan corporation regulated under chapter 62C, or other evidence of accident and health insurance the effect or purpose of which is to supplement Medicare coverage, including to supplement coverage under Medicare Advantage plans established under Medicare Part C, issued or delivered in this state or offered to a resident of this state shall be sold or issued to an individual covered by Medicare unless the requirements in subdivisions 1a to 1v 1w are met.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2024, and applies to policies offered, issued, or renewed on or after that date.

Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 62A.31, subdivision 1f, is amended to read:

Subd. 1f. Suspension based on entitlement to medical assistance. (a) The policy or certificate must provide that benefits and premiums under the policy or certificate shall be suspended for any period that may be provided by federal regulation at the request of the policyholder or certificate holder for the period, not to exceed 24 months, in which the policyholder or certificate holder has applied for and is determined to be entitled to medical assistance under title XIX of the Social Security Act, but only if the policyholder or certificate holder notifies the issuer of the policy or certificate within 90 days after the date the individual becomes entitled to this assistance.

(b) If suspension occurs and if the policyholder or certificate holder loses entitlement to this medical assistance, the policy or certificate shall be automatically reinstated, effective as of the date of termination of this entitlement, if the policyholder or certificate holder provides notice of loss of the entitlement within 90 days after the date of the loss and pays the premium attributable to the period, effective as of the date of termination of entitlement.

(c) The policy must provide that upon reinstatement (1) there is no ~~additional~~ waiting period with respect to treatment of preexisting conditions, (2) coverage is provided which is substantially equivalent to coverage in effect before the date of the suspension. If the suspended policy provided coverage for outpatient prescription drugs, reinstitution of the policy for Medicare Part D enrollees must be without coverage for outpatient prescription drugs

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and must otherwise provide coverage substantially equivalent to the coverage in effect before the date of suspension, and (3) premiums are classified on terms that are at least as favorable to the policyholder or certificate holder as the premium classification terms that would have applied to the policyholder or certificate holder had coverage not been suspended.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2024, and applies to policies offered, issued, or renewed on or after that date.

Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 62A.31, subdivision 1h, is amended to read:

Subd. 1h. Limitations on denials, conditions, and pricing of coverage. No health carrier issuing Medicare‑related coverage in this state may impose preexisting condition limitations or otherwise deny or condition the issuance or effectiveness of any such coverage available for sale in this state, nor may it discriminate in the pricing of such coverage, because of the health status, claims experience, receipt of health care, medical condition, or age of an applicant where an application for such coverage is submitted: (1) prior to or during the six-month period beginning with the first day of the month in which an individual first enrolled for benefits under Medicare Part B; or (2) during the open enrollment period. This subdivision applies to each Medicare-related coverage offered by a health carrier regardless of whether the individual has attained the age of 65 years. If an individual who is enrolled in Medicare Part B due to disability status is involuntarily disenrolled due to loss of disability status, the individual is eligible for another six-month enrollment period provided under this subdivision beginning the first day of the month in which the individual later becomes eligible for and enrolls again in Medicare Part B and during the open enrollment period. An individual who is or was previously enrolled in Medicare Part B due to disability status is eligible for another six-month enrollment period under this subdivision beginning the first day of the month in which the individual has attained the age of 65 years and either maintains enrollment in, or enrolls again in, Medicare Part B and during the open enrollment period. If an individual enrolled in Medicare Part B voluntarily disenrolls from Medicare Part B because the individual becomes enrolled under an employee welfare benefit plan, the individual is eligible for another six-month enrollment period, as provided in this subdivision, beginning the first day of the month in which the individual later becomes eligible for and enrolls again in Medicare Part B and during the open enrollment period.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2024, and applies to policies offered, issued, or renewed on or after that date.

Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 62A.31, subdivision 1p, is amended to read:

Subd. 1p. Renewal or continuation provisions. Medicare supplement policies and certificates shall include a renewal or continuation provision. The language or specifications of the provision shall be consistent with the type of contract issued. The provision shall be appropriately captioned and shall appear on the first page of the policy or certificate, and shall include any reservation by the issuer of the right to change premiums. Except for riders or endorsements by which the issuer effectuates a request made in writing by the insured, exercises a specifically reserved right under a Medicare supplement policy or certificate, or is required to reduce or eliminate benefits to avoid duplication of Medicare benefits, all riders or endorsements added to a Medicare supplement policy or certificate after the date of issue or at reinstatement or renewal that reduce or eliminate benefits or coverage in the policy or certificate shall require a signed acceptance by the insured. After the date of policy or certificate issue, a rider or endorsement that increases benefits or coverage with a concomitant increase in premium during the policy or certificate term shall be agreed to in writing and signed by the insured, unless the benefits are required by the minimum standards for Medicare supplement policies or if the increased benefits or coverage is required by law. Where a separate additional premium is charged for benefits provided in connection with riders or endorsements, the premium charge shall be set forth in the policy, declaration page, or certificate. If a Medicare supplement policy or certificate contains limitations with respect to preexisting conditions, the limitations shall appear as a separate paragraph of the policy or certificate and be labeled as "preexisting condition limitations."

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Issuers of accident and sickness policies or certificates that provide hospital or medical expense coverage on an expense incurred or indemnity basis to persons eligible for Medicare shall provide to those applicants a "Guide to Health Insurance for People with Medicare" in the form developed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and in a type size no smaller than 12-point type. Delivery of the guide must be made whether or not such policies or certificates are advertised, solicited, or issued as Medicare supplement policies or certificates as defined in this section and section 62A.3099. Except in the case of direct response issuers, delivery of the guide must be made to the applicant at the time of application, and acknowledgment of receipt of the guide must be obtained by the issuer. Direct response issuers shall deliver the guide to the applicant upon request, but no later than the time at which the policy is delivered.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2024, and applies to policies offered, issued, or renewed on or after that date.

Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 62A.31, subdivision 1u, is amended to read:

Subd. 1u. Guaranteed issue for eligible persons. (a)(1) Eligible persons are those individuals described in paragraph (b) who seek to enroll under the policy during the period specified in paragraph (c) and who submit evidence of the date of termination or disenrollment described in paragraph (b), or of the date of Medicare Part D enrollment, with the application for a Medicare supplement policy.

(2) With respect to eligible persons, an issuer shall not: deny or condition the issuance or effectiveness of a Medicare supplement policy described in paragraph (c) that is offered and is available for issuance to new enrollees by the issuer; discriminate in the pricing of such a Medicare supplement policy because of health status, claims experience, receipt of health care, medical condition, or age; or impose an exclusion of benefits based upon a preexisting condition under such a Medicare supplement policy.

(b) An eligible person is an individual described in any of the following:

(1) the individual is enrolled under an employee welfare benefit plan that provides health benefits that supplement the benefits under Medicare; and the plan terminates, or the plan ceases to provide all such supplemental health benefits to the individual;

(2) the individual is enrolled with a Medicare Advantage organization under a Medicare Advantage plan under Medicare Part C, and any of the following circumstances apply, or the individual is 65 years of age or older and is enrolled with a Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) provider under section 1894 of the federal Social Security Act, and there are circumstances similar to those described in this clause that would permit discontinuance of the individual's enrollment with the provider if the individual were enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan:

(i) the organization's or plan's certification under Medicare Part C has been terminated or the organization has terminated or otherwise discontinued providing the plan in the area in which the individual resides;

(ii) the individual is no longer eligible to elect the plan because of a change in the individual's place of residence or other change in circumstances specified by the secretary, but not including termination of the individual's enrollment on the basis described in section 1851(g)(3)(B) of the federal Social Security Act, United States Code, title 42, section 1395w-21(g)(3)(b) (where the individual has not paid premiums on a timely basis or has engaged in disruptive behavior as specified in standards under section 1856 of the federal Social Security Act, United States Code, title 42, section 1395w-26), or the plan is terminated for all individuals within a residence area;

(iii) the individual demonstrates, in accordance with guidelines established by the Secretary, that:

(A) the organization offering the plan substantially violated a material provision of the organization's contract in relation to the individual, including the failure to provide an enrollee on a timely basis medically necessary care for which benefits are available under the plan or the failure to provide such covered care in accordance with applicable quality standards; or

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(B) the organization, or agent or other entity acting on the organization's behalf, materially misrepresented the plan's provisions in marketing the plan to the individual; or

(iv) the individual meets such other exceptional conditions as the secretary may provide;

(3)(i) the individual is enrolled with:

(A) an eligible organization under a contract under section 1876 of the federal Social Security Act, United States Code, title 42, section 1395mm (Medicare cost);

(B) a similar organization operating under demonstration project authority, effective for periods before April 1, 1999;

(C) an organization under an agreement under section 1833(a)(1)(A) of the federal Social Security Act, United States Code, title 42, section 1395l(a)(1)(A) (health care prepayment plan); or

(D) an organization under a Medicare Select policy under section 62A.318 or the similar law of another state; and

(ii) the enrollment ceases under the same circumstances that would permit discontinuance of an individual's election of coverage under clause (2);

(4) the individual is enrolled under a Medicare supplement policy, and the enrollment ceases because:

(i)(A) of the insolvency of the issuer or bankruptcy of the nonissuer organization; or

(B) of other involuntary termination of coverage or enrollment under the policy;

(ii) the issuer of the policy substantially violated a material provision of the policy; or

(iii) the issuer, or an agent or other entity acting on the issuer's behalf, materially misrepresented the policy's provisions in marketing the policy to the individual;

(5)(i) the individual was enrolled under a Medicare supplement policy and terminates that enrollment and subsequently enrolls, for the first time, with any Medicare Advantage organization under a Medicare Advantage plan under Medicare Part C; any eligible organization under a contract under section 1876 of the federal Social Security Act, United States Code, title 42, section 1395mm (Medicare cost); any similar organization operating under demonstration project authority; any PACE provider under section 1894 of the federal Social Security Act, or a Medicare Select policy under section 62A.318 or the similar law of another state; and

(ii) the subsequent enrollment under item (i) is terminated by the enrollee during any period within the first 12 months of the subsequent enrollment during which the enrollee is permitted to terminate the subsequent enrollment under section 1851(e) of the federal Social Security Act;

(6) the individual, upon first enrolling for benefits under Medicare Part B, enrolls in a Medicare Advantage plan under Medicare Part C, or with a PACE provider under section 1894 of the federal Social Security Act, and disenrolls from the plan by not later than 12 months after the effective date of enrollment; or

(7) the individual enrolls in a Medicare Part D plan during the initial Part D enrollment period, as defined under United States Code, title 42, section 1395ss(v)(6)(D), and, at the time of enrollment in Part D, was enrolled under a Medicare supplement policy that covers outpatient prescription drugs and the individual terminates enrollment in the Medicare supplement policy and submits evidence of enrollment in Medicare Part D along with the application for a policy described in paragraph (e), clause (4).; or

(8) the individual was enrolled in a state public program and is losing coverage due to the unwinding of the Medicaid continuous enrollment conditions, as provided by Code of Federal Regulations, title 45, section 155.420(d)(9) and (d)(1), and Public Law 117-328, section 5131 (2022).

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(c)(1) In the case of an individual described in paragraph (b), clause (1), the guaranteed issue period begins on the later of: (i) the date the individual receives a notice of termination or cessation of all supplemental health benefits or, if a notice is not received, notice that a claim has been denied because of a termination or cessation; or (ii) the date that the applicable coverage terminates or ceases; and ends 63 days after the later of those two dates.

(2) In the case of an individual described in paragraph (b), clause (2), (3), (5), or (6), whose enrollment is terminated involuntarily, the guaranteed issue period begins on the date that the individual receives a notice of termination and ends 63 days after the date the applicable coverage is terminated.

(3) In the case of an individual described in paragraph (b), clause (4), item (i), the guaranteed issue period begins on the earlier of: (i) the date that the individual receives a notice of termination, a notice of the issuer's bankruptcy or insolvency, or other such similar notice if any; and (ii) the date that the applicable coverage is terminated, and ends on the date that is 63 days after the date the coverage is terminated.

(4) In the case of an individual described in paragraph (b), clause (2), (4), (5), or (6), who disenrolls voluntarily, the guaranteed issue period begins on the date that is 60 days before the effective date of the disenrollment and ends on the date that is 63 days after the effective date.

(5) In the case of an individual described in paragraph (b), clause (7), the guaranteed issue period begins on the date the individual receives notice pursuant to section 1882(v)(2)(B) of the Social Security Act from the Medicare supplement issuer during the 60-day period immediately preceding the initial Part D enrollment period and ends on the date that is 63 days after the effective date of the individual's coverage under Medicare Part D.

(6) In the case of an individual described in paragraph (b) but not described in this paragraph, the guaranteed issue period begins on the effective date of disenrollment and ends on the date that is 63 days after the effective date.

(7) For all individuals described in paragraph (b), the open enrollment period is a guaranteed issue period.

(d)(1) In the case of an individual described in paragraph (b), clause (5), or deemed to be so described, pursuant to this paragraph, whose enrollment with an organization or provider described in paragraph (b), clause (5), item (i), is involuntarily terminated within the first 12 months of enrollment, and who, without an intervening enrollment, enrolls with another such organization or provider, the subsequent enrollment is deemed to be an initial enrollment described in paragraph (b), clause (5).

(2) In the case of an individual described in paragraph (b), clause (6), or deemed to be so described, pursuant to this paragraph, whose enrollment with a plan or in a program described in paragraph (b), clause (6), is involuntarily terminated within the first 12 months of enrollment, and who, without an intervening enrollment, enrolls in another such plan or program, the subsequent enrollment is deemed to be an initial enrollment described in paragraph (b), clause (6).

(3) For purposes of paragraph (b), clauses (5) and (6), no enrollment of an individual with an organization or provider described in paragraph (b), clause (5), item (i), or with a plan or in a program described in paragraph (b), clause (6), may be deemed to be an initial enrollment under this paragraph after the two-year period beginning on the date on which the individual first enrolled with the organization, provider, plan, or program.

(e) The Medicare supplement policy to which eligible persons are entitled under:

(1) paragraph (b), clauses (1) to (4), is any Medicare supplement policy that has a benefit package consisting of the basic Medicare supplement plan described in section 62A.316, paragraph (a), plus any combination of the three optional riders described in section 62A.316, paragraph (b), clauses (1) to (3), offered by any issuer;

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(2) paragraph (b), clause (5), is the same Medicare supplement policy in which the individual was most recently previously enrolled, if available from the same issuer, or, if not so available, any policy described in clause (1) offered by any issuer, except that after December 31, 2005, if the individual was most recently enrolled in a Medicare supplement policy with an outpatient prescription drug benefit, a Medicare supplement policy to which the individual is entitled under paragraph (b), clause (5), is:

(i) the policy available from the same issuer but modified to remove outpatient prescription drug coverage; or

(ii) at the election of the policyholder, a policy described in clause (4), except that the policy may be one that is offered and available for issuance to new enrollees that is offered by any issuer;

(3) paragraph (b), clause (6), is any Medicare supplement policy offered by any issuer;

(4) paragraph (b), clause (7), is a Medicare supplement policy that has a benefit package classified as a basic plan under section 62A.316 if the enrollee's existing Medicare supplement policy is a basic plan or, if the enrollee's existing Medicare supplement policy is an extended basic plan under section 62A.315, a basic or extended basic plan at the option of the enrollee, provided that the policy is offered and is available for issuance to new enrollees by the same issuer that issued the individual's Medicare supplement policy with outpatient prescription drug coverage. The issuer must permit the enrollee to retain all optional benefits contained in the enrollee's existing coverage, other than outpatient prescription drugs, subject to the provision that the coverage be offered and available for issuance to new enrollees by the same issuer.

(f)(1) At the time of an event described in paragraph (b), because of which an individual loses coverage or benefits due to the termination of a contract or agreement, policy, or plan, the organization that terminates the contract or agreement, the issuer terminating the policy, or the administrator of the plan being terminated, respectively, shall notify the individual of the individual's rights under this subdivision, and of the obligations of issuers of Medicare supplement policies under paragraph (a). The notice must be communicated contemporaneously with the notification of termination.

(2) At the time of an event described in paragraph (b), because of which an individual ceases enrollment under a contract or agreement, policy, or plan, the organization that offers the contract or agreement, regardless of the basis for the cessation of enrollment, the issuer offering the policy, or the administrator of the plan, respectively, shall notify the individual of the individual's rights under this subdivision, and of the obligations of issuers of Medicare supplement policies under paragraph (a). The notice must be communicated within ten working days of the issuer receiving notification of disenrollment.

(g) Reference in this subdivision to a situation in which, or to a basis upon which, an individual's coverage has been terminated does not provide authority under the laws of this state for the termination in that situation or upon that basis.

(h) An individual's rights under this subdivision are in addition to, and do not modify or limit, the individual's rights under subdivision 1h.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2024, and applies to policies offered, issued, or renewed on or after that date.

Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 62A.31, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 1w. Open enrollment. A medicare supplement policy or certificate must not be sold or issued to an eligible individual outside of the time periods described in subdivision 1u.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2024, and applies to policies offered, issued, or renewed on or after that date.

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Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 62A.31, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4. Prohibited policy provisions. (a) A Medicare supplement policy or certificate in force in the state shall not contain benefits that duplicate benefits provided by Medicare or contain exclusions on coverage that are more restrictive than those of Medicare. Duplication of benefits is permitted to the extent permitted under subdivision 1s, paragraph (a), for benefits provided by Medicare Part D.

(b) No Medicare supplement policy or certificate may use waivers to exclude, limit, or reduce coverage or benefits for specifically named or described preexisting diseases or physical conditions~~, except as permitted under subdivision 1b~~.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2024, and applies to policies offered, issued, or renewed on or after that date.

Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 62A.44, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Questions. (a) Application forms shall include the following questions designed to elicit information as to whether, as of the date of the application, the applicant has another Medicare supplement or other health insurance policy or certificate in force or whether a Medicare supplement policy or certificate is intended to replace any other accident and sickness policy or certificate presently in force. A supplementary application or other form to be signed by the applicant and agent containing the questions and statements may be used.

"(1) You do not need more than one Medicare supplement policy or certificate.

(2) If you purchase this policy, you may want to evaluate your existing health coverage and decide if you need multiple coverages.

(3) You may be eligible for benefits under Medicaid and may not need a Medicare supplement policy or certificate.

(4) The benefits and premiums under your Medicare supplement policy or certificate can be suspended, if requested, during your entitlement to benefits under Medicaid for 24 months. You must request this suspension within 90 days of becoming eligible for Medicaid. If you are no longer entitled to Medicaid, your policy or certificate will be reinstated if requested within 90 days of losing Medicaid eligibility.

(5) Counseling services may be available in Minnesota to provide advice concerning medical assistance through state Medicaid, Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries (QMBs), and Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiaries (SLMBs).

To the best of your knowledge:

(1) Do you have another Medicare supplement policy or certificate in force?

(a) If so, with which company?

(b) If so, do you intend to replace your current Medicare supplement policy with this policy or certificate?

(2) Do you have any other health insurance policies that provide benefits which this Medicare supplement policy or certificate would duplicate?

(a) If so, please name the company.

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(b) What kind of policy?

(3) Are you covered for medical assistance through the state Medicaid program? If so, which of the following programs provides coverage for you?

(a) Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB),

(b) Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB), or

(b) Agents shall list any other health insurance policies they have sold to the applicant.

(1) List policies sold that are still in force.

(2) List policies sold in the past five years that are no longer in force.

(c) In the case of a direct response issuer, a copy of the application or supplemental form, signed by the applicant, and acknowledged by the insurer, shall be returned to the applicant by the insurer on delivery of the policy or certificate.

(d) Upon determining that a sale will involve replacement of Medicare supplement coverage, any issuer, other than a direct response issuer, or its agent, shall furnish the applicant, before issuance or delivery of the Medicare supplement policy or certificate, a notice regarding replacement of Medicare supplement coverage. One copy of the notice signed by the applicant and the agent, except where the coverage is sold without an agent, shall be provided to the applicant and an additional signed copy shall be retained by the issuer. A direct response issuer shall deliver to the applicant at the time of the issuance of the policy or certificate the notice regarding replacement of Medicare supplement coverage.

(e) The notice required by paragraph (d) for an issuer shall be provided in substantially the following form in no less than 12-point type:

"NOTICE TO APPLICANT REGARDING REPLACEMENT

OF MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT INSURANCE

(Insurance company's name and address)

SAVE THIS NOTICE! IT MAY BE IMPORTANT TO YOU IN THE FUTURE.

According to (your application) (information you have furnished), you intend to terminate existing Medicare supplement insurance and replace it with a policy or certificate to be issued by (Company Name) Insurance Company. Your new policy or certificate will provide 30 days within which you may decide without cost whether you desire to keep the policy or certificate.

You should review this new coverage carefully. Compare it with all accident and sickness coverage you now have. If, after due consideration, you find that purchase of this Medicare supplement coverage is a wise decision you should terminate your present Medicare supplement policy. You should evaluate the need for other accident and sickness coverage you have that may duplicate this policy.

STATEMENT TO APPLICANT BY ISSUER, AGENT, (BROKER OR OTHER REPRESENTATIVE): I have reviewed your current medical or health insurance coverage. To the best of my knowledge this Medicare supplement policy will not duplicate your existing Medicare supplement policy because you intend to terminate the existing Medicare supplement policy. The replacement policy or certificate is being purchased for the following reason(s) (check one):

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Additional benefits

................. No change in benefits, but lower premiums

................. Fewer benefits and lower premiums

................. Other (please specify)

.........................................................................................................................................................................................................

(1) Health conditions which you may presently have (preexisting conditions) may not be immediately or fully covered under the new policy or certificate. This could result in denial or delay of a claim for benefits under the new policy or certificate, whereas a similar claim might have been payable under your present policy or certificate.

(2) State law provides that your replacement policy or certificate may not contain new preexisting conditions, waiting periods, elimination periods, or probationary periods. The insurer will waive any time periods applicable to preexisting conditions, waiting periods, elimination periods, or probationary periods in the new policy (or coverage) for similar benefits to the extent the time was spent (depleted) under the original policy or certificate.

(3) If you still wish to terminate your present policy or certificate and replace it with new coverage, be certain to truthfully and completely answer all questions on the application concerning your medical and health history. Failure to include all material medical information on an application may provide a basis for the company to deny any future claims and to refund your premium as though your policy or certificate had never been in force. After the application has been completed and before you sign it, review it carefully to be certain that all information has been properly recorded. (If the policy or certificate is guaranteed issue, this paragraph need not appear.)

Do not cancel your present policy or certificate until you have received your new policy or certificate and you are sure that you want to keep it.

...................................................................................................

(Signature of Agent, Broker, or Other Representative)*

...................................................................................................

(Typed Name and Address of Issuer, Agent, or Broker)

.................................................................................................

(Date)

...................................................................................................

(Applicant's Signature)

...................................................................................................

(Date)

*Signature not required for direct response sales."

(f) Paragraph (e), clauses (1) and (2), of the replacement notice (applicable to preexisting conditions) may be deleted by an issuer if the replacement does not involve application of a new preexisting condition limitation.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2024, and applies to policies offered, issued, or renewed on or after that date.

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Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 62D.02, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 17. Preventive items and services. "Preventive items and services" has the meaning given in section 62Q.46, subdivision 1, paragraph (a).

Sec. 17. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 62D.095, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Co-payments. A health maintenance contract may impose a co-payment and coinsurance consistent with the provisions of the Affordable Care Act as defined under section 62A.011, subdivision 1a, and for items and services that are not preventive items and services.

Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 62D.095, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Deductibles. A health maintenance contract ~~may~~ must not impose a deductible ~~consistent with the provisions of the Affordable Care Act as defined under section 62A.011, subdivision 1a~~ for preventive items and services.

Sec. 19. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 62D.095, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5. Exceptions. No Co-payments or deductibles ~~may~~ must not be imposed on preventive ~~health care~~ items and services ~~consistent with the provisions of the Affordable Care Act as defined under section 62A.011, subdivision 1a~~.

Sec. 20. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 62J.26, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Definitions. (a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have the meanings given unless the context otherwise requires:

(1) "commissioner" means the commissioner of commerce;

(2) "enrollee" has the meaning given in section 62Q.01, subdivision 2b;

(3) "health plan" means a health plan as defined in section 62A.011, subdivision 3, but includes coverage listed in clauses (7) and (10) of that definition;

(4) "mandated health benefit proposal" or "proposal" means a proposal that would statutorily require a health plan company to do the following:

(i) provide coverage or increase the amount of coverage for the treatment of a particular disease, condition, or other health care need;

(ii) provide coverage or increase the amount of coverage of a particular type of health care treatment or service or of equipment, supplies, or drugs used in connection with a health care treatment or service;

(iii) provide coverage for care delivered by a specific type of provider;

(iv) require a particular benefit design or impose conditions on cost-sharing for:

(A) the treatment of a particular disease, condition, or other health care need;

(B) a particular type of health care treatment or service; or

(C) the provision of medical equipment, supplies, or a prescription drug used in connection with treating a particular disease, condition, or other health care need; or

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(v) impose limits or conditions on a contract between a health plan company and a health care provider.

(b) "Mandated health benefit proposal" does not include health benefit proposals:

(1) amending the scope of practice of a licensed health care professional.; or

(2) that make state law consistent with federal law.

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

Sec. 21. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 62J.26, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Evaluation process and content. (a) The commissioner, in consultation with the commissioners of health and management and budget, must evaluate all mandated health benefit proposals as provided under subdivision 3.

(b) The purpose of the evaluation is to provide the legislature with a complete and timely analysis of all ramifications of any mandated health benefit proposal. The evaluation must include, in addition to other relevant information, the following to the extent applicable:

(1) scientific and medical information on the mandated health benefit proposal, on the potential for harm or benefit to the patient, and on the comparative benefit or harm from alternative forms of treatment, and must include the results of at least one professionally accepted and controlled trial comparing the medical consequences of the proposed therapy, alternative therapy, and no therapy;

(2) public health, economic, and fiscal impacts of the mandated health benefit proposal on persons receiving health services in Minnesota, on the relative cost-effectiveness of the proposal, and on the health care system in general;

(3) the extent to which the treatment, service, equipment, or drug is generally utilized by a significant portion of the population;

(4) the extent to which insurance coverage for the mandated health benefit proposal is already generally available;

(5) the extent to which the mandated health benefit proposal, by health plan category, would apply to the benefits offered to the health plan's enrollees;

(6) the extent to which the mandated health benefit proposal will increase or decrease the cost of the treatment, service, equipment, or drug;

(7) the extent to which the mandated health benefit proposal may increase enrollee premiums; and

(8) if the proposal applies to a qualified health plan as defined in section 62A.011, subdivision 7, the cost to the state to defray the cost of the mandated health benefit proposal using commercial market reimbursement rates in accordance with Code of Federal Regulations, title 45, section 155.70.

(c) The commissioner shall consider actuarial analysis done by health plan companies and any other proponent or opponent of the mandated health benefit proposal in determining the cost of the proposal.

(d) The commissioner must summarize the nature and quality of available information on these issues, and, if possible, must provide preliminary information to the public. The commissioner may conduct research on these issues or may determine that existing research is sufficient to meet the informational needs of the legislature. The

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commissioner may seek the assistance and advice of researchers, community leaders, or other persons or organizations with relevant expertise. The commissioner must provide the public with at least 45 days' notice when requesting information pursuant to this section. The commissioner must notify the chief authors of a bill when a request for information is issued.

(e) Information submitted to the commissioner pursuant to this section that meets the definition of trade secret information, as defined in section 13.37, subdivision 1, paragraph (b), is nonpublic data.

Sec. 22. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 62J.26, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 6. Notification. (a) Upon passage of the law containing a mandated health benefit proposal, the commissioner must notify health plan companies of the change to benefits. Health plan companies must report to the commissioner estimated costs attributed to the change in benefits over a ten-year period. A health plan company's calculation of the costs must:

(1) be based on an analysis performed in accordance with generally accepted actuarial principles and methodologies;

(2) be conducted by a member of the American Academy of Actuaries; and

(3) include projected costs for the ten years following the effective date of the change in benefits.

(b) The commissioner must annually report to the legislature defrayal amounts paid to health plan companies pursuant to Code of Federal Regulations, title 45, section 155.70. The report must compare the amounts paid to each health plan company to the estimated amount projected by each health plan company in its report pursuant to paragraph (a).

Sec. 23. [62J.841] DEFINITIONS.

Subdivision 1. Scope. For purposes of sections 62J.841 to 62J.845, the following definitions apply.

Subd. 2. Consumer Price Index. "Consumer Price Index" means the Consumer Price Index, Annual Average, for All Urban Consumers, CPI-U: U.S. City Average, All Items, reported by the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, or its successor or, if the index is discontinued, an equivalent index reported by a federal authority or, if no such index is reported, "Consumer Price Index" means a comparable index chosen by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Subd. 3. Generic or off-patent drug. "Generic or off-patent drug" means any prescription drug for which any exclusive marketing rights granted under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, section 351 of the federal Public Health Service Act, and federal patent law have expired, including any drug-device combination product for the delivery of a generic drug.

Subd. 4. Manufacturer. "Manufacturer" has the meaning given in section 151.01, subdivision 14a, but does not include an entity that must be licensed solely because the entity repackages or relabels drugs.

Subd. 5. Prescription drug. "Prescription drug" means a drug for human use subject to United States Code, title 21, section 353(b)(1).

Subd. 6. Wholesale acquisition cost. "Wholesale acquisition cost" has the meaning provided in United States Code, title 42, section 1395w-3a.

Subd. 7. Wholesale distributor. "Wholesale distributor" has the meaning provided in section 151.441, subdivision 14.

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Sec. 24. [62J.842] EXCESSIVE PRICE INCREASES PROHIBITED.

Subdivision 1. Prohibition. No manufacturer shall impose, or cause to be imposed, an excessive price increase, whether directly or through a wholesale distributor, pharmacy, or similar intermediary, on the sale of any generic or off-patent drug sold, dispensed, or delivered to any consumer in the state.

Subd. 2. Excessive price increase. A price increase is excessive for purposes of this section when:

(1) the price increase, adjusted for inflation utilizing the Consumer Price Index, exceeds:

(i) 15 percent of the wholesale acquisition cost over the immediately preceding calendar year; or

(ii) 40 percent of the wholesale acquisition cost over the immediately preceding three calendar years; and

(2) the price increase, adjusted for inflation utilizing the Consumer Price Index, exceeds $30 for:

(i) a 30-day supply of the drug; or

(ii) a course of treatment lasting less than 30 days.

Subd. 3. Exemption. It is not a violation of this section for a wholesale distributor or pharmacy to increase the price of a generic or off-patent drug if the price increase is directly attributable to additional costs for the drug imposed on the wholesale distributor or pharmacy by the manufacturer of the drug.

Sec. 25. [62J.843] REGISTERED AGENT AND OFFICE WITHIN THE STATE.

Any manufacturer that sells, distributes, delivers, or offers for sale any generic or off-patent drug in the state must maintain a registered agent and office within the state.

Sec. 26. [62J.844] ENFORCEMENT.

Subdivision 1. Notification. (a) The commissioner of health shall notify the manufacturer of a generic or off‑patent drug and the attorney general of any price increase that the commissioner believes may violate section 62J.842.

(b) The commissioner of management and budget and any other state agency that provides or purchases a pharmacy benefit except the Department of Human Services, and any entity under contract with a state agency to provide a pharmacy benefit other than an entity under contract with the Department of Human Services, may notify the manufacturer of a generic or off-patent drug and the attorney general of any price increase that the commissioner or entity believes may violate section 62J.842.

Subd. 2. Submission of drug cost statement and other information by manufacturer; investigation by attorney general. (a) Within 45 days of receiving a notice under subdivision 1, the manufacturer of the generic or off-patent drug shall submit a drug cost statement to the attorney general. The statement must:

(1) itemize the cost components related to production of the drug;

(2) identify the circumstances and timing of any increase in materials or manufacturing costs that caused any increase during the preceding calendar year, or preceding three calendar years as applicable, in the price of the drug; and

(3) provide any other information that the manufacturer believes to be relevant to a determination of whether a violation of section 62J.842 has occurred.

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(b) The attorney general may investigate whether a violation of section 62J.842 has occurred, in accordance with section 8.31, subdivision 2.

Subd. 3. Petition to court. (a) On petition of the attorney general, a court may issue an order:

(1) compelling the manufacturer of a generic or off-patent drug to:

(i) provide the drug cost statement required under subdivision 2, paragraph (a); and

(ii) answer interrogatories, produce records or documents, or be examined under oath, as required by the attorney general under subdivision 2, paragraph (b);

(2) restraining or enjoining a violation of sections 62J.841 to 62J.845, including issuing an order requiring that drug prices be restored to levels that comply with section 62J.842;

(3) requiring the manufacturer to provide an accounting to the attorney general of all revenues resulting from a violation of section 62J.842;

(4) requiring the manufacturer to repay to all Minnesota consumers, including any third-party payers, any money acquired as a result of a price increase that violates section 62J.842;

(5) notwithstanding section 16A.151, requiring that all revenues generated from a violation of section 62J.842 be remitted to the state and deposited into a special fund, to be used for initiatives to reduce the cost to consumers of acquiring prescription drugs, if a manufacturer is unable to determine the individual transactions necessary to provide the repayments described in clause (4);

(6) imposing a civil penalty of up to $10,000 per day for each violation of section 62J.842;

(7) providing for the attorney general's recovery of costs and disbursements incurred in bringing an action against a manufacturer found in violation of section 62J.842, including the costs of investigation and reasonable attorney's fees; and

(8) providing any other appropriate relief, including any other equitable relief as determined by the court.

(b) For purposes of paragraph (a), clause (6), every individual transaction in violation of section 62J.842 is considered a separate violation.

Subd. 4. Private right of action. Any action brought pursuant to section 8.31, subdivision 3a, by a person injured by a violation of section 62J.842 is for the benefit of the public.

Sec. 27. [62J.845] PROHIBITION ON WITHDRAWAL OF GENERIC OR OFF-PATENT DRUGS FOR SALE.

Subdivision 1. Prohibition. A manufacturer of a generic or off-patent drug is prohibited from withdrawing that drug from sale or distribution within this state for the purpose of avoiding the prohibition on excessive price increases under section 62J.842.

Subd. 2. Notice to board and attorney general. Any manufacturer that intends to withdraw a generic or off‑patent drug from sale or distribution within the state shall provide a written notice of withdrawal to the attorney general at least 90 days prior to the withdrawal.

Subd. 3. Financial penalty. The attorney general shall assess a penalty of $500,000 on any manufacturer of a generic or off-patent drug that the attorney general determines has failed to comply with the requirements of this section.

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Sec. 28. [62J.846] SEVERABILITY.

If any provision of sections 62J.841 to 62J.845 or the application thereof 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.841 to 62J.845 that can be given effect without the invalid provision or application.

Sec. 29. [62J.85] CITATION.

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

Sec. 30. [62J.86] DEFINITIONS.

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

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 provided in section 62J.84, subdivision 2, paragraph (b).

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

Subd. 6. Brand name drug. "Brand name drug" means a drug that is produced or distributed pursuant to:

(1) a new drug application approved under United States Code, title 21, section 355(c), except for a generic drug as defined under Code of Federal Regulations, title 42, section 447.502; or

(2) a biologics license application approved under United States Code, title 45, section 262(a)(c).

Subd. 7. Generic drug. "Generic drug" has the meaning provided 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. 31. [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.

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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.

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

(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.

(b) The commissioner of health shall provide technical assistance to the board. The board may also employ or contract for professional and technical assistance as the board deems necessary to perform the board's duties.

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 3.

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

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Sec. 32. [62J.88] PRESCRIPTION DRUG AFFORDABILITY ADVISORY COUNCIL.

Subdivision 1. Establishment. The governor shall appoint a 18-member stakeholder advisory council to provide advice to the board on drug cost issues and to represent stakeholders' views. The governor shall appoint the members of the advisory council 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;

(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;

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

(10) one member representing pharmaceutical wholesalers;

(11) one member representing pharmacy benefit managers;

(12) one member from the Rare Disease Advisory Council;

(13) one member representing generic drug manufacturers;

(14) one member representing pharmaceutical distributors; and

(15) one member who is an oncologist who is not employed by, under contract with, or otherwise affiliated with a hospital.

Subd. 3. Terms. (a) The initial appointments to the advisory council must be made by January 1, 2024. 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 shall be 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.

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

Sec. 33. [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 must 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.

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. 34. [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 may 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 selected prescription drug products based on the following criteria:

(1) brand name drugs or biologics for which the WAC increases by more than 15 percent or by more than $3,000 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 with a WAC of $60,000 or more per calendar year or per course of treatment;

(3) biosimilar drugs that have a WAC that is not at least 20 percent lower than the referenced brand name biologic at the time the biosimilar is introduced; and

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(4) generic drugs for which the WAC:

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

(A) a 30-day supply;

(B) a course of treatment lasting less than 30 days; or

(C) one unit of the drug, if the labeling approved by the Food and Drug Administration does not recommend a finite dosage; and

(ii) 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 WAC reported over the preceding 12 months, after adjusting for changes in the CPI.

The board is not required to identify all prescription drug products that meet the criteria in this paragraph.

(b) The board, in consultation with the advisory council and the commissioner of health, may 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 3, and information provided by the commissioner of health classified as not public data under section 13.02, subdivision 8a, or as trade secret information under section 13.37, subdivision 1, paragraph (b), or as trade secret information under the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016, United States Code, title 18, section 1836, as amended.

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 on whether to initiate a cost review of a prescription drug product, any member of the board may request a vote to determine whether to review the cost of the prescription drug product.

Sec. 35. [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) manufacturer monetary price concessions, discounts, or rebates, and drug-specific patient assistance;

(3) the price of therapeutic alternatives;

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(4) the cost to group purchasers based on patient access consistent with the FDA-labeled indications and standard medical practice;

(5) measures of patient access, including cost-sharing and other metrics;

(6) the extent to which the attorney general or a court has determined that a price increase for a generic or off‑patent prescription drug product was excessive under sections 62J.842 and 62J.844;

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

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

Subd. 3. Public data; proprietary information. (a) Any submission made to the board related to a drug cost review must be made available to the public with the exception of information determined by the board to be proprietary and information provided by the commissioner of health classified as not public data under section 13.02, subdivision 8a, or as trade secret information under section 13.37, subdivision 1, paragraph (b), or as trade secret information under the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016, United States Code, title 18, section 1836, as amended.

(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.

(d) The establishment of standards under this subdivision is exempt from the rulemaking requirements under chapter 14, and section 14.386 does not apply.

Sec. 36. [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) extraordinary supply costs, if applicable;

(2) 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

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

(b) An upper payment limit applies to all purchases of, and payer reimbursements for, a prescription drug that is dispensed or administered to individuals in the state in person, by mail, or by other means, and for which an upper payment limit has been established.

Subd. 2. Implementation and administration of the upper payment limit. (a) An upper payment limit may take effect no sooner than 120 days following the date of its public release by the board.

(b) When setting an upper payment limit for a drug subject to the Medicare maximum fair price under United States Code, title 42, section 1191(c), the board shall set the upper payment limit at the Medicare maximum fair price.

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(c) Pharmacy dispensing fees must not be counted toward or subject to any upper payment limit. State-licensed independent pharmacies must not be reimbursed by health carriers and pharmacy benefit managers at amounts that are less than the upper payment limit.

(d) Health plan companies and pharmacy benefit managers shall report annually to the board, in the form and manner specified by the board, on how cost savings resulting from the establishment of an upper payment limit have been used by the health plan company or pharmacy benefit manager to benefit enrollees, including but not limited to reducing enrollee cost-sharing.

Subd. 3. Noncompliance. (a) The board shall, and other persons may, notify the Office of the Attorney General of a potential failure by an entity subject to an upper payment limit to comply with that limit.

(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 is not considered noncompliant.

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

Subd. 4. Appeals. (a) Persons 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. 37. [62J.93] REPORTS.

Beginning March 1, 2024, 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. 38. [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. ERISA plans or Medicare Part D plans 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 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. 39. [62J.95] SEVERABILITY.

If any provision of sections 62J.85 to 62J.94 or the application thereof 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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Sec. 40. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 62K.10, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4. Network adequacy. (a) Each designated provider network must include a sufficient number and type of providers, including providers that specialize in mental health and substance use disorder services, to ensure that covered services are available to all enrollees without unreasonable delay. In determining network adequacy, the commissioner of health shall consider availability of services, including the following:

(1) primary care physician services are available and accessible 24 hours per day, seven days per week, within the network area;

(2) a sufficient number of primary care physicians have hospital admitting privileges at one or more participating hospitals within the network area so that necessary admissions are made on a timely basis consistent with generally accepted practice parameters;

(3) specialty physician service is available through the network or contract arrangement;

(4) mental health and substance use disorder treatment providers, including but not limited to psychiatric residential treatment facilities, are available and accessible through the network or contract arrangement;

(5) to the extent that primary care services are provided through primary care providers other than physicians, and to the extent permitted under applicable scope of practice in state law for a given provider, these services shall be available and accessible; and

(6) the network has available, either directly or through arrangements, appropriate and sufficient personnel, physical resources, and equipment to meet the projected needs of enrollees for covered health care services.

(b) The commissioner must determine network sufficiency in a manner that is consistent with the requirements of this section and may establish sufficiency by referencing any reasonable criteria, which may include but is not limited to:

(1) provider-covered person ratios by specialty;

(2) primary care professional-covered person ratios;

(3) geographic accessibility of providers;

(4) geographic variation and population dispersion;

(5) waiting times for an appointment with participating providers;

(6) hours of operation;

(7) the ability of the network to meet the needs of covered persons, which may include:

(i) low-income persons;

(ii) children and adults with serious, chronic, or complex health conditions, physical disabilities, or mental illness; or

(iii) persons with limited English proficiency and persons from underserved communities;

(8) other health care service delivery system options, including telemedicine or telehealth, mobile clinics, centers of excellence, and other ways of delivering care; and

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(9) the volume of technological and specialty care services available to serve the needs of covered persons that need technologically advanced or specialty care services.

EFFECTIVE DATE. The amendment to paragraph (a) is effective July 1, 2023. Paragraph (b) is effective January 1, 2025, and applies to health plans offered, issued, or renewed on or after that date.

Sec. 41. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 62Q.096, is amended to read:

62Q.096 CREDENTIALING OF PROVIDERS.

(a) If a health plan company has initially credentialed, as providers in its provider network, individual providers employed by or under contract with an entity that:

(1) is authorized to bill under section 256B.0625, subdivision 5;

(2) is a mental health clinic certified under section 245I.20;

(3) is designated an essential community provider under section 62Q.19; and

(4) is under contract with the health plan company to provide mental health services, the health plan company must continue to credential at least the same number of providers from that entity, as long as those providers meet the health plan company's credentialing standards.

(b) In order to ensure timely access by patients to mental health services, between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2025, a health plan company must credential and enter into a contract for mental health services with any provider of mental health services that:

(1) meets the health plan company's credential requirements. For purposes of credentialing under this paragraph, a health plan company may waive credentialing requirements that are not directly related to quality of care in order to ensure patient access to providers from underserved communities or to providers in rural areas;

(2) seeks to receive a credential from the health plan company;

(3) agrees to the health plan company's contract terms. The contract shall include payment rates that are usual and customary for the services provided;

(4) is accepting new patients; and

(5) is not already under a contract with the health plan company under a separate tax identification number or, if already under a contract with the health plan company, has provided notice to the health plan company of termination of the existing contract.

(1) a sufficient number of providers of that type, including but not limited to the provider types identified in paragraph (a); or

(2) a sufficient number of providers of mental health services in the aggregate.

Sec. 42. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 62Q.19, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Designation. (a) The commissioner shall designate essential community providers. The criteria for essential community provider designation shall be the following:

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(1) a demonstrated ability to integrate applicable supportive and stabilizing services with medical care for uninsured persons and high-risk and special needs populations, underserved, and other special needs populations; and

(2) a commitment to serve low-income and underserved populations by meeting the following requirements:

(i) has nonprofit status in accordance with chapter 317A;

(ii) has tax-exempt status in accordance with the Internal Revenue Service Code, section 501(c)(3);

(iii) charges for services on a sliding fee schedule based on current poverty income guidelines; and

(iv) does not restrict access or services because of a client's financial limitation;

(3) status as a local government unit as defined in section 62D.02, subdivision 11, a hospital district created or reorganized under sections 447.31 to 447.37, an Indian Tribal government, an Indian health service unit, or a community health board as defined in chapter 145A;

(4) a former state hospital that specializes in the treatment of cerebral palsy, spina bifida, epilepsy, closed head injuries, specialized orthopedic problems, and other disabling conditions;

(5) a sole community hospital. For these rural hospitals, the essential community provider designation applies to all health services provided, including both inpatient and outpatient services. For purposes of this section, "sole community hospital" means a rural hospital that:

(i) is eligible to be classified as a sole community hospital according to Code of Federal Regulations, title 42, section 412.92, or is located in a community with a population of less than 5,000 and located more than 25 miles from a like hospital currently providing acute short-term services;

(ii) has experienced net operating income losses in two of the previous three most recent consecutive hospital fiscal years for which audited financial information is available; and

(iii) consists of 40 or fewer licensed beds;

(6) a birth center licensed under section 144.615; or

(7) a hospital and affiliated specialty clinics that predominantly serve patients who are under 21 years of age and meet the following criteria:

(i) provide intensive specialty pediatric services that are routinely provided in fewer than five hospitals in the state; and

(ii) serve children from at least one-half of the counties in the state.; or

(8) a psychiatric residential treatment facility, as defined in section 256B.0625, subdivision 45a, paragraph (b), that is certified by the commissioner of health and licensed by the commissioner of human services.

(b) Prior to designation, the commissioner shall publish the names of all applicants in the State Register. The public shall have 30 days from the date of publication to submit written comments to the commissioner on the application. No designation shall be made by the commissioner until the 30-day period has expired.

(c) The commissioner may designate an eligible provider as an essential community provider for all the services offered by that provider or for specific services designated by the commissioner.

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(d) For the purpose of this subdivision, supportive and stabilizing services include at a minimum, transportation, child care, cultural, and linguistic services where appropriate.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective January 1, 2025, and applies to health plans offered, issued, or renewed on or after that date.

Sec. 43. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 62Q.46, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Coverage for preventive items and services. (a) "Preventive items and services" has the meaning specified in the Affordable Care Act. Preventive items and services includes:

(1) evidence-based items or services that have in effect a rating of A or B in the current recommendations of the United States Preventive Services Task Force with respect to the individual involved;

(2) immunizations for routine use in children, adolescents, and adults that have in effect a recommendation from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention with respect to the individual involved. For purposes of this clause, a recommendation from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is considered in effect after the recommendation has been adopted by the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and a recommendation is considered to be for routine use if the recommendation is listed on the Immunization Schedules of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention;

(3) with respect to infants, children, and adolescents, evidence-informed preventive care and screenings provided for in comprehensive guidelines supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration;

(4) with respect to women, additional preventive care and screenings that are not listed with a rating of A or B by the United States Preventive Services Task Force but that are provided for in comprehensive guidelines supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration;

(5) all contraceptive methods established in guidelines published by the United States Food and Drug Administration;

(6) screenings for human immunodeficiency virus for:

(i) all individuals at least 15 years of age but less than 65 years of age; and

(ii) all other individuals with increased risk of human immunodeficiency virus infection according to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control;

(7) all preexposure prophylaxis when used for the prevention or treatment of human immunodeficiency virus, including but not limited to all preexposure prophylaxis, as defined in any guidance by the United States Preventive Services Task Force or the Centers for Disease Control, including the June 11, 2019, Preexposure Prophylaxis for the Prevention of HIV Infection United States Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement; and

(8) all postexposure prophylaxis when used for the prevention or treatment of human immunodeficiency virus, including but not limited to all postexposure prophylaxis, as defined in any guidance by the United States Preventive Services Task Force or the Centers for Disease Control.

(b) A health plan company must provide coverage for preventive items and services at a participating provider without imposing cost-sharing requirements, including a deductible, coinsurance, or co-payment. Nothing in this section prohibits a health plan company that has a network of providers from excluding coverage or imposing cost‑sharing requirements for preventive items or services that are delivered by an out-of-network provider.

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(c) A health plan company is not required to provide coverage for any items or services specified in any recommendation or guideline described in paragraph (a) if the recommendation or guideline is no longer included as a preventive item or service as defined in paragraph (a). Annually, a health plan company must determine whether any additional items or services must be covered without cost-sharing requirements or whether any items or services are no longer required to be covered.

(d) Nothing in this section prevents a health plan company from using reasonable medical management techniques to determine the frequency, method, treatment, or setting for a preventive item or service to the extent not specified in the recommendation or guideline.

(e) This section does not apply to grandfathered plans.

(f) This section does not apply to plans offered by the Minnesota Comprehensive Health Association.

Sec. 44. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 62Q.46, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Additional services not prohibited. Nothing in this section prohibits a health plan company from providing coverage for preventive items and services in addition to those specified ~~in the Affordable Care Act~~ under subdivision 1, paragraph (a), or from denying coverage for preventive items and services that are not recommended as preventive items and services specified under ~~the Affordable Care Act~~ subdivision 1, paragraph (a). A health plan company may impose cost-sharing requirements for a treatment not described ~~in the Affordable Care Act~~ under subdivision 1, paragraph (a), even if the treatment results from a preventive item or service described ~~in the Affordable Care Act~~ under subdivision 1, paragraph (a).

Sec. 45. [62Q.465] MENTAL HEALTH PARITY AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE.

(a) The Mental Health Parity and Substance Abuse Accountability Office is established within the Department of Commerce to create and execute effective strategies for implementing the requirements under:

(1) section 62Q.47;

(2) the federal Mental Health Parity Act of 1996, Public Law 104-204;

(3) the federal Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008, Public Law 110-343, division C, sections 511 and 512;

(4) the Affordable Care Act, as defined under section 62A.011, subdivision 1a; and

(5) amendments made to, and federal guidance or regulations issued or adopted under, the acts listed under clauses (2) to (4).

(b) The office may oversee compliance reviews, conduct and lead stakeholder engagement, review consumer and provider complaints, and serve as a resource for ensuring health plan compliance with mental health and substance abuse requirements.

Sec. 46. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 62Q.47, is amended to read:

62Q.47 ALCOHOLISM, MENTAL HEALTH, AND CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY SERVICES.

(a) All health plans, as defined in section 62Q.01, that provide coverage for alcoholism, mental health, or chemical dependency services, must comply with the requirements of this section.

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(b) Cost-sharing requirements and benefit or service limitations for outpatient mental health and outpatient chemical dependency and alcoholism services, except for persons placed in chemical dependency services under Minnesota Rules, parts 9530.6600 to 9530.6655, must not place a greater financial burden on the insured or enrollee, or be more restrictive than those requirements and limitations for outpatient medical services.

(c) Cost-sharing requirements and benefit or service limitations for inpatient hospital mental health services, psychiatric residential treatment facility services, and inpatient hospital and residential chemical dependency and alcoholism services, except for persons placed in chemical dependency services under Minnesota Rules, parts 9530.6600 to 9530.6655, must not place a greater financial burden on the insured or enrollee, or be more restrictive than those requirements and limitations for inpatient hospital medical services.

(d) A health plan company must not impose an NQTL with respect to mental health and substance use disorders in any classification of benefits unless, under the terms of the health plan as written and in operation, any processes, strategies, evidentiary standards, or other factors used in applying the NQTL to mental health and substance use disorders in the classification are comparable to, and are applied no more stringently than, the processes, strategies, evidentiary standards, or other factors used in applying the NQTL with respect to medical and surgical benefits in the same classification.

(e) All health plans must meet the requirements of the federal Mental Health Parity Act of 1996, Public Law 104-204; Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008; the Affordable Care Act; and any amendments to, and federal guidance or regulations issued under, those acts.

(f) The commissioner may require information from health plan companies to confirm that mental health parity is being implemented by the health plan company. Information required may include comparisons between mental health and substance use disorder treatment and other medical conditions, including a comparison of prior authorization requirements, drug formulary design, claim denials, rehabilitation services, and other information the commissioner deems appropriate.

(g) Regardless of the health care provider's professional license, if the service provided is consistent with the provider's scope of practice and the health plan company's credentialing and contracting provisions, mental health therapy visits and medication maintenance visits shall be considered primary care visits for the purpose of applying any enrollee cost-sharing requirements imposed under the enrollee's health plan.

(h) All health plan companies offering health plans that provide coverage for alcoholism, mental health, or chemical dependency benefits shall provide reimbursement for the benefits delivered through the psychiatric Collaborative Care Model, which must include the following Current Procedural Terminology or Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System billing codes:

(1) 99492;

(2) 99493;

(3) 99494;

(4) G2214; and

(5) G0512.

This paragraph 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.

(i) The commissioner of commerce shall update the list of codes in paragraph (h) if any alterations or additions to the billing codes for the psychiatric Collaborative Care Model are made.

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(j) "Psychiatric Collaborative Care Model" means the evidence-based, integrated behavioral health service delivery method described at Federal Register, volume 81, page 80230, which includes a formal collaborative arrangement among a primary care team consisting of a primary care provider, a care manager, and a psychiatric consultant, and includes but is not limited to the following elements:

(1) care directed by the primary care team;

(2) structured care management;

(3) regular assessments of clinical status using validated tools; and

(4) modification of treatment as appropriate.

~~(h)~~ (k) By June 1 of each year, beginning June 1, 2021, the commissioner of commerce, in consultation with the commissioner of health, shall submit a report on compliance and oversight to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over health and commerce. The report must:

(1) describe the commissioner's process for reviewing health plan company compliance with United States Code, title 42, section 18031(j), any federal regulations or guidance relating to compliance and oversight, and compliance with this section and section 62Q.53;

(2) identify any enforcement actions taken by either commissioner during the preceding 12-month period regarding compliance with parity for mental health and substance use disorders benefits under state and federal law, summarizing the results of any market conduct examinations. The summary must include: (i) the number of formal enforcement actions taken; (ii) the benefit classifications examined in each enforcement action; and (iii) the subject matter of each enforcement action, including quantitative and nonquantitative treatment limitations;

(3) detail any corrective action taken by either commissioner to ensure health plan company compliance with this section, section 62Q.53, and United States Code, title 42, section 18031(j); and

(4) describe the information provided by either commissioner to the public about alcoholism, mental health, or chemical dependency parity protections under state and federal law.

The report must be written in nontechnical, readily understandable language and must be made available to the public by, among other means as the commissioners find appropriate, posting the report on department websites. Individually identifiable information must be excluded from the report, consistent with state and federal privacy protections.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective January 1, 2025, and applies to health plans offered, issued, or renewed on or after that date.

Sec. 47. [62Q.481] COST-SHARING FOR PRESCRIPTION DRUGS AND RELATED MEDICAL SUPPLIES TO TREAT CHRONIC DISEASE.

Subdivision 1. Cost-sharing limits. (a) A health plan must limit the amount of any enrollee cost-sharing for prescription drugs prescribed to treat a chronic disease to no more than: (1) $25 per one-month supply for each prescription drug, regardless of the amount or type of medication required to fill the prescription; and (2) $50 per month in total for all related medical supplies. The cost-sharing limit for related medical supplies does not increase with the number of chronic diseases for which an enrollee is treated. Coverage under this section shall not be subject to any deductible.

(b) If application of this section before an enrollee has met the enrollee's plan deductible results in: (1) health savings account ineligibility under United States Code, title 26, section 223; or (2) catastrophic health plan ineligibility under United States Code, title 42, section 18022(e), this section applies to the specific prescription drug or related medical supply only after the enrollee has met the enrollee's plan deductible.

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Subd. 2. Definitions. (a) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply.

(b) "Chronic disease" means diabetes, asthma, and allergies requiring the use of epinephrine auto-injectors.

(d) "Related medical supplies" means syringes, insulin pens, insulin pumps, test strips, glucometers, continuous glucose monitors, epinephrine auto-injectors, asthma inhalers, and other medical supply items necessary to effectively and appropriately treat a chronic disease or administer a prescription drug prescribed to treat a chronic disease.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective January 1, 2025, and applies to health plans offered, issued, or renewed on or after that date.

Sec. 48. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 62Q.735, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Contract disclosure. (a) Before requiring a health care provider to sign a contract, a health plan company shall give to the provider a complete copy of the proposed contract, including:

(1) all attachments and exhibits;

(2) operating manuals;

(3) a general description of the health plan company's health service coding guidelines and requirement for procedures and diagnoses with modifiers, and multiple procedures; and

(4) all guidelines and treatment parameters incorporated or referenced in the contract.

(b) The health plan company shall make available to the provider the fee schedule or a method or process that allows the provider to determine the fee schedule for each health care service to be provided under the contract.

(c) Notwithstanding paragraph (b), a health plan company that is a dental plan organization, as defined in section 62Q.76, shall disclose information related to the individual contracted provider's expected reimbursement from the dental plan organization. Nothing in this section requires a dental plan organization to disclose the plan's aggregate maximum allowable fee table used to determine other providers' fees. The contracted provider must not release this information in any way that would violate any state or federal antitrust law.

Sec. 49. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 62Q.735, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5. Fee schedules. ~~(a)~~ A health plan company shall provide, upon request, any additional fees or fee schedules relevant to the particular provider's practice beyond those provided with the renewal documents for the next contract year to all participating providers, excluding claims paid under the pharmacy benefit. Health plan companies may fulfill the requirements of this section by making the full fee schedules available through a secure web portal for contracted providers.

~~(b) A dental organization may satisfy paragraph (a) by complying with section 62Q.735, subdivision 1, paragraph (c).~~

Sec. 50. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 62Q.76, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 9. Third party. "Third party" means a person or entity that enters into a contract with a dental organization or with another third party to gain access to the dental care services or contractual discounts under a dental provider contract. Third party does not include an enrollee of a dental organization or an employer or other group for whom the dental organization provides administrative services.

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EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective January 1, 2024, and applies to dental plans and dental provider agreements offered, issued, or renewed on or after that date.

Sec. 51. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 62Q.78, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 7. Method of payments. A dental provider contract must include a method of payment for dental care services in which no fees associated with the method of payment, including credit card fees and fees related to payment in the form of digital or virtual currency, are incurred by the dentist or dental clinic. Any fees that may be incurred from a payment must be disclosed to a dentist prior to entering into or renewing a dental provider contract. For purposes of this section, fees related to a provider's electronic claims processing vendor, financial institution, or other vendor used by a provider to facilitate the submission of claims are excluded.

Sec. 52. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 62Q.78, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 8. Network leasing. (a) A dental organization may grant a third party access to a dental provider contract or a provider's dental care services or contractual discounts provided pursuant to a dental provider contract if, at the time the dental provider contract is entered into or renewed, the dental organization allows a dentist to choose not to participate in third-party access to the dental provider contract without any penalty to the dentist. The third-party access provision of the dental provider contract must be clearly identified. A dental organization must not grant a third party access to the dental provider contract of any dentist who does not participate in third-party access to the dental provider contract.

(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), if a dental organization exists solely for the purpose of recruiting dentists for dental provider contracts that establish a network to be leased to third parties, the dentist waives the right to choose whether to participate in third-party access.

(c) A dental organization may grant a third party access to a dental provider contract, or a dentist's dental care services or contractual discounts under a dental provider contract, if the following requirements are met:

(1) the dental organization lists all third parties that may have access to the dental provider contract on the dental organization's website, which must be updated at least once every 90 days;

(2) the dental provider contract states that the dental organization may enter into an agreement with a third party that would allow the third party to obtain the dental organization's rights and responsibilities as if the third party were the dental organization, and the dentist chose to participate in third-party access at the time the dental provider contract was entered into; and

(3) the third party accessing the dental provider contract agrees to comply with all applicable terms of the dental provider contract.

(d) A dentist is not bound by and is not required to perform dental care services under a dental provider contract granted to a third party in violation of this section.

(e) This subdivision does not apply when:

(1) the dental provider contract is for dental services provided under a public health plan program, including but not limited to medical assistance, MinnesotaCare, Medicare, or Medicare Advantage; or

(2) access to a dental provider contract is granted to a dental organization, an entity operating in accordance with the same brand licensee program as the dental organization or other entity, or to an entity that is an affiliate of the dental organization, provided the entity agrees to substantially similar terms and conditions as the originating dental provider contract between the dental organization and the dentist or dental clinic. A list of the dental organization's affiliates must be posted on the dental organization's website.

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Sec. 53. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 62Q.81, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4. Essential health benefits; definition. For purposes of this section, "essential health benefits" has the meaning given under section 1302(b) of the Affordable Care Act and includes:

(1) ambulatory patient services;

(2) emergency services;

(3) hospitalization;

(4) laboratory services;

(5) maternity and newborn care;

(6) mental health and substance use disorder services, including behavioral health treatment;

(7) pediatric services, including oral and vision care;

(8) prescription drugs;

(9) preventive and wellness services and chronic disease management;

(10) rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices; and

(11) additional essential health benefits included in the EHB-benchmark plan, as defined under the Affordable Care Act, and preventive items and services, as defined under section 62Q.46, subdivision 1, paragraph (a).

Sec. 54. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 62Q.81, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 7. Standard plans. (a) A health plan company that offers individual health plans must ensure that no less than one individual health plan at each level of coverage described in subdivision 1, paragraph (b), clause (3), that the health plan company offers in each geographic rating area the health plan company serves conforms to the standard plan parameters determined by the commissioner under paragraph (e).

(b) An individual health plan offered under this subdivision must be:

(1) clearly and appropriately labeled as standard plans to aid the purchaser in the selection process;

(2) marketed as standard plans and in the same manner as other individual health plans offered by the health plan company; and

(3) offered for purchase to any individual.

(c) This subdivision does not apply to catastrophic plans, grandfathered plans, small group health plans, large group health plans, health savings accounts, qualified high deductible health benefit plans, limited health benefit plans, or short-term limited-duration health insurance policies.

(d) Health plan companies must meet the requirements in this subdivision separately for plans offered through MNsure under chapter 62V and plans offered outside of MNsure.

(e) The commissioner of commerce, in consultation with the commissioner of health, must annually determine standard plan parameters, including but not limited to cost-sharing structure and covered benefits, that comprise a standard plan in Minnesota.

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(f) Notwithstanding section 62A.65, subdivision 2, a health plan company may discontinue offering a health plan under this subdivision if, three years after the date the plan is initially offered, the plan has fewer than 75 enrollees. A health plan company discontinuing a health plan under this paragraph may discontinue a health plan that has fewer than 75 enrollees if it:

(1) provides notice of the plan's discontinuation in writing, in a form prescribed by the commissioner, to each enrollee of the plan at least 90 calendar days before the date the coverage is discontinued;

(2) offers on a guaranteed issue basis to each enrollee the option to purchase an individual health plan currently being offered by the health plan company for individuals in that geographic rating area. An enrollee who does not select an option shall be automatically enrolled in the individual health plan closest in actuarial value to the enrollee's current plan; and

(3) acts uniformly without regard to any health status-related factor of an enrollee or an enrollee's dependents who may become eligible for coverage.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective January 1, 2025, and applies to individual health plans offered, issued, or renewed on or after that date.

Sec. 55. [62W.15] CLINICIAN-ADMINISTERED DRUGS.

Subdivision 1. Definitions. (a) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply.

(b) "Affiliated pharmacy" means a pharmacy in which a pharmacy benefit manager or health carrier has an ownership interest either directly or indirectly, or through an affiliate or subsidiary.

(1) cannot reasonably be self-administered by the patient to whom the drug is prescribed or by an individual assisting the patient with self-administration; and

(2) is typically administered:

(i) by a health care provider authorized to administer the drug, including when acting under a physician's delegation and supervision; and

(ii) in a physician's office, hospital outpatient infusion center, or other clinical setting.

Subd. 2. Safety and care requirements for clinician-administered drugs. (a) A specialty pharmacy that ships a clinician-administered drug to a health care provider or pharmacy must:

(1) comply with all federal laws regulating the shipment of drugs, including but not limited to the United States Pharmacopeia General Chapter 800;

(2) in response to questions from a health care provider or pharmacy, provide access to a pharmacist or nurse employed by the specialty pharmacy 24 hours a day, seven days a week;

(3) allow an enrollee and health care provider to request a refill of a clinician-administered drug on behalf of an enrollee, in accordance with the pharmacy benefit manager or health carrier's utilization review procedures; and

(4) adhere to the track and trace requirements, as defined in the Drug Supply Chain Security Act, United States Code, title 21, section 360eee, et seq., for a clinician-administered drug that needs to be compounded or manipulated.

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(b) For any clinician-administered drug dispensed by a specialty pharmacy selected by the pharmacy benefit manager or health carrier, the requesting health care provider or their designee must provide the requested date, approximate time, and place of delivery of a clinician-administered drug at least five business days before the date of delivery. The specialty pharmacy must require a signature upon receipt of the shipment when shipped to a health care provider.

(c) A pharmacy benefit manager or health carrier who requires dispensing of a clinician-administered drug through a specialty pharmacy shall establish and disclose a process that allows the health care provider or pharmacy to appeal and have exceptions to the use of a specialty pharmacy when:

(1) a drug is not delivered as specified in paragraph (b); or

(2) an attending health care provider reasonably believes an enrollee may experience immediate and irreparable harm without the immediate, onetime use of a clinician-administered drug that a health care provider or pharmacy has in stock.

(d) A pharmacy benefit manager or health carrier shall not require a specialty pharmacy to dispense a clinician‑administered drug directly to an enrollee with the intention that the enrollee will transport the clinician‑administered drug to a health care provider for administration.

(e) A pharmacy benefit manager, health carrier, health care provider, or pharmacist shall not require or may not deny the use of a home infusion or infusion site external to the enrollee's provider office or clinic to dispense or administer a clinician-administered drug when requested by an enrollee, and such services are covered by the health plan and are available and clinically appropriate as determined by the health care provider and delivered in accordance with state law.

Subd. 3. Exclusions. 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, 2024, and applies to health plans offered, issued, or renewed on or after that date.

Sec. 56. [65A.298] HOMEOWNER'S INSURANCE; FORTIFIED PROGRAM STANDARDS.

Subdivision 1. Definitions. (a) For purposes of this section the following term has the meaning given.

(b) "Insurable property" means a residential property designated as meeting Fortified program standards that include a hail supplement as administered by the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS).

Subd. 2. Fortified new property. (a) An insurer must provide a premium discount or an insurance rate reduction to an owner who builds or locates a new insurable property in Minnesota.

(b) An owner of insurable property claiming a premium discount or rate reduction under this subdivision must submit and maintain a certificate issued by IBHS showing proof of compliance with the Fortified program standards to the insurer prior to receiving the premium discount or rate reduction. At the time of policy renewal an insurer may require evidence that the issued certificate remains in good standing.

Subd. 3. Fortified existing property. (a) An insurer must provide a premium discount or insurance rate reduction to an owner who retrofits an existing property to meet the requirements to be an insurable property in Minnesota.

(b) An owner of insurable property claiming a premium discount or rate reduction under this subdivision must submit a certificate issued by IBHS showing proof of compliance with the Fortified program standards to the insurer prior to receiving the premium discount or rate reduction.

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Subd. 4. Insurers. (a) A participating insurer must submit to the commissioner actuarially justified rates and a rating plan for a person who builds or locates a new insurable property in Minnesota.

(b) A participating insurer must submit to the commissioner actuarially justified rates and a rating plan for a person who retrofits an existing property to meet the requirements to be an insurable property.

(c) A participating insurer may offer, in addition to the premium discount and insurance rate reductions required under subdivisions 2 and 3, more generous mitigation adjustments to an owner of insurable property.

(d) Any premium discount, rate reduction, or mitigation adjustment offered by an insurer under this section applies only to policies that include wind coverage and may be applied to: (1) only the portion of the premium for wind coverage; or (2) the total premium, if the insurer does not separate the premium for wind coverage in the insurer's rate filing.

(e) A rate and rating plan submitted to the commissioner under this section must not be used until 60 days after the rate and rating plan has been filed with the commissioner, unless the commissioner approves the rate and rating plan before that time. A rating plan, rating classification, and territories applicable to insurance written by a participating insurer and any related statistics are subject to chapter 70A. When the commissioner is evaluating rate and rating plans submitted under this section, the commissioner must evaluate:

(i) evidence of cost savings directly attributable to the Fortified program standards as administered by IBHS; and

(ii) whether the cost savings are passed along in full to qualified policyholders.

(f) A participating insurer must resubmit a rate and rating plan at least once every five years following the initial submission under this section.

(g) The commissioner may annually publish the premium savings that policyholders experience pursuant to this section.

(h) An insurer must provide the commissioner with all requested information necessary for the commissioner to meet the requirements of this subdivision.

Sec. 57. [65A.299] STRENGTHEN MINNESOTA HOMES PROGRAM.

Subdivision 1. Short title. This section may be cited as the "Strengthen Minnesota Homes Act."

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

(b) "Insurable property" has the meaning given in section 65A.298, subdivision 1.

Subd. 3. Program established; purpose, permitted activities. The Strengthen Minnesota Homes program is established within the Department of Commerce. The purpose of the program is to provide grants to retrofit insurable property to resist loss due to common perils, including but not limited to tornadoes or other catastrophic windstorm events.

Subd. 4. Strengthen Minnesota homes account; appropriation. (a) A strengthen Minnesota homes account is created as a separate account in the special revenue fund of the state treasury. The account consists of money provided by law and any other money donated, allotted, transferred, or otherwise provided to the account. Earnings, including interest, dividends, and any other earnings arising from assets of the account, must be credited to the account. Money remaining in the account at the end of a fiscal year does not cancel to the general fund and remains in the account until expended. The commissioner must manage the account.

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(b) Money in the account is appropriated to the commissioner to pay for (1) grants issued under the program, and (2) the reasonable costs incurred by the commissioner to administer the program.

Subd. 5. Use of grants. (a) A grant under this section must be used to retrofit an insurable property.

(b) Grant money provided under this section must not be used for maintenance or repairs, but may be used in conjunction with repairs or reconstruction necessitated by damage from wind or hail.

(c) A project funded by a grant under this section must be completed within three months of the date the grant is approved. Failure to complete the project in a timely manner may result in forfeiture of the grant.

Subd. 6. Applicant eligibility. The commissioner must develop (1) administrative procedures to implement this section, and (2) criteria used to determine whether an applicant is eligible for a grant under this section.

Subd. 7. Contractor eligibility; conflicts of interest. (a) To be eligible to work as a contractor on a projected funded by a grant under this section, the contractor must meet all of the following program requirements and must maintain a current copy of all certificates, licenses, and proof of insurance coverage with the program office. The eligible contractor must:

(1) hold a valid residential building contractor and residential remodeler license issued by the commissioner of labor and industry;

(2) not be subject to disciplinary action by the commissioner of labor and industry;

(3) hold any other valid state or jurisdictional business license or work permits required by law;

(4) possess an in-force general liability policy with $1,000,000 in liability coverage;

(5) possess an in-force workers compensation policy;

(6) possess a certificate of compliance from the commissioner of revenue;

(7) successfully complete the Fortified Roof for High Wind and Hail training provided by the IBHS and maintain an active certification. The training may be offered as separate courses;

(8) agree to the terms and successfully register as a vendor with the commissioner of management and budget and receive direct deposit of payment for mitigation work performed under the program;

(9) maintain Internet access and keep a valid email address on file with the program and remain active in the commissioner of management and budget's vendor and supplier portal while working on the program;

(10) maintain an active email address for the communication with the program;

(11) successfully complete the program training; and

(12) agree to follow program procedures and rules established under this section and by the commissioner.

(b) An eligible contractor must not have a financial interest, other than payment on behalf of the homeowner, in any project for which the eligible contractor performs work toward a fortified designation under the program. An eligible contractor is prohibited from acting as the evaluator for a fortified designation on any project funded by the program. An eligible contractor must report to the commissioner regarding any potential conflict of interest before work commences on any job funded by the program.

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Subd. 8. Evaluator eligibility; conflicts of interest. (a) To be eligible to work on the program as an evaluator, the evaluator must meet all program eligibility requirements and must submit to the commissioner and maintain a copy of all current certificates and licenses. The evaluator must:

(1) be in good standing with IBHS and maintain an active certification as a fortified home evaluator for high wind and hail or a successor certification;

(2) possess a Minnesota business license and be registered with the secretary of state; and

(3) successfully complete the program training.

(b) An evaluator must not have a financial interest in any project that the evaluator inspects for designation purposes for the program. An evaluator must not be an eligible contractor or supplier of any material, product, or system installed in any home that the evaluator inspects for designation purposes for the program. An evaluator must not be a sales agent for any home being designated for the program. An evaluator must inform the commissioner of any potential conflict of interest impacting the evaluator's participation in the program.

Subd. 9. Grant approval; allocation. (a) The commissioner must review all applications for completeness and must perform appropriate audits to verify (1) the accuracy of the information on the application, and (2) that the applicant meets all eligibility rules. All verified applicants must be placed in the order the application was received. Grants must be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to availability of money for the program.

(b) When a grant is approved, an approval letter must be sent to the applicant.

(d) In order to assure equitable distribution of grants in proportion to the income demographics in counties where the program is made available, grant applications must be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. The commissioner may establish pilot projects as needed to establish a sustainable program distribution system in any geographic area within Minnesota.

Subd. 10. Grant award process; release of grant money. (a) After a grant application is approved, the eligible contractor selected by the homeowner may begin the mitigation work.

(b) Once the mitigation work is completed, the eligible contractor must submit a copy of the signed contract to the commissioner, along with an invoice seeking payment and an affidavit stating the fortified standards were met by the work.

(c) The IBHS evaluator must conduct all required evaluations, including a required interim inspection during construction and the final inspection, and must confirm that the work was completed according to the mitigation specifications.

(d) Grant money must be released on behalf of an approved applicant only after a fortified designation certificate has been issued for the home. The program or another designated entity must, on behalf of the homeowner, directly pay the eligible contractor that performed the mitigation work. The program or the program's designated entity must pay the eligible contractor the costs covered by the grant. The homeowner must pay the eligible contractor for the remaining cost after receiving an IBHS fortified certificate.

(e) The program must confirm that the homeowner's insurer provides the appropriate premium discount.

(f) The program must conduct random reinspections to detect any fraud and must submit any irregularities to the attorney general.

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Subd. 11. Limitations. (a) This section does not create an entitlement for property owners or obligate the state of Minnesota to pay for residential property in Minnesota to be inspected or retrofitted. The program under this section is subject to legislative appropriations, the receipt of federal grants or money, or the receipt of other sources of grants or money. The department may obtain grants or other money from the federal government or other funding sources to support and enhance program activities.

(b) All mitigation under this section is contingent upon securing all required local permits and applicable inspections to comply with local building codes and applicable Fortified program standards. A mitigation project receiving a grant under this section is subject to random reinspection at a later date.

Sec. 58. [65A.303] HOMEOWNER'S LIABILITY INSURANCE; DOGS.

Subdivision 1. Discrimination prohibited. An insurer writing homeowner's insurance for property is prohibited from (1) refusing to issue or renew an insurance policy or contract, or (2) canceling an insurance policy or contract based solely on the fact that the homeowner harbors or owns one dog of a specific breed or mixture of breeds.

Subd. 2. Exception. (a) Subdivision 1 does not prohibit an insurer from (1) refusing to issue or renew an insurance policy or contract, (2) canceling an insurance policy or contract, or (3) imposing a reasonably increased premium or rate for an insurance policy or contract based on a dog meeting the criteria of a dangerous dog or potentially dangerous dog under section 347.50, or based on sound underwriting and actuarial principles that are reasonably related to actual or anticipated loss experience.

(b) Subdivision 1 does not prohibit an insurer from (1) refusing to issue or renew an insurance policy or contract, (2) canceling an insurance policy or contract, or (3) imposing a reasonably increased premium or rate for an insurance policy or contract if the dog has a history of causing bodily injury or if the dog owner has a history of owning other animals who caused bodily injury.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective April 1, 2024, and applies to insurance policies and contracts offered, issued, or sold after that date.

Sec. 59. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 65B.49, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 10. Time limitations. (a) Unless expressly provided for in this chapter, a plan of reparation security must conform to the six-year time limitation provided under section 541.05, subdivision 1, clause (1).

(b) The time limitation for commencing a cause of action relating to underinsured motorist coverage under subdivision 3a is four years from the date of accrual.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2023, and applies to contracts issued or renewed on or after that date.

Sec. 60. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 151.071, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Forms of disciplinary action. When the board finds that a licensee, registrant, or applicant has engaged in conduct prohibited under subdivision 2, it may do one or more of the following:

(1) deny the issuance of a license or registration;

(2) refuse to renew a license or registration;

(3) revoke the license or registration;

(4) suspend the license or registration;

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(5) impose limitations, conditions, or both on the license or registration, including but not limited to: the limitation of practice to designated settings; the limitation of the scope of practice within designated settings; the imposition of retraining or rehabilitation requirements; the requirement of practice under supervision; the requirement of participation in a diversion program such as that established pursuant to section 214.31 or the conditioning of continued practice on demonstration of knowledge or skills by appropriate examination or other review of skill and competence;

(6) impose a civil penalty not exceeding $10,000 for each separate violation, except that a civil penalty not exceeding $25,000 may be imposed for each separate violation of section 62J.842, the amount of the civil penalty to be fixed so as to deprive a licensee or registrant of any economic advantage gained by reason of the violation, to discourage similar violations by the licensee or registrant or any other licensee or registrant, or to reimburse the board for the cost of the investigation and proceeding, including but not limited to, fees paid for services provided by the Office of Administrative Hearings, legal and investigative services provided by the Office of the Attorney General, court reporters, witnesses, reproduction of records, board members' per diem compensation, board staff time, and travel costs and expenses incurred by board staff and board members; and

(7) reprimand the licensee or registrant.

Sec. 61. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 151.071, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Grounds for disciplinary action. The following conduct is prohibited and is grounds for disciplinary action:

(1) failure to demonstrate the qualifications or satisfy the requirements for a license or registration contained in this chapter or the rules of the board. The burden of proof is on the applicant to demonstrate such qualifications or satisfaction of such requirements;

(2) obtaining a license by fraud or by misleading the board in any way during the application process or obtaining a license by cheating, or attempting to subvert the licensing examination process. Conduct that subverts or attempts to subvert the licensing examination process includes, but is not limited to: (i) conduct that violates the security of the examination materials, such as removing examination materials from the examination room or having unauthorized possession of any portion of a future, current, or previously administered licensing examination; (ii) conduct that violates the standard of test administration, such as communicating with another examinee during administration of the examination, copying another examinee's answers, permitting another examinee to copy one's answers, or possessing unauthorized materials; or (iii) impersonating an examinee or permitting an impersonator to take the examination on one's own behalf;

(3) for a pharmacist, pharmacy technician, pharmacist intern, applicant for a pharmacist or pharmacy license, or applicant for a pharmacy technician or pharmacist intern registration, conviction of a felony reasonably related to the practice of pharmacy. Conviction as used in this subdivision includes a conviction of an offense that if committed in this state would be deemed a felony without regard to its designation elsewhere, or a criminal proceeding where a finding or verdict of guilt is made or returned but the adjudication of guilt is either withheld or not entered thereon. The board may delay the issuance of a new license or registration if the applicant has been charged with a felony until the matter has been adjudicated;

(4) for a facility, other than a pharmacy, licensed or registered by the board, if an owner or applicant is convicted of a felony reasonably related to the operation of the facility. The board may delay the issuance of a new license or registration if the owner or applicant has been charged with a felony until the matter has been adjudicated;

(5) for a controlled substance researcher, conviction of a felony reasonably related to controlled substances or to the practice of the researcher's profession. The board may delay the issuance of a registration if the applicant has been charged with a felony until the matter has been adjudicated;

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(6) disciplinary action taken by another state or by one of this state's health licensing agencies:

(i) revocation, suspension, restriction, limitation, or other disciplinary action against a license or registration in another state or jurisdiction, failure to report to the board that charges or allegations regarding the person's license or registration have been brought in another state or jurisdiction, or having been refused a license or registration by any other state or jurisdiction. The board may delay the issuance of a new license or registration if an investigation or disciplinary action is pending in another state or jurisdiction until the investigation or action has been dismissed or otherwise resolved; and

(ii) revocation, suspension, restriction, limitation, or other disciplinary action against a license or registration issued by another of this state's health licensing agencies, failure to report to the board that charges regarding the person's license or registration have been brought by another of this state's health licensing agencies, or having been refused a license or registration by another of this state's health licensing agencies. The board may delay the issuance of a new license or registration if a disciplinary action is pending before another of this state's health licensing agencies until the action has been dismissed or otherwise resolved;

(7) for a pharmacist, pharmacy, pharmacy technician, or pharmacist intern, violation of any order of the board, of any of the provisions of this chapter or any rules of the board or violation of any federal, state, or local law or rule reasonably pertaining to the practice of pharmacy;

(8) for a facility, other than a pharmacy, licensed by the board, violations of any order of the board, of any of the provisions of this chapter or the rules of the board or violation of any federal, state, or local law relating to the operation of the facility;

(9) engaging in any unethical conduct; conduct likely to deceive, defraud, or harm the public, or demonstrating a willful or careless disregard for the health, welfare, or safety of a patient; or pharmacy practice that is professionally incompetent, in that it may create unnecessary danger to any patient's life, health, or safety, in any of which cases, proof of actual injury need not be established;

(10) aiding or abetting an unlicensed person in the practice of pharmacy, except that it is not a violation of this clause for a pharmacist to supervise a properly registered pharmacy technician or pharmacist intern if that person is performing duties allowed by this chapter or the rules of the board;

(11) for an individual licensed or registered by the board, adjudication as mentally ill or developmentally disabled, or as a chemically dependent person, a person dangerous to the public, a sexually dangerous person, or a person who has a sexual psychopathic personality, by a court of competent jurisdiction, within or without this state. Such adjudication shall automatically suspend a license for the duration thereof unless the board orders otherwise;

(12) for a pharmacist or pharmacy intern, engaging in unprofessional conduct as specified in the board's rules. In the case of a pharmacy technician, engaging in conduct specified in board rules that would be unprofessional if it were engaged in by a pharmacist or pharmacist intern or performing duties specifically reserved for pharmacists under this chapter or the rules of the board;

(13) for a pharmacy, operation of the pharmacy without a pharmacist present and on duty except as allowed by a variance approved by the board;

(14) for a pharmacist, the inability to practice pharmacy with reasonable skill and safety to patients by reason of illness, use of alcohol, drugs, narcotics, chemicals, or any other type of material or as a result of any mental or physical condition, including deterioration through the aging process or loss of motor skills. In the case of registered pharmacy technicians, pharmacist interns, or controlled substance researchers, the inability to carry out duties allowed under this chapter or the rules of the board with reasonable skill and safety to patients by reason of illness, use of alcohol, drugs, narcotics, chemicals, or any other type of material or as a result of any mental or physical condition, including deterioration through the aging process or loss of motor skills;

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(15) for a pharmacist, pharmacy, pharmacist intern, pharmacy technician, medical gas dispenser, or controlled substance researcher, revealing a privileged communication from or relating to a patient except when otherwise required or permitted by law;

(16) for a pharmacist or pharmacy, improper management of patient records, including failure to maintain adequate patient records, to comply with a patient's request made pursuant to sections 144.291 to 144.298, or to furnish a patient record or report required by law;

(17) fee splitting, including without limitation:

(i) paying, offering to pay, receiving, or agreeing to receive, a commission, rebate, kickback, or other form of remuneration, directly or indirectly, for the referral of patients;

(ii) referring a patient to any health care provider as defined in sections 144.291 to 144.298 in which the licensee or registrant has a financial or economic interest as defined in section 144.6521, subdivision 3, unless the licensee or registrant has disclosed the licensee's or registrant's financial or economic interest in accordance with section 144.6521; and

(iii) any arrangement through which a pharmacy, in which the prescribing practitioner does not have a significant ownership interest, fills a prescription drug order and the prescribing practitioner is involved in any manner, directly or indirectly, in setting the price for the filled prescription that is charged to the patient, the patient's insurer or pharmacy benefit manager, or other person paying for the prescription or, in the case of veterinary patients, the price for the filled prescription that is charged to the client or other person paying for the prescription, except that a veterinarian and a pharmacy may enter into such an arrangement provided that the client or other person paying for the prescription is notified, in writing and with each prescription dispensed, about the arrangement, unless such arrangement involves pharmacy services provided for livestock, poultry, and agricultural production systems, in which case client notification would not be required;

(18) engaging in abusive or fraudulent billing practices, including violations of the federal Medicare and Medicaid laws or state medical assistance laws or rules;

(19) engaging in conduct with a patient that is sexual or may reasonably be interpreted by the patient as sexual, or in any verbal behavior that is seductive or sexually demeaning to a patient;

(20) failure to make reports as required by section 151.072 or to cooperate with an investigation of the board as required by section 151.074;

(21) knowingly providing false or misleading information that is directly related to the care of a patient unless done for an accepted therapeutic purpose such as the dispensing and administration of a placebo;

(22) aiding suicide or aiding attempted suicide in violation of section 609.215 as established by any of the following:

(i) a copy of the record of criminal conviction or plea of guilty for a felony in violation of section 609.215, subdivision 1 or 2;

(ii) a copy of the record of a judgment of contempt of court for violating an injunction issued under section 609.215, subdivision 4;

(iii) a copy of the record of a judgment assessing damages under section 609.215, subdivision 5; or

(iv) a finding by the board that the person violated section 609.215, subdivision 1 or 2. The board must investigate any complaint of a violation of section 609.215, subdivision 1 or 2;

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(23) for a pharmacist, practice of pharmacy under a lapsed or nonrenewed license. For a pharmacist intern, pharmacy technician, or controlled substance researcher, performing duties permitted to such individuals by this chapter or the rules of the board under a lapsed or nonrenewed registration. For a facility required to be licensed under this chapter, operation of the facility under a lapsed or nonrenewed license or registration; ~~and~~

(24) for a pharmacist, pharmacist intern, or pharmacy technician, termination or discharge from the health professionals services program for reasons other than the satisfactory completion of the program.; and

(25) for a manufacturer, a violation of section 62J.842 or 62J.845.

Sec. 62. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 256B.0631, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Cost-sharing. (a) Except as provided in subdivision 2, the medical assistance benefit plan shall include the following cost-sharing for all recipients~~, effective for services provided on or after September 1, 2011~~:

(1) $3 per nonpreventive visit, except as provided in paragraph (b). For purposes of this subdivision, a visit means an episode of service which is required because of a recipient's symptoms, diagnosis, or established illness, and which is delivered in an ambulatory setting by a physician or physician assistant, chiropractor, podiatrist, nurse midwife, advanced practice nurse, audiologist, optician, or optometrist;

(2) $3.50 for nonemergency visits to a hospital-based emergency room, except that this co-payment shall be increased to $20 upon federal approval;

(3) $3 per brand-name drug prescription, $1 per generic drug prescription, and $1 per prescription for a brand‑name multisource drug listed in preferred status on the preferred drug list, subject to a $12 per month maximum for prescription drug co-payments. No co-payments shall apply to antipsychotic drugs when used for the treatment of mental illness;

(4) a family deductible equal to $2.75 per month per family and adjusted annually by the percentage increase in the medical care component of the CPI-U for the period of September to September of the preceding calendar year, rounded to the next higher five-cent increment; ~~and~~

(5) total monthly cost-sharing must not exceed five percent of family income. For purposes of this paragraph, family income is the total earned and unearned income of the individual and the individual's spouse, if the spouse is enrolled in medical assistance and also subject to the five percent limit on cost-sharing. This paragraph does not apply to premiums charged to individuals described under section 256B.057, subdivision 9.; and

(6) cost-sharing for prescription drugs and related medical supplies to treat chronic disease must comply with the requirements of section 62Q.481.

(b) Recipients of medical assistance are responsible for all co-payments and deductibles in this subdivision.

(c) Notwithstanding paragraph (b), the commissioner, through the contracting process under sections 256B.69 and 256B.692, may allow managed care plans and county-based purchasing plans to waive the family deductible under paragraph (a), clause (4). The value of the family deductible shall not be included in the capitation payment to managed care plans and county-based purchasing plans. Managed care plans and county-based purchasing plans shall certify annually to the commissioner the dollar value of the family deductible.

(d) Notwithstanding paragraph (b), the commissioner may waive the collection of the family deductible described under paragraph (a), clause (4), from individuals and allow long-term care and waivered service providers to assume responsibility for payment.

(e) Notwithstanding paragraph (b), the commissioner, through the contracting process under section 256B.0756 shall allow the pilot program in Hennepin County to waive co-payments. The value of the co-payments shall not be included in the capitation payment amount to the integrated health care delivery networks under the pilot program.

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EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective January 1, 2024.

Sec. 63. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 256B.69, subdivision 5a, is amended to read:

Subd. 5a. Managed care contracts. (a) Managed care contracts under this section and section 256L.12 shall be entered into or renewed on a calendar year basis. The commissioner may issue separate contracts with requirements specific to services to medical assistance recipients age 65 and older.

(b) A prepaid health plan providing covered health services for eligible persons pursuant to chapters 256B and 256L is responsible for complying with the terms of its contract with the commissioner. Requirements applicable to managed care programs under chapters 256B and 256L established after the effective date of a contract with the commissioner take effect when the contract is next issued or renewed.

(c) The commissioner shall withhold five percent of managed care plan payments under this section and county‑based purchasing plan payments under section 256B.692 for the prepaid medical assistance program pending completion of performance targets. Each performance target must be quantifiable, objective, measurable, and reasonably attainable, except in the case of a performance target based on a federal or state law or rule. Criteria for assessment of each performance target must be outlined in writing prior to the contract effective date. Clinical or utilization performance targets and their related criteria must consider evidence-based research and reasonable interventions when available or applicable to the populations served, and must be developed with input from external clinical experts and stakeholders, including managed care plans, county-based purchasing plans, and providers. The managed care or county-based purchasing plan must demonstrate, to the commissioner's satisfaction, that the data submitted regarding attainment of the performance target is accurate. The commissioner shall periodically change the administrative measures used as performance targets in order to improve plan performance across a broader range of administrative services. The performance targets must include measurement of plan efforts to contain spending on health care services and administrative activities. The commissioner may adopt plan‑specific performance targets that take into account factors affecting only one plan, including characteristics of the plan's enrollee population. The withheld funds must be returned no sooner than July of the following year if performance targets in the contract are achieved. The commissioner may exclude special demonstration projects under subdivision 23.

(d) The commissioner shall require that managed care plans:

(1) use the assessment and authorization processes, forms, timelines, standards, documentation, and data reporting requirements, protocols, billing processes, and policies consistent with medical assistance fee-for-service or the Department of Human Services contract requirements for all personal care assistance services under section 256B.0659 and community first services and supports under section 256B.85; ~~and~~

(2) by January 30 of each year that follows a rate increase for any aspect of services under section 256B.0659 or 256B.85, inform the commissioner and the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over rates determined under section 256B.851 of the amount of the rate increase that is paid to each personal care assistance provider agency with which the plan has a contract.; and

(3) use a six-month timely filing standard and provide an exemption to the timely filing timeliness for the resubmission of claims where there has been a denial, request for more information, or system issue.

(e) Effective for services rendered on or after January 1, 2012, the commissioner shall include as part of the performance targets described in paragraph (c) a reduction in the health plan's emergency department utilization rate for medical assistance and MinnesotaCare enrollees, as determined by the commissioner. For 2012, the reduction shall be based on the health plan's utilization in 2009. To earn the return of the withhold each subsequent year, the managed care plan or county-based purchasing plan must achieve a qualifying reduction of no less than ten percent

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of the plan's emergency department utilization rate for medical assistance and MinnesotaCare enrollees, excluding enrollees in programs described in subdivisions 23 and 28, compared to the previous measurement year until the final performance target is reached. When measuring performance, the commissioner must consider the difference in health risk in a managed care or county-based purchasing plan's membership in the baseline year compared to the measurement year, and work with the managed care or county-based purchasing plan to account for differences that they agree are significant.

The withheld funds must be returned no sooner than July 1 and no later than July 31 of the following calendar year if the managed care plan or county-based purchasing plan demonstrates to the satisfaction of the commissioner that a reduction in the utilization rate was achieved. The commissioner shall structure the withhold so that the commissioner returns a portion of the withheld funds in amounts commensurate with achieved reductions in utilization less than the targeted amount.

The withhold described in this paragraph shall continue for each consecutive contract period until the plan's emergency room utilization rate for state health care program enrollees is reduced by 25 percent of the plan's emergency room utilization rate for medical assistance and MinnesotaCare enrollees for calendar year 2009. Hospitals shall cooperate with the health plans in meeting this performance target and shall accept payment withholds that may be returned to the hospitals if the performance target is achieved.

(f) Effective for services rendered on or after January 1, 2012, the commissioner shall include as part of the performance targets described in paragraph (c) a reduction in the plan's hospitalization admission rate for medical assistance and MinnesotaCare enrollees, as determined by the commissioner. To earn the return of the withhold each year, the managed care plan or county-based purchasing plan must achieve a qualifying reduction of no less than five percent of the plan's hospital admission rate for medical assistance and MinnesotaCare enrollees, excluding enrollees in programs described in subdivisions 23 and 28, compared to the previous calendar year until the final performance target is reached. When measuring performance, the commissioner must consider the difference in health risk in a managed care or county-based purchasing plan's membership in the baseline year compared to the measurement year, and work with the managed care or county-based purchasing plan to account for differences that they agree are significant.

The withheld funds must be returned no sooner than July 1 and no later than July 31 of the following calendar year if the managed care plan or county-based purchasing plan demonstrates to the satisfaction of the commissioner that this reduction in the hospitalization rate was achieved. The commissioner shall structure the withhold so that the commissioner returns a portion of the withheld funds in amounts commensurate with achieved reductions in utilization less than the targeted amount.

The withhold described in this paragraph shall continue until there is a 25 percent reduction in the hospital admission rate compared to the hospital admission rates in calendar year 2011, as determined by the commissioner. The hospital admissions in this performance target do not include the admissions applicable to the subsequent hospital admission performance target under paragraph (g). Hospitals shall cooperate with the plans in meeting this performance target and shall accept payment withholds that may be returned to the hospitals if the performance target is achieved.

(g) Effective for services rendered on or after January 1, 2012, the commissioner shall include as part of the performance targets described in paragraph (c) a reduction in the plan's hospitalization admission rates for subsequent hospitalizations within 30 days of a previous hospitalization of a patient regardless of the reason, for medical assistance and MinnesotaCare enrollees, as determined by the commissioner. To earn the return of the withhold each year, the managed care plan or county-based purchasing plan must achieve a qualifying reduction of the subsequent hospitalization rate for medical assistance and MinnesotaCare enrollees, excluding enrollees in programs described in subdivisions 23 and 28, of no less than five percent compared to the previous calendar year until the final performance target is reached.

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The withheld funds must be returned no sooner than July 1 and no later than July 31 of the following calendar year if the managed care plan or county-based purchasing plan demonstrates to the satisfaction of the commissioner that a qualifying reduction in the subsequent hospitalization rate was achieved. The commissioner shall structure the withhold so that the commissioner returns a portion of the withheld funds in amounts commensurate with achieved reductions in utilization less than the targeted amount.

The withhold described in this paragraph must continue for each consecutive contract period until the plan's subsequent hospitalization rate for medical assistance and MinnesotaCare enrollees, excluding enrollees in programs described in subdivisions 23 and 28, is reduced by 25 percent of the plan's subsequent hospitalization rate for calendar year 2011. Hospitals shall cooperate with the plans in meeting this performance target and shall accept payment withholds that must be returned to the hospitals if the performance target is achieved.

(h) Effective for services rendered on or after January 1, 2013, through December 31, 2013, the commissioner shall withhold 4.5 percent of managed care plan payments under this section and county-based purchasing plan payments under section 256B.692 for the prepaid medical assistance program. The withheld funds must be returned no sooner than July 1 and no later than July 31 of the following year. The commissioner may exclude special demonstration projects under subdivision 23.

(i) Effective for services rendered on or after January 1, 2014, the commissioner shall withhold three percent of managed care plan payments under this section and county-based purchasing plan payments under section 256B.692 for the prepaid medical assistance program. The withheld funds must be returned no sooner than July 1 and no later than July 31 of the following year. The commissioner may exclude special demonstration projects under subdivision 23.

(j) A managed care plan or a county-based purchasing plan under section 256B.692 may include as admitted assets under section 62D.044 any amount withheld under this section that is reasonably expected to be returned.

(k) Contracts between the commissioner and a prepaid health plan are exempt from the set-aside and preference provisions of section 16C.16, subdivisions 6, paragraph (a), and 7.

(l) The return of the withhold under paragraphs (h) and (i) is not subject to the requirements of paragraph (c).

(m) Managed care plans and county-based purchasing plans shall maintain current and fully executed agreements for all subcontractors, including bargaining groups, for administrative services that are expensed to the state's public health care programs. Subcontractor agreements determined to be material, as defined by the commissioner after taking into account state contracting and relevant statutory requirements, must be in the form of a written instrument or electronic document containing the elements of offer, acceptance, consideration, payment terms, scope, duration of the contract, and how the subcontractor services relate to state public health care programs. Upon request, the commissioner shall have access to all subcontractor documentation under this paragraph. Nothing in this paragraph shall allow release of information that is nonpublic data pursuant to section 13.02.

Sec. 64. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 256L.03, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5. Cost-sharing. (a) Co-payments, coinsurance, and deductibles do not apply to children under the age of 21 and to American Indians as defined in Code of Federal Regulations, title 42, section 600.5.

(b) The commissioner shall adjust co-payments, coinsurance, and deductibles for covered services in a manner sufficient to maintain the actuarial value of the benefit to 94 percent. The cost-sharing changes described in this paragraph do not apply to eligible recipients or services exempt from cost-sharing under state law. The cost-sharing changes described in this paragraph shall not be implemented prior to January 1, 2016.

(c) The cost-sharing changes authorized under paragraph (b) must satisfy the requirements for cost-sharing under the Basic Health Program as set forth in Code of Federal Regulations, title 42, sections 600.510 and 600.520.

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(d) Cost-sharing for prescription drugs and related medical supplies to treat chronic disease must comply with the requirements of section 62Q.481.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective January 1, 2024.

Sec. 65. AUTOMOTIVE SELF-INSURANCE; RULES AMENDMENT; EXPEDITED RULEMAKING.

Subdivision 1. Self-insurance working capital condition. The commissioner of commerce must amend Minnesota Rules, part 2770.6500, subpart 2, item B, subitem (5), to require the commissioner's grant of self‑insurance authority to an applicant to be based on the applicant's net working capital in lieu of the applicant's net funds flow.

Subd. 2. Commissioner discretion to grant self-insurance authority. The commissioner of commerce must amend Minnesota Rules, part 2770.6500, subpart 2, item D, to, notwithstanding any other provision of Minnesota Rules, part 2770.6500, permit the commissioner to grant self-insurance authority to an applicant that is not a political subdivision and that has not had positive net income or positive working capital in at least three years of the last five-year period if the applicant's working capital, debt structure, profitability, and overall financial integrity of the applicant and its parent company, if one exists, demonstrate a continuing ability of the applicant to satisfy any financial obligations that have been and might be incurred under the no-fault act.

Subd. 3. Working capital. The commissioner of commerce must define working capital for the purposes of Minnesota Rules, part 2770.6500.

Subd. 4. Commissioner discretion to revoke self-insurance authority. The commissioner of commerce must amend Minnesota Rules, part 2770.7300, to permit, in lieu of require, the commissioner to revoke a self-insurer's authorization to self-insure based on the commissioner's determinations under Minnesota Rules, part 2770.7300, items A and B.

Subd. 5. Expedited rulemaking authorized. The commissioner of commerce may use the expedited rulemaking process under Minnesota Statutes, section 14.389, to amend rules under this section.

Sec. 66. EVALUATION OF EXISTING STATUTORY HEALTH BENEFIT MANDATES.

Subdivision 1. Evaluation process and content. Beginning August 1, 2023, and annually thereafter for the next five calendar years, the commissioner of commerce shall conduct an evaluation of the economic cost and health benefits of one state-required benefit included in Minnesota's EHB-benchmark plan, as defined in Code of Federal Regulations, title 45, section 156.20. The mandated benefit to be studied each year must be chosen from a list developed by the chairs of the house of representatives and senate commerce committees, in consultation with the ranking minority members of the house of representatives and senate commerce committees. The chairs and ranking minority members of the house of representatives and senate commerce committees must agree upon and inform the commissioner of at least one mandate to be reviewed for the period between August 1, 2023, and August 1, 2024. The commissioner shall consult with the commissioner of health and clinical and actuarial experts to assist in the evaluation and synthesis of available evidence. The commissioner may obtain public input as part of the evaluation. At a minimum, the evaluation must consider the following:

(1) cost for services;

(2) the share of Minnesotans' health insurance premiums that are tied to each current mandated benefit;

(3) utilization of services;

(4) contribution to individual and public health;

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(5) extent to which the mandate conforms with existing standards of care in terms of appropriateness or evidence-based medicine;

(6) the historical context in which the mandate was enacted, including how the mandate interacts with other required benefits; and

(7) other relevant criteria of effectiveness and efficacy as determined by the commissioner in consultation with the commissioner of health.

Subd. 2. Report to legislature. The commissioner must submit a written report on the evaluation to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over health insurance policy and finance no later than 180 days after the commissioner receives notification from a chair, as required under Minnesota Statutes, section 62J.26, subdivision 3.

Sec. 67. REPEALER.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 62A.31, subdivisions 1b and 1i, are repealed.

ARTICLE 3

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 46.131, subdivision 11, is amended to read:

Subd. 11. Financial institutions account; appropriation. (a) The financial institutions account is created as a separate account in the special revenue fund. Earnings, including interest, dividends, and any other earnings arising from account assets, must be credited to the account.

(b) The account consists of funds received from assessments under subdivision 7, examination fees under subdivision 8, and funds received pursuant to subdivision 10 and the following provisions: sections 46.04; 46.041; 46.048, subdivision 1; 47.101; 47.54, subdivision 1; 47.60, subdivision 3; 47.62, subdivision 4; 48.61, subdivision 7, paragraph (b); 49.36, subdivision 1; 52.203; ~~53B.09; 53B.11, subdivision 1;~~ 53B.38; 53B.41; 53B.43; 53C.02; 56.02; 58.10; 58A.045, subdivision 2; 59A.03; 216C.437, subdivision 12; 332A.04; and 332B.04.

Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 47.0153, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Emergency closings. When the officers of a financial institution are of the opinion that an emergency exists, or is impending, which affects, or may affect, a financial institution's offices, they shall have the authority, in the reasonable exercise of their discretion, to determine not to open any of its offices on any business day or, if having opened, to close an office during the continuation of the emergency, even if the commissioner does not issue a proclamation of emergency. The office closed shall remain closed until the time that the officers determine the emergency has ended, and for the further time reasonably necessary to reopen. No financial institution office shall remain closed for more than 48 consecutive hours in a Monday through Friday period, excluding other legal holidays, without the prior approval of the commissioner.

Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2022, 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

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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; APPLICATION. This section is effective August 1, 2023, and applies to consumer small loans and consumer short-term loans originated on or after that date.

Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 47.60, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Definitions. For purposes of this section, the terms defined have the meanings given them:

(a) "Consumer small loan" is a loan transaction in which cash is advanced to a borrower for the borrower's own personal, family, or household purpose. A consumer small loan is a short-term, unsecured loan to be repaid in a single installment. The cash advance of a consumer small loan is equal to or less than $350. A consumer small loan includes an indebtedness evidenced by but not limited to a promissory note or agreement to defer the presentation of a personal check for a fee.

(b) "Consumer small loan lender" is a financial institution as defined in section 47.59 or a business entity registered with the commissioner and engaged in the business of making consumer small loans.

(c) "Annual percentage rate" means a measure of the cost of credit, expressed as a yearly rate, that relates the amount and timing of value received by the consumer to the amount and timing of payments made. Annual percentage interest rate includes all interest, finance charges, and fees. The annual percentage rate must be determined in accordance with either the actuarial method or the United States Rule method.

EFFECTIVE DATE; APPLICATION. This section is effective August 1, 2023, and applies to consumer small loans and consumer short-term loans originated on or after that date.

Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2022, 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~~ connection with a consumer small loan, a consumer small loan lender may charge ~~the following:~~ an annual percentage rate of up to 36 percent. No other charges or payments are permitted or may be received by the lender in connection with a consumer small loan.

~~(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.

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(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.

(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; APPLICATION. This section is effective August 1, 2023, and applies to consumer small loans and consumer short-term loans originated on or after that date.

Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 47.60, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 8. No evasion. (a) A person must not engage in any device, subterfuge, or pretense to evade the requirements of this section, including but not limited to:

(1) making loans disguised as a personal property sale and leaseback transaction;

(2) disguising loan proceeds as a cash rebate for the pretextual installment sale of goods or services; or

(3) making, offering, assisting, or arranging for a debtor to obtain a loan with a greater rate or amount of interest, consideration, charge, or payment than is permitted by this section through any method, including mail, telephone, Internet, or any electronic means, regardless of whether a person has a physical location in Minnesota.

(b) A person is a consumer small loan lender subject to the requirements of this section notwithstanding the fact that a person purports to act as an agent or service provider, or acts in another capacity for another person that is not subject to this section, if a person:

(1) directly or indirectly holds, acquires, or maintains the predominant economic interest, risk, or reward in a loan or lending business; or

(2) both: (i) markets, solicits, brokers, arranges, or facilitates a loan; and (ii) holds or holds the right, requirement, or first right of refusal to acquire loans, receivables, or other direct or interest in a loan.

(c) A person is a consumer small loan lender subject to the requirements of this section if the totality of the circumstances indicate that a person is a lender and the transaction is structured to evade the requirements of this section. Circumstances that weigh in favor of a person being a lender in a transaction include but are not limited to instances where a person:

(1) indemnifies, insures, or protects a person not subject to this section from any costs or risks related to a loan;

(2) predominantly designs, controls, or operates lending activity;

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(3) holds the trademark or intellectual property rights in the brand, underwriting system, or other core aspects of a lending business; or

(4) purports to act as an agent or service provider, or acts in another capacity, for a person not subject to this section while acting directly as a lender in one or more states.

EFFECTIVE DATE; APPLICATION. This section is effective August 1, 2023, and applies to consumer small loans and consumer short-term loans originated on or after that date.

Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 47.601, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

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

(b) "Borrower" means an individual who obtains a consumer short-term loan primarily for personal, family, or household purposes.

(d) "Consumer short-term loan" means a loan to a borrower which has a principal amount, or an advance on a credit limit, of ~~$1,000~~ $1,300 or less and requires a minimum payment within 60 days of loan origination or credit advance of more than 25 percent of the principal balance or credit advance. For the purposes of this section, each new advance of money to a borrower under a consumer short-term loan agreement constitutes a new consumer short-term loan. A "consumer short-term loan" does not include any transaction made under chapter 325J or a loan made by a consumer short-term lender where, in the event of default on the loan, the sole recourse for recovery of the amount owed, other than a lawsuit for damages for the debt, is to proceed against physical goods pledged by the borrower as collateral for the loan.

(e) "Consumer short-term lender" means an individual or entity engaged in the business of making or arranging consumer short-term loans, other than a state or federally chartered bank, savings bank, or credit union. For the purposes of this paragraph, arranging consumer short-term loans includes but is not limited to any substantial involvement in facilitating, marketing, lead-generating, underwriting, servicing, or collecting consumer short-term loans.

EFFECTIVE DATE; APPLICATION. This section is effective August 1, 2023, and applies to consumer small loans and consumer short-term loans originated on or after that date.

Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2022, 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~~.

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(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; APPLICATION. This section is effective August 1, 2023, and applies to consumer small loans and consumer short-term loans originated on or after that date.

Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 47.601, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 5a. No evasion. (a) A person must not engage in any device, subterfuge, or pretense to evade the requirements of this section, including but not limited to:

(1) making loans disguised as a personal property sale and leaseback transaction;

(2) disguising loan proceeds as a cash rebate for the pretextual installment sale of goods or services; or

(b) A person is a consumer short-term loan lender subject to the requirements of this section notwithstanding the fact that a person purports to act as an agent or service provider, or acts in another capacity for another person that is not subject to this section, if a person:

(1) directly or indirectly holds, acquires, or maintains the predominant economic interest, risk, or reward in a loan or lending business; or

(c) A person is a consumer short-term loan lender subject to the requirements of this section if the totality of the circumstances indicate that a person is a lender and the transaction is structured to evade the requirements of this section. Circumstances that weigh in favor of a person being a lender in a transaction include but are not limited to instances where a person:

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(1) indemnifies, insures, or protects a person not subject to this section from any costs or risks related to a loan;

(2) predominantly designs, controls, or operates lending activity;

(3) holds the trademark or intellectual property rights in the brand, underwriting system, or other core aspects of a lending business; or

(4) purports to act as an agent or service provider, or acts in another capacity, for a person not subject to this section while acting directly as a lender in one or more states.

EFFECTIVE DATE; APPLICATION. This section is effective August 1, 2023, and applies to consumer small loans and consumer short-term loans originated on or after that date.

Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2022, 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, or 5a 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; APPLICATION. This section is effective August 1, 2023, and applies to consumer small loans and consumer short-term loans originated on or after that date.

Sec. 11. [48.591] CLIMATE RISK DISCLOSURE SURVEY.

Subdivision 1. Requirement. By July 30 each year, a banking institution with more than $1,000,000,000 in assets must submit a completed climate risk disclosure survey to the commissioner. The commissioner must provide the form used to submit a climate risk disclosure survey.

Subd. 2. Data. Data submitted to the commissioner under this section are public, except that trade secret information is nonpublic under section 13.37.

Sec. 12. [52.065] CLIMATE RISK DISCLOSURE SURVEY.

Subdivision 1. Requirement. By July 30 each year, a credit union with more than $1,000,000,000 in assets must submit a completed climate risk disclosure survey to the commissioner. The commissioner must provide the form used to submit a climate risk disclosure survey.

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Subd. 2. Data. Data submitted to the commissioner under this section are public, except that trade secret information is nonpublic under section 13.37.

Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2022, 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; APPLICATION. This section is effective August 1, 2023, and applies to consumer small loans and consumer short-term loans originated on or after that date.

Sec. 14. [53B.28] DEFINITIONS.

Subdivision 1. Terms. For the purposes of this chapter, the terms defined in this section have the meanings given them.

Subd. 2. Acting in concert. "Acting in concert" means persons knowingly acting together with a common goal of jointly acquiring control of a licensee, whether or not pursuant to an express agreement.

Subd. 3. Authorized delegate. "Authorized delegate" means a person a licensee designates to engage in money transmission on behalf of the licensee.

Subd. 4. Average daily money transmission liability. "Average daily money transmission liability" means the amount of the licensee's outstanding money transmission obligations in Minnesota at the end of each day in a given period of time, added together, and divided by the total number of days in the given period of time. For purposes of calculating average daily money transmission liability under this chapter for any licensee required to do so, the given period of time shall be the quarters ending March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31.

Subd. 5. Bank Secrecy Act. "Bank Secrecy Act" means the Bank Secrecy Act under United States Code, title 31, section 5311, et seq., and the Bank Secrecy Act's implementing regulations, as amended and recodified from time to time.

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Subd. 6. Closed loop stored value. "Closed loop stored value" means stored value that is redeemable by the issuer only for a good or service provided by the issuer, the issuer's affiliate, the issuer's franchisees, or an affiliate of the issuer's franchisees, except to the extent required by applicable law to be redeemable in cash for the good or service's cash value.

Subd. 7. Control. "Control" means:

(1) the power to vote, directly or indirectly, at least 25 percent of the outstanding voting shares or voting interests of a licensee or person in control of a licensee;

(2) the power to elect or appoint a majority of key individuals or executive officers, managers, directors, trustees, or other persons exercising managerial authority of a person in control of a licensee; or

(3) the power to exercise, directly or indirectly, a controlling influence over the management or policies of a licensee or person in control of a licensee.

Subd. 8. Eligible rating. "Eligible rating" means a credit rating of any of the three highest rating categories provided by an eligible rating service, whereby each category may include rating category modifiers such as "plus" or "minus" or the equivalent for any other eligible rating service. Long-term credit ratings are deemed eligible if the rating is equal to A- or higher or the equivalent from any other eligible rating service. Short-term credit ratings are deemed eligible if the rating is equal to or higher than A-2 or SP-2 by S&P, or the equivalent from any other eligible rating service. In the event that ratings differ among eligible rating services, the highest rating shall apply when determining whether a security bears an eligible rating.

Subd. 9. Eligible rating service. "Eligible rating service" means any Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization (NRSRO), as defined by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and any other organization designated by the commissioner by rule or order.

Subd. 10. Federally insured depository financial institution. "Federally insured depository financial institution" means a bank, credit union, savings and loan association, trust company, savings association, savings bank, industrial bank, or industrial loan company organized under the laws of the United States or any state of the United States, when the bank, credit union, savings and loan association, trust company, savings association, savings bank, industrial bank, or industrial loan company has federally insured deposits.

Subd. 11. In Minnesota. "In Minnesota" means at a physical location within the state of Minnesota for a transaction requested in person. For a transaction requested electronically or by telephone, the provider of money transmission may determine if the person requesting the transaction is in Minnesota by relying on other information provided by the person regarding the location of the individual's residential address or a business entity's principal place of business or other physical address location, and any records associated with the person that the provider of money transmission may have that indicate the location, including but not limited to an address associated with an account.

Subd. 12. Individual. "Individual" means a natural person.

Subd. 13. Key individual. "Key individual" means any individual ultimately responsible for establishing or directing policies and procedures of the licensee, including but not limited to as an executive officer, manager, director, or trustee.

Subd. 14. Licensee. "Licensee" means a person licensed under this chapter.

Subd. 15. Material litigation. "Material litigation" means litigation that, according to United States generally accepted accounting principles, is significant to a person's financial health and would be required to be disclosed in the person's annual audited financial statements, report to shareholders, or similar records.

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Subd. 16. Money. "Money" means a medium of exchange that is authorized or adopted by the United States or a foreign government. Money includes a monetary unit of account established by an intergovernmental organization or by agreement between two or more governments.

Subd. 17. Monetary value. "Monetary value" means a medium of exchange, whether or not redeemable in money.

Subd. 18. Money transmission. (a) "Money transmission" means:

(1) selling or issuing payment instruments to a person located in this state;

(2) selling or issuing stored value to a person located in this state; or

(3) receiving money for transmission from a person located in this state.

(b) Money includes payroll processing services. Money does not include the provision solely of online or telecommunications services or network access.

Subd. 19. Money services business accredited state or MSB accredited state. "Money services businesses accredited state" or "MSB accredited state" means a state agency that is accredited by the Conference of State Bank Supervisors and Money Transmitter Regulators Association for money transmission licensing and supervision.

Subd. 20. Multistate licensing process. "Multistate licensing process" means any agreement entered into by and among state regulators relating to coordinated processing of applications for money transmission licenses, applications for the acquisition of control of a licensee, control determinations, or notice and information requirements for a change of key individuals.

Subd. 21. NMLS. "NMLS" means the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System and Registry developed by the Conference of State Bank Supervisors and the American Association of Residential Mortgage Regulators and owned and operated by the State Regulatory Registry, LLC, or any successor or affiliated entity, for the licensing and registration of persons in financial services industries.

Subd. 22. Outstanding money transmission obligations. (a) "Outstanding money transmission obligations" must be established and extinguished in accordance with applicable state law and means:

(1) any payment instrument or stored value issued or sold by the licensee to a person located in the United States or reported as sold by an authorized delegate of the licensee to a person that is located in the United States that has not yet been paid or refunded by or for the licensee, or escheated in accordance with applicable abandoned property laws; or

(2) any money received for transmission by the licensee or an authorized delegate in the United States from a person located in the United States that has not been received by the payee or refunded to the sender, or escheated in accordance with applicable abandoned property laws.

(b) For purposes of this subdivision, "in the United States" includes, to the extent applicable, a person in any state, territory, or possession of the United States; the District of Columbia; the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; or a U.S. military installation that is located in a foreign country.

Subd. 23. Passive investor. "Passive investor" means a person that:

(1) does not have the power to elect a majority of key individuals or executive officers, managers, directors, trustees, or other persons exercising managerial authority of a person in control of a licensee;

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(2) is not employed by and does not have any managerial duties of the licensee or person in control of a licensee;

(3) does not have the power to exercise, directly or indirectly, a controlling influence over the management or policies of a licensee or person in control of a licensee; and

(4) attests to clauses (1), (2), and (3), in a form and in a medium prescribed by the commissioner, or commits to the passivity characteristics under clauses (1), (2), and (3) in a written document.

Subd. 24. Payment instrument. (a) "Payment instrument" means a written or electronic check, draft, money order, traveler's check, or other written or electronic instrument for the transmission or payment of money or monetary value, whether or not negotiable.

(b) Payment instrument does not include stored value or any instrument that is: (1) redeemable by the issuer only for goods or services provided by the issuer, the issuer's affiliate, the issuer's franchisees, or an affiliate of the issuer's franchisees, except to the extent required by applicable law to be redeemable in cash for its cash value; or (2) not sold to the public but issued and distributed as part of a loyalty, rewards, or promotional program.

Subd. 25. Payroll processing services. "Payroll processing services" means receiving money for transmission pursuant to a contract with a person to deliver wages or salaries, make payment of payroll taxes to state and federal agencies, make payments relating to employee benefit plans, or make distributions of other authorized deductions from wages or salaries. The term payroll processing services does not include an employer performing payroll processing services on the employer's own behalf or on behalf of the employer's affiliate, or a professional employment organization subject to regulation under other applicable state law.

Subd. 26. Person. "Person" means any individual, general partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company, corporation, trust, association, joint stock corporation, or other corporate entity identified by the commissioner.

Subd. 27. Receiving money for transmission or money received for transmission. "Receiving money for transmission" or "money received for transmission" means receiving money or monetary value in the United States for transmission within or outside the United States by electronic or other means.

Subd. 28. Stored value. (a) "Stored value" means monetary value representing a claim against the issuer evidenced by an electronic or digital record, and that is intended and accepted for use as a means of redemption for money or monetary value, or payment for goods or services. Stored value includes but is not limited to prepaid access, as defined under Code of Federal Regulations, title 31, part 1010.100, as amended or recodified from time to time.

(b) Notwithstanding this subdivision, stored value does not include: (1) a payment instrument or closed loop stored value; or (2) stored value not sold to the public but issued and distributed as part of a loyalty, rewards, or promotional program.

Subd. 29. Tangible net worth. "Tangible net worth" means the aggregate assets of a licensee excluding all intangible assets, less liabilities, as determined in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles.

Sec. 15. [53B.29] EXEMPTIONS.

This chapter does not apply to:

(1) an operator of a payment system, to the extent the operator of a payment system provides processing, clearing, or settlement services between or among persons exempted by this section or licensees in connection with wire transfers, credit card transactions, debit card transactions, stored-value transactions, automated clearing house transfers, or similar funds transfers;

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(2) a person appointed as an agent of a payee to collect and process a payment from a payor to the payee for goods or services, other than money transmission itself, provided to the payor by the payee, provided that:

(i) there exists a written agreement between the payee and the agent directing the agent to collect and process payments from payors on the payee's behalf;

(ii) the payee holds the agent out to the public as accepting payments for goods or services on the payee's behalf; and

(iii) payment for the goods and services is treated as received by the payee upon receipt by the agent so that the payor's obligation is extinguished and there is no risk of loss to the payor if the agent fails to remit the funds to the payee;

(3) a person that acts as an intermediary by processing payments between an entity that has directly incurred an outstanding money transmission obligation to a sender, and the sender's designated recipient, provided that the entity:

(i) is properly licensed or exempt from licensing requirements under this chapter;

(ii) provides a receipt, electronic record, or other written confirmation to the sender identifying the entity as the provider of money transmission in the transaction; and

(iii) bears sole responsibility to satisfy the outstanding money transmission obligation to the sender, including the obligation to make the sender whole in connection with any failure to transmit the funds to the sender's designated recipient;

(4) the United States; a department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States; or an agent of the United States;

(5) money transmission by the United States Postal Service or by an agent of the United States Postal Service;

(6) a state; county; city; any other governmental agency, governmental subdivision, or instrumentality of a state; or the state's agent;

(7) a federally insured depository financial institution; bank holding company; office of an international banking corporation; foreign bank that establishes a federal branch pursuant to the International Bank Act, United States Code, title 12, section 3102, as amended or recodified from time to time; corporation organized pursuant to the Bank Service Corporation Act, United States Code, title 12, sections 1861 to 1867, as amended or recodified from time to time; or corporation organized under the Edge Act, United States Code, title 12, sections 611 to 633, as amended or recodified from time to time;

(8) electronic funds transfer of governmental benefits for a federal, state, county, or governmental agency by a contractor on behalf of the United States or a department, agency, or instrumentality thereof, or on behalf of a state or governmental subdivision, agency, or instrumentality thereof;

(9) a board of trade designated as a contract market under the federal Commodity Exchange Act, United States Code, title 7, sections 1 to 25, as amended or recodified from time to time; or a person that in the ordinary course of business provides clearance and settlement services for a board of trade to the extent of its operation as or for a board;

(10) a registered futures commission merchant under the federal commodities laws, to the extent of the registered futures commission merchant's operation as a merchant;

(11) a person registered as a securities broker-dealer under federal or state securities laws, to the extent of the person's operation as a securities broker-dealer;

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(12) an individual employed by a licensee, authorized delegate, or any person exempted from the licensing requirements under this chapter when acting within the scope of employment and under the supervision of the licensee, authorized delegate, or exempted person as an employee and not as an independent contractor;

(13) a person expressly appointed as a third-party service provider to or agent of an entity exempt under clause (7), solely to the extent that:

(i) the service provider or agent is engaging in money transmission on behalf of and pursuant to a written agreement with the exempt entity that sets forth the specific functions that the service provider or agent is to perform; and

(ii) the exempt entity assumes all risk of loss and all legal responsibility for satisfying the outstanding money transmission obligations owed to purchasers and holders of the outstanding money transmission obligations upon receipt of the purchaser's or holder's money or monetary value by the service provider or agent; or

(14) a person exempt by regulation or order if the commissioner finds that (i) the exemption is in the public interest, and (ii) the regulation of the person is not necessary for the purposes of this chapter.

Sec. 16. [53B.30] AUTHORITY TO REQUIRE DEMONSTRATION OF EXEMPTION.

The commissioner may require any person that claims to be exempt from licensing under section 53B.29 to provide to the commissioner information and documentation that demonstrates the person qualifies for any claimed exemption.

Sec. 17. [53B.31] IMPLEMENTATION.

Subdivision 1. General authority. In order to carry out the purposes of this chapter, the commissioner may, subject to section 53B.32, paragraphs (a) and (b):

(1) enter into agreements or relationships with other government officials or federal and state regulatory agencies and regulatory associations in order to (i) improve efficiencies and reduce regulatory burden by standardizing methods or procedures, and (ii) share resources, records, or related information obtained under this chapter;

(2) use, hire, contract, or employ analytical systems, methods, or software to examine or investigate any person subject to this chapter;

(3) accept from other state or federal government agencies or officials any licensing, examination, or investigation reports made by the other state or federal government agencies or officials; and

(4) accept audit reports made by an independent certified public accountant or other qualified third-party auditor for an applicant or licensee and incorporate the audit report in any report of examination or investigation.

Subd. 2. Administrative authority. The commissioner is granted broad administrative authority to: (1) administer, interpret, and enforce this chapter; (2) adopt regulations to implement this chapter; and (3) recover the costs incurred to administer and enforce this chapter by imposing and collecting proportionate and equitable fees and costs associated with applications, examinations, investigations, and other actions required to achieve the purpose of this chapter.

Sec. 18. [53B.32] CONFIDENTIALITY.

(a) All information or reports obtained by the commissioner contained in or related to an examination that is prepared by, on behalf of, or for the use of the commissioner are confidential and are not subject to disclosure under section 46.07.

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(b) The commissioner may disclose information not otherwise subject to disclosure under paragraph (a) to representatives of state or federal agencies pursuant to section 53B.31, subdivision 1.

(c) This section does not prohibit the commissioner from disclosing to the public a list of all licensees or the aggregated financial or transactional data concerning those licensees.

Sec. 19. [53B.33] SUPERVISION.

(a) The commissioner may conduct an examination or investigation of a licensee or authorized delegate or otherwise take independent action authorized by this chapter, or by a rule adopted or order issued under this chapter, as reasonably necessary or appropriate to administer and enforce this chapter, rules implementing this chapter, and other applicable law, including the Bank Secrecy Act and the USA PATRIOT Act, Public Law 107-56. The commissioner may:

(1) conduct an examination either on site or off site as the commissioner may reasonably require;

(2) conduct an examination in conjunction with an examination conducted by representatives of other state agencies or agencies of another state or of the federal government;

(3) accept the examination report of another state agency or an agency of another state or of the federal government, or a report prepared by an independent accounting firm, which on being accepted is considered for all purposes as an official report of the commissioner; and

(4) summon and examine under oath a key individual or employee of a licensee or authorized delegate and require the person to produce records regarding any matter related to the condition and business of the licensee or authorized delegate.

(b) A licensee or authorized delegate must provide, and the commissioner has full and complete access to, all records the commissioner may reasonably require to conduct a complete examination. The records must be provided at the location and in the format specified by the commissioner. The commissioner may use multistate record production standards and examination procedures when the standards reasonably achieve the requirements of this paragraph.

(c) Unless otherwise directed by the commissioner, a licensee must pay all costs reasonably incurred in connection with an examination of the licensee or the licensee's authorized delegates.

Sec. 20. [53B.34] NETWORKED SUPERVISION.

(a) To efficiently and effectively administer and enforce this chapter and to minimize regulatory burden, the commissioner is authorized to participate in multistate supervisory processes established between states and coordinated through the Conference of State Bank Supervisors, the Money Transmitter Regulators Association, and the affiliates and successors of the Conference of State Bank Supervisors and the Money Transmitter Regulators Association for all licensees that hold licenses in this state and other states. As a participant in multistate supervision, the commissioner may:

(1) cooperate, coordinate, and share information with other state and federal regulators in accordance with section 53B.32;

(2) enter into written cooperation, coordination, or information-sharing contracts or agreements with organizations the membership of which is made up of state or federal governmental agencies; and

(3) cooperate, coordinate, and share information with organizations the membership of which is made up of state or federal governmental agencies, provided that the organizations agree in writing to maintain the confidentiality and security of the shared information in accordance with section 53B.32.

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(b) The commissioner is prohibited from waiving, and nothing in this section constitutes a waiver of, the commissioner's authority to conduct an examination or investigation or otherwise take independent action authorized by this chapter, or a rule adopted or order issued under this chapter, to enforce compliance with applicable state or federal law.

(c) A joint examination or investigation, or acceptance of an examination or investigation report, does not waive an examination fee provided for in this chapter.

Sec. 21. [53B.35] RELATIONSHIP TO FEDERAL LAW.

(a) In the event state money transmission jurisdiction is conditioned on a federal law, any inconsistencies between a provision of this chapter and the federal law governing money transmission is governed by the applicable federal law to the extent of the inconsistency.

(b) In the event of any inconsistencies between this chapter and a federal law that governs pursuant to paragraph (a), the commissioner may provide interpretive guidance that:

(1) identifies the inconsistency; and

(2) identifies the appropriate means of compliance with federal law.

Sec. 22. [53B.36] LICENSE REQUIRED.

(a) A person is prohibited from engaging in the business of money transmission, or advertising, soliciting, or representing that the person provides money transmission, unless the person is licensed under this chapter.

(b) Paragraph (a) does not apply to:

(1) a person that is an authorized delegate of a person licensed under this chapter acting within the scope of authority conferred by a written contract with the licensee; or

(2) a person that is exempt under section 53B.29 and does not engage in money transmission outside the scope of the exemption.

Sec. 23. [53B.37] CONSISTENT STATE LICENSING.

(a) To establish consistent licensing between Minnesota and other states, the commissioner is authorized to:

(1) implement all licensing provisions of this chapter in a manner that is consistent with (i) other states that have adopted substantially similar licensing requirements, or (ii) multistate licensing processes; and

(2) participate in nationwide protocols for licensing cooperation and coordination among state regulators, provided that the protocols are consistent with this chapter.

(b) In order to fulfill the purposes of this chapter, the commissioner is authorized to establish relationships or contracts with NMLS or other entities designated by NMLS to enable the commissioner to:

(1) collect and maintain records;

(2) coordinate multistate licensing processes and supervision processes;

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(3) process fees; and

(4) facilitate communication between the commissioner and licensees or other persons subject to this chapter.

(c) The commissioner is authorized to use NMLS for all aspects of licensing in accordance with this chapter, including but not limited to license applications, applications for acquisitions of control, surety bonds, reporting, criminal history background checks, credit checks, fee processing, and examinations.

(d) The commissioner is authorized to use NMLS forms, processes, and functions in accordance with this chapter. If NMLS does not provide functionality, forms, or processes for a requirement under this chapter, the commissioner is authorized to implement the requirements in a manner that facilitates uniformity with respect to licensing, supervision, reporting, and regulation of licensees which are licensed in multiple jurisdictions.

(e) For the purpose of participating in the NMLS registry, the commissioner is authorized to, by rule or order: (1) waive or modify, in whole or in part, any or all of the requirements; and (2) establish new requirements as reasonably necessary to participate in the NMLS registry.

Sec. 24. [53B.38] APPLICATION FOR LICENSE.

(a) An applicant for a license must apply in a form and in a medium as prescribed by the commissioner. The application must state or contain, as applicable:

(1) the legal name and residential and business addresses of the applicant and any fictitious or trade name used by the applicant in conducting business;

(2) a list of any criminal convictions of the applicant and any material litigation in which the applicant has been involved in the ten-year period next preceding the submission of the application;

(3) a description of any money transmission previously provided by the applicant and the money transmission that the applicant seeks to provide in this state;

(4) a list of the applicant's proposed authorized delegates and the locations in this state where the applicant and the applicant's authorized delegates propose to engage in money transmission;

(5) a list of other states in which the applicant is licensed to engage in money transmission and any license revocations, suspensions, or other disciplinary action taken against the applicant in another state;

(6) information concerning any bankruptcy or receivership proceedings affecting the licensee or a person in control of a licensee;

(7) a sample form of contract for authorized delegates, if applicable;

(8) a sample form of payment instrument or stored value, as applicable;

(9) the name and address of any federally insured depository financial institution through which the applicant plans to conduct money transmission; and

(10) any other information the commissioner or NMLS reasonably requires with respect to the applicant.

(b) If an applicant is a corporation, limited liability company, partnership, or other legal entity, the applicant must also provide:

(1) the date of the applicant's incorporation or formation and state or country of incorporation or formation;

(2) if applicable, a certificate of good standing from the state or country in which the applicant is incorporated or formed;

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(3) a brief description of the structure or organization of the applicant, including any parents or subsidiaries of the applicant, and whether any parents or subsidiaries are publicly traded;

(4) the legal name, any fictitious or trade name, all business and residential addresses, and the employment, as applicable, in the ten-year period next preceding the submission of the application of each key individual and person in control of the applicant;

(5) a list of any criminal convictions and material litigation in which a person in control of the applicant that is not an individual has been involved in the ten-year period preceding the submission of the application;

(6) a copy of audited financial statements of the applicant for the most recent fiscal year and for the two-year period next preceding the submission of the application or, if the commissioner deems acceptable, certified unaudited financial statements for the most recent fiscal year or other period acceptable to the commissioner;

(7) a certified copy of unaudited financial statements of the applicant for the most recent fiscal quarter;

(8) if the applicant is a publicly traded corporation, a copy of the most recent report filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission under section 13 of the federal Securities Exchange Act of 1934, United States Code, title 15, section 78m, as amended or recodified from time to time;

(9) if the applicant is a wholly owned subsidiary of:

(i) a corporation publicly traded in the United States, a copy of audited financial statements for the parent corporation for the most recent fiscal year or a copy of the parent corporation's most recent report filed under section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, United States Code, title 15, section 78m, as amended or recodified from time to time; or

(ii) a corporation publicly traded outside the United States, a copy of similar documentation filed with the regulator of the parent corporation's domicile outside the United States;

(10) the name and address of the applicant's registered agent in this state; and

(11) any other information the commissioner reasonably requires with respect to the applicant.

(d) The commissioner may: (1) waive one or more requirements of paragraphs (a) and (b); or (2) permit an applicant to submit other information in lieu of the required information.

Sec. 25. [53B.39] INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS; CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS.

Subdivision 1. Individuals with or seeking control. Any individual in control of a licensee or applicant, any individual that seeks to acquire control of a licensee, and each key individual must furnish to the commissioner through NMLS:

(1) the individual's fingerprints for submission to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the commissioner for a national criminal history background check, unless the person currently resides outside of the United States and has resided outside of the United States for the last ten years; and

(2) personal history and business experience in a form and in a medium prescribed by the commissioner, to obtain:

(i) an independent credit report from a consumer reporting agency;

Journal of the House - 56th Day - Tuesday, April 25, 2023 - Top of Page 6917

(ii) information related to any criminal convictions or pending charges; and

(iii) information related to any regulatory or administrative action and any civil litigation involving claims of fraud, misrepresentation, conversion, mismanagement of funds, breach of fiduciary duty, or breach of contract.

Subd. 2. Individuals having resided outside the United States. (a) If an individual has resided outside of the United States at any time in the last ten years, the individual must also provide an investigative background report prepared by an independent search firm that meets the requirements of this subdivision.

(b) At a minimum, the search firm must:

(1) demonstrate that the search firm has sufficient knowledge, resources, and employs accepted and reasonable methodologies to conduct the research of the background report; and

(2) not be affiliated with or have an interest with the individual the search firm is researching.

(1) if available in the individual's current jurisdiction of residency, a comprehensive credit report, or any equivalent information obtained or generated by the independent search firm to accomplish a credit report, including a search of the court data in the countries, provinces, states, cities, towns, and contiguous areas where the individual resided and worked;

(2) criminal records information for the past ten years, including but not limited to felonies, misdemeanors, or similar convictions for violations of law in the countries, provinces, states, cities, towns, and contiguous areas where the individual resided and worked;

(3) employment history;

(4) media history, including an electronic search of national and local publications, wire services, and business applications; and

(5) financial services-related regulatory history, including but not limited to money transmission, securities, banking, consumer finance, insurance, and mortgage-related industries.

Sec. 26. [53B.40] LICENSE ISSUANCE.