Journal of the House - 96th Day - Monday, March 31, 2008

A quorum was present.

Juhnke, Kohls and Magnus were excused.

Dill was excused until 1:25 p.m. Koenen was excused until 1:45 p.m.

The Chief Clerk proceeded to read the Journal of the preceding day. Ruth moved that further reading of the Journal be suspended and that the Journal be approved as corrected by the Chief Clerk. The motion prevailed.

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REPORTS OF CHIEF CLERK

S. F. No. 1918 and H. F. No. 2107, which had been referred to the Chief Clerk for comparison, were examined and found to be identical with certain exceptions.

SUSPENSION OF RULES

Masin moved that the rules be so far suspended that S. F. No. 1918 be substituted for H. F. No. 2107 and that the House File be indefinitely postponed. The motion prevailed.

S. F. No. 3755 and H. F. No. 3298, which had been referred to the Chief Clerk for comparison, were examined and found to be identical.

Dettmer moved that S. F. No. 3755 be substituted for H. F. No. 3298 and that the House File be indefinitely postponed. The motion prevailed.

PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS

The following communications were received:

STATE OF MINNESOTA

OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

SAINT PAUL 55155

March 27, 2008

The Honorable Margaret Anderson Kelliher

Speaker of the House of Representatives

The State of Minnesota

Dear Speaker Kelliher:

Please be advised that I have received, approved, signed, and deposited in the Office of the Secretary of State the following House Files:

H. F. No. 2816, relating to Nicollet County; providing a process for making certain offices appointive in Nicollet County.

H. F. No. 2907, relating to Yellow Medicine County; providing a process for making certain offices appointive in Yellow Medicine County.

H. F. No. 3368, relating to utilities; setting filing deadline for certain reports; regulating customer payment arrangements during cold weather period; regulating payment agreements for certain utility services.

H. F. No. 2582, relating to veterans; designating March 29 as Vietnam Veterans Day.

Sincerely,

Tim Pawlenty

Governor

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STATE OF MINNESOTA

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE

ST. PAUL 55155

The Honorable Margaret Anderson Kelliher

Speaker of the House of Representatives

The Honorable James P. Metzen

President of the Senate

I have the honor to inform you that the following enrolled Acts of the 2008 Session of the State Legislature have been received from the Office of the Governor and are deposited in the Office of the Secretary of State for preservation, pursuant to the State Constitution, Article IV, Section 23:

S. F.

No.

H. F.

No.

Session Laws

Chapter No.

Time and

Date Approved

2008

Date Filed

2008

2816 160 4:45 p.m. March 27 March 27

2907 161 4:46 p.m. March 27 March 27

3368 162 9:50 a.m. March 27 March 27

2582 164 3:26 p.m. March 27 March 27

Sincerely,

Mark Ritchie

Secretary of State

REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES AND DIVISIONS

Carlson from the Committee on Finance to which was referred:

H. F. No. 219, A bill for an act relating to employment; modifying use of personal sick leave benefits; amending Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 181.9413.

Reported the same back with the following amendments:

Delete everything after the enacting clause and insert:

"Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 181.9413, is amended to read:

181.9413 SICK ~~OR INJURED CHILD CARE~~ LEAVE BENEFITS; USE TO CARE FOR CERTAIN RELATIVES.

(a) An employee may use personal sick leave benefits provided by the employer for absences due to an illness of or injury to the employee's child, including an adult child; spouse; sibling; parent; grandparent; stepparent; or domestic partner for such reasonable periods as the employee's attendance ~~with the child~~ may be necessary, on the same terms upon which the employee is able to use sick leave benefits for the employee's own illness or injury. This section applies only to personal sick leave benefits payable to the employee from the employer's general assets.

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(b) For purposes of this section, "personal sick leave benefits" means time accrued and available to an employee to be used as a result of absence from work due to personal illness or injury, but does not include short-term or long-term disability or other salary continuation benefits.

(c) For purposes of this section, "domestic partner" means a person who has entered into a committed interdependent relationship with another adult, where the partners:

(1) are responsible for each other's basic common welfare;

(2) share a common residence and intend to do so indefinitely;

(3) are not related by blood or adoption to an extent that would prohibit marriage in this state; and

(4) are legally competent and qualified to enter into a contract.

For purposes of this section, domestic partners may share a common residence even if they do not have a legal right to possess the residence or one or both domestic partners possess additional real property.

If one domestic partner temporarily leaves the common residence with the intention to return, the domestic partners continue to share a common residence for the purposes of this section.

(d) This section only applies to employers that do not already have policies or a provision in a labor agreement in place to allow for the use of sick leave for a spouse; child, including an adult child; sibling; parent; grandparent; and stepparent.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2008, and applies to sick leave used on or after that date."

With the recommendation that when so amended the bill pass.

The report was adopted.

Carlson from the Committee on Finance to which was referred:

H. F. No. 1262, A bill for an act relating to family law; providing for a comprehensive family court process study.

Reported the same back with the following amendments:

Delete everything after the enacting clause and insert:

"Section 1. JOINT PHYSICAL CUSTODY; STUDY GROUP.

(a) The state court administrator shall convene a study group of 12 members to consider the impacts of a presumption of joint physical custody in Minnesota. The evaluation shall consider the positive and negative impact on parents and children of adopting a presumption of joint physical custody, the fiscal impact of adopting this presumption, and the experiences of other states that have adopted a presumption of joint physical custody. The study must consider data and information from academic and research professionals.

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(b) In appointing members to the study group, the state court administrator must ensure that the viewpoint of parent advocacy groups, citizen members who are not associated with a parent advocacy group, academics and policy analysts, judges, court administrators, attorneys, domestic violence advocates, and other interested parties are represented. The state court administrator must consult with the chairs of the house public safety finance division and the senate public safety budget division on the composition of the working group. The state court administrator shall report to the legislature on the evaluation of presumption of joint physical custody, the experiences of other states, and recommendations made by the study group no later than January 15, 2009.

Sec. 2. COMPREHENSIVE FAMILY COURT PROCESS; STUDY.

The state court administrator shall report on a plan to conduct a multidisciplinary, comprehensive study on family law to the chairs of the budget and policy committees in the house and senate with jurisdiction over family law no later than January 15, 2009."

Amend the title as follows:

Page 1, line 2, after the semicolon, insert "providing for a joint physical custody study group;"

With the recommendation that when so amended the bill pass.

The report was adopted.

Carlson from the Committee on Finance to which was referred:

H. F. No. 1812, A bill for an act relating to health; providing for an exception to the bed moratorium; amending Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 144A.071, subdivision 4c.

Reported the same back with the following amendments:

Delete everything after the enacting clause and insert:

"ARTICLE 1

K-12 EDUCATION

Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2007 Supplement, section 120B.021, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Required academic standards. (a) The following subject areas are required for statewide accountability:

(1) language arts;

(2) mathematics;

(3) science;

(4) social studies, including history, geography, economics, and government and citizenship;

(5) physical education;

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(6) health ~~and physical education,~~ for which locally developed academic standards apply; and

~~(6)~~ (7) the arts, for which statewide or locally developed academic standards apply, as determined by the school district. Public elementary and middle schools must offer at least three and require at least two of the following four arts areas: dance; music; theater; and visual arts. Public high schools must offer at least three and require at least one of the following five arts areas: media arts; dance; music; theater; and visual arts.

(b) To satisfy the one-half credit physical education requirement under section 120B.024, paragraph (a), clause (5), the state physical education standard under paragraph (a) must be consistent with either the six physical education standards developed by the department's quality teaching network or the six National Physical Education Standards developed by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education. Minnesota Statutes, chapter 14, and section 14.386, specifically, do not apply. To satisfy federal reporting requirements for continued funding under Title VII of the Physical Education for Progress Act, a school district must notify the department, if applicable, of its intent to comply with the National Physical Education Standards. School districts and charter schools also must use either the department's physical education standards or the national physical education standards under this paragraph to comply with paragraph (a), clause (5), in providing physical education instruction and programs to students in kindergarten through grade 8.

(c) The commissioner must submit proposed standards in science and social studies to the legislature by February 1, 2004.

(d) For purposes of applicable federal law, the academic standards for language arts, mathematics, and science apply to all public school students, except the very few students with extreme cognitive or physical impairments for whom an individualized education plan team has determined that the required academic standards are inappropriate. An individualized education plan team that makes this determination must establish alternative standards.

(e) A school district, no later than the 2007-2008 school year, must adopt graduation requirements that meet or exceed state graduation requirements established in law or rule. A school district that incorporates these state graduation requirements before the 2007-2008 school year must provide students who enter the 9th grade in or before the 2003-2004 school year the opportunity to earn a diploma based on existing locally established graduation requirements in effect when the students entered the 9th grade. District efforts to develop, implement, or improve instruction or curriculum as a result of the provisions of this section must be consistent with sections 120B.10, 120B.11, and 120B.20.

(f) The commissioner must include the contributions of Minnesota American Indian tribes and communities as they relate to the academic standards during the review and revision of the required academic standards.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment except that paragraph (a), clause (5), applies to students entering the ninth grade in the 2009-2010 school year and later.

Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2007 Supplement, section 120B.024, is amended to read:

120B.024 GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS; COURSE CREDITS.

(a) Students beginning 9th grade in the 2004-2005 school year and later must successfully complete the following high school level course credits for graduation:

(1) four credits of language arts;

(2) three credits of mathematics, encompassing at least algebra, geometry, statistics, and probability sufficient to satisfy the academic standard;

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(3) three credits of science, including at least one credit in biology;

(4) three and one-half credits of social studies, encompassing at least United States history, geography, government and citizenship, world history, and economics or three credits of social studies encompassing at least United States history, geography, government and citizenship, and world history, and one-half credit of economics taught in a school's social studies, agriculture education, or business department;

(5) one credit in the arts; ~~and~~

(6) one-half credit of physical education; and

(7) a minimum of ~~seven~~ 6-1/2 elective course credits.

A course credit is equivalent to a student successfully completing an academic year of study or a student mastering the applicable subject matter, as determined by the local school district.

(b) An agriculture science course may fulfill a science credit requirement in addition to the specified science credits in biology and chemistry or physics under paragraph (a), clause (3).

(c) A career and technical education course may fulfill a science, mathematics, or arts credit requirement in addition to the specified science, mathematics, or arts credits under paragraph (a), clause (2), (3), or (5).

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment and applies to students entering ninth grade in the 2009-2010 school year and later.

Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 120B.131, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Reimbursement for examination fees. The state may reimburse college-level examination program (CLEP) fees for a Minnesota public or nonpublic high school student who has successfully completed one or more college-level courses in high school in the subject matter of each examination in the following subjects: composition and literature, mathematics and science, social sciences and history, foreign languages, and business and humanities. ~~The state may reimburse each student for up to six examination fees.~~ The commissioner shall establish application procedures and a process and schedule for fee reimbursements. The commissioner must give priority to reimburse the CLEP examination fees of students of low-income families.

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

Sec. 4. [120B.299] DEFINITIONS.

Subdivision 1. Definitions. The definitions in this section apply to this chapter.

Subd. 2. Growth. "Growth" compares the difference between a student's achievement score at two distinct points in time.

Subd. 3. Value-added. "Value-added" is the amount of achievement a student demonstrates above an established baseline.

Subd. 4. Growth-based value-added. "Growth-based value-added" is a value-added system of assessments that measures the difference between an established baseline of growth and a student's growth over time.

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Subd. 5. Adequate yearly progress. "Adequate yearly progress" compares the average achievement of two different groups of students at two different points in time.

Subd. 6. State growth norm. "State growth norm" is an established statewide percentile or standard applicable to all students in a particular grade benchmarked to an established school year. Beginning in the 2008-2009 school year, the state growth norm is benchmarked to 2006-2007 school year data until the commissioner next changes the vertically linked scale score. Each time the commissioner changes the vertically linked scale score, a recognized Minnesota assessment group composed of assessment and evaluation directors and staff and researchers, in collaboration with the Independent Office of Educational Accountability under section 120B.31, subdivision 3, must recommend a new state growth norm that the commissioner must consider when revising standards under section 120B.023, subdivision 2. For each newly established state growth norm, the commissioner also must establish criteria for identifying schools and school districts that demonstrate accelerated growth in order to advance educators' professional development and to replicate programs that succeed in meeting students' diverse learning needs.

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

Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2007 Supplement, section 120B.30, is amended to read:

120B.30 STATEWIDE TESTING AND REPORTING SYSTEM.

Subdivision 1. Statewide testing. (a) The commissioner, with advice from experts with appropriate technical qualifications and experience and stakeholders, consistent with subdivision 1a, shall include in the comprehensive assessment system, for each grade level to be tested, state-constructed tests developed from and aligned with the state's required academic standards under section 120B.021 and administered annually to all students in grades 3 through 8 and at the high school level. A state-developed test in a subject other than writing~~, developed after the 2002-2003 school year,~~ must include both machine-scoreable and constructed response questions. The commissioner shall establish one or more months during which schools shall administer the tests to students each school year. For students enrolled in grade 8 before the 2005-2006 school year, only Minnesota basic skills tests in reading, mathematics, and writing shall fulfill students' basic skills testing requirements for a passing state notation. The passing scores of basic skills tests in reading and mathematics are the equivalent of 75 percent correct for students entering grade 9 ~~in 1997 and thereafter, as~~ based on the first uniform test ~~administration of~~ administered in February 1998.

(b) For students enrolled in grade 8 in the 2005-2006 school year and later, only the following options shall fulfill students' state graduation test requirements:

(1) for reading and mathematics:

(i) obtaining an achievement level equivalent to or greater than proficient as determined through a standard setting process on the Minnesota comprehensive assessments in grade 10 for reading and grade 11 for mathematics or achieving a passing score as determined through a standard setting process on the graduation-required assessment for diploma in grade 10 for reading and grade 11 for mathematics or subsequent retests;

(ii) achieving a passing score as determined through a standard setting process on the state-identified language proficiency test in reading and the mathematics test for English language learners or the graduation-required assessment for diploma equivalent of those assessments for students designated as English language learners;

(iii) achieving an individual passing score on the graduation-required assessment for diploma as determined by appropriate state guidelines for students with an individual education plan or 504 plan;

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(iv) obtaining achievement level equivalent to or greater than proficient as determined through a standard setting process on the state-identified alternate assessment or assessments in grade 10 for reading and grade 11 for mathematics for students with an individual education plan; or

(v) achieving an individual passing score on the state-identified alternate assessment or assessments as determined by appropriate state guidelines for students with an individual education plan; and

(2) for writing:

(i) achieving a passing score on the graduation-required assessment for diploma;

(ii) achieving a passing score as determined through a standard setting process on the state-identified language proficiency test in writing for students designated as English language learners;

(iii) achieving an individual passing score on the graduation-required assessment for diploma as determined by appropriate state guidelines for students with an individual education plan or 504 plan; or

(iv) achieving an individual passing score on the state-identified alternate assessment or assessments as determined by appropriate state guidelines for students with an individual education plan.

(c) The 3rd through 8th grade and high school level test results shall be available to districts for diagnostic purposes affecting student learning and district instruction and curriculum, and for establishing educational accountability. The commissioner must disseminate to the public the test results upon receiving those results.

(d) State tests must be constructed and aligned with state academic standards. The commissioner shall determine the testing process and the order of administration ~~shall be determined by the commissioner~~. The statewide results shall be aggregated at the site and district level, consistent with subdivision 1a.

(e) In addition to the testing and reporting requirements under this section, the commissioner shall include the following components in the statewide public reporting system:

(1) uniform statewide testing of all students in grades 3 through 8 and at the high school level that provides appropriate, technically sound accommodations, alternate assessments, or exemptions consistent with applicable federal law, only with parent or guardian approval, for those very few students for whom the student's individual education plan team under sections 125A.05 and 125A.06 determines that the general statewide test is inappropriate for a student, or for a limited English proficiency student under section 124D.59, subdivision 2;

(2) educational indicators that can be aggregated and compared across school districts and across time on a statewide basis, including average daily attendance, high school graduation rates, and high school drop-out rates by age and grade level;

(3) state results on the American College Test; and

(4) state results from participation in the National Assessment of Educational Progress so that the state can benchmark its performance against the nation and other states, and, where possible, against other countries, and contribute to the national effort to monitor achievement.

Subd. 1a. Statewide and local assessments; results. (a) The commissioner must develop reading, mathematics, and science assessments aligned with state academic standards that districts and sites must use to monitor student growth toward achieving those standards. The commissioner must not develop statewide assessments for academic standards in social studies, health and physical education, and the arts. The commissioner must require:

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(1) annual reading and mathematics assessments in grades 3 through 8 and at the high school level for the 2005‑2006 school year and later; and

(2) annual science assessments in one grade in the grades 3 through 5 span, the grades 6 through 9 8 span, and a life sciences assessment in the grades 10 9 through 12 span for the 2007-2008 school year and later.

(b) The commissioner must ensure that all statewide tests administered to elementary and secondary students measure students' academic knowledge and skills and not students' values, attitudes, and beliefs.

(1) provide timely, useful, and understandable information on the performance of individual students, schools, school districts, and the state;

(2) include, by no later than the 2008-2009 school year, a growth-based value-added ~~component that is in addition to a measure for student achievement growth over time~~ indicator of student achievement under section 120B.35, subdivision 3, paragraph (b); and

(3)(i) for students enrolled in grade 8 before the 2005-2006 school year, determine whether students have met the state's basic skills requirements; and

(ii) for students enrolled in grade 8 in the 2005-2006 school year and later, determine whether students have met the state's academic standards.

(d) Consistent with applicable federal law and subdivision 1, paragraph (d), clause (1), the commissioner must include appropriate, technically sound accommodations or alternative assessments for the very few students with disabilities for whom statewide assessments are inappropriate and for students with limited English proficiency.

(e) A school, school district, and charter school must administer statewide assessments under this section, as the assessments become available, to evaluate student ~~progress in achieving the~~ proficiency in the context of the state's grade level academic standards. If a state assessment is not available, a school, school district, and charter school must determine locally if a student has met the required academic standards. A school, school district, or charter school may use a student's performance on a statewide assessment as one of multiple criteria to determine grade promotion or retention. A school, school district, or charter school may use a high school student's performance on a statewide assessment as a percentage of the student's final grade in a course, or place a student's assessment score on the student's transcript.

Subd. 2. Department of Education assistance. The Department of Education shall contract for professional and technical services according to competitive bidding procedures under chapter 16C for purposes of this section.

Subd. 3. Reporting. The commissioner shall report test data publicly and to stakeholders, including the performance achievement levels developed from students' unweighted test scores in each tested subject and a listing of demographic factors that strongly correlate with student performance. The commissioner shall also report data that compares performance results among school sites, school districts, Minnesota and other states, and Minnesota and other nations. The commissioner shall disseminate to schools and school districts a more comprehensive report containing testing information that meets local needs for evaluating instruction and curriculum.

Subd. 4. Access to tests. The commissioner must adopt and publish a policy to provide public and parental access for review of basic skills tests, Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments, or any other such statewide test and assessment. Upon receiving a written request, the commissioner must make available to parents or guardians a copy of their student's actual responses to the test questions ~~to be reviewed by the parent~~ for their review.

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

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Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 120B.31, as amended by Laws 2007, chapter 146, article 2, section 10, is amended to read:

120B.31 SYSTEM ACCOUNTABILITY AND STATISTICAL ADJUSTMENTS.

Subdivision 1. Educational accountability and public reporting. Consistent with the ~~process~~ direction to adopt ~~a results-oriented graduation rule~~ statewide academic standards under section 120B.02, the department, in consultation with education and other system stakeholders, must ~~establish~~ maintain a coordinated and comprehensive system of educational accountability and public reporting that promotes ~~higher~~ greater academic achievement, preparation for higher academic education, preparation for the world of work, citizenship as outlined under sections 120B.021, subdivision 1, clause (4), and 120B.024, paragraph (a), clause (4), and the arts.

Subd. 2. Statewide testing. Each school year, all school districts shall give a uniform statewide test to students at specified grades to provide information on the status, needs and performance of Minnesota students.

Subd. 3. Educational accountability. (a) The Independent Office of Educational Accountability, as authorized by Laws 1997, First Special Session chapter 4, article 5, section 28, subdivision 2, is established, and shall be funded through the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota. The office shall advise the education committees of the legislature and the commissioner of education, at least on a biennial basis, on the degree to which the statewide educational accountability and reporting system includes a comprehensive assessment framework that measures school accountability for students achieving the goals described in the state's ~~results-oriented~~ high school graduation rule. The office shall determine and annually report to the legislature whether and how effectively:

(1) the statewide system of educational accountability ~~utilizes~~ uses multiple indicators to provide valid and reliable comparative and contextual data on students, schools, districts, and the state, and if not, recommend ways to improve the accountability reporting system;

(2) the commissioner makes statistical adjustments when reporting student data over time, consistent with clause (4);

(3) the commissioner uses ~~indicators of student achievement growth~~ a growth-based value-added indicator of student achievement over time ~~and a value-added assessment model~~ that estimates the effects of the school and school district on student achievement to measure school performance, consistent with section ~~120B.36, subdivision 1~~ 120B.35, subdivision 3, paragraph (b);

(4) the commissioner makes data available on students who do not pass one or more of the state's required GRAD tests and do not receive a diploma as a consequence, and categorizes these data according to gender, race, eligibility for free or reduced lunch, and English language proficiency; and

(5) the commissioner fulfills the requirements under section 127A.095, subdivision 2.

(b) When the office reviews the statewide educational accountability and reporting system, it shall also consider:

(1) the objectivity and neutrality of the state's educational accountability system; and

(2) the impact of a testing program on school curriculum and student learning.

Subd. 4. Statistical adjustments; student performance data. In ~~developing~~ managing policies and assessment processes to hold schools and districts accountable for high levels of academic standards under section 120B.021, the commissioner shall aggregate student data over time to report student performance and growth levels measured at the school, school district, ~~regional, or~~ and statewide level. When collecting and reporting the performance data,

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the commissioner shall: (1) acknowledge the impact of significant demographic factors such as residential instability, the number of single parent families, parents' level of education, and parents' income level on school outcomes; and (2) organize and report the data so that state and local policy makers can understand the educational implications of changes in districts' demographic profiles over time. Any report the commissioner disseminates containing summary data on student performance must integrate student performance and the demographic factors that strongly correlate with that performance.

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

Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 120B.35, as amended by Laws 2007, chapter 147, article 8, section 38, is amended to read:

120B.35 STUDENT ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AND ~~PROGRESS~~ GROWTH.

Subdivision 1. ~~Adequate yearly progress of schools and students~~ School and student indicators of growth and achievement. The commissioner must ~~develop and implement~~ maintain a system for measuring and reporting academic achievement and individual student ~~progress~~ growth, consistent with the statewide educational accountability and reporting system. The system components ~~of the system~~ must measure the adequate yearly progress of schools and the growth of individual students: students' current achievement in schools under subdivision 2; and individual students' educational ~~progress~~ growth over time under subdivision 3. The system also must include statewide measures of student academic ~~achievement~~ growth that identify schools with high levels of ~~achievement~~ growth, and also schools with low levels of ~~achievement~~ growth that need improvement. When determining a school's effect, the data must include both statewide measures of student achievement and~~, to the extent annual tests are administered,~~ indicators of achievement growth that take into account a student's prior achievement. Indicators of achievement and prior achievement must be based on highly reliable statewide or districtwide assessments. Indicators that take into account a student's prior achievement must not be used to disregard a school's low achievement or to exclude a school from a program to improve low achievement levels. The commissioner by January 15, 2002, must submit a plan for integrating these components to the chairs of the legislative committees having policy and budgetary responsibilities for elementary and secondary education.

Subd. 2. Expectations for federally mandated student academic achievement. (a) Each school year, a school district must determine if the student achievement levels at each school site meet ~~state and local~~ federally mandated expectations. If student achievement levels at a school site do not meet ~~state and local~~ federally mandated expectations and the site has not made adequate yearly progress for two consecutive school years, beginning with the 2001-2002 school year, the district must work with the school site to adopt a plan to raise student achievement levels to meet ~~state and local~~ federally mandated expectations. The commissioner of education shall establish student academic achievement levels to comply with this paragraph.

(b) School sites identified as not meeting federally mandated expectations must develop continuous improvement plans in order to meet ~~state and local~~ federally mandated expectations for student academic achievement. The department, at a district's request, must assist the district and the school site in developing a plan to improve student achievement. The plan must include parental involvement components.

(1) ~~provide assistance to~~ assist school sites and districts identified as not meeting federally mandated expectations; and

(2) provide technical assistance to schools that integrate student ~~progress~~ measures ~~under subdivision 3~~ in the school continuous improvement plan.

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(d) The commissioner shall establish and maintain a continuous improvement Web site designed to make data on every school and district available to parents, teachers, administrators, community members, and the general public.

Subd. 3. Student ~~progress assessment~~ growth; other state measures. (a) The state's educational assessment system ~~component~~ measuring individual students' educational ~~progress must be~~ growth is based~~, to the extent annual tests are administered,~~ on indicators of achievement growth that show an individual student's prior achievement. Indicators of achievement and prior achievement ~~must be~~ are based on highly reliable statewide or districtwide assessments.

(b) The commissioner must identify effective models for measuring individual student progress that enable a school district or school site to perform gains-based analysis, including evaluating the effects of the teacher, school, and school district on student achievement over time. At least one model must be a "value-added" assessment model that reliably estimates those effects for classroom settings where a single teacher teaches multiple subjects to the same group of students, for team teaching arrangements, and for other teaching circumstances. use a growth-based value-added system. The commissioner must apply the state growth norm to students in grades 4 through 8 beginning in the 2008-2009 school year, consistent with section 120B.299, subdivision 6, initially benchmarking the state growth norm to 2006-2007 school year data. The model must allow the user to:

(1) report student growth at and above the state norm; and

(2) for all student categories with a cell size of at least 20, report and compare aggregated and disaggregated state growth data using the nine student categories identified under the federal 2001 No Child Left Behind Act and two student gender categories of male and female, respectively. The model must measure the effects that teacher teams within a grade, teacher teams across an entire grade, the school, and the school district have on student growth. The model must not compile test results for teacher teams within a grade or across a grade unless the test results encompass data on three or more teachers.

(c) If a district has an accountability plan that includes gains-based analysis or "value-added" assessment, the commissioner shall, to the extent practicable, incorporate those measures in determining whether the district or school site meets expectations. The department must coordinate with the district in evaluating school sites and continuous improvement plans, consistent with best practices. If a district has an accountability plan that includes other growth-based value-added analysis, the commissioner may, to the extent practicable and consistent with this section, incorporate those measures in determining whether the district or school site shows growth, including accelerated growth.

(d) When reporting student performance under section 120B.36, subdivision 1, the commissioner annually, beginning July 1, 2011, must report two core measures indicating the extent to which current high school graduates are being prepared for postsecondary academic and career opportunities:

(1) a preparation measure indicating the number and percentage of high school graduates in the most recent school year who completed course work important to preparing them for postsecondary academic and career opportunities, consistent with the core academic subjects required for admission to Minnesota's public four-year colleges and universities as determined by the Office of Higher Education under chapter 136A; and

(2) a rigorous coursework measure indicating the number and percentage of high school graduates in the most recent school year who successfully completed one or more college-level advanced placement, international baccalaureate, postsecondary enrollment options including concurrent enrollment, other rigorous courses of study under section 120B.021, subdivision 1a, or industry certification courses or programs.

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When reporting the core measures under clauses (1) and (2), the commissioner must also analyze and report separate categories of information using the nine student categories identified under the federal 2001 No Child Left Behind Act and two student gender categories of male and female, respectively.

(e) When reporting student performance under section 120B.36, subdivision 1, the commissioner annually, beginning July 1, 2011, must include summary data showing students' average self-reported sense of school safety, engagement in school, and the quality of students' relationship with teachers, administrators, and other students. The commissioner must gather these data consistently from students in grade 4 or 5, in one grade level in grades 6 through 8, and in one grade level in high school, as determined by the commissioner in consultation with recognized and qualified experts. All data received, collected, or created that are used to generate the summary data under this paragraph are nonpublic data under section 13.02, subdivision 9.

Subd. 4. Improving schools. Consistent with the requirements of this section, the commissioner of education must ~~establish a second achievement benchmark to identify improving schools. The commissioner must recommend to~~ annually report to the public and the legislature by February 15, 2002, indicators in addition to the achievement benchmark for identifying improving schools, including an indicator requiring a school to demonstrate ongoing successful use of best teaching practices best practices learned from those schools that demonstrate accelerated growth compared to the state growth norm.

Subd. 5. Improving graduation rates for students with emotional or behavioral disorders. (a) A district must develop strategies in conjunction with parents of students with emotional or behavioral disorders and the county board responsible for implementing sections 245.487 to 245.4889 to keep students with emotional or behavioral disorders in school, when the district has a drop-out rate for students with an emotional or behavioral disorder in grades 9 through 12 exceeding 25 percent.

(b) A district must develop a plan in conjunction with parents of students with emotional or behavioral disorders and the local mental health authority to increase the graduation rates of students with emotional or behavioral disorders. A district with a drop-out rate for children with an emotional or behavioral disturbance in grades 9 through 12 that is in the top 25 percent of all districts shall submit a plan for review and oversight to the commissioner.

EFFECTIVE DATE. Subdivision 3, paragraph (b), applies to students in the 2009-2010 school year and later. Subdivision 3, paragraph (d), applies to students in the 2010-2011 school year and later. Subdivision 3, paragraph (e), applies to high school students in the 2009-2010 school year and later, and to students in any grades 4 through 8 in the 2010-2011 school year and later, consistent with the commissioner's grade level determinations. Subdivision 4 applies in the 2011-2012 school year and later.

Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 120B.36, as amended by Laws 2007, chapter 146, article 2, section 11, is amended to read:

120B.36 SCHOOL ACCOUNTABILITY; APPEALS PROCESS.

Subdivision 1. School performance report cards. (a) The commissioner shall ~~use objective criteria based on levels of student performance to~~ report ~~at least~~ student academic performance under section 120B.35, subdivision 2, the percentages of students at and above the state growth norm under section 120B.35, subdivision 3, paragraph (b), school safety and student engagement under section 120B.35, subdivision 3, paragraph (e), rigorous coursework under section 120B.35, subdivision 3, paragraph (d), two separate student-to-teacher ratios that clearly indicate the definition of teacher consistent with sections 122A.06 and 122A.15 for purposes of determining these ratios, ~~and~~ staff characteristics excluding salaries, ~~with a value-added component added no later than the 2008-2009 school year~~ student enrollment demographics, district mobility, and extracurricular activities. ~~The report must indicate a school's adequate yearly progress status, and must not set any designations applicable to high- and low-performing schools due solely to adequate yearly progress status.~~

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(b) The commissioner shall develop, annually update, and post on the department Web site school performance report cards.

(c) The commissioner must make available ~~the first~~ performance report cards by ~~November 2003, and during~~ the beginning of each school year ~~thereafter~~.

(d) A school or district may appeal its adequate yearly progress status in writing to the commissioner within 30 days of receiving the notice of its status. The commissioner's decision to uphold or deny an appeal is final.

(e) School performance report ~~cards~~ card data are nonpublic data under section 13.02, subdivision 9, until not later than ten days after the appeal procedure described in paragraph (d) concludes. The department shall annually post school performance report cards to its public Web site no later than September 1.

Subd. 2. Adequate yearly progress data. All data the department receives, collects, or creates ~~for purposes of determining~~ to determine adequate yearly progress ~~designations~~ status under Public Law 107-110, section 1116, set state growth norms, and determine student growth are nonpublic data under section 13.02, subdivision 9, until not later than ten days after the appeal procedure described in subdivision 1, paragraph (d), concludes. Districts must provide parents sufficiently detailed summary data to permit parents to appeal under Public Law 107-110, section 1116(b)(2). The department shall annually post federally mandated adequate yearly progress data and state student growth data to its public Web site no later than September 1.

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

Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 120B.362, is amended to read:

120B.362 GROWTH-BASED VALUE-ADDED ASSESSMENT PROGRAM.

~~(a)~~ The commissioner of education must implement a growth-based value-added assessment program to assist school districts, public schools, and charter schools in assessing and reporting individual students' growth in academic achievement under section 120B.30, subdivision 1a. The program must use assessments of individual students' academic achievement to make longitudinal comparisons of each student's academic growth over time. School districts, public schools, and charter schools may apply to the commissioner to participate in the initial trial program using a form and in the manner the commissioner prescribes. The commissioner must select program participants from urban, suburban, and rural areas throughout the state.

(b) The commissioner may issue a request for proposals to contract with an organization that provides a value-added assessment model that reliably estimates school and school district effects on students' academic achievement over time. The model the commissioner selects must accommodate diverse data and must use each student's test data across grades. Data on individual teachers generated under the model are personnel data under section 13.43.

~~(c) The contract under paragraph (b) must be consistent with the definition of "best value" under section 16C.02, subdivision 4.~~

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

Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 122A.21, is amended to read:

122A.21 TEACHERS' AND ADMINISTRATORS' LICENSES; FEES.

Subdivision 1. Licensure applications. Each application for the issuance, renewal, or extension of a license to teach, including applications for licensure via portfolio under subdivision 2, must be accompanied by a processing fee of $57. Each application for issuing, renewing, or extending the license of a school administrator or supervisor must be accompanied by a processing fee in the amount set by the Board of Teaching. The processing fee for a

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teacher's license and for the licenses of supervisory personnel must be paid to the executive secretary of the appropriate board. The executive secretary of the board shall deposit the fees with the commissioner of finance. The fees as set by the board are nonrefundable for applicants not qualifying for a license. However, a fee must be refunded by the commissioner of finance in any case in which the applicant already holds a valid unexpired license. The board may waive or reduce fees for applicants who apply at the same time for more than one license.

Subd. 2. Licensure via portfolio. (a) A candidate seeking licensure via portfolio must submit a $75 fee to the Educator Licensing Division at the department to determine the candidate's eligibility for licensure via portfolio. An eligible candidate may use licensure via portfolio to obtain an initial licensure or to add a licensure field, consistent with the applicable Board of Teaching licensure rules.

(b) A candidate for initial licensure must submit to the Educator Licensing Division at the department one portfolio demonstrating pedagogical competence and one portfolio demonstrating content competence.

(c) A candidate seeking to add a licensure field must submit to the Educator Licensing Division at the department one portfolio demonstrating content competence.

(d) A candidate must pay to the executive secretary of the Board of Teaching a $300 fee for the first portfolio submitted for review and a $200 fee for any portfolio submitted subsequently. The fees must be paid to the executive secretary of the Board of Teaching. The revenue generated from the fee must be deposited in an education licensure portfolio account in the special revenue fund. The fees set by the Board of Teaching are nonrefundable for applicants not qualifying for a license. The Board of Teaching may waive or reduce fees for candidates based on financial need.

Sec. 11. [121A.215] LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT WELLNESS POLICIES; WEB SITE.

When available, a school district must post its current local school wellness policy on its Web site.

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

Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 123B.02, subdivision 21, is amended to read:

Subd. 21. Wind energy conversion system. The board, or more than one board acting jointly under the authority granted by section 471.59, may construct, acquire, own in whole or in part, operate, and sell and retain and spend the payment received from selling energy from a wind energy conversion system, as defined in section 216C.06, subdivision 19. The board's share of the installed capacity of the wind energy conversion systems authorized by this subdivision must not exceed 3.3 megawatts of nameplate capacity. A board owning, operating, or selling energy from a wind energy conversion system must integrate information about wind energy conversion systems in its educational programming. The board, or more than one board acting jointly under the authority granted by section 471.59, may be a limited partner in a partnership, a member of a limited liability company, or a shareholder in a corporation, established for the sole purpose of constructing, acquiring, owning in whole or in part, financing, or operating a wind energy conversion system for the benefit of the district or districts in accordance with this section.

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

Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2007 Supplement, section 123B.143, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Contract; duties. All districts maintaining a classified secondary school must employ a superintendent who shall be an ex officio nonvoting member of the school board. The authority for selection and employment of a superintendent must be vested in the board in all cases. An individual employed by a board as a

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superintendent shall have an initial employment contract for a period of time no longer than three years from the date of employment. Any subsequent employment contract must not exceed a period of three years. A board, at its discretion, may or may not renew an employment contract. A board must not, by action or inaction, extend the duration of an existing employment contract. Beginning 365 days prior to the expiration date of an existing employment contract, a board may negotiate and enter into a subsequent employment contract to take effect upon the expiration of the existing contract. A subsequent contract must be contingent upon the employee completing the terms of an existing contract. If a contract between a board and a superintendent is terminated prior to the date specified in the contract, the board may not enter into another superintendent contract with that same individual that has a term that extends beyond the date specified in the terminated contract. A board may terminate a superintendent during the term of an employment contract for any of the grounds specified in section 122A.40, subdivision 9 or 13. A superintendent shall not rely upon an employment contract with a board to assert any other continuing contract rights in the position of superintendent under section 122A.40. Notwithstanding the provisions of sections 122A.40, subdivision 10 or 11, 123A.32, 123A.75, or any other law to the contrary, no individual shall have a right to employment as a superintendent based on order of employment in any district. If two or more districts enter into an agreement for the purchase or sharing of the services of a superintendent, the contracting districts have the absolute right to select one of the individuals employed to serve as superintendent in one of the contracting districts and no individual has a right to employment as the superintendent to provide all or part of the services based on order of employment in a contracting district. The superintendent of a district shall perform the following:

(1) visit and supervise the schools in the district, report and make recommendations about their condition when advisable or on request by the board;

(2) recommend to the board employment and dismissal of teachers;

(3) superintend school grading practices and examinations for promotions;

(4) make reports required by the commissioner; and

(5) by January 10, submit an annual report to the commissioner in a manner prescribed by the commissioner, in consultation with school districts, identifying the expenditures that the district requires to ensure an 80 percent student passage rate on the MCA-IIs taken in the eighth grade, identifying the highest student passage rate the district expects it will be able to attain on the MCA-IIs by grade 12, and the amount of expenditures that the district requires to attain the targeted student passage rate; and

~~(6)~~ perform other duties prescribed by the board.

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

Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 123B.59, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. To qualify. (a) An independent or special school district qualifies to participate in the alternative facilities bonding and levy program if the district has:

(1) more than 66 students per grade;

(2) over 1,850,000 square feet of space and the average age of building space is 15 years or older or over 1,500,000 square feet and the average age of building space is 35 years or older;

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(3) insufficient funds from projected health and safety revenue and capital facilities revenue to meet the requirements for deferred maintenance, to make accessibility improvements, or to make fire, safety, or health repairs; and

(4) a ten-year facility plan approved by the commissioner according to subdivision 2.

(b) An independent or special school district not eligible to participate in the alternative facilities bonding and levy program under paragraph (a) qualifies for limited participation in the program if the district has:

(1) one or more health and safety projects with an estimated cost of $500,000 or more per site that would qualify for health and safety revenue except for the project size limitation in section 123B.57, subdivision 1, paragraph (b); and

(2) insufficient funds from capital facilities revenue to fund those projects.

(c) Notwithstanding the square footage limitation in paragraph (a), clause (2), a school district that qualified for eligibility under paragraph (a) as of July 1, 2007, remains eligible for funding under this section as long as the district continues to meet the requirements of paragraph (a), clauses (1), (3), and (4).

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

Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 123B.62, is amended to read:

123B.62 BONDS FOR CERTAIN CAPITAL FACILITIES.

(a) In addition to other bonding authority, with approval of the commissioner, a district may issue general obligation bonds for certain capital projects under this section. The bonds must be used only to make capital improvements including:

(1) under section 126C.10, subdivision 14, total operating capital revenue uses specified in clauses (4), (6), (7), (8), (9), and (10);

(2) the cost of energy modifications;

(3) improving disability accessibility to school buildings; and

(4) bringing school buildings into compliance with life and safety codes and fire codes.

(b) Before a district issues bonds under this subdivision, it must publish notice of the intended projects, the amount of the bond issue, and the total amount of district indebtedness.

(c) A bond issue tentatively authorized by the board under this subdivision becomes finally authorized unless a petition signed by more than 15 percent of the registered voters of the district is filed with the school board within 30 days of the board's adoption of a resolution stating the board's intention to issue bonds. The percentage is to be determined with reference to the number of registered voters in the district on the last day before the petition is filed with the board. The petition must call for a referendum on the question of whether to issue the bonds for the projects under this section. The approval of 50 percent plus one of those voting on the question is required to pass a referendum authorized by this section.

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(d) The bonds must be paid off within ~~ten~~ 15 years of issuance. The bonds must be issued in compliance with chapter 475, except as otherwise provided in this section. A tax levy must be made for the payment of principal and interest on the bonds in accordance with section 475.61. The sum of the tax levies under this section and section 123B.61 for each year must not exceed the limit specified in section 123B.61. The levy for each year must be reduced as provided in section 123B.61. A district using an excess amount in the debt redemption fund to retire the bonds shall report the amount used for this purpose to the commissioner by July 15 of the following fiscal year. A district having an outstanding capital loan under section 126C.69 or an outstanding debt service loan under section 126C.68 must not use an excess amount in the debt redemption fund to retire the bonds.

(e) Notwithstanding paragraph (d), bonds issued by a district within the first five years following voter approval of a combination according to section 123A.37, subdivision 2, must be paid off within 20 years of issuance. All the other provisions and limitation of paragraph (d) apply.

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

Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 124D.04, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Pupils in adjoining states. Except as provided under an agreement with an adjoining state under section 124D.041, a non-Minnesota pupil who resides in an adjoining state in a district that borders Minnesota may enroll in a Minnesota district if either the board of the district in which the pupil resides or state in which the pupil resides pays tuition to the district in which the pupil is enrolled.

Sec. 17. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 124D.04, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6. Tuition payments. (a) In each odd-numbered year, before March 1, the commissioner must agree to rates of tuition for Minnesota elementary and secondary pupils attending in other states for the next two fiscal years when the other state agrees to negotiate tuition rates. The commissioner must negotiate equal, reciprocal rates with the designated authority in each state for pupils who reside in an adjoining state and enroll in a Minnesota district. The rates must be at least equal to the tuition specified in section 124D.05, subdivision 1. If the other state does not agree to negotiate a general tuition rate, a Minnesota school district may negotiate a tuition rate with the school district in the other state that sends a pupil to or receives a pupil from the Minnesota school district. The tuition rate for a pupil with a disability must be equal to the actual cost of instruction and services provided. The resident district of a Minnesota pupil attending in another state under this section must pay the amount of tuition agreed upon in this section to the district of attendance, prorated on the basis of the proportion of the school year attended.

(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) and subdivision 9, if an agreement is reached between the state of Minnesota and an adjoining state pursuant to section 124D.041, the provisions of section 124D.041 and the agreement shall apply to all enrollment transfers between Minnesota and the adjoining state, and provisions of paragraph (a) and subdivision 9 shall not apply.

Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 124D.04, subdivision 8, is amended to read:

Subd. 8. Effective if reciprocal. This section is effective with respect to South Dakota upon enactment of provisions by South Dakota that the commissioner determines are essentially similar to the provisions for Minnesota pupils in this section. This section is effective with respect to any ~~other~~ bordering state upon enactment of provisions by the bordering state that the commissioner determines are essentially similar to the provisions for Minnesota pupils in this section.

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Sec. 19. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 124D.04, subdivision 9, is amended to read:

Subd. 9. Appeal to the commissioner. If a Minnesota school district cannot agree with an adjoining state on a tuition rate for a Minnesota student attending school in that state and that state has met the requirements in subdivision 8, then the student's parent or guardian may request that the commissioner ~~agree on~~ set a tuition rate for the student. The Minnesota district must pay the amount of tuition the commissioner ~~agrees upon~~ sets.

Sec. 20. [124D.041] RECIPROCITY WITH ADJOINING STATES.

Subdivision 1. Agreements. (a) The commissioner may enter into an agreement with the designated authority from an adjoining state to establish an enrollment options program between Minnesota and the adjoining state. Any agreement entered into pursuant to this section must specify the following:

(1) for students who are not residents of Minnesota, the enrollment options program applies only to a student whose resident school district borders Minnesota;

(2) the commissioner must negotiate equal, reciprocal rates with the designated authority from the adjoining state;

(3) if the adjoining state sends more students to Minnesota than Minnesota sends to the adjoining state, the adjoining state must pay the state of Minnesota the rate agreed upon under clause (2) for the excess number of students sent to Minnesota;

(4) if Minnesota sends more students to the adjoining state than the adjoining state sends to Minnesota, the state of Minnesota will pay the adjoining state the rate agreed upon under clause (2) for the excess number of students sent to the adjoining state;

(5) the application procedures for the enrollment options program between Minnesota and the adjoining state;

(6) the reasons for which an application for the enrollment options program between Minnesota and the adjoining may be denied; and

(7) that a Minnesota school district is not responsible for transportation for any resident student attending school in an adjoining state under the provisions of this section. A Minnesota school district may, at its discretion, provide transportation services for such a student.

(b) Any agreement entered into pursuant to this section may specify additional terms relating to any student in need of special education and related services pursuant to chapter 125A. Any additional terms must apply equally to both states.

Subd. 2. Pupil accounting. (a) Any student from an adjoining state enrolled in Minnesota pursuant to this section is included in the receiving school district's average daily membership and pupil units according to section 126C.05 as if the student were a resident of another Minnesota school district attending the receiving school district under section 124D.03.

(b) Any Minnesota resident student enrolled in an adjoining state pursuant to this section is included in the resident school district's average daily membership and pupil units according to section 126C.05 as if the student were a resident of the district attending another Minnesota school district under section 124D.03.

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Subd. 3. Procedures. (a) The Department of Education must establish procedures relating to the application process, the collection or payment of funds under the provisions of any agreement established pursuant to this section, and the collection of data necessary to implement any agreement established pursuant to this section.

(b) Notwithstanding sections 124D.04 and 124D.05, if an agreement is established between Minnesota and an adjoining state pursuant to this section, the provisions of this section and the agreement shall apply to all enrollment transfers between Minnesota and the adjoining state, and provisions of sections 124D.04 and 124D.05 to the contrary, including provisions relating to tuition payments, shall not apply.

(c) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), any payments to adjoining states under this section shall be made according to section 127A.45, subdivision 16.

(d) Notwithstanding paragraph (b), sections 124D.04, subdivision 6, paragraph (b), and 124D.05, subdivision 2a, the provisions of this section and the agreement shall not apply to enrollment transfers between Minnesota and a school district in an adjoining state enrolling fewer than 150 pupils that is exempted from participation in the program under the laws of the adjoining state.

Sec. 21. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 124D.05, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 2a. Exception. Notwithstanding subdivisions 1 and 2, if an agreement is reached between the state of Minnesota and an adjoining state pursuant to section 124D.041, the provisions of section 124D.041 and the agreement shall apply to all enrollment transfers between Minnesota and the adjoining state, and provisions of subdivisions 1 and 2 to the contrary, including provisions relating to tuition payments, shall not apply.

Sec. 22. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 124D.10, subdivision 20, is amended to read:

Subd. 20. Leave to teach in a charter school. If a teacher employed by a district makes a written request for an extended leave of absence to teach at a charter school, the district must grant the leave. The district must grant a leave not to exceed a total of five years. Any request to extend the leave shall be granted only at the discretion of the school board. The district may require that the request for a leave or extension of leave be made ~~up to 90 days before the teacher would otherwise have to report for duty~~ before February 1 in the school year preceding the school year in which the teacher wishes to return, or before February 1 of the calendar year in which the teacher's leave is scheduled to terminate. Except as otherwise provided in this subdivision and except for section 122A.46, subdivision 7, the leave is governed by section 122A.46, including, but not limited to, reinstatement, notice of intention to return, seniority, salary, and insurance.

During a leave, the teacher may continue to aggregate benefits and credits in the Teachers' Retirement Association account by paying both the employer and employee contributions based upon the annual salary of the teacher for the last full pay period before the leave began. The retirement association may impose reasonable requirements to efficiently administer this subdivision.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for the 2008-2009 school year and later.

Sec. 23. Minnesota Statutes 2007 Supplement, section 124D.531, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. State total adult basic education aid. (a) The state total adult basic education aid for fiscal year 2005 is $36,509,000. The state total adult basic education aid for fiscal year 2006 equals $36,587,000 plus any amount that is not paid for during the previous fiscal year, as a result of adjustments under subdivision 4, paragraph (a), or section 124D.52, subdivision 3. The state total adult basic education aid for fiscal year 2007 equals $37,673,000 plus any amount that is not paid for during the previous fiscal year, as a result of adjustments under subdivision 4, paragraph (a), or section 124D.52, subdivision 3. The state total adult basic education aid for fiscal

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year 2008 equals $40,650,000, plus any amount that is not paid during the previous fiscal year as a result of adjustments under subdivision 4, paragraph (a), or section 124D.52, subdivision 3. The state total adult basic education aid for later fiscal years equals:

(1) the state total adult basic education aid for the preceding fiscal year plus any amount that is not paid for during the previous fiscal year, as a result of adjustments under subdivision 4, paragraph (a), or section 124D.52, subdivision 3; times

(2) the lesser of:

(i) 1.03; or

(ii) ~~the greater of 1.00 or the ratio of the state total contact hours in the first prior program year to the state total contact hours in the second prior program year~~ the average growth in state total contact hours over the prior ten program years.

Beginning in fiscal year 2002, two percent of the state total adult basic education aid must be set aside for adult basic education supplemental service grants under section 124D.522.

(b) The state total adult basic education aid, excluding basic population aid, equals the difference between the amount computed in paragraph (a), and the state total basic population aid under subdivision 2.

Sec. 24. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 124D.55, is amended to read:

124D.55 GENERAL EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT (GED) TEST FEES.

The commissioner shall pay 60 percent of the fee that is charged to an eligible individual for the full battery of a general education development (GED) test, but not more than ~~$20~~ $40 for an eligible individual.

Sec. 25. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 125A.65, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 11. Third-party reimbursement. The Minnesota State Academies must seek reimbursement under section 125A.21 from third parties for the cost of services provided by the Minnesota State Academies whenever the services provided are otherwise covered by a child's public or private health plan.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment for revenue in fiscal years 2008 and later.

Sec. 26. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 125A.76, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 4a. Adjustments for tuition reciprocity with adjoining states. (a) If an agreement is reached between the state of Minnesota and an adjoining state pursuant to section 124D.041 that requires a special education tuition payment from the state of Minnesota to the adjoining state, the tuition payment shall be made from the special education aid appropriation for that year, and the state total special education aid under subdivision 4 shall be reduced by the amount of the payment.

(b) If an agreement is reached between the state of Minnesota and an adjoining state pursuant to section 124D.041 that requires a special education tuition payment from an adjoining state to the state of Minnesota, the special education aid appropriation for that year and the state total special education aid under subdivision 4 shall be increased by the amount of the payment.

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(c) If an agreement is reached between the state of Minnesota and an adjoining state pursuant to section 124D.041 that requires special education tuition payments to be made between the two states and not between districts in the two states, the special education aid for a Minnesota school district serving a student with a disability from the adjoining state shall be calculated according to section 127A.47, subdivision 7, except that no reduction shall be made in the special education aid paid to the resident district.

Sec. 27. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 126C.10, subdivision 31, is amended to read:

Subd. 31. Transition revenue. (a) A district's transition allowance equals the greater of zero or the product of the ratio of the number of adjusted marginal cost pupil units the district would have counted for fiscal year 2004 under Minnesota Statutes 2002 to the district's adjusted marginal cost pupil units for fiscal year 2004, times the difference between: (1) the lesser of the district's general education revenue per adjusted marginal cost pupil unit for fiscal year 2003 or the amount of general education revenue the district would have received per adjusted marginal cost pupil unit for fiscal year 2004 according to Minnesota Statutes 2002, and (2) the district's general education revenue for fiscal year 2004 excluding transition revenue divided by the number of adjusted marginal cost pupil units the district would have counted for fiscal year 2004 under Minnesota Statutes 2002.

(b) A district's transition revenue for fiscal ~~year~~ years 2006 ~~and later~~ through 2009 equals the sum of the product of the district's transition allowance times the district's adjusted marginal cost pupil units plus the district's transition for prekindergarten revenue under subdivision 31a.

(c) A district's transition revenue for fiscal year 2010 and later equals the sum of the product of the district's transition allowance times the district's adjusted marginal cost pupil units plus the district's transition for prekindergarten revenue under subdivision 31a plus the district's transition for tuition reciprocity revenue under subdivision 31c.

Sec. 28. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 126C.10, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 31c. Transition for tuition reciprocity revenue. For the first year that a tuition reciprocity agreement with an adjoining state is in effect under section 124D.041 and later, a school district's transition for tuition reciprocity revenue equals the greater of zero or the difference between the sum of the general education revenue and net tuition revenue the district would have received for pupils enrolled under section 124D.041 for the first year the agreement is in effect if the agreement had not been in effect, and the sum of the district's general education revenue and net tuition revenue for the first year the agreement is in effect.

Sec. 29. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 126C.17, subdivision 9, is amended to read:

Subd. 9. Referendum revenue. (a) The revenue authorized by section 126C.10, subdivision 1, may be increased in the amount approved by the voters of the district at a referendum called for the purpose. The referendum may be called by the board or shall be called by the board upon written petition of qualified voters of the district. The referendum must be conducted one or two calendar years before the increased levy authority, if approved, first becomes payable. Only one election to approve an increase may be held in a calendar year. Unless the referendum is conducted by mail under paragraph (g), the referendum must be held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. The ballot must state the maximum amount of the increased revenue per resident marginal cost pupil unit. The ballot may state a schedule, determined by the board, of increased revenue per resident marginal cost pupil unit that differs from year to year over the number of years for which the increased revenue is authorized or may state that the amount shall increase annually by the rate of inflation. For this purpose, the rate of inflation shall be the annual inflationary increase calculated under subdivision 2, paragraph (b). The ballot may state that existing referendum levy authority is expiring. In this case, the ballot may also compare the proposed levy authority to the existing expiring levy authority, and express the proposed increase as the amount, if any, over the expiring referendum levy authority. The ballot must designate the specific number of years, not to

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exceed ten, for which the referendum authorization applies. The ballot, including a ballot on the question to revoke or reduce the increased revenue amount under paragraph (c), must abbreviate the term "per resident marginal cost pupil unit" as "per pupil." The notice required under section 275.60 may be modified to read, in cases of renewing existing levies at the same amount per pupil as in the previous year:

"BY VOTING "YES" ON THIS BALLOT QUESTION, YOU ~~MAY BE VOTING FOR A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE~~ ARE RENEWING AN EXISTING PROPERTY TAX REFERENDUM. YOU ARE NOT CHANGING YOUR OPERATING REFERENDUM AMOUNT PER PUPIL FROM ITS LEVEL IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR."

The ballot may contain a textual portion with the information required in this subdivision and a question stating substantially the following:

"Shall the increase in the revenue proposed by (petition to) the board of ........., School District No. .., be approved?"

If approved, an amount equal to the approved revenue per resident marginal cost pupil unit times the resident marginal cost pupil units for the school year beginning in the year after the levy is certified shall be authorized for certification for the number of years approved, if applicable, or until revoked or reduced by the voters of the district at a subsequent referendum.

(b) The board must prepare and deliver by first class mail at least 15 days but no more than 30 days before the day of the referendum to each taxpayer a notice of the referendum and the proposed revenue increase. The board need not mail more than one notice to any taxpayer. For the purpose of giving mailed notice under this subdivision, owners must be those shown to be owners on the records of the county auditor or, in any county where tax statements are mailed by the county treasurer, on the records of the county treasurer. Every property owner whose name does not appear on the records of the county auditor or the county treasurer is deemed to have waived this mailed notice unless the owner has requested in writing that the county auditor or county treasurer, as the case may be, include the name on the records for this purpose. The notice must project the anticipated amount of tax increase in annual dollars for typical residential homesteads, agricultural homesteads, apartments, and commercial-industrial property within the school district.

The notice for a referendum may state that an existing referendum levy is expiring and project the anticipated amount of increase over the existing referendum levy in the first year, if any, in annual dollars for typical residential homesteads, agricultural homesteads, apartments, and commercial-industrial property within the district.

The notice must include the following statement: "Passage of this referendum will result in an increase in your property taxes." However, in cases of renewing existing levies, the notice may include the following statement: "Passage of this referendum ~~may result in an increase in your property taxes."~~ renews an existing operating referendum at the same amount per pupil as in the previous year."

(c) A referendum on the question of revoking or reducing the increased revenue amount authorized pursuant to paragraph (a) may be called by the board and shall be called by the board upon the written petition of qualified voters of the district. A referendum to revoke or reduce the revenue amount must state the amount per resident marginal cost pupil unit by which the authority is to be reduced. Revenue authority approved by the voters of the district pursuant to paragraph (a) must be available to the school district at least once before it is subject to a referendum on its revocation or reduction for subsequent years. Only one revocation or reduction referendum may be held to revoke or reduce referendum revenue for any specific year and for years thereafter.

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(d) A petition authorized by paragraph (a) or (c) is effective if signed by a number of qualified voters in excess of 15 percent of the registered voters of the district on the day the petition is filed with the board. A referendum invoked by petition must be held on the date specified in paragraph (a).

(e) The approval of 50 percent plus one of those voting on the question is required to pass a referendum authorized by this subdivision.

(f) At least 15 days before the day of the referendum, the district must submit a copy of the notice required under paragraph (b) to the commissioner and to the county auditor of each county in which the district is located. Within 15 days after the results of the referendum have been certified by the board, or in the case of a recount, the certification of the results of the recount by the canvassing board, the district must notify the commissioner of the results of the referendum.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for elections conducted on or after July 1, 2008.

Sec. 30. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 126C.21, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Permanent school fund. ~~The~~ An amount of money equal to $36 times the district's pupils in average daily membership received by a district as income from the permanent school fund for any year must be deducted from the general education aid earned by the district for the same year or from aid earned from other state sources.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for revenue for fiscal year 2010.

Sec. 31. Minnesota Statutes 2007 Supplement, section 126C.21, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. County apportionment deduction. Each year the amount of money apportioned to a district for that year pursuant to ~~sections~~ section 127A.34, subdivision 2, ~~and 272.029, subdivision 6,~~ must be deducted from the general education aid earned by that district for the same year or from aid earned from other state sources.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for revenue for fiscal year 2009.

Sec. 32. Minnesota Statutes 2007 Supplement, section 126C.44, is amended to read:

126C.44 SAFE SCHOOLS LEVY.

(a) Each district may make a levy on all taxable property located within the district for the purposes specified in this section. The maximum amount which may be levied for all costs under this section shall be equal to $30 multiplied by the district's adjusted marginal cost pupil units for the school year. The proceeds of the levy must be reserved and used for directly funding the following purposes or for reimbursing the cities and counties who contract with the district for the following purposes: (1) to pay the costs incurred for the salaries, benefits, and transportation costs of peace officers and sheriffs for liaison in services in the district's schools; (2) to pay the costs for a drug abuse prevention program as defined in section 609.101, subdivision 3, paragraph (e), in the elementary schools; (3) to pay the costs for a gang resistance education training curriculum in the district's schools; (4) to pay the costs for security in the district's schools and on school property; (5) to pay the costs for other crime prevention, drug abuse, student and staff safety, voluntary opt-in suicide prevention tools, and violence prevention measures taken by the school district; or (6) to pay costs for licensed school counselors, licensed school nurses, licensed school social workers, licensed school psychologists, and licensed alcohol and chemical dependency counselors to help provide early responses to problems. For expenditures under clause (1), the district must initially attempt to contract for services to be provided by peace officers or sheriffs with the police department of each city or the sheriff's department of the county within the district containing the school receiving the services. If a local police department or a county sheriff's department does not wish to provide the necessary services, the district may contract for these services with any other police or sheriff's department located entirely or partially within the school district's boundaries.

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(b) A school district that is a member of an intermediate school district may include in its authority under this section the costs associated with safe schools activities authorized under paragraph (a) for intermediate school district programs. This authority must not exceed $10 times the adjusted marginal cost pupil units of the member districts. This authority is in addition to any other authority authorized under this section. Revenue raised under this paragraph must be transferred to the intermediate school district.

(c) If A school district ~~spends~~ must set aside at least $3 per adjusted marginal cost pupil unit of the safe schools levy proceeds for the purposes authorized under paragraph (a), clause (6),. The district must annually certify that its total spending on services provided by the employees listed in paragraph (a), clause (6), is not less than the sum of its expenditures for these purposes, excluding amounts spent under this section, in the previous year plus the amount spent under this section.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for revenue for fiscal year 2010.

Sec. 33. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 126C.51, is amended to read:

126C.51 APPLICATION OF LIMITING TAX LEGISLATION.

Notwithstanding the provisions of section 471.69 or 471.75, or of any other provision of law which by per capita limitation, local tax rate limitation, or otherwise, limits the power of a district to incur any debt or to issue any warrant or order, a school district or intermediate school district has the powers in sections 126C.50 to 126C.56 specifically conferred upon it and all powers incident and necessary to carrying out the purposes of sections 126C.50 to 126C.56.

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

Sec. 34. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 126C.52, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Limitations. The board of any school district may also borrow money in the manner and subject to the limitations set forth in sections 126C.50 to 126C.56 in anticipation of receipt of state aids for schools as defined in Minnesota Statutes and of federal school aids to be distributed by or through the department. The aggregate of such borrowings under this subdivision shall never exceed 75 percent of such aids which are receivable by said school district in the ~~school~~ fiscal year ~~(from July 1 to June 30)~~ in which the money is borrowed, as estimated and certified by the commissioner.

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

Sec. 35. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 126C.52, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 3. Intermediate school districts. (a) The board of an intermediate school district may borrow money in the manner and subject to the limitations set forth in sections 126C.50 to 126C.56 in anticipation of the receipt of:

(1) state aids for schools as defined in Minnesota Statutes;

(2) federal school aids to be distributed by or through the department; and

(3) membership fees and tuition payments from its member school districts.

The aggregate of such borrowings under this subdivision shall never exceed 75 percent of such aids, fees, and tuition payments which are receivable by the intermediate school district in the fiscal year in which the money is borrowed, as estimated and certified by the commissioner.

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(b) The board of an intermediate school district may, upon receipt of a written resolution by each of its member school districts, pledge the member district's full faith and credit and unlimited taxing powers to repay its pro rata share of any certificates issued or the amount paid by the state under section 126C.55, subdivision 2, plus interest, if the revenues specified in paragraph (a) and any other revenues of the intermediate school district are insufficient to do so.

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

Sec. 36. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 126C.53, is amended to read:

126C.53 ENABLING RESOLUTION; FORM OF CERTIFICATES OF INDEBTEDNESS.

The board of a school district or intermediate school district may authorize and effect such borrowing, and may issue such certificates of indebtedness upon passage of a resolution specifying the amount and purposes for which it deems such borrowing is necessary. The resolution must be adopted by a vote of at least two-thirds of its members. The board must fix the amount, date, maturity, form, denomination, and other details of the certificates of indebtedness, not inconsistent with this chapter. The board must fix the date and place for receipt of bids for the purchase of the certificates when bids are required and direct the clerk to give notice of the date and place for bidding.

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

Sec. 37. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 126C.55, is amended to read:

126C.55 STATE PAYMENT OF DEBT OBLIGATION UPON POTENTIAL DEFAULT; REPAYMENT; STATE OBLIGATION NOT DEBT.

Subdivision 1. Definitions. For the purposes of this section, the term "debt obligation" means:

(1) a ~~tax or aid anticipation~~ certificate of indebtedness issued under section 126C.52;

(2) a certificate of participation issued under section 126C.40, subdivision 6; or

(3) a general obligation bond.

Subd. 2. Notifications; payment; appropriation. (a) If a school district or intermediate school district believes that it may be unable to make a principal or interest payment on any outstanding debt obligation on the date that payment is due, it must notify the commissioner as soon as possible, but not less than 15 working days before the date that principal or interest payment is due. The notice must include the name of the school district or intermediate school district, an identification of the debt obligation issue in question, the date the payment is due, the amount of principal and interest due on the payment date, the amount of principal or interest that the school district or intermediate school district will be unable to repay on that date, the paying agent for the debt obligation, the wire transfer instructions to transfer funds to that paying agent, and an indication as to whether a payment is being requested by the school district or intermediate school district under this section. If a paying agent becomes aware of a potential default, it shall inform the commissioner of that fact. After receipt of a notice which requests a payment under this section, after consultation with the school district or intermediate school district and the paying agent, and after verification of the accuracy of the information provided, the commissioner shall notify the commissioner of finance of the potential default. The notice must include a final figure as to the amount due that the school district or intermediate school district will be unable to repay on the date due.

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(b) Except as provided in subdivision 9, upon receipt of this notice from the commissioner, the commissioner of finance shall issue a warrant and authorize the commissioner of education to pay to the paying agent for the debt obligation the specified amount on or before the date due. The amounts needed for the purposes of this subdivision are annually appropriated to the department from the state general fund.

(c) The Departments of Education and Finance must jointly develop detailed procedures for school districts and intermediate school districts to notify the state that they have obligated themselves to be bound by the provisions of this section, procedures for school districts or intermediate school districts and paying agents to notify the state of potential defaults and to request state payment under this section, and procedures for the state to expedite payments to prevent defaults. The procedures are not subject to chapter 14.

Subd. 3. School district bound; interest rate on state paid amount. If, at the request of a school district or intermediate school district, the state has paid part or all of the principal or interest due on a district's debt obligation on a specific date, the school district or the intermediate school district is bound by all provisions of this section and the amount paid shall bear taxable interest from the date paid until the date of repayment at the invested cash rate as it is certified by the commissioner of finance. Interest shall only accrue on the amounts paid and outstanding less the reduction in aid under subdivision 4 and other payments received from the school district or intermediate school district.

Subd. 4. Pledge of district's full faith and credit. If, at the request of a school district or intermediate school district, the state has paid part or all of the principal or interest due on a district's debt obligation on a specific date, the pledge of the full faith and credit and unlimited taxing powers of the school district or the intermediate school district to repay the principal and interest due on those debt obligations shall also, without an election or the requirement of a further authorization, become a pledge of the full faith and credit and unlimited taxing powers of the school district or the intermediate school district to repay to the state the amount paid, with interest. Amounts paid by the state must be repaid in the order in which the state payments were made.

Subd. 4a. Aid reduction for repayment. (a) Except as provided in this subdivision, the state must reduce the state aid payable to the school district or intermediate school district under this chapter and chapters 122A, 123A, 123B, 124D, 125A, 126C, and 273 by the amount paid by the state under this section on behalf of the district, plus the interest due on it, and the amount reduced must revert from the appropriate account to the state general fund. Payments from the school district endowment fund or any federal aid payments shall not be reduced.

(b) For an intermediate school district, the state aid payable to the intermediate school district must first be reduced, before any reduction is made to the state aids payable to the member districts. If the state aid payable to the intermediate school district is not sufficient to repay the state, state aid payable to member districts may be reduced proportionately based on the ratio of each member district's adjusted net tax capacity to the total adjusted net tax capacity of all member districts.

(c) If, after review of the financial situation of the school district or intermediate school district, the commissioner advises the commissioner of finance that a total reduction of aids would cause an undue hardship on or an undue disruption of the educational program of the district, the commissioner, with the approval of the commissioner of finance, may establish a different schedule for reduction of aids to repay the state. The amount of aids to be reduced is decreased by any amounts repaid to the state by the district from other revenue sources.

Subd. 6. Tax levy for repayment. (a) With the approval of the commissioner, a district may levy in the year the state makes a payment under this section an amount up to the amount necessary to provide funds for the repayment of the amount paid by the state plus interest through the date of estimated repayment by the district. The proceeds of this levy may be used only for this purpose unless they are in excess of the amount actually due, in which case the excess shall be used to repay other state payments made under this section or shall be deposited in the debt redemption fund of the school district. This levy shall be an increase in the levy limits of the district for purposes of section 275.065, subdivision 6. The amount of aids to be reduced to repay the state shall be decreased by the amount levied. This levy by the district is not eligible for debt service equalization under section 123B.53.

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(b) If the state is not repaid in full for a payment made under this section by November 30 of the calendar year following the year in which the state makes the payment, the commissioner shall require the district to certify a property tax levy in an amount up to the amount necessary to provide funds for repayment of the amount paid by the state plus interest through the date of estimated repayment by the school district. To prevent undue hardship, the commissioner may allow the district to certify the levy over a five-year period. The proceeds of the levy may be used only for this purpose unless they are in excess of the amount actually due, in which case the excess shall be used to repay other state payments made under this section or shall be deposited in the debt redemption fund of the district. This levy shall be an increase in the levy limits of the school district for purposes of section 275.065, subdivision 6. If the commissioner orders the district to levy, the amount of aids reduced to repay the state shall be decreased by the amount levied. This levy by the district is not eligible for debt service equalization under section 123B.53 or any successor provision. A levy under this subdivision must be explained as a specific increase at the meeting required under section 275.065, subdivision 6.

(c) For an intermediate school district, a levy made by a member school district under paragraph (a) or (b) to repay its pro rata share must be spread by the commissioner as a tax rate based on the total adjusted net tax capacity of the member school districts. The proceeds of the levy must be remitted by the member school district to the intermediate school district and must be used by the intermediate school district only to repay the state amounts owed. Any amount in excess of the amount owed to the state must be repaid to the member school districts and the commissioner shall adjust each member school district's property tax levy in the next year.

Subd. 7. Election as to mandatory application. A school district or intermediate school district may covenant and obligate itself, prior to the issuance of an issue of debt obligations, to notify the commissioner of a potential default and to use the provisions of this section to guarantee payment of the principal and interest on those debt obligations when due. If the school district or intermediate school district obligates itself to be bound by this section, it must covenant in the resolution that authorizes the issuance of the debt obligations to deposit with the paying agent three business days prior to the date on which a payment is due an amount sufficient to make that payment or to notify the commissioner under subdivision 1 that it will be unable to make all or a portion of that payment. A school district or intermediate school district that has obligated itself must include a provision in its agreement with the paying agent for that issue that requires the paying agent to inform the commissioner if it becomes aware of a potential default in the payment of principal or interest on that issue or if, on the day two business days prior to the date a payment is due on that issue, there are insufficient funds to make the payment on deposit with the paying agent. Funds invested in a refunding escrow account established under section 475.67 that are to become available to the paying agent on a principal or interest payment date are deemed to be on deposit with the paying agent three business days before the payment date. If a school district or intermediate school district either covenants to be bound by this section or accepts state payments under this section to prevent a default of a particular issue of debt obligations, the provisions of this section shall be binding as to that issue as long as any debt obligation of that issue remain outstanding. If the provisions of this section are or become binding for more than one issue of debt obligations and a school district or intermediate school district is unable to make payments on one or more of those issues, the district must continue to make payments on the remaining issues.

Subd. 8. Mandatory plan; technical assistance. If the state makes payments on behalf of a school district or intermediate school district under this section or the district defaults in the payment of principal or interest on an outstanding debt obligation, it must submit a plan to the commissioner for approval specifying the measures it intends to implement to resolve the issues which led to its inability to make the payment and to prevent further defaults. The department must provide technical assistance to the school district or intermediate school district in preparing its plan. If the commissioner determines that a district's plan is not adequate, the commissioner shall notify the school district or intermediate school district that the plan has been disapproved, the reasons for the disapproval, and that the state shall not make future payments under this section for debt obligations issued after the date specified in that notice until its plan is approved. The commissioner may also notify the school district or intermediate school district that until its plan is approved, other aids due the district will be withheld after a date specified in the notice.

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Subd. 9. State bond rating. If the commissioner of finance determines that the credit rating of the state would be adversely affected thereby, the commissioner of finance shall not issue warrants under subdivision 2 for the payment of principal or interest on any debt obligations for which a district did not, prior to their issuance, obligate itself to be bound by the provisions of this section.

Subd. 10. Continuing disclosure agreements. The commissioner of finance may enter into written agreements or contracts relating to the continuing disclosure of information needed to facilitate the ability of school districts or intermediate school districts to issue debt obligations according to federal securities laws, rules, and regulations, including securities and exchange commission rules and regulations, section 240.15c2-12. Such agreements or contracts may be in any form the commissioner of finance deems reasonable and in the state's best interests.

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

Sec. 38. [127A.331] SCHOOL ENDOWMENT FUND; USE OF REVENUE.

A school that receives school endowment fund revenue under section 127A.33 in excess of $36 per pupil in average daily membership may use that revenue only for the following purposes:

(1) to purchase or lease computers and related materials, copying machines, telecommunications equipment, and other noninstructional equipment;

(2) to purchase or lease assistive technology or equipment for instructional programs;

(3) to purchase new and replacement library media resources or technology;

(4) to pay for ongoing or recurring telecommunications/Internet access costs associated with Internet access, data lines, and video links; and

(5) to pay for service provider installation fees for installation of new telecommunications lines or increased bandwidth.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for revenue for fiscal year 2010.

Sec. 39. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 127A.45, subdivision 16, is amended to read:

Subd. 16. Payments to third parties. Notwithstanding subdivision 3, the current year aid payment percentage of the amounts under section 123A.26, subdivision 3 and section 124D.041, shall be paid in equal installments on August 30, December 30, and March 30, with a final adjustment payment on October 30 of the next fiscal year of the remaining amount.

Sec. 40. Laws 2007, chapter 146, article 2, section 46, subdivision 13, is amended to read:

Subd. 13. Preadvanced placement, advanced placement, international baccalaureate, and concurrent enrollment programs. For preadvanced placement, advanced placement, international baccalaureate, and concurrent enrollment programs under Minnesota Statutes, sections 120B.132 and 124D.091:

$6,500,000 . . . . . 2008

$6,500,000 . . . . . 2009

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Of this amount, $2,500,000 each year is for concurrent enrollment program aid under Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.091. If the appropriation is insufficient, the commissioner must proportionately reduce the aid payment to each district. Any balance in the first year does not cancel but is available in the second year.

The base appropriation for fiscal year 2010 and later is $2,000,000.

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

Sec. 41. Laws 2007, chapter 146, article 3, section 23, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Report. (a) The task force must submit to the education policy and finance committees of the legislature by February 15, ~~2008~~ 2009, a report that identifies and clearly and concisely explains each provision in state law or rule that exceeds ~~or expands upon~~ a minimum federal requirement contained in law or regulation for providing special education programs and services to eligible students. The report also must recommend which state ~~provisions~~ statutes and rules that exceed ~~or expand upon~~ a minimum federal requirement may be amended to conform with minimum federal requirements or made more effective as determined by a majority of the task force members. The task force must recommend rules governing the use of aversive and deprivation procedures by school district employees or persons under contract with a school district. The task force expires when it submits its report to the legislature.

(b) Consistent with subdivision 1, the Department of Education member of the task force representing regulators shall be replaced with a parent advocate selected by a statewide organization that advocates on behalf of families with children with disabilities.

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

Sec. 42. Laws 2007, chapter 146, article 3, section 24, subdivision 9, is amended to read:

Subd. 9. Special Education Task Force. For the task force to compare federal and state special education requirements:

$ ~~20,000~~ 40,000 . . . . . 2008

Any balance in the first year does not cancel but is available in the second year.

This is a onetime appropriation.

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

Sec. 43. Laws 2007, chapter 146, article 5, section 13, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5. Plainview-Elgin-Millville fund balance replacement aid. For fund balance replacement aid for Independent School District No. 2899, Plainview-Elgin-Millville:

$ ~~17,000~~ 24,000 . . . . . 2008

This is a onetime appropriation.

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

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Sec. 44. Laws 2007, chapter 146, article 7, section 4, is amended to read:

Sec. 4. APPROPRIATIONS; DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.

Subdivision 1. Department of Education. Unless otherwise indicated, the sums indicated in this section are appropriated from the general fund to the Department of Education for the fiscal years designated.

Subd. 2. Department. (a) For the Department of Education:

$22,169,000 . . . . . 2008

$ ~~22,653,000~~ 21,791,000 . . . . . 2009

Any balance in the first year does not cancel but is available in the second year.

(b) $7,000 in fiscal year 2008 is for GRAD test rulemaking.

(d) $40,000 each year is for an early hearing loss intervention coordinator under Minnesota Statutes, section 125A.63, subdivision 5. If the department expends federal funds to employ a hearing loss coordinator under Minnesota Statutes, section 125.63, subdivision 5, then the appropriation under this paragraph is reallocated for purposes of employing a world languages coordinator.

(e) $260,000 each year is for the Minnesota Children's Museum.

(f) $41,000 each year is for the Minnesota Academy of Science.

(g) $619,000 in fiscal year 2008 and $632,000 in fiscal year 2009 are for the Board of Teaching.

(h) $163,000 in fiscal year 2008 and $171,000 in fiscal year 2009 are for the Board of School Administrators.

(i) $50,000 each year is for the Duluth Children's Museum.

(j) The expenditures of federal grants and aids as shown in the biennial budget document and its supplements are approved and appropriated and shall be spent as indicated.

(k) None of the amounts appropriated under this subdivision may be used for Minnesota's Washington, D.C., office.

(l) $30,000 in fiscal year 2009 is for determining how the educational achievement of low-income students and students of color is impacted by education issues related to rigorous preparation and coursework, educators' professional development, English language learners, special education, GRAD tests, and the use of valid and reliable data on student preparation for postsecondary academic and career opportunities under sections 57 and 58. This amount is not added to the base appropriation for fiscal year 2010 and later.

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Sec. 45. Laws 2007, First Special Session chapter 2, article 1, section 11, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Total Appropriation $ ~~584,000~~ 268,000

The appropriations in this section are from the general fund. The amounts that may be spent for each purpose are specified in the following subdivisions.

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

Sec. 46. Laws 2007, First Special Session chapter 2, article 1, section 11, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Independent School District No. 239, Rushford-Peterson

(a) Flood Enrollment Impact Aid 89,000

The commissioner of education shall pay to the school district flood enrollment impact aid equal to $5,394 times the number of pupils lost as a result of the floods of August 2007. The district must provide to the commissioner of education documentation of the number of pupils in average daily membership lost as a result of the flood.

(b) Disaster Relief Facilities Grant ~~250,000~~ 120,000

For facilities cleanup, repair, and replacement costs related to the floods of August 2007 not covered by the district's insurance settlement or through Federal Emergency Management Agency payments. The commissioner of education may request the school district to provide necessary information before awarding a grant.

For increased costs associated with transporting students as a result of the floods of August 2007.

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

Sec. 47. Laws 2007, First Special Session chapter 2, article 1, section 11, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6. Disaster Relief Facilities Grants to Other Districts ~~90,000~~ 14,000

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

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Sec. 48. FUND TRANSFERS.

Subdivision 1. Capital account transfers. Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, on June 30, 2008, a school district may transfer money from its reserved for operating capital account to its undesignated balance in the general fund. The amount transferred by any school district must not exceed $51 times the district's adjusted marginal cost pupil units for fiscal year 2007. This transfer may occur only after the school board has adopted a written resolution stating the amount of the transfer and declaring that the school district's operating capital needs are being met.

Subd. 2. Reserved for operating capital account transfer; Balaton school district. Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 123B.79 or 123B.80, or subdivision 1, on June 30, 2008, Independent School District No. 411, Balaton, may transfer up to $70,000 from its reserved for operating capital account to its undesignated general fund balance.

Subd. 3. Reserved for operating capital account transfer; East Central school district. Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 123B.79 or 123B.80, or subdivision 1, on June 30, 2008, Independent School District No. 2580, East Central, may transfer up to $300,000 from its reserved for operating capital account to its undesignated general fund balance.

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

Sec. 49. ONETIME GENERAL EDUCATION REVENUE INCREASE; FISCAL YEAR 2009 ONLY.

A school district's general education revenue under Minnesota Statutes, section 126C.10, is increased for fiscal year 2009 only by an amount equal to $51 times the district's adjusted marginal cost pupil units for that year.

Sec. 50. ALTERNATIVE TEACHER COMPENSATION AID.

A school district that has not applied for alternative teacher compensation aid under Minnesota Statutes, section 126C.10, subdivision 34, by March 20, 2008, is not eligible for aid under that subdivision for fiscal year 2009. Nothing in this section limits a district's eligibility for alternative teacher compensation aid in subsequent fiscal years.

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

Sec. 51. IMPLEMENTING A STUDENT GROWTH-BASED VALUE-ADDED SYSTEM.

(a) To implement the requirements of Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.35, subdivision 3, paragraph (b), and to help parents and members of the public compare the reported data, the commissioner must convene a group of expert school district assessment and evaluation staff, including a recognized Minnesota assessment group composed of assessment and evaluation directors and staff and researchers under Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.299, subdivision 6, and interested stakeholders, including school superintendents, school principals, school teachers, and parents to examine the actual statewide performance of students using Minnesota's growth-based value-added system and establish criteria for identifying schools and school districts that demonstrate accelerated growth in order to advance educators' professional development and replicate programs that succeed in meeting students' diverse learning needs.

(b) The commissioner must submit a written report to the education committees of the house of representatives and senate by February 15, 2009, describing the criteria for identifying schools and school districts that demonstrate accelerated growth. The group convened under this section expires on June 30, 2009.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment and applies to school report cards in the 2008-2009 school year and later.

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Sec. 52. IMPLEMENTING RIGOROUS COURSEWORK MEASURES RELATED TO STUDENT PERFORMANCE.

(a) To implement the requirements of Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.35, subdivision 3, paragraph (c), clauses (1) and (2), and to help parents and members of the public compare the reported data, the commissioner of education must convene a group of recognized and qualified experts and interested stakeholders, including parents among other stakeholders, to develop a model projecting anticipated performance of each high school on preparation and rigorous coursework measures that compares the school with similar schools. The model must use information about entering high school students based on particular background characteristics that are predictive of differing rates of college readiness. These characteristics include grade 8 achievement levels, high school student mobility, high school student attendance, and the size of each entering ninth grade class. The group of experts and stakeholders may examine other characteristics not part of the prediction model including the nine student categories identified under the federal 2001 No Child Left Behind Act, and two student gender categories of male and female, respectively. The commissioner annually must use the predicted level of entering students' performance to provide a context for interpreting graduating students' actual performance. The group convened under this section expires June 30, 2011.

(b) Consistent with paragraph (a), the commissioner also must propose an expanded high school student data system to report preparation and rigorous coursework measures and facilitate additional research on college readiness. This proposed data system must expect school districts and charter schools to report data to the state education department on each course a high school student takes and completes. The commissioner must link the course data file to the department's existing student reporting system. The proposed data system must enable the commissioner to prepare detailed reports, consistent with the requirements in Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.35, subdivision 3, paragraph (d), clauses (1) and (2), and support the development of a state P-16 longitudinal data system.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment and applies to school report cards beginning July 1, 2011.

Sec. 53. IMPLEMENTING MEASURES FOR ASSESSING STUDENTS' SELF-REPORTED SENSE OF SCHOOL SAFETY, ENGAGEMENT IN SCHOOL, AND THE QUALITY OF RELATIONSHIPS WITH TEACHERS, ADMINISTRATORS, AND OTHER STUDENTS.

(a) To implement the requirements of Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.35, subdivision 3, paragraph (d), and to help parents and members of the public compare the reported data, the commissioner of education, in consultation with interested stakeholders, including parents among other stakeholders, must convene a group of recognized and qualified experts to:

(1) analyze the University of Minnesota student safety and engagement survey instrument and other commonly recognized survey instruments to select the survey instrument that best meets state accountability requirements;

(2) ensure that the selected survey instrument has sound psychometric properties and is useful for intervention planning;

(3) determine at what grade levels to administer the survey instrument and ensure that the survey instrument can be used at those grade levels; and

(4) determine through disaggregated use of survey indicators or other means how to report "safety" in order to comply with federal law.

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(b) The commissioner must submit a written report to the education committees of the house of representatives and senate by February 15, 2009, presenting the experts' responses to paragraph (a), clauses (1) to (4). The group convened under this section expires June 30, 2009.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment and applies to school report cards beginning July 1, 2011.

Sec. 54. GROWTH-BASED VALUE-ADDED SYSTEM.

The growth-based value-added system used by the commissioner of education to comply with Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.35, subdivision 3, paragraph (b), must be consistent with the growth-based value-added model contained in the document labeled "Educational Report Card Growth Model" developed in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Education. The document must be deposited with the Office of the Revisor of Statutes, the Legislative Reference Library, and the State Law Library, where the document shall be maintained until the commissioner implements the growth-based value-added system under Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.35, subdivision 3, paragraph (b). The recognized Minnesota assessment group composed of assessment and evaluation directors and staff and researchers under Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.299, subdivision 6, must determine whether the growth-based value-added model the commissioner uses to comply with Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.35, subdivision 3, paragraph (b), is consistent with the deposited document and report its determination to the education committees of the house of representatives and senate by February 15, 2009.

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

Sec. 55. EXPEDITED PROCESS; SPECIFIC LEARNING DISABILITIES RULE.

The commissioner of education may use the expedited process under Minnesota Statutes, section 14.389, to conform Minnesota Rules, part 3525.1341, to new federal requirements on specific learning disabilities under Public Law 108-446, sections 602(30) and 614(b)(6), the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004, and its implementing regulations.

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

Sec. 56. ENDING PARTICIPATION IN NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND.

The commissioner of education must nullify and revoke by August 1, 2009, the consolidated state plan that the state of Minnesota submitted to the federal Department of Education on implementing the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, and any other Minnesota state contract or agreement entered into under the provisions of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001.

Sec. 57. SCHOOL DISTRICT PLANS TO IMPROVE STUDENTS' ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT.

Subdivision 1. District academic achievement plan; priorities. (a) A school district experiencing disparities in academic achievement is encouraged to develop a short and long-term plan encompassing one through four years to significantly improve students' academic achievement that uses concrete measures to eliminate differences in academic performance among groups of students defined by race, ethnicity, and income. The plan must:

(1) reflect a research-based understanding of high-performing educational systems and best educational practices;

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(2) include innovative and practical strategies and programs, whether existing or new, that supplement district initiatives to increase students' academic achievement under state and federal educational accountability requirements; and

(3) contain valid and reliable measures of student achievement that the district uses to demonstrate the efficacy of the district plan to the commissioner of education.

(b) A district must address the elements under section 58, paragraph (a), to the extent those elements are implicated in the district's plan.

(c) A district must identify in its plan the strategies and programs the district has implemented and found effective in improving students' academic achievement.

(d) The district must include with the plan the amount of expenditures necessary to implement the plan. The district must indicate how current resources are used to implement the plan, including, but not limited to, state-limited English proficiency aid under Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.65; integration revenue under Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.86; early childhood family education revenue under Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.135; school readiness aid under Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.16; basic skills revenue under Minnesota Statutes, section 126C.10, subdivision 4; extended time revenue under Minnesota Statutes, section 126C.10, subdivision 2a; and alternative compensation revenue under Minnesota Statutes, section 122A.415.

Subd. 2. Plan. (a) A school district by October 1, 2008, must submit its plan in electronic format to the commissioner of education, consistent with subdivision 1.

(b) The commissioner of education must analyze the commonalities and differences of the district plans and the effective strategies and programs districts have implemented to improve students' academic achievement, and submit the analysis and underlying data to the advisory task force on improving students' academic achievement under section 58 by November 1, 2008, and also report the substance of the analyses to the education policy and finance committees of the legislature by January 1, 2009.

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

Sec. 58. ADVISORY TASK FORCE ON IMPROVING STUDENTS' ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT.

(a) An advisory task force on improving students' academic achievement is established to review the plans submitted to the commissioner of education under section 57 and recommend to the education committees of the legislature a proposal for improving students' academic achievement and eliminating differences in academic performance among groups of students defined by race, ethnicity, and income. The task force members must at least consider how the following education-related issues impact the educational achievement of low-income students and students of color:

(1) rigorous preparation and coursework and how to (i) effectively invest in early childhood and parent education, (ii) increase academic rigor and high expectations on elementary and secondary students in schools serving a majority of low-income students and students of color, and (iii) provide parents, educators, and community members with meaningful opportunities to collaborate in educating students in schools serving a majority of low-income students and students of color;

(2) professional development for educators and how to (i) provide stronger financial and professional incentives to attract and retain experienced, bilingual, and culturally competent teachers and administrators in schools serving a majority of low-income students and students of color, (ii) recruit and retain teachers of color, and (iii) develop and include cultural sensitivity and interpersonal and pedagogical skills training that teachers need for effective intercultural teaching;

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(3) English language learners and how to (i) use well-designed tests, curricula, and English as a second language programs and services as diagnostic tools to develop effective student interventions, (ii) monitor students' language capabilities, (iii) provide academic instruction in English that supports students' learning and is appropriate for students' level of language proficiency, and (iv) incorporate the perspectives and contributions of ethnic and racial groups, consistent with Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.022, subdivision 1, paragraph (b);

(4) special education and how to (i) incorporate linguistic and cultural sensitivity into special education diagnosis and referral, (ii) increase the frequency and quality of prereferral interventions, and (iii) decrease the number of minority and nonnative English speaking students inappropriately placed in special education;

(5) GRAD tests and how to (i) incorporate linguistic and cultural sensitivity into the reading and math GRAD tests, and (ii) develop interventions to meet students' learning needs; and

(6) valid and reliable data and how to use data on student on-time graduation rates, student dropout rates, documented disciplinary actions, and completed and rigorous course work indicators to determine how well-prepared, low-income students and students of color are for postsecondary academic and career opportunities.

The task force also must examine the findings of a 2008 report by Minnesota superintendents on strategies for creating a world-class educational system to establish priorities for improving students' academic achievement. The task force may consider other related matters at its discretion.

(b) The commissioner of education must convene the first meeting of the advisory task force on improving students' academic achievement by July 1, 2008. The task force members must adopt internal procedures and standards for subsequent meetings. The task force is composed of the following members:

(1) a representative from a Twin Cities metropolitan area school district, a suburban school district, a school district located in a regional center, and a rural school district, all four representatives appointed by the state demographer based on identified concentrations of low-performing, low-income students and students of color;

(2) a faculty member of a teacher preparation program at the University of Minnesota's College of Education and Human Development, appointed by the college dean or the dean's designee;

(3) a faculty member from the urban teachers program at Metropolitan State University appointed by the university president or the president's designee;

(4) a faculty member from a Minnesota State Colleges and Universities teacher preparation program located outside the Twin Cities metropolitan area, appointed by the chancellor or the chancellor's designee;

(5) a classroom teacher appointed by Education Minnesota;

(6) an expert in early childhood care and education appointed by a state early childhood organization;

(7) a member from each state council representing a community of color, appointed by the respective council;

(8) a curriculum specialist with expertise in providing language instruction for nonnative English speakers, appointed by a state curriculum organization;

(9) a special education teacher, appointed by a state organization of special education educators;

(10) a parent of color, appointed by a state parent-teacher organization;

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(11) a district testing director appointed by a recognized Minnesota assessment group composed of assessment and evaluation directors and staff and researchers; and

(12) a Department of Education staff person with expertise in school desegregation matters appointed by the commissioner of education or the commissioner's designee.

A majority of task force members, at their discretion, may invite other representatives of interested public or nonpublic organizations, Minnesota's communities of color, and stakeholders in local and state educational equity to become task force members. A majority of task force members must be persons of color.

(c) Members of the task force serve without compensation. By February 15, 2009, the task force must submit a written proposal to the education policy and finance committees of the legislature on how to significantly improve students' academic achievement.

(d) The advisory task force expires on February 16, 2009.

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

Sec. 59. APPROPRIATIONS.

Subdivision 1. Department of Education. The sums indicated in this section are appropriated from the general fund, unless otherwise indicated, to the Department of Education for the fiscal years designated.

Subd. 2. Additional general education revenue. For additional general education aid according to section 49:

$23,262,000 . . . . . 2009

This appropriation is in addition to any other appropriation for this purpose.

This 2009 appropriation includes $0 for 2008 and $18,926,000 for 2009.

Subd. 3. Rushford-Peterson. For a grant to Independent School District No. 239, Rushford-Peterson, for school district flood enrollment impact aid and aid for the increased costs of transporting students as a result of the floods of August 2007.

$158,000 . . . . . 2009

The base appropriation for fiscal year 2010 is $158,000. The base appropriation for later years is zero.

Subd. 4. Virginia. For a grant to Independent School District No. 701, Virginia, for emergency school facility repairs:

$100,000 . . . . . 2009

This is a onetime appropriation.

Subd. 5. Lancaster. For a grant to Independent School District No. 356, Lancaster, to replace the loss of sparsity revenue:

$100,000 . . . . . 2009

The base appropriation for fiscal years 2010 and 2011 is $100,000 per year. The base appropriation for later fiscal years is zero.

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Subd. 6. Principal's Leadership Institute. For a grant to the Principal's Leadership Institute under Minnesota Statutes, section 122A.74:

$400,000 . . . . . 2009

The base appropriation for this program for fiscal year 2010 and later is $400,000.

Subd. 7. Board of Teaching; licensure by portfolio. For the Board of Teaching for licensure by portfolio:

$17,000 . . . . . 2009

This appropriation is from the educator licensure portfolio account of the special revenue fund.

Sec. 60. REPEALER.

(a) Minnesota Statutes 2006, sections 121A.67; 125A.16; 125A.19; 125A.20; and 125A.57, are repealed.

(b) Laws 2006, chapter 263, article 3, section 16; and Laws 2007, First Special Session chapter 2, article 1, section 11, subdivisions 3, and 4, are repealed.

ARTICLE 2

FORECAST ADJUSTMENTS

Section 1. Laws 2007, chapter 146, article 1, section 24, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. General education aid. For general education aid under Minnesota Statutes, section 126C.13, subdivision 4:

$ ~~5,618,342,000~~ 5,600,647,000 . . . . . 2008

$ ~~5,618,342,000~~ 5,649,098,000 . . . . . 2009

The 2008 appropriation includes ~~$531,733,000~~ $536,251,000 for 2007 and ~~$5,073,250,000~~ $5,064,396,000 for 2008.

The 2009 appropriation includes ~~$546,314,000~~ $543,752,000 for 2008 and ~~$5,072,028,000~~ $5,105,346,000 for 2009.

Sec. 2. Laws 2007, chapter 146, article 1, section 24, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Referendum tax base replacement aid. For referendum tax base replacement aid under Minnesota Statutes, section 126C.17, subdivision 7a:

$ ~~870,000~~ 861,000 . . . . . 2008

The 2008 appropriation includes ~~$870,000~~ $861,000 for 2007 and $0 for 2008.

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Sec. 3. Laws 2007, chapter 146, article 1, section 24, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4. Enrollment options transportation. For transportation of pupils attending postsecondary institutions under Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.09, or for transportation of pupils attending nonresident districts under Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.03:

$ ~~95,000~~ 48,000 . . . . . 2008

$ ~~97,000~~ 50,000 . . . . . 2009

Sec. 4. Laws 2007, chapter 146, article 1, section 24, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5. Abatement revenue. For abatement aid under Minnesota Statutes, section 127A.49:

$ ~~1,343,000~~ 1,333,000 . . . . . 2008

$ ~~1,347,000~~ 1,629,000 . . . . . 2009

The 2008 appropriation includes $76,000 for 2007 and ~~$1,267,000~~ $1,257,000 for 2008.

The 2009 appropriation includes ~~$140,000~~ $139,000 for 2008 and ~~$1,207,000~~ $1,490,000 for 2009.

Sec. 5. Laws 2007, chapter 146, article 1, section 24, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6. Consolidation transition. For districts consolidating under Minnesota Statutes, section 123A.485:

$ ~~565,000~~ 240,000 . . . . . 2008

$ ~~212,000~~ 339,000 . . . . . 2009

The 2008 appropriation includes $43,000 for 2007 and ~~$522,000~~ $197,000 for 2008.

The 2009 appropriation includes ~~$57,000~~ $21,000 for 2008 and ~~$155,000~~ $318,000 for 2009.

Sec. 6. Laws 2007, chapter 146, article 1, section 24, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Subd. 7. Nonpublic pupil education aid. For nonpublic pupil education aid under Minnesota Statutes, sections 123B.40 to 123B.43, and 123B.87:

$ ~~16,290,000~~ 15,601,000 . . . . . 2008

$ ~~16,620,000~~ 16,608,000 . . . . . 2009

The 2008 appropriation includes ~~$1,606,000~~ $1,214,000 for 2007 and ~~$14,684,000~~ $14,387,000 for 2008.

The 2009 appropriation includes ~~$1,631,000~~ $1,598,000 for 2008 and ~~$14,989,000~~ $15,010,000 for 2009.

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Sec. 7. Laws 2007, chapter 146, article 1, section 24, subdivision 8, is amended to read:

Subd. 8. Nonpublic pupil transportation. For nonpublic pupil transportation aid under Minnesota Statutes, section 123B.92, subdivision 9:

$ ~~21,551,000~~ 20,755,000 . . . . . 2008

$ ~~21,392,000~~ 21,007,000 . . . . . 2009

The 2008 appropriation includes $2,124,000 for 2007 and ~~$19,427,000~~ $18,631,000 for 2008.

The 2009 appropriation includes ~~$2,158,000~~ $2,070,000 for 2008 and ~~$19,234,000~~ $18,937,000 for 2009.

B. EDUCATION EXCELLENCE

Sec. 8. Laws 2007, chapter 146, article 2, section 46, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Charter school building lease aid. For building lease aid under Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.11, subdivision 4:

$ ~~31,875,000~~ 32,817,000 . . . . . 2008

$ ~~36,193,000~~ 37,527,000 . . . . . 2009

The 2008 appropriation includes $2,814,000 for 2007 and ~~$29,061,000~~ $30,003,000 for 2008.

The 2009 appropriation includes ~~$3,229,000~~ $3,333,000 for 2008 and ~~$32,964,000~~ $34,194,000 for 2009.

Sec. 9. Laws 2007, chapter 146, article 2, section 46, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Charter school startup cost aid. For charter school startup cost aid under Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.11:

$ ~~1,896,000~~ 1,801,000 . . . . . 2008

$ ~~2,161,000~~ 1,987,000 . . . . . 2009

The 2008 appropriation includes ~~$241,000~~ $239,000 for 2007 and ~~$1,655,000~~ $1,562,000 for 2008.

The 2009 appropriation includes ~~$183,000~~ $173,000 for 2008 and ~~$1,978,000~~ $1,814,000 for 2009.

Sec. 10. Laws 2007, chapter 146, article 2, section 46, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4. Integration aid. For integration aid under Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.86, subdivision 5:

$ ~~61,769,000~~ 59,036,000 . . . . . 2008

$ ~~61,000,000~~ 62,448,000 . . . . . 2009

The 2008 appropriation includes $5,824,000 for 2007 and ~~$55,945,000~~ $53,212,000 for 2008.

The 2009 appropriation includes ~~$6,216,000~~ $5,912,000 for 2008 and ~~$54,784,000~~ $56,536,000 for 2009.

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Sec. 11. Laws 2007, chapter 146, article 2, section 46, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6. Interdistrict desegregation or integration transportation grants. For interdistrict desegregation or integration transportation grants under Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.87:

$ ~~9,639,000~~ 9,901,000 . . . . . 2008

$ ~~11,567,000~~ 11,881,000 . . . . . 2009

Sec. 12. Laws 2007, chapter 146, article 2, section 46, subdivision 9, is amended to read:

Subd. 9. Tribal contract schools. For tribal contract school aid under Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.83:

$ ~~2,238,000~~ 2,207,000 . . . . . 2008

$ ~~2,422,000~~ 2,392,000 . . . . . 2009

The 2008 appropriation includes $204,000 for 2007 and ~~$2,034,000~~ $2,003,000 for 2008.

The 2009 appropriation includes ~~$226,000~~ $222,000 for 2008 and ~~$2,196,000~~ $2,170,000 for 2009.

C. SPECIAL PROGRAMS

Sec. 13. Laws 2007, chapter 146, article 3, section 24, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Aid for children with disabilities. For aid under Minnesota Statutes, section 125A.75, subdivision 3, for children with disabilities placed in residential facilities within the district boundaries for whom no district of residence can be determined:

$ ~~1,538,000~~ 2,086,000 . . . . . 2008

$ ~~1,729,000~~ 2,282,000 . . . . . 2009

If the appropriation for either year is insufficient, the appropriation for the other year is available.

Sec. 14. Laws 2007, chapter 146, article 3, section 24, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4. Travel for home-based services. For aid for teacher travel for home-based services under Minnesota Statutes, section 125A.75, subdivision 1:

$ ~~254,000~~ 207,000 . . . . . 2008

$ ~~284,000~~ 227,000 . . . . . 2009

The 2008 appropriation includes $22,000 for 2007 and ~~$232,000~~ $185,000 for 2008.

The 2009 appropriation includes ~~$25,000~~ $20,000 for 2008 and ~~$259,000~~ $207,000 for 2009.

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D. FACILITIES AND TECHNOLOGY

Sec. 15. Laws 2007, chapter 146, article 4, section 16, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Health and safety revenue. For health and safety aid according to Minnesota Statutes, section 123B.57, subdivision 5:

$ ~~190,000~~ 254,000 . . . . . 2008

$ ~~179,000~~ 103,000 . . . . . 2009

The 2008 appropriation includes $20,000 for 2007 and ~~$170,000~~ $234,000 for 2008.

The 2009 appropriation includes ~~$18,000~~ $26,000 for 2008 and ~~$161,000~~ $77,000 for 2009.

Sec. 16. Laws 2007, chapter 146, article 4, section 16, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Debt service equalization. For debt service aid according to Minnesota Statutes, section 123B.53, subdivision 6:

$ ~~14,813,000~~ 14,814,000 . . . . . 2008

$ ~~11,124,000~~ 9,109,000 . . . . . 2009

The 2008 appropriation includes ~~$1,767,000~~ $1,766,000 for 2007 and ~~$13,046,000~~ $13,048,000 for 2008.

The 2009 appropriation includes ~~$1,450,000~~ $1,449,000 for 2008 and ~~$9,674,000~~ $7,660,000 for 2009.

Sec. 17. Laws 2007, chapter 146, article 4, section 16, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6. Deferred maintenance aid. For deferred maintenance aid, according to Minnesota Statutes, section 123B.591, subdivision 4:

$ ~~3,290,000~~ 3,232,000 . . . . . 2008

$ ~~2,667,000~~ 2,627,000 . . . . . 2009

The 2008 appropriation includes $0 for 2007 and ~~$3,290,000~~ $3,232,000 for 2008.

The 2009 appropriation includes ~~$365,000~~ $359,000 for 2008 and ~~$2,302,000~~ $2,268,000 for 2009.

Sec. 18. Laws 2007, chapter 146, article 4, section 16, subdivision 8, is amended to read:

Subd. 8. School technology and operating capital aid grants. For school technology and operating capital grants under section 11:

$ ~~38,145,000~~ 38,236,000 . . . . . 2008

$ ~~52,676,000~~ 52,454,000 . . . . . 2009

This is a onetime appropriation.

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E. NUTRITION AND ACCOUNTING

Sec. 19. Laws 2007, chapter 146, article 5, section 13, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. School lunch. For school lunch aid according to Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.111, and Code of Federal Regulations, title 7, section 210.17:

$ ~~12,022,000~~ 12,094,000 . . . . . 2008

$ ~~12,166,000~~ 12,394,000 . . . . . 2009

Sec. 20. Laws 2007, chapter 146, article 5, section 13, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Traditional school breakfast; kindergarten milk. For traditional school breakfast aid and kindergarten milk under Minnesota Statutes, sections 124D.1158 and 124D.118:

$ ~~5,460,000~~ 5,583,000 . . . . . 2008

$ ~~5,695,000~~ 5,994,000 . . . . . 2009

Sec. 21. Laws 2007, chapter 146, article 5, section 13, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4. Summer food service replacement aid. For summer food service replacement aid under Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.119:

$ ~~150,000~~ 127,000 . . . . . 2008

$150,000 . . . . . 2009

F. EARLY CHILDHOOD AND ADULT PROGRAMS

Sec. 22. Laws 2007, chapter 146, article 9, section 17, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Early childhood family education aid. For early childhood family education aid under Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.135:

$ ~~21,106,000~~ 21,092,000 . . . . . 2008

$ ~~29,601,000~~ 29,324,000 . . . . . 2009

The 2008 appropriation includes $1,796,000 for 2007 and ~~$19,310,000~~ $19,296,000 for 2008.

The 2009 appropriation includes ~~$2,145,000~~ $2,144,000 for 2008 and ~~$27,456,000~~ $27,180,000 for 2009.

Sec. 23. Laws 2007, chapter 146, article 9, section 17, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. School readiness. For revenue for school readiness programs under Minnesota Statutes, sections 124D.15 and 124D.16:

$ ~~9,995,000~~ 9,987,000 . . . . . 2008

$10,095,000 . . . . . 2009

The 2008 appropriation includes ~~$909,000~~ $901,000 for 2007 and $9,086,000 for 2008.

The 2009 appropriation includes $1,009,000 for 2008 and $9,086,000 for 2009.

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Sec. 24. Laws 2007, chapter 146, article 9, section 17, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4. Health and developmental screening aid. For health and developmental screening aid under Minnesota Statutes, sections 121A.17 and 121A.19:

$ ~~3,159,000~~ 2,624,000 . . . . . 2008

$ ~~3,330,000~~ 2,656,000 . . . . . 2009

The 2008 appropriation includes $288,000 for 2007 and ~~$2,871,000~~ $2,336,000 for 2008.

The 2009 appropriation includes ~~$319,000~~ $259,000 for 2008 and ~~$3,011,000~~ $2,397,000 for 2009.

Sec. 25. Laws 2007, chapter 146, article 9, section 17, subdivision 8, is amended to read:

Subd. 8. Community education aid. For community education aid under Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.20:

$ ~~1,307,000~~ 1,299,000 . . . . . 2008

$ ~~816,000~~ 796,000 . . . . . 2009

The 2008 appropriation includes $195,000 for 2007 and ~~$1,112,000~~ $1,104,000 for 2008.

The 2009 appropriation includes ~~$123,000~~ $122,000 for 2008 and ~~$693,000~~ $674,000 for 2009.

Sec. 26. Laws 2007, chapter 146, article 9, section 17, subdivision 9, is amended to read:

Subd. 9. Adults with disabilities program aid. For adults with disabilities programs under Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.56:

$ ~~710,000~~ 709,000 . . . . . 2008

$710,000 . . . . . 2009

The 2008 appropriation includes ~~$71,000~~ $70,000 for 2007 and $639,000 for 2008.

The 2009 appropriation includes $71,000 for 2008 and $639,000 for 2009.

School districts operating existing adults with disabilities programs that are not fully funded shall receive full funding for the program beginning in fiscal year 2008 before the commissioner awards grants to other districts.

Sec. 27. Laws 2007, chapter 146, article 9, section 17, subdivision 13, is amended to read:

Subd. 13. Adult basic education aid. For adult basic education aid under Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.531:

$ ~~40,347,000~~ 40,344,000 . . . . . 2008

$ ~~41,745,000~~ 41,712,000 . . . . . 2009

The 2008 appropriation includes $3,759,000 for 2007 and ~~$36,588,000~~ $36,585,000 for 2008.

The 2009 appropriation includes $4,065,000 for 2008 and ~~$37,680,000~~ $37,647,000 for 2009.

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ARTICLE 3

HIGHER EDUCATION

Section 1. SUMMARY OF APPROPRIATIONS

The sums shown in the columns marked "Appropriations" are added to or, if shown in parentheses, subtracted from the appropriations in Laws 2007, chapter 144, article 1, 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 "2008" and "2009" used in this article mean that the addition to or subtraction from the appropriation listed under them is available for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, or June 30, 2009, respectively. Supplemental appropriations and reductions to appropriations for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, are effective the day following final enactment.

The amounts shown in this section summarize direct appropriations, by fund, made in this article.

2008 2009 Total

General $0 $(19,456,000) $(19,456,000)

Total $0 $(19,456,000) $(19,456,000)

APPROPRIATIONS

Available for the Year

Ending June 30

2008 2009

Sec. 2. MINNESOTA OFFICE OF HIGHER EDUCATION $-0- $(7,111,000)

$111,000 in the second year is an operating base reduction.

$7,000,000 in the second year is a reduction to the Achieve scholarship program under Minnesota Statutes, section 136A.127.

Sec. 3. BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE MINNESOTA STATE COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES $-0- $(6,173,000)

Of this reduction, $5,000,000 is from the appropriations for technology. The remainder is from the Office of the Chancellor budget.

The reductions in this subdivision must not result in reductions to any of the campuses of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, must not reduce the technology expenditures or grants to the campuses, and must not increase any assessments to the campuses from the Office of the Chancellor.

The Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities must reallocate $9,000,000 of state appropriations for fiscal year 2009 to reduce student tuition increases to two percent at state colleges and three percent at state universities and must not increase student fees beyond the amount that is currently planned for the next academic year.

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APPROPRIATIONS

Available for the Year

Ending June 30

2008 2009

The legislature intends that by reducing tuition increases, the student's share of educational costs are decreased and the state's share of educational costs are increased, consistent with the funding policy in Minnesota Statutes, section 135A.01. The legislature's goal is to begin progress over the next eight years to achieve a two-thirds state share of educational costs and a one-third student share as specified in Minnesota Statutes, section 135A.01.

The system base is reduced by $8,664,000 in fiscal year 2010 and $8,665,000 in fiscal year 2011.

Sec. 4. BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA $-0- $(6,172,000)

The Board of Regents must not increase student tuition or fees beyond the amount currently planned for the next academic year.

The system base is reduced by $8,666,000 in fiscal year 2010 and $8,665,000 in fiscal year 2011.

Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 13.32, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Private data; when disclosure is permitted. Except as provided in subdivision 5, educational data is private data on individuals and shall not be disclosed except as follows:

(a) pursuant to section 13.05;

(b) pursuant to a valid court order;

(d) to disclose information in health and safety emergencies pursuant to the provisions of United States Code, title 20, section 1232g(b)(1)(I) and Code of Federal Regulations, title 34, section 99.36;

(e) pursuant to the provisions of United States Code, title 20, sections 1232g(b)(1), (b)(4)(A), (b)(4)(B), (b)(1)(B), (b)(3), (b)(6), (b)(7), and (i), and Code of Federal Regulations, title 34, sections 99.31, 99.32, 99.33, 99.34, ~~and~~ 99.35, and 99.39;

(f) to appropriate health authorities to the extent necessary to administer immunization programs and for bona fide epidemiologic investigations which the commissioner of health determines are necessary to prevent disease or disability to individuals in the public educational agency or institution in which the investigation is being conducted;

(g) when disclosure is required for institutions that participate in a program under title IV of the Higher Education Act, United States Code, title 20, section 1092;

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(h) to the appropriate school district officials to the extent necessary under subdivision 6, annually to indicate the extent and content of remedial instruction, including the results of assessment testing and academic performance at a postsecondary institution during the previous academic year by a student who graduated from a Minnesota school district within two years before receiving the remedial instruction;

(i) to appropriate authorities as provided in United States Code, title 20, section 1232g(b)(1)(E)(ii), if the data concern the juvenile justice system and the ability of the system to effectively serve, prior to adjudication, the student whose records are released; provided that the authorities to whom the data are released submit a written request for the data that certifies that the data will not be disclosed to any other person except as authorized by law without the written consent of the parent of the student and the request and a record of the release are maintained in the student's file;

(j) to volunteers who are determined to have a legitimate educational interest in the data and who are conducting activities and events sponsored by or endorsed by the educational agency or institution for students or former students;

(k) to provide student recruiting information, from educational data held by colleges and universities, as required by and subject to Code of Federal Regulations, title 32, section 216;

(l) to the juvenile justice system if information about the behavior of a student who poses a risk of harm is reasonably necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other individuals;

(m) with respect to Social Security numbers of students in the adult basic education system, to Minnesota State Colleges and Universities and the Department of Employment and Economic Development for the purpose and in the manner described in section 124D.52, subdivision 7; or

(n) to the commissioner of education for purposes of an assessment or investigation of a report of alleged maltreatment of a student as mandated by section 626.556. Upon request by the commissioner of education, data that are relevant to a report of maltreatment and are from charter school and school district investigations of alleged maltreatment of a student must be disclosed to the commissioner, including, but not limited to, the following:

(1) information regarding the student alleged to have been maltreated;

(2) information regarding student and employee witnesses;

(3) information regarding the alleged perpetrator; and

(4) what corrective or protective action was taken, if any, by the school facility in response to a report of maltreatment by an employee or agent of the school or school district;

(o) when the disclosure is of the final results of a disciplinary proceeding on a charge of a crime of violence or nonforcible sex offense to the extent authorized under United States Code, title 20, section 1232g(b)(6)(A) and (B) and Code of Federal Regulations, title 34, sections 99.31(a)(13) and (14);

(p) when the disclosure is information provided to the institution under United States Code, title 42, section 14071, concerning registered sex offenders to the extent authorized under United States Code, title 20, section 1232g(b)(7); or

(q) when the disclosure is to a parent of a student at an institution of postsecondary education regarding the student's violation of any federal, state, or local law or of any rule or policy of the institution, governing the use or possession of alcohol or of a controlled substance, to the extent authorized under United States Code, title 20,

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section 1232g(i), and Code of Federal Regulations, title 34, section 99.31(a)(15), and provided the institution has an information release form signed by the student authorizing disclosure to a parent. The institution must notify parents about the purpose and availability of the information release forms. At a minimum, the institution must distribute the information release forms at parent orientation meetings.

Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 13.32, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 11. Data to improve instruction. The Department of Education and the Office of Higher Education may each share educational data with the other agency for the purpose of analyzing and improving school district instruction, consistent with Code of Federal Regulations, title 34, section 99.31, paragraph (a)(6). The educational data that may be shared between the two agencies under this subdivision must be limited to:

(1) student attendance data that include the name of the school or institution, school district, the year or term of attendance, and term type;

(2) student demographic and enrollment data;

(3) student academic performance and testing data; and

(4) any special academic services provided to a student.

Any analysis of or report on these data must contain only summary data.

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

Sec. 7. [127A.70] MINNESOTA P-20 EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP.

Subdivision 1. Establishment; membership. (a) A P-20 education partnership is established to create a seamless education system that maximizes achievements of all students, from early childhood through elementary, secondary, and postsecondary education, while promoting the effective and efficient use of financial and human resources. The partnership shall consist of major statewide educational groups or constituencies or noneducational statewide organizations with a stated interest in P-20 education. Upon enactment of this legislation, the partnership members shall be those currently serving on the Minnesota P-16 Education Partnership plus four legislators as follows:

(1) one senator from the majority party and one senator from the minority party, appointed by the Subcommittee on Committees of the Committee on Rules and Administration; and

(2) one member of the house of representatives appointed by the speaker of the house and one member of the house of representatives appointed by the minority leader of the house.

Prospective members may be nominated by any partnership member and new members must be added with the approval of a two-thirds majority of the partnership members.

The partnership must seek input from nonmember organizations having expertise to help inform the partnership's work.

(b) Each partnership member must be represented by its formally designated leader or the leader's designee. The partnership must meet at least three times each calendar year.

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Subd. 2. Powers and duties; report. (a) The partnership must develop and submit to the governor and the legislative committees with jurisdiction over education policy and finance recommendations for maximizing the achievement of all P-20 students while promoting the effective and efficient use of state resources, and maximizing the value of the state's educational investment. Partnership recommendations must at least include a focus on strategies, policies, and actions that:

(1) improve the quality of and access to education for all students from preschool through graduate education;

(2) improve preparation for and transitions to postsecondary education and work; and

(3) ensure educator quality by creating rigorous standards for teacher recruitment, teacher preparation, induction and mentoring of beginning teachers, and continuous professional development for career teachers.

(b) Annually, by January 15, the partnership must submit a report to the governor and the legislative committees with jurisdiction over education policy and finance summarizing the partnership's progress in meeting its goals and recommending any legislation needed to further partnership goals related to maximizing student achievement and promoting effective and efficient use of resources.

Subd. 3. Expiration. The partnership expires on June 30, 2019.

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

Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 136A.101, subdivision 8, is amended to read:

Subd. 8. Resident student. "Resident student" means a student who meets one of the following conditions:

(1) a student who has resided in Minnesota for purposes other than postsecondary education for at least 12 months without being enrolled at a postsecondary educational institution for more than five credits in any term;

(2) a dependent student whose parent or legal guardian resides in Minnesota at the time the student applies;

(3) a student who graduated from a Minnesota high school, if the student was a resident of Minnesota during the student's period of attendance at the Minnesota high school and the student is physically attending a Minnesota postsecondary educational institution;

(4) a student who, after residing in the state for a minimum of one year, earned a high school equivalency certificate in Minnesota;

(5) a member, spouse, or dependent of a member of the armed forces of the United States stationed in Minnesota on active federal military service as defined in section 190.05, subdivision 5c;

(6) a spouse or dependent of a veteran, as defined in section 197.447, if the veteran is a Minnesota resident;

(7) a person or spouse of a person who relocated to Minnesota from an area that is declared a presidential disaster area within the preceding 12 months if the disaster interrupted the person's postsecondary education; or

~~(7)~~ (8) a person defined as a refugee under United States Code, title 8, section 1101(a)(42), who, upon arrival in the United States, moved to Minnesota and has continued to reside in Minnesota.

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Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 136A.121, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5. Grant stipends. The grant stipend shall be based on a sharing of responsibility for covering the recognized cost of attendance by the applicant, the applicant's family, and the government. The amount of a financial stipend must not exceed a grant applicant's recognized cost of attendance, as defined in subdivision 6, after deducting the following:

(1) the assigned student responsibility of at least 46 44.5 percent of the cost of attending the institution of the applicant's choosing;

(2) the assigned family responsibility as defined in section 136A.101; and

(3) the amount of a federal Pell grant award for which the grant applicant is eligible.

The minimum financial stipend is $100 per academic year.

Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2007 Supplement, section 136A.121, subdivision 7a, is amended to read:

Subd. 7a. Surplus appropriation. If the amount appropriated is determined by the office to be more than sufficient to fund projected grant demand in the second year of the biennium, the office may increase the living and miscellaneous expense allowance in the second year of the biennium by up to an amount that retains sufficient appropriations to fund the projected grant demand. The adjustment may be made one or more times. In making the determination that there are more than sufficient funds, the office shall balance the need for sufficient resources to meet the projected demand for grants with the goal of fully allocating the appropriation for state grants. An increase in the living and miscellaneous expense allowance under this subdivision does not carry forward into a subsequent biennium. ~~This subdivision expires June 30, 2009.~~

Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2007 Supplement, section 136A.126, is amended to read:

136A.126 INDIAN SCHOLARSHIPS.

Subdivision 1. Student eligibility. The director of the Office of Higher Education shall establish procedures for the distribution of scholarships to ~~any~~ a Minnesota resident student who:

(1) is of one-fourth or more Indian ancestry~~, who~~;

(2) has applied for other existing state and federal scholarship and grant programs~~, and who,~~;

(3) if enrolled in an undergraduate program, is eligible or would be eligible to receive a federal Pell Grant or a state grant based on the federal needs analysis;

(4) is an undergraduate enrolled for nine semester credits per term or more, or the equivalent, or a graduate student enrolled on a half-time basis or more according to the postsecondary institution; and

(5) in the opinion of the director of the Office of Higher Education, based upon postsecondary institution recommendations, has the capabilities to benefit from further education.

Subd. 2. Eligible programs. Scholarships must be for accredited degree programs in accredited Minnesota colleges or universities or for courses in accredited Minnesota business, technical, or vocational schools. Scholarships may also be given to students attending Minnesota colleges that are in candidacy status for obtaining full accreditation, and are eligible for and receiving federal financial aid programs. Students are also eligible for

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scholarships when enrolled as students in Minnesota higher education institutions that have joint programs with other accredited higher education institutions. Scholarships shall be used to defray the total cost of education including tuition, incidental fees, books, supplies, transportation, other related school costs and the cost of board and room and shall be paid directly to the college or school concerned where the student receives federal financial aid.

Subd. 3. Cost of attendance. The total cost of ~~education includes all~~ attendance shall include tuition and required fees for each student enrolling in a public institution and the portion of tuition and fees for each student enrolling in a private institution that does not exceed the tuition and fees at a comparable public institution. Each student shall be awarded a scholarship based on a federal standardized need analysis. Applicants are encouraged to apply for all other sources of financial aid charged by the institution and the campus-based budget used for federal financial aid for food and shelter, books, supplies, transportation, and miscellaneous expenses.

When an Indian student satisfactorily completes the work required by a certain college or school in a school year the student is eligible for additional scholarships, if additional training is necessary to reach the student's educational and vocational objective.

Subd. 4. Award amount. (a) Each student shall be awarded a scholarship based on the federal need analysis. Applicants are encouraged to apply for all other sources of financial aid. The amount of the award must not exceed the applicant's cost of attendance, as defined in subdivision 3, after deducting:

(1) the expected family contribution as calculated by the federal need analysis;

(2) the amount of a federal Pell Grant award for which the applicant is eligible;

(3) the amount of the state grant;

(4) the sum of all federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, federal Academic Competitiveness Grant, and federal Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant (SMART Grant) awards;

(5) the sum of all institutional grants, scholarships, tuition waivers, and tuition remission amounts;

(6) the sum of all tribal scholarships;

(7) the amount of any other state and federal gift aid; and

(8) the amount of any private grants or scholarships.

(b) The award shall be paid directly to the postsecondary institution where the student receives federal financial aid.

(1) the maximum award for an undergraduate is $4,000 per academic year;

(2) the maximum award for a graduate student is $6,000 per academic year; and

(3) the minimum award for all students is $100 per academic year.

(d) Scholarships may not be given to any Indian student for more than ~~five~~ three years of study for a two-year degree, certificate, or diploma program or five years of study for a four-year degree program at the undergraduate level and for more than five years at the graduate level. Students may acquire only one degree per level and one terminal graduate degree. Scholarships may not be given to any student for more than ten years including five years of undergraduate study and five years of graduate study.

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

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Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2007 Supplement, section 136A.127, is amended to read:

136A.127 ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM.

Subdivision 1. Establishment. The Achieve Scholarship Program is established to provide scholarships to eligible students within the limits of appropriations for the program.

Subd. 2. Definition; qualifying program. For the purposes of this section, a "qualifying program" means a rigorous secondary school program of study defined by the Department of Education under agreement with the Secretary of Education for the purposes of determining eligibility for the federal Academic Competitiveness Grant Program under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended.

Subd. 3. Documentation of qualifying programs. The student shall request a transcript from the high school. The high school shall provide a transcript to the Office of Higher Education or to the eligible institution in which the student is enrolling, documenting the qualifying program. The student may be required to provide additional documentation such as:

(1) official postsecondary transcript; and

(2) official IB/AP test scores.

Subd. 4. Student eligibility. To be eligible to receive a scholarship under this section, in addition to the requirements listed under section 136A.121, a student must:

(1) submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA);

(2) take and receive at least a grade of C for courses that comprise a rigorous secondary school program of study in a high school or in a home-school setting under section 120A.22, and graduate from a Minnesota high school;

(3) have a family adjusted gross income of less than $75,000 in the last complete calendar year prior to the academic year of postsecondary attendance ~~of less than $75,000~~ in which the scholarship is used;

(4) be a United States citizen or eligible noncitizen, as defined in section 484 of the Higher Education Act, United States Code, title 20, sections 1091 et seq., as amended, and Code of Federal Regulations, title 34, section 668.33; ~~and~~

(5) be a Minnesota resident, as defined in section 136A.101, subdivision 8; and

(6) be enrolled for at least three credits per quarter or semester or the equivalent at an eligible institution as defined under section 136A.101, subdivision 4.

Subd. 5. Administration. The Achieve Scholarship Program shall be administered by the Minnesota Office of Higher Education. The director shall develop forms and procedures necessary to administer the program.

Subd. 6. Application. A student must complete and submit an application for the Achieve scholarship.

Subd. 7. Deadline. The deadline for the office to accept applications for Achieve scholarships is ~~30 days after the beginning of the academic term for which the application is submitted~~ the same as that used for the state grant in section 136A.121, subdivision 13.

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Subd. 8. Documentation of qualifying household income. Achieve Scholarship Program applicants must certify on the application that they meet the income eligibility requirement in subdivision 5 4, clause ~~(2)~~ (3). The Office of Higher Education or the postsecondary institution may request documentation needed to confirm income eligibility.

Subd. 9. Scholarship awards. Minnesota Achieve scholarships shall consist of $1,200 for a student who takes and receives at least a grade of C for courses required under a qualifying program. The scholarships may be used to pay for qualifying expenses at eligible institutions.

Subd. 10. Qualifying expenses. Qualifying expenses are components included under the cost of attendance used for federal student financial aid programs, as defined in section 472 of the Higher Education Act, United States Code, title 20, sections 1091 et seq., as amended.

Subd. 11. Eligible institutions. The Achieve scholarship may only be used to pay qualifying expenses at an eligible institution as defined under section 136A.101, subdivision 4.

Subd. 12. Availability of scholarship funds. A scholarship earned by a student is available for four years immediately following high school graduation. The office must certify to the commissioner of finance by October 1 of each year the amounts to be canceled from scholarship eligibility that have expired.

Subd. 13. Disbursement of scholarships. The office shall make two equal payments to a postsecondary institution on behalf of the student. ~~The second payment must be made~~ After the student successfully completes the first term of enrollment, the second payment must be made during the student's next term of enrollment at an eligible institution. If the second disbursement is not within the same academic year as the first disbursement, the student must request the second disbursement.

Subd. 14. Evaluation report. By January 15 of each odd-numbered year, the Office of Higher Education shall submit a report, to the committees of the legislature with jurisdiction over higher education finance and policy, regarding the success of the program in increasing the enrollment of students in rigorous high school courses, including, at a minimum, the following information:

(1) the demographics of individuals participating in the program;

(2) the grades scholarship recipients received for courses in the qualifying program under subdivision 2;

(3) the number of scholarship recipients who persisted at a postsecondary institution for a second year;

(4) the high schools attended by the program participants;

(5) the postsecondary institutions attended by the program participants;

(6) the academic performance of the students after enrolling in a postsecondary institution; and

(7) other information as identified by the director.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment and within the limits of appropriations applies to students who graduate from high school after January 1, 2008.

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Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2007 Supplement, section 136A.128, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 4. Administration. A nonprofit organization that receives a grant under this section may use five percent of the grant amount to administer the program.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment for grants under Minnesota Statutes, section 136A.128, beginning in fiscal year 2008.

Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2007 Supplement, section 136A.65, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Prohibition. No school subject to registration shall grant a degree unless such degree and its underlying curriculum are approved by the office, nor shall any school subject to registration use the name "college," ~~"academy," "institute"~~ or "university" in its name without approval by the office.

Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2007 Supplement, section 136A.65, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Application. A school subject to registration shall be granted approval to use the term "college," ~~"academy," "institute,"~~ or "university" in its name if it was organized, operating, and using such term in its name on or before August 1, 2007, and if it meets the other policies and standards for approval established by the office.

Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 2007 Supplement, section 136A.65, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5. Requirements for degree and nondegree program approval. For each degree and nondegree program a school offers to a student, where the student does not leave Minnesota for the major portion of the program or course leading to the degree or nondegree award, the school must have:

(1) for degree programs:

(i) qualified teaching personnel to provide the educational programs for each degree for which approval is sought;

~~(2)~~ (ii) appropriate educational programs leading to each degree for which approval is sought;

~~(3)~~ (iii) appropriate and accessible library, laboratory, and other physical facilities to support the educational program for each degree for which approval is sought; and

~~(4)~~ (iv) a rationale showing that degree programs are consistent with the school's mission and goals.; and

(2) for nondegree programs:

(i) qualified teaching personnel to provide the educational programs for which approval is sought;

(ii) appropriate educational programs leading to each award for which approval is sought;

(iii) appropriate and accessible library, laboratory, and other physical facilities to support the educational program for which approval is sought; and

(iv) a rationale showing that programs are consistent with the school's mission and goals.

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Nondegree programs that are a part of an approved degree shall not require additional review or approval; they shall be considered approved as a part of the degree approval. Any nondegree program offered by a degree-granting school that is not a part of an approved degree shall be subject to clause (2), items (i) to (iv).

Sec. 17. Minnesota Statutes 2007 Supplement, section 136A.65, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6. Name. A degree-granting school may use the term "academy" or "institute" in its name without meeting any additional requirements. A school may use the term "college" in its name if it offers at least one program leading to an associate degree. A school may use the term "university" in its name if it offers at least one program leading to a master's or doctorate degree.

Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes 2007 Supplement, section 136A.65, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Subd. 7. Conditional approval. The office may grant conditional approval for a degree or use of a term in its name for a period of less than one year if doing so would be in the best interests of currently enrolled students or prospective students. New schools may be granted conditional approval for degrees or names annually for a period not to exceed five years to allow them the opportunity to apply for and receive accreditation as required in subdivision 1a.

Sec. 19. Minnesota Statutes 2007 Supplement, section 136A.66, is amended to read:

136A.66 LIST.

The office shall maintain a list of registered institutions authorized to grant degrees and schools authorized to use the name "college," ~~"academy," "institute"~~ or "university," and shall make such list available to the public.

Sec. 20. Minnesota Statutes 2007 Supplement, section 136A.67, is amended to read:

136A.67 UNAUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIONS.

No school and none of its officials or employees shall advertise or represent in any manner that such school is approved or accredited by the office or the state of Minnesota, except a school which is duly registered with the office, or any of its officials or employees, may represent in advertising and shall disclose in catalogues, applications, and enrollment materials that the school is registered with the office by prominently displaying the following statement: "(Name of school) is registered as a private institution with the Minnesota Office of Higher Education pursuant to sections 136A.61 to 136A.71. Registration is not an endorsement of the institution. Credits earned at the institution may not transfer to all other institutions."

Sec. 21. Minnesota Statutes 2007 Supplement, section 136A.69, is amended to read:

136A.69 FEES.

Subdivision 1. Registration fees. The office shall collect reasonable registration fees that are sufficient to recover, but do not exceed, its costs of administering the registration program. The office shall charge $1,100 for initial registration fees and $950 for annual renewal fees.

Subd. 2. Degree level addition fee. The office processing fee for adding a degree level to an existing program is $2,000 per ~~program~~ degree.

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Subd. 3. Degree or nondegree program addition fee. The office processing fee for adding a degree or nondegree program that represents a significant departure in the objectives, content, or method of delivery of degree or nondegree programs that are currently offered by the school is $500 per degree or nondegree program.

Subd. 4. Visit or consulting fee. If the office determines that a fact-finding visit or outside consultant is necessary to review or evaluate any new or revised degree or nondegree program, the office shall be reimbursed for the expenses incurred related to the review as follows:

(1) $300 for the team base fee or for a paper review conducted by a consultant if the office determines that a fact-finding visit is not required;

(2) $300 for each day or part thereof on site per team member; and

(3) the actual cost of customary meals, lodging, and related travel expenses incurred by team members.

Subd. 5. Modification fee. The fee for modification of any existing degree or nondegree program is $100 and is due if there is:

(1) an increase or decrease of 25 percent or more from the original date of program approval, in clock hours, credit hours, or calendar length of an existing degree or nondegree program;

(2) a change in academic measurement from clock hours to credit hours or vice versa; or

(3) an addition or alteration of courses that represent a 25 percent change or more in the objectives, content, or methods of delivery.

Sec. 22. Minnesota Statutes 2007 Supplement, section 136F.02, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Membership. The board consists of 15 members appointed according to this subdivision. Eleven members are appointed by the governor including three members who are students who have attended an institution for at least one year and are currently enrolled at least half time in a degree, diploma, or certificate program or have graduated from an institution governed by the board within one year of the date of appointment. The student members shall include: one member from a community college, one member from a state university, and one member from a technical college. The remaining four members are appointed by labor organizations. The Inter Faculty Organization (IFO), the Minnesota State College Faculty (MSCF), the Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE), and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) shall each appoint one member. Appointments by the governor and the labor organizations are made with the advice and consent of the senate. At least one member of the board must be a resident of each congressional district. The remaining members must be appointed to represent the state at large. In selecting appointees, the governor and each appointing authority must consider the needs of the board of trustees and the balance of the board membership with respect to labor and business representation and racial, gender, geographic, and ethnic composition. Three members must be students who are enrolled at least half time in a degree, diploma, or certificate program or have graduated from an institution governed by the board within one year of the date of appointment. The student members shall include: one member from a community college, one member from a state university, and one member from a technical college. The remaining members must be appointed to represent the state at large.

Sec. 23. Minnesota Statutes 2007 Supplement, section 136F.03, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4. Recommendations. Except for seats filled under ~~section~~ sections 136F.04 and 136F.045, the advisory council shall recommend at least two and not more than four candidates for each seat. By April 15 of each even-numbered year in which the governor makes appointments to the board, the advisory council shall submit its recommendations to the governor. The governor is not bound by these recommendations.

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Sec. 24. [136F.045] LABOR ORGANIZATION BOARD MEMBER SELECTION PROCESS.

The labor organizations under section 136F.02, subdivision 1, are responsible for recruiting, screening, and selecting qualified candidates for their appointments to the board. The organizations must develop a statement of selection criteria for board membership and a process for selecting candidates to meet the board needs and balance required under section 136F.02, subdivision 1.

Sec. 25. [136F.19] POWER OF YOU PROGRAM.

Subdivision 1. Establishment. The power of you program is established at Metropolitan State University, Minneapolis Community and Technical College, and St. Paul College to promote the preparation and enrollment of students in postsecondary education through partnerships with high schools and school districts.

Subd. 2. Allocations. (a) Minnesota State Colleges and Universities shall allocate the power of you funds at Metropolitan State University, Minneapolis Community and Technical College, and St. Paul College.

(b) The funds must be used to increase student financial aid to fill the gap between costs and federal and state grants to students who:

(1) graduate from a public Minneapolis or St. Paul high school;

(2) enroll full time immediately after graduation; and

(3) are participants in the power of you.

Sec. 26. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 136F.90, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Duties. For ~~the~~ state colleges and universities, the Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities may:

(1) acquire by purchase or otherwise, construct, complete, remodel, equip, operate, control, and manage residence halls, dormitories, dining halls, student union buildings, parking facilities, and any other similar revenue-producing buildings of such type and character as the board finds necessary for the good and benefit of ~~the~~ state colleges and universities, and may acquire property whether real, personal, or mixed, by gift, purchase, or otherwise; provided that no contract for the construction of any building shall be entered into until financing has been approved by the legislature;

(2) maintain and operate any buildings or structures and charge for their use, and conduct any activities that are commonly conducted in connection with the buildings or structures;

(3) enter into contracts for the purposes of sections 136F.90 to 136F.98;

(4) acquire building sites and buildings or structures by gift, purchase, or otherwise and pledge the revenues from them for the payment of any bonds issued for that purpose as provided in sections 136F.90 to 136F.98;

(5) borrow money and issue and sell bonds in an amount or amounts the legislature authorizes for the purpose of acquiring, constructing, completing, remodeling, or equipping any buildings or structures, and acquiring sites, and refund and refinance the bonds by the issuance and sale of refunding bonds when the board finds that it is in the public interest. The bonds shall be sold and issued by the board in the manner and upon the terms and conditions provided by chapter 475, except as otherwise provided in this section. The bonds are payable only from and secured by an irrevocable pledge of the revenues to be derived from the operation of any buildings or structures acquired,

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constructed, completed, remodeled, or equipped in whole or in part with the proceeds of the bonds and from other income and revenues described in section 136F.92, clause (1), the board by resolution specifies, and notwithstanding this limitation all bonds issued under sections 136F.90 to 136F.98 shall have the qualities of negotiable instruments under the laws of this state. The legislature shall not appropriate money from the general fund to pay for these bonds.

Sec. 27. Minnesota Statutes 2007 Supplement, section 141.25, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5. Bond. (a) No license shall be issued to any school which maintains, conducts, solicits for, or advertises within the state of Minnesota any program, unless the applicant files with the office a continuous corporate surety bond written by a company authorized to do business in Minnesota conditioned upon the faithful performance of all contracts and agreements with students made by the applicant.

(b)(1) The amount of the surety bond shall be ten percent of the preceding year's gross income from student tuition, fees, and other required institutional charges, but in no event less than $10,000 nor greater than $250,000, except that a school may deposit a greater amount at its own discretion. A school in each annual application for licensure must compute the amount of the surety bond and verify that the amount of the surety bond complies with this subdivision, unless the school maintains a surety bond equal to at least $250,000. A school that operates at two or more locations may combine gross income from student tuition, fees, and other required institutional charges for all locations for the purpose of determining the annual surety bond requirement. The gross tuition and fees used to determine the amount of the surety bond required for a school having a license for the sole purpose of recruiting students in Minnesota shall be only that paid to the school by the students recruited from Minnesota.

(2) A school required to obtain a private career school license due to the use of "academy," "institute," "college," or "university" in its name and which is also licensed by another state agency or board shall be required to provide a school bond of $10,000.

(c) The bond shall run to the state of Minnesota and to any person who may have a cause of action against the applicant arising at any time after the bond is filed and before it is canceled for breach of any contract or agreement made by the applicant with any student. The aggregate liability of the surety for all breaches of the conditions of the bond shall not exceed the principal sum deposited by the school under paragraph (b). The surety of any bond may cancel it upon giving 60 days' notice in writing to the office and shall be relieved of liability for any breach of condition occurring after the effective date of cancellation.

(d) In lieu of bond, the applicant may deposit with the commissioner of finance a sum equal to the amount of the required surety bond in cash, or securities as may be legally purchased by savings banks or for trust funds in an aggregate market value equal to the amount of the required surety bond.

(e) Failure of a school to post and maintain the required surety bond or deposit under paragraph (d) shall result in denial, suspension, or revocation of the school's license.

Sec. 28. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 141.25, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 13. Schools licensed by another state agency or board. A school required to obtain a private career school license due to the use of "academy," "institute," "college," or "university" in its name and which is also licensed by another state agency or board shall be required to satisfy only the requirements of subdivisions 3, clauses (1), (2), (3), (5), (7), and (10); 4; 5, paragraph (b), clause (2); 7, clauses (1) and (10); 8; 9, clause (13); and 12.

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Sec. 29. Minnesota Statutes 2007 Supplement, section 141.28, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Disclosure required; advertisement restricted. A Schools, agents of schools, and solicitors may not advertise or represent in writing or orally that such school is approved or accredited by the state of Minnesota, except that any school, agent, or solicitor may represent in advertisements and shall disclose in catalogues, applications, and enrollment materials that the school is duly licensed by the state by prominently displaying the following statement:

"(Name of school) is licensed as a private career school with the Minnesota Office of Higher Education pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, sections 141.21 to 141.32. Licensure is not an endorsement of the institution. Credits earned at the institution may not transfer to all other institutions."

Sec. 30. Minnesota Statutes 2007 Supplement, section 141.35, is amended to read:

141.35 EXEMPTIONS.

Sections 141.21 to 141.32 shall not apply to the following:

(1) public postsecondary institutions;

(2) postsecondary institutions registered under sections ~~136A.615~~ 136A.61 to 136A.71;

(3) schools of nursing accredited by the state Board of Nursing or an equivalent public board of another state or foreign country;

(4) private schools complying with the requirements of section 120A.22, subdivision 4;

(5) courses taught to students in a valid apprenticeship program taught by or required by a trade union;

(6) schools exclusively engaged in training physically or mentally disabled persons for the state of Minnesota;

(7) schools licensed by boards authorized under Minnesota law to issue licenses except schools required to obtain a private career school license due to the use of "academy," "institute," "college," or "university" in their names;

(8) schools and educational programs, or training programs, contracted for by persons, firms, corporations, government agencies, or associations, for the training of their own employees, for which no fee is charged the employee;

(9) schools engaged exclusively in the teaching of purely avocational, recreational, or remedial subjects as determined by the office except schools required to obtain a private career school license due to the use of "academy," "institute," "college," or "university" in their names;

(10) classes, courses, or programs conducted by a bona fide trade, professional, or fraternal organization, solely for that organization's membership;

(11) programs in the fine arts provided by organizations exempt from taxation under section 290.05 and registered with the attorney general under chapter 309. For the purposes of this clause, "fine arts" means activities resulting in artistic creation or artistic performance of works of the imagination which are engaged in for the primary purpose of creative expression rather than commercial sale or employment. In making this determination the office may seek the advice and recommendation of the Minnesota Board of the Arts;

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(12) classes, courses, or programs intended to fulfill the continuing education requirements for licensure or certification in a profession, that have been approved by a legislatively or judicially established board or agency responsible for regulating the practice of the profession, and that are offered exclusively to an individual practicing the profession;

(13) classes, courses, or programs intended to prepare students to sit for undergraduate, graduate, postgraduate, or occupational licensing and occupational entrance examinations;

(14) classes, courses, or programs providing 16 or fewer clock hours of instruction that are not part of the curriculum for an occupation or entry level employment except schools required to obtain a private career school license due to the use of "academy," "institute," "college," or "university" in their names;

(15) classes, courses, or programs providing instruction in personal development, modeling, or acting;

(16) training or instructional programs, in which one instructor teaches an individual student, that are not part of the curriculum for an occupation or are not intended to prepare a person for entry level employment; and

(17) schools with no physical presence in Minnesota, as determined by the office, engaged exclusively in offering distance instruction that are located in and regulated by other states or jurisdictions.

Sec. 31. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 144.1501, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Creation of account. (a) A health professional education loan forgiveness program account is established. The commissioner of health shall use money from the account to establish a loan forgiveness program:

(1) for medical residents agreeing to practice in designated rural areas or underserved urban communities or specializing in the area of pediatric psychiatry;

(2) for midlevel practitioners agreeing to practice in designated rural areas or to teach ~~for~~ at least ~~20 hours~~ 12 credit hours, or 720 hours per ~~week~~ year in the nursing field in a postsecondary program at the undergraduate level or the equivalent at the graduate level;

(3) for nurses who agree to practice in a Minnesota nursing home or intermediate care facility for persons with developmental disability or to teach ~~for~~ at least ~~20 hours~~ 12 credit hours, or 720 hours per ~~week~~ year in the nursing field in a postsecondary program at the undergraduate level or the equivalent at the graduate level;

(4) for other health care technicians agreeing to teach ~~for~~ at least ~~20 hours~~ 12 credit hours, or 720 hours per ~~week~~ year in their designated field in a postsecondary program at the undergraduate level or the equivalent at the graduate level. The commissioner, in consultation with the Healthcare Education-Industry Partnership, shall determine the health care fields where the need is the greatest, including, but not limited to, respiratory therapy, clinical laboratory technology, radiologic technology, and surgical technology;

(5) for pharmacists who agree to practice in designated rural areas; and

(6) for dentists agreeing to deliver at least 25 percent of the dentist's yearly patient encounters to state public program enrollees or patients receiving sliding fee schedule discounts through a formal sliding fee schedule meeting the standards established by the United States Department of Health and Human Services under Code of Federal Regulations, title 42, section 51, chapter 303.

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(b) Appropriations made to the account do not cancel and are available until expended, except that at the end of each biennium, any remaining balance in the account that is not committed by contract and not needed to fulfill existing commitments shall cancel to the fund.

Sec. 32. Laws 2007, chapter 144, article 1, section 3, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. State Grants 147,400,000 144,138,000

If the appropriation in this subdivision for either year is insufficient, the appropriation for the other year is available for it.

For the biennium, the tuition maximum for students in four-year programs is $9,838 in each year for students in four-year programs, and for students in two-year programs, is $6,114 in the first year and $5,808 in the second year.

This appropriation sets the living and miscellaneous expense allowance at $5,900 each year.

Of the appropriation in the second year, $3,800,000 must be transferred to the Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities for the power of you program under section 136F.19. Up to half this amount must be used for pilot programs under section 36.

Of the appropriation in the second year, $200,000 is for the teachers of color financial aid pilot program under section 37.

Sec. 33. Laws 2007, chapter 144, article 1, section 3, subdivision 18, is amended to read:

Subd. 18. Transfers

The Minnesota Office of Higher Education may transfer unencumbered balances from the appropriations in this section to the state grant appropriation, the interstate tuition reciprocity appropriation, the child care grant appropriation, the Indian scholarship appropriation, the state work study appropriation, the public safety officers' survivors appropriation, and the Minnesota college savings plan appropriation. Transfers from the child care or state work study appropriations may only be made to the extent there is a projected surplus in the appropriation. A transfer may be made only with the prior written approval of the commissioner of finance and prior written notice to the chairs of the senate and house committees with jurisdiction over higher education finance.

Sec. 34. Laws 2007, chapter 144, article 1, section 5, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Operations and Maintenance 621,184,000 637,824,000

This appropriation includes funding for operation and maintenance of the system including amounts to advance the University of Minnesota's efforts to sustain quality and competitiveness; and funding for the "Advancing Education" initiatives including an Ojibwe Indian language program on the Duluth campus.

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This appropriation includes funding to establish banded tuition at the Morris, Crookston, and Duluth campuses to reduce tuition costs for students.

This appropriation includes funding for scholarships for undergraduate Minnesota resident students with family income under $150,000 per year. This appropriation must be matched with $1.50 of nonstate money for each $1 of state money.

This appropriation includes funding for the Center for Transportation Studies to complete a study to assess public policy options for reducing the volume of greenhouse gases emitted from the transportation sector in Minnesota. The Center for Transportation Studies must report its preliminary findings to the legislature by February 1, 2008, and must issue its full report by June 1, 2008. This is a onetime appropriation.

This appropriation includes funding to establish an India Center to improve and promote relations with India and Southeast Asia. The center must partner with public and private organizations in Minnesota to:

(1) foster an understanding of the history, culture, and values of India;

(2) serve as a resource and catalyst to promote economic, governmental, and academic pursuits involving India; and

(3) facilitate educational and business exchanges and partnerships, collaborative research, and teaching and training activities for Minnesota students and teachers.

The Board of Regents may establish an advisory council to facilitate the mission and objectives of the India Center and must report on the progress of the India Center by February 15, 2008, to the governor and chairs of the legislative committees responsible for higher education finance. This appropriation must be matched by an equal amount of nonstate money. This is a onetime appropriation.

This appropriation includes funding to assist in the formation of the neighborhood alliance and for projects identified in section 10. The alliance, the Board of Regents, and the city of Minneapolis may cooperate on the projects and may use public services of other entities to complete all or a portion of a project. This is a onetime appropriation.

This appropriation includes funding to establish a Dakota language teacher training immersion program on the Twin Cities campus to prepare teachers to teach in Dakota language immersion programs.

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~~One~~ Two percent of the appropriation in this subdivision for the second year is available when the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota demonstrates to the commissioner of finance that the board has met at least three of the five following performance goals:

(1) increase financial support to pay the cost of attendance for students demonstrating financial need;

(2) maintain or improve the University of Minnesota's rank in its national share of total research and development expenditures reported to the National Science Foundation over the 2007 ranking;

(3) increase by at least five percent, compared to fiscal year 2007, the number of degrees awarded in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and health sciences disciplines;

(4) increase by at least five percent, compared to fiscal year 2007, the amount of financial support from key funding sources for renewable energy research; and

(5) increase and improve interaction and research activity beneficial to business and industry.

By October 1, 2007, the Board of Regents and the Office of Higher Education must agree on specific numerical indicators and definitions for each of the five goals that will be used to demonstrate the University of Minnesota's attainment of each goal.

On or before April 1, 2008, the Board of Regents must report to the legislative committees with primary jurisdiction over higher education finance and policy the progress of the University of Minnesota toward attaining the goals.

Sec. 35. Laws 2007, chapter 144, article 1, section 5, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5. University of Minnesota and Mayo Foundation Partnership 25,000,000 -0-

For the direct and indirect expenses of the collaborative research partnership between the University of Minnesota and the Mayo Foundation for research in biotechnology and medical genomics. For fiscal years 2010 and 2011, the base shall be $8,000,000 in each year. This appropriation is available until expended. An annual report on the expenditure of these funds must be submitted to the governor, the chair of the house bioscience and emerging technologies committee, and the chairs of the senate and house committees responsible for higher education and economic development by June 30 of each fiscal year. At a minimum, the

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report must include information on the number of patents, disclosures, and licensing agreements; the amount generated in royalties and how the royalty money is spent; and the number of companies created, where they are located, how many jobs are created, and the amount of venture capital raised.

Sec. 36. POWER OF YOU PILOT PROGRAMS.

Subdivision 1. Power of you pilot programs. Pilots shall be established in suburban and rural sites to test the expansion of power of you. In addition to the requirements under Minnesota Statutes, section 136F.19, the power of you pilot programs must follow the model set forth by the power of you at Metropolitan State University, Minneapolis Community and Technical College, and St. Paul College, increasing financial aid to students enrolled in the program.

Subd. 2. Suburban pilot selection. By June 1, 2008, Metropolitan State University shall select one technical college and one community college or community-technical college to each partner with a high school in developing a power of you pilot program, to test expansion of the program established under Minnesota Statutes, section 136F.19, to students in Twin Cities' suburban areas. Metropolitan State University shall choose the colleges' high school partners.

Subd. 3. Rural pilot selection. By June 1, 2008, the chancellor of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities shall select two rural colleges, one being a multicampus institution in an agricultural part of the state and the other a multicampus institution in a nonagricultural part of the state dependent on natural resources, for power of you pilot programs. Each of the campus sites of the colleges shall work with a high school to test the application of the power of you pilot program established under Minnesota Statutes, section 136F.19, to nonmetropolitan students and colleges. The chancellor shall choose the campus' high school partners.

Sec. 37. TEACHERS OF COLOR FINANCIAL AID PILOT PROGRAM.

Subdivision 1. Establishment. The teachers of color financial aid pilot program is established under the supervision of the Minnesota Office of Higher Education to encourage academically talented postsecondary students of color to become teachers of early childhood, elementary, or secondary education; to increase the academic achievement of diverse student populations; to help close the existing student achievement gaps by creating a cadre of qualified new teachers; and to encourage students of color attending four-year institutions to enroll in a teacher preparation program and students attending two-year colleges to transfer to and enroll in a teacher preparation program at eligible institutions. Financial aid under this pilot program is to provide incentives for postsecondary students of color to enter teacher preparation programs and to teach in Minnesota school districts.

Subd. 2. Definitions. For the purposes of this section, the following terms have the meanings given them:

(1) "student of color" means a student who is African American, African immigrant, American Indian, Alaskan native, Asian American or Pacific Islander, or Hispanic;

(2) "director" means the director of the Minnesota Office of Higher Education;

(3) "eligible institution" means a public four-year postsecondary institution with an approved teacher preparation program that is participating in a pilot partnership under subdivision 5; and

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(4) "teacher preparation program" means a program at an institution that prepares students to be teachers.

Subd. 3. Grants. (a) The director shall award grants under this section to eligible students as an incentive to enter teacher preparation programs. An eligible student must submit an application for a grant under this section for the student's junior and senior years in a teacher preparation program. Applications must be submitted to the director in the form and manner and with the information required by the director.

(b) An eligible student who is enrolled as a junior or senior in a teacher preparation program at an eligible institution may receive a grant under this section of up to $5,000 each year for a maximum of two academic years or the equivalent at an eligible institution if the student continues to make satisfactory progress toward a baccalaureate degree in education.

(c) Grants under this section are made within the limits of appropriations for the pilot program. The director may prorate the grant awards and the length of time of the award for students who attend part-time. The director must give priority for grants under this section to students who are eligible for the Pell grant or for a state grant under Minnesota Statutes, section 136A.121.

Subd. 4. Student eligibility. A student is eligible to receive a grant under this section if the student:

(1) is an American citizen or eligible noncitizen residing in Minnesota;

(2) certifies that the student is a student of color;

(3) is enrolled in an eligible institution and making satisfactory academic progress; and

(4) is admitted to an approved teacher preparation program at an eligible institution.

Subd. 5. Pilot partnerships. Up to four partnerships between a public four-year institution in Minnesota with an approved teacher preparation program and at least one Minnesota school district may participate in the teachers of color financial aid pilot program. Of the four partnerships, one must be a partnership between Winona State University and the Rochester school district and one must be a partnership between St. Cloud State University and Robbinsdale public schools. The director must select the other partnerships for the pilot program based on applications submitted according to the timeline established and with information required by the director. Each partnership must agree to devise a plan to recruit students of color for teacher preparation programs and assistance under this section. Recruitment of students must include recruiting and encouraging talented students of color who attend two-year colleges to transfer to teacher preparation programs at participating pilot institutions.

Subd. 6. Teachers of color program promotion. The director may use up to $25,000 of the appropriation for the program under this section for the administration and promotion of the pilot program and to assist with the recruitment of students of color for teacher preparation programs. The director must consult with the commissioner of education, the University of Minnesota, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, and private colleges to develop strategies to recruit, retain, and mentor students in pilot programs while the students attend a teacher preparation program. To the extent possible, existing state or private programs must be used to provide recruitment, retention, and mentoring services under this subdivision.

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Subd. 7. Report. The director must report to the committees of the legislature with responsibility for higher education finance by February 1, 2009, on the teachers of color financial aid pilot project. The report must include an evaluation of participation with recommendations on the program design, including the potential to expand the program to graduate education programs. The report must also make recommendations on continued funding for the program.

Sec. 38. REPORT TO LEGISLATURE.

The staff of the Office of the Chancellor of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities shall evaluate the performance of the power of you pilot programs established at the locations chosen in section 36 and in Minnesota Statutes, section 136F.19, to determine the effects on participation rates, retention, and potential enhancement of the workforce, and shall evaluate the costs and benefits of the pilot programs. The Office of the Chancellor shall report the results of the evaluation to the committees in the senate and house of representatives with jurisdiction over higher education by January 15, 2010.

Sec. 39. 2008 APPOINTMENTS TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES.

Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 136F.02, the governor shall make no appointments to the Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities for board terms expiring in 2008 and all appointments for these seats must be made by the labor organizations under Minnesota Statutes, section 136F.02, subdivision 1. Beginning in 2008 and every six years thereafter, the IFO, MSCF, MAPE, and AFSCME must each appoint one member to the board of trustees according to the requirements of Minnesota Statutes, sections 136F.02, subdivision 1, and 136F.045.

ARTICLE 4

JOBS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS

Section 1. SUMMARY OF APPROPRIATIONS.

The amounts shown in this section summarize direct appropriations or reductions, by fund, made in this article.

2008 2009 Total

General $(3,000,000) $2,218,000 $(782,000)

Cancellations -0- 2,758,000 2,758,000

Transfers From Other Funds -0- 22,000,000 22,000,000

Total $(3,000,000) $(22,540,000) $(25,540,000)

Sec. 2. JOBS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS AND REDUCTIONS.

The dollar amounts in the columns under "Appropriations and Reductions" are added to or, if shown in parentheses, subtracted from the appropriations in Laws 2007, chapter 135, or other law to the specified agencies. The appropriations are from the general fund, or another named fund, and are available for the fiscal years indicated for each purpose. The figures "2008" and "2009" used in this article mean that the appropriations listed under them are available for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, or June 30, 2009, respectively. "The first year" is fiscal year 2008. "The second year" is fiscal year 2009. "The biennium" is fiscal years 2008 and 2009. Appropriations for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, are effective the day following final enactment.

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APPROPRIATIONS AND

REDUCTIONS

Available for the Year

Ending June 30

2008 2009

Sec. 3. EMPLOYMENT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Subdivision 1. Total Appropriation $(3,000,000) $2,250,000

Appropriations by Fund

2008 2009

General (3,000,000) 2,250,000

Cancellations -0- 2,758,000

Transfers From Other Funds -0- 8,000,000

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

Subd. 2. Employment and Economic Development

$550,000 in the second year is a base reduction to the department's operating budget.

Subd. 3. Business and Community Development (3,000,000) 2,800,000

Appropriations by Fund

General (3,000,000) 2,800,000

$400,000 in the second year is for the establishment and operation of the Office of Science and Technology. This is a onetime appropriation and is available until expended.

$2,000,000 in the second year is for grants to the six Minnesota Initiative Foundations to expand existing small business revolving loans with a focus on lending to entrepreneurs and new businesses. The commissioner of employment and economic development must make equal grants to each Minnesota Initiative Foundation. This is a onetime appropriation.

$200,000 in the second year is for a grant to the Hennepin-Carver Workforce Investment Board (WIB) to coordinate with the Partners for Progress Regional Skills Consortium to provide employment and training as demonstrated by the Twin Cities regional health care training partnership project. This is a onetime appropriation.

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APPROPRIATIONS AND

REDUCTIONS

Available for the Year

Ending June 30

2008 2009

$125,000 in the second year is for a grant to HIRED to operate its industry sector training initiatives, which provide employee training developed in collaboration with employers in specific, high-demand industries. This is a onetime appropriation.

$75,000 in the second year is for a grant to Lifetrack Resources for a onetime pilot project in Rochester focusing on immigrant and refugee collaborative programs, including those related to job-seeking skills and workplace orientation, intensive job development, functional work English, and on-site job coaching. This is a onetime appropriation.

Subd. 4. Cancellations -0- 2,758,000

Prior to July 31, 2008, the unexpended balances from the following appropriations are canceled to the general fund:

(1) the appropriation made in Laws 2005, First Special Session chapter 3, article 10, section 23, to the foreign trade zone authority; and

(2) the appropriation made in Laws 2005, First Special Session chapter 1, article 3, section 2, subdivision 2, for the methamphetamine laboratory cleanup revolving loan fund.

Prior to July 31, 2008, of the unexpended balance in the job skills partnership account, $2,000,000 is canceled to the general fund.

Subd. 5. Transfers -0- 8,000,000

Prior to July 31, 2008, the amount specified from the unexpended balance of the workforce development fund must be transferred to the general fund.

Subd. 6. Minnesota Minerals 21st Century Fund

Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 116J.423, by June 30, 2009, the commissioner shall make a $1,000,000 grant and a $1,000,000 loan from the Minnesota Minerals 21st Century Fund to Magnetation, Inc. for reclamation of iron ore.

Sec. 4. LABOR AND INDUSTRY

Subdivision 1. Base Reduction $-0- $(43,000)

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APPROPRIATIONS AND

REDUCTIONS

Available for the Year

Ending June 30

2008 2009

$43,000 in the second year is a base reduction to the municipal building permit reporting unit in the labor standards program. The commissioner must not reduce funding available for prevailing wage enforcement and must fill all positions when vacancies become available.

Subd. 2. Transfers -0- 14,000,000

Prior to July 31, 2008, the amount specified from the unexpended balance of the worker's compensation special fund must be transferred to the general fund.

Sec. 5. BUREAU OF MEDIATION SERVICES $-0- $(69,000)

This is a base reduction.

Sec. 6. COMBATIVE SPORTS COMMISSION $-0- $80,000

This amount is added to the commission's base budget.

Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 116J.423, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 2a. Grants authorized. Notwithstanding subdivision 2, the commissioner may use money in the fund to make grants to a city, county, or to a county regional rail authority as appropriate, for public infrastructure needed to support an eligible project under this section. Grant money may be used by the city, county, or regional rail authority to acquire right-of-way and mitigate loss of wetlands and runoff of storm water; to predesign, design, construct, and equip roads and rail lines; and, in cooperation with municipal utilities, to predesign, design, construct, and equip natural gas pipelines, electric infrastructure, water supply systems, and wastewater collection and treatment systems. Grants made under this subdivision are available until expended.

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

Sec. 8. [116J.996] MILITARY RESERVIST ECONOMIC INJURY LOANS.

Subdivision 1. Definitions. (a) The definitions in this subdivision apply to this section.

(b) "Active service" has the meaning given in section 190.05.

(d) "Eligible business" means a small business, as defined in section 645.445, that was operating in Minnesota on the date a military reservist received orders for active service.

(e) "Essential employee" means a military reservist who is an owner or employee of an eligible business and whose managerial or technical expertise is critical to the day-to-day operation of the eligible business.

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(f) "Military reservist" means a member of the reserve component of the armed forces.

(g) "Reserve component of the armed forces" has the meaning given it in United States Code, title 10, section 101(c).

(h) "Substantial economic injury" means an economic harm to an eligible business that results in the inability of the eligible business to:

(1) meet its obligations as they mature;

(2) pay its ordinary and necessary operating expenses; or

(3) manufacture, produce, market, or provide a product or service ordinarily manufactured, produced, marketed, or provided by the eligible business.

Subd. 2. Loan program. The commissioner may make onetime, interest-free loans of up to $20,000 per borrower to eligible businesses that have sustained or are likely to sustain substantial economic injury as a result of the call to active service for 180 days or more of an essential employee. Loans must be made for the purpose of preventing, remedying, or ameliorating the substantial economic injury.

Subd. 3. Transfer. The commissioner of veterans affairs shall transfer funds as requested by the commissioner of employment and economic development for the purposes of the loan program created in this section, including costs incurred by the commissioner to establish and administer the program.

Subd. 4. Rules. Using the expedited rulemaking procedures of section 14.389, the commissioner shall develop and publish expedited rules for loan applications, use of funds, needed collateral, terms of loans, and other details of military reservist economic injury loans.

Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2007 Supplement, section 116L.17, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

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

(b) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of employment and economic development.

(c) "Dislocated worker" means an individual who is a resident of Minnesota at the time employment ceased or was working in the state at the time employment ceased and:

(1) has been permanently separated or has received a notice of permanent separation from public or private sector employment and is eligible for or has exhausted entitlement to unemployment benefits, and is unlikely to return to the previous industry or occupation;

(2) has been long-term unemployed and has limited opportunities for employment or reemployment in the same or a similar occupation in the area in which the individual resides, including older individuals who may have substantial barriers to employment by reason of age;

(3) has been terminated or has received a notice of termination of employment as a result of a plant closing or a substantial layoff at a plant, facility, or enterprise;

(4) has been self-employed, including farmers and ranchers, and is unemployed as a result of general economic conditions in the community in which the individual resides or because of natural disasters;

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(5) has been permanently separated from employment in a restaurant, bar, or lawful gambling organization from October 1, 2007, to October 1, 2009, due to the implementation of any state law prohibiting smoking; or

(6) is a veteran as defined by section 197.447, has been discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions within the last 36 months, and (i) is unemployed or (ii) is employed in a job which pays less than what the veteran could verifiably earn; or

~~(6)~~ (7) is a displaced homemaker. A "displaced homemaker" is an individual who has spent a substantial number of years in the home providing homemaking service and (i) has been dependent upon the financial support of another; and now due to divorce, separation, death, or disability of that person, must find employment to self support; or (ii) derived the substantial share of support from public assistance on account of dependents in the home and no longer receives such support.

To be eligible under this clause, the support must have ceased while the worker resided in Minnesota.

(d) "Eligible organization" means a state or local government unit, nonprofit organization, community action agency, business organization or association, or labor organization.

(e) "Plant closing" means the announced or actual permanent shutdown of a single site of employment, or one or more facilities or operating units within a single site of employment.

(f) "Substantial layoff" means a permanent reduction in the workforce, which is not a result of a plant closing, and which results in an employment loss at a single site of employment during any 30-day period for at least 50 employees excluding those employees that work less than 20 hours per week.

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

Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 116L.17, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 11. Transfer from department of veterans affairs. The commissioner of veterans affairs shall transfer funds as requested by the commissioner of employment and economic development to reimburse the workforce development fund for costs incurred under section 116L.17, subdivision 1, paragraph (c), clause (6).

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

Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2007 Supplement, section 214.04, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Officers; staff. The executive director of each health-related board and the executive secretary of each non-health-related board shall be the chief administrative officer for the board but shall not be a member of the board. The executive director or executive secretary shall maintain the records of the board, account for all fees received by it, supervise and direct employees servicing the board, and perform other services as directed by the board. The executive directors, executive secretaries, and other employees of the following boards shall be hired by the board, and the executive directors or executive secretaries shall be in the unclassified civil service, except as provided in this subdivision:

(1) Dentistry;

(2) Medical Practice;

(3) Nursing;

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(4) Pharmacy;

(5) Accountancy;

(6) Architecture, Engineering, Land Surveying, Landscape Architecture, Geoscience, and Interior Design;

(7) Barber Examiners;

(8) Cosmetology;

(9) Teaching;

(10) Peace Officer Standards and Training;

(11) Social Work;

(12) Marriage and Family Therapy;

(13) Dietetics and Nutrition Practice; ~~and~~

(14) Licensed Professional Counseling.; and

(15) Combative Sports Commission.

The executive directors or executive secretaries serving the boards are hired by those boards and are in the unclassified civil service, except for part-time executive directors or executive secretaries, who are not required to be in the unclassified service. Boards not requiring full-time executive directors or executive secretaries may employ them on a part-time basis. To the extent practicable, the sharing of part-time executive directors or executive secretaries by boards being serviced by the same department is encouraged. Persons providing services to those boards not listed in this subdivision, except executive directors or executive secretaries of the boards and employees of the attorney general, are classified civil service employees of the department servicing the board. To the extent practicable, the commissioner shall ensure that staff services are shared by the boards being serviced by the department. If necessary, a board may hire part-time, temporary employees to administer and grade examinations.

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

Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2007 Supplement, section 268.047, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. General rule. Unemployment benefits paid to an applicant, including extended~~, additional,~~ and shared work benefits, will be used in computing the future tax rate of a taxpaying base period employer or charged to the reimbursable account of a base period nonprofit or government employer that has elected to be liable for reimbursements except as provided in subdivisions 2 and 3. The amount of unemployment benefits used in computing the future tax rate of taxpaying employers or charged to the reimbursable account of a nonprofit or government employer that has elected to be liable for reimbursements is the same percentage of the total amount of unemployment benefits paid as the percentage of wage credits from the employer is of the total amount of wage credits from all the applicant's base period employers.

In making computations under this subdivision, the amount of wage credits, if not a whole dollar, must be computed to the nearest whole dollar.

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Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2007 Supplement, section 268.047, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Exceptions for all employers. Unemployment benefits paid will not be used in computing the future tax rate of a taxpaying base period employer or charged to the reimbursable account of a base period nonprofit or government employer that has elected to be liable for reimbursements when:

(1) the applicant was discharged from the employment because of aggravated employment misconduct as determined under section 268.095. This exception applies only to unemployment benefits paid for periods after the applicant's discharge from employment;

(2) an applicant's discharge from that employment occurred because a law required removal of the applicant from the position the applicant held;

(3) the employer is in the tourist or recreation industry and is in active operation of business less than 15 calendar weeks each year and the applicant's wage credits from the employer are less than 600 times the applicable state or federal minimum wage;

(4) the employer provided regularly scheduled part-time employment to the applicant during the applicant's base period and continues to provide the applicant with regularly scheduled part-time employment during the benefit year of at least 90 percent of the part-time employment provided in the base period, and is an involved employer because of the applicant's loss of other employment. This exception terminates effective the first week that the employer fails to meet the benefit year employment requirements. This exception applies to educational institutions without consideration of the period between academic years or terms;

(5) the employer is a fire department or firefighting corporation or operator of a life-support transportation service, and continues to provide employment for the applicant as a volunteer firefighter or a volunteer ambulance service personnel during the benefit year on the same basis that employment was provided in the base period. This exception terminates effective the first week that the employer fails to meet the benefit year employment requirements;

(6) the applicant's unemployment from this employer was a direct result of the condemnation of property by a governmental agency, a fire, flood, or act of nature, where 25 percent or more of the employees employed at the affected location, including the applicant, became unemployed as a result. This exception does not apply where the unemployment was a direct result of the intentional act of the employer or a person acting on behalf of the employer;

(7) the unemployment benefits were paid by another state as a result of the transferring of wage credits under a combined wage arrangement provided for in section 268.131;

(8) the applicant stopped working because of a labor dispute at the applicant's primary place of employment if the employer was not a party to the labor dispute;

(9) the unemployment benefits were determined overpaid unemployment benefits under section 268.18; or

(10) the applicant was employed as a replacement worker, for a period of six months or longer, for an employee who is in the military reserve and was called for active duty during the time the applicant worked as a replacement, and the applicant was laid off because the employee returned to employment after active duty; or

(11) the trust fund was reimbursed for the unemployment benefits by the federal government.

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

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Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2007 Supplement, section 268.085, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Payments that delay unemployment benefits. (a) An applicant is not eligible to receive unemployment benefits for any week with respect to which the applicant is receiving, has received, or has filed for payment, equal to or in excess of the applicant's weekly unemployment benefit amount, in the form of:

(1) vacation pay paid upon temporary, indefinite, or seasonal separation. This clause does not apply to (i) vacation pay paid upon a permanent separation from employment;, or (ii) vacation pay paid from a vacation fund administered by a union or a third party not under the control of the employer;

(2) severance pay, bonus pay, sick pay, and any other payments, except earnings under subdivision 5, and back pay under subdivision 6, paid by an employer because of, upon, or after separation from employment, but only if the payment is considered wages at the time of payment under section 268.035, subdivision 29. This clause does not apply to the first $5,000 of any amount of severance pay, bonus pay, sick pay, or any other payments paid to an employee; or

(3) pension, retirement, or annuity payments from any plan contributed to by a base period employer including the United States government, except Social Security benefits that are provided for in subdivision 4. The base period employer is considered to have contributed to the plan if the contribution is excluded from the definition of wages under section 268.035, subdivision 29, clause (1).

An applicant is not considered to have received the lump sum payment if the applicant immediately deposits that payment in a qualified pension plan or account.

(b) This subdivision applies to all the weeks of payment. Payments under paragraph (a), clauses (1) and (2), are applied to the period immediately following the last day of employment. ~~and~~ The number of weeks of payment~~, for purposes of those clauses,~~ is determined as follows:

(1) if the payments are made periodically, the total of the payments to be received is divided by the applicant's last level of regular weekly pay from the employer; or

(2) if the payment is made in a lump sum, that sum is divided by the applicant's last level of regular weekly pay from the employer.

(c) If the payment is less than the applicant's weekly unemployment benefit amount, unemployment benefits are reduced by the amount of the payment. If the computation of reduced unemployment benefits is not a whole dollar, it is rounded down to the next lower whole dollar.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section, except for subdivision 3, paragraph (a), clause (2), is effective the day following final enactment. Subdivision 3, paragraph (a), clause (2), is effective for unemployment benefits paid on or after January 1, 2006, regardless of when the continued request was filed or the week for which the unemployment benefits are paid.

Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2007 Supplement, section 268.085, subdivision 9, is amended to read:

Subd. 9. Business owners. Wage credits from an employer may not be used for unemployment benefit purposes by any applicant who:

(1) individually, jointly, or in combination with the applicant's spouse, parent, or child owns or controls directly or indirectly 25 percent or more interest in the employer,; or

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(2) is the spouse, parent, or minor child of any individual who owns or controls directly or indirectly 25 percent or more interest in the employer~~; and~~.

~~(2) is temporarily, seasonally, or indefinitely unemployed and not permanently separated from the employment.~~

This subdivision only applies if the applicant has been paid unemployment benefits based upon wage credits from this employer within the prior four years and is effective when the applicant has been paid ~~four~~ five times the applicant's weekly unemployment benefit amount in the current benefit year.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 6, 2008, and applies to applications for unemployment benefits filed on or after that date.

Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 2007 Supplement, section 268.085, subdivision 16, is amended to read:

Subd. 16. Actively seeking suitable employment defined. (a) "Actively seeking suitable employment" means those reasonable, diligent efforts an individual in similar circumstances would make if genuinely interested in obtaining suitable employment under the existing conditions in the labor market area. Limiting the search to positions that are not available or are above the applicant's training, experience, and qualifications is not "actively seeking suitable employment."

(b) To be considered "actively seeking suitable employment" an applicant must, when reasonable, contact those employers from whom the applicant was laid off because of lack of work and request suitable employment.

(c) If reasonable prospects of suitable employment in the applicant's usual or customary occupation do not exist, the applicant must actively seek other suitable employment to be considered "actively seeking suitable employment." This applies to an applicant who is seasonally unemployed.

(d) An applicant who is seeking employment only through a union is ~~not~~ considered actively seeking suitable employment ~~unless~~ if the applicant is in an occupation where ~~it is required by union rule that all the~~ hiring in that locality is done through the union. ~~or that all members are~~ If the applicant is a union member who is restricted to obtaining employment among signatory contractors in the construction industry, seeking employment only with those signatory contractors is considered actively seeking employment. The applicant must be a union member in good standing, registered with the union for employment, and in compliance with other union rules to be considered "actively seeking suitable employment."

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

Sec. 17. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 268.125, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Additional unemployment benefits; when available. Additional unemployment benefits are available if:

(1) a county had a total unemployment rate for the prior 12-calendar month period of at least 1.8 times the state average unemployment rate for the prior 12-calendar month period and the state average unemployment rate for the same 12-calendar month period was at least 4.6 percent. The commissioner must calculate the applicable unemployment rates within 30 calendar days following the end of the month. Once it has been calculated that the total unemployment rate in a county equals or exceeds 1.8 times the state average unemployment rate for the prior 12-calendar month period, the additional benefits are available beginning the Sunday following the date of calculation and continuing for a minimum of 13 calendar weeks; or

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~~(1)~~ (2) (i) at a facility that had 100 or more employees, the employer reduced operations, resulting within a one-month period in the layoff of 50 percent or more of the facility's work force, including reductions caused as a result of a major natural disaster declared by the president;

~~(2)~~ (ii) the employer has no expressed plan to resume operations that would lead to the reemployment of those employees in the immediate future; and

~~(3)~~ (iii) the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in the county that the facility is located was ten percent or more during the month of the reduction or any of the three months before or after the month of the reduction.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment and applies retroactively from January 1, 2008.

Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 268.125, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Payment ~~of unemployment benefits~~ from trust fund; effect on employer. Additional unemployment benefits are payable from the trust fund. Additional unemployment benefits paid will not be used in computing the experience rating of a taxpaying employer nor charged to the reimbursing account of a nonprofit or government employer.

Sec. 19. Minnesota Statutes 2007 Supplement, section 268.125, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Eligibility conditions. An applicant is eligible to receive additional unemployment benefits for any week during the applicant's benefit year if:

(1) for any week during which benefits are available under subdivision 1, clause (1):

(i) the applicant resides in a county that meets the requirements of subdivision 1, clause (1), and resided in that county each week that regular unemployment benefits were paid;

(ii) the applicant meets the same eligibility requirements that are required for regular unemployment benefits under section 268.069; and

(iii) the applicant has exhausted regular unemployment benefits under section 268.07, is not entitled to receive extended unemployment benefits under section 268.115, and is not entitled to receive unemployment benefits under any other state or federal law for that week; or

~~(1)~~ (2) the applicant was laid off from employment as a result of a reduction under subdivision 1, clause (2), or was laid off because of lack of work from that employer during the three-month period before, or the three-month period after, the month of the reduction under subdivision 1, clause (2);

~~(2)~~ (3) the applicant meets the same eligibility requirements that are required for regular unemployment benefits under section ~~268.085~~ 268.069;

~~(3) the applicant is not ineligible under section 268.095 because of a quit or a discharge;~~

(4) the applicant has exhausted regular unemployment benefits under section 268.07, is not entitled to receive extended unemployment benefits under section 268.115, and is not entitled to receive unemployment benefits under any other state or federal law for that week; and

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(5) a majority of the applicant's wage credits were from the employer that had a reduction in operations under subdivision 1, clause (2).

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment and applies retroactively from January 1, 2008.

Sec. 20. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 268.125, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 6. Notice. The commissioner must notify applicants of the availability of additional unemployment benefits by contacting applicants by mail or electronic transmission, by posting a notice on the department's official Web site, and by appropriate announcement.

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

Sec. 21. [268.232] UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WORKER INITIATIVE.

Subdivision 1. Purpose; set aside. The unemployment insurance workers initiative is created to increase the number of staff at each workforce development center who are available to provide services to unemployed workers seeking information, assistance, and advice on applying for unemployment insurance benefits.

Subd. 2. Tax reduction. Beginning January 1, 2009, the base unemployment tax calculated under section 268.051, subdivision 2, paragraph (b), is reduced by .01 percent.

Subd. 3. Fee suspension. Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 116L.20, the special assessment under that section of .10 percent is suspended until December 31, 2011.

Subd. 4. Workforce enhancement fee. A workforce enhancement fee of .11 percent on taxable wages as defined in section 268.035 subdivision 24, is assessed in addition to unemployment taxes under section 268.051. The workforce enhancement fee shall be paid on the same schedule and in the same manner as unemployment taxes under section 268.051. Late payment of fees under this section is subject to the same interest and penalty provisions as those that apply to unemployment taxes.

Subd. 5. Use of funds. (a) Of the funds collected under this section an amount equal to .01 percent on taxable wages must be deposited in the unemployment insurance worker initiative account created under subdivision 6.

(b) The remaining funds collected under this section must be deposited in the workforce development fund under section 116L.20 minus reimbursement for costs under section 116L.20, subdivision 2, paragraph (c).

Subd. 6. Account. The unemployment insurance worker initiative account is created as a special account in the special revenue fund in the state treasury. All funds deposited under subdivision 5, paragraph (a), and any interest earnings on those funds are appropriated to the commissioner to increase the amount of staff in the workforce centers to provide assistance and support to applicants for unemployment insurance. The commissioner shall give priority to providing sufficient staff in workforce centers located outside of the seven county metropolitan area. Any funds that remain unexpended in the first year are available for expenditure until December 31, 2011. Any unexpended funds in this account after December 31, 2011 shall be transferred to the unemployment insurance trust fund.

Subd. 7. Report. Beginning in 2010 and every two years thereafter, the commissioner shall report by January 15 to the standing committees of the senate and house of representatives having jurisdiction over unemployment insurance on the number of staff providing unemployment insurance assistance to applicants at each workforce center, the salaries paid to staff, and the amount of unemployment benefits paid to applicants who received unemployment insurance assistance at the workforce centers.

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Subd. 8. Sunset. Except for the reporting requirements under subdivision 7, this section sunsets on December 31, 2011.

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

Sec. 22. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 298.2214, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Creation of committee; purpose. A committee is created to advise the ~~commissioner of~~ Iron Range resources and rehabilitation board on providing higher education programs in cooperation with the University of Minnesota, the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, and private colleges in the taconite assistance area defined in section 273.1341. The committee is subject to section 15.059.

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

Sec. 23. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 298.2214, subdivision 2, as amended by Laws 2008, chapter 154, article 8, section 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Iron Range Higher Education Committee; membership. The members of the committee shall consist of:

(1) one member appointed by the governor;

(2) one member appointed by the president of the University of Minnesota;

(3) four members of the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board appointed by the chair;

(4) ~~the commissioner of Iron Range resources and rehabilitation~~ one member appointed by the chancellor of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities; and

(5) the president of the Northeast Higher Education District or its successor.

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

Sec. 24. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 298.223, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Administration. (a) The taconite area environmental protection fund shall be administered by the commissioner of the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board. The commissioner shall by September 1 of each year submit to the board a list of projects to be funded from the taconite area environmental protection fund, with such supporting information including description of the projects, plans, and cost estimates as may be necessary.

(b) Each year no less than one-half of the amounts deposited into the taconite environmental protection fund must be used for public works projects, including construction of sewer and water systems, as specified under subdivision 1, paragraph (c). The Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board with a majority vote of the members, may waive the requirements of this paragraph.

(c) Upon approval by a majority of the members of the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board, ~~this~~ the list of projects approved under this subdivision shall be submitted to the governor by November 1 of each year. By December 1 of each year, the governor shall approve or disapprove, or return for further consideration, each project. Funds for a project may be expended only upon approval of the project by the board and governor. The commissioner may submit supplemental projects to the board and governor for approval at any time.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for distributions beginning in 2009.

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Sec. 25. Minnesota Statutes 2007 Supplement, section 298.227, is amended to read:

298.227 TACONITE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FUND.

For distributions prior to January 1, 2009, an amount equal to that distributed pursuant to each taconite producer's taxable production and qualifying sales under section 298.28, subdivision 9a, shall be held by the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board in a separate taconite economic development fund for each taconite and direct reduced ore producer. Money from the fund for each producer shall be released by the commissioner after review by a joint committee consisting of an equal number of representatives of the salaried employees and the nonsalaried production and maintenance employees of that producer. The District 11 director of the United States Steelworkers of America, on advice of each local employee president, shall select the employee members. In nonorganized operations, the employee committee shall be elected by the nonsalaried production and maintenance employees. The review must be completed no later than six months after the producer presents a proposal for expenditure of the funds to the committee. The funds held pursuant to this section may be released only for acquisition of plant and stationary mining equipment and facilities for the producer or for research and development in Minnesota on new mining, or taconite, iron, or steel production technology, but only if the producer provides a matching expenditure to be used for the same purpose of at least 50 percent of the distribution based on 14.7 cents per ton beginning with distributions in 2002. Effective for proposals for expenditures of money from the fund beginning May 26, 2007, the commissioner may not release the funds before the next scheduled meeting of the board. If the board rejects a proposed expenditure, the funds must be deposited in the Taconite Environmental Protection Fund under sections 298.222 to 298.225. If a producer uses money which has been released from the fund prior to May 26, 2007 to procure haulage trucks, mobile equipment, or mining shovels, and the producer removes the piece of equipment from the taconite tax relief area defined in section 273.134 within ten years from the date of receipt of the money from the fund, a portion of the money granted from the fund must be repaid to the taconite economic development fund. The portion of the money to be repaid is 100 percent of the grant if the equipment is removed from the taconite tax relief area within 12 months after receipt of the money from the fund, declining by ten percent for each of the subsequent nine years during which the equipment remains within the taconite tax relief area. If a taconite production facility is sold after operations at the facility had ceased, any money remaining in the fund for the former producer may be released to the purchaser of the facility on the terms otherwise applicable to the former producer under this section. If a producer fails to provide matching funds for a proposed expenditure within six months after the commissioner approves release of the funds, the funds are available for release to another producer in proportion to the distribution provided and under the conditions of this section. Any portion of the fund which is not released by the commissioner within two years of its deposit in the fund shall be divided between the taconite environmental protection fund created in section 298.223 and the Douglas J. Johnson economic protection trust fund created in section 298.292 for placement in their respective special accounts. Two-thirds of the unreleased funds shall be distributed to the taconite environmental protection fund and one-third to the Douglas J. Johnson economic protection trust fund.

Sec. 26. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 298.28, subdivision 9b, is amended to read:

Subd. 9b. Taconite environmental fund. ~~Five~~ Eight cents per ton must be paid to the taconite environmental fund for use under section 298.2961, subdivision 4.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for production in 2008, distributions in 2009 and thereafter.

Sec. 27. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 298.28, subdivision 9d, as added by Laws 2008, chapter 154, article 8, section 9, is amended to read:

Subd. 9d. Iron Range higher education account. ~~Two~~ Five cents per taxable ton must be allocated to the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board to be deposited in an Iron Range higher education account that is hereby created, to be used for higher education programs conducted at educational institutions in the taconite assistance area defined in section 273.1341. The Iron Range Higher Education committee under section 298.2214 and the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board must approve all expenditures from the account.

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Sec. 28. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 298.292, subdivision 2, as amended by Laws 2008, chapter 154, article 8, section 11, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Use of money. Money in the Douglas J. Johnson economic protection trust fund may be used for the following purposes:

(1) to provide loans, loan guarantees, interest buy-downs and other forms of participation with private sources of financing, but a loan to a private enterprise shall be for a principal amount not to exceed one-half of the cost of the project for which financing is sought, and the rate of interest on a loan to a private enterprise shall be no less than the lesser of eight percent or an interest rate three percentage points less than a full faith and credit obligation of the United States government of comparable maturity, at the time that the loan is approved;

(2) to fund reserve accounts established to secure the payment when due of the principal of and interest on bonds issued pursuant to section 298.2211;

(3) to pay in periodic payments or in a lump sum payment any or all of the interest on bonds issued pursuant to chapter 474 for the purpose of constructing, converting, or retrofitting heating facilities in connection with district heating systems or systems utilizing alternative energy sources;

(4) to invest in a venture capital fund or enterprise that will provide capital to other entities that are engaging in, or that will engage in, projects or programs that have the purposes set forth in subdivision 1. No investments may be made in a venture capital fund or enterprise unless at least two other unrelated investors make investments of at least $500,000 in the venture capital fund or enterprise, and the investment by the Douglas J. Johnson economic protection trust fund may not exceed the amount of the largest investment by an unrelated investor in the venture capital fund or enterprise. For purposes of this subdivision, an "unrelated investor" is a person or entity that is not related to the entity in which the investment is made or to any individual who owns more than 40 percent of the value of the entity, in any of the following relationships: spouse, parent, child, sibling, employee, or owner of an interest in the entity that exceeds ten percent of the value of all interests in it. For purposes of determining the limitations under this clause, the amount of investments made by an investor other than the Douglas J. Johnson economic protection trust fund is the sum of all investments made in the venture capital fund or enterprise during the period beginning one year before the date of the investment by the Douglas J. Johnson economic protection trust fund; and

(5) to purchase forest land in the taconite assistance area defined in section 273.1341 to be held and managed as a public trust for the benefit of the area for the purposes authorized in section 298.22, subdivision 5a. Property purchased under this section may be sold upon approval by a majority vote of the board. The net proceeds must be deposited in the trust fund for the purposes and uses of this section.

Money from the trust fund shall be expended only in or for the benefit of the taconite assistance area defined in section 273.1341.

Sec. 29. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 298.2961, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Projects; approval. (a) Projects funded must be for:

(1) environmentally unique reclamation projects; or

(2) pit or plant repairs, expansions, or modernizations other than for a value added iron products plant~~; or~~.

~~(3) haulage trucks and equipment and mining shovels.~~

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(b) To be proposed by the board, a project must be approved by at least eight Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board members. The money for a project may be spent only upon approval of the project by the governor. The board may submit supplemental projects for approval at any time.

(c) The board may require that it receive an equity percentage in any project to which it contributes under this section.

Sec. 30. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 341.21, as amended by Laws 2007, chapter 135, article 3, section 30, is amended to read:

341.21 DEFINITIONS.

Subdivision 1. Applicability. The definitions in this section apply to this chapter.

Subd. 2. Boxing. "Boxing" means the act of attack and defense with the fists, using padded gloves, that is practiced as a sport under the rules of the Association of Boxing Commissions, or equivalent. Where applicable, boxing includes tough person contests.

Subd. 2a. Combatant. "Combatant" means an individual who employs the act of attack and defense as a boxer, tough person, or mixed martial artist while engaged in a combative sport.

Subd. 2b. Combative sport. "Combative sport" means a sport that employs the act of attack and defense with the fists, with or without using padded gloves, or feet that is practiced as a sport under the rules of the Association of Boxing Commissions, unified rules for mixed martial arts, or their equivalent. Combative sports include professional boxing and professional and amateur tough person and professional and amateur mixed martial arts contests.

Subd. 3. Commission. "Commission" means the ~~Minnesota Boxing~~ Combative Sports Commission.

Subd. 4. Combative sports contest. "Combative sports contest" means ~~any~~ a professional boxing, a professional or amateur tough person, or a professional or amateur mixed martial art bout, competition ~~contest~~, match, or exhibition.

Subd. 4a. Director. "Director" means the executive director of the commission.

Subd. 4b. HBV. "HBV" means the hepatitis B virus with the e-antigen present in the most recent blood test.

Subd. 4c. HCV. "HCV" means the hepatitis C virus.

Subd. 4d. HIV. "HIV" means the human immunodeficiency virus.

Subd. 4e. Individual. "Individual" means a living human being.

Subd. 4f. Mixed martial arts contest. "Mixed martial arts contest" means a contest between two or more individuals consisting of any combination of full contact martial art including, but not limited to, Muay Thai and Karate, kickboxing, wrestling, grappling, or other recognized martial art.

Subd. 4g. Person. "Person" means an individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, organization, or other business entity organized and existing under law, its officers and directors, or a person holding 25 percent or more of the ownership of a corporation that is authorized to do business under the laws of this state.

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Subd. 5. Professional. "Professional" means any person who competes for any money prize or a prize that exceeds the value of $50 or teaches, pursues, or assists in the practice of ~~boxing~~ a combative sport as a means of obtaining a livelihood or pecuniary gain.

~~Subd. 6.~~ ~~Director.~~ ~~"Director" means the executive director of the commission.~~

Subd. 7. Tough person contest. "Tough person contest," including contests marketed as tough man ~~and~~ or tough woman contests, means ~~any boxing match consisting~~ a contest of ~~one-minute rounds~~ two-minute rounds consisting of not more than four rounds between two or more ~~persons~~ individuals who use their hands, or their feet, or both, in any manner. Tough person contest does not include ~~kick boxing~~ kickboxing or any recognized martial arts ~~competition~~ contest.

~~Subd. 8.~~ ~~Mixed martial arts.~~ ~~"Mixed martial arts" means any combination of boxing, kick boxing, wrestling, grappling, or other recognized martial arts.~~

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

Sec. 31. Minnesota Statutes 2007 Supplement, section 341.22, is amended to read:

341.22 ~~BOXING~~ COMBATIVE SPORTS COMMISSION.

There is hereby created the Minnesota ~~Boxing~~ Combative Sports Commission consisting of nine members who are citizens of this state. The members must be appointed by the governor. One member of the commission must be a retired judge of the Minnesota district court, Minnesota Court of Appeals, Minnesota Supreme Court, the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota, or the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, and at least ~~three~~ four members must have knowledge of the boxing industry. At least four members must have knowledge of the mixed martial arts industry. The governor shall make serious efforts to appoint qualified women to serve on the commission. Membership terms, compensation of members, removal of members, the filling of membership vacancies, and fiscal year and reporting requirements must be as provided in sections 214.07 to 214.09. Unless otherwise provided, the provision of staff, administrative services, and office space; the review and processing of complaints; the setting of fees; and other provisions relating to commission operations ~~must be~~ are as provided in chapter 214. The purpose of the commission is to protect health, promote safety, and ensure fair events.

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

Sec. 32. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 341.23, is amended to read:

341.23 LIMITATIONS.

No member of the ~~Boxing~~ commission may directly or indirectly promote a ~~boxing~~ contest, directly or indirectly engage in the managing of a ~~boxer~~ combatant, or have an interest in any manner in the proceeds from a ~~boxing~~ combative sport contest.

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

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Sec. 33. Minnesota Statutes 2007 Supplement, section 341.25, is amended to read:

341.25 RULES.

(a) The commission may adopt rules that include standards for the physical examination and condition of ~~boxers~~ combatants and referees. Notwithstanding section 14.125, the commission shall publish a notice of intent to adopt rules or a notice of hearing on or before September 1, 2008.

(b) The commission may adopt other rules necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter, including, but not limited to, the conduct of ~~boxing exhibitions, bouts, and fights,~~ all combative sport contests and their manner, supervision, time, and place. Notwithstanding section 14.125, the commission shall publish a notice of intent to adopt rules or a notice of hearing on or before September 1, 2008.

(d) The commission may adopt the rules of the Association of Boxing Commissions, with amendments.

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

Sec. 34. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 341.26, is amended to read:

341.26 MEETINGS.

The commission shall hold a regular meeting quarterly and may hold special meetings. Except as otherwise provided in law, all meetings of the commission must be open to the public and reasonable notice of the meetings must be given under chapter 13D. If compliance with section 13D.02 is impractical, the commission may conduct a meeting of its members by telephone or other electronic means so long as the following conditions are met:

(1) all members of the commission participating in the meeting, wherever their physical location, can hear one another and can hear all discussion and testimony;

(2) members of the public present at the regular meeting location of the commission can hear clearly all discussion and testimony and all votes of members of the commission and, if needed, receive those services required by sections 15.44 and 15.441;

(3) at least one member of the commission is physically present at the regular meeting location; and

(4) all votes are conducted by roll call, so each member's vote on each issue can be identified and recorded.

Each member of the commission participating in a meeting by telephone or other electronic means is considered present at the meeting for purposes of determining a quorum and participating in all proceedings.

If a telephone or other electronic means is used to conduct a regular, special, or emergency meeting, the commission, to the extent practical, shall allow a person to monitor the meeting electronically from a remote location. The commission may require the person making such a connection to pay for documented costs that the commission incurs as a result of the additional connection.

If a telephone or other electronic means is used to conduct a regular, special, or emergency meeting, the commission shall provide notice of the regular meeting location, of the fact that some members may participate by telephone or other electronic means, and that a person may monitor the meeting electronically from a remote location. The timing and method of providing notice is governed by section 13D.04.

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

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Sec. 35. Minnesota Statutes 2007 Supplement, section 341.27, is amended to read:

341.27 COMMISSION DUTIES.

The commission shall:

(1) issue, deny, renew, suspend, or revoke licenses;

(2) make and maintain records of its acts and proceedings including the issuance, denial, renewal, suspension, or revocation of licenses;

(3) keep public records of the commission open to inspection at all reasonable times;

(4) assist the director in the development of rules to be implemented under this chapter;

(5) conform to the rules adopted under this chapter; ~~and~~

(6) develop policies and procedures for regulating mixed martial arts.;

(7) immediately suspend an individual license for a medical condition, including but not limited to a medical condition resulting from an injury sustained during a match, bout, or contest that has been confirmed by the ringside physician. The medical suspension must be lifted after the commission receives written information from a physician licensed in the home state of the licensee indicating that the combatant may resume competition, and any other information that the commission may by rule require. Medical suspensions are not subject to section 214.10; and

(8) evaluate the performance and compensation of the director, including eligibility for salary increases, in keeping with state procedures.

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

Sec. 36. [341.271] GIFT AUTHORITY.

The commission may apply for, receive, and expend in its own name grants and gifts of money consistent with the powers and duties specified in section 341.27. The commission may accept gifts, bequests, grants, payments for services, and other public and private money to help finance the activities of the commission.

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

Sec. 37. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 341.28, as amended by Laws 2007, chapter 135, article 3, sections 34, 35, is amended to read:

341.28 REGULATION OF ~~BOXING~~ COMBATIVE SPORT CONTESTS.

Subdivision 1. Regulatory authority; ~~boxing~~ combative sports. All ~~professional boxing~~ combative sport contests are subject to this chapter. ~~Every contestant in a boxing contest shall wear padded gloves that weigh at least eight ounces.~~ The commission shall, for every ~~boxing~~ combative sport contest:

(1) direct a commission member to be present; and

(2) direct the attending commission member to make a written report of the contest.

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All ~~boxing~~ combative sport contests within this state must be conducted according to the requirements of this chapter.

Subd. 1a. Regulatory authority; boxing contests. All professional boxing contests are subject to this chapter. Every combatant in a boxing contest shall wear padded gloves that weigh at least eight ounces. Officials at all boxing contests must be licensed under this chapter.

Subd. 2. Regulatory authority; tough person contests. All professional and amateur tough person contests~~, including amateur tough person contests,~~ are subject to this chapter. All tough person contests are subject to ~~American~~ Association of Boxing ~~Commission (ABC)~~ Commissions rules. Every contestant in a tough person contest shall have a physical examination prior to their bouts. Every contestant in a tough person contest shall wear padded gloves that weigh at least 12 ounces. All tough person bouts are limited to two-minute rounds and a maximum of four total rounds. Officials at all tough person ~~bouts~~ contests shall be licensed under this chapter.

Subd. 3. Regulatory authority; mixed martial arts contests; similar sporting events. All professional and amateur mixed martial arts, ultimate fight contests, and similar sporting events are subject to this chapter and all officials at these events must be licensed under this chapter.

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

Sec. 38. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 341.29, is amended to read:

341.29 JURISDICTION OF COMMISSION.

The commission shall:

(1) have sole direction, supervision, regulation, control, and jurisdiction over all ~~boxing~~ combative sports contests ~~and tough person contests~~ that are held within this state unless a contest is exempt from the application of this chapter under federal law;

(2) have sole control, authority, and jurisdiction over all licenses required by this chapter; and

(3) grant a license to an applicant if, in the judgment of the commission, the financial responsibility, experience, character, and general fitness of the applicant are consistent with the public interest, convenience, or necessity and the best interests of ~~boxing~~ combative sports and conforms with this chapter and the commission's rules.

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

Sec. 39. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 341.30, is amended to read:

341.30 LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS.

Subdivision 1. Licensure; individuals. All referees, judges, matchmakers, promoters, trainers, ring announcers, timekeepers, ringside physicians, ~~boxers~~ combatants, ~~boxers'~~ managers, and ~~boxers'~~ seconds are required to be licensed by the commission. The commission shall not permit any of these persons to participate in the holding or conduct of any ~~boxing~~ combative sport contest unless the commission has first issued the person a license.

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Subd. 2. Entity licensure. Before participating in the holding or conduct of any ~~boxing~~ combative sport contest, a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, or other business entity organized and existing under law, its officers and directors, and any person holding 25 percent or more of the ownership of the corporation shall obtain a license from the commission and must be authorized to do business under the laws of this state.

Subd. 3. Background investigation. The commission may require referees, judges, matchmakers, promoters, and ~~boxers~~ combatants to furnish fingerprints and background information under commission rules before licensure. The commission shall charge a fee for receiving fingerprints and background information in an amount determined by the commission. The commission may require referees, judges, matchmakers, promoters, and ~~boxers~~ combatants to furnish fingerprints and background information before license renewal. The fee may include a reasonable charge for expenses incurred by the commission or the Department of Public Safety. For this purpose, the commission and the Department of Public Safety may enter into an interagency agreement.

Subd. 4. Prelicensure requirements. (a) Before the commission issues a license to a promoter, matchmaker, corporation, or other business entity, the applicant shall:

(1) provide the commission with a copy of any agreement between a ~~contestant~~ combatant and the applicant that binds the applicant to pay the ~~contestant~~ combatant a certain fixed fee or percentage of the gate receipts;

(2) show on the application the owner or owners of the applicant entity and the percentage of interest held by each owner holding a 25 percent or more interest in the applicant;

(3) provide the commission with a copy of the latest financial statement of the entity; and

(4) provide the commission with a copy or other proof acceptable to the commission of the insurance contract or policy required by this chapter.

(b) Before the commission issues a license to a promoter, the applicant shall deposit with the commission a cash bond or surety bond in an amount set by the commission. The bond shall be executed in favor of this state and shall be conditioned on the faithful performance by the promoter of the promoter's obligations under this chapter and the rules adopted under it. An applicant for a license as a promoter shall submit an application a minimum of six weeks before the combative sport contest is scheduled to occur.

(c) Before the commission issues a license to a ~~boxer~~ combatant, the applicant shall submit to the commission the results of a current medical examination on forms furnished or approved by the commission. The medical examination must include an ophthalmological and neurological examination, and documentation of test results for HBV, HCV, and HIV, and any other blood test as the commission by rule may require. The ophthalmological examination must be designed to detect any retinal defects or other damage or condition of the eye that could be aggravated by ~~boxing~~ combative sports. The neurological examination must include an electroencephalogram or medically superior test if the ~~boxer~~ combatant has been knocked unconscious in a previous ~~boxing or other athletic competition~~ contest. The commission may also order an electroencephalogram or other appropriate neurological or physical examination before any contest~~, match, or exhibition~~ if it determines that the examination is desirable to protect the health of the ~~boxer.~~ combatant. The commission shall not issue a license to an applicant submitting positive test results for HBV, HCV, or HIV.

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

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Sec. 40. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 341.32, as amended by Laws 2007, chapter 135, article 3, section 36, is amended to read:

341.32 LICENSE FEES; EXPIRATION; RENEWAL.

Subdivision 1. Annual licensure. The commission may establish and issue annual licenses subject to the collection of advance fees by the commission for promoters, ~~matchmakers,~~ managers, judges, referees, ring announcers, ringside physicians, timekeepers, ~~boxers~~ combatants, ~~boxers'~~ trainers, ~~boxers'~~ seconds, business entities filing for a license to participate in the holding of any ~~boxing~~ contest, and officers, directors, or other persons affiliated with the business entity.

Subd. 2. Expiration and renewal. A license issued after July 1, 2007, is valid for one year from the date it is issued and may be renewed by filing an application for renewal with the commission and payment of the license ~~fee~~ fees established in section 341.321. An application for a license and renewal of a license must be on a form provided by the commission. There is a 30-day grace period during which a license may be renewed if a late filing penalty fee equal to the license fee is submitted with the regular license fee. A licensee that files late shall not conduct any activity regulated by this chapter until the commission has renewed the license. If the licensee fails to apply to the commission within the 30-day grace period, the licensee must apply for a new license under subdivision 1.

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

Sec. 41. Minnesota Statutes 2007 Supplement, section 341.321, is amended to read:

341.321 FEE SCHEDULE.

(a) The fee schedule for professional licenses issued by the ~~Minnesota Boxing~~ commission is as follows:

(1) referees, ~~$45~~ $25 for each initial license and each renewal;

(2) promoters, $400 for each initial license and each renewal;

(3) judges and knockdown judges, ~~$45~~ $25 for each initial license and each renewal;

(4) trainers, ~~$45~~ $25 for each initial license and each renewal;

(5) ring announcers, ~~$45~~ $25 for each initial license and each renewal;

(6) ~~boxers'~~ seconds, ~~$45~~ $25 for each initial license and each renewal;

(7) timekeepers, ~~$45~~ $25 for each initial license and each renewal;

(8) ~~boxers~~ combatant, ~~$45~~ $25 for each initial license and each renewal;

(9) managers, ~~$45~~ $25 for each initial license and each renewal; and

(10) ringside physicians, ~~$45~~ $25 for each initial license and each renewal.

In addition to the license fee and the late filing penalty fee in section 341.32, subdivision 2, if applicable, an individual who applies for a combatant license on the same day the combative sporting event is held shall pay a fee of $100 at the time the application is submitted.

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(b) The fee schedule for amateur licenses issued by the commission is as follows:

(1) referees, $10 for each initial license and each renewal;

(2) promoters, $100 for each initial license and each renewal;

(3) judges and knockdown judges, $10 for each initial license and each renewal;

(4) trainers, $10 for each initial license and each renewal;

(5) ring announcers, $10 for each initial license and each renewal;

(6) seconds, $10 for each initial license and each renewal;

(7) timekeepers, $10 for each initial license and each renewal;

(8) combatant, $10 for each initial license and each renewal;

(9) managers, $10 for each initial license and each renewal; and

(10) ringside physicians, $10 for each initial license and each renewal.

(c) The commission shall establish ~~and assess an event~~ a contest fee for each ~~sporting event~~ combative sport contest. The ~~event~~ contest fee is ~~set at a minimum of~~ $1,500 per event or ~~a percentage~~ not more than four percent of the gross ticket sales as determined by the commission when the ~~sporting event~~ combative sport contest is scheduled, except that the amateur combative sport contest fee shall be $150. The commission shall consider the size and type of venue when establishing a contest fee. The commission may establish the maximum number of complimentary tickets allowed for each event by rule. An amateur combative sport contest fee is nonrefundable.

~~(c)~~ (d) All fees collected by the ~~Minnesota Boxing~~ commission must be deposited in the ~~Boxing~~ commission account in the special revenue fund.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2008.

Sec. 42. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 341.33, is amended to read:

341.33 PHYSICAL EXAMINATION REQUIRED; FEES.

Subdivision 1. Examination by physician. All ~~boxers and referees~~ combatants must be examined by a physician licensed by this state within ~~three~~ 36 hours before entering the ring, and the examining physician shall immediately file with the commission a written report of the examination. The physician's examination ~~shall~~ may report on the condition of the ~~boxer's~~ combatant's heart and general physical and general neurological condition. The physician's report may record the condition of the ~~boxer's~~ combatant's nervous system and brain as required by the commission. The physician may prohibit the ~~boxer~~ combatant from entering the ring if, in the physician's professional opinion, it is in the best interest of the ~~boxer's~~ combatant's health. The cost of the examination is payable by the person or entity conducting the contest or exhibition.

Subd. 2. Attendance of physician. A person holding or sponsoring a ~~boxing contest~~ combative sport contest, shall have in attendance a physician licensed by this state. The commission may establish a schedule of fees to be paid to each attending physician by the person holding or sponsoring the contest.

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

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Sec. 43. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 341.34, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Required insurance. The commission shall:

(1) require insurance coverage for a ~~boxer~~ combatant to provide for medical, surgical, and hospital care for injuries sustained in the ring in an amount of at least ~~$20,000~~ $10,000 and payable to the ~~boxer~~ combatant as beneficiary; and

(2) require life insurance for a ~~boxer~~ combatant in the amount of at least ~~$20,000~~ $10,000 payable in case of accidental death resulting from injuries sustained in the ring.

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

Sec. 44. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 341.35, is amended to read:

341.35 ~~PENALTIES FOR~~ NONLICENSED ~~EXHIBITIONS~~ CONTESTS.

Any person or persons who send or cause to be sent, published, or otherwise made known, any challenge to fight what is commonly known as a prize fight, or engage in any public ~~boxing or sparring~~ combative sport match or contest, with or without gloves, for any prize, reward, or compensation, or for which any admission fee is charged directly or indirectly, or go into training preparatory for the fight, exhibition, or contest, or act as a trainer, aider, abettor, backer, umpire, referee, second, surgeon, assistant, or attendant at the fight, exhibition, or contest, or in any preparation for same, and any owner or lessee of any ground, building, or structure of any kind permitting the same to be used for any fight, exhibition, or contest, is guilty of a misdemeanor unless ~~a license~~ the licenses required for the holding of the fight, exhibition, or contest ~~has~~ have been issued by the commission in compliance with the rules adopted by it.

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

Sec. 45. [341.355] PENALTIES.

When the commission finds that a person has violated one or more provisions of any statute, rule, or order that the commission is empowered to regulate, enforce, or issue, the commission may impose, for each violation, a civil penalty of up to $10,000 for each violation, or a civil penalty that deprives the person of any economic advantage gained by the violation, or both.

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

Sec. 46. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 341.37, is amended to read:

341.37 APPROPRIATION.

A ~~Boxing~~ commission account is created in the special revenue fund. Money in the account is annually appropriated to the ~~Boxing~~ commission for the purposes of conducting its statutory responsibilities and obligations.

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

Sec. 47. Minnesota Statutes 2007 Supplement, section 446A.072, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Program administration. (a) The authority shall provide supplemental assistance, as provided in subdivision 5a to governmental units:

(1) whose projects are listed on the Pollution Control Agency's project priority list;

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(2) that demonstrate their projects are a cost-effective solution to an existing environmental or public health problem; and

(3) whose projects are approved by the USDA/RECD or certified by the commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency.

(b) For a governmental unit receiving grant funding from the USDA/RECD, applications must be made to the USDA/RECD with additional information submitted to the authority as required by the authority. Eligible project costs and affordability criteria shall be determined by the USDA/RECD.

(c) For a governmental unit not receiving grant funding from the USDA/RECD, application must be made to the authority on forms prescribed by the authority for the clean water revolving fund program with additional information as required by the authority. In accordance with section 116.182, the Pollution Control Agency shall:

(1) calculate the essential project component percentage which must be multiplied by the total project cost to determine the eligible project cost; and

(2) review and certify approved projects to the authority.

(d) ~~At the time funds are appropriated under this section,~~ Each fiscal year the authority shall make funds available for projects based on their ranking on the Pollution Control Agency's project priority list. The authority shall reserve ~~supplemental assistance~~ funds for ~~projects in order of their rankings on the Pollution Control Agency's project priority list and~~ a project when the applicant receives a funding commitment from the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development (USDA/RECD) or submits plans and specifications to the Pollution Control Agency. Funds must be reserved in an amount based on ~~their most recent~~ the project cost ~~estimates~~ estimate submitted to the authority or prior to the appropriation of the funds and awarded in the amount reserved or an amount based on the as-bid costs, whichever is less.

Sec. 48. Minnesota Statutes 2007 Supplement, section 446A.072, subdivision 5a, is amended to read:

Subd. 5a. Type and amount of assistance. (a) For a governmental unit receiving grant funding from the USDA/RECD, the authority shall provide assistance in the form of a grant of up to ~~one-half~~ 65 percent of the eligible grant ~~amount~~ need determined by USDA/RECD. A governmental unit may not receive a grant under this paragraph for more than $4,000,000 or $15,000 per existing connection, whichever is less, unless specifically approved by law. In the case of a sanitary district or other multijurisdictional project for which the USDA/RECD is unable to fully fund ~~up to one-half~~ its share of the eligible grant ~~amount~~ need, the authority may provide up to an additional $1,000,000 for each additional governmental unit participating up to a maximum of $8,000,000 or $15,000 per existing connection, whichever is less, but not to exceed the maximum grant level determined by the USDA/RECD as needed to keep the project affordable.

(b) For a governmental unit not receiving grant funding from the USDA/RECD, the authority shall provide assistance in the form of a loan for the eligible project costs plus the outstanding balance on any existing wastewater system debt that together exceed five percent of the market value of properties in the project service area, less the amount of any other grant funding received by the governmental unit for the project. A governmental unit may not receive a loan under this paragraph for more than $4,000,000 or $15,000 per existing connection, whichever is less, unless specifically approved by law. In the case of a sanitary district or other multijurisdictional project, the authority may provide a loan under this paragraph for up to an additional $1,000,000 for each additional municipality participating up to a maximum of $8,000,000 or $15,000 per existing connection, whichever is less, unless specifically approved by law. A loan under this paragraph must bear no interest, must be repaid as provided in subdivision 7, and must only be provided in conjunction with a loan from the clean water revolving fund under section 446A.07.

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(c) Notwithstanding the limits in paragraphs (a) and (b), for a governmental unit receiving supplemental assistance under this section after January 1, 2002, if the authority determines that the governmental unit's construction and installation costs are significantly increased due to geological conditions of crystalline bedrock or karst areas and discharge limits that are more stringent than secondary treatment, the authority shall provide assistance in the form of half grant and half loan. Assistance from the authority may not be more than $25,000 per existing connection. Any additional grant amount received for the same project must be used to reduce the amount of the governmental unit's loan from the clean water ~~pollution control~~ revolving fund that exceeds five percent of the market value of properties in the project service area.

Sec. 49. Minnesota Statutes 2007 Supplement, section 446A.086, is amended to read:

446A.086 STATE MAY GUARANTEE ~~COUNTY~~ GOVERNMENTAL UNIT BUILDING DEBT; REPAYMENT.

Subdivision 1. Definitions. (a) As used in this section, the following terms have the meanings given.

(b) "Authority" means the Minnesota Public Facilities Authority.

(d) "Debt obligation" means:

(1) a general obligation bond issued by a county, a bond to which the general obligation of a county is pledged under section 469.034, subdivision 2, or a bond payable from a county lease obligation under section 641.24, to provide funds for the construction of:

~~(1)~~ (i) jails;

~~(2)~~ (ii) correctional facilities;

~~(3)~~ (iii) law enforcement facilities;

~~(4)~~ (iv) social services and human services facilities;

~~(5)~~ (v) solid waste facilities; or

~~(6)~~ (vi) qualified housing development projects as defined in section 469.034, subdivision 2; or

(2) a general obligation bond issued by a governmental unit and acquired under the credit enhanced bond program established under section 446A.087.

Subd. 2. Application. (a) This section provides a state guarantee of the payment of principal and interest on debt obligations if:

(1) the obligations are issued after June 30, 2000;

(2) application to the Public Facilities Authority is made before issuance; and

(3) the obligations are covered by an agreement meeting the requirements of subdivision 3.

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(b) Applications to be covered by the provisions of this section must be made in a form and contain the information prescribed by the authority. Applications are subject to a fee of $500 for ~~the first~~ each bond issue requested by the county ~~and $250 for each bond issue thereafter~~ or applicable fees under section 446A.087.

(c) Application fees paid under this section must be deposited in a separate ~~county~~ credit enhancement bond guarantee account in the general fund. Money in the ~~county~~ credit enhancement bond guarantee account is appropriated to the authority for purposes of administering this section.

(d) Neither the authority nor the commissioner is required to promulgate administrative rules under this section and the procedures and requirements established by the authority or commissioner under this section are not subject to chapter 14.

Subd. 3. Agreement. (a) For specified debt obligations ~~of a county~~ to be covered by this section, the ~~county~~ governmental unit must enter an agreement with the authority obligating the ~~county~~ governmental unit to be bound by this section.

(b) This agreement must be in a form prescribed by the authority and contain any provisions required by the authority, including, at least, an obligation to:

(1) deposit with the paying agent three days before the date on which the payment is due an amount sufficient to make that payment or ten days prior to the date a payment is due on revenue bonds issued by the authority under section 446A.087;

(2) notify the authority, if the ~~county~~ governmental unit will be unable to make all or a portion of the payment; and

(3) include a provision in the bond resolution and county's agreement with the paying agent for the debt obligation that requires the paying agent to inform the commissioner if it becomes aware of a default or potential default in the payment of principal or interest on that issue or if, on the day two business days before the date a payment is due on that issue, there are insufficient funds to make the payment on deposit with the paying agent.

(c) Funds invested in a refunding escrow account established under section 475.67 that are to become available to the paying agent on a principal or interest payment date are deemed to be on deposit with the paying agent three business days before the payment date.

(d) The provisions of an agreement under this subdivision are binding as to an issue as long as any debt obligation of the issue remains outstanding.

(e) This section and the obligations of the state under this section are not a public debt of the state under article XI, section 4, of the Minnesota Constitution, and the legislature may, at any time, choose not to appropriate amounts under subdivision 4, paragraph (b).

Subd. 4. Notifications; payment; appropriation. (a) After receipt of a notice of a default or potential default in payment of principal or interest in debt obligations covered by this section or an agreement under this section, and after consultation with the ~~county,~~ governmental unit and the paying agent, and after verification of the accuracy of the information provided, the authority shall notify the commissioner of the potential default. The notice must include a final figure as to the amount due that the ~~county~~ governmental unit will be unable to repay on the date due.

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(b) Upon receipt of this notice from the authority, the commissioner shall issue a warrant and authorize the authority to pay to the bond holders or paying agent for the debt obligation the specified amount on or before the date due. The amounts needed for the purposes of this subdivision are annually appropriated to the authority from the general fund.

Subd. 5. Interest on state paid amount. If the state has paid part or all of the principal or interest due on a ~~county's~~ debt obligation, the amount paid bears interest from the date paid by the state until the date of repayment. The interest rate is the commissioner's invested cash rate as it is certified by the commissioner. Interest only accrues on the amounts paid and outstanding less the reduction in aid under subdivision 7 and other payments received from the ~~county~~ governmental unit.

Subd. 6. Pledge of ~~county's~~ governmental unit's full faith and credit. If the state has paid part or all of the principal or interest due on a ~~county's~~ debt obligation, the ~~county's~~ governmental unit's pledge of its full faith and credit and unlimited taxing powers to repay the principal and interest due on those debt obligations becomes, without an election or the requirement of a further authorization, a pledge of the full faith and credit and unlimited taxing powers of the ~~county~~ governmental unit to repay to the state the amount paid, with interest. Amounts paid by the state must be repaid in the order in which the state payments were made.

Subd. 7. Aid reduction for repayment. (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), the commissioner may reduce, by the amount paid by the state under this section on behalf of the ~~county~~ governmental unit, plus the interest due on the state payments, the ~~county program~~ local government aid under ~~section 477A.0124~~ chapter 477A. The amount of any aid reduction reverts from the appropriate account to the state general fund.

(b) If, after review of the financial situation of the ~~county~~ governmental unit, the authority advises the commissioner that a total reduction of the aids would cause an undue hardship on the ~~county~~ governmental unit, the authority, with the approval of the commissioner, may establish a different schedule for reduction of aids to repay the state. The amount of aids to be reduced are decreased by any amounts repaid to the state by the ~~county~~ governmental unit from other revenue sources.

Subd. 8. Tax levy for repayment. (a) With the approval of the authority, a ~~county~~ governmental unit may levy in the year the state makes a payment under this section an amount up to the amount necessary to provide funds for the repayment of the amount paid by the state plus interest through the date of estimated repayment by the ~~county~~ governmental unit. The proceeds of this levy may be used only for this purpose unless they exceed the amount actually due. Any excess must be used to repay other state payments made under this section or must be deposited in the debt redemption fund of the ~~county~~ governmental unit. The amount of aids to be reduced to repay the state are decreased by the amount levied.

(b) If the state is not repaid in full for a payment made under this section by November 30 of the calendar year following the year in which the state makes the payment, the authority shall require the ~~county~~ governmental unit to certify a property tax levy in an amount up to the amount necessary to provide funds for repayment of the amount paid by the state plus interest through the date of estimated repayment by the ~~county~~ governmental unit. To prevent undue hardship, the authority may allow the ~~county~~ governmental unit to certify the levy over a five-year period. The proceeds of the levy may be used only for this purpose unless they are in excess of the amount actually due, in which case the excess must be used to repay other state payments made under this section or must be deposited in the debt redemption fund of the ~~county~~ governmental unit. If the authority orders the ~~county~~ governmental unit to levy, the amount of aids reduced to repay the state are decreased by the amount levied.

(c) A levy under this subdivision is an increase in the levy limits of the ~~county~~ governmental unit for purposes of section 275.065, subdivision 6, and must be explained as a specific increase at the meeting required under that provision.

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Subd. 9. Mandatory plan; technical assistance. If the state makes payments on behalf of a ~~county~~ governmental unit under this section or the ~~county~~ governmental unit defaults in the payment of principal or interest on an outstanding debt obligation, it must submit a plan to the authority for approval specifying the measures it intends to implement to resolve the issues which led to its inability to make the payment and to prevent further defaults. If the authority determines that a ~~county's~~ governmental unit's plan is not adequate, the authority shall notify the ~~county~~ governmental unit that the plan has been disapproved, the reasons for the disapproval, and that the state will not make future payments under this section for debt obligations of the affected ~~county~~ governmental unit issued after the date specified in that notice until its plan is approved. The authority may also notify the ~~county~~ governmental unit that until its plan is approved, aids due the ~~county~~ governmental unit will be withheld after a date specified in the notice.

Subd. 10. Continuing disclosure agreements. The authority may enter into written agreements or contracts relating to the continuing disclosure of information needed to facilitate the ability of ~~counties~~ governmental units to issue debt obligations according to federal securities laws, rules, and regulations, including securities and exchange commission rules and regulations, section 240.15c2-12. The agreements or contracts may be in any form the authority deems reasonable and in the state's best interests.

Sec. 50. [446A.087] CREDIT ENHANCED BOND PROGRAM.

Subdivision 1. Establishment of program. A credit enhanced bond program is established for the purposes set forth in subdivision 2.

Subd. 2. Purpose. The purpose of the credit enhanced bond program is to provide loans to governmental units through the purchase of general obligation bonds of governmental units issued to finance all or a portion of the costs of a project. The program shall include providing credit enhancement to the general obligation bonds of the governmental unit through the guarantee program as provided in section 446A.086. The authority shall obtain funds to make the loans authorized pursuant to this section through the issuance of its revenue bonds payable from loan repayments pledged to the bonds, and such other sources and security as are specifically pledged by the authority.

Subd. 3. Definitions. (a) Terms used in this section have the meanings given to them in this subdivision.

(b) "Applicant" means any governmental unit applying to the authority for a loan pursuant to this section.

(c) "Borrower" means any governmental unit that has entered into a commitment for the sale of its general obligation bonds to the authority pursuant to this section and subsequently sells its general obligation bonds to the authority and enters into a regulatory agreement.

(d) "Commitment" means a written agreement between a governmental unit and the authority obligating the governmental unit to deliver its general obligation bonds to the authority on a date in the future evidencing a loan pursuant to this section and to enter into a regulatory agreement with the authority, all upon the terms and conditions set forth in the commitment.

(e) "Eligible cost" means any cost of a project authorized by law to be financed from the proceeds of general obligation bonds of a governmental unit.

(f) "General obligation bonds" means bonds or notes secured by the full faith and credit and unlimited taxing powers of a governmental unit.

(g) "Project" means the construction, improvement, or rehabilitation of:

(1) wastewater facilities;

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(2) drinking water facilities;

(3) storm water facilities;

(4) streets, street lighting, curbs, gutters, and sidewalks;

(5) energy conservation or alternative energy sources for use in public buildings or facilities;

(6) telecommunications facilities;

(7) public safety buildings including those providing police and fire protection; or

(8) any publicly owned building or infrastructure improvement that has received partial funding from grants awarded by the commissioner of employment and economic development related to redevelopment, contaminated site cleanup, bioscience, small cities development programs, and rural business infrastructure programs.

(h) "Regulatory agreement" means a written agreement entered into by the authority and a borrower in connection with the purchase of the borrower's general obligation bonds by the authority pursuant to this section.

Subd. 4. Establishment of fund and accounts. A credit enhancement bond program fund is established for the purposes described in subdivision 2. Other accounts may be established in the fund as necessary for its management and administration. Money in the fund is annually appropriated to the authority and does not lapse. The fund must be credited with investment income, and with repayments of principal and interest, except for fees assessed under section 446A.04, subdivisions 5 and 15.

Subd. 5. Management of fund and accounts. The authority shall manage and administer the credit enhancement bond program fund and individual accounts in the fund. For those purposes, the authority may exercise all powers provided in this chapter.

Subd. 6. Applications. (a) Applicants for participation in the credit enhancement bond program must submit an application to the authority on forms prescribed by the authority. The applicant shall provide information customary to that needed for the disclosure purposes in issuing general obligation bonds in the market, in addition to the following information:

(1) the total estimated cost of the project and the amount of general obligation bond proceeds sought;

(2) other sources of funding if the general obligation bond proceeds do not cover the entire costs identified;

(3) the proposed sources of funds to be used for repayment of the general obligation bonds;

(4) information showing the applicant's financial status and ability of the applicant to repay loans;

(5) the proposed term and principal repayment schedule for the general obligation bonds of the applicant; and

(6) the statutory authorization for the applicant to issue such general obligation bonds, together with a statement that the statutory provision authorizes the use of proceeds of such general obligation bonds to pay the costs of a project.

(b) The authority may establish deadlines or time periods for the submission of applications to facilitate funding loans from the proceeds of a specific bond issue proposed or previously issued by the authority, or the authority may accept applications from time to time.

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(c) Each application must be complete and accurate to be considered delivered to and received by the authority or to be considered as having met any deadline established by the authority with respect to an application period. If any application is determined by the authority to be incomplete or inaccurate, the authority shall notify the applicant and specify the missing or inaccurate information.

(d) The executive director and the staff of the authority shall evaluate the applications to determine if the application should be accepted or rejected by the authority.

(e) The authority is not obligated to accept any application including those complete and accurate and submitted by any specified deadline for submission if the authority determines that it is not practicable to fund the loan for any reason including, but not limited to, the creditworthiness of the applicant, the proposed loan amount, the term and repayment schedule, the sources of funding available to the authority, and current market conditions. Upon acceptance and approval of an application by the authority, the authority may require that the applicant authorize, execute, and deliver a commitment to the authority within such time period specified by the authority in its acceptance of the application. The authority may reject an approved application for failure by the applicant to authorize, execute, and deliver a commitment by the specified deadline.

Subd. 7. Loan terms and conditions. (a) The terms and conditions of loans provided by the authority pursuant to the credit enhanced bond program are as provided by this section, any applicable bond resolution or series bond resolution of the authority, any trust indenture pursuant to which any series of bonds of the authority are issued, the regulatory agreement, the commitment and the general obligation bond, and the authorizing resolution of the borrower.

(b) The loan must be made by the authority through its purchase of the general obligation bond of the borrower. The borrower shall provide the authority with the opinion of nationally recognized bond counsel as to the valid authorization, issuance, and enforceability of the general obligation bond of the borrower, and the exclusion of interest thereon from gross income for the purposes of federal taxation, subject to customary qualifications. The general obligation bond of the borrower may pledge other specified sources of revenues for repayment to the extent permitted or required by law, in addition to the full faith and credit and unlimited taxing powers of the borrower.

(c) The authority may disburse the proceeds of the loan as a single payment for the general obligation bond or from time to time pursuant to draw requests if the general obligation bond of the borrower is structured as a periodic drawdown bond. In the event the authority pays for the general obligation bond in a single payment, the borrower shall establish a project account and disburse the proceeds of its general obligation bond solely for costs of the project approved in its application pursuant to such additional requirements specified in the regulatory agreement.

(d) In order to facilitate the issuance of the authority's revenue bonds to finance a pool of loans to different borrowers, the authority may require the borrower in the commitment to issue its general obligation bond on a date certain in the future, and may require the borrower to pay the costs incurred by the authority as a result of the borrower's failure to deliver its general obligation bond as required by the commitment. The commitment may also require the borrower to provide to the authority full disclosure of all material facts and financial information relating to the borrower that would be required if the borrower issued its general obligation bond to the public, certified as to completeness and accuracy by authorized officers of the borrower, and authorization for the authority to use such information in connection with the sale of the authority's revenue bonds or disclosure relating to the authority's revenue bonds.

(e) In addition to delivering its general obligation bond, each borrower shall enter into a regulatory agreement with the authority providing additional terms of the loan as the authority may specify, including providing to the authority periodic reports and information relating to the acquisition or construction of the project and use of the proceeds of the borrower's general obligation bond and periodic operating, financial, and other information as to the creditworthiness of the borrower, and providing and filing continuing secondary market disclosure to the extent required by the authority.

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(f) The purchase or commitment to purchase general obligation bonds of borrowers by the authority shall be subject to the availability of proceeds of revenue bonds of the authority for such purpose and the authority is not liable to any borrower for the failure to purchase its general obligation bond pursuant to a commitment or any other agreement if proceeds of the authority's revenue bonds are not available for any reason.

Subd. 8. Interest rate determination. The rate of interest on the general obligation bonds of the borrower must be the true interest cost on the revenue bonds of the authority issued to purchase such general obligation bonds of the borrower plus the ongoing percentage fee charged by the authority under subdivision 10; provided that the interest rate must not exceed any limit imposed by federal tax law with respect to the authority's revenue bonds.

Subd. 9. Market considerations. The authority may suspend offering loans if it is determined by the executive director that there are extreme or unusual events impacting the bond market and that to continue making loans would be detrimental to holders of the authority's revenue bonds or the financial viability of the credit enhanced bond program, or if the state is warned by one of its rating agencies that continuing to make loans will result in lowering the state's bond rating. If the making of loans is suspended under this section, the authority shall have the option to resume making loans once it has determined that the conditions for suspending the program no longer exist.

Subd. 10. Fees. The authority shall charge a nonrefundable application fee of $1,000 payable by each applicant upon submission of an application to the authority. A separate application fee must be payable for each application submitted, including a resubmitted application for an application that was rejected by the authority or determined to be incomplete or inaccurate by the authority. The authority shall charge an ongoing periodic fee of ten basis points of the outstanding principal amount of the loan to be added to, and be a component of, the interest rate on the general obligation bonds of the borrower.

Subd. 11. Authority revenue bonds. (a) The authority is authorized to issue revenue bonds as provided in this chapter to fund the credit enhanced bond program. The revenue bonds may be issued in one or more series pursuant to a resolution of the authority or a series resolution or pursuant to a trust indenture with a financial institution with trust powers as trustee, authorized by resolution of the authority. Any issue of bonds may be used to fund one or more loans, may be payable by the loans funded from such issue of bonds and such additional loans as pledged by the authority, and may be payable on a subordinated basis to other bonds. As permitted by the terms of any revenue bonds issued by the authority, the authority may sell the general obligations pledged to the payment of the revenue bonds and any proceeds of the sale in excess of those used to pay the principal of the revenue bonds must be deposited to the credit enhanced bond program fund and may be used to purchase additional general obligation bonds of borrowers, to provide credit enhancement for the authority's revenue bonds, or to pay any other expense of the credit enhanced bond program.

(b) The authority may issue short-term bonds in anticipation of issuing long-term bonds for the purpose of acquiring general obligation bonds of borrowers.

(c) Bonds issued by the authority for the credit enhanced bond program must not be general obligations of the authority to the payment of which the general assets of the authority are pledged or available for payment. All bonds issued for the credit enhanced bond programs by the authority must be revenue bonds payable solely from the sources specified in the bond.

Subd. 12. Reports, disclosure, audits. (a) During the term of the loan the borrower shall provide written reports to the authority. The content and timing of these reports must be as specified in the regulatory agreement.

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(b) During the term of the loan the borrower shall disclose to the authority any material information or events adversely affecting the creditworthiness of the borrower as specified in the regulatory agreement. If required by the authority in a regulatory agreement, the borrower shall enter into a continuing disclosure undertaking to provide disclosure to the market.

(c) During the term of the loan, the borrower shall provide to the authority on an annual basis financial statements of the borrower audited by an independent accounting firm, as further specified in the regulatory agreement.

Sec. 51. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 446A.12, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Bonding authority. The authority may issue negotiable bonds in a principal amount that the authority determines necessary to provide sufficient funds for achieving its purposes, including the making of loans and purchase of securities, the payment of interest on bonds of the authority, the establishment of reserves to secure its bonds, the payment of fees to a third party providing credit enhancement, and the payment of all other expenditures of the authority incident to and necessary or convenient to carry out its corporate purposes and powers, but not including the making of grants. Bonds of the authority may be issued as bonds or notes or in any other form authorized by law. The principal amount of bonds issued and outstanding under this section at any time may not exceed $1,500,000,000, excluding bonds for which refunding bonds or crossover refunding bonds have been issued., and excluding any bonds issued for the credit enhanced bond program or refunding or crossover refunding bonds issued under the program. The principal amount of bonds issued and outstanding under section 446A.087, may not exceed $500,000,000, excluding bonds for which refunding bonds or crossover refunding bonds have been issued.

Sec. 52. Laws 1999, chapter 223, article 2, section 72, is amended to read:

Sec. 72. UPPER RED LAKE BUSINESS LOAN PROGRAM.

The commissioner of trade and economic development must make loans to businesses in the Upper Red Lake area that have been severely affected by the significant decline of the walleye fishing resource in Upper Red Lake. The loans may only be made to businesses that operated in 1998. A business must submit an application to the commissioner on forms provided by the commissioner. The application must include a business plan for continued operation, with the assistance of the loan, until the walleye fishing resource recovers. The commissioner shall allocate available loan funds to a business based on the commissioner's evaluation of the probable success of its business plan. A loan shall be for a maximum amount of $75,000 and a duration of ten years from the date of the loan and shall be interest free. Repayment of a loan in monthly payments of 1/120 of the original principal amount must begin no later than one year after walleye fishing on Upper Red Lake is ~~allowed by the department of natural resources~~ recovered to a bag limit of six fish. Any principal balance remaining at the end of the ten-year period shall be forgiven if the business continues in operation for the ten-year period. Loan repayments shall be deposited in the general fund.

Sec. 53. Laws 2007, chapter 135, article 1, section 3, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Business and Community Development 40,667,000 8,639,000

Appropriations by Fund

General 39,967,000 7,939,000

Remediation 700,000 700,000

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(a) (1) $250,000 the first year and $250,000 the second year are from the general fund for a grant under Minnesota Statutes, section 116J.421, to the Rural Policy and Development Center at St. Peter, Minnesota. The grant shall be used for research and policy analysis on emerging economic and social issues in rural Minnesota, to serve as a policy resource center for rural Minnesota communities, to encourage collaboration across higher education institutions to provide interdisciplinary team approaches to research and problem-solving in rural communities, and to administer overall operations of the center.

(2) The grant shall be provided upon the condition that each state-appropriated dollar be matched with a nonstate dollar. Acceptable matching funds are nonstate contributions that the center has received and have not been used to match previous state grants. Any unencumbered balance in the first year is available for the second year.

(b) $250,000 the first year and $250,000 the second year are from the general fund for a grant to WomenVenture for women's business development programs.

(c) $250,000 the first year is for a grant to University Enterprise Laboratories (UEL) for its direct and indirect expenses to support efforts to encourage the growth of early-stage and emerging bioscience companies. UEL must provide a report by June 30 each year to the commissioner on the expenditures until the appropriation is expended. This is a onetime appropriation and is available until expended.

(d) $2,000,000 the first year is for grants under Minnesota Statutes, section 116J.571, for the redevelopment grant program. This is a onetime appropriation.

Of this amount, $100,000 is for a grant to the Neighborhood Development Corporation for assistance necessary to retain business enterprises at the Global Market and is available until expended.

(e) $100,000 the first year and $100,000 the second year are to help small businesses access federal funds through the federal Small Business Innovation Research Program and the federal Small Business Technology Transfer Program. Department services must include maintaining connections to 11 federal programs, assessment of specific funding opportunities, review of funding proposals, referral to specific consulting services, and training workshops throughout the state. Unless prohibited by federal law, the department must implement fees for services that help companies seek federal Phase II Small Business Innovation Research grants. The recommended fee schedule must be reported to the chairs of the house of representatives finance committee and senate budget division with jurisdiction over economic development by February 1, 2008.

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(f) $100,000 the first year and $100,000 the second year are appropriated to the Public Facilities Authority for the small community wastewater treatment program under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 446A.

(g) $255,000 the first year and $155,000 the second year are from the general fund for a grant to the Metropolitan Economic Development Association for continuing minority business development programs in the metropolitan area.

(h) $85,000 the first year and $85,000 the second year are for grants to the Minnesota Inventors Congress. Of this amount, $10,000 each year is for the Student Inventors Congress.

(i) $151,000 the first year is for a onetime grant to the city of Faribault to design, construct, furnish, and equip renovations to accommodate handicapped accessibility at the Paradise Center for the Arts.

(j) $750,000 the first year is to Minnesota Technology, Inc. for the small business growth acceleration program established under Minnesota Statutes, section 116O.115. This is a onetime appropriation. This appropriation does not cancel, but is available until June 30, 2011.

(k) $300,000 the first year is for a onetime grant to the city of Northome for the construction of a new municipal building to replace the structures damaged by fire on July 22, 2006. This appropriation is available when the commissioner determines that a sufficient match is available from nonstate sources to complete the project.

(l) $300,000 the first year is for a grant to the city of Worthington for an agricultural-based bioscience training and testing center. Funds appropriated under this section must be used to provide a training and testing facility for incubator firms developing new agricultural processes and products. This is a onetime appropriation and is available until expended.

(m) $1,750,000 the first year is for a onetime grant to BioBusiness Alliance of Minnesota for bioscience business development programs to promote and position the state as a global leader in bioscience business activities. These funds may be used for:

(1) completion and periodic updating of a statewide bioscience business industry assessment of business technology enterprises and Minnesota's competitive position employing annual updates to federal industry classification data;

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(2) long-term strategic planning that includes projections of market changes resulting from developments in biotechnology and the development of 20-year goals, strategies, and identified objectives for renewable energy, medical devices, biopharma, and biologics business development in Minnesota;

(3) the design and construction of a Minnesota focused bioscience business model to test competing strategies and scenarios, evaluate options, and forecast outcomes; and

(4) creation of a bioscience business resources network that includes development of a statewide bioscience business economic development framework to encourage bioscience business development and encourage spin-off activities, attract bioscience business location or expansion in Minnesota, and establish a local capability to support strategic system level planning for industry, government, and academia.

This appropriation is available until June 30, 2009.

(n) $125,000 the first year is to develop and operate a bioscience business marketing program to market Minnesota bioscience businesses and business opportunities to other states and other countries. The bioscience business marketing program must emphasize bioscience business location and expansion opportunities in communities outside of the seven-county metropolitan area as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 473.121, subdivision 2, that have established collaborative plans among two or more municipal units for bioscience business activities, and that are within 15 miles of a four-year, baccalaureate degree granting institution or a two-year technical or community college that offers bioscience curricula. The commissioner must report to the committees of the senate and house of representatives having jurisdiction over bioscience and technology issues by February 1 of each year on the expenditures of these funds and the promotional activities undertaken to market the Minnesota bioscience industry to persons outside of the state. This is a onetime appropriation and is available until expended.

(o) $325,000 is for a grant to the Walker Area Community Center, Inc., to construct, furnish, and equip the Walker Area Community Center. This appropriation is not available until the commissioner has determined that an amount sufficient to complete the project has been committed from nonstate sources. This is a onetime appropriation and is available until expended.

(p) $100,000 the first year is for a grant to the Pine Island Economic Development Authority for predesign to upgrade and extend utilities to serve Elk Run Bioscience Research Park and The Falls - Healthy Living By Nature, an integrated medicine facility. This is a onetime appropriation and is available until expended.

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(q) $350,000 the first year is for a grant to Thomson Township for infrastructure improvements for the industrial park. This is a onetime appropriation and is available until expended.

(r) $75,000 the first year is for a grant to Le Sueur County for the cost of cleaning up debris from lakes in Le Sueur County, caused by the August 24, 2006, tornado in southern Le Sueur County. This is a onetime appropriation and is available until expended.

(s) $400,000 the first year is for a grant to the city of Rogers to be used for relief from damages caused by the September 16, 2006, tornado.

(t) $75,000 the first year is for a grant to the city of Warroad for new public facilities to replace those damaged or destroyed by the August 2006 tornado, including approximately 28 new street lights and underground electrical circuits and a new fish cleaning house. This is a onetime appropriation and is available until expended. If an appropriation for this purpose is enacted more than once in the 2007 session, the appropriation is effective only once.

(u) $500,000 the first year is for a grant to the Upper Sioux Community to improve the current water system to ensure continuity of service to the entire population of the community and to meet the demands of the community expansion over the next 20 years. The is a onetime appropriation and is not available until the Public Facilities Authority has determined that at least $1,000,000 has been committed from nonstate sources. This appropriation is available until expended. * (The preceding text beginning "(u) $500,000 the first year is for" was indicated as vetoed by the governor.)

(v) $755,000 the first year is for the urban challenge grant program under Minnesota Statutes, section 116M.18. This is a onetime appropriation.

(w) $1,100,000 is for a grant to the Neighborhood Development Center for assistance necessary to retain minority business enterprises at the Global Market. This is a onetime appropriation and is available until expended.

(x) $350,000 the first year is for a onetime grant to the city of Inver Grove Heights to reduce debt on the Inver Grove Heights Veterans Memorial Community Center. * (The preceding text beginning "(x) $350,000 the first year is for" was indicated as vetoed by the governor.)

(y) $14,900,000 the first year is for the Minnesota minerals 21st century fund created in Minnesota Statutes, section 116J.423, to partially restore the money unallotted by the commissioner of

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finance in 2003 pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.152. This appropriation may be used as provided in Minnesota Statutes, section 116J.423, subdivision 2. This appropriation is available until expended.

(z) $2,500,000 the first year is for a grant to the city of St. Paul to be used to pay, redeem, or refund debt service costs incurred for the River Centre Campus. * (The preceding text beginning "(z) $2,500,000 the first year is for" was indicated as vetoed by the governor.)

(aa) $147,000 each year is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner of employment and economic development for grants of $49,000 to eligible organizations each year and for the purposes of this paragraph. Each state grant dollar must be matched with $1 of nonstate funds. Any balance in the first year does not cancel but is available in the second year. The base for these grants in fiscal years 2010 and 2011 is $189,000 each year, with each eligible organization receiving a $63,000 grant each year.

The commissioner of employment and economic development must make grants to organizations to assist in the development of entrepreneurs and small businesses. Three grants must be awarded to continue or to develop a program. One grant must be awarded to the Riverbend Center for Entrepreneurial Facilitation in Blue Earth County, and two to other organizations serving Faribault and Martin Counties. Grant recipients must report to the commissioner by February 1 of each year that the organization receives a grant with the number of customers served; the number of businesses started, stabilized, or expanded; the number of jobs created and retained; and business success rates. The commissioner must report to the house of representatives and senate committees with jurisdiction over economic development finance on the effectiveness of these programs for assisting in the development of entrepreneurs and small businesses.

(bb) ~~$5,000,000~~ $2,000,000 the first year is for grants under Minnesota Statutes, section 116J.8731, for the Minnesota investment fund program. Of this amount, up to $3,000,000 may be used for a legal reference office and data center facility, provided that the total capital investment in the facility is at least $60,000,000. This grant is not subject to grant limitations under Minnesota Statutes, section 116J.8731, subdivision 5 $1,000,000 must be used for biomass heating grants and loans under section 55. This is a onetime appropriation and is available in either year of the biennium.

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Sec. 54. Laws 2007, chapter 135, article 1, section 3, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Workforce Development 50,024,000 49,833,000

Appropriations by Fund

General 33,529,000 33,338,000

Workforce

Development 16,495,000 16,495,000

(a) $6,785,000 the first year and $6,785,000 the second year are from the general fund for the Minnesota job skills partnership program under Minnesota Statutes, sections 116L.01 to 116L.17. If the appropriation for either year is insufficient, the appropriation for the other year is available for it. This appropriation does not cancel.

(b) $455,000 the first year and $455,000 the second year are from the general fund for a grant under Minnesota Statutes, section 116J.8747, to Twin Cities RISE! to provide training to hard-to-train individuals.

(d) $5,614,000 each year is from the general fund and $6,920,000 each year is from the workforce development fund for extended employment services for persons with severe disabilities or related conditions under Minnesota Statutes, section 268A.15. Of this, $125,000 each year and in the base for fiscal years 2010 and 2011 is to supplement funds paid for wage incentives for the community support fund established in Minnesota Rules, part 3300.2045. The commissioner shall not reduce total expenditures from these appropriations.

(e) $1,650,000 the first year and $1,650,000 the second year are from the general fund for grants for programs that provide employment support services to persons with mental illness under Minnesota Statutes, sections 268A.13 and 268A.14. Up to $77,000 each year may be used for administrative and salary expenses.

(f) $2,440,000 the first year and $2,440,000 the second year are from the general fund for grants under Minnesota Statutes, section 268A.11, for the eight centers for independent living. The base for this program is $2,440,000 each year in fiscal years 2010 and 2011. Money not expended the first year is available the second year.

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The commissioner must:

(1) transfer $115,000 of federal independent living Part B rehabilitation services funds to the Minnesota Centers for Independent Living each year contingent upon the availability of federal funds under Title VII, Part B, of the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended under United States Code, title 29, section 711(c), and approved by the Statewide Independent Living Council;

(2) replace federal Part B funds in the State Independent Living Council budget transferred under clause (1) with $115,000 of Social Security Administration program income funds each year; and

(3) provide an additional $185,000 each year from the Social Security Administration program income to the Minnesota Centers for Independent Living to be allocated equally among the eight centers.

Additional funding for centers for independent living under clauses (1) and (3) must be used for core independent living services by the Centers for Independent Living. The Statewide Independent Living Council framework for statewide distribution of state and federal funding to the Minnesota Centers for Independent Living does not apply to the funds under clauses (1) and (3). The commissioner must report on the transfers in clauses (1), (2), and (3), and any other effort to pursue additional funding for the Centers for Independent Living to the standing committees of the senate and house of representatives having jurisdiction over Centers for Independent Living by March 15 each year.

(g) $5,940,000 the first year and $5,940,000 the second year are from the general fund for state services for the blind activities.

(h) $150,000 the first year and $150,000 the second year are from the general fund and $175,000 the first year and $175,000 the second year are from the workforce development fund for grants under Minnesota Statutes, section 268A.03, to Rise, Inc. for the Minnesota Employment Center for People Who are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing. Money not expended the first year is available the second year.

(i) $9,021,000 the first year and $9,021,000 the second year are from the general fund for the state's vocational rehabilitation program for people with significant disabilities to assist with employment, under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 268A.

(j) $350,000 the first year and $350,000 the second year are from the workforce development fund for grants to provide interpreters for a regional transition program that specializes in providing

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culturally appropriate transition services leading to employment for deaf, hard-of-hearing, and deaf-blind students. This amount must be added to the department's base.

(k) $150,000 the first year and $150,000 the second year are for a grant to Advocating Change Together for training, technical assistance, and resources materials to persons with developmental and mental illness disabilities.

(l) $250,000 the first year and $250,000 the second year are from the workforce development fund and $150,000 the first year and $100,000 the second year are from the general fund for a grant to Lifetrack Resources for its immigrant and refugee collaborative programs, including those related to job-seeking skills and workplace orientation, intensive job development, functional work English, and on-site job coaching. $50,000 of the first year general fund appropriation is for a onetime pilot Lifetrack project in Rochester.

(m) $75,000 the first year and $75,000 the second year are from the general fund and $1,000,000 the first year and $1,000,000 the second year are from the workforce development fund for the youthbuild program under Minnesota Statutes, sections 116L.361 to 116L.366. This appropriation may be used for:

(1) restoring the three youthbuild programs that were eliminated due to budget reductions and adding seven more youthbuild programs statewide;

(2) restoring funding levels for all youthbuild programs plus an inflationary increase for each program;

(3) increasing the number of at-risk youth served by the youthbuild programs from 260 youth per year to 500 youth per year; and

(4) restoring the youthbuild focus on careers in technology and adding a youthbuild focus on careers in the medical field.

(n) $1,325,000 each year is from the workforce development fund for grants to fund summer youth employment in Minneapolis. The grants shall be used to fund up to 500 jobs for youth each summer. Of this appropriation, $325,000 each year is for a grant to the learn-to-earn summer youth employment program. The commissioner shall establish criteria for awarding the grants. This appropriation is available in either year of the biennium and is available until spent.

(o) $600,000 the first year and $600,000 the second year are from the workforce development fund for a grant to the city of St. Paul for grants to fund summer youth employment in St. Paul. The grants shall be used to fund up to 500 jobs for youth each summer.

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The commissioner shall establish criteria for awarding the grants within the city of St. Paul. This appropriation is available in either year of the biennium and is available until spent.

(p) $250,000 the first year and $250,000 the second year are from the general fund for grants to Northern Connections in Perham to implement and operate a pilot workforce program that provides one-stop supportive services to individuals as they transition into the workforce.

(q) $100,000 each year is for a grant to Ramsey County Workforce Investment Board for the development of the building lives program. This is a onetime appropriation. * (The preceding text beginning "(q) $100,000 each year is for" was indicated as vetoed by the governor.)

(r) $150,000 each year is for a grant to the Hennepin-Carver Workforce Investment Board (WIB) to coordinate with the Partners for Progress Regional Skills Consortium to provide employment and training as demonstrated by the Twin Cities regional health care training partnership project. * (The preceding text beginning "(r) $150,000 each year is for" was indicated as vetoed by the governor.)

(s) $160,000 the first year is for a onetime grant to Workforce Development, Inc., for a pilot project to provide demand-driven employment and training services to welfare recipients and other economically disadvantaged populations in Mower, Freeborn, Dodge, and Steele Counties.

(t) $200,000 the first year and $200,000 the second year are from the general fund for a grant to HIRED to operate its industry sector training initiatives, which provide employee training developed in collaboration with employers in specific, high-demand industries. * (The preceding text beginning "(t) $200,000 the first year" was indicated as vetoed by the governor.)

(u) $100,000 the first year is for a onetime grant to a nonprofit organization. The nonprofit organization must work on behalf of all licensed vendors to coordinate their efforts to respond to solicitations or other requests from private and governmental units as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 471.59, subdivision 1, in order to increase employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2009.

(v) $3,500,000 each year from the workforce development fund is for the Minnesota youth program under Minnesota Statutes, sections 116L.56 and 116L.561.

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(w) $1,000,000 each year from the workforce development fund is for a grant to the Minnesota Alliance of Boys and Girls Clubs to administer a statewide project of youth job skills development. This project, which may have career guidance components, including health and life skills, is to encourage, train, and assist youth in job-seeking skills, workplace orientation, and job site knowledge through coaching. This grant requires a 25 percent match from nonstate resources.

(x) $10,000 the first year is for a study on ways to promote employment opportunities for minorities, with a particular focus on opportunities for African Americans, in the state of Minnesota. The study should focus on how to significantly expand the job training available to minorities and promote substantial increases in the wages paid to minorities, at least to a rate well above living wage, and within several years, to equality. The commissioner must report on the study to the governor and the chair of the finance committee in each house of the legislature that has jurisdiction over employment by January 15, 2008, with recommendations for implementing the findings.

(y) The commissioner must provide funding for the Minnesota Conservation Corps to provide learning stipends for deaf students and wages for interpreters participating in the MCC summer youth program.

Sec. 55. BIOMASS HEATING GRANTS AND LOANS PILOT PROJECT.

Within the limits of appropriations, the commissioner of the Department of Employment and Economic Development shall make grants and loans for costs related to the installation of an approved biomass heating project in a publicly owned facility, including K-12 public schools, higher education buildings, and buildings owned by a local unit of government. The commissioner must approve biomass heating projects that produce energy for heating air or water using organic matter available on a renewable basis, including but not limited to agricultural crops, grasses and trees, or wood production or other waste. Applications for a grant or loan under this section must be made to the commissioner on the forms and according to the timeline prescribed by the commissioner. At a minimum, the commissioner must require sufficient information on the applications to determine that the physical condition of the publicly owned facility is sufficient to support the efficient operation of the biomass heating project and that the projected cumulative energy cost savings are adequate relative to the costs of the investment. The grant and loan may each provide up to 50 percent of the total installed costs of the biomass heating projects.

Sec. 56. HARDSHIP PAYMENTS.

Subdivision 1. Payments; availability. Hardship payments are available to an applicant if the applicant suffered economic hardship due to delays in receiving unemployment benefits resulting from the new unemployment insurance application and filing system implemented by the Department of Employment and Economic Development on October 15, 2007.

Subd. 2. Economic hardship. "Economic hardship" means financial losses to an applicant resulting from: checks returned for insufficient funds; account overdraft charges; installment credit penalties, interest, and other fees resulting from missed or late payments; mortgage loan late fees, interest charges, or other penalties; charges for force-placed automobile or homeowner's insurance; penalties for late payment of income or property taxes; and any penalties or adverse consequences, including the suspension of an applicant's driver's license due to nonpayment of child support.

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Subd. 3. Payment from administration account. Hardship payments are payable from the unemployment insurance administration account under Minnesota Statutes, section 268.196.

Subd. 4. Eligibility conditions. An applicant is eligible to receive hardship payments under this section if the applicant's unemployment benefit payments due and payable after October 15, 2007, were delayed at least four weeks.

Subd. 5. Amount of hardship payments. The amount of hardship payments available to an applicant is equal to the amount of economic hardship experienced by an applicant due to the delay in receiving unemployment benefits. An applicant must provide documentation of the amount of financial hardship claimed using financial institution records, consumer or business credit records, child support records, or other commonly recognized methods of documenting financial transactions.

Subd. 6. Notice. The commissioner must notify applicants of the availability of hardship payments by posting a notice on the department's official Web site, by notifying applicants by individual mailing where department records show the applicant may be eligible under subdivision 4, and by any other appropriate announcement.

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

Sec. 57. LUMBER COMPANY EXTRA BENEFITS.

Subdivision 1. Extra benefits; availability. Extra unemployment benefits are available to an applicant if the applicant was laid off due to lack of work from the Ainsworth Lumber Company plants in Cook.

Subd. 2. Payment from fund; effect on employer. Extra unemployment benefits are payable from the unemployment insurance trust fund. Extra unemployment benefits paid under this section will not be used in computing the experience rating of Ainsworth Lumber Company under Minnesota Statutes, section 268.047.

Subd. 3. Eligibility conditions. An applicant is eligible to receive extra unemployment benefits under this section for any week through December 31, 2008, following the effective date of the applicant's benefit account of regular unemployment benefits, as a result of a layoff described under subdivision 1, if:

(1) a majority of the applicant's wage credits were with Ainsworth Lumber Company or Ainsworth Engineered;

(2) the applicant meets the eligibility requirements of Minnesota Statutes, section 268.085;

(3) the applicant is not subject to a disqualification under Minnesota Statutes, section 268.095;

(4) the applicant is not entitled to regular unemployment benefits and the applicant is not entitled to receive unemployment benefits under any other state or federal law for that week; and

(5) the applicant is enrolled in, or has within the last two weeks successfully completed, a program that qualifies as reemployment assistance training under Minnesota Statutes, section 268.035, subdivision 21a, except that an applicant whose training is scheduled to begin in more than 30 days may be considered to be in training if: (i) the applicant's chosen training program does not offer an available start date within 30 days; (ii) the applicant is scheduled to begin training on the earliest available start date for the chosen training program; and (iii) the applicant is scheduled to begin training in no more than 60 days.

Subd. 4. Weekly amount of extra benefits. The weekly extra unemployment benefits amount available to an applicant is the same as the applicant's weekly regular unemployment benefit amount on the benefit account established as a result of a layoff under subdivision 1.

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Subd. 5. Maximum amount of extra unemployment benefits. (a) The maximum amount of extra unemployment benefits available is equal to 13 weeks at the applicant's weekly extra unemployment benefits amount.

(b) If an applicant qualifies for a new regular benefit account under Minnesota Statutes, section 268.07, at any time after exhausting regular unemployment benefits as a result of the layoff under subdivision 1, the applicant must apply for and exhaust entitlement to those new regular unemployment benefits. The maximum amount of extra unemployment benefits available is reduced by any new regular unemployment benefits available if the majority of wage credits on that new regular benefit account were with Ainsworth Lumber Company or Ainsworth Engineered.

Subd. 6. Program expiration. This extra unemployment benefit program expires on December 31, 2008. No extra unemployment benefits may be paid for any week after the expiration of this program.

Subd. 7. Findings. The legislature finds that providing extra unemployment benefits to assist laid-off workers of Ainsworth Lumber Company, while in training, is appropriate because:

(1) the unemployment rate in the applicant's county of employment is higher than the statewide average rate of unemployment;

(2) the average weekly wages paid in the applicant's county of employment is below the statewide average weekly wage;

(3) the applicant's weekly wage is higher than the statewide average weekly wage; and

(4) the dislocated worker program has determined that the applicant does not currently possess skills making reemployment in a comparable position likely.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment and applies retroactively from January 1, 2008.

Sec. 58. UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS; CONTINUED REQUEST TIME PERIOD WAIVER.

Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, the commissioner must accept initial and continued requests for unemployment benefits and pay unemployment benefits to an applicant who currently resides in Hubbard County and applied for unemployment benefits on September 15, 2006, and had an account dated September 10, 2006:

(1) was employed as a technician or inspector for Northwest Airlines, Inc., prior to August 20, 2005;

(2) stopped working on or about August 20, 2005, because of a labor dispute between the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) and Northwest Airlines, Inc.;

(3) did not file an initial or continued requests for unemployment benefits within the time periods required under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 268; and

(4) meets all the other requirements for the payment of unemployment benefits under Minnesota Statutes, section 268.069, subdivision 2.

Any unemployment benefits paid under the account established September 10, 2006, shall be deducted from the total benefits authorized under this section.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment and applies retroactively from August 21, 2005.

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Sec. 59. OFFICE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY.

Subdivision 1. Establishment. An Office of Science and Technology is established in the Department of Employment and Economic Development to do the following:

(1) coordinate public and private efforts to procure federal funding for collaborative research and development projects of primary benefit to small and medium-sized businesses;

(2) promote contractual relationships between Minnesota businesses that are recipients of federal grants and prime contractors, and Minnesota-based subcontractors;

(3) work with Minnesota nonprofit institutions including the University of Minnesota, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, and the Mayo Clinic in promoting collaborative efforts to respond to federal funding opportunities;

(4) develop a framework for Minnesota companies to establish sole-source relationships with federal agencies; and

(5) coordinate workshops, assistance with business proposals, licensing, intellectual property protection, commercialization, and government auditing with the University of Minnesota and Minnesota State Colleges and Universities.

For the purposes of this section, "office" means the Office of Science and Technology established in this subdivision.

Subd. 2. Technology partnering with a prime contractor. The office must develop a program to assist small businesses competing for a small business innovation research award by matching the applicant with a larger company. Prime contractors are matched to small businesses through a prescreening process that may result in a letter of support for the applicant designed to increase the chance of receiving a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) award.

Subd. 3. Collaborate to commercialize. The office must develop a program to use the federal high-risk research and development investment program to encourage the development of new technologies, products, and business development and to reduce development risks by encouraging alliances between medium-sized companies and innovative small businesses.

Subd. 4. Technology matchmaking. The office must assist businesses in identifying qualified suppliers and vendors through a program to serve as a conduit for Minnesota-based companies to network with firms able to support their success. Firms outside Minnesota can participate in the technology matchmaking network if one of the participating companies is located in Minnesota.

Subd. 5. Commercialization assistance. The office must provide commercialization assistance to Minnesota firms that have received a Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or a Phase I Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) award and are submitting a Phase II proposal. Local service providers must assist the applicant with developing and reviewing the required commercialization plan prior to Phase II submission. The office may provide SBIR Phase I proposal technical review.

Subd. 6. Report. The commissioner of employment and economic development must report to the committees in the house of representatives and senate having jurisdiction over bioscience and technology issues on the activities of the Office of Science and Technology by June 30 of each year.

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Sec. 60. BIOSCIENCE SUBSIDY.

Any bioscience or biotechnology project financed in whole or in part by state appropriations or other public subsidies must document how and to what it extent the project will provide a benefit to consumers in the form of more affordable pricing of the products or services being publicly subsidized. The documentation must be reported to the committees of the legislature with responsibility for economic development and to committees with responsibility for finance.

Sec. 61. 2009 DISTRIBUTIONS ONLY; TACONITE PRODUCTION TAX.

(a) For 2007 production, distribution in 2008 only, two cents per taxable ton of the taconite production tax under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 298, must be paid to the Hibbing Economic Development Authority to retire bonds and for economic development purposes.

(b) For 2007 production, distribution in 2008 only, 0.25 cents per taxable ton of the taconite production tax under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 298, must be paid to the St. Louis County school board to study the potential for and impact of consolidation and streamlining the operations of the St. Louis County school district No. 2142.

(c) For 2007 production, distribution in 2008 only, 0.25 cents per taxable ton of the taconite production tax under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 298, must be paid to Grand Rapids, for industrial park work.

(d) For 2007 production, distribution in 2008 only, 0.65 cents per taxable ton of the taconite production tax under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 298, must be paid to Aitkin, for sewer and water for housing projects.

(e) For 2007 production, distribution in 2008 only, 0.5 cents per taxable ton of the taconite production tax under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 298, must be paid to Crosby, for well and water tower infrastructure.

Sec. 62. REPEALER.

(a) Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 341.31, and Laws 2004, chapter 188, section 2, are repealed.

(b) Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 298.28, subdivision 9a, is repealed for 2008 production, distributions in 2009 and thereafter.

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

ARTICLE 5

ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES

Section 1. SUMMARY OF APPROPRIATIONS.

The sums shown in the columns marked "Appropriations" are added to or, if shown in parentheses, subtracted from the appropriations in Laws 2007, chapter 57, article 1, 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 "2008" and "2009" used in this article mean that the addition to or subtraction from the appropriation listed under them is available for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, or June 30, 2009, respectively. Supplemental appropriations and reductions to appropriations for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, are effective the day following final enactment.

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2008 2009 Total

General $-0- $(3,348,000) $(3,348,000)

Environmental -0- 134,000 134,000

Natural Resources -0- 1,582,000 1,582,000

Game and Fish 144,000 767,000 911,000

Total $144,000 $(865,000) $(721,000)

APPROPRIATIONS

Available for the Year

Ending June 30

2008 2009

Sec. 2. POLLUTION CONTROL AGENCY $-0- (469,000)

Appropriations by Fund

General -0- (603,000)

Environmental Fund -0- 134,000

$623,000 is a reduction in fiscal year 2009. The commissioner shall make the reduction to administrative activities in such a way to minimize the effect to program operations.

$134,000 in fiscal year 2009 is appropriated from the environmental fund for the development and adoption of rules to regulate emission standards of motor vehicles sold in this state as authorized under the federal Clean Air Act, United States Code, title 42, section 7507. The base for fiscal year 2010 is $114,000.

$20,000 in fiscal year 2009 is appropriated from the general fund for the following purposes:

(1) the development of recommendations for establishing a comprehensive product stewardship approach to reducing environmental and health risks posed by the use or disposal of products. These recommendations shall be submitted to the chairs and ranking minority members of the senate and house committees with jurisdiction over environmental policy and environmental finance by January 15, 2009. The recommendations shall include, at a minimum: a set of criteria to be used to evaluate products proposed for product stewardship solutions; a process for designating products for product stewardship solutions and the role the legislature would play in that process; typical components of product stewardship plans; options to facilitate the creation of industry-managed stewardship management organizations;

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APPROPRIATIONS

Available for the Year

Ending June 30

2008 2009

methods to identify and monitor progress toward stewardship performance goals for specific products; and strategies to implement the use of standards, certifications, and eco-labels to promote environmentally preferable products. To the extent possible, the recommendations must be consistent with existing product stewardship programs in North America. In developing the recommendations, the commissioner must consult with manufacturers, retailers, recyclers, environmental advocacy organizations, local units of government, and other interested parties;

(2) a report to be submitted by December 1, 2008, to the chairs and ranking minority members of the senate and house committees with primary jurisdiction over solid waste policy, analyzing the availability of collection and processing capacity in the seven-county metropolitan area for the recycling of construction and demolition waste. The report must recommend a percentage of the total weight of construction and demolition waste generated in the seven-county metropolitan area that represents an achievable but aggressive recycling goal that can be reached in 2012 and must include an analysis of the economic and environmental costs and benefits of reaching that goal; and

(3) a report to be submitted by January 1, 2009, to the chairs and ranking minority members of the senate and house committees with primary jurisdiction over solid waste policy, that recommends options for achieving the following goals by 2020: an increase in county recycling rates to 60 percent of the weight of total solid waste generation; and the diversion, prior to delivery to landfills and waste-to-energy plants, and recycling and reuse of an amount of source-separated compostable materials equal to 15 percent of total solid waste generation. The commissioner must obtain input from counties inside and outside the seven-county metropolitan area, recycling and composting facilities, waste haulers, environmental organizations, and other interested parties in preparing the report. The report must also contain estimates of the economic costs of implementing the strategies.

$750,000 of the appropriation under Laws 2007, chapter 57, article 1, section 3, from the environmental fund in fiscal year 2009 for regulatory services is contingent upon the agency recovering in fees $750,000 for these services by July 1, 2009.

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APPROPRIATIONS

Available for the Year

Ending June 30

2008 2009

Sec. 3. NATURAL RESOURCES

Subdivision 1. Total Appropriation $144,000 $(78,000)

Appropriations by Fund

General -0- (2,265,000)

Natural Resources -0- 1,420,000

Game and Fish 144,000 767,000

The amounts reduced from the appropriations in Laws 2007, chapter 57, article 1, section 4, are specified in the following subdivisions.

Subd. 2. Lands and Minerals -0- (225,000)

$425,000 in fiscal year 2009 is a reduction in the lands and minerals budget. This is a base reduction.

$124,000 of this reduction is from the appropriation for iron ore cooperative agreements.

$200,000 in fiscal year 2009 is appropriated from the natural resources fund for the administration and monitoring of permits to mine ferrous metals under Minnesota Statutes, section 93.481. By January 15, 2009, the commissioner shall report to the legislature and the chairs of the senate and house committees with jurisdiction over environment and natural resources finance on the establishment of a permit to mine application fee schedule that is based on the actual costs of issuing and monitoring individual permits and any necessary legislation needed to cover the costs of issuing and monitoring the permits for the next biennium.

Subd. 3. Water Resource Management -0- (253,000)

$38,000 is a reduction in fiscal year 2009 attributable to the modification of reporting requirements under Minnesota Statutes, section 103A.43.

Subd. 4. Forest Management -0- 250,000

$53,000 in fiscal year 2009 is for a grant to the Forest Resources Council to conduct a study of options and make recommendations to the legislature for addressing the fragmentation and parcelization of large blocks of private forest land in the state. This is a onetime appropriation.

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APPROPRIATIONS

Available for the Year

Ending June 30

2008 2009

$197,000 in fiscal year 2009 is for a grant to the University of Minnesota for the Interagency Information Cooperative to develop a common forest inventory format describing key attributes of Minnesota's public forest land base, growth models for managed forest stands, a forest wildlife habitat model format, and an information database on the state's family forest ownership.

Subd. 5. Parks and Recreation Management -0- -0-

$220,000 is a reduction in fiscal year 2009 in the parks and recreation management budget.

Beginning in 2009, $220,000 each year is from the state park account in the natural resources fund to fund state park operations, maintenance, resource management, educational services, and associated support costs.

Subd. 6. Trails and Waterways Management -0- 1,000,000

Beginning in 2009, $300,000 each year is from the all-terrain vehicle account in the natural resources fund for monitoring and maintenance of newly designated trails.

$700,000 in fiscal year 2009 from the natural resource fund to the commissioner of natural resources for the development of the Virginia site and connecting trails for the Iron Range Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area. Of this amount, $400,000 is from the all-terrain vehicle account, $75,000 is from the off-highway motorcycle account, $125,000 is from the off-road vehicle account, and $100,000 is from the snowmobile trails and enforcement account. $300,000 is from federal money allocated for motorized recreation. This is a onetime appropriation. The appropriation is available until expended for the design and development of an underpass for off-highway vehicles on Highway 135 in the city of Gilbert. None of these funds may be expended until all property as identified in the master plan has been acquired.

Subd. 7. Fish and Wildlife Management 144,000 140,000

$427,000 is a reduction in fiscal year 2009 in the fish and wildlife program. The base for this appropriation in fiscal years 2010 and 2011 is reduced by $539,000 each year.

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APPROPRIATIONS

Available for the Year

Ending June 30

2008 2009

$200,000 is a reduction in fiscal year 2009 from the appropriation for prairie wetland complexes. $200,000 is appropriated from the game and fish fund in fiscal year 2009 for prairie wetland complexes.

$123,000 in fiscal year 2008 and $246,000 each year thereafter is from the game and fish fund to implement fish virus surveillance, prepare infrastructure to handle possible outbreaks, and implement control procedures for highest risk waters and fish production operations.

$21,000 in fiscal year 2009 is from the game and fish fund and is added to the base for the aquatic farm permitting program.

$300,000 in fiscal year 2009 is from the game and fish fund to study, predesign, and design shooting sports facilities at the Vermillion Highlands Wildlife Management Area authorized by Laws 2007, chapter 57, article 1, section 168.

Subd. 8. Ecological Services -0- (230,000)

$230,000 in fiscal year 2009 is a reduction from the appropriation for impaired waters.

The project wild program base is reduced for fiscal years 2010 and 2011 by $20,000.

By June 30, 2008, $594,000 shall be transferred from the water recreation account in the natural resources fund to the invasive species account in the natural resources fund for invasive species-related expenses.

Subd. 9. Enforcement -0- (160,000)

$160,000 is a reduction in fiscal year 2009 in the enforcement budget.

Subd. 10. Operations Support -0- (600,000)

$600,000 is a reduction to the department's administration costs in fiscal year 2009. The commissioner shall make these reductions throughout the agency through reduction in travel, administrative costs, and vacancy management.

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APPROPRIATIONS

Available for the Year

Ending June 30

2008 2009

Sec. 4. BOARD OF WATER AND SOIL RESOURCES $-0- $(318,000)

$550,000 is a reduction in fiscal year 2009 from the appropriation for cost-sharing contracts to establish native buffers.

$100,000 is a reduction in fiscal year 2009 from the appropriation for county cooperative weed management programs.

$68,000 is a reduction in fiscal year 2009 from the appropriation for the drainage assistance program.

$100,000 is a reduction in fiscal year 2009 from the appropriation for grants to basin management organizations.

$450,000 in fiscal year 2009 is for implementing rehabilitation, erosion, and sediment control projects in the area included in DR-1717. Up to 20 percent of this appropriation may be used by the board to implement the program. The appropriation is available until expended. The base for 2010 is $275,000. The base for 2011 is $0.

$50,000 in fiscal year 2009 is for the star lake and river program. The base for fiscal year 2010 is $100,000.

Sec. 5. METROPOLITAN COUNCIL $-0- $-0-

$162,000 in fiscal year 2009 is reduced from money appropriated from the general fund for metropolitan area regional parks maintenance and operations under Laws 2007, chapter 57, article 1, section 6. The base for fiscal years 2010 and 2011 is reduced by $162,000 each year.

$162,000 in fiscal year 2009 is appropriated from the natural resources fund for metropolitan area regional parks maintenance and operations. This appropriation is from the revenue deposited in the natural resources fund under Minnesota Statutes, section 297A.94, paragraph (e), clause (3).

Sec. 6. Laws 2007, chapter 57, article 1, section 4, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Water Resources Management 15,051,000 12,522,000

Appropriations by Fund

General 14,771,000 12,242,000

Natural Resources 280,000 280,000

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APPROPRIATIONS

Available for the Year

Ending June 30

2008 2009

$310,000 the first year and ~~$310,000~~ $280,000 the second year are for grants associated with the implementation of the Red River mediation agreement.

$65,000 the first year ~~and $65,000 the second year are~~ is for a grant to the Mississippi Headwaters Board for up to 50 percent of the cost of implementing the comprehensive plan for the upper Mississippi within areas under its jurisdiction. This is a onetime appropriation.

$5,000 the first year and $5,000 the second year are for payment to the Leech Lake Band of Chippewa Indians to implement its portion of the comprehensive plan for the upper Mississippi.

$200,000 the first year and ~~$200,000~~ $178,000 the second year are for the construction of ring dikes under Minnesota Statutes, section 103F.161. The ring dikes may be publicly or privately owned. If the appropriation in either year is insufficient, the appropriation in the other year is available for it. The base appropriation for fiscal year 2010 and later is ~~$125,000~~ $105,000.

~~$2,250,000~~ $2,152,000 the first year is to support the identification of impaired waters and develop plans to address those impairments, as required by the federal Clean Water Act, in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, chapter 114D. This is a onetime appropriation.

By January 15, 2008, the commissioner shall commence rulemaking under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 14, to update the minimum shoreland standards in Minnesota Rules, chapter 6120.

$60,000 the first year is a onetime appropriation to the commissioner of natural resources to conduct a feasibility study in conjunction with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on the foundation and hydraulics of the Rapidan Dam in Blue Earth County. This appropriation must be equally matched by Blue Earth County, and is available until expended.

$500,000 in fiscal year 2008 is for addressing surface and groundwater issues related to the development and expansion of ethanol production.

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APPROPRIATIONS

Available for the Year

Ending June 30

2008 2009

Sec. 7. Laws 2007, chapter 57, article 1, section 4, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4. Forest Management 44,495,000 43,393,000

Appropriations by Fund

General 24,755,000 24,836,000

Natural Resources 19,483,000 18,293,000

Game and Fish 257,000 264,000

$7,217,000 the first year and $7,217,000 the second year are for prevention, presuppression, and suppression costs of emergency firefighting and other costs incurred under Minnesota Statutes, section 88.12. If the appropriation for either year is insufficient to cover all costs of presuppression and suppression, the amount necessary to pay for these costs during the biennium is appropriated from the general fund.

By November 15 of each year, the commissioner of natural resources shall submit a report to the chairs of the house and senate committees and divisions having jurisdiction over environment and natural resources finance, identifying all firefighting costs incurred and reimbursements received in the prior fiscal year. These appropriations may not be transferred. Any reimbursement of firefighting expenditures made to the commissioner from any source other than federal mobilizations shall be deposited into the general fund.

$17,983,000 the first year and $18,293,000 the second year are from the forest management investment account in the natural resources fund for only the purposes specified in Minnesota Statutes, section 89.039, subdivision 2.

Of this amount:

(1) $750,000 each year is for additional staff to enhance timber sales;

(2) $1,000,000 each year is for forest improvements;

(3) $1,100,000 each year is for forest road maintenance;

(4) $600,000 each year is for the ecological classification system on state forest lands;

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APPROPRIATIONS

Available for the Year

Ending June 30

2008 2009

(5) $350,000 each year is for the prevention of invasive species on state forest lands; and

(6) $400,000 each year is for the re-inventory of state forest lands.

Money for forest road maintenance is onetime.

$780,000 the first year and $780,000 the second year are for the Forest Resources Council for implementation of the Sustainable Forest Resources Act.

$40,000 the first year is for the Forest Resources Council to provide a grant to the University of Minnesota to prepare a statewide plan to address the fragmentation and parcelization of large blocks of forest land in the state.

$200,000 in fiscal year 2008 is for a grant to the Forest Resources Research Advisory Committee to provide direction on research topics recommended by the governor's task force on the competitiveness of Minnesota's primary forest products industry.

$350,000 the first year and $350,000 the second year are for the FORIST timber management information system, other information systems, and for increased forestry management. The amount in the second year is also available in the first year.

$257,000 the first year and $264,000 the second year are from the game and fish fund to implement ecological classification systems (ECS) standards on forested landscapes. This appropriation is from revenue deposited in the game and fish fund under Minnesota Statutes, section 297A.94, paragraph (e), clause (1).

$110,000 the first year is to develop and implement a statewide information and education campaign regarding the statewide ban on the transport, storage, or use of nonapproved firewood on state-administered lands.

$1,500,000 the first year is from the forest management investment account in the natural resources fund for the purposes of section 158. This is a onetime appropriation.

$75,000 the first year is to the Forest Resources Council for a task force on forest protection and $75,000 the second year is appropriated to the commissioner for grants to cities, counties, townships, special recreation areas, and park and recreation boards in cities of the first class for the identification, removal, disposal,

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APPROPRIATIONS

Available for the Year

Ending June 30

2008 2009

and replacement of dead or dying shade trees lost to forest pests or disease. For purposes of this section, "shade tree" means a woody perennial grown primarily for aesthetic or environmental purposes with minimal to residual timber value. The commissioner shall consult with municipalities; park and recreation boards in cities of the first class; nonprofit organizations; and other interested parties in developing eligibility criteria. * (The preceding text beginning "$75,000 the first year" was indicated as vetoed by the governor.)

$200,000 in fiscal year 2008 is for a grant to the Natural Resources Research Institute for silvicultural research to improve the quality and quantity of timber fiber. The appropriation must be matched in the amount of $200,000 in cash or in-kind contributions from the forest products industry members of the Minnesota Forest Productivity Research Cooperative.

$1,000,000 the first year and $1,000,000 the second year are to support additional ~~technical and cost-share assistance to nonindustrial private forest (NIPF) landowners~~ forest management activities. The base appropriation in fiscal year 2010 and later is $500,000.

$200,000 the first year and $200,000 the second year are to ~~address escalating land asset management demands, such as boundary disputes, access easements, and sale, exchange, and acquisition of forest lands~~ support additional forest management activities.

Sec. 8. Laws 2007, chapter 57, article 1, section 4, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6. Trails and Waterways Management 30,257,000 30,492,000

Appropriations by Fund

General 2,538,000 2,568,000

Natural Resources 25,600,000 25,730,000

Game and Fish 2,119,000 2,194,000

$8,424,000 the first year and $8,424,000 the second year are from the snowmobile trails and enforcement account in the natural resources fund for snowmobile grants-in-aid. The additional money under this item may be used for new grant-in-aid trails. Any unencumbered balance does not cancel at the end of the first year and is available for the second year.

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APPROPRIATIONS

Available for the Year

Ending June 30

2008 2009

$1,175,000 the first year and $1,325,000 the second year are from the natural resources fund for off-highway vehicle grants-in-aid. Of this amount, $825,000 the first year and $1,075,000 the second year are from the all-terrain vehicle account; $150,000 each year is from the off-highway motorcycle account; and $200,000 the first year and $100,000 the second year are from the off-road vehicle account. Any unencumbered balance does not cancel at the end of the first year and is available for the second year.

$261,000 the first year and $261,000 the second year are from the water recreation account in the natural resources fund for a safe harbor program on Lake Superior.

$742,000 the first year and $760,000 the second year are from the natural resources fund for state trail operations and maintenance. The money may be used for trail maintenance, signage, mapping, interpretation, native prairie restoration using best management practices, and maintenance of nonmotorized forest trails. This appropriation is from the revenue deposited in the natural resources fund under Minnesota Statutes, section 297A.94, paragraph (e), clause (2).

$655,000 the first year and $655,000 the second year are from the natural resources fund for trail grants to local units of government on land to be maintained for at least 20 years for the purposes of the grant. This appropriation is from the revenue deposited in the natural resources fund under Minnesota Statutes, section 297A.94, paragraph (e), clause (4). Any unencumbered balance does not cancel at the end of the first year and is available for the second year. In addition, if a project financed under this program receives a federal grant award, the availability of the financing from this paragraph for that project is extended to equal the period of the federal grant.

$150,000 the first year and $150,000 the second year are from the all-terrain vehicle account for two all-terrain vehicle trail specialists to assist and consult with on all-terrain vehicle grant-in-aid education and training for sustainable trail development and maintenance, as well as providing training for public and private sector trail monitoring. The specialists may assist in the evaluation of grant-in-aid trail proposals, but not in the promotion of new trails.

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APPROPRIATIONS

Available for the Year

Ending June 30

2008 2009

$1,965,000 the first year and $2,040,000 the second year are from the game and fish fund for expenditures on water access sites according to the requirements of the federal sport and fish restoration program.

Money appropriated under Laws 2005, First Special Session chapter 1, article 2, section 11, subdivision 6, paragraph (h), for the Paul Bunyan State Trail connection is available until June 30, 2008.

$400,000 each year is for operation and maintenance of nonmotorized trails within state forests. This is a onetime appropriation.

$75,000 each year is for additional wild and scenic rivers program activities.

$120,000 the first year is from the water recreation account in the natural resources fund to cooperate with local units of government in marking routes and designating river accesses and campsites under Minnesota Statutes, section 85.32. This is a onetime appropriation and available until spent.

The appropriation in Laws 2005, First Special Session chapter 1, article 2, section 3, subdivision 6, from the lottery in lieu account in the natural resources fund for trail grants to local units of government, is available until June 30, 2009.

ARTICLE 6

ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES POLICY

Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 17.4988, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Aquatic farming license. (a) The annual fee for an aquatic farming license is $210 for the base license. The commissioner must establish an additional fee based on the acreage of the operation.

(b) The aquatic farming license may contain endorsements for the rights and privileges of the following licenses under the game and fish laws. The endorsement must be made upon payment of the license fee prescribed in section 97A.475 for the following licenses:

(1) minnow dealer license;

(2) minnow retailer license for sale of minnows as bait;

(3) minnow exporting license;

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(4) aquatic farm vehicle endorsement, which includes a minnow dealer vehicle license, a minnow retailer vehicle license, an exporting minnow vehicle license, and a fish vendor license;

(5) sucker egg taking license; and

(6) game fish packers license.

Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 17.4988, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Inspection fees. ~~The fees for the following inspections are:~~ The commissioner may, by written order published in the State Register, establish fees for the services listed in clauses (1) to (3). The fees must be set in an amount that does not recover significantly more or less than the cost of providing the service. The fees are not subject to the rulemaking provisions of chapter 14 and section 14.386 does not apply. The services covered under this provision include:

(1) initial inspection of each water to be licensed~~, $50~~;

(2) fish health inspection and certification, ~~$60 plus $150 per lot thereafter~~ including initial tissue sample collection, basic fish health assessment, viral pathogen testing, and bacteriological testing; and

(3) initial inspection for containment and quarantine facility inspections~~, $100~~.

Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 84.788, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Application; issuance; reports. (a) Application for registration or continued registration must be made to the commissioner or an authorized deputy registrar of motor vehicles in a form prescribed by the commissioner. The form must state the name and address of every owner of the off-highway motorcycle.

(b) A person who purchases from a retail dealer an off-highway motorcycle shall make application for registration to the dealer at the point of sale. The dealer shall issue a dealer temporary ~~ten-day~~ 21-day registration permit to each purchaser who applies to the dealer for registration. The dealer shall submit the completed registration applications and fees to the deputy registrar at least once each week. No fee may be charged by a dealer to a purchaser for providing the temporary permit.

(c) Upon receipt of the application and the appropriate fee, the commissioner or deputy registrar shall issue to the applicant, or provide to the dealer, an assigned registration number or a commissioner or deputy registrar temporary ~~ten-day~~ 21-day permit. Once issued, the registration number must be affixed to the motorcycle according to paragraph (f). A dealer subject to paragraph (b) shall provide the registration materials or temporary permit to the purchaser within the ~~ten-day~~ 21-day temporary permit period.

(d) The commissioner shall develop a registration system to register vehicles under this section. A deputy registrar of motor vehicles acting under section 168.33, is also a deputy registrar of off-highway motorcycles. The commissioner of natural resources in agreement with the commissioner of public safety may prescribe the accounting and procedural requirements necessary to ensure efficient handling of registrations and registration fees. Deputy registrars shall strictly comply with the accounting and procedural requirements.

(e) In addition to other fees prescribed by law, a filing fee of $4.50 is charged for each off-highway motorcycle registration renewal, duplicate or replacement registration card, and replacement decal and a filing fee of $7 is charged for each off-highway motorcycle registration and registration transfer issued by:

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(1) a deputy registrar and must be deposited in the treasury of the jurisdiction where the deputy is appointed, or kept if the deputy is not a public official; or

(2) the commissioner and must be deposited in the state treasury and credited to the off-highway motorcycle account.

(f) Unless exempted in paragraph (g), the owner of an off-highway motorcycle must display a registration decal issued by the commissioner. If the motorcycle is licensed as a motor vehicle, a registration decal must be affixed on the upper left corner of the rear license plate. If the motorcycle is not licensed as a motor vehicle, the decal must be attached on the side of the motorcycle and may be attached to the fork tube. The decal must be attached in a manner so that it is visible while a rider is on the motorcycle. The issued decals must be of a size to work within the constraints of the electronic licensing system, not to exceed three inches high and three inches wide.

(g) Display of a registration decal is not required for an off-highway motorcycle:

(1) while being operated on private property; or

(2) while competing in a closed-course competition event.

Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 84.82, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Application, issuance, reports, additional fee. (a) Application for registration or reregistration shall be made to the commissioner or an authorized deputy registrar of motor vehicles in a format prescribed by the commissioner and shall state the legal name and address of every owner of the snowmobile.

(b) A person who purchases a snowmobile from a retail dealer shall make application for registration to the dealer at the point of sale. The dealer shall issue a dealer temporary ~~ten-day~~ 21-day registration permit to each purchaser who applies to the dealer for registration. The temporary permit must contain the dealer's identification number and phone number. Each retail dealer shall submit completed registration and fees to the deputy registrar at least once a week. No fee may be charged by a dealer to a purchaser for providing the temporary permit.

(c) Upon receipt of the application and the appropriate fee as hereinafter provided, the commissioner or deputy registrar shall issue to the applicant, or provide to the dealer, an assigned registration number or a commissioner or deputy registrar temporary ~~ten-day~~ 21-day permit. Once issued, the registration number must be affixed to the snowmobile in a clearly visible and permanent manner for enforcement purposes as the commissioner of natural resources shall prescribe. A dealer subject to paragraph (b) shall provide the registration materials or temporary permit to the purchaser within the temporary ~~ten-day~~ 21-day permit period. The registration is not valid unless signed by at least one owner. The temporary permit must indicate whether a snowmobile state trail sticker under section 84.8205 was purchased.

(d) Each deputy registrar of motor vehicles acting pursuant to section 168.33, shall also be a deputy registrar of snowmobiles. The commissioner of natural resources in agreement with the commissioner of public safety may prescribe the accounting and procedural requirements necessary to assure efficient handling of registrations and registration fees. Deputy registrars shall strictly comply with these accounting and procedural requirements.

(e) A fee of $2 in addition to that otherwise prescribed by law shall be charged for:

(1) each snowmobile registered by the registrar or a deputy registrar and the additional fee shall be disposed of in the manner provided in section 168.33, subdivision 2; or

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(2) each snowmobile registered by the commissioner and the additional fee shall be deposited in the state treasury and credited to the snowmobile trails and enforcement account in the natural resources fund.

Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 84.82, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 3a. Expiration. All snowmobile registrations, excluding temporary registration permits, required under this section expire June 30 of the year of expiration.

Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2007 Supplement, section 84.8205, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Sticker required; fee. (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), a person may not operate a snowmobile on a state or grant-in-aid snowmobile trail unless a snowmobile state trail sticker is affixed to the snowmobile. The commissioner of natural resources shall issue a sticker upon application and payment of a $15 fee. The fee for a three-year snowmobile state trail sticker that is purchased at the time of snowmobile registration is $30. In addition to other penalties prescribed by law, a person in violation of this subdivision must purchase an annual state trail sticker for a fee of $30. The sticker is valid from November 1 through ~~April~~ June 30. Fees collected under this section, except for the issuing fee for licensing agents, shall be deposited in the state treasury and credited to the snowmobile trails and enforcement account in the natural resources fund and, except for the electronic licensing system commission established by the commissioner under section 84.027, subdivision 15, must be used for grants-in-aid, trail maintenance, grooming, and easement acquisition.

(b) A state trail sticker is not required under this section for:

(1) a snowmobile owned by the state or a political subdivision of the state that is registered under section 84.82, subdivision 5;

(2) a snowmobile that is owned and used by the United States, another state, or a political subdivision thereof that is exempt from registration under section 84.82, subdivision 6;

(3) a collector snowmobile that is operated as provided in a special permit issued for the collector snowmobile under section 84.82, subdivision 7a;

(4) a person operating a snowmobile only on the portion of a trail that is owned by the person or the person's spouse, child, or parent; or

(5) a snowmobile while being used to groom a state or grant-in-aid trail.

(c) A temporary registration permit issued by a dealer under section 84.82, subdivision 2, may include a snowmobile state trail sticker if the trail sticker fee is included with the registration application fee.

Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 84.922, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Application, issuance, reports. (a) Application for registration or continued registration shall be made to the commissioner or an authorized deputy registrar of motor vehicles in a form prescribed by the commissioner. The form must state the name and address of every owner of the vehicle.

(b) A person who purchases an all-terrain vehicle from a retail dealer shall make application for registration to the dealer at the point of sale. The dealer shall issue a dealer temporary ~~ten-day~~ 21-day registration permit to each purchaser who applies to the dealer for registration. The dealer shall submit the completed registration application and fees to the deputy registrar at least once each week. No fee may be charged by a dealer to a purchaser for providing the temporary permit.

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(c) Upon receipt of the application and the appropriate fee, the commissioner or deputy registrar shall issue to the applicant, or provide to the dealer, an assigned registration number or a commissioner or deputy registrar temporary ~~ten-day~~ 21-day permit. Once issued, the registration number must be affixed to the vehicle in a manner prescribed by the commissioner. A dealer subject to paragraph (b) shall provide the registration materials or temporary permit to the purchaser within the ~~ten-day~~ 21-day temporary permit period. The commissioner shall use the snowmobile registration system to register vehicles under this section.

(d) Each deputy registrar of motor vehicles acting under section 168.33, is also a deputy registrar of all-terrain vehicles. The commissioner of natural resources in agreement with the commissioner of public safety may prescribe the accounting and procedural requirements necessary to assure efficient handling of registrations and registration fees. Deputy registrars shall strictly comply with the accounting and procedural requirements.

(e) In addition to other fees prescribed by law, a filing fee of $4.50 is charged for each all-terrain vehicle registration renewal, duplicate or replacement registration card, and replacement decal and a filing fee of $7 is charged for each all-terrain vehicle registration and registration transfer issued by:

(1) a deputy registrar and shall be deposited in the treasury of the jurisdiction where the deputy is appointed, or retained if the deputy is not a public official; or

(2) the commissioner and shall be deposited to the state treasury and credited to the all-terrain vehicle account in the natural resources fund.

Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 84.9256, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Prohibitions on youthful operators. (a) Except for operation on public road rights-of-way that is permitted under section 84.928, a driver's license issued by the state or another state is required to operate an all-terrain vehicle along or on a public road right-of-way.

(b) A person under 12 years of age shall not:

(1) make a direct crossing of a public road right-of-way;

(2) operate an all-terrain vehicle on a public road right-of-way in the state; or

(3) operate an all-terrain vehicle on public lands or waters, except as provided in paragraph (f).

(c) Except for public road rights-of-way of interstate highways, a person 12 years of age but less than 16 years may make a direct crossing of a public road right-of-way of a trunk, county state-aid, or county highway or operate on public lands and waters or state or grant-in-aid trails, only if that person possesses a valid all-terrain vehicle safety certificate issued by the commissioner and is accompanied on another all-terrain vehicle by a person 18 years of age or older who holds a valid driver's license.

(d) To be issued an all-terrain vehicle safety certificate, a person at least 12 years old, but less than 16 years old, must:

(1) successfully complete the safety education and training program under section 84.925, subdivision 1, including a riding component; and

(2) be able to properly reach and control the handle bars and reach the foot pegs while sitting upright on the seat of the all-terrain vehicle.

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(e) A person at least 11 years of age may take the safety education and training program and may receive an all-terrain vehicle safety certificate under paragraph (d), but the certificate is not valid until the person reaches age 12.

(f) A person at least ten years of age but under 12 years of age may operate an all-terrain vehicle with an engine capacity up to 90cc on public lands or waters if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

(g) A person under 15 years of age shall not operate a class 2 all-terrain vehicle.

(h) A person under the age of 16 may not operate an all-terrain vehicle on public lands or waters or on state or grant-in-aid trails if the person cannot properly reach and control the handle bars and reach the foot pegs while sitting upright on the seat of the all-terrain vehicle.

Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 85.011, is amended to read:

85.011 CONFIRMATION OF CREATION AND ESTABLISHMENT OF STATE PARKS, ~~MONUMENTS,~~ STATE RECREATION ~~RESERVES~~ AREAS, AND WAYSIDES.

The legislature of this state has provided for the creation and establishment of state parks, designated ~~monuments,~~ state recreation ~~reserves~~ areas, and waysides for the purpose of conserving the scenery, natural and historic objects and wildlife and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.

The establishment of such state parks, designated ~~monuments,~~ state recreation ~~reserves~~ areas, and waysides is hereby confirmed as provided in this section and sections 85.012 and 85.013 and they shall remain perpetually dedicated for the use of the people of the state for park purposes.

The enumerated state parks, ~~state monuments,~~ state recreation areas, and state waysides shall consist of the lands and other property authorized therefor before January 1, 1969, together with such other lands and properties as may be authorized therefor on or after January 1, 1969.

Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 85.012, subdivision 28, is amended to read:

Subd. 28. Interstate State Park, Chisago County, which is hereby renamed from Dalles of Saint Croix State Park.

Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 85.012, subdivision 49a, is amended to read:

Subd. 49a. ~~St. Croix~~ Wild River State Park, Chisago County.

Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 85.013, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Names, acquisition; administration. (a) Designated ~~monuments,~~ recreation reserves, and waysides heretofore established and hereby confirmed as ~~state monuments,~~ state recreation areas and state waysides together with the counties in which they are situated are listed in this section and shall hereafter be named as indicated in this section.

(b) Any land that now is or hereafter becomes tax-forfeited land and is located within the described boundaries of a state recreation area as defined by session laws is hereby withdrawn from sale and is transferred from the custody, control, and supervision of the county board of the county to the commissioner of natural resources, free from any trust in favor of the interested taxing districts. The commissioner shall execute a certificate of acceptance of the lands on behalf of the state for such purposes and transmit the same to the county auditor of the county for record as provided by law in the case of tax-forfeited land transferred to the commissioner by resolution of the county board for conservation purposes.

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Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 85.054, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Interstate State Park. A Minnesota state park permit is not required at Interstate State Park if a valid, current, Wisconsin state park permit or sticker authorizing entry of a motor vehicle into Wisconsin state parks is appropriately displayed on the vehicle and the commissioner has entered into an agreement with appropriate officials of the state of Wisconsin that authorizes motor vehicles displaying Minnesota state park permits free entry into Interstate State Park of Wisconsin on a reciprocal basis.

Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 85.054, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 14. Grand Portage State Park. A state park permit is not required and a fee may not be charged for motor vehicle entry or parking at the Class 1 highway rest area parking lot located adjacent to marked Trunk Highway 61 and Pigeon River at Grand Portage State Park.

Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 86B.401, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Temporary certificate. A person who applies for a watercraft license may be issued a temporary license certificate to operate the watercraft. The temporary license certificate is valid for ~~the period of time specified by the commissioner~~ 21 days.

Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 88.15, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Not to be left burning. Every person who starts or maintains a campfire shall:

(1) exercise every reasonable precaution to prevent the campfire from spreading ~~and shall~~;

(2) before lighting the campfire, clear the ground of all combustible material ~~within a radius of~~ five feet from the base of the campfire~~. The person lighting the campfire shall~~;

(3) remain with the campfire at all times; and ~~shall~~

(4) before leaving the site, completely extinguish the campfire.

For the purposes of this section, "maintains" means tending or adding substantial fuel to a campfire with the intention of extending the life of the campfire.

Sec. 17. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 89.715, is amended to read:

89.715 ALTERNATIVE RECORDING FOR STATE FOREST ROAD.

Subdivision 1. Authorization. The commissioner may adopt a ~~recorded~~ state forest road map under this section to record the department's state forest road prescriptive easements. For purposes of this section, "~~recorded~~ state forest road map" means the official map of state forest roads adopted by the commissioner.

Subd. 2. Map requirements. The ~~recorded~~ state forest road map must:

(1) show state forest roads at the time the map is adopted;

(2) be prepared at a scale ~~of at least four inches equals one mile~~ compliant with county recorder standards;

(3) include section numbers;

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(4) include a north point arrow;

(5) include the name of the county and state;

(6) include a blank and a description under the blank for the date of public hearing and date of adoption;

(7) include blanks for signatures and dates of signatures for the commissioner; and

(8) include a list of legal descriptions of all parcels crossed by state forest road prescriptive easements.

Subd. 3. Procedure to adopt map. (a) The commissioner must prepare an official map for each county or smaller geographic area as determined by the commissioner as provided in subdivision 2, and set a time, place, and date for a public hearing on adopting a ~~recorded~~ state forest road map to record roads.

(b) The hearing notice must state that the roads to be recorded will be to the width of the actual use including ditches, backslopes, fills, and maintained rights-of-way, unless otherwise specified in a prior easement of record. The hearing notice must be published once a week for two successive weeks in a qualified newspaper of general circulation that serves the county or smaller geographic areas as determined by the commissioner, the last publication to be made at least ten days before the date of the public hearing. At least 30 days before the hearing, the hearing notice must be sent by certified mail to the property owners directly affected in the county or smaller geographic areas as determined by the commissioner at the addresses listed on the tax assessment notices at least seven days before appearing in the qualified newspaper. The hearing notice may be sent with the tax assessment, but all additional costs incurred shall be billed to the department.

(c) After the public hearing is held, the commissioner may amend and adopt the ~~recorded~~ state forest road map. The ~~recorded~~ adopted state forest road map must be dated and signed by the commissioner and must be ~~recorded~~ filed for recording with the county recorder within 90 days after the map is adopted. The map is effective when filed with the county recorder.

(d) The ~~recorded~~ state forest road map that is recorded with the county recorder must comply with the standards of the county recorder where the state forest roads are located.

(e) A ~~recorded~~ state forest road map that was prepared by using aerial photographs to establish road centerlines and that has been duly recorded with the county recorder is an adequate description for purposes of recording road easements and the map is the legally constituted description and prevails when a deed for a parcel abutting a road contains no reference to a road easement. Nothing prevents the commissioner from accepting a more definitive metes and bounds or survey description of a road easement for a road of record if the description of the easement is referenced to equal distance on both sides of the existing road centerline.

(f) The commissioner shall consult with representatives of county land commissioners, county auditors, county recorders, and Torrens examiners in implementing this subdivision.

Subd. 4. Appeal. (a) ~~Before filing an appeal under paragraph (b), a person may seek resolution of concerns regarding a decision to record a road under this section by contacting the commissioner in writing.~~

~~(b) A person may appeal a decision to record or exclude recording a road under this section to the district court within 120 days after the date the commissioner adopts the state forest road map.~~ Appeals may be filed only by property owners who are directly affected by a proposed map designation and only for those portions of the map designation that directly affect them.

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(b) A property owner may appeal the map designation to the commissioner within 60 days of the map being recorded by filing a written request for review. The commissioner shall review the request and any supporting evidence and render a decision within 45 days of receipt of the request for review.

(c) If a property owner wishes to appeal a decision of the commissioner after review under paragraph (b), the property owner must file an appeal with the district court within 60 days of the commissioner's decision.

(d) If any portion of a map appealed under paragraph (b) is modified or found to be invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction under paragraph (c), the remainder of the map shall not be affected and its recording with the county recorder shall stand.

Subd. 5. Unrecorded road or trail not affected. This section does not affect or diminish the legal status or state obligations of roads and trails not shown on the ~~recorded~~ state forest road map.

Subd. 6. Exemption. Adoption of a ~~recorded~~ state forest road map under this section is exempt from the rulemaking requirements of chapter 14 and section 14.386 does not apply.

Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 93.481, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 7. Mining administration account. The mining administration account is established as an account in the natural resources fund. Ferrous mining administrative fees charged to owners, operators, or managers of mines shall be credited to the account and may be appropriated to the commissioner to cover the costs of providing and monitoring permits to mine ferrous metals under this section.

Sec. 19. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 97A.055, subdivision 4b, is amended to read:

Subd. 4b. Citizen oversight subcommittees. (a) The commissioner shall appoint subcommittees of affected persons to review the reports prepared under subdivision 4; review the proposed work plans and budgets for the coming year; propose changes in policies, activities, and revenue enhancements or reductions; review other relevant information; and make recommendations to the legislature and the commissioner for improvements in the management and use of money in the game and fish fund.

(b) The commissioner shall appoint the following subcommittees, each comprised of at least three affected persons:

(1) a Fisheries Operations Subcommittee to review fisheries funding, excluding activities related to trout and salmon stamp funding;

(2) a Wildlife Operations Subcommittee to review wildlife funding, excluding activities related to migratory waterfowl, pheasant, and turkey stamp funding and excluding review of the amounts available under section 97A.075, subdivision 1, paragraphs (b) and (c);

(3) a Big Game Subcommittee to review the report required in subdivision 4, paragraph (a), clause (2);

(4) an Ecological ~~Services Operations~~ Resources Subcommittee to review ecological services funding;

(5) a subcommittee to review game and fish fund funding of enforcement~~, support services, and Department of Natural Resources administration~~ and operations support;

(6) a subcommittee to review the trout and salmon stamp report and address funding issues related to trout and salmon;

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(7) a subcommittee to review the report on the migratory waterfowl stamp and address funding issues related to migratory waterfowl;

(8) a subcommittee to review the report on the pheasant stamp and address funding issues related to pheasants; and

(9) a subcommittee to review the report on the turkey stamp and address funding issues related to wild turkeys.

(c) The chairs of each of the subcommittees shall form a Budgetary Oversight Committee to coordinate the integration of the subcommittee reports into an annual report to the legislature; recommend changes on a broad level in policies, activities, and revenue enhancements or reductions; provide a forum to address issues that transcend the subcommittees; and submit a report for any subcommittee that fails to submit its report in a timely manner.

(d) The Budgetary Oversight Committee shall develop recommendations for a biennial budget plan and report for expenditures on game and fish activities. By August 15 of each even-numbered year, the committee shall submit the budget plan recommendations to the commissioner and to the senate and house committees with jurisdiction over natural resources finance.

(e) Each subcommittee shall choose its own chair, except that the chair of the Budgetary Oversight Committee shall be appointed by the commissioner and may not be the chair of any of the subcommittees.

(f) The Budgetary Oversight Committee must make recommendations to the commissioner and to the senate and house committees with jurisdiction over natural resources finance for outcome goals from expenditures.

(g) Notwithstanding section 15.059, subdivision 5, or other law to the contrary, the Budgetary Oversight Committee and subcommittees do not expire until June 30, 2010.

Sec. 20. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 97A.141, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Acquisition; generally. The commissioner shall acquire access sites adjacent to public waters and easements and rights-of-way necessary to connect the access sites with public highways. The land may be acquired by gift, lease, or purchase, or by condemnation with approval of the Executive Council. ~~An access site may not exceed seven acres and may only be acquired where access is inadequate.~~

Sec. 21. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 103A.204, is amended to read:

103A.204 GROUNDWATER POLICY.

(a) The responsibility for the protection of groundwater in Minnesota is vested in a multiagency approach to management. The following is a list of agencies and the groundwater protection areas for which the agencies are primarily responsible; the list is not intended to restrict the areas of responsibility to only those specified:

(1) Environmental Quality Board: ~~creation of a water resources committee to coordinate~~ coordination of state groundwater protection programs and a biennial groundwater policy report beginning in 1994 that includes, for the 1994 report, the findings in the groundwater protection report coordinated by the Pollution Control Agency for the Environmental Protection Agency;

(2) Pollution Control Agency: water quality monitoring and reporting and the development of best management practices and regulatory mechanisms for protection of groundwater from nonagricultural chemical contaminants;

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(3) Department of Agriculture: sustainable agriculture, integrated pest management, water quality monitoring, and the development of best management practices and regulatory mechanisms for protection of groundwater from agricultural chemical contaminants;

(4) Board of Water and Soil Resources: reporting on groundwater education and outreach with local government officials, local water planning and management, and local cost share programs;

(5) Department of Natural Resources: water quantity monitoring and regulation, sensitivity mapping, and development of a plan for the use of integrated pest management and sustainable agriculture on state-owned lands; and

(6) Department of Health: regulation of wells and borings, and the development of health risk limits under section 103H.201.

(b) The Environmental Quality Board shall ~~through its Water Resources Committee coordinate with representatives of all agencies~~ prepare a report on policy issues related to its responsibilities listed in paragraph (a), ~~citizens, and other interested groups to prepare a biennial report every even-numbered year as part of its duties described in sections 103A.43 and 103B.151~~ and include these reports with the assessments in section 103A.43 and the "Minnesota Water Plan" in section 103B.151.

Sec. 22. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 103A.43, is amended to read:

103A.43 WATER ASSESSMENTS AND REPORTS.

(a) The Environmental Quality Board shall ~~evaluate and~~ consolidate the assessments required in paragraphs (b) and (c) with the policy report in section 103A.204 and submit a single report to the house of representatives and senate committees with jurisdiction over the environment, natural resources, and agriculture and the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources ~~on statewide water research needs and recommended priorities for addressing these needs. Local water research needs may also be included~~ by September 15, 2010, and every five years thereafter.

(b) The ~~Environmental Quality Board shall work with the~~ Pollution Control Agency and the Department of Agriculture ~~to coordinate~~ shall provide a biennial assessment and analysis of water quality, groundwater degradation trends, and efforts to reduce, prevent, minimize, and eliminate degradation of water. The assessment and analysis must include an analysis of relevant monitoring data.

(c) The ~~Environmental Quality Board shall work with the~~ Department of Natural Resources ~~to coordinate~~ shall provide an assessment and analysis of the quantity of surface and ground water in the state and the availability of water to meet the state's needs.

(d) The Environmental Quality Board shall coordinate and submit a report on water policy including the analyses in paragraphs (a) to (c) to the house of representatives and senate committees with jurisdiction over the environment, natural resources, and agriculture and the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources by September 15 of each even-numbered year. The report may include the groundwater policy report in section 103A.204.

Sec. 23. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 103B.151, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Water planning. The Environmental Quality Board shall:

(1) coordinate public water resource management and regulation activities among the state agencies having jurisdiction in the area;

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(2) ~~initiate,~~ coordinate~~, and continue to develop~~ comprehensive long-range water resources planning in furtherance of ~~the plan prepared by~~ the Environmental Quality Board's ~~Water Resources Committee entitled~~ "Minnesota Water Plan," published in January 1991, by September 15, 2000, and each ten-year interval afterwards;

(3) coordinate water planning activities of local, regional, and federal bodies with state water planning and integrate these plans with state strategies;

(4) coordinate development of state water policy recommendations and priorities, and a recommended program for funding identified needs, including priorities for implementing the state water resources monitoring plan;

(5) administer federal water resources planning with multiagency interests;

(6) ensure that groundwater quality monitoring and related data is provided and integrated into the Minnesota land management information system according to published data compatibility guidelines. Costs of integrating the data in accordance with data compatibility standards must be borne by the agency generating the data;

(7) coordinate the development and evaluation of water information and education materials and resources; and

(8) coordinate the dissemination of water information and education through existing delivery systems.

Sec. 24. Minnesota Statutes 2007 Supplement, section 103G.291, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Water supply plans; demand reduction. (a) Every public water supplier serving more than 1,000 people must submit a water supply plan to the commissioner for approval by January 1, 1996. In accordance with guidelines developed by the commissioner, the plan must address projected demands, adequacy of the water supply system and planned improvements, existing and future water sources, natural resource impacts or limitations, emergency preparedness, water conservation, supply and demand reduction measures, and allocation priorities that are consistent with section 103G.261. Public water suppliers must update their plan and, upon notification, submit it to the commissioner for approval every ten years.

(b) The water supply plan in paragraph (a) is required for all communities in the metropolitan area, as defined in section 473.121, with a municipal water supply system and is a required element of the local comprehensive plan required under section 473.859. Water supply plans or updates submitted after December 31, 2008, must be consistent with the metropolitan area master water supply plan required under section 473.1565, subdivision 1, paragraph (a), clause (2).

(c) Public water suppliers serving more than 1,000 people must employ water use demand reduction measures, including a conservation rate structure, as defined in subdivision 4, paragraph (a), unless exempted under subdivision 4, paragraph (c), before requesting approval from the commissioner of health under section 144.383, paragraph (a), to construct a public water supply well or requesting an increase in the authorized volume of appropriation. Demand reduction measures must include evaluation of conservation rate structures and a public education program that may include a toilet and showerhead retrofit program.

(d) Public water suppliers serving more than 1,000 people must submit records that indicate the number of connections and amount of use by customer category and volume of water unaccounted for with the annual report of water use required under section 103G.281, subdivision 3.

(e) For the purposes of this ~~subdivision~~ section, "public water supplier" means an entity that owns, manages, or operates a public water supply, as defined in section 144.382, subdivision 4.

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Sec. 25. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 103G.291, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 4. Conservation rate structure required. (a) For the purposes of this section, "conservation rate structure" means a rate structure that encourages conservation and may include increasing block rates, seasonal rates, time of use rates, individualized goal rates, or excess use rates. The rate structure must consider each residential unit as an individual user in multiple-family dwellings.

(b) To encourage conservation, a public water supplier serving more than 1,000 people in the metropolitan area, as defined in section 473.121, subdivision 2, shall use a conservation rate structure by January 1, 2010. All remaining public water suppliers serving more than 1,000 people shall use a conservation rate structure by January 1, 2013.

(c) A public water supplier without the proper measuring equipment to track the amount of water used by its users, as of the effective date of this act, is exempt from this subdivision and the conservation rate structure requirement under subdivision 3, paragraph (c).

Sec. 26. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 103G.615, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Fees. (a) The commissioner shall establish a fee schedule for permits to control or harvest aquatic plants other than wild rice. The fees must be set by rule, and section 16A.1283 does not apply. The fees ~~may not exceed $750 per permit~~ shall be based upon the cost of receiving, processing, analyzing, and issuing the permit, and additional costs incurred after the application to inspect and monitor the activities authorized by the permit, and enforce aquatic plant management rules and permit requirements.

(b) ~~The~~ A fee for a permit for the control of rooted aquatic vegetation ~~is $35~~ for each contiguous parcel of shoreline owned by an owner may be charged. This fee may not be charged for permits issued in connection with purple loosestrife control or lakewide Eurasian water milfoil control programs.

(d) The money received for the permits under this subdivision shall be deposited in the treasury and credited to the water recreation account.

Sec. 27. [115A.9175] LANDFILL; SITING.

(a) To reduce potential future remediation costs and to protect groundwater, an applicant for a permit for a disposal facility that was not in operation prior to March 1, 2008, and that accepts mixed municipal solid waste, ash, industrial waste, or construction and demolition waste for disposal must submit as part of the application the results of an independent laboratory analysis for major cations and anions and for enriched tritium in water samples taken from an upgradient and downgradient well finished in the uppermost unconsolidated aquifer encountered and an upgradient and downgradient well finished in the uppermost bedrock aquifer at the site. If 150 feet of continuous nonaquifer material is encountered above the bedrock, testing of bedrock wells is not required. If no unconsolidated or bedrock aquifers are found within the first 150 feet at the site, no cation, anion, or tritium testing is required.

(b) The commissioner may not issue a disposal facility permit to an applicant whose test results for tritium required in paragraph (a) report concentrations of five tritium units or greater in any well tested, except as provided in paragraph (c).

(c) If test results report concentrations of five enriched tritium units or greater for any well, an applicant may present to the commissioner reasons and supporting documentation why the tritium test results may not indicate that the site is highly sensitive to groundwater contamination at the site. If the commissioner determines that the

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applicant's reasons and supporting documentation are scientifically valid, the commissioner shall specify additional testing of groundwater samples from the site that will allow a better estimate to be made of the sensitivity of groundwater contamination at the site. If, after reviewing the tritium test results, the additional testing data, and any other data pertaining to the site's susceptibility to groundwater contamination, the commissioner determines that the conclusion that the site is not highly sensitive to groundwater contamination is supported by a preponderance of the scientifically valid evidence available, the commissioner may issue the permit. For the purposes of this section, "highly sensitive to groundwater contamination" means that the travel time of water from the land surface to the water table or bedrock is less than 20 years.

(d) Beginning July 1, 2010, and every two years thereafter, the commissioner must review air sampling of the atmospheric concentration of tritium and adjust the tritium concentration threshold in paragraph (b) to a level no greater than one-half the average concentration of tritium in the atmosphere in this state.

(e) Paragraphs (a) to (f) do not apply to an application for a permit to expand, including a noncontiguous expansion of a facility, or modify the type of waste accepted at a disposal facility operating as of March 1, 2008.

(f) Minnesota Rules, part 7035.2815, applies to a disposal facility accepting industrial waste.

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

Sec. 28. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 473.1565, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Reports to legislature. The council must submit reports to the legislature regarding its findings, recommendations, and continuing planning activities under subdivision 1. ~~The first report must be submitted to the legislature by the date the legislature convenes in 2007 and subsequent reports must be submitted by such date every five years thereafter.~~ These reports shall be included in the "Minnesota Water Plan" required in section 103B.151, and five-year interim reports may be provided as necessary.

Sec. 29. FERROUS METALS MINING ADMINISTRATIVE FEE.

(a) Until a new application fee schedule is adopted for permits to mine ferrous metals according to the report submitted by the commissioner of natural resources under article 1, section 3, subdivision 2, the commissioner shall charge the following administrative fees, payable to the commissioner by June 30 of each year, beginning in 2008 until a new application fee schedule is adopted.

(b) The owner, operator, or manager of the following mines shall pay $90,000:

(1) Minntac and Keetac; and

(2) North Shore, Hibbing Taconite, and United Taconite.

(d) The owner, operator, or manager of the following mines shall pay $3,333:

(1) Minnesota Steel;

(2) Mesaba Nugget; and

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(3) Cliffs Erie, formerly LTV.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment and applies to owners, operators, and managers holding or applying for a permit to mine under Minneota Statutes, section 93.481, during the 2007 calendar year.

Sec. 30. RULES.

The commissioner of natural resources shall adopt rules to implement the changes in law made in sections 3 to 7 and 15. The initial rules required by this section are exempt from the rulemaking provisions of Minnesota Statutes, chapter 14. The rules are subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 14.386, except that notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 14.386, paragraph (b), the rules continue in effect until repealed or superseded by other law or rule.

Sec. 31. REPEALER.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, sections 84.961, subdivision 4; 85.013, subdivision 21b; and 97A.141, subdivision 2, and Laws 1989, chapter 335, article 1, section 21, subdivision 8, as amended by Laws 2002, chapter 323, section 19, are repealed.

ARTICLE 7

ENERGY, COMMERCE, UTILITIES

Section 1. SUMMARY OF APPROPRIATIONS.

The amounts shown in this section summarize direct appropriations or reductions, by fund, made in this article.

2008 2009 Total

General $30,000 $(186,000) $(156,000)

Special Revenue -0- 260,000 260,000

Cancellations -0- 2,600,000 2,600,000

Transfers From Other Funds -0- 9,180,000 9,180,000

Sec. 2. COMMERCE AND PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION APPROPRIATIONS AND REDUCTIONS.

The dollar amounts in the columns under "APPROPRIATIONS AND REDUCTIONS" are added to or, if shown in parentheses, subtracted from the appropriations in Laws 2007, chapter 57, or other law to the specified agencies. The appropriations are from the general fund, or another named fund, and are available for the fiscal years indicated for each purpose. The figures "2008" and "2009" used in this article mean that the appropriations listed under them are available for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, or June 30, 2009, respectively. "The first year" is fiscal year 2008. "The second year" is fiscal year 2009. "The biennium" is fiscal years 2008 and 2009. Appropriations for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, are effective the day following final enactment.

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APPROPRIATIONS AND

REDUCTIONS

Available for the Year

Ending June 30

2008 2009

Sec. 3. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Subdivision 1. Total Appropriation $30,000 $74,000

Appropriations by Fund

2008 2009

General 30,000 (186,000)

Special Revenue -0- 260,000

Cancellations -0- 2,600,000

Transfers From Other Funds -0- 5,180,000

Subd. 2. Administration -0- 84,000

$46,000 in the second year is a base reduction to the administration program and the Office of Energy Security.

$130,000 in the second year is a base increase for staffing to enhance unclaimed property compliance.

Subd. 3. Market Assurance (270,000) (270,000)

This is a base reduction to the do not call program.

Subd. 4. Energy and Telecommunications 300,000 260,000

Appropriations by Fund

General Fund 300,000 -0-

Special Revenue Fund -0- 260,000

$300,000 in the first year is for the solar rebate program. This is a onetime appropriation and is available until spent.

$175,000 in the second year is a onetime appropriation for the broadband mapping project initiated in this article. This appropriation is from the telecommunications access Minnesota fund account in the special revenue fund.

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APPROPRIATIONS AND

REDUCTIONS

Available for the Year

Ending June 30

2008 2009

$85,000 in the second year is a onetime appropriation for transfer to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota for the state video franchising study initiated in this article. This appropriation is from the telecommunications access Minnesota fund account in the special revenue fund.

Of the amounts appropriated from the special revenue fund in the second year to the commissioner of commerce for renewable energy research under Laws 2007, chapter 57, article 2, section 3, subdivision 6, clause (7), up to $250,000 may be used for cold weather biodiesel blending infrastructure grants to facilities that serve Minnesota, $500,000 must be used to support the algae-to-biofuels research project at the University of Minnesota and the Metropolitan Council, and up to $500,000 must be used for the cap-and-trade governance and economic and emissions studies required in 2008 House File 3195. The appropriation for the cap-and-trade studies is available only if 2008 House File 3195, or legislation requiring the studies, is enacted.

Of the amounts appropriated from the special revenue fund in the second year to the commissioner of commerce for automotive technology projects under Laws 2007, chapter 57, article 2, subdivision 6, clause (4), up to $200,000 shall be used for the required report and activities of the Green Economy Transformation Task Force established in this article. This is a onetime appropriation.

Of the assessment amount authorized under Minnesota Statutes, section 216B.241, subdivision 1e, up to $200,000 in the second year shall be used for the required report and activities of the Green Economy Transformation Task Force established in this article. This is a onetime appropriation.

Subd. 5. Cancellation

Prior to July 31, 2008, $2,600,000 from the unexpended balance from the appropriation made in Laws 2007, chapter 57, article 2, section 3, subdivision 6, for renewable hydrogen initiative grants is canceled to the general fund.

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APPROPRIATIONS AND

REDUCTIONS

Available for the Year

Ending June 30

2008 2009

Subd. 6. Transfers

(a) Insurance Fraud Prevention Account

Prior to July 31, 2008, the commissioner of finance shall transfer $2,000,000 from the unexpended balance of the insurance fraud prevention account established in Minnesota Statutes, section 45.0135, to the general fund.

After June 15, 2009, and prior to June 30, 2009, the commissioner of finance shall transfer $1,500,000 from the unexpended balance of the insurance fraud prevention account established in Minnesota Statutes, section 45.0135, to the general fund.

(b) Real Estate Education, Research and Recovery Fund

Prior to July 31, 2008, the commissioner of finance shall transfer $1,350,000 from the unexpended balance of the real estate education, research and recovery fund established in Minnesota Statutes, section 82.43, to the general fund.

Prior to July 31, 2008, the commissioner of finance shall transfer $100,000 from the unexpended balance of the consumer education account established under Minnesota Statutes, section 58.10, to the general fund.

(d) Automobile Theft Prevention Account

Prior to July 31, 2008, the commissioner of finance shall transfer $230,000 from the unexpended balance of the automobile theft prevention account established in Minnesota Statutes, section 168A.40, to the general fund.

Sec. 4. PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION

Prior to July 31, 2008, the commissioner of finance shall transfer $4,000,000 from the telephone assistance fund established in Minnesota Statutes, section 237.701, to the general fund.

Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2007 Supplement, section 16B.328, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 3. Standards for state-funded outdoor lighting fixtures. (a) An outdoor lighting fixture may be installed or replaced using state funds only if:

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(1) the new or replacement outdoor lighting fixture is a cutoff luminaire if the rated output of the outdoor lighting fixture is greater than 1,800 lumens;

(2) the minimum illuminance adequate for the intended purpose is used with consideration given to nationally recognized standards;

(3) for lighting of a designated highway of the state highway system, the Department of Transportation determines that the purpose of the outdoor lighting fixture cannot be achieved by the installation of reflective road markers, lines, warning or informational signs, or other effective passive methods; and

(4) full consideration has been given to energy conservation and savings, reducing glare, minimizing light pollution, and preserving the natural night environment.

(b) Paragraph (a) does not apply if:

(1) a federal law, rule, or regulation preempts state law;

(2) the outdoor lighting fixture is used on a temporary basis because emergency personnel require additional illumination for emergency procedures;

(3) the outdoor lighting fixture is used on a temporary basis for nighttime work;

(4) special events or situations require additional illumination, provided that the illumination installed shields the outdoor lighting fixtures from direct view and minimizes upward lighting and light pollution;

(5) the outdoor lighting fixture is used solely to highlight the aesthetic aspects of a single object or distinctive building; or

(6) a compelling safety interest exists that cannot be addressed by another method.

(c) This subdivision does not apply to the operation and maintenance of lights or lighting systems purchased or installed, or for which design work is completed, before August 1, 2008.

(d) This section does not apply if a state agency or local unit of government determines that compliance with this section would:

(1) require an increased use of electricity;

(2) increase the construction cost of a lighting system more than 15 percent over the construction cost of a lighting system that does not comply with this section;

(3) increase the cost of operation and maintenance of the lighting system more than ten percent over the cost of operating and maintaining the existing lighting system over the life of the lighting system; or

(4) result in a negative safety impact.

Sec. 6. [116J.437] COORDINATING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY.

Subdivision 1. Definitions. For the purpose of this section, "green economy" means products, processes, methods, technologies, or services intended to do one or more of the following:

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(1) increase the use of energy from renewable sources, as defined in section 216B.1691;

(2) increase the energy efficiency of the electric utility infrastructure system or increase energy conservation related to electricity use, as provided in sections 216B.2401 and 216B.241;

(3) reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as defined in section 216H.01, subdivision 2, or mitigate greenhouse gas emissions through, but not limited to, carbon capture, storage, or sequestration;

(4) monitor, protect, restore, and preserve the quality of surface waters; or

(5) expand use of biofuels, including by expanding the feasibility or reducing the cost of producing biofuels or the types of equipment, machinery, and vehicles that can use biofuels.

Subd. 2. Coordinating economic development and environmental policy. The commissioner shall cooperate to promote job training that complements green economy business development.

Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2007 Supplement, section 116J.575, subdivision 1a, is amended to read:

Subd. 1a. Priorities. (a) If applications for grants exceed the available appropriations, grants shall be made for sites that, in the commissioner's judgment, provide the highest return in public benefits for the public costs incurred. "Public benefits" include job creation, bioscience development, environmental benefits to the state and region, efficient use of public transportation, efficient use of existing infrastructure, provision of affordable housing, multiuse development that constitutes community rebuilding rather than single-use development, crime reduction, blight reduction, community stabilization, and property tax base maintenance or improvement. In making this judgment, the commissioner shall give priority to redevelopment projects with one or more of the following characteristics:

(1) the need for redevelopment in conjunction with contamination remediation needs;

(2) the redevelopment project meets current tax increment financing requirements for a redevelopment district and tax increments will contribute to the project;

(3) the redevelopment potential within the municipality;

(4) proximity to public transit if located in the metropolitan area;

(5) redevelopment costs related to expansion of a bioscience business in Minnesota; ~~and~~

(6) multijurisdictional projects that take into account the need for affordable housing, transportation, and environmental impact; or

(7) the project advances or promotes the green economy as defined in section 116J.437.

(b) The factors in paragraph (a) are not listed in a rank order of priority; rather, the commissioner may weigh each factor, depending upon the facts and circumstances, as the commissioner considers appropriate. The commissioner may consider other factors that affect the net return of public benefits for completion of the redevelopment plan. The commissioner, notwithstanding the listing of priorities and the goal of maximizing the return of public benefits, shall make grants that distribute available money to sites both within and outside of the metropolitan area. Unless sufficient applications are not received for qualifying sites outside of the metropolitan area, at least 50 percent of the money provided as grants must be made for sites located outside of the metropolitan area.

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Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 116J.8731, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4. Eligible projects. Assistance must be evaluated on the existence of the following conditions:

(1) creation of new jobs, retention of existing jobs, or improvements in the quality of existing jobs as measured by the wages, skills, or education associated with those jobs;

(2) increase in the tax base;

(3) the project can demonstrate that investment of public dollars induces private funds;

(4) the project can demonstrate an excessive public infrastructure or improvement cost beyond the means of the affected community and private participants in the project;

(5) the project provides higher wage levels to the community or will add value to current workforce skills;

(6) whether assistance is necessary to retain existing business; ~~and~~

(7) whether assistance is necessary to attract out-of-state business; and

(8) the project promotes or advances the green economy as defined in section 116J.437.

A grant or loan cannot be made based solely on a finding that the conditions in clause (6) or (7) exist. A finding must be made that a condition in clause (1), (2), (3), (4), or (5) also exists.

Applications recommended for funding shall be submitted to the commissioner.

Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2007 Supplement, section 216C.41, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Eligibility window. Payments may be made under this section only for:

(a) electricity generated from:

(1) a qualified hydroelectric facility that is operational and generating electricity before December 31, ~~2009~~ 2011;

(2) a qualified wind energy conversion facility that is operational and generating electricity before January 1, 2008; or

(3) a qualified on-farm biogas recovery facility from July 1, 2001, through December 31, 2017; and

(b) gas generated from a qualified on-farm biogas recovery facility from July 1, 2007, through December 31, 2017.

Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 216C.41, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4. Payment period. (a) A facility may receive payments under this section for a ten-year period. No payment under this section may be made for electricity generated:

(1) by a qualified hydroelectric facility after December 31, ~~2019~~ 2021;

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(2) by a qualified wind energy conversion facility after December 31, 2018; or

(3) by a qualified on-farm biogas recovery facility after December 31, 2015.

(b) The payment period begins and runs consecutively from the date the facility begins generating electricity or, in the case of refurbishment of a hydropower facility, after substantial repairs to the hydropower facility dam funded by the incentive payments are initiated.

Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 609.531, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Definitions. For the purpose of sections 609.531 to 609.5318, the following terms have the meanings given them.

(a) "Conveyance device" means a device used for transportation and includes, but is not limited to, a motor vehicle, trailer, snowmobile, airplane, and vessel and any equipment attached to it. The term "conveyance device" does not include property which is, in fact, itself stolen or taken in violation of the law.

(b) "Weapon used" means a dangerous weapon as defined under section 609.02, subdivision 6, that the actor used or had in possession in furtherance of a crime.

(d) "Contraband" means property which is illegal to possess under Minnesota law.

(e) "Appropriate agency" means the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, the Department of Commerce Division of Insurance Fraud Prevention, the Minnesota Division of Driver and Vehicle Services, the Minnesota State Patrol, a county sheriff's department, the Three Rivers Park District park rangers, the Department of Natural Resources Division of Enforcement, the University of Minnesota Police Department, the Department of Corrections' Fugitive Apprehension Unit, or a city or airport police department.

(f) "Designated offense" includes:

(1) for weapons used: any violation of this chapter, chapter 152, or chapter 624;

(2) for driver's license or identification card transactions: any violation of section 171.22; and

(3) for all other purposes: a felony violation of, or a felony-level attempt or conspiracy to violate, section 325E.17; 325E.18; 609.185; 609.19; 609.195; 609.21; 609.221; 609.222; 609.223; 609.2231; 609.24; 609.245; 609.25; 609.255; 609.282; 609.283; 609.322; 609.342, subdivision 1, clauses (a) to (f); 609.343, subdivision 1, clauses (a) to (f); 609.344, subdivision 1, clauses (a) to (e), and (h) to (j); 609.345, subdivision 1, clauses (a) to (e), and (h) to (j); 609.352; 609.42; 609.425; 609.466; 609.485; 609.487; 609.52; 609.525; 609.527; 609.528; 609.53; 609.54; 609.551; 609.561; 609.562; 609.563; 609.582; 609.59; 609.595; 609.611; 609.631; 609.66, subdivision 1e; 609.671, subdivisions 3, 4, 5, 8, and 12; 609.687; 609.821; 609.825; 609.86; 609.88; 609.89; 609.893; 609.895; 617.246; 617.247; or a gross misdemeanor or felony violation of section 609.891 or 624.7181; or any violation of section 609.324.

(g) "Controlled substance" has the meaning given in section 152.01, subdivision 4.

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Sec. 12. STATE VIDEO FRANCHISING STUDY.

Subdivision 1. Study contents. The Department of Commerce shall contract for a study of the impact of legislation enacted in at least three states that requires franchises for video service to be issued by a state agency. The contractor conducting the study shall, prior to its initiation, consult with associations representing municipalities and communities of color. The study shall contain, at a minimum, the following information:

(1) the number of new video service providers that have applied for a state video franchise;

(2) the number of incumbent video service providers that have elected to terminate an existing franchise agreement and apply for a state video franchise;

(3) the amount of capital invested by new video service providers to furnish video service;

(4) the number of communities in which new video service providers intend to offer video services, as reflected in their application;

(5) the number of communities with an incumbent video provider in which new providers intend to offer video services;

(6) the number of communities with no incumbent video service provider in which new video service providers intend to offer video services;

(7) the effect on video service prices in communities with an incumbent video provider in which new video service providers offer video services;

(8) the effect on franchise fee revenues received by municipalities from video service providers;

(9) the effect on the number of PEG channels available to communities;

(10) the effect on the amount of revenues received by municipalities to support the provision of PEG programming in communities;

(11) the effect on the amount of PEG programming available in communities;

(12) the progress of new video providers in meeting any build-out requirements in the law; and

(13) the effect on municipal services provided to communities by video service providers.

Subd. 2. Report. The department shall submit the report described in subdivision 1 to the chairs and ranking minority members of the senate and house committees with primary jurisdiction over telecommunications policy by February 1, 2009.

Sec. 13. BROADBAND MAPPING PROJECT.

Subdivision 1. Project. The commissioner of commerce shall contract with a nonprofit organization that has significant experience working with broadband providers to develop geographical information system maps displaying levels of broadband service by connection speed and type of technology used and integrating the maps with demographic information to produce a comprehensive statewide inventory and mapping of existing broadband service and capability.

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Subd. 2. Mapping. Data must be collected from broadband providers and entered into a geographic information system to produce maps that, for the state of Minnesota and any defined geographical entity within it, clearly convey the following information:

(1) areas unserved by any broadband provider;

(2) areas served by a single broadband provider;

(3) the location of towers used to transmit and receive broadband signals;

(4) actual upstream and downstream transmission speeds at the county level of detail;

(5) areas served by multiple broadband providers; and

(6) the types of technology used to provide broadband service.

The data used to produce the maps must be capable of being integrated with demographic data from other sources including, but not limited to, population density and household income to allow for the production of maps that measure, down to the census block level of detail, various characteristics of residents in areas receiving different levels of broadband services and utilizing different technologies. Data provided by a broadband provider to the contractor under this subdivision is nonpublic data under Minnesota Statutes, section 13.02, subdivision 9. Maps produced under this subdivision are public data under Minnesota Statutes, section 13.03.

For the purposes of this section, "technology" or "technologies" means different methods of connecting to the Internet including, but not limited to, cable modem, DSL, ADSL, VDSL, and fiber optics.

Sec. 14. REPORT.

The commissioner of commerce, in consultation with the commissioner of employment and economic development, must analyze all state grant and loan programs administered by a state agency to develop a plan specific to each program to optimize the growth of the green economy, as defined in section 6, through program activities. The report, along with any necessary implementing legislation, must be submitted to the chairs of the legislative committees with primary jurisdiction over energy, environmental, and economic development finance or policy issues by January 15, 2009.

Sec. 15. GREEN ECONOMY TRANSFORMATION TASK FORCE.

Subdivision 1. Task force. (a) A Green Economy Transformation Task Force is created to advise and assist the governor and legislature regarding activities to transform the state's economy, and to develop a statewide action plan as provided under subdivision 2. The task force shall consist of:

(1) three legislators from the house of representatives, including one minority caucus member, appointed by the speaker, and three legislators from the senate, including one minority caucus member, appointed by the Subcommittee on Committees of the Committee on Rules and Administration;

(2) six representatives from state agencies and institutions appointed by the governor, including one member from the Office of Energy Security, one member from the Department of Employment and Economic Security, one member from the Job Skills Partnership Board, one member from the University of Minnesota, one member from Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, and one additional member; and

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(3) six persons from the private sector appointed by the cochairs of the task force, including one member representing the utility industry, one member representing labor, one member representing manufacturing, one member representing financial institutions, one member representing venture capital, and one additional member. A cochair shall be named from among the legislative members by the appointing authority of each legislative body.

The governor is exempt from the requirements of the open appointments process for purposes of appointing task force members.

(b) The Department of Commerce shall provide staff support to the task force. The task force may accept outside resources to help support its efforts.

Subd. 2. Duties. (a) By January 15, 2009, the task force shall develop and present to the legislature and the governor a statewide action plan, including necessary legislation and budget requests, for transforming the economic system of the state to respond to and benefit from the environmental and energy policies of the state contained in the:

(1) renewable energy standard in Minnesota Statutes, section 216B.1691, subdivision 2a;

(2) energy conservation requirement in Minnesota Statutes, section 216B.241, subdivision 1c;

(3) greenhouse gas emission reduction goals in Minnesota Statutes, section 216H.02, subdivision 1;

(4) Clean Water Legacy Act in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 114D; and

(5) biofuels 25 by 2025 initiative in Minnesota Statutes, sections 41A.10, subdivision 2, and 41A.11.

(b) The plan may consist of legislative actions, administrative actions of governmental entities, collaborative actions, and actions of individuals and individual organizations. The plan must be developed following the analysis described in this paragraph and must be based on the analysis. The analysis must include:

(1) a market analysis of the business opportunities and needs created by the laws enumerated in paragraph (a), including local, state, national, and international markets;

(2) an analysis of the labor force needs related to the market analysis opportunities identified in clause (1), including educational, training, and retraining needs; and

(3) an inventory of the current labor and business assets available to respond to the opportunities identified in clause (1) and the labor needs identified in clause (2).

The task force shall contract for the analysis required by this paragraph.

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ARTICLE 8

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, BOARD OF ANIMAL HEALTH, DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Section 1. SUMMARY OF APPROPRIATIONS.

The sums shown in the columns marked "Appropriations" are added to or, if shown in parentheses, subtracted from the appropriations in Laws 2007, chapter 45, articles 1 to 3, 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 "2008" and "2009" used in this article mean that the addition to or subtraction from the appropriation listed under them is available for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, or June 30, 2009, respectively. Supplemental appropriations and reductions to appropriations for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, are effective the day following final enactment.

APPROPRIATIONS

Available for the Year

Ending June 30

2008 2009

Sec. 2. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE $(200,000) $2,143,000

$302,000 is a reduction in fiscal year 2009. The commissioner shall make a reduction of $100,000 from agricultural marketing, $100,000 shall come from efficiencies gained by the merger of the Agriculture Resources Management and Development Division and the Agriculture Finance Division, and the remainder shall come from a reduction in administrative services.

$2,385,000 in fiscal year 2009 is for grants to livestock producers via the livestock investment grant program in Minnesota Statutes, section 17.118, if enacted. This is a onetime appropriation and is available until spent.

The $200,000 appropriation in Laws 2007, chapter 45, article 1, section 3, subdivision 4, for a grant to the Elk River Economic Development Authority for a bioenergy project is canceled to the general fund.

$60,000 in fiscal year 2009 is for a grant to the Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars. The center must use the funds for an agricultural renewable energy internship pilot program that awards scholarships to students enrolling in a Minnesota four-year college or university beginning in the spring semester of 2009. This appropriation must be matched two-to-one by funding from the United States Department of Agriculture. The center must work with Minnesota colleges and universities and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture to achieve racial, ethnic, and gender diversity, as well as rural-urban balance among scholarship recipients, and must award the scholarships to Minnesota students who are economically disadvantaged, who demonstrate need of financial assistance, and who are underrepresented in higher education. This is a onetime appropriation.

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APPROPRIATIONS

Available for the Year

Ending June 30

2008 2009

$310,000 is a reduction in fiscal year 2009 of the appropriation for ethanol producer payments in Laws 2007, chapter 45, article 1, section 3, subdivision 4. This reduction becomes part of the base. In addition, the appropriation for producer payments must be reduced by an additional $247,000 in 2010 and $293,000 in 2011 to reflect the end of deficiency payments to a bankrupt ethanol entity as required in article 9, section 6. These amounts must stay within the budget for the Department of Agriculture.

$310,000 in fiscal year 2009 is for increased ground water monitoring activities. This appropriation is onetime only.

Sec. 3. BOARD OF ANIMAL HEALTH $472,000 $5,562,000

For monitoring, testing, eradication, education, and outreach, and other activities the board is required to undertake to comply with federal regulations concerning cattle, bison, goats, and farmed cervidae under a USDA modified accredited status. $2,252,000 is added to the base in each of fiscal years 2010 and 2011.

Up to $12,000 in fiscal year 2009 is for a onetime grant to a beef cattle producer located outside of a bovine tuberculosis containment area who purchased certified tuberculosis-free cattle yet sustained financial losses beyond the producer's control due to restrictions imposed by the Board of Animal Health that effectively denied the producer the ability to sell the tuberculosis-free cattle during favorable market conditions. Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 35.085, the board shall make this grant from the $100,000 appropriation for reimbursements in Laws 2007, chapter 45, article 1, section 4.

Sec. 4. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Subdivision 1. Total Appropriation $(5,250,000) $1,357,000

Appropriations by Fund

2008 2009

General (5,250,000) 1,695,000

Special Revenue -0- (338,000)

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

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APPROPRIATIONS

Available for the Year

Ending June 30

2008 2009

Subd. 2. Appropriations by Purpose

$500,000 in fiscal year 2009 is added to the base for grants to counties for veterans service offices as provided under Laws 2007, chapter 45, article 2, section 1, paragraph (b).

By January 15, 2009, the commissioner shall report to the chair and ranking minority member of each committee in the senate and house of representatives with jurisdiction over the policy and finance of veterans affairs regarding activities and expenditures under this program during fiscal years 2008 and 2009, including an explanation of the role of staff of the Department of Veterans Affairs in administering this program.

$3,500,000 in fiscal year 2009 is for state soldiers assistance under Minnesota Statutes, section 197.05. Of this amount, $2,000,000 is added to the base for this activity. This appropriation is available until spent.

$1,000,000 in fiscal year 2009 is for casework services for veterans. The commissioner, in consultation with the Department of Administration, shall use the request for proposal process in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 16C, to solicit bids for the provision of these services. The casework services provided should be community-based, available statewide, and include in-home counseling.

$220,000 in fiscal year 2009 is added to the base for operations of the LinkVET telephone line service for veterans.

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APPROPRIATIONS

Available for the Year

Ending June 30

2008 2009

For purposes of efficiency, the commissioner must combine the services available through the toll-free higher education call center for veterans with those available through LinkVET.

$250,000 in fiscal year 2009 is added to the base for the Veterans Claims Office for outreach and training to improve services and benefits to veterans. This appropriation includes money to add a female veterans service officer/coordinator position.

$50,000 in fiscal year 2009 is for designing a treatment program for veterans with traumatic brain injuries within the state veterans homes. By January 15, 2009, the commissioner must report to the chair and ranking minority member of each committee in the senate and house of representatives with jurisdiction over the policy and finance of veterans affairs regarding the requirements and feasibility of implementing this program within existing and future veterans homes. This is a onetime appropriation.

$250,000 in fiscal year 2009 is added to the base for a grant to the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans for their work in helping veterans and their families affected by homelessness.

$200,000 in fiscal year 2009 is for:

(1) an intergovernmental and veterans strategic planning study for the Minnesota veterans homes, with special emphasis on exploring alternative models for the Minneapolis veterans home; and

(2) a study of the feasibility of partnering for home-based services for veterans with nongovernmental, nonprofit, or faith-based social service and health care delivery organizations, as a means of enabling veterans to live more independently, as an alternative to the projected sharply increasing needs for domiciliary and skilled nursing beds in state veterans homes. This is a onetime appropriation.

No staff may be hired for or allocated to any new veterans cemetery without explicit legislative approval.

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APPROPRIATIONS

Available for the Year

Ending June 30

2008 2009

Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.62, on June 30, 2008, all money in the permanent trust account in the special revenue fund of the state veterans cemetery must be transferred to the permanent development and maintenance account in that fund.

$1,000,000 is a reduction in fiscal year 2009 for the Veterans Homes Board. The base appropriation for fiscal years 2010 and 2011 is reduced by $1,320,000 in each year. This reduction is made possible by the enhanced efficiency in administration of the homes associated with the transfer of governing authority from the Veterans Homes Board to the commissioner of veterans affairs.

$600,000 in fiscal year 2009 is for the state GI bill program in Minnesota Statutes, section 197.791. The base for this program is increased by $800,000 in each of fiscal years 2010 and 2011.

$5,250,000 in fiscal year 2008 and $5,000,000 in fiscal year 2009 are reductions from the appropriation made in Laws 2007, chapter 144, article 1, section 7. The base for the program in fiscal year 2010 is reduced by $4,500,000.

$100,000 in fiscal year 2009 is for a grant to the Minnesota Ambulance Association to implement a veterans paramedic apprenticeship program for the purpose of reintegrating qualified returning military medics into Minnesota's workforce in the field of paramedic and emergency services. This is a onetime appropriation.

$25,000 in fiscal year 2009 is to develop a pilot program for peer-to-peer counseling among combat veterans. This is a onetime appropriation.

$1,000,000 in fiscal year 2009 is for improvements to the medication distribution system in the Minnesota veterans homes. This is a onetime appropriation.

By January 15, 2009, the commissioner shall report to the chair and ranking minority member of each committee in the senate and house of representatives with jurisdiction over the policy and finance of veterans affairs regarding activities and expenditures under this program, including an explanation of the role of staff of the Department of Veterans Affairs in administering this program.

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APPROPRIATIONS

Available for the Year

Ending June 30

2008 2009

$338,000 is a reduction in fiscal year 2009 from the special revenue fund appropriation from the account established in Minnesota Statutes, section 190.19. The base appropriation in fiscal years 2010 and 2011 is $0.

Sec. 5. DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT $0 $1,000,000

$500,000 in fiscal year 2009 is for military reservist economic injury loans under Minnesota Statutes, section 116J.996, if enacted.

$500,000 in fiscal year 2009 is for expenditures related to dislocated workers who are eligible veterans under Minnesota Statutes, section 116L.17, subdivision 1, paragraph (c), clause (6), if enacted.

ARTICLE 9

RELATED PROVISIONS FOR AGRICULTURE AND VETERANS AFFAIRS

Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 3.30, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Appropriation; transfers. A general contingent appropriation for each year of the biennium is authorized in the amount the legislature deems sufficient. Additional special contingent appropriations as the legislature deems necessary are authorized. Transfers from the appropriations to the appropriations of the various departments and agencies may be made by the commissioner of finance subject to the following provisions:

(a) Transfers may be authorized by the commissioner of finance not exceeding $5,000 for the same purpose for any quarterly period.

(b) Transfers exceeding $5,000 but not exceeding $10,000 may be authorized by the commissioner of finance with the approval of the governor.

(c) Transfers exceeding $10,000 may be authorized by the governor but no transfer exceeding $10,000 may be made until the governor has consulted the Legislative Advisory Commission and it has made its recommendation on the transfer. Its recommendation is advisory only. Failure or refusal of the commission to make a recommendation is a negative recommendation. Subject to the provisions in this paragraph, the governor may request a transfer to the commissioner of agriculture to pay for activities to respond promptly to an outbreak of an invasive tree pest. The commissioner of agriculture shall report to the commissioner of finance all potential sources of reimbursement for costs incurred including but not limited to federal funds.

The commissioner of finance shall return to the appropriate contingent account any funds transferred under this subdivision that the commissioner determines are not needed.

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Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 168.1255, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 6. World War II memorial donation match account. Money remaining in the World War II memorial donation match account after the state share of the construction costs of the World War II memorial has been paid in full is appropriated to the commissioner of veterans affairs for services and programs for veterans and their families.

Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 190.19, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Establishment. The Minnesota "Support Our Troops" account is established in the special revenue fund. The account shall consist of contributions from private sources and appropriations. Money in the account is appropriated in equal shares to the Department of Military Affairs and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

EFFECTIVE DATE. Notwithstanding Laws 2007, chapter 45, articles 2, section 1, and 3, section 2, subdivision 3, this section is effective for distribution of the Minnesota "Support Our Troops" account the day following final enactment.

Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 190.19, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 2a. Uses; veterans. Money appropriated to the Department of Veterans Affairs from the Minnesota "Support Our Troops" account may be used for:

(1) grants to veterans service organizations; and

(2) outreach to underserved veterans.

Sec. 5. Laws 2007, chapter 45, article 2, section 1, is amended to read:

Section 1. VETERANS AFFAIRS $12,855,000 $12,571,000

Appropriations by Fund

2008 2009

General 12,517,000 12,233,000

Special Revenue 338,000 338,000

(a) $1,000,000 each year is added to the base for state soldier's assistance under Minnesota Statutes, section 197.05. If the appropriation for this purpose for either year is insufficient, the appropriation for the other year is available for it.

(b) $750,000 the first year and $750,000 the second year are added to the base for grants to counties under the terms of this section. The commissioner shall issue a request for proposals for grants to enhance the benefits, programs, and services provided to veterans. The request must specify that priority will be given to proposals that meet the programmatic goals established by the commissioner, including proposals that will:

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(1) provide the most effective outreach to veterans;

(2) reintegrate combat veterans into society;

(3) collaborate with other social service agencies, educational institutions, and other relevant community resources;

(4) reduce homelessness among veterans; and

(5) provide measurable outcomes.

The commissioner may provide incentives to encourage, and may give priority to proposals that foster, regional collaboration for service delivery. The grants may be for a term of up to two years. The commissioner shall ensure that grants are made throughout all regions of the state and shall develop a description of best practices for the use of these grants. A county may not reduce its county veterans service officer budget by any amount received as a grant under this section. Grants made under this section are in addition to and not subject to the requirements for grants made under Minnesota Statutes, section 197.608. The Minnesota Association of County Veterans Service Officers may apply for grants under this section beginning July 1, 2007. Any balance remaining after the first year does not cancel and is available in the second year. This appropriation must be included in the appropriation base through fiscal year 2011.

(d) $750,000 each year is for a grant to the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans. This is a onetime appropriation.

(e) $200,000 each year is for marketing veterans outreach programs. This is a onetime appropriation.

(f) $250,000 each year is added to the base for grants to Disabled American Veterans, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Vietnam Veterans of America, and other congressionally chartered veterans service organizations designated by the commissioner.

(g) $450,000 the first year and $450,000 the second year are for the higher education veterans assistance program under Minnesota Statutes, section 197.585. This appropriation must be included in the agency appropriation base through fiscal year 2011.

(h) $100,000 each year is for information technology.

(i) $75,000 each year is for operations at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls.

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(j) $250,000 each year is for administration of veterans programming. This appropriation includes money for the biennium for an ombudsman for residents and family members of residents at the Minneapolis Veterans' Home. The ombudsman must attend all meetings of the Veterans Homes Board and provide a report at each meeting regarding the status of concerns communicated to the ombudsman.

(k) $100,000 each year is for compensation for honor guards at the funerals of veterans in accordance with the program established in Minnesota Statutes, section 197.231. This is a onetime appropriation.

(l) $52,000 the first year is for spousal education benefits in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, section 197.75. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2009.

(m) $100,000 each year is for information and outreach regarding the availability of depleted uranium testing. The commissioner shall collaborate with the adjutant general to identify service members and veterans who may have been exposed to expended depleted uranium and to provide them with information regarding depleted uranium screening services provided by the federal government. This is a onetime appropriation.

(n) $250,000 the first year is for grants to assist World War II veterans in attending the dedication of the Minnesota World War II Memorial in St. Paul on June 9, 2007, and for other expenses of the dedication event. The commissioner may spend only that portion of this sum for which a matching amount, whether in cash or in kind, is donated by nongovernmental sources for this purpose. This appropriation is available immediately.

(o) $80,000 the first year is for suicide prevention and psychological support for veterans. Of this amount, $50,000 is for a study by the commissioner and the adjutant general of the psychological status and needs of returning Minnesota veterans, and $30,000 is for a telephone hotline to refer veterans to available psychological counseling services. The commissioner may use this appropriation to supplement an existing informational hotline service within the department, or may collaborate with any other provider of compatible, existing hotline services for this purpose. The referral hotline must be available to veterans statewide at all practicable hours. The commissioner must broadly publicize the availability of the telephone hotline and any local, state, and federal counseling services for Minnesota veterans using all practicable means available, including but not limited to: the agency Web site; local media announcements; announcements in service and trade publications; and any other practical means of communication.

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The commissioner may spend up to two percent of this appropriation for development of special informational materials, such as refrigerator magnets, wallet cards, and other devices on which hotline numbers may be kept for immediate use. The commissioner also may accept and spend other contributions from nongovernmental sources for this purpose. This is a onetime appropriation.

(p) $338,000 each year is from the account in the special revenue fund established in Minnesota Statutes, section 190.19, for (1) grants to veterans service organizations; and (2) outreach to underserved veterans. Any balance in the first year does not cancel and is available in the second year.

Sec. 6. DISCONTINUATION OF ETHANOL PRODUCER PAYMENTS.

Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the commissioner of agriculture shall discontinue payments under Minnesota Statutes, section 41A.09, including deficiency payments, to any ethanol producer that ceased operations and declared bankruptcy in 2004.

ARTICLE 10

TRANSPORTATION FINANCE

Section 1. SUMMARY OF APPROPRIATIONS.

The amounts shown in this section summarize direct appropriations, by fund, made in this article.

2008 2009 Total

General $0 $(200,000) $(200,000)

Trunk Highway $6,849,000 $12,000,000 $18,849,000

Total $6,849,000 $11,800,000 $18,649,000

Sec. 2. APPROPRIATIONS.

The sums shown in the columns marked "Appropriations" are added to or, if shown in parentheses, subtracted from the appropriations in Laws 2007, chapter 143, article 1, 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 "2008" and "2009" used in this article mean that the addition to or subtraction from the appropriation listed under them is available for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, or June 30, 2009, respectively. Supplemental appropriations and reductions to appropriations for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, are effective the day following final enactment.

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APPROPRIATIONS

Available for the Year

Ending June 30

2008 2009

Sec. 3. TRANSPORTATION

Subdivision 1. Total Appropriation $6,849,000 $(21,000)

Appropriations by Fund

2008 2009

General 0 (21,000)

Trunk Highway 6,849,000 0

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

Subd. 2. Transit -0- (19,000)

This reduction is from the appropriation from the general fund for transit in Laws 2007, chapter 143, article 1, section 3, subdivision 2, paragraph (b). The base appropriation for fiscal years 2010 and 2011 is $18,796,000 per year.

Subd. 3. Freight -0- (2,000)

This reduction is from the appropriation from the general fund for freight in Laws 2007, chapter 143, article 1, section 3, subdivision 2, paragraph (c).

Subd. 4. State Roads 6,849,000 -0-

This appropriation is spending authority for additional federal bridge funding authorized and appropriated by Congress in 2008, and is for the actual construction, reconstruction, and improvement of trunk highways, including design-build contracts and consultant usage to support these activities. This includes the cost of actual payments to landowners for lands acquired for highway rights-of-way, payments to lessees, interest subsidies, and relocation expenses. This is a onetime appropriation.

Sec. 4. METROPOLITAN COUNCIL $-0- $(94,000)

This reduction is from the appropriation from the general fund for bus system operations in Laws 2007, chapter 143, article 1, section 4, subdivision 2, and Hiawatha light rail transit in Laws 2007, chapter 143, article 1, section 4, subdivision 3. The base appropriation for fiscal years 2010 and 2011 is $78,635,000 per year.

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APPROPRIATIONS

Available for the Year

Ending June 30

2008 2009

Sec. 5. PUBLIC SAFETY

Subdivision 1. Total Appropriation $-0- $11,940,000

Appropriations by Fund

2008 2009

General 0 (60,000)

Trunk Highway 0 12,000,000

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

Subd. 2. Public Safety Support -0- (45,000)

Of this reduction, $28,000 is from the appropriation from the general fund for a security coordinator to coordinate planning efforts for the Republican National Convention in Laws 2007, chapter 143, article 1, section 5, subdivision 2, paragraph (b).

Of this reduction, $17,000 is from the appropriation from the general fund in Laws 2007, chapter 143, article 1, section 5, subdivision 2, paragraph (b).

The base appropriation for fiscal years 2010 and 2011 is $3,296,000 per year.

Subd. 3. Capitol Security -0- (15,000)

This reduction is from the appropriation from the general fund in Laws 2007, chapter 143, article 1, section 5, subdivision 3, paragraph (c).

Subd. 4. Driver and Vehicle Services -0- 12,000,000

This appropriation is from the trunk highway fund for research, development, deployment, and maintenance of a driver and vehicle services information system. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2010.

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Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 171.29, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Examination required. No person whose driver's license has been revoked by reason of conviction, plea of guilty, or forfeiture of bail not vacated, under section 169.791, 169.797, or 171.17, or 171.172, or revoked under section 169.792 or 169A.52 shall be issued another license unless and until that person shall have successfully passed an examination as required by the commissioner of public safety. This subdivision does not apply to an applicant for early reinstatement under section 169.792, subdivision 7a.

Sec. 7. Laws 2008, chapter 152, article 1, section 6, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Appropriation; study. ~~$325,000~~ $300,000 is appropriated from the general fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota for the Center for Transportation Studies to complete a study to assess the public policy implications of financing new and improved transportation infrastructure in Minnesota through capturing the value of the benefits created, to prepare a report on its findings, and to conduct a series of workshops. This is a onetime appropriation and is available in fiscal years 2008 and 2009.

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

Sec. 8. REPEALER.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 168.123, subdivision 2a, is repealed.

ARTICLE 11

PUBLIC SAFETY

Section 1. SUMMARY OF APPROPRIATIONS.

The amounts shown in this section summarize the direct appropriations, by fund, made in this article.

2008 2009 Total

General $360,000 $(10,408,000) $(10,048,000)

Special Revenue Fund (25,000) 50,000 25,000

Total $335,000 $(10,358,000) $(10,023,000)

Sec. 2. PUBLIC SAFETY APPROPRIATIONS.

The sums shown in the columns marked "Appropriations" are added to or, if shown in parentheses, subtracted from the appropriations in Laws 2007, chapter 54, article 1, 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 "2008" and "2009" used in this article mean that the addition to or subtraction from the appropriations listed under them are available for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, or June 30, 2009, respectively. Supplemental appropriations and reductions to appropriations for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, are effective the day following final enactment. "The first year" is fiscal year 2008. "The second year" is fiscal year 2009. "The biennium" is fiscal years 2008 and 2009.

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APPROPRIATIONS

Available for the Year

Ending June 30

2008 2009

Sec. 3. SUPREME COURT $-0- $(778,000)

$650,000 in the second year is to reduce funding for Supreme Court operations.

$128,000 in the second year is to reduce funding for civil legal services.

Sec. 4. COURT OF APPEALS $-0- $(141,000)

Sec. 5. DISTRICT COURTS $-0- $(3,608,000)

Sec. 6. BOARD OF PUBLIC DEFENSE $-0- $(1,690,000)

Sec. 7. PUBLIC SAFETY

Subdivision 1. Total Appropriation $360,000 $(1,598,000)

Subd. 2. Emergency Management 360,000 (40,000)

$360,000 in the first year is to provide a match for FEMA money received for natural disaster assistance payments and is added to appropriations in Laws 2007, chapter 54, article 1, section 10, subdivision 2. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2010. This is a onetime appropriation.

The appropriation from the general fund in the second year to reimburse local chemical assessment and hazardous materials teams when they respond to incidents is reduced by $40,000. Reimbursements up to $40,000 per year are to be made from revenues in the special revenue fund from billings to responsible companies.

Subd. 3. Criminal Apprehension -0- (708,000)

$608,000 in the second year is to reduce the funding for CriMNet justice information integration. The base is reduced by an additional $209,000 in fiscal year 2010 and each year after.

The general fund appropriation includes a reduction of $100,000 in fiscal year 2009. This reduction may be applied to any program funded under Laws 2007, chapter 54, article 1, section 10, with the exception of Office of Justice Programs and forensic lab scientists. All budget reductions should be made with an emphasis on cutting administration and overhead expenses, with as little impact as possible on programs and services.

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APPROPRIATIONS

Available for the Year

Ending June 30

2008 2009

Subd. 4. Fire Marshal

By May 1, 2009, $1,000,000 must be transferred from the fire marshal account in the special revenue fund to the general fund.

Subd. 5. Office of Justice Programs -0- (850,000)

$350,000 in the second year are reductions for grants to the Financial Crimes Task Force. The base is reduced by an additional $10,000 in fiscal year 2010 and each year after.

$500,000 in the second year are for reductions in squad car cameras.

Sec. 8. HUMAN RIGHTS $-0- $(149,000)

This reduction is from Laws 2007, chapter 54, article 1, section 13.

Sec. 9. DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS

Subdivision 1. Total Appropriation $-0- $(2,444,000)

Subd. 2. Community Services -0- (2,100,000)

Short-Term Offenders -0- (1,500,000)

This reduction is from Laws 2007, chapter 54, article 1, section 14, subdivision 3.

Sentencing to Service -0- (600,000)

This reduction is from Laws 2007, chapter 54, article 1, section 14, subdivision 3.

Subd. 3. Operations Support -0- (344,000)

This reduction is from Laws 2007, chapter 54, article 1, section 14, subdivision 4.

The base is reduced by an additional $56,000 in fiscal year 2010 and each year after.

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Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 13.851, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 9. Civil commitment of sexual offenders. Data relating to the preparation of a petition to commit an individual as a sexual psychopathic personality or sexually dangerous person is governed by section 253B.185, subdivision 1b.

Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 253B.045, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Restriction. Except when ordered by the court pursuant to a finding of necessity to protect the life of the proposed patient or others or as provided under subdivision 1a, no person subject to the provisions of this chapter shall be confined in a jail or correctional institution, except pursuant to chapter 242 or 244.

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

Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 253B.045, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 1a. Exception. A person who is being petitioned for commitment under section 253B.185 and who is placed under a judicial hold order under section 253B.07, subdivision 2b or 7, may be confined at a Department of Corrections or a county correctional or detention facility, rather than a secure treatment facility, until a determination of the commitment petition as specified in this subdivision.

(a) A court may order that a person who is being petitioned for commitment under section 253B.185 be confined in a Department of Corrections facility pursuant to the judicial hold order under the following circumstances and conditions:

(1) The person is currently serving a sentence in a Department of Corrections facility and the court determines that the person has made a knowing and voluntary (i) waiver of the right to be held in a secure treatment facility and (ii) election to be held in a Department of Corrections facility. The order confining the person in the Department of Corrections facility shall remain in effect until the court vacates the order or the person's criminal sentence and conditional release term expire.

In no case may the person be held in a Department of Corrections facility pursuant only to this subdivision, and not pursuant to any separate correctional authority, for more than 210 days.

(2) A person who has elected to be confined in a Department of Corrections facility under this subdivision may revoke the election by filing a written notice of intent to revoke the election with the court and serving the notice upon the Department of Corrections and the county attorney. The court shall order the person transferred to a secure treatment facility within 15 days of the date that the notice of revocation was filed with the court, except that, if the person has additional time to serve in prison at the end of the 15-day period, the person shall not be transferred to a secure treatment facility until the person's prison term expires. After a person has revoked an election to remain in a Department of Corrections facility under this subdivision, the court may not adopt another election to remain in a Department of Corrections facility without the agreement of both parties and the Department of Corrections.

(3) Upon petition by the commissioner of corrections, after notice to the parties and opportunity for hearing and for good cause shown, the court may order that the person's place of confinement be changed from the Department of Corrections to a secure treatment facility.

(4) While at a Department of Corrections facility pursuant to this subdivision, the person shall remain subject to all rules and practices applicable to correctional inmates in the facility in which the person is placed, including, but not limited to, the powers and duties of the commissioner of corrections under section 241.01, powers relating to use of force under section 243.52, and the right of the commissioner of corrections to determine the place of confinement in a prison, reformatory, or other facility.

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(5) A person may not be confined in a Department of Corrections facility under this provision beyond the end of the person's executed sentence or the end of any applicable conditional release period, whichever is later. If a person confined in a Department of Corrections facility pursuant to this provision reaches the person's supervised release date and is subject to a period of conditional release, the period of conditional release shall commence on the supervised release date even though the person remains in the Department of Corrections facility pursuant to this provision. At the end of the later of the executed sentence or any applicable conditional release period, the person shall be transferred to a secure treatment facility.

(6) Nothing in this section may be construed to establish a right of an inmate in a state correctional facility to participate in sex offender treatment. This section must be construed in a manner consistent with the provisions of section 244.03.

(b) The committing county may offer a person who is being petitioned for commitment under section 253B.185 and who is placed under a judicial hold order under section 253B.07, subdivision 2b or 7, the option to be held in a county correctional or detention facility rather than a secure treatment facility, under such terms as may be agreed to by the county, the commitment petitioner, and the commitment respondent. If a person makes such an election under this paragraph, the court hold order shall specify the terms of the agreement, including the conditions for revoking the election.

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

Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 253B.045, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Facilities. Each county or a group of counties shall maintain or provide by contract a facility for confinement of persons held temporarily for observation, evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, and care. When the temporary confinement is provided at a regional treatment center, the commissioner shall charge the county of financial responsibility for the costs of confinement of persons hospitalized under section 253B.05, subdivisions 1 and 2, and section 253B.07, subdivision 2b, except that the commissioner shall bill the responsible health plan first. If the person has health plan coverage, but the hospitalization does not meet the criteria in subdivision 6 or section 62M.07, 62Q.53, or 62Q.535, the county is responsible. When a person is temporarily confined in a Department of Corrections facility solely under subdivision 1a, and not based on any separate correctional authority: (i) the commissioner of corrections may charge the county of financial responsibility for the costs of confinement; and (ii) the Department of Human Services shall use existing appropriations to fund all remaining nonconfinement costs. "County of financial responsibility" means the county in which the person resides at the time of confinement or, if the person has no residence in this state, the county which initiated the confinement. The charge for confinement in a facility operated by the commissioner of human services shall be based on the commissioner's determination of the cost of care pursuant to section 246.50, subdivision 5. When there is a dispute as to which county is the county of financial responsibility, the county charged for the costs of confinement shall pay for them pending final determination of the dispute over financial responsibility. Disputes about the county of financial responsibility shall be submitted to the commissioner to be settled in the manner prescribed in section 256G.09.

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

Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2007 Supplement, section 253B.185, subdivision 1b, is amended to read:

Subd. 1b. County attorney access to data. Notwithstanding sections 144.291 to 144.298; 245.467, subdivision 6; 245.4876, subdivision 7; 260B.171; 260B.235, subdivision 8; 260C.171; and 609.749, subdivision 6, or any provision of chapter 13 or other state law, prior to filing a petition for commitment as a sexual psychopathic personality or as a sexually dangerous person, and upon notice to the proposed patient, the county attorney or the county attorney's designee may move the court for an order granting access to any records or data, to the extent it relates to the proposed patient, for the purpose of determining whether good cause exists to file a petition and, if a petition is filed, to support the allegations set forth in the petition.

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The court may grant the motion if: (1) the Department of Corrections refers the case for commitment as a sexual psychopathic personality or a sexually dangerous person; or (2) upon a showing that the requested category of data or records may be relevant to the determination by the county attorney or designee. The court shall decide a motion under this subdivision within 48 hours after a hearing on the motion. Notice to the proposed patient need not be given upon a showing that such notice may result in harm or harassment of interested persons or potential witnesses. Notwithstanding any provision of chapter 13 or other state law, a county attorney considering the civil commitment of a person under this section may obtain records and data from the Department of Corrections or any probation or parole agency in this state upon request, without a court order, for the purpose of determining whether good cause exists to file a petition and, if a petition is filed, to support the allegations set forth in the petition. At the time of the request for the records, the county attorney shall provide notice of the request to the person who is the subject of the records.

Data collected pursuant to this subdivision shall retain their original status and, if not public, are inadmissible in any court proceeding unrelated to civil commitment, unless otherwise permitted.

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

Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 253B.185, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5. Financial responsibility. (a) For purposes of this subdivision, "state facility" has the meaning given in section 246.50 and also includes a Department of Corrections facility when the proposed patient is confined in such a facility pursuant to section 253B.045, subdivision 1a.

(b) Notwithstanding sections 246.54, 253B.045, and any other law to the contrary, when a petition is filed for commitment under this section pursuant to the notice required in section 244.05, subdivision 7, the state and county are each responsible for 50 percent of the cost of the person's confinement at a state facility or county jail, prior to commitment.

(c) The county shall submit an invoice to the state court administrator for reimbursement of the state's share of the cost of confinement.

(d) Notwithstanding paragraph (b), the state's responsibility for reimbursement is limited to the amount appropriated for this purpose.

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

Sec. 16. Laws 2007, chapter 54, article 1, section 11, is amended to read:

Sec. 11. PEACE OFFICER STANDARDS AND TRAINING (POST) BOARD $ ~~4,296,000~~ 4,271,000 $ ~~4,278,000~~ 4,328,000

Excess Amounts Transferred. This appropriation is from the peace officer training account in the special revenue fund. Any new receipts credited to that account in the first year in excess of ~~$4,296,000~~ $4,271,000 must be transferred and credited to the general fund. Any new receipts credited to that account in the second year in excess of ~~$4,278,000~~ $4,328,000 must be transferred and credited to the general fund.

Peace Officer Training Reimbursements. $3,159,000 the first year and $3,159,000 the second year are for reimbursements to local governments for peace officer training costs.

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No Contact Orders. The board shall: (1) revise and update preservice courses and develop in-service training courses related to no contact orders in domestic violence cases and domestic violence dynamics; and (2) reimburse peace officers who have taken training courses described in clause (1). At a minimum, the training must include instruction in the laws relating to no contact orders and address how to best coordinate law enforcement resources relating to no contact orders. In addition, the training must include a component to instruct peace officers on doing risk assessments of the escalating factors of lethality in domestic violence cases. The board must consult with a statewide domestic violence organization in developing training courses. The board shall utilize a request for proposal process in awarding training contracts. The recipient of the training contract must conduct these trainings with advocates or instructors from a statewide domestic violence organization.

Beginning on January 1, 2008, the board may not approve an in-service training course relating to domestic abuse that does not comply with this section.

Sec. 17. WORKING GROUP ON CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE LAWS; REPORT TO LEGISLATURE.

Subdivision 1. Establishment; membership; staff. (a) By July 1, 2008, the chair of the house Public Safety Finance Division and the chair of the senate Public Safety Budget Division shall jointly appoint a working group on the state's controlled substance laws. The working group shall include:

(1) two representatives of the Minnesota County Attorneys Association;

(2) two representatives of the Board of Public Defense;

(3) three representatives of state law enforcement associations, including one sheriff, one chief of police, and one member of the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association;

(4) two representatives of the Judicial Council;

(5) one representative from community corrections or probation;

(6) one expert in the fields of drug treatment and controlled substance laws;

(7) one individual who is not affiliated with any of the associations in clauses (1) to (6) and who has relevant experience related to sentencing policy or the criminal justice field; and

(8) four community members who reside in an area adversely affected by controlled substance crimes and violent crimes, one of whom is a member of a community crime prevention organization.

(b) Staff support for the working group shall be provided by the Sentencing Guidelines Commission.

Subd. 2. Subject matter. (a) The working group must review, assess, and make specific recommendations regarding the following alternatives for modification and application of Minnesota's controlled substance laws:

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(1) revising the threshold amounts for Minnesota's controlled substance crimes;

(2) establishing a separate sentencing guidelines grid for drug offenses;

(3) establishing additional aggravating factors so as to target certain particularly dangerous offenders;

(4) revising the criminal history point calculations for repeat drug offenders;

(5) maximizing the use of deferred prosecutions for low-level drug offenders under Minnesota Statutes, section 152.18 throughout the state; and

(6) increasing the use of the early release program for nonviolent controlled substance offenders who successfully complete drug treatment while incarcerated as provided in Minnesota Statutes, section 244.055.

(b) As part of its review of the various possible reforms, the working group may also study and consider:

(1) the significance, if any, of current rates of departure from presumptive guidelines sentences for controlled substance crimes;

(2) the significance, if any, of current rates of departure from presumptive guidelines sentences for controlled substance crimes for identifiable categories of offenders;

(3) the impact that recent United States Supreme Court criminal sentencing decisions have on implementing further reform;

(4) the barriers to comparing Minnesota's sentencing data with data from other states;

(5) strategies for imposing probation and supervised release violations on drug offenders;

(6) strategies for increasing the efficacy of programs that are now available to treat drug offenders;

(7) the likely impact of any recommended change in policy upon victims of drug-related crimes and the neighborhoods in which these crimes occur;

(8) the likely impact of any recommended change in policy upon the efficacy of law enforcement, prosecution, public defender, or court personnel; or

(9) any other sentencing-related matter that the working group sees fit to consider.

Subd. 3. Report to legislature. The working group shall report its findings and recommendations to the chair of the house Public Safety Finance Division and the chair of the senate Public Safety Budget Division by January 16, 2009.

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

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ARTICLE 12

STATE GOVERNMENT FINANCE

Section 1. SUMMARY OF APPROPRIATIONS.

The sums shown in the columns marked "Appropriations" are added to or, if shown in parentheses, subtracted from the appropriations in Laws 2007, chapter 148, article 1, 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 "2008" and "2009" used in this article mean that the addition to or subtraction from the appropriation listed under them is available for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, or June 30, 2009, respectively. Supplemental appropriations and reductions to appropriations for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, are effective the day following final enactment.

APPROPRIATIONS

Available for the Year

Ending June 30

2008 2009

Sec. 2. LEGISLATURE $-0- $(1,662,000)

Subdivision 1. Senate -0- (710,000)

The base budget for the senate shall be $22,724,000 in fiscal year 2010 and $22,724,000 in fiscal year 2011.

Subd. 2. House of Representatives -0- (952,000)

The base budget for the house of representatives shall be $30,551,000 in fiscal year 2010 and $30,551,000 in fiscal year 2011.

Sec. 3. GOVERNOR $-0- $(113,000)

Sec. 4. STATE AUDITOR $-0- $(42,000)

Sec. 5. ATTORNEY GENERAL $-0- $(749,000)

Sec. 6. SECRETARY OF STATE $-0- $(195,000)

The base budget for the secretary of state shall be $6,134,000 in fiscal year 2010 and $6,301,000 in fiscal year 2011.

Sec. 7. OFFICE OF ENTERPRISE TECHNOLOGY $-0- $(157,000)

The base budget for the Office of Enterprise Technology shall be $6,202,000 in fiscal year 2010 and $6,202,000 in fiscal year 2011.

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APPROPRIATIONS

Available for the Year

Ending June 30

2008 2009

Sec. 8. ADMINISTRATION $-0- $(1,039,000)

(a) $885,000 of the reduction in this section is from the appropriation for Department of Public Safety relocation expenses.

(b) The reduction in this section must not be applied to the Land Management Information Center or the Environmental Quality Board.

(c) $2,000,000 of the balance in the facilities repair and replacement account in the special revenue fund is cancelled to the general fund. This amount is in addition to amounts transferred under Minnesota Statutes, section 16B.24, subdivision 5, paragraph (d).

Sec. 9. FINANCE $-0- $(312,000)

Subdivision 1. State Financial Management -0- (178,000)

Subd. 2. Information and Management Services -0- (134,000)

After the Departments of Finance and Employee Relations merge as directed in Laws 2007, chapter 148, article 2, section 80, the commissioner of finance may reallocate fiscal year 2009 general fund appropriation reductions between programs within the merged agency. Any reallocation of funds shall be shown in the program appropriations base for fiscal years 2010 and 2011 according to Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.11, subdivision 3, paragraph (b).

Sec. 10. EMPLOYEE RELATIONS $-0- $(109,000)

The base budget for employee relations shall be $5,350,000 in fiscal year 2010 and $5,350,000 in fiscal year 2011 to reflect the reduction and a transfer to the Department of Health for the merger in Laws 2007, chapter 148, article 2, section 80.

Sec. 11. REVENUE $-0- $1,361,000

Subdivision 1. Tax Compliance; Appropriation

(a) The commissioner of revenue shall undertake expanded tax compliance and collection activities sufficient to collect $6,723,000 in revenue for the general fund for fiscal year 2009 in excess of the sum of:

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APPROPRIATIONS

Available for the Year

Ending June 30

2008 2009

(1) the amount forecast to be collected by the commissioner of finance for that fiscal year in the February 2008 forecast; and

(2) the appropriation under paragraph (c).

(b) The commissioner shall periodically report to the chairs of committees of the house of representative and senate with jurisdiction over taxation or state government operations on the measures undertaken under this section. The commissioner may make recommendations to the 2009 legislature for changes in the law to improve compliance with the tax law, such as expanded information reporting or withholding requirements that would permit the commissioner to satisfy the requirements of this section in the most cost effective and reasonable manner possible.

(c) $2,241,000 is appropriated from the general fund for fiscal year 2009 to the commissioner of revenue to finance the activities authorized by this section.

(d) The commissioner must maximize the use of telecommuting by employees when implementing any tax compliance and collection activities.

Subd. 2. Appropriation to the Commissioner of Revenue; Financial Institution Data Match and Payment of Fees and Administrative Costs

$250,000 is appropriated annually from the general fund to the commissioner of revenue to make payments to financial institutions in exchange for performing data matches between account information held by financial institutions and the commissioner's database of tax debtors as authorized by Minnesota Statutes, section 13B.07, subdivision 7. $110,000 is appropriated annually from the general fund to the commissioner of revenue for the costs of administering the data match system under Minnesota Statutes, section 13B.07.

Subd. 3. Appropriation to the Commissioner of Finance; 2008 Budget Reserve Escrow Account

$14,000,000 is appropriated from the budget reserve to the commissioner of finance and shall be placed in the budget reserve escrow account. The commissioner of finance may use this appropriation to support a guarantee by the state of Minnesota that private money will be raised to pay the Minneapolis-St. Paul Host Committee's share of expenses for the 2008 Republican National

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APPROPRIATIONS

Available for the Year

Ending June 30

2008 2009

Convention in St. Paul. The terms of the state guarantee will be negotiated by the commissioner of finance. Any money advanced to the Host Committee under the state guarantee must be repaid by the Host Committee to the commissioner of finance no later than June 30, 2009, and deposited in the budget reserve fund. Any unspent portion of the appropriation cancels to the budget reserve on June 30, 2009.

Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 3.855, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Other salaries and compensation plans. The commission shall also:

(1) review and approve, reject, or modify a plan for compensation and terms and conditions of employment prepared and submitted by the commissioner of employee relations under section 43A.18, subdivision 2, covering all state employees who are not represented by an exclusive bargaining representative and whose compensation is not provided for by chapter 43A or other law;

(2) review and approve, reject, or modify a plan for total compensation and terms and conditions of employment for employees in positions identified as being managerial under section 43A.18, subdivision 3, whose salaries and benefits are not otherwise provided for in law or other plans established under chapter 43A;

(3) review and approve, reject, or modify recommendations for salaries submitted by the governor or other appointing authority under section 15A.0815, subdivision 5, covering agency head positions listed in section 15A.0815;

(4) review and approve, reject, or modify recommendations for salaries of officials of higher education systems under section 15A.081, subdivisions 7b and 7c; ~~and~~

(5) review and approve, reject, or modify plans for compensation, terms, and conditions of employment proposed under section 43A.18, subdivisions 3a and 4; and

(6) review and approve, reject, or modify the plan for compensation, terms, and conditions of employment of classified employees in the office of the legislative auditor under section 3.971, subdivision 2.

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

Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 3.971, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Staff; compensation. The legislative auditor shall establish a Financial Audits Division and a Program Evaluation Division to fulfill the duties prescribed in this section. Each division may be supervised by a deputy auditor, appointed by the legislative auditor, with the approval of the commission, for a term coterminous with the legislative auditor's term. The deputy auditors may be removed before the expiration of their terms only for cause. The legislative auditor and deputy auditors may each appoint a confidential secretary to serve at pleasure. The salaries and benefits of the legislative auditor, deputy auditors and confidential secretaries shall be determined by the compensation plan approved by the Legislative Coordinating Commission. The deputy auditors may perform and exercise the powers, duties and responsibilities imposed by law on the legislative auditor when authorized by the

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legislative auditor. The deputy auditors and the confidential secretaries serve in the unclassified civil service, but all other employees of the legislative auditor are in the classified civil service. Compensation for employees of the legislative auditor in the classified service shall be governed by a plan prepared by the legislative auditor and approved by the Legislative Coordinating Commission and the legislature under section 3.855. While in office, a person appointed deputy for the Financial Audit Division must hold an active license as a certified public accountant.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective January 1, 2009. Classified employees of the legislative auditor retain compensation provided on December 31, 2008, until a new compensation plan is adopted under section 12.

Sec. 14. [5.33] RETURNING COMBAT VETERANS.

If any Minnesota business or nonprofit corporation, limited liability company, cooperative, limited partnership, or limited liability partnership has been administratively or statutorily dissolved, revoked, or terminated after December 31, 2006, for failure to file an annual or periodic report with the Office of the Secretary of State during a calendar year when an individual with substantial responsibility for the operation of the dissolved, revoked, or terminated business or nonprofit corporation, limited liability company, cooperative, limited partnership, or limited liability partnership was serving in active military service in the armed forces of the United States, including the reserves or National Guard, as defined in section 190.05, subdivision 5b or 5c, or was engaged in employment outside of the United States essential to the prosecution of a war or to the national defense, as designated by the United States Congress or the United States Department of Defense, the secretary of state shall waive any reinstatement fee otherwise required by law.

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

Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 10A.071, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Exceptions. (a) The prohibitions in this section do not apply if the gift is:

(1) a contribution as defined in section 10A.01, subdivision 11;

(2) services to assist an official in the performance of official duties, including but not limited to providing advice, consultation, information, and communication in connection with legislation, and services to constituents;

(3) services of insignificant monetary value;

(4) a plaque or similar memento ~~recognizing individual services in a field of specialty or to a charitable cause~~;

(5) a trinket or memento ~~costing~~ with a resale value of $5 or less;

(6) informational material of unexceptional value; or

(7) food or a beverage given at a reception, meal, or meeting away from the recipient's place of work by an organization before whom the recipient appears to make a speech or answer questions as part of a program.

(b) The prohibitions in this section do not apply if the gift is given:

(1) because of the recipient's membership in a group, a majority of whose members are not officials, and an equivalent gift is given to the other members of the group; or

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(2) by a lobbyist or principal who is a member of the family of the recipient, unless the gift is given on behalf of someone who is not a member of that family.

Sec. 16. [13B.07] TAX DEBTOR DATA MATCHES.

Subdivision 1. Definitions. The definitions in this subdivision apply to this section.

(a) "Account" means demand deposit account, checking account, negotiable order of withdrawal account, savings account, time deposit account, money market mutual fund account, or certificate of deposit account, and any funds or property held by a financial institution, as defined in paragraph (e).

(b) "Account information" means the type of account, the account number, whether the account is singly or jointly owned, and in the case of jointly owned accounts the name and address of the nondebtor account owner if available.

(d) "Debtor" means a person whose property is subject to a tax lien and a notice of lien has been filed by the commissioner as provided by section 270C.63, subdivision 2.

(e) "Financial institution" means any of the following that do business in this state:

(1) federal or state commercial banks and federal or state savings banks, including savings and loan associations and cooperative banks;

(2) federal and state chartered credit unions;

(3) benefit associations;

(4) life insurance companies;

(5) safe deposit companies;

(6) money market mutual funds; or

(7) a similar entity that holds property or maintains accounts reflecting property belonging to others.

(f) "Person" means a person as defined in section 270C.01, subdivision 6.

Subd. 2. Data match system established. The commissioner shall establish a process for the comparison of account information data held by financial institutions with the Department of Revenue's database of debtors. The commissioner shall inform the financial industry of the requirements of this section and the means by which financial institutions can comply.

Subd. 3. Duty to provide data. Within 30 days of a request by the commissioner, a financial institution shall provide to the commissioner the name, address, and account information for each debtor who maintains an account at the financial institution. The commissioner may request from a financial institution the data concerning any debtor not more than four times a year.

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Subd. 4. Method to provide data. The commissioner must provide an electronic list of debtors to the financial institution that includes debtors' name, address, and if an individual, the last four digits of the Social Security number. The financial institution must compare that data to the data maintained at the financial institution to identify which of the listed debtors maintains an account at the financial institution.

Subd. 5. Means to provide data. A financial institution must provide the required data in encrypted form by secure electronic means authorized by the commissioner.

Subd. 6. Access to data. (a) With regard to data on debtors provided by the commissioner to a financial institution under subdivision 4, the financial institution shall retain the reported information only until the financial institution's database is compared against the commissioner's database. Data that does not pertain to an account holder at the financial institution must be immediately destroyed, and no retention or publication of that data shall be made by the financial institution. None of the data provided by the commissioner may be used for solicitation or other commercial purposes by the financial institutions or other commercial entities.

(b) All account information provided by a financial institution that pertains to a debtor listed in the commissioner's database must be incorporated into the commissioner's database. Access to that data is governed by chapters 13 and 270B. Notwithstanding section 16D.06, data collected pursuant to this section is available for the collection of delinquent taxes only and is not available for other debt collection activities undertaken by the state.

Subd. 7. Fees. A financial institution may charge and collect a fee from the commissioner for providing account information to the commissioner. The commissioner may pay a financial institution up to $150 each quarter. The commissioner shall develop procedures for the financial institutions to charge and collect the fee. Payment of the fee is limited by the amount of the appropriation for this purpose. If the appropriation is insufficient, or if fund availability in the fourth quarter would allow payments for actual costs in excess of $150, the commissioner shall prorate the available funds among the financial institutions that have submitted a claim for the fee. No financial institution shall charge or collect a fee that exceeds its actual costs of complying with this section.

Subd. 8. Failure to respond to request for information. The commissioner shall send a written notice of noncompliance to a financial institution that fails to respond to a first written request for information under this section. The notice must be sent by certified mail and must explain the requirements of this section and advise the financial institution of the penalty for noncompliance. A financial institution that receives a second notice of noncompliance is subject to a civil penalty of $1,000 for its failure to comply. A financial institution that continues to fail to comply with this section is subject to a civil penalty of $5,000 for the third and each subsequent failure to comply. These penalties are imposed and collected under section 270C.33, subdivision 4, paragraph (a), clause (5).