Journal of the House - 58th Day Part 3

CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT ON H. F. No. 1237

A bill for an act relating to natural resources; modifying wild rice season and harvest authority; modifying certain definitions; modifying state park permit requirements; modifying authority to establish secondary units; eliminating liquor service at John A. Latsch State Park; providing for establishment of boater waysides; modifying watercraft and off-highway motorcycle operation requirements; expanding snowmobile grant-in-aid program; modifying state trails; modifying Water Law; providing for appeals and enforcement of certain civil penalties; providing for taking wild animals to protect public safety; modifying Board of Water and Soil Resources membership; modifying local water program; modifying Reinvest in Minnesota Resources Law; modifying certain easement authority; providing for notice of changes to public waters inventory; modifying critical habitat plate eligibility; modifying cost-share program; amending Minnesota Statutes 2008, sections 84.105; 84.66, subdivision 2; 84.793, subdivision 1; 84.83, subdivision 3; 84.92, subdivision 8; 85.015, subdivisions 13, 14; 85.053, subdivision 3; 85.054, by adding subdivisions; 86A.05, by adding a subdivision; 86A.08, subdivision 1; 86A.09, subdivision 1; 86B.311, by adding a subdivision; 97A.321; 103B.101, subdivisions 1, 2; 103B.3355; 103B.3369, subdivision 5; 103C.501, subdivisions 2, 4, 5, 6; 103F.505; 103F.511, subdivisions 5, 8a, by adding a subdivision; 103F.515, subdivisions 1, 2, 4, 5, 6; 103F.521, subdivision 1; 103F.525; 103F.526; 103F.531; 103F.535, subdivision 5; 103G.201; 168.1296, subdivision 1; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 97B; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2008, sections 85.0505, subdivision 2; 103B.101, subdivision 11; 103F.511, subdivision 4; 103F.521, subdivision 2; Minnesota Rules, parts 8400.3130; 8400.3160; 8400.3200; 8400.3230; 8400.3330; 8400.3360; 8400.3390; 8400.3500; 8400.3530, subparts 1, 2, 2a; 8400.3560.

May 18, 2009

The Honorable Margaret Anderson Kelliher

Speaker of the House of Representatives

The Honorable James P. Metzen

President of the Senate

We, the undersigned conferees for H. F. No. 1237 report that we have agreed upon the items in dispute and recommend as follows:

That the Senate recede from its amendments and that H. F. No. 1237 be further amended as follows:

Delete everything after the enacting clause and insert:

"ARTICLE 1

NATURAL RESOURCE POLICY

Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 84.027, subdivision 13, is amended to read:

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Subd. 13. Game and fish rules. (a) The commissioner of natural resources may adopt rules under sections 97A.0451 to 97A.0459 and this subdivision that are authorized under:

(1) chapters 97A, 97B, and 97C to set open seasons and areas, to close seasons and areas, to select hunters for areas, to provide for tagging and registration of game and fish, to prohibit or allow taking of wild animals to protect a species, to prevent or control wildlife disease, to open or close bodies of water or portions of bodies of water for night bow fishing, and to prohibit or allow importation, transportation, or possession of a wild animal;

(2) sections 84.093, 84.15, and 84.152 to set seasons for harvesting wild ginseng roots and wild rice and to restrict or prohibit harvesting in designated areas; and

(3) section 84D.12 to designate prohibited invasive species, regulated invasive species, unregulated nonnative species, and infested waters.

(b) If conditions exist that do not allow the commissioner to comply with sections 97A.0451 to 97A.0459, the commissioner may adopt a rule under this subdivision by submitting the rule to the attorney general for review under section 97A.0455, publishing a notice in the State Register and filing the rule with the secretary of state and the Legislative Coordinating Commission, and complying with section 97A.0459, and including a statement of the emergency conditions and a copy of the rule in the notice. The emergency conditions for opening a water body or portion of a water body for night bow fishing under this section may include the need to temporarily open the area to evaluate compatibility of the activity on that body of water prior to permanent rulemaking. The notice may be published after it is received from the attorney general or five business days after it is submitted to the attorney general, whichever is earlier.

(c) Rules adopted under paragraph (b) are effective upon publishing in the State Register and may be effective up to seven days before publishing and filing under paragraph (b), if:

(1) the commissioner of natural resources determines that an emergency exists;

(2) the attorney general approves the rule; and

(3) for a rule that affects more than three counties the commissioner publishes the rule once in a legal newspaper published in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Duluth, or for a rule that affects three or fewer counties the commissioner publishes the rule once in a legal newspaper in each of the affected counties.

(d) Except as provided in paragraph (e), a rule published under paragraph (c), clause (3), may not be effective earlier than seven days after publication.

(e) A rule published under paragraph (c), clause (3), may be effective the day the rule is published if the commissioner gives notice and holds a public hearing on the rule within 15 days before publication.

(f) The commissioner shall attempt to notify persons or groups of persons affected by rules adopted under paragraphs (b) and (c) by public announcements, posting, and other appropriate means as determined by the commissioner.

(g) Notwithstanding section 97A.0458, a rule adopted under this subdivision is effective for the period stated in the notice but not longer than 18 months after the rule is adopted.

Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 84.105, is amended to read:

84.105 WILD RICE SEASON.

Ripe wild rice may be harvested from ~~July~~ August 15 to September 30.

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Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 84.66, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Definitions. For the purpose of this section, the following terms have the meanings given:

(1) "forest land" has the meaning given under section 89.001, subdivision 4;

(2) "forest resources" has the meaning given under section 89.001, subdivision 8;

(3) "guidelines" has the meaning given under section 89A.01, subdivision 8;

(4) "riparian land" has the meaning given under section 103F.511, subdivision 8a 8b; and

(5) "working forest land" means land that provides a broad range of goods and services, including forest products, recreation, fish and wildlife habitat, clean air and water, and carbon sequestration.

Sec. 4. [84.774] OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE CRIMINAL PENALTIES.

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), a person who violates a provision of sections 84.773; 84.777; 84.788 to 84.795; 84.798 to 84.804; 84.90; or 84.922 to 84.928 or rules of the commissioner relating to off-highway vehicle use is guilty of a misdemeanor.

(b) A person is guilty of a gross misdemeanor if the person violates section 84.773, subdivision 2, clause (2), and the person recklessly upsets the natural and ecological balance of a wetland or public waters wetland.

(1) convicted of a gross misdemeanor under paragraph (b);

(2) convicted of or subject to a final order under section 84.775 for a violation of the prohibition on the intentional operation on unfrozen public water, in a state park, in a scientific and natural area, or in a wildlife management area under section 84.773, subdivision 1, clause (3);

(3) convicted of or is subject to a final order under section 84.775 for a violation of the prohibition on the willful, wanton, or reckless disregard for the safety of persons or property under section 84.773, subdivision 2, clause (1); or

(4) convicted of or subject to a final order under section 84.775 for a violation of the prohibition on carelessly upsetting the natural and ecological balance of a wetland or public waters wetland under section 84.773, subdivision 2, clause (2).

The commissioner shall notify the person of the time period during which the person is prohibited from operating an off-highway vehicle.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2009, and applies to crimes committed on or after that date.

Sec. 5. [84.7741] OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE FORFEITURE.

Subdivision 1. Definitions. (a) As used in this section, the following terms have the meanings given them.

(b) "Appropriate agency" means a law enforcement agency that has the authority to make an arrest for a violation of a designated offense.

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(c) "Claimant" means an owner of an off-highway vehicle or a person claiming a leasehold or security interest in an off-highway vehicle.

(d) "Designated offense" means a second gross misdemeanor violation under section 84.774, paragraph (b).

(e) "Family or household member" means:

(1) a parent, stepparent, or guardian;

(2) any of the following persons related by blood, marriage, or adoption: brother, sister, stepbrother, stepsister, first cousin, aunt, uncle, nephew, niece, grandparent, great-grandparent, great-uncle, or great-aunt; or

(3) persons residing together or persons who regularly associate and communicate with one another outside of a workplace setting.

(f) "Off-highway vehicle" and "vehicle" do not include an off-highway vehicle that is stolen or taken in violation of the law.

(g) "Owner" means a person legally entitled to possession, use, and control of an off-highway vehicle, including a lessee of an off-highway vehicle if the lease agreement has a term of 180 days or more. There is a rebuttable presumption that a person registered as the owner of an off-highway vehicle according to the records of the Department of Public Safety or the Department of Natural Resources is the legal owner. For purposes of this section, if an off-highway vehicle is owned jointly by two or more people, each owner's interest extends to the whole of the vehicle and is not subject to apportionment.

(h) "Prosecuting authority" means the attorney in the jurisdiction in which the designated offense occurred, or a designee, who is responsible for prosecuting violations of a designated offense. If a state agency initiated the forfeiture and the attorney responsible for prosecuting the designated offense declines to pursue forfeiture, the attorney general's office, or its designee, may initiate forfeiture under this section.

(i) "Security interest" means a bona fide security interest perfected according to section 168A.17, subdivision 2, based on a loan or other financing that, if an off-highway vehicle is required to be registered under chapter 168, is listed on the vehicle's title.

Subd. 2. Seizure. (a) An off-highway vehicle subject to forfeiture under this section may be seized by the appropriate agency upon process issued by any court having jurisdiction over the vehicle.

(b) Property may be seized without process if:

(1) the seizure is incident to a lawful arrest or a lawful search;

(2) the vehicle subject to seizure has been the subject of a prior judgment in favor of the state in a criminal injunction or forfeiture proceeding under this section; or

(3) the appropriate agency has probable cause to believe that the delay occasioned by the necessity to obtain process would result in the removal or destruction of the vehicle. If property is seized without process under this clause, the prosecuting authority must institute a forfeiture action under this section as soon as is reasonably possible by serving a notice of seizure and intent to forfeit at the address of the owner as listed in the records of the Department of Public Safety or Department of Natural Resources.

Subd. 3. Right to possession vests immediately; custody. All right, title, and interest in an off-highway vehicle subject to forfeiture under this section vests in the appropriate agency upon commission of the conduct resulting in the designated offense giving rise to the forfeiture. Any vehicle seized under this section is not subject

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to replevin, but is deemed to be in the custody of the appropriate agency subject to the orders and decrees of the court having jurisdiction over the forfeiture proceedings. When an off-highway vehicle is seized under this section, the appropriate agency may:

(1) place the vehicle under seal;

(2) remove the vehicle to a place designated by the agency;

(3) place a disabling device on the vehicle; and

(4) take other steps reasonable and necessary to secure the vehicle and prevent waste.

Subd. 4. Bond by owner for possession. If the owner of an off-highway vehicle that has been seized under this section seeks possession of the vehicle before the forfeiture action is determined, the owner may, subject to the approval of the appropriate agency, give security or post bond payable to the appropriate agency in an amount equal to the retail value of the seized vehicle. On posting the security or bond, the seized vehicle may be returned to the owner. The forfeiture action must proceed against the security as if it were the seized vehicle.

Subd. 5. Evidence. Certified copies of court records and off-highway vehicle and driver's records concerning prior incidents are admissible as substantive evidence where necessary to prove the commission of a designated offense.

Subd. 6. Vehicle subject to forfeiture. An off-highway vehicle is subject to forfeiture under this section if it was used in the commission of a designated offense.

Subd. 7. Presumptions; limitations on vehicle forfeiture. (a) An off-highway vehicle is presumed subject to forfeiture under this section if the driver:

(1) is convicted of the designated offense upon which the forfeiture is based; or

(2) fails to appear for a scheduled court appearance with respect to the designated offense charged and fails to voluntarily surrender within 48 hours after the time required for appearance.

(b) An off-highway vehicle encumbered by a security interest perfected according to section 168A.17, subdivision 2, or subject to a lease that has a term of 180 days or more, is subject to the interest of the secured party or lessor unless the party or lessor had knowledge of or consented to the act upon which the forfeiture is based. However, when the proceeds of the sale of a seized vehicle do not equal or exceed the outstanding loan balance, the appropriate agency shall remit all proceeds of the sale to the secured party after deducting the agency's costs for the seizure, tow, storage, forfeiture, and sale of the vehicle. If the sale of the vehicle is conducted in a commercially reasonable manner consistent with section 336.9-610, the agency is not liable to the secured party for any amount owed on the loan in excess of the sale proceeds. The validity and amount of a nonperfected security interest must be established by its holder by clear and convincing evidence.

(c) Notwithstanding paragraph (b), the secured party's or lessor's interest in an off-highway vehicle is not subject to forfeiture based solely on the secured party's or lessor's knowledge of the act or omission upon which the forfeiture is based if the secured party or lessor demonstrates by clear and convincing evidence that the party or lessor took reasonable steps to terminate use of the vehicle by the offender.

(d) An off-highway vehicle is not subject to forfeiture under this section if its owner can demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that the owner did not have actual or constructive knowledge that the vehicle would be used or operated in any manner contrary to law or that the owner took reasonable steps to prevent use of the vehicle by the offender. If the offender is a family or household member of the owner and has three or more prior off-highway vehicle convictions, the owner is presumed to know of any vehicle use by the offender that is contrary to law.

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Subd. 8. Administrative forfeiture procedure. (a) An off-highway vehicle used to commit a designated offense is subject to administrative forfeiture under this subdivision.

(b) When an off-highway vehicle is seized under subdivision 2, or within a reasonable time after seizure, the appropriate agency shall serve the driver or operator of the vehicle with a notice of the seizure and intent to forfeit the vehicle. Additionally, when an off-highway vehicle is seized under subdivision 2, or within a reasonable time after that, all persons known to have an ownership, possessory, or security interest in the vehicle must be notified of the seizure and the intent to forfeit the vehicle. For those vehicles required to be registered under chapter 168, the notification to a person known to have a security interest in the vehicle is required only if the vehicle is registered under chapter 168 and the interest is listed on the vehicle's title. Notice mailed by certified mail to the address shown in Department of Public Safety records is sufficient notice to the registered owner of the vehicle. For off‑highway vehicles not required to be registered under chapter 168, notice mailed by certified mail to the address shown in the applicable filing or registration for the vehicle is sufficient notice to a person known to have an ownership, possessory, or security interest in the vehicle. Otherwise, notice may be given in the manner provided by law for service of a summons in a civil action.

(1) a description of the vehicle seized;

(2) the date of the seizure; and

(3) notice of the right to obtain judicial review of the forfeiture and of the procedure for obtaining that judicial review, printed in English, Hmong, and Spanish. Substantially, the following language must appear conspicuously: "IF YOU DO NOT DEMAND JUDICIAL REVIEW EXACTLY AS PRESCRIBED IN MINNESOTA STATUTES, SECTION 84.7741, SUBDIVISION 8, YOU LOSE THE RIGHT TO A JUDICIAL DETERMINATION OF THIS FORFEITURE AND YOU LOSE ANY RIGHT YOU MAY HAVE TO THE ABOVE-DESCRIBED PROPERTY. YOU MAY NOT HAVE TO PAY THE FILING FEE FOR THE DEMAND IF DETERMINED YOU ARE UNABLE TO AFFORD THE FEE. IF THE PROPERTY IS WORTH $7,500 OR LESS, YOU MAY FILE YOUR CLAIM IN CONCILIATION COURT. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO PAY THE CONCILIATION COURT FILING FEE IF THE PROPERTY IS WORTH LESS THAN $500."

(d) Within 30 days following service of a notice of seizure and forfeiture under this subdivision, a claimant may file a demand for a judicial determination of the forfeiture. The demand must be in the form of a civil complaint and must be filed with the court administrator in the county in which the seizure occurred, together with proof of service of a copy of the complaint on the prosecuting authority having jurisdiction over the forfeiture and the standard filing fee for civil actions unless the petitioner has the right to sue in forma pauperis under section 563.01. If the value of the seized property is $7,500 or less, the claimant may file an action in conciliation court for recovery of the seized vehicle. A copy of the conciliation court statement of claim must be served personally or by mail on the prosecuting authority having jurisdiction over the forfeiture within 30 days following service of the notice of seizure and forfeiture under this subdivision. If the value of the seized property is less than $500, the claimant does not have to pay the conciliation court filing fee. No responsive pleading is required of the prosecuting authority and no court fees may be charged for the prosecuting authority's appearance in the matter. Pleadings, filings, and methods of service are governed by the Rules of Civil Procedure.

(e) The complaint must be captioned in the name of the claimant as plaintiff and the seized vehicle as defendant and must state with specificity the grounds on which the claimant alleges the vehicle was improperly seized, the claimant's interest in the vehicle seized, and any affirmative defenses the claimant may have. Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, an action for the return of an off-highway vehicle seized under this section may not be maintained by or on behalf of any person who has been served with a notice of seizure and forfeiture unless the person has complied with this subdivision.

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(f) If the claimant makes a timely demand for a judicial determination under this subdivision, the forfeiture proceedings must be conducted according to subdivision 9.

Subd. 9. Judicial forfeiture procedure. (a) This subdivision governs judicial determinations of the forfeiture of an off-highway vehicle used to commit a designated offense. An action for forfeiture is a civil in rem action and is independent of any criminal prosecution. All proceedings are governed by the Rules of Civil Procedure.

(b) If no demand for judicial determination of the forfeiture is pending, the prosecuting authority may, in the name of the jurisdiction pursuing the forfeiture, file a separate complaint against the vehicle, describing it, specifying that it was used in the commission of a designated offense, and specifying the time and place of its unlawful use.

(c) The prosecuting authority may file an answer to a properly served demand for judicial determination, including an affirmative counterclaim for forfeiture. The prosecuting authority is not required to file an answer.

(d) A judicial determination under this subdivision must not precede adjudication in the criminal prosecution of the designated offense without the consent of the prosecuting authority. The district court administrator shall schedule the hearing as soon as practicable after adjudication in the criminal prosecution. The district court administrator shall establish procedures to ensure efficient compliance with this subdivision. The hearing is to the court without a jury.

(e) There is a presumption that an off-highway vehicle seized under this section is subject to forfeiture if the prosecuting authority establishes that the vehicle was used in the commission of a designated offense. A claimant bears the burden of proving any affirmative defense raised.

(f) If the forfeiture is based on the commission of a designated offense and the person charged with the designated offense appears in court as required and is not convicted of the offense, the court shall order the property returned to the person legally entitled to it upon that person's compliance with the redemption requirements of subdivision 12.

(g) If the lawful ownership of the vehicle used in the commission of a designated offense can be determined and the owner makes the demonstration required under subdivision 7, paragraph (d), the vehicle must be returned immediately upon the owner's compliance with the redemption requirements of subdivision 12.

(h) If the court orders the return of a seized vehicle under this subdivision, it must order that filing fees be reimbursed to the person who filed the demand for judicial determination. In addition, the court may order sanctions under section 549.211. Any reimbursement fees or sanctions must be paid from other forfeiture proceeds of the law enforcement agency and prosecuting authority involved and in the same proportion as distributed under subdivision 10, paragraph (b).

Subd. 10. Disposition of forfeited vehicle. (a) If the vehicle is administratively forfeited under subdivision 8, or if the court finds under subdivision 9 that the vehicle is subject to forfeiture under subdivisions 6 and 7, the appropriate agency shall:

(1) sell the vehicle and distribute the proceeds under paragraph (b); or

(2) keep the vehicle for official use. If the agency keeps a forfeited off-highway vehicle for official use, the agency shall make reasonable efforts to ensure that the off-highway vehicle is available for use by the agency's officers who participate in off-highway vehicle enforcement or education programs.

(b) The proceeds from the sale of forfeited vehicles, after payment of seizure, towing, storage, forfeiture, and sale expenses and satisfaction of valid liens against the property, must be distributed as follows:

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(1) 70 percent of the proceeds must be forwarded to the appropriate agency for deposit as a supplement to the state or local agency's operating fund or similar fund for use in purchasing equipment for off-highway vehicle enforcement, training, and education; and

(2) 30 percent of the money or proceeds must be forwarded to the prosecuting authority that handled the forfeiture for deposit as a supplement to its operating fund or similar fund for prosecutorial purposes.

Subd. 11. Sale of forfeited vehicle by secured party. (a) A financial institution with a valid security interest in or a valid lease covering a forfeited off-highway vehicle may choose to dispose of the vehicle under this subdivision, in lieu of the appropriate agency disposing of the vehicle under subdivision 10. A financial institution wishing to dispose of an off-highway vehicle under this subdivision shall notify the appropriate agency of its intent, in writing, within 30 days after receiving notice of the seizure and forfeiture. The appropriate agency shall release the vehicle to the financial institution or its agent after the financial institution presents proof of its valid security agreement or of its lease agreement and the financial institution agrees not to sell the vehicle to a family or household member of the violator, unless the violator is not convicted of the offense on which the forfeiture is based. The financial institution shall dispose of the vehicle in a commercially reasonable manner as defined in section 336.9-610.

(b) After disposing of the forfeited vehicle, the financial institution shall reimburse the appropriate agency for its seizure, storage, and forfeiture costs. The financial institution may then apply the proceeds of the sale to its storage costs, to its sale expenses, and to satisfy the lien or the lease on the vehicle. If any proceeds remain, the financial institution shall forward the proceeds to the state treasury, which shall credit the appropriate fund as specified in subdivision 10.

Subd. 12. Redemption requirements. (a) If an off-highway vehicle is seized by a peace officer for a designated offense, the seized vehicle must be released only:

(1) to the registered owner, a person authorized by the registered owner, a lienholder of record, or a person who has purchased the vehicle from the registered owner who provides proof of ownership of the vehicle;

(2) if the vehicle is subject to a rental or lease agreement, to a renter or lessee who provides a copy of the rental or lease agreement; or

(3) to an agent of a towing company authorized by a registered owner if the owner provides proof of ownership of the vehicle.

(b) The proof of ownership or, if applicable, the copy of the rental or lease agreement required under paragraph (a) must be provided to the law enforcement agency seizing the vehicle or to a person or entity designated by the law enforcement agency to receive the information.

(c) No law enforcement agency, local unit of government, or state agency is responsible or financially liable for any storage fees incurred due to a seizure under this section.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2009, and applies to crimes committed on or after that date.

Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 84.793, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Prohibitions on youthful operators. (a) After January 1, 1995, a person less than 16 years of age operating an off-highway motorcycle on public lands or waters must possess a valid off-highway motorcycle safety certificate issued by the commissioner.

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(b) Except for operation on public road rights-of-way that is permitted under section 84.795, subdivision 1, a driver's license issued by the state or another state is required to operate an off-highway motorcycle along or on a public road right-of-way.

(1) make a direct crossing of a public road right-of-way;

(2) operate an off-highway motorcycle on a public road right-of-way in the state; or

(3) operate an off-highway motorcycle on public lands or waters unless accompanied ~~on another off-highway motorcycle~~ by a person 18 years of age or older or participating in an event for which the commissioner has issued a special use permit.

(d) Except for public road rights-of-way of interstate highways, a person less than 16 years of age may make a direct crossing of a public road right-of-way of a trunk, county state-aid, or county highway only if that person is accompanied ~~on another off-highway motorcycle~~ by a person 18 years of age or older who holds a valid driver's license.

(e) A person less than 16 years of age may operate an off-highway motorcycle on public road rights-of-way in accordance with section 84.795, subdivision 1, paragraph (a), only if that person is accompanied ~~on another off-highway motorcycle~~ by a person 18 years of age or older who holds a valid driver's license.

Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 84.83, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Purposes for the account. The money deposited in the account and interest earned on that money may be expended only as appropriated by law for the following purposes:

(1) for a grant-in-aid program to counties and municipalities for construction and maintenance of snowmobile trails, including maintenance of trails on lands and waters of Voyageurs National Park,; on Lake of the Woods,; on Rainy Lake~~, and~~; on the following lakes in St. Louis County: Burntside, Crane, Little Long, Mud, Pelican, Shagawa, and Vermilion; and on the following lakes in Cook County: Devil Track and Hungry Jack;

(2) for acquisition, development, and maintenance of state recreational snowmobile trails;

(3) for snowmobile safety programs; and

(4) for the administration and enforcement of sections 84.81 to 84.91 and appropriated grants to local law enforcement agencies.

Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 84.92, subdivision 8, is amended to read:

Subd. 8. All-terrain vehicle or vehicle. "All-terrain vehicle" or "vehicle" means a motorized flotation-tired vehicle of not less than three low pressure tires, but not more than six tires, that is limited in engine displacement of less than ~~800~~ 960 cubic centimeters and includes a class 1 all-terrain vehicle and class 2 all-terrain vehicle.

Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 84.928, subdivision 1a, is amended to read:

Subd. 1a. Crossing a public road right-of-way. (a) An all-terrain vehicle may make a direct crossing of a public road right-of-way provided:

(1) the crossing is made at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to the direction of the road and at a place where no obstruction prevents a quick and safe crossing;

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(2) the vehicle is brought to a complete stop before crossing the shoulder or main-traveled way of the road;

(3) the driver yields the right-of-way to all oncoming traffic that constitutes an immediate hazard;

(4) in crossing a divided road, the crossing is made only at an intersection of the road with another public road; and

(5) if the crossing is made between the hours of one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise or in conditions of reduced visibility, only if both front and rear lights are on.

(b) An all-terrain vehicle may be operated upon a bridge, other than a bridge that is part of the main-traveled lanes of an interstate highway, or roadway shoulder or inside bank of a public road right-of-way when required for the purpose of avoiding obstructions to travel or environmentally sensitive areas when no other method of avoidance is possible; provided the all-terrain vehicle is operated in the extreme right-hand lane, the entrance to the roadway is made within 100 feet of the bridge or, obstacle, or sensitive area, and the crossing is made without undue delay.

(c) A person shall not operate an all-terrain vehicle upon a public street or highway unless the vehicle is equipped with at least one headlight and one taillight, each of minimum candlepower as prescribed by rules of the commissioner, and with brakes conforming to standards prescribed by rule of the commissioner, and all of which are subject to the approval of the commissioner of public safety.

(d) An all-terrain vehicle may be operated upon a public road right-of-way other than as provided by paragraph (b) in an emergency during the period of time when and at locations where the condition of the roadway renders travel by automobile impractical.

(e) Chapters 169 and 169A apply to the operation of all-terrain vehicles upon streets and highways, except for those provisions relating to required equipment and except those provisions which by their nature have no application.

(f) A sled, trailer, or other device being towed by an all-terrain vehicle must be equipped with reflective materials as required by rule of the commissioner.

(g) A driver's license is not required to operate an all-terrain vehicle along or on a public road right-of-way if the right-of-way encompasses a trail administered by the commissioner and designated for all-terrain vehicle use or multiple use.

(h) A road authority as defined in section 160.02, subdivision 25, may by permit designate corridor access trails on public road rights-of-way for purposes of accessing established all-terrain vehicle trails. A driver's license is not required to operate an all-terrain vehicle on a designated corridor access trail.

Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 85.015, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Casey Jones Trail, Murray, Redwood, ~~and~~ Pipestone, and Rock Counties. (a) The trail shall originate in Lake Shetek State Park in Murray County and include the six-mile loop between Currie in Murray County and Lake Shetek State Park. From there, the first half of the trail shall trail southwesterly to Slayton in Murray County; thence westerly to the point of intersection with the most easterly terminus of the state-owned abandoned railroad right-of-way, commonly known as the Casey Jones unit; thence westerly along said Casey Jones unit to Pipestone in Pipestone County; thence southwesterly to Split Rock Creek State Park in Pipestone County,; thence southeasterly to Blue Mounds State Park in Rock County; thence southerly to Luverne and Schoneman Park in Rock County, and there terminate. The second half of the trail shall commence in Lake Shetek State Park in Murray County and trail northeasterly to Walnut Grove in Redwood County; thence northeasterly to Redwood Falls in Redwood County to join with the Minnesota River State Trail.

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(b) The trail shall be developed as a multiuse, multiseasonal, dual treadway trail. Nothing herein shall abrogate the purpose for which the Casey Jones unit was originally established, and the use thereof shall be concurrent.

Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 85.015, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 26. Des Moines River Valley Trail, Jackson, Cottonwood, and Murray Counties. The trail shall originate in Jackson County at the Minnesota-Iowa border and connect with the Dickinson Trail in Mini-Wakan State Park in Iowa. To the greatest extent possible, the trail shall follow the Des Moines River Valley, extending northwesterly through Jackson County to Kilen Woods State Park, through Cottonwood County, and into Murray County. The trail shall terminate at Casey Jones Trail in Murray County.

Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 85.053, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. ~~Second vehicle~~ Multiple-vehicle permits. The commissioner shall prescribe and issue ~~second vehicle~~ multiple-vehicle state park permits for persons who own more than one motor vehicle and who request ~~a second~~ the permit for ~~the second vehicle~~ additional vehicles on a form prescribed by the commissioner. ~~The commissioner may issue an applicant only one second vehicle permit.~~

Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 85.054, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 15. John A. Latsch State Park. A state park permit is not required and a fee may not be charged for motor vehicle entry or parking at the parking lot located adjacent to John Latsch Road and Trunk Highway 61 at John A. Latsch State Park.

Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 85.054, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 16. Greenleaf Lake State Recreation Area. A state park permit is not required and a fee may not be charged for motor vehicle entry or parking at Greenleaf Lake State Recreation Area.

Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 85.054, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 17. School-sanctioned activities. A state park permit is not required and a fee may not be charged for vehicles transporting K-12 students engaged in school-sanctioned activities at state parks.

Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 85.055, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Fees. The fee for state park permits for:

(1) an annual use of state parks is $25;

(2) a second or subsequent vehicle state park permit is $18;

(3) a state park permit valid for one day is $5;

(4) a daily vehicle state park permit for groups is $3;

(5) an annual permit for motorcycles is $20;

(6) an employee's state park permit is without charge; and

(7) a state park permit for disabled persons under section 85.053, subdivision 7, clauses (1) and (2), is $12.

The fees specified in this subdivision include any sales tax required by state law.

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Sec. 17. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 86A.05, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 15. State boater wayside. (a) Boater waysides may be established to provide for public use.

(b) No unit shall be authorized as a state boater wayside unless its proposed location substantially satisfies the following criteria:

(1) contains resources that are desirable for use by boaters;

(2) is accessible by persons traveling by boat, canoe, or kayak; and

(3) may be near, associated with, or located within a unit of the outdoor recreation system under this section.

(c) State boater waysides shall be administered by the commissioner of natural resources in a manner that is consistent with the purpose of this subdivision. Facilities for sanitation, picnicking, overnight mooring, camping, fishing, and swimming may be provided when the commissioner determines that these activities are justifiable and compatible with the resources and the natural environment.

Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 86A.08, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Secondary authorization; when permitted. A unit of the outdoor recreation system may be authorized wholly or partially within the boundaries of another unit only when the authorization is consistent with the purposes and objectives of the respective units. ~~and only in the instances permitted below:~~

(a) The following units may be authorized wholly or partially within a state park: historic site, scientific and natural area, wilderness area, wild, scenic, and recreational river, trail, rest area, aquatic management area, and water access site.

(b) The following units may be authorized wholly or partially within a state recreation area: historic site, scientific and natural area, wild, scenic, and recreational river, trail, rest area, aquatic management area, wildlife management area, and water access site.

(c) The following units may be authorized wholly or partially within a state forest: state park, state recreation area, historic site, wildlife management area, scientific and natural area, wilderness area, wild, scenic, and recreational river, trail, rest area, aquatic management area, and water access site.

~~(d) The following units may be authorized wholly or partially within a state historic site: wild, scenic, and recreational river, trail, rest area, aquatic management area, and water access site.~~

~~(e) The following units may be authorized wholly or partially within a state wildlife management area: state water access site and aquatic management area.~~

(f) The following units may be authorized wholly or partially within a state wild, scenic, or recreational river: state park, historic site, scientific and natural area, wilderness area, trail, rest area, aquatic management area, and water access site.

~~(g) The following units may be authorized wholly or partially within a state rest area: historic site, trail, wild, scenic, and recreational river, aquatic management area, and water access site.~~

(h) The following units may be authorized wholly or partially within an aquatic management area: historic site, scientific and natural area, wild, scenic, and recreational river, and water access site.

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Sec. 19. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 86A.09, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Master plan required. No construction of new facilities or other development of an authorized unit, other than repairs and maintenance, shall commence until the managing agency has prepared and submitted to the commissioner of natural resources and the commissioner has reviewed, pursuant to this section, a master plan for administration of the unit in conformity with this section. No master plan is required for wildlife management areas that do not have resident managers, for water access sites, for aquatic management areas, or for rest areas, or for boater waysides.

Sec. 20. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 86B.311, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 6. Law enforcement watercraft displaying emergency lights. When approaching and passing a law enforcement watercraft with its emergency lights activated, the operator of a watercraft must safely move the watercraft away from the law enforcement watercraft and maintain a slow-no wake speed while within 150 feet of the law enforcement watercraft.

Sec. 21. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 97A.321, is amended to read:

97A.321 DOGS PURSUING OR KILLING BIG GAME.

Subdivision 1. Owner responsibility; penalty amount. The owner of a dog that pursues but does not kill a big game animal is subject to a civil penalty of $100 for each violation. The owner of a dog that kills a big game animal is subject to a civil penalty of $500 for each violation.

Subd. 2. Appeals. Civil penalties under this section may be appealed according to procedures in section 116.072, subdivision 6, if the person requests a hearing by notifying the commissioner in writing within 15 days after receipt of the citation. If a hearing is not requested within the 15-day period, the civil penalty becomes a final order not subject to further review.

Subd. 3. Enforcement. Civil penalties under this section may be enforced according to section 116.072, subdivisions 9 and 10.

Subd. 4. Payment of penalty. Penalty amounts shall be remitted to the commissioner within 30 days of issuance of the penalty notice and shall be deposited in the game and fish fund.

Sec. 22. [97B.657] TAKING WILD ANIMALS TO PROTECT PUBLIC SAFETY.

A licensed peace officer may, at any time, take any protected wild animal that is posing an immediate threat to public safety. A peace officer who destroys a protected wild animal under this section must protect all evidence and report the taking to a conservation officer as soon as practicable, but no later than 48 hours after the animal is destroyed.

Sec. 23. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 103B.101, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Membership. The Board of Water and Soil Resources is composed of 12 15 appointed members knowledgeable of water and soil problems and conditions within the state and five ex officio members.

Sec. 24. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 103B.101, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Voting members. (a) The members are:

(1) three county commissioners;

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(2) three soil and water conservation district supervisors;

(3) three watershed district or watershed management organization representatives;

(4) three citizens who are not employed by, or the appointed or elected officials of, a governmental office, board, or agency;

(5) one township officer;

(6) two elected city officials, one of whom must be from a city located in the metropolitan area, as defined under section 473.121, subdivision 2;

~~(5)~~ (7) the commissioner of agriculture;

~~(6)~~ (8) the commissioner of health;

~~(7)~~ (9) the commissioner of natural resources;

~~(8)~~ (10) the commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency; and

~~(9)~~ (11) the director of the University of Minnesota Extension Service.

(b) Members in paragraph (a), clauses (1) to ~~(4)~~ (6), must be distributed across the state with at least ~~three~~ four members but not more than ~~five~~ six members from the metropolitan area, as defined by section 473.121, subdivision 2; and one from each of the current soil and water conservation administrative regions.

(c) Members in paragraph (a), clauses (1) to ~~(4)~~ (6), are appointed by the governor. In making the appointments, the governor may consider persons recommended by the Association of Minnesota Counties, the Minnesota Association of Townships, the League of Minnesota Cities, the Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and the Minnesota Association of Watershed Districts. The list submitted by an association must contain at least three nominees for each position to be filled.

(d) The membership terms, compensation, removal of members and filling of vacancies on the board for members in paragraph (a), clauses (1) to ~~(4)~~ (6), are as provided in section 15.0575.

Sec. 25. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 103B.3355, is amended to read:

103B.3355 WETLAND FUNCTIONS FOR DETERMINING PUBLIC VALUES.

(a) The public values of wetlands must be determined based upon the functions of wetlands for:

(1) water quality, including filtering of pollutants to surface and groundwater, utilization of nutrients that would otherwise pollute public waters, trapping of sediments, shoreline protection, and utilization of the wetland as a recharge area for groundwater;

(2) floodwater and stormwater retention, including the potential for flooding in the watershed, the value of property subject to flooding, and the reduction in potential flooding by the wetland;

(3) public recreation and education, including hunting and fishing areas, wildlife viewing areas, and nature areas;

(4) commercial uses, including wild rice and cranberry growing and harvesting and aquaculture;

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(5) fish, wildlife, native plant habitats;

(6) low-flow augmentation; ~~and~~

(7) carbon sequestration; and

(8) other public uses.

(b) The Board of Water and Soil Resources, in consultation with the commissioners of natural resources and agriculture and local government units, shall adopt rules establishing:

(1) scientific methodologies for determining the functions of wetlands; and

(2) criteria for determining the resulting public values of wetlands.

(c) The methodologies and criteria established under this section or other methodologies and criteria that include the functions in paragraph (a) and are approved by the board, in consultation with the commissioners of natural resources and agriculture and local government units, must be used to determine the functions and resulting public values of wetlands in the state. The functions listed in paragraph (a) are not listed in order of priority.

(d) Public value criteria established or approved by the board under this section do not apply in areas subject to local comprehensive wetland protection and management plans established under section 103G.2243.

(e) The Board of Water and Soil Resources, in consultation with the commissioners of natural resources and agriculture and local government units, may identify regions of the state where preservation, enhancement, restoration, and establishment of wetlands would have high public value. The board, in consultation with the commissioners, may identify high priority wetland regions using available information relating to the factors listed in paragraph (a). The board shall notify local units of government with water planning authority of these high priority regions.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2009, and applies to rulemaking that begins after that date.

Sec. 26. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 103B.3369, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5. Financial assistance. A base grant may be awarded to a county that ~~levies~~ provides a match utilizing a water implementation tax or other local source. A water implementation tax that a county intends to use as a match to the base grant must be levied at a rate~~, which shall be~~ determined by the board. The minimum amount of the water implementation tax shall be a tax rate times the adjusted net tax capacity of the county for the preceding year. The rate shall be the rate, rounded to the nearest .001 of a percent, that, when applied to the adjusted net tax capacity for all counties, raises the amount of $1,500,000. The base grant will be in an amount equal to $37,500 less the amount raised by ~~that levy~~ the local match. If the amount necessary to implement the local water plan for the county is less than $37,500, the amount of the base grant shall be the amount that, when added to the ~~levy~~ match amount, equals the amount required to implement the plan. For counties where the tax rate generates an amount equal to or greater than $18,750, the base grant shall be in an amount equal to $18,750.

Sec. 27. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 103C.501, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Request by district board. ~~(a)~~ A district board requesting funds of the state board must submit an application in a form prescribed by the board containing:

(1) a comprehensive plan;

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(2) an annual work plan; and

(3) an application for cost-sharing funds.

(b) The comprehensive and annual work plans must be completed as provided in section 103C.331, subdivision 11. After review of the district's comprehensive plan, the state board must approve the comprehensive plan with necessary amendments or reject the plan.

Sec. 28. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 103C.501, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4. Cost-sharing funds. (a) The state board shall allocate at least 70 percent of cost-sharing funds to areas with high priority erosion, sedimentation, or water quality problems or water quantity problems due to altered hydrology. The areas must be selected based on the statewide priorities established by the state board. The allocated funds must be used for conservation practices for high priority problems identified in the comprehensive and annual work plans of the districts.

(b) The remaining cost-sharing funds may be allocated to districts as follows:

(1) for technical and administrative assistance, not more than 20 percent of the funds; and

(2) for conservation practices for lower priority erosion, sedimentation, or water quality problems.

Sec. 29. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 103C.501, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5. Contracts by districts. (a) A district board may contract on a cost-share basis to furnish financial aid to a land occupier or to a state agency for permanent systems for erosion or sedimentation control or water quality ~~improvement~~ or water quantity improvements that are consistent with the district's comprehensive and annual work plans.

(b) The duration of the contract must, at a minimum, be the time required to complete the planned systems. A contract must specify that the land occupier is liable for monetary damages and penalties in an amount up to 150 percent of the financial assistance received from the district, for failure to complete the systems or practices in a timely manner or maintain the systems or practices as specified in the contract.

(c) A contract may provide for cooperation or funding with federal agencies. A land occupier or state agency may provide the cost-sharing portion of the contract through services in kind.

(d) The state board or the district board may not furnish any financial aid for practices designed only to increase land productivity.

(e) When a district board determines that long-term maintenance of a system or practice is desirable, the board may require that maintenance be made a covenant upon the land for the effective life of the practice. A covenant under this subdivision shall be construed in the same manner as a conservation restriction under section 84.65.

Sec. 30. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 103C.501, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6. Policies and rules. (a) The state board may adopt rules and shall adopt ~~rules~~ policies prescribing:

(1) procedures and criteria for allocating funds for cost-sharing contracts;

(2) standards and guidelines for cost-sharing contracts;

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(3) the scope and content of district comprehensive plans, plan amendments, and annual work plans;

(4) standards and methods necessary to plan and implement a priority cost-sharing program, including guidelines to identify high priority erosion, sedimentation, and water quality problems and water quantity problems due to altered hydrology;

(5) the share of the cost of conservation practices to be paid from cost-sharing funds; and

(6) requirements for districts to document their efforts to identify and contact land occupiers with high priority ~~erosion~~ problems.

(b) The rules may provide that cost-sharing may be used for ~~farmstead~~ windbreaks and shelterbelts for the purposes of energy conservation and snow protection.

Sec. 31. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 103F.505, is amended to read:

103F.505 PURPOSE AND POLICY.

It is the purpose of sections 103F.505 to 103F.531 to ~~keep~~ restore certain marginal agricultural land ~~out of crop production~~ and protect environmentally sensitive areas to ~~protect~~ enhance soil and water quality, minimize damage to flood-prone areas, sequester carbon, and support native plant, fish, and wildlife ~~habitat~~ habitats. It is state policy to encourage the restoration of wetlands and riparian lands and promote the retirement of marginal, highly erodible land, particularly land adjacent to public waters, drainage systems, wetlands, and locally designated priority waters~~, from crop production and to reestablish a cover of perennial vegetation~~.

Sec. 32. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 103F.511, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5. Drained wetland. "Drained wetland" means a former natural wetland that has been altered by draining, dredging, filling, leveling, or other manipulation sufficient to render the land suitable for agricultural crop production. ~~The alteration must have occurred before December 23, 1985, and must be a legal alteration as determined by the commissioner of natural resources.~~

Sec. 33. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 103F.511, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 8a. Reinvest in Minnesota reserve program. "Reinvest in Minnesota reserve program" means the program established under section 103F.515.

Sec. 34. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 103F.511, subdivision 8a, is amended to read:

Subd. 8a 8b. Riparian land. "Riparian land" means lands adjacent to public waters, drainage systems, wetlands, or locally designated priority waters ~~identified in a comprehensive local water plan, as defined in section 103B.3363, subdivision 3~~.

Sec. 35. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 103F.515, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Establishment of program. The board, in consultation with the commissioner of agriculture and the commissioner of natural resources, shall establish and administer ~~a conservation~~ the reinvest in Minnesota reserve program. The board shall implement sections 103F.505 to 103F.531. Selection of land for the ~~conservation~~ reinvest in Minnesota reserve program must be based on its enhancement potential for fish ~~and~~, wildlife ~~production~~, and native plant habitats, reducing erosion, and protecting water quality.

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Sec. 36. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 103F.515, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4. Nature of property rights acquired. (a) A conservation easement must prohibit:

(1) alteration of wildlife habitat and other natural features, unless specifically approved by the board;

(2) agricultural crop production and livestock grazing, unless specifically approved by the board for ~~wildlife~~ conservation management purposes or extreme drought; and

(3) grazing of livestock except, for agreements entered before the effective date of Laws 1990, chapter 391, grazing of livestock may be allowed only if approved by the board after consultation with the commissioner of natural resources, in the case of severe drought, or a local emergency declared under section 12.29; and

~~(4)~~ (3) spraying with chemicals or mowing, except:

(i) as necessary to comply with noxious weed control laws or;

(ii) for emergency control of pests necessary to protect public health; or

(iii) as approved by the board for conservation management purposes.

(b) A conservation easement is subject to the terms of the agreement provided in subdivision 5.

(c) A conservation easement must allow repairs, improvements, and inspections necessary to maintain public drainage systems provided the easement area is restored to the condition required by the terms of the conservation easement.

(d) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), the board must permit the harvest of native grasses for use in seed production or bioenergy on wellhead protection lands eligible under subdivision 2, paragraph (d).

Sec. 37. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 103F.515, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4. Nature of property rights acquired. (a) A conservation easement must prohibit:

(1) alteration of wildlife habitat and other natural features, unless specifically approved by the board;

(2) agricultural crop production and livestock grazing, unless specifically approved by the board for ~~wildlife~~ conservation management purposes or extreme drought; and

~~(4)~~ spraying with chemicals or mowing, except as necessary to comply with noxious weed control laws or, for emergency control of pests necessary to protect public health, or as approved by the board for conservation management purposes.

(b) A conservation easement is subject to the terms of the agreement provided in subdivision 5.

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Sec. 38. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 103F.515, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5. Agreements by landowner. The board may enroll eligible land in the ~~conservation~~ reinvest in Minnesota reserve program by signing an agreement in recordable form with a landowner in which the landowner agrees:

(1) to convey to the state a conservation easement that is not subject to any prior title, lien, or encumbrance;

(2) to seed the land subject to the conservation easement, as specified in the agreement, to establish and maintain perennial cover of either a grass-legume mixture or native grasses for the term of the easement, at seeding rates determined by the board; or to plant trees or carry out other long-term capital improvements approved by the board for soil and water conservation or wildlife management;

(3) to convey to the state a permanent easement for the wetland restoration;

(4) that other land supporting natural vegetation owned or leased as part of the same farm operation at the time of application, if it supports natural vegetation or and has not been used in agricultural crop production, will not be converted to agricultural crop production or pasture; and

(5) that the easement duration may be lengthened through mutual agreement with the board in consultation with the commissioners of agriculture and natural resources if they determine that the changes effectuate the purpose of the program or facilitate its administration.

Sec. 39. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 103F.515, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6. Payments for conservation easements and establishment of ~~cover~~ conservation practices. (a) The board ~~must make the following~~ shall establish rates for payments to the landowner for the conservation easement and ~~agreement:~~ related practices. The board shall consider market factors, including the township average equalized estimated market value of property as established by the commissioner of revenue at the time of easement application.

~~(1) to establish the perennial cover or other improvements required by the agreement:~~

(i) except as provided in items (ii) and (iii), up to 75 percent of the total eligible cost not to exceed $125 per acre for limited duration easements and 100 percent of the total eligible cost not to exceed $150 per acre for perpetual easements;

(ii) for native species restoration, 75 percent of the total eligible cost not to exceed $200 per acre for limited duration easements and 100 percent of the total eligible cost not to exceed $300 per acre for perpetual easements; and

~~(iii) 100 percent of the total eligible cost of wetland restoration not to exceed $600 per acre;~~

(2) for the cost of planting trees required by the agreement, up to 75 percent of the total eligible cost not to exceed $250 per acre for limited duration easements, and 100 percent of the total eligible cost not to exceed $400 per acre for perpetual easements;

(3) for a permanent easement, 70 percent of the township average equalized estimated market value of agricultural property as established by the commissioner of revenue at the time of easement application;

(4) for an easement of limited duration, 90 percent of the present value of the average of the accepted bids for the federal conservation reserve program, as contained in Public Law 99-198, in the relevant geographic area and on bids accepted at the time of easement application; or

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~~(5) an alternative payment system for easements based on cash rent or a similar system as may be determined by the board.~~

~~(b) For hillside pasture conservation easements, the payments to the landowner in paragraph (a) for the conservation easement and agreement must be reduced to reflect the value of similar property.~~

~~(c)~~ (b) The board may establish a payment system for flowage easements acquired under this section.

~~(d)~~ (c) For wetland restoration projects involving more than one conservation easement, state payments for restoration costs may exceed the limits set ~~forth in this section~~ by the board for an individual easement provided the total payment for the restoration project does not exceed the amount payable for the total number of acres involved.

~~(e)~~ (d) The board may use available nonstate funds to exceed the payment limits in this section.

Sec. 40. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 103F.521, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Cooperation. In implementing sections 103F.505 to 103F.531, the board must share information and cooperate with the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Natural Resources, the Pollution Control Agency, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, ~~the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service and Soil Conservation Service of~~ the United States Department of Agriculture, the Minnesota Extension Service, the University of Minnesota, county boards, soil and water conservation districts, watershed districts, and interested private organizations and individuals.

Sec. 41. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 103F.525, is amended to read:

103F.525 SUPPLEMENTAL PAYMENTS ON FEDERAL AND STATE CONSERVATION PROGRAMS.

The board may supplement payments made under federal land retirement programs to the extent of available appropriations ~~other than bond proceeds~~. The supplemental payments must be used to establish perennial cover on land enrolled or increase payments for land enrollment in programs approved by the board~~, including the federal conservation reserve program and federal and state water bank program~~.

Sec. 42. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 103F.526, is amended to read:

103F.526 FOOD PLOTS ~~IN WINDBREAKS~~.

The board~~, in cooperation with the commissioner of natural resources,~~ may authorize wildlife food plots on land ~~with windbreaks~~ enrolled in a conservation easement under section 103F.515.

Sec. 43. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 103F.531, is amended to read:

103F.531 RULEMAKING.

The board may adopt rules or policy to implement sections 103F.505 to 103F.531. ~~The rules must include standards for tree planting so that planting does not conflict with existing electrical lines, telephone lines, rights-of-way, or drainage ditches.~~

Sec. 44. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 103F.535, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5. Release and alteration of conservation easements. Conservation easements ~~existing under this section, as of April 30, 1992,~~ may be altered, released, or terminated by the board ~~of Water and Soil Resources~~ after consultation with the commissioners of agriculture and natural resources. The board may alter, release, or terminate a conservation easement only if the board determines that the public interest and general welfare are better served by the alteration, release, or termination.

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Sec. 45. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 103G.201, is amended to read:

103G.201 PUBLIC WATERS INVENTORY.

(a) The commissioner shall ~~prepare~~ maintain a public waters inventory map of each county that shows the waters of this state that are designated as public waters under the public waters inventory and classification procedures prescribed under Laws 1979, chapter 199, and shall provide access to a copy of the maps and lists. ~~The~~ As county public waters inventory ~~map for each county must be filed with~~ maps and lists are revised according to this section, the commissioner shall send a notification or a copy of the maps and lists to the auditor of ~~the~~ each affected county.

(b) The commissioner is authorized to revise the list of public waters established under Laws 1979, chapter 199, to reclassify those types 3, 4, and 5 wetlands previously identified as public waters wetlands under Laws 1979, chapter 199, as public waters or as wetlands under section 103G.005, subdivision 19. The commissioner may only reclassify public waters wetlands as public waters if:

(1) they are assigned a shoreland management classification by the commissioner under sections 103F.201 to 103F.221;

(2) they are classified as lacustrine wetlands or deepwater habitats according to Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States (Cowardin, et al., 1979 edition); or

(3) the state or federal government has become titleholder to any of the beds or shores of the public waters wetlands, subsequent to the preparation of the public waters inventory map filed with the auditor of the county, pursuant to paragraph (a), and the responsible state or federal agency declares that the water is necessary for the purposes of the public ownership.

(c) The commissioner must provide notice of the reclassification to the local government unit, the county board, the watershed district, if one exists for the area, and the soil and water conservation district. Within 60 days of receiving notice from the commissioner, a party required to receive the notice may provide a resolution stating objections to the reclassification. If the commissioner receives an objection from a party required to receive the notice, the reclassification is not effective. If the commissioner does not receive an objection from a party required to receive the notice, the reclassification of a wetland under paragraph (b) is effective 60 days after the notice is received by all of the parties.

(d) The commissioner shall give priority to the reclassification of public waters wetlands that are or have the potential to be affected by public works projects.

(e) The commissioner may revise the public waters inventory map and list of each county:

(1) to reflect the changes authorized in paragraph (b); and

(2) as needed, to:

(i) correct errors in the original inventory;

(ii) add or subtract trout stream tributaries within sections that contain a designated trout stream following written notice to the landowner;

(iii) add depleted quarries, and sand and gravel pits, when the body of water exceeds 50 acres and the shoreland has been zoned for residential development; and

(iv) add or subtract public waters that have been created or eliminated as a requirement of a permit authorized by the commissioner under section 103G.245.

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Sec. 46. CONSUMPTIVE USE OF WATER.

Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 103G.265, subdivision 3, the legislature approves of the consumptive use of water under a permit of more than 2,000,000 gallons per day average in a 30-day period in St. Louis County, in connection with snowmaking, subject to the commissioner of natural resources making a determination that the water remaining in the basin of origin will be adequate to meet the basin's need for water and approval by the commissioner of natural resources of all applicable permits.

Sec. 47. PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT.

The commissioner of natural resources shall work with Friends of the Casey Jones Trail in planning and developing the extension of the Casey Jones Trail.

Sec. 48. TRAIL PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT.

The commissioner of natural resources shall work with Friends of the Jackson County Trails in planning and developing the Des Moines River Valley Trail.

Sec. 49. WILD RICE HARVEST AUTHORITY.

Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 84.15, subdivision 1, until December 31, 2009, the commissioner of natural resources may, by posting, restrict or prohibit the harvesting of wild rice on public waters based on the stage of ripeness of the wild rice stands in the waters.

Sec. 50. REVISOR'S INSTRUCTION.

(a) The revisor of statutes shall change the term "conservation reserve program" to "reinvest in Minnesota reserve program" where it appears in Minnesota Statutes, sections 84.95, subdivision 2; 92.70, subdivision 1; and 103H.105.

(b) In each section of Minnesota Statutes referred to in column A, the revisor of statutes shall delete the reference in column B and insert the reference in column C.

Column A Column B Column C

84.777 84.805 84.804

84.777 84.929 84.928

84.787, subd. 1 84.796 84.795

84.788, subd. 9 84.796 84.795

84.791, subd. 4 84.796 84.795

84.794, subd. 2 84.796 84.795

84.795, subd. 8 84.796 84.795

84.797, subd. 1 84.805 84.804

84.798, subd. 8 84.805 84.804

84.804, subd. 6 84.805 84.804

84.92, subd. 1 84.929 84.928

84.922, subd. 9 84.929 84.928

84.925, subd. 3 84.929 84.928

84.9256, subd. 4 84.929 84.928

84.927, subd. 2 84.929 84.928

84.928, subd. 1 84.929 84.928

84.928, subd. 6 84.929 84.928

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Sec. 51. APPROPRIATION.

$20,000 is appropriated from the natural resources fund to the commissioner of natural resources for the start-up costs of the off-highway vehicle administrative forfeiture processes. Of this amount, $15,000 is from the all-terrain vehicle account; $3,000 is from the off-highway motorcycle account; and $2,000 is from the off-road vehicle account. This is a onetime appropriation.

Sec. 52. REPEALER.

(a) Minnesota Statutes 2008, sections 84.796; 84.805; 84.929; 85.0505, subdivision 2; 103B.101, subdivision 11; 103F.511, subdivision 4; and 103F.521, subdivision 2, are repealed.

(b) Minnesota Rules, parts 8400.3130; 8400.3160; 8400.3200; 8400.3230; 8400.3330; 8400.3360; 8400.3390; 8400.3500; 8400.3530; and 8400.3560, are repealed.

ARTICLE 2

GAME AND FISH POLICY

Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 13.7931, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 6. Electronic licensing system data. Data on individuals created, collected, stored, or maintained by the department for the purposes of obtaining a noncommercial game and fish license, cross-country ski pass, horse trail pass, or snowmobile trail sticker; registering a recreational motor vehicle; or any other electronic licensing transaction are classified under section 84.0874.

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

Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 17.4981, is amended to read:

17.4981 GENERAL CONDITIONS FOR REGULATION OF AQUATIC FARMS.

(a) Aquatic farms are licensed to culture private aquatic life. Cultured aquatic life is not wildlife. Aquatic farms must be licensed and given classifications to prevent or minimize impacts on natural resources. The purpose of sections 17.4981 to 17.4997 is to:

(1) prevent public aquatic life from entering an aquatic farm;

(2) prevent release of nonindigenous or exotic species into public waters without approval of the commissioner;

(3) protect against release of disease pathogens to public waters;

(4) protect existing natural aquatic habitats and the wildlife dependent on them; and

(5) protect private aquatic life from unauthorized taking or harvest.

(b) Private aquatic life that is legally acquired and possessed is an article of interstate commerce and may be restricted only as necessary to protect state fish and water resources.

(c) The commissioner of natural resources shall establish license and other fees as provided in section 16A.1285, subdivision 2, that would make aquaculture licensing and enforcement self-sustaining. Notwithstanding section 16A.1283, the commissioner may, by written order published in the State Register, establish the fees required by this

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section. The fees are not subject to the rulemaking provisions of chapter 14, and section 14.386 does not apply. The commissioner shall develop best management practices for aquaculture to ensure the long-term sustainability of aquaculture and wetlands used for aquaculture, including, but not limited to, fish farming in man-made ponds.

Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 17.4988, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Inspection and additional fees. Notwithstanding section 16A.1283, the commissioner may, by written order published in the State Register, establish fees for the services listed in clauses (1) to (3) and the additional fee required under subdivision 2, paragraph (a). 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;

(2) fish health inspection and certification, 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.

Sec. 4. [84.0874] ELECTRONIC LICENSING SYSTEM DATA.

The following data created, collected, stored, or maintained by the department for purposes of obtaining a noncommercial game and fish license, cross-country ski pass, horse trail pass, or snowmobile trail sticker; registering a recreational motor vehicle; or any other electronic licensing transaction are private data on individuals as defined in section 13.02, subdivision 12: name, addresses, driver's license number, and date of birth. The data may be disclosed for law enforcement purposes. The data, other than the driver's license number, may be disclosed to a government entity and for natural resources management purposes, including recruitment, retention, and training certification and verification.

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

Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 84.788, subdivision 11, is amended to read:

Subd. 11. Refunds. The commissioner may issue a refund on a registration, not including any issuing fees paid under subdivision 3, paragraph (e), or section 84.027, subdivision 15, paragraph (a), clause (3), if the refund request is received within ~~12 months~~ 60 days of the original registration, the registration is not used or transferred, and:

(1) the off-highway motorcycle was registered incorrectly ~~by the commissioner or the deputy registrar~~; or

(2) the off-highway motorcycle was registered twice, once by the dealer and once by the customer.

Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 84.798, subdivision 10, is amended to read:

Subd. 10. Refunds. The commissioner may issue a refund on a registration, not including any issuing fees paid under subdivision 3, paragraph (b), or section 84.027, subdivision 15, paragraph (a), clause (3), if the refund request is received within ~~12 months~~ 60 days of the original registration ~~and the vehicle was registered incorrectly by the commissioner or the deputy registrar.~~, the registration is not used or transferred, and:

(1) the off-road vehicle was registered incorrectly; or

(2) the off-road vehicle was registered twice, once by the dealer and once by the customer.

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Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 84.82, subdivision 11, is amended to read:

Subd. 11. Refunds. The commissioner may issue a refund on a registration, not including any issuing fees paid under subdivision 2, paragraph (e), or section 84.027, subdivision 15, paragraph (a), clause (3), if the refund request is received within ~~12 months~~ 60 days of the original registration, the registration is not used or transferred, and:

(1) the snowmobile was registered incorrectly ~~by the commissioner or the deputy registrar~~; or

(2) the snowmobile was registered twice, once by the dealer and once by the customer.

Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 84.922, subdivision 12, is amended to read:

Subd. 12. Refunds. The commissioner may issue a refund on a registration, not including any issuing fees paid under subdivision 2, paragraph (e), or section 84.027, subdivision 15, paragraph (a), clause (3), if the refund request is received within ~~12 months~~ 60 days of the original registration, the registration is not used or transferred, and:

(1) the vehicle was registered incorrectly ~~by the commissioner or the deputy registrar~~; or

(2) the vehicle was registered twice, once by the dealer and once by the customer.

Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 86B.415, subdivision 11, is amended to read:

Subd. 11. Refunds. The commissioner may issue a refund on a license or title, not including any issuing fees paid under subdivision 8 or section 84.027, subdivision 15, paragraph (a), clause (3), or 86B.870, subdivision 1, paragraph (b), if the refund request is received within ~~12 months~~ 60 days of the original license or title, the license or title is not used or transferred, and:

(1) the watercraft was licensed or titled incorrectly ~~by the commissioner or the deputy registrar~~;

(2) the customer was incorrectly charged a title fee; or

(3) the watercraft was licensed or titled twice, once by the dealer and once by the customer.

Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 97A.015, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 3b. Bow fishing. "Bow fishing" means taking rough fish by archery where the arrows are tethered or controlled by an attached line.

Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 97A.051, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Summary of fish and game laws. (a) The commissioner shall prepare a summary of the hunting and fishing laws and rules and deliver a sufficient supply to ~~county auditors~~ license vendors to furnish one copy to each person obtaining a hunting, fishing, or trapping license.

(b) At the beginning of the summary, under the heading "Trespass," the commissioner shall summarize the trespass provisions under sections 97B.001 to 97B.945, state that conservation officers and peace officers must enforce the trespass laws, and state the penalties for trespassing.

(c) In the summary the commissioner shall, under the heading "Duty to Render Aid," summarize the requirements under section 609.662 and state the penalties for failure to render aid to a person injured by gunshot.

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Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 97A.075, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Deer, bear, and lifetime licenses. (a) For purposes of this subdivision, "deer license" means a license issued under section 97A.475, subdivisions 2, clauses (5), (6), (7), ~~(11),~~ (13), (14), and (15), ~~(16), and (17),~~ and 3, clauses (2), (3), (4), ~~(9)~~ (10), (11), and (12), ~~and (13),~~ and licenses issued under section 97B.301, subdivision 4.

(b) $2 from each annual deer license and $2 annually from the lifetime fish and wildlife trust fund, established in section 97A.4742, for each license issued under section 97A.473, subdivision 4, shall be credited to the deer management account and shall be used for deer habitat improvement or deer management programs.

(c) $1 from each annual deer license and each bear license and $1 annually from the lifetime fish and wildlife trust fund, established in section 97A.4742, for each license issued under section 97A.473, subdivision 4, shall be credited to the deer and bear management account and shall be used for deer and bear management programs, including a computerized licensing system.

(d) Fifty cents from each deer license is credited to the emergency deer feeding and wild cervidae health management account and is appropriated for emergency deer feeding and wild cervidae health management. Money appropriated for emergency deer feeding and wild cervidae health management is available until expended. When the unencumbered balance in the appropriation for emergency deer feeding and wild cervidae health management at the end of a fiscal year exceeds $2,500,000 for the first time, $750,000 is canceled to the unappropriated balance of the game and fish fund. The commissioner must inform the legislative chairs of the natural resources finance committees every two years on how the money for emergency deer feeding and wild cervidae health management has been spent.

Thereafter, when the unencumbered balance in the appropriation for emergency deer feeding and wild cervidae health management exceeds $2,500,000 at the end of a fiscal year, the unencumbered balance in excess of $2,500,000 is canceled and available for deer and bear management programs and computerized licensing.

Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 97A.075, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5. Turkey account. (a) $4.50 from each turkey license sold, except youth licenses under section 97A.475, subdivision 2, clause (4), and subdivision 3, clause (7), must be credited to the wild turkey management account. Money in the account may be used only for:

(1) the development, restoration, and maintenance of suitable habitat for wild turkeys on public and private land including forest stand improvement and establishment of nesting cover, winter roost area, and reliable food sources;

(2) acquisitions of, or easements on, critical wild turkey habitat;

(3) reimbursement of expenditures to provide wild turkey habitat on public and private land;

(4) trapping and transplantation of wild turkeys; and

(5) the promotion of turkey habitat development and maintenance, population surveys and monitoring, and research.

(b) Money in the account may not be used for:

(1) costs unless they are directly related to a specific parcel of land under paragraph (a), clauses (1) to (3), a specific trap and transplant project under paragraph (a), clause (4), or to specific promotional or evaluative activities under paragraph (a), clause (5); or

(2) any permanent personnel costs.

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Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 97A.095, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Waterfowl feeding and resting areas. The commissioner may, by rule, designate any part of a lake as a migratory feeding and resting area. Before designation, the commissioner must receive a petition signed by at least ten local resident licensed hunters describing the area of a lake that is a substantial feeding or resting area for migratory waterfowl, and find that the statements in the petition are correct, and that adequate, free public access to the lake exists near the designated area. The commissioner shall post the area as a migratory waterfowl feeding and resting area. Except as authorized in rules adopted by the commissioner, a person may not enter a posted migratory waterfowl feeding and resting area, during a period when hunting of migratory waterfowl is allowed, with watercraft or aircraft propelled by a motor, other than an electric motor ~~of less than 30 pounds thrust~~ with battery power of 12 volts or less. The commissioner may, by rule, further restrict the use of electric motors in migratory waterfowl feeding and resting areas.

Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 97A.137, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 4. Exemption from certain local ordinances. (a) Except as provided in paragraphs (c) and (d), wildlife management areas that are established according to section 86A.05, subdivision 8; designated under section 97A.133 or 97A.145; and 160 contiguous acres or larger are exempt from local ordinances that limit the taking of game and fish or vegetation management in the unit as authorized by state law.

(b) Except as provided in paragraphs (c) and (d), wildlife management areas that are established according to section 86A.05, subdivision 8; designated under section 97A.133 or 97A.145; and at least 40 contiguous acres and less than 160 contiguous acres are exempt from local ordinances that:

(1) restrict trapping;

(2) restrict the discharge of archery equipment;

(3) restrict the discharge of shotguns with shot sizes of F or .22 inch diameter or smaller shot;

(4) restrict noise;

(5) require dogs on a leash; or

(6) would in any manner restrict the management of vegetation in the unit as authorized by state law.

Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 97A.137, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 5. Portable stands. Prior to the Saturday on or nearest September 16, a portable stand may be left overnight in a wildlife management area by a person with a valid bear license who is hunting within 100 yards of a bear bait site that is legally tagged and registered as prescribed under section 97B.425. Any person leaving a portable stand overnight under this subdivision must affix the person's name and address to the stand in such a manner that it can be read from the ground.

Sec. 17. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 97A.331, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Shining. A person that violates section 97B.081, subdivision 1, relating to the use of an artificial light to locate wild animals ~~while in possession of a firearm, bow, or other implement capable of killing big game~~ is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.

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Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 97A.405, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4. Replacement licenses. (a) The commissioner may permit licensed deer hunters to change zone, license, or season options. The commissioner may issue a replacement license if the applicant submits the original deer license and unused tags that are being replaced and the applicant pays any increase in cost between the original and the replacement license. A refund of the difference in fees may be issued when a person changes from a regular deer license to a youth deer license. ~~When a person submits both an archery and a firearms license for replacement, the commissioner may apply the value of both licenses towards the replacement license fee.~~

(b) A replacement license may be issued only if the applicant has not used any tag from the original license or licenses and meets the conditions of paragraph (c). The original license or licenses and all unused tags for the licenses being replaced must be submitted to the issuing agent at the time the replacement license is issued.

(c) A replacement license may be issued under the following conditions, or as otherwise prescribed by rule of the commissioner:

(1) when the season for the license being surrendered has not yet opened; or

(2) when the person is ~~upgrading from a regular firearms or archery deer license to an all season deer license;~~

~~(3) when the person is upgrading from a regular firearms license to a multizone deer license; or~~

~~(4) when the person is~~ changing from a regular ~~firearms~~ deer license to a youth deer license.

(d) Notwithstanding section 97A.411, subdivision 3, a replacement license is valid immediately upon issuance if the license being surrendered is valid at that time.

Sec. 19. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 97A.421, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. General. (a) The annual license of a person convicted of a violation of the game and fish laws relating to the license or wild animals covered by the license is void when:

(1) a second conviction occurs within three years under a license to trap fur-bearing animals, take small game or to take fish by angling or spearing;

(2) a third conviction occurs within one year under a minnow dealer's license;

(3) a second conviction occurs within three years for violations of section 97A.425 that do not involve falsifications or intentional omissions of information required to be recorded, or attempts to conceal unlawful acts within the records;

(4) two or more misdemeanor convictions occur within a three-year period under a private fish hatchery license;

(5) the conviction occurs under a license not described in clause (1), (2), or (4) or is for a violation of section 97A.425 not described in clause (3); or

(6) the conviction is related to assisting a person in the illegal taking, transportation, or possession of wild animals, when acting as a hunting or angling guide.

(b) Except for big game licenses and as otherwise provided in this section, for one year after the conviction the person may not obtain the kind of license or take wild animals under a lifetime license, issued under section 97A.473 or 97A.474, relating to the game and fish law violation.

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Sec. 20. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 97A.441, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Subd. 7. Owners or tenants of agricultural land. (a) The commissioner may issue, without a fee, a license to take an antlerless deer to a resident who is an owner or tenant, or a nonresident who is an owner, of at least 80 acres of agricultural land, as defined in section 97B.001, in deer permit areas that have deer archery licenses to take additional deer under section 97B.301, subdivision 4. A person may receive only one license per year under this subdivision. For properties with co-owners or cotenants, only one co-owner or cotenant may receive a license under this subdivision per year. The license issued under this subdivision is restricted to land leased for agricultural purposes or owned by the holder of the license within the permit area where the qualifying land is located. The holder of the license may transfer the license to the holder's spouse or dependent. Notwithstanding sections 97A.415, subdivision 1, and 97B.301, subdivision 2, the holder of the license may purchase an additional license for taking deer and may take an additional deer under that license.

(b) A person who obtains a license under paragraph (a) must allow public deer hunting on their land during that deer hunting season, with the exception of the first Saturday and Sunday during the deer hunting season applicable to the license issued under section 97A.475, subdivision 2, ~~clauses (4) and (13)~~ clause (5).

Sec. 21. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 97A.445, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Angling; Take a Kid Fishing Weekends. A resident ~~over age 18~~ age 16 years or older may take fish by angling without an angling or fish house license during one three-day consecutive period of the open water angling season and one three-day consecutive period of the ice angling season designated by rule of the commissioner if accompanied by a child who is under age 16. The commissioner shall publicize the three-day periods as "Take a Kid Fishing Weekend" for the open water angling season and "Take a Kid Ice Fishing Weekend" for the ice angling season.

Sec. 22. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 97A.445, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 1a. Angling in a state park. A resident may take fish by angling without an angling license when shore fishing or wading on state-owned land within a state park. When angling from a boat or float, this subdivision applies only to those water bodies completely encompassed within the statutory boundary of the state park. The exemption from an angling license does not apply to waters where a trout stamp is required.

Sec. 23. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 97A.451, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Residents under age 16; fishing. (a) A resident under the age of 16 years may take fish without a license.

(b) A resident under the age of 16 may net ciscoes and whitefish for personal consumption without the license required under section 97A.475, subdivision 13. A resident netting ciscoes and whitefish under this paragraph must follow all other applicable requirements for netting ciscoes and whitefish for personal consumption.

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

Sec. 24. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 97A.451, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 8. Residents 90 years of age or older; fishing. A resident age 90 or older may take fish without a license.

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Sec. 25. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 97A.465, subdivision 1b, is amended to read:

Subd. 1b. Residents discharged from active service. (a) A resident who has served at any time during the preceding 24 months in federal active service, as defined in section 190.05, subdivision 5c, outside the United States as a member of the National Guard, or as a reserve component or active duty member of the United States armed forces and has been discharged from active service may take small game and fish without a license if the resident possesses official military discharge papers. The resident must obtain the seals, tags, and coupons required of a licensee, which must be furnished without charge.

(b) The commissioner shall issue, without fee, a deer license, valid for a deer of either sex, to a resident who has served at any time during the preceding 24 months in federal active service, as defined in section 190.05, subdivision 5c, outside the United States as a member of the National Guard, or as a reserve component or active duty member of the United States armed forces and has been discharged from active service. Eligibility under this paragraph is limited to one license per resident.

Sec. 26. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 97A.473, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Resident lifetime licenses authorized. (a) The commissioner may issue a lifetime angling license, a lifetime spearing license, a lifetime angling and spearing license, a lifetime small game hunting license, a lifetime firearm or archery deer hunting license, or a lifetime sporting license or a lifetime sporting with spearing option license to a person who is a resident of the state for at least one year or who is under age 21 and the child of a person who is a resident of the state for at least one year. The license fees paid for a lifetime license are nonrefundable.

(b) The commissioner may require the holder of a lifetime license issued under this section to notify the department each year that the license is used, by:

(1) telephone or Internet notification, as specified by the commissioner;

(2) the purchase of stamps for the license; or

(3) registration and tag issuance, in the case of the resident lifetime deer license.

Sec. 27. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 97A.473, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 2a. Lifetime spearing license; fee. (a) A resident lifetime spearing license authorizes a person to take fish by spearing in the state. The license authorizes those activities authorized by the annual resident spearing license.

(b) The fees for a resident lifetime spearing license are:

(1) age 3 and under, $258;

(2) age 4 to age 15, $320;

(3) age 16 to age 50, $372; and

(4) age 51 and over, $173.

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Sec. 28. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 97A.473, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 2b. Lifetime angling and spearing license; fee. (a) A resident lifetime angling and spearing license authorizes a person to take fish by angling or spearing in the state. The license authorizes those activities authorized by the annual resident angling and spearing licenses.

(b) The fees for a resident lifetime angling and spearing license are:

(1) age 3 and under, $485;

(2) age 4 to age 15, $620;

(3) age 16 to age 50, $755; and

(4) age 51 and over, $376.

Sec. 29. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 97A.473, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 5a. Lifetime sporting with spearing option license; fee. (a) A resident lifetime sporting with spearing option license authorizes a person to take fish by angling or spearing and hunt and trap small game in the state. The license authorizes those activities authorized by the annual resident angling, spearing, resident small game hunting, and resident trapping licenses. The license does not include a trout and salmon stamp validation, a turkey stamp validation, a walleye stamp validation, or any other hunting stamps required by law.

(b) The fees for a resident lifetime sporting with spearing option license are:

(1) age 3 and under, $615;

(2) age 4 to age 15, $800;

(3) age 16 to age 50, $985; and

(4) age 51 and over, $586.

Sec. 30. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 97A.4742, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Establishment; purpose. The lifetime fish and wildlife trust fund is established as a fund in the state treasury. All money received from the issuance of lifetime angling, spearing, angling and spearing, small game hunting, deer hunting, ~~and~~ sporting, and sporting with spearing option licenses and earnings on the fund shall be credited to the lifetime fish and wildlife trust fund.

Sec. 31. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 97A.475, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Resident hunting. Fees for the following licenses, to be issued to residents only, are:

(1) for persons age 18 or over and under age 65 to take small game, $12.50;

(2) for persons ages 16 and 17 and age 65 or over, $6 to take small game;

(3) for persons age 18 or over to take turkey, $23;

(4) for persons under age 18 to take turkey, $12;

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(5) for persons age 18 or over to take deer with firearms during the regular firearms season, $26;

(6) for persons age 18 or over to take deer by archery, $26;

(7) for persons age 18 or over to take deer by muzzleloader during the muzzleloader season, $26;

(8) to take moose, for a party of not more than six persons, $310;

(9) to take bear, $38;

(10) to take elk, for a party of not more than two persons, $250;

(11) ~~multizone license to take antlered deer in more than one zone, $52;~~

~~(12)~~ to take Canada geese during a special season, $4;

~~(13) all season license to take three deer throughout the state in any open deer season, except as restricted under section 97B.305, $78;~~

~~(14)~~ (12) to take prairie chickens, $20;

~~(15)~~ (13) for persons under age 18 to take deer with firearms during the regular firearms season, $13;

~~(16)~~ (14) for persons under age 18 to take deer by archery, $13; and

~~(17)~~ (15) for persons under age 18 to take deer by muzzleloader during the muzzleloader season, $13.

Sec. 32. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 97A.475, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Nonresident hunting. (a) Fees for the following licenses, to be issued to nonresidents, are:

(1) for persons age 18 or over to take small game, $73;

(2) for persons age 18 or over to take deer with firearms during the regular firearms season, $135;

(3) for persons age 18 or over to take deer by archery, $135;

(4) for persons age 18 or over to take deer by muzzleloader during the muzzleloader season, $135;

(5) to take bear, $195;

(6) for persons age 18 and older to take turkey, $78;

(7) for persons under age 18 to take turkey, $12;

(8) to take raccoon or bobcat, $155;

(9) ~~multizone license to take antlered deer in more than one zone, $270;~~

~~(10)~~ to take Canada geese during a special season, $4;

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~~(11)~~ (10) for persons under age 18 to take deer with firearms during the regular firearms season in any open season option or time period, $13;

~~(12)~~ (11) for persons under age 18 to take deer by archery, $13; and

~~(13)~~ (12) for persons under age 18 to take deer during the muzzleloader season, $13.

(b) A $5 surcharge shall be added to nonresident hunting licenses issued under paragraph (a), clauses (1) to ~~(9)~~ (8). An additional commission may not be assessed on this surcharge.

Sec. 33. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 97A.475, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Subd. 7. Nonresident fishing. (a) Fees for the following licenses, to be issued to nonresidents, are:

(1) to take fish by angling, $37.50;

(2) to take fish by angling limited to seven consecutive days selected by the licensee, $26.50;

(3) to take fish by angling for a 72-hour period selected by the licensee, $22;

(4) to take fish by angling for a combined license for a family for one or both parents and dependent children under the age of 16, $50.50;

(5) to take fish by angling for a 24-hour period selected by the licensee, $8.50; ~~and~~

(6) to take fish by angling for a combined license for a married couple, limited to 14 consecutive days selected by one of the licensees, $38.50.; and

(7) to take fish by spearing from a dark house, $37.50.

(b) A $2 surcharge shall be added to all nonresident fishing licenses, except licenses issued under paragraph (a), clause (5). An additional commission may not be assessed on this surcharge.

Sec. 34. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 97A.475, subdivision 11, is amended to read:

Subd. 11. Fish houses ~~and~~, dark houses, and shelters; residents. Fees for the following licenses are:

(1) annual for a fish house or, dark house, or shelter that is not rented, $11.50;

(2) annual for a fish house or, dark house, or shelter that is rented, $26;

(3) three-year for a fish house or, dark house, or shelter that is not rented, $34.50; and

(4) three-year for a fish house or, dark house, or shelter that is rented, $78.

Sec. 35. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 97A.475, subdivision 12, is amended to read:

Subd. 12. Fish houses, dark houses, and shelters; nonresident. Fees for fish house, dark house, and shelter licenses for a nonresident are:

(1) annual, $33;

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(2) seven consecutive days, $19; and

(3) three-year, $99.

Sec. 36. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 97A.475, subdivision 29, is amended to read:

Subd. 29. Private fish hatcheries. The fees for the following licenses to be issued to residents and nonresidents are:

(1) for a private fish hatchery, with annual sales under $200, $70;

(2) for a private fish hatchery, with annual sales of $200 or more, $210 for the base license. The commissioner must establish an additional fee based on the acreage of the operation. Notwithstanding section 16A.1283, the commissioner may, by written order published in the State Register, establish the additional fee required by this subdivision. The fee is not subject to the rulemaking provisions of chapter 14 and section 14.386 does not apply; and

(3) to take sucker eggs from public waters for a private fish hatchery, $400, plus $6 for each quart in excess of 100 quarts.

Sec. 37. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 97A.525, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. ~~Residents~~ Generally. A ~~resident~~ person may transport wild animals ~~within the state~~ by common carrier without being in the vehicle if the ~~resident~~ person has the license required to take the animals and they are shipped to the ~~resident. The wild animals that may be transported by common carrier are:~~ person or to a licensed taxidermist, tanner, or fur buyer.

~~(1) deer, bear, elk, and moose;~~

~~(2) undressed game birds; and~~

~~(3) fish.~~

Sec. 38. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 97B.035, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Possession of crossbows. A person may not possess a crossbow ~~outdoors or~~ in a motor vehicle during the open season for any game, unless the crossbow is ~~unstrung, and in a case or in a closed trunk of a motor vehicle~~ not armed with a bolt or arrow.

Sec. 39. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 97B.045, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Exception for disabled persons. The restrictions in subdivision 1 do not apply to a disabled person if:

(1) the person possesses a permit under section 97B.055, subdivision 3; and

~~(2) the person is participating in a hunt sponsored by a nonprofit organization under a permit from the commissioner or is hunting on property owned or leased by the person; and~~

~~(3)~~ (2) the firearm is not loaded in the chamber until the vehicle is stationary, or is a hinge action firearm with the action open until the vehicle is stationary.

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Sec. 40. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 97B.045, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 3. Exceptions; hunting and shooting ranges. (a) Notwithstanding provisions to the contrary under this chapter, a person may transport an unloaded, uncased firearm, excluding a pistol as defined in paragraph (b), in a motor vehicle while at a shooting range, as defined under section 87A.01, subdivision 3, where the person has received permission from the lawful owner or possessor to discharge firearms; lawfully hunting on private or public land; or travelling to or from a site the person intends to hunt lawfully that day or has hunted lawfully that day, unless:

(1) within Anoka, Hennepin, or Ramsey county;

(2) within an area where the discharge of a firearm has been prohibited under section 471.633;

(3) within the boundaries of a home rule charter or statutory city with a population of 2,500 or more;

(4) on school grounds; or

(5) otherwise restricted under section 97A.091, 97B.081, or 97B.086.

(b) For the purposes of this section, a "pistol" includes a weapon designed to be fired by the use of a single hand and with an overall length less than 26 inches, or having a barrel or barrels of a length less than 18 inches in the case of a shotgun or having a barrel of a length less than 16 inches in the case of a rifle:

(1) from which may be fired or ejected one or more solid projectiles by means of a cartridge or shell or by the action of an explosive or the igniting of flammable or explosive substances; or

(2) for which the propelling force is a spring, elastic band, carbon dioxide, air or other gas, or vapor.

Pistol does not include a device firing or ejecting a shot measuring .18 of an inch, or less, in diameter and commonly known as a "BB gun," a scuba gun, a stud gun, or nail gun used in the construction industry or children's pop guns or toys.

Sec. 41. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 97B.051, is amended to read:

97B.051 TRANSPORTATION OF ARCHERY BOWS.

Except as specified under section 97B.055, subdivision 2, a person may not transport an archery bow in a motor vehicle unless the bow is: not armed with a bolt or arrow.

~~(1) unstrung;~~

~~(2) completely contained in a case; or~~

~~(3) in the closed trunk or rear-most enclosed portion of a motor vehicle that is not accessible from the passenger compartment.~~

Sec. 42. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 97B.055, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Hunting from vehicle by disabled hunters. (a) The commissioner may issue a special permit, without a fee, to discharge a firearm or bow and arrow from a stationary motor vehicle to a person who obtains the required licenses and who has a permanent physical disability that is more substantial than discomfort from walking. The permit recipient must be:

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(1) unable to step from a vehicle without aid of a wheelchair, crutches, braces, or other mechanical support or prosthetic device; or

(2) unable to walk any distance because of a permanent lung, heart, or other internal disease that requires the person to use supplemental oxygen to assist breathing.

(b) The permanent physical disability must be established by medical evidence verified in writing by a licensed physician or chiropractor. The commissioner may request additional information from the physician or chiropractor if needed to verify the applicant's eligibility for the permit. Notwithstanding section 97A.418, the commissioner may, in consultation with appropriate advocacy groups, establish reasonable minimum standards for permits to be issued under this section. In addition to providing the medical evidence of a permanent disability, the applicant must possess a valid disability parking certificate authorized by section 169.345 or license plates issued under section 168.021.

(c) A person issued a special permit under this subdivision and hunting deer may take a deer of either sex, except in those antlerless permit areas and seasons where no antlerless permits are offered. This subdivision does not authorize another member of a party to take an antlerless deer under section 97B.301, subdivision 3.

(d) A permit issued under this subdivision is valid for five years.

(e) The commissioner may deny, modify, suspend, or revoke a permit issued under this section for cause, including a violation of the game and fish laws or rules.

(f) A person who knowingly makes a false application or assists another in making a false application for a permit under this section is guilty of a misdemeanor. A physician or chiropractor who fraudulently certifies to the commissioner that a person is permanently disabled as described in this section is guilty of a misdemeanor.

(g) Notwithstanding paragraph (d), the commissioner may issue a permit valid for the entire life of the applicant if the commissioner determines that there is no chance that an applicant will become ineligible for a permit under this section and the applicant requests a lifetime permit.

Sec. 43. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 97B.081, is amended to read:

97B.081 USING ARTIFICIAL LIGHTS TO LOCATE ANIMALS.

Subdivision 1. With ~~firearms and bows~~ implements to take wild animals. ~~(a)~~ Except as provided in subdivision 3, a person may not cast the rays of a spotlight, headlight, or other artificial light on a highway, or in a field, woodland, or forest, to spot, locate, or take a wild animal~~, except while taking raccoons in accordance with section 97B.621, subdivision 3, or tending traps in accordance with section 97B.931,~~ while having in possession, either individually or as one of a group of persons, a firearm, bow, or other implement that could be used to ~~kill~~ take big game, small game, or unprotected wild animals.

~~(b) This subdivision does not apply to a firearm that is:~~

~~(1) unloaded;~~

~~(2) in a gun case expressly made to contain a firearm that fully encloses the firearm by being zipped, snapped, buckled, tied, or otherwise fastened without any portion of the firearm exposed; and~~

~~(3) in the closed trunk of a motor vehicle.~~

~~(c) This subdivision does not apply to a bow that is:~~

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~~(1) completely encased or unstrung; and~~

~~(2) in the closed trunk of a motor vehicle.~~

~~(d) If the motor vehicle under paragraph (b) or (c) does not have a trunk, the firearm or bow must be placed in the rearmost location of the vehicle.~~

~~(e) This subdivision does not apply to persons taking raccoons under section 97B.621, subdivision 3.~~

~~(f) This subdivision does not apply to a person hunting fox or coyote from January 1 to March 15 while using a handheld artificial light, provided that the person:~~

~~(1) is on foot;~~

~~(2) is using a shotgun;~~

~~(3) is not within a public road right-of-way;~~

~~(4) is using a handheld or electronic calling device; and~~

~~(5) is not within 200 feet of a motor vehicle.~~

Subd. 2. Without ~~firearms~~ implements to take wild animals. (a) ~~Between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. from September 1 to December 31,~~ Except as provided in subdivision 3, from two hours after sunset until sunrise, a person may not cast the rays of a spotlight, headlight, or other artificial light on a highway, or in a field, woodland, or forest to spot, or locate~~, or take~~ a wild animal ~~except to take raccoons under section 97B.621, subdivision 3, or to tend traps under section 97B.931~~.

(b) ~~Between one-half hour after sunset until sunrise,~~ Except as provided in subdivision 3, a person may not cast the rays of a spotlight, headlight, or other artificial light ~~to spot, locate, or take a wild animal~~ on fenced, agricultural land ~~containing livestock, as defined in section 17A.03, subdivision 5, or poultry that is marked with signs prohibiting the shining of lights. The signs must:~~

~~(1) display reflectorized letters that are at least two inches in height and state "no shining" or similar terms; and~~

~~(2) be placed at intervals of 1,000 feet or less along the boundary of the area.~~

(c) It is not a violation of paragraph (a) or (b) for a person to carry out any agricultural, occupational, or recreational practice, including snowmobiling that is not related to spotting, locating, or taking a wild animal.

~~(d) Between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m~~. (c) Except as provided in subdivision 3, a person may not ~~project a spotlight or handheld~~ cast an artificial light onto residential property or building sites from a ~~moving~~ motor vehicle ~~being operated on land, except for the following purposes:~~

~~(1) safety;~~

~~(2) emergency response;~~

~~(3) normal vehicle operations; or~~

~~(4) performing an occupational duty~~.

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(d) Except as provided in subdivision 3, a person may not at any time cast the rays of a spotlight, headlight, or other artificial light onto property posted with signs prohibiting the shining of lights onto the property. When signs are posted, the signs shall display letters that are at least two inches in height and state "no shining" or similar terms and shall be placed at intervals of 500 feet or less along the boundary of the property.

Subd. 3. Exceptions. (a) It is not a violation of this section for a person to:

(1) cast the rays of a spotlight, headlight, or other artificial light to take raccoons according to section 97B.621, subdivision 3, or tend traps according to section 97B.931;

(2) hunt fox or coyote from January 1 to March 15 while using a handheld artificial light, provided that the person is:

(i) on foot;

(ii) using a shotgun;

(iii) not within a public road right-of-way;

(iv) using a handheld or electronic calling device; and

(v) not within 200 feet of a motor vehicle; or

(3) cast the rays of a handheld artificial light to retrieve wounded or dead big game animals, provided that the person is:

(i) on foot; and

(ii) not in possession of a firearm or bow.

(b) It is not a violation of subdivision 2 for a person to cast the rays of a spotlight, headlight, or other artificial light to:

(1) carry out any agricultural, safety, emergency response, normal vehicle operation, or occupational-related activities that do not involve taking wild animals; or

(2) carry out outdoor recreation as defined in section 97B.001 that is not related to spotting, locating, or taking a wild animal.

Sec. 44. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 97B.086, is amended to read:

97B.086 POSSESSION OF NIGHT VISION EQUIPMENT.

(a) A person may not possess night vision ~~goggle~~ equipment while taking wild animals or while having in possession, either individually or as one of a group of persons, a firearm, bow, or other implement that could be used to take wild animals.

(b) This section does not apply to a firearm that is:

(1) unloaded;

(2) in a gun case expressly made to contain a firearm that fully encloses the firearm by being zipped, snapped, buckled, tied, or otherwise fastened without any portion of the firearm exposed; and

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(3) in the closed trunk of a motor vehicle.

(1) completely encased or unstrung; and

(2) in the closed trunk of a motor vehicle.

(d) If the motor vehicle under paragraph (b) or (c) does not have a trunk, the firearm or bow must be placed in the rearmost location of the vehicle.

(e) This section does not apply to night vision ~~goggle~~ equipment possessed by peace officers or military personnel while exercising their duties.

Sec. 45. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 97B.111, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Establishment; requirements. The commissioner may establish criteria, special seasons, and limits for persons who have a physical disability to take big game and small game with firearms and by archery in designated areas. A person hunting under this section who has a physical disability must have a verified statement of the disability by a licensed physician and must be participating in a program for physically disabled hunters sponsored by a nonprofit organization that is permitted under subdivision 2. Notwithstanding section 97B.055, subdivision 3, the commissioner may authorize hunt participants to shoot from a stationary motor vehicle. A license is not required for a person to assist a physically disabled person hunting during a special season under this section.

Sec. 46. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 97B.328, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Definition. For purposes of this section, "bait or feed" includes grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, hay, or other food that is capable of attracting or enticing deer and that has been placed by a person. Liquid scents, salt, and minerals~~, and bird feeders containing grains or nuts that are at least six feet above the ground~~ are not bait or feed. Food that has not been placed by a person and resulting from normal or accepted farming, forest management, wildlife food plantings, orchard management, or other similar land management activities is not bait or feed.

Sec. 47. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 97B.651, is amended to read:

97B.651 UNPROTECTED MAMMALS AND BIRDS.

Subdivision 1. Taking unprotected mammals and birds. Mammals that are unprotected wild animals and unprotected birds may be taken at any time and in any manner, except with artificial lights, or by using a motor vehicle in violation of section 97B.091. Poison may not be used to take unprotected mammals or unprotected birds unless the safety of humans and domestic livestock is ensured. Unprotected mammals and unprotected birds may be possessed, bought, sold, or transported in any quantity, except importation or exportation is restricted as provided in subdivision 2.

Subd. 2. Importing and exporting live coyotes. A person may not export a live coyote out of the state or import a live coyote into the state unless authorized under a permit from the commissioner.

Sec. 48. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 97B.811, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Hours for placing decoys. Except as provided in subdivisions 3 and 4, a person may not place decoys in public waters or on public lands more than ~~one hour~~ two hours before lawful shooting hours for waterfowl.

Sec. 49. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 97B.811, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

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Subd. 3. Restrictions on leaving decoys unattended. During the open season for waterfowl, a person may not leave decoys in public waters between sunset and ~~one hour~~ two hours before lawful shooting hours or leave decoys unattended during other times for more than ~~four~~ three consecutive hours unless:

(1) the decoys are in waters adjacent to private land under the control of the hunter; and

(2) there is not natural vegetation growing in water sufficient to partially conceal a hunter.

Sec. 50. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 97B.931, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Restrictions. A person may not tend a trap set for wild animals between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. Between 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. a person on foot may use a portable artificial light to tend traps. While using a light in the field, the person may not possess or use a firearm other than a handgun or rifle capable of firing only rimfire cartridges of .17 or .22 caliber including .22 magnum.

Sec. 51. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 97C.081, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Contests without a permit. A person may conduct a fishing contest without a permit from the commissioner provided:

(1) the following criteria are met:

(i) there are ~~30 participants~~ 25 boats or less for open water contests and 150 participants or less for ice fishing contests;

(ii) the entry fee is $25 per person or less;

(iii) the total prize value is $25,000 or less; and

(iv) the contest is not limited to trout species only;

(2) the following criteria are met:

(i) the contest is not limited to specifically named waters; and

(ii) the contest is not limited to trout species only; or

(3) all the contest participants are age 18 years or under;

(4) the contest is limited to rough fish; or

(5) the total prize value is $500 or less.

Sec. 52. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 97C.081, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Contests requiring a permit. (a) A person must have a permit from the commissioner to conduct a fishing contest that does not meet the criteria in subdivision 2. The commissioner shall charge a fee for the permit that recovers the costs of issuing the permit and of monitoring the activities allowed by the permit. ~~The commissioner may waive the fee under this subdivision for a charitable organization.~~ Notwithstanding section 16A.1283, the commissioner may, by written order published in the State Register, establish contest permit fees. The fees are not subject to the rulemaking provisions of chapter 14 and section 14.386 does not apply.

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(b) If entry fees are over $25 per person, or total prizes are valued at more than $25,000, and if the applicant has either:

(1) not previously conducted a fishing contest requiring a permit under this subdivision; or

(2) ever failed to make required prize awards in a fishing contest conducted by the applicant, the commissioner may require the applicant to furnish the commissioner evidence of financial responsibility in the form of a surety bond or bank letter of credit in the amount of $25,000.

(1) ~~$120~~ $60 for an open water contest not exceeding ~~100 participants~~ 50 boats and without off-site weigh-in;

(2) ~~$400~~ $200 for an open water contest with more than ~~100 participants~~ 50 boats and without off-site weigh-in;

(3) ~~$500~~ $250 for an open water contest not exceeding ~~100 participants~~ 50 boats with off-site weigh-in;

(4) ~~$1,000~~ $500 for an open water contest with more than ~~100 participants~~ 50 boats with off-site weigh-in; or

(5) $120 for an ice fishing contest with more than 150 participants.

Sec. 53. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 97C.081, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4. Restrictions. (a) The commissioner may by rule establish restrictions on fishing contests to protect fish and fish habitat, to restrict activities during high use periods, to restrict activities that affect research or management work, to restrict the number of boats, and for the safety of contest participants.

(b) By March 1, 2011, the commissioner shall develop a best practices certification program for fishing contest organizers to ensure the proper handling and release of fish.

Sec. 54. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 97C.081, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6. Permit application process. (a) Beginning August 1 each year, the commissioner shall accept permit applications for fishing contests to be held in the following year.

(b) If the number of permit applications received by the commissioner from August 1 through the last Friday in September exceeds the limits specified in subdivisions 7 and 8, the commissioner shall notify the affected applicants that their requested locations and time period are subject to a drawing. After notification, the commissioner shall allow the affected applicants a minimum of seven days to change the location or time period requested on their applications, provided that the change is not to a location or time period for which applications are already at or above the limits specified in subdivisions 7 and 8.

(c) After the applicants have been given at least seven days to change their applications, the commissioner shall conduct a drawing for all locations and time periods for which applications exceed limits. First preference in the drawings shall be given to applicants for established or traditional fishing contests, and second preference to applicants for contests that are not established as traditional fishing contests based on the number of times they have been unsuccessful in previous drawings.<