SESSION WEEKLY A NON-PARTISAN PUBLICATION OF THE MINNESOTA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES MARCH 24, 1995 VOLUME 12, NUMBER 12 WEEK IN REVIEW. . . MARCH 16 - 23, 1995 HIGHLIGHTS 'I just want to live at home' . . . Some 300 protest home care cuts for disabled Jenna Johnson was number 10 on a list of some 145 people waiting to speak to a group of Minnesota lawmakers March 22 about proposed budget cuts. She isn't a lobbyist, doesn't keep a cellular phone in her pocket, and doesn't carry a leather brief case. Her uncluttered message, however, appeared to hit home. "I just want to live at home," said the quiet 12- year-old from St. Paul. Jenna was one of about 300 people who journeyed to the State Capitol March 22 to persuade lawmakers not to agree to Gov. Arne Carlson's proposed $11.5 million in cuts to home care programs for the disabled. Like many, Jenna, who has cerebral palsy, was in a wheelchair, but others had guide dogs and some were on ventilators. Even after three hours of testimony, members of the House Health and Human Services Finance Division only got to number 23 on the list of 145 people who wanted to testify. But legislators and those who didn't get a chance to testify broke into small groups after the hearing to hear more individual stories. Later in the day, a subgroup of those attending tried to demand an audience with the governor but were ordered out of his office and cited. Carlson's budget proposes to cut money from two programs that help people who are disabled remain at home instead of in an institution. Specifically, he would cut a program that provides personal care attendants for the disabled and another that allows the families of children with disabilities to buy into a state medical care plan. Some government officials maintain some people misuse the personal care attendants and other state medical services. They maintain Minnesotans are paying for "baby-sitting services." A memo from the Department of Human Services states that personal care services "can cost less than nursing facility costs." However, in some instances, Medical Assistance pays more for personal care services than it does for nursing home care. When all the cuts are added up, it is estimated that 2,030 kids and 150 adults would be cut off. Another 1,700 could lose their benefits if the Department of Human Services fails to obtain federal permission for 1,700 more waiver slots to allow them to continue their benefits. Advocates warn that the federal government's rush to cut the budget means less money for social service programs. So, more waivers are not guaranteed. But Tom Moss, director of long-term care for the Department of Human Services, said his office has been in regular contact with federal officials and "we're going to get the waivers." Currently, the state pays about $94 million each biennium for 5,300 people who receive help from a personal care attendant in their home. The attendants help with such things as feeding, bathing, travel to and from work, and changing catheter bags. Another popular program slated for cuts allows families with children who are disabled the option to pay into the state's Medical Assistance (MA) plan for their long-term health coverage while still keeping their jobs and homes. The coverage allows them to continue with their child's therapy as well as pay for medicine, medical supplies, and personal care attendants. Under current MA guidelines, most people have to impoverish themselves -- quit their jobs to meet low-income requirements and sell their homes -- before they can qualify for help. The program, known as TEFRA, serves 3,900 children and costs the state about $36 million every two years. Currently, parents in the program pay back the state about $650,000 every two years, Moss said. Advocates argue the program is not a freebie. First, parents must pay into the Medical Assistance plan. Second, they are required to keep their own private insurance for themselves and their children to pay for regular doctors' visits and other medical costs. Julie Beckett, an Iowa woman whose daughter Katie inspired then-President Ronald Reagan to initiate the TEFRA option to states, traveled to St. Paul to encourage lawmakers not to cut the program. In 1981, Reagan met Katie, then 3 years old, in a hospital. Now 17, Katie still suffers from post viral encephalitis, is on a ventilator, and requires ongoing medical care. The program is a "fiscally feasible way of taking care of people at home." She noted that nursing home care would be more costly in many cases. "If people like you knew us . . . you'd know we save the government a substantial amount of money," Beckett said. Mike Ehrlichmann of Minneapolis and a consultant on the federal American with Disabilities Act, said that many facing cutbacks fear the loss of freedom to eat, go to work, and stay in their own homes. If they're not free to live in their own homes, they end up in an institution, which would cost the state even more money, said Ehrlichmann. "You're asking a great many people to face that choice . . . Please don't let this budget proposal prevail. It is too expensive," Ehrlichmann said. -- K. Darcy Hanzlik AGRICULTURE Passing on the farm When David Reynolds' father died unexpectedly several years ago, his mother was left with the family's 700-acre farm near Redwood Falls, Minn. But left unresolved was just how the farm would get transferred to David and the next generation -- an often thorny issue that most farm families inevitably face. Luckily for Reynolds, however, southwestern Minnesota is home to a farm task force whose goal is to assist families and others who are in the process of transferring the farm from one generation to the next. "It was an opportunity to meet all at once," said Reynolds, referring to the numerous people involved in such transactions. "These people are seeking information." On March 20, the House Agriculture Committee approved a bill that would provide $191,000 in funding for the project over the next two years. The measure, sponsored by Rep. Roger Cooper (DFL-Bird Island), would establish "The Passing on the Farm Center" at the Southwest Technical College in Granite Falls, Minn. The center would expand the existing project so it is statewide in scope and bring it under the state's umbrella. In the past, the project received funding from the Southwestern Minnesota Initiative Fund, Sisters of Notre Dame, and several other organizations and was limited to southwestern Minnesota. The project employs the "study circle" concept of getting between five and 20 people together to discuss the various issues involved with such a farm transfer, ranging from tax and retirement planning to how to plan for a situation where a farming son or daughter gets divorced. "The more times a group meets, the more they'll open up," said Cindy Wittwer, a registered nurse from Redwood Falls, Minn., who has participated in the project. She said that too often people focus on the "technical parts" of such transfers while they "don't pay attention to the human parts." Several members, however, questioned the wisdom of creating another state government program during a time of budget cutbacks. "I just wonder if we need another project?" said Rep. Howard Swenson (IR-Nicollet), a lifelong dairy farmer who is in the process of transferring the family farm to his son. "I think there's resources out there now that people can go to." And Rep. Marv Dauner (DFL-Hawley) questioned why farmers should have a specific program to deal with these issues when a hardware store owner or pharmacist doesn't. HF614 now moves to the Environment and Natural Resources Finance Committee for further review. BUILDINGS Nature calls Portable toilets would be required on nearly all construction job sites, under a bill considered by the Business Regulation Division of the Commerce, Tourism and Consumer Affairs Committee March 20. No construction, remodeling, or demolition project could begin unless "sanitary rest room facilities" are provided for workers "within a reasonable distance" from the building site. The measure, sponsored by Rep. Edwina Garcia (DFL-Richfield), specifies that one toilet would be provided for every 20 employees. No facilities would have to be provided for "mobile crews" moving to different job sites "on a daily or hourly basis." Also, the bill would not apply to remote sites "where temporary rest room facilities are unavailable." Garcia said that the proposal would promote good sanitation and the prevention of communicable diseases. George Bentley, representing the Minnesota Portable Restroom Operators, told lawmakers that portable toilets are available for workers on relatively few single family home construction sites. Beside the boon to public health, providing portable toilets at work sites would save employers money by decreasing workers' break times, according to Bentley. The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires the one-toilet-to- 20-workers ratio specified in the bill. But Bentley noted that OSHA does not have enough building inspectors in Minnesota to "enforce this on a consistent basis." Bentley said that Eden Prairie has adopted a similar ordinance and has experienced no problems with it. The unfunded biffy bill had its detractors. Joan Archer of the Builders Association of Minnesota termed the proposal "too prescriptive and detailed." She said it would punish building contractors and hold up construction projects. "I would be required to ensure that there's enough toilet paper on the construction site," objected Ron Nienaber, building official for the city of Maple Grove. "I have more important things to do." HF1318 was laid over and will be considered at a later date. CHILDREN More support for kids A bill to give the state more tools to garner the hundreds of millions that are owed to Minnesota kids in failed child support payments won approval from the House Judiciary Committee March 22. As of July 1994, Minnesota kids were owed $551 million in delinquent support payments. The proposal includes a "pay it or park it" provision which would suspend the driver's license of anyone owing at least $1,000 in delinquent child support. Such parents would be notified that they have 90 days to work out a payment plan with the county or the court. Failure to do so would result in a suspended driver's license. (The debtor may request a hearing on the matter.) The provision of HF966 is modeled after a current Maine law which has generated $21 million in collections since its 1992 inception. It cost the state $70,000 to implement the program. Only 39 drivers' licenses have been suspended. Bill sponsor Rep. Matt Entenza (DFL-St. Paul) called the Maine program a successful deterrent. He said the goal is to collect money, and to "make sure individuals are not unfairly treated." Estimates from the Department of Human Services (DHS) place administrative costs for the program at about $70,000 annually. By fiscal year 1999, when the program would be fully operational, DHS conservatively estimates the program will account for an additional $30 million in child support collected. Other provisions of the bill would: -- establish a centralized state child support collections unit within the DHS in 1997. All payments made to local agencies would be forwarded to DHS; -- delay, until Jan. 1, 1997, the publishing of names of those delinquent in their support payments. When the program resumes, those on public assistance, or have filed for bankruptcy, or have a pending court case concerning what they owe in delinquent support, would not see their names in print. The changes follow the recent erroneous publication of the names of several people in newspapers statewide; and -- freeze the accrual of interest on back child support owed if the parent makes timely payments for 36 consecutive months. This is designed to aid parents who at one time owed a lot in back child support but were unable to pay; by freezing the interest on that large unpaid balance, it is hoped that parents who resume paying can catch up and pay off the debt's principal. (This provision was previously contained in HF348, sponsored by Rep. Tony Kinkel (DFL-Park Rapids), which was incorporated into HF966. ) HF966 now moves to the Health and Human Services Committee for further consideration. (See March 10, 1995, Session Weekly, page 5.) CRIME Protecting police horses You may still be able to look a gift horse in the mouth, but don't try punching him. A bill approved by the House Judiciary Committee March 22 would make it a crime to assault or harm a police horse. The horses are "an extension of the police officer" and should be protected under the law, said Lt. Shirleen Hoffman, mounted patrol leader of the Minneapolis Police Department. The city of Minneapolis launched its mounted patrol program on Nov. 3, 1994. Its four horses patrol mainly the downtown Minneapolis area along Hennepin and Nicollet avenues, but they're used for special events as well, Hoffman said. The patrol also has been called to monitor protests and disperse unruly crowds, and that's where some trouble has arisen. Last November, a full bottle of pop was thrown at a horse in Minneapolis. In a separate incident, a horse's tail was pulled. The horse whirled and knocked down two bystanders. The horse abuse went unpunished because no state law could be applied. "We need to do something before somebody really gets hurt," Hoffman said. HF1399 carries a penalty of up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine for killing a police horse. Lesser penalties also would apply, depending on the injuries sustained by the horse, the officer riding the horse, or anyone standing nearby. Under current law, police dogs are protected and have been since 1987. It is a gross misdemeanor to intentionally cause substantial bodily harm to a police dog, and a felony to kill a police dog. The latter carries a penalty of up to two years in prison and a $4,000 fine. The city of Duluth also has a two-horse mounted patrol and St. Paul is expected to begin one shortly. A St. Paul police sergeant is already certified as a mounted officer, having trained with the Minneapolis officers last fall. HF1399 now moves to the House floor. EDUCATION Year-round schools Students can learn more and school districts can save money by keeping school open throughout the year, according to Dr. Charles Ballinger, executive director of the National Association for Year-Round Education. Testifying before the House Education Committee March 23, Ballinger supported a bill (HF1323) that would give schools financial incentives to operate on a schedule that does not include the traditional summer vacation. "It is very difficult to justify the current schedule because of summer (academic) loss and the lack of full use of public facilities," Ballinger said. Year-round school does not mean students attend classes 365 days a year. Rather students are divided into groups or tracks -- often four -- that rotate. While three tracks are attending classes, one is off on vacation. That frees up space to avoid classroom overcrowding. A common schedule involves attending class 45 school days in a row and then taking 15 school days off. Some school districts offer a semblance of a summer vacation by allowing all tracks to take three weeks off together in July. More than 2,200 schools in the nation already use some kind of year-round schedule, according to Ballinger. That affects about 1.6 million students. The students benefit because they are able to perform better in classes when they don't have a lengthy interruption every summer, Ballinger said. And school districts save because the more efficient use of school buildings can prevent the need for additional facilities, he added. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Alice Hausman (DFL- St. Paul), would allow districts to use a year-round calendar and provide additional funding for those that do. The bill was referred to the K-12 Education Finance Division and is expected to come up for debate again this session. Protect kids, halt truancy All people hired to work at a Minnesota school -- public or private -- would face a criminal background check, under a bill approved March 20 by the House Judiciary Committee. The provision, which previously applied only to public schools, is included in a comprehensive school safety and anti-truancy proposal (HF610) now headed to the House Judiciary Finance Committee. (See Feb. 24, 1995, Session Weekly, page 5; March 3, 1995, Session Weekly, page 7; and March 10, 1995, Session Weekly, page 6) More extensive criminal background checks also were added to the bill. Under an amendment sponsored by Rep Doug Swenson (IR-Forest Lake), anyone who has lived in Minnesota for less than 10 years would face a national criminal background check. Criminal records from all states where an applicant has lived for the 10 years prior to moving to Minnesota also would be checked, as would welfare agency records, to see if any child maltreatment claim has been substantiated against the applicant. The bill still contains criminal sanctions for parents who fail to make a good faith effort to exercise "reasonable care, supervision, protection and control" over their children. The same misdemeanor penalty -- up to 90 days in jail and a $700 fine -- would apply if parents fail to make sure their kids are in school. Not all agree that parents should be punished. "Don't criminalize the parents . . . make them come to school with the child, or start some parenting classes," said Rep. Jim Rhodes (IR-St. Louis Park). Bill sponsor Rep. Jim Farrell (DFL-St. Paul) said he didn't anticipate that parents would be thrown in jail, but that the penalty would serve as an incentive to get kids in school. Other provisions in the bill target the truants, including a provision to allow courts to deny or revoke a driver's license until the truant turns 18 years old. The proposal also would create a series of programs to better address the growing truancy problem. Three community-based truancy service centers would be established to coordinate intervention efforts, and two school attendance review boards would be responsible for matching students with appropriate community services. Each review board would be composed of school officials, parents, school counselors, law enforcement officials, individuals from community agencies, and a probation officer. Two county attorney truancy mediation programs also would be established to resolve truancy matters outside of juvenile court. No price tag has been attached to the proposal as yet. Funding negotiations will take place in the Judiciary Finance Committee. Making schools safe School districts would have new ways to protect students from their most dangerous peers under a bill approved March 21 by the House Education Committee. Students expelled from school for assault could be refused transfer to another district under the bill, and districts would be able to keep students who are released from the criminal justice system out of the general school population for a limited time. "I'm a firm believer in the notion that children who are afraid cannot learn," said bill sponsor Rep. Charlie Weaver (IR-Anoka). "That's what this bill is to address." Susan Butler, director of special education in the Anoka-Hennepin School District, supported the bill. Districts are put in a bind when students who are incarcerated for crimes involving physical and sexual violence return to school upon their release, Butler said. "We are being asked to place these children back in a public school setting," she said. Under the bill, students released from incarceration could be placed in an alternative instruction program, away from the general school population, for up to one year. The bill would narrow the state's emotional and behavior disorders (EBD) criteria to the federal standard. The change would reduce the "over- labeling" of EBD children, Weaver said. Minnesota has "gone off the charts" with a 225 percent increase in the number EBD students during the past 10 years, Weaver said. And he said the identification of such students has become "a convenient way to get rid of kids" who act up. HF453 now goes to the House floor. Training for interpreters An interpreter is more than someone who knows two languages and can act as a go-between for people who don't speak the same language. "Interpreting is an extremely difficult task and goes well beyond speaking two languages," Bruce Downing, a professor at the University of Minnesota, told members of the House Higher Education Finance Division March 20. The division heard a bill sponsored by Rep. Karen Clark (DFL-Mpls) that would form an advisory committee to determine how best to start a training program to certify interpreters and translators. Certification training would begin in September 1998 under HF678. Interpreting means acting as a go-between for people carrying on an oral conversation in separate languages. Translation refers to written work, Clark said. The committee did not act on the bill because the cost to carry out such a program has not yet been determined. Members may take up the bill at a future meeting. In Minnesota, many Asian immigrants rely on untrained interpreters to help them with everything from visiting the doctor to buying car insurance, said Maria Nguyen, a member of the Asian Women's Task Force, which aids Asian women immigrants. Because the interpreters are untrained and are sometimes friends and relatives of the non-English speaking person, the actual interpretation can be sketchy. Especially if the subject matter is full of medical jargon or legal terms, said Sy Vang, who serves as an advocate for battered Asian women. When she sits in on court hearings, she sometimes hears incorrect interpretation no one catches. "The interpreter can't find the words to fit the legalese and the judge doesn't know that," Vang told division members. "Many times I had to interrupt because I wasn't happy with the interpreting." Interpreters need to learn the jargon of a specialty field such as medicine or law. They need to learn communication skills and to learn the ethics of interpretation, Downing said. He teaches an interpreter training program through the university extension program. "It's just a small attempt to meet some of the desperate need. Interpreting is one of the most undeveloped fields that exists. In Europe these programs are taught on the graduate school level," he said. The advisory committee HF678 would determine how best to enact a certification program. Under one option, students would successfully complete a number of community college classes and earn an associate of arts degree, Clark said. Studying domestic violence Five young people from Black Hawk Middle School in Eagan visited the House March 22 -- fully prepared to share the results of their study on domestic violence. Rep. Mary Murphy (DFL-Hermantown), chair of the House Judiciary Finance Committee, was among those who witnessed the students' well-rehearsed presentation, complete with overhead transparencies. The students' research project began in January under the direction of their social studies teacher, Scott Moser. Their choice of topic was prompted by media coverage of the O.J. Simpson trial and talk show discussions of spousal abuse. Their sources included newspaper articles and interviews with prosecutors, police officers, and domestic abuse specialists. The students reported that over one million women each year receive medical attention because of battering, They were concerned about overcrowding in women's shelters and why abuse victims didn't just leave the situation. One student said that, "Domestic abuse has a profound effect on children, who witness 87 percent of domestic abuse incidents." Another said that "judges spend an average of 10 minutes on each domestic abuse case." Murphy, herself a social studies teacher, questioned the students on the feasibility of their recommendation to impose tougher sentences on people convicted of battering and suggested that they talk to some state district court judges. The presentation was made by students Jason Cox, Christen Johnson, Tom Kolinski, Amber Paukner, and Shane Stevenson. ELECTIONS Special elections by mail Special elections called to fill a vacated state legislative seat would take place through the mail or at the same time as the state primary or general election, under a bill approved March 16 by the House Elections Division. Under the bill (HF220), county auditors would mail ballots to every registered voter in a district with a vacant legislative seat -- but only if the election is held while the Legislature is in session. When the Legislature is not in session, the election would take place at the November general election or, if there is no November election or the vacancy occurs after that election, by mail. A special primary -- if necessary -- would be held through the mail or at the time of the regular primary. "I'm thinking that convenience and custom will increase turnout," said Rep. Mindy Greiling (DFL- Roseville), who sponsors the bill. "This bill is in keeping with trying to keep uniform election days and to get people to turn out to vote." The bill would also give the governor 49 days -- instead of the 28 called for in current law -- in which to set the special election date after a vacancy occurs, said Joe Mansky, director of the Elections Division of the Office of the Secretary of State. The bill may increase the cost of holding a special election, Mansky said, because the postage required to mail ballots to each registered voter may total more than the cost of opening polls for one day. But when elections have been conducted through the mail the number of people voting has sharply increased, Mansky said. In 1987, the Legislature gave townships the authority to conduct elections by mail. In 1991, the Legislature gave Ramsey, Kittson counties the authority to conduct local elections by mail on an experimental basis, but neither county has used that authority. In that same year, the Legislature also gave all counties the authority to conduct absentee voting by mail without qualification. The boards in five Minnesota counties -- Anoka, Becker, Hennepin, Pope and Ramsey -- agreed to do it. And in 1993, cities outside the metropolitan area with fewer than 400 registered voters were given the authority to vote by mail in state, county and local elections. If the bill is approved by the Legislature and signed by the governor, voters in special elections would receive ballots 20 to 14 days before election and would have until 8 p.m. election day to return them. They could mail their ballots or return them in person to their county auditor's office, Mansky said. Political contributions Political parties and campaign committees who use the state's political contribution refund program would be barred from using contributions to lobby, under a bill approved by a House panel March 16. The political contribution refund program is only to be used to fund an individual candidate's campaign, said bill sponsor Rep. Roger Cooper (DFL- Bird Island). Under the program, created by the Legislature in 1990, an individual can give up to $50 to a candidate or party, obtain a receipt for the donation, complete a form from the Department of Revenue, and get the cash back from the state. Married couples can contribute up to $100 and get it back. Cooper told members of the House General Legislation, Veterans Affairs and Elections Committee's Elections Division he received a fund raising letter from a committee of a major political party. It told recipients that their financial contribution would help the organization lobby to make changes to the MinnesotaCare health plan. It also encouraged donors to take advantage of the political contribution refund program. Such use of the program is currently legal, but not what the program was intended for, supporters said. Some DFL lawmakers also have criticized Gov. Arne Carlson's campaign organization for using the political contribution refund program, since the group is now lobbying the Legislature on behalf of the governor's programs. Carlson's tax bill (HF630) calls for the elimination of the refund program, which costs the state $4.7 million per two-year spending cycle The bill (HF1106) would require political parties that use the program to file a statement with the Ethical Practices Board saying the contributions are not used to lobby or influence legislation. The House General Legislation, Veterans Affairs and Elections Committee will hear the bill next. Holding two elected offices Soil and water conservation district supervisors in small towns would be allowed to hold a second elective office under a bill approved by a House panel March 16. According to a 1973 opinion from the Office of the Attorney General, the soil and water supervisor office is incompatible with other elective town offices, such as mayor, town supervisor, or city council member, because the conservation district is charged with land planning and with distributing state and local funds for individual landowners. Those activities may have an effect on the city or town, according to the ruling. But in smaller Minnesota towns and cities, it is common practice for soil and water conservation district supervisors to also hold a second elected office, said Rep. Gene Pelowski (DFL-Winona) who sponsors HF450. "Our understanding is that in rural areas, it's hard to find anybody to run for anything," Pelowski said. The bill would declare the widespread practice legal for officers in Minnesota towns with fewer than 2,500 people. The supervisor must refrain from voting on issues that affect the town and the soil and water conservation district. Current law allows school board members to serve on town boards, said Joe Mansky, director of the Elections Division of the Office of the Secretary of State. The bill now heads to the House General Legislation, Veterans Affairs and Elections Committee. ENVIRONMENT Easing wetland restrictions Legislation that would give counties more flexibility in developing wetlands was approved by House Environment and Natural Resources Committee March 22. The "compromise bill" (HF787), which would amend the 1991 Wetlands Conservation Act, was developed over five months in meetings of the Wetlands Heritage Advisory Committee, according to the bill's sponsor, Rep. Willard Munger (DFL- Duluth). The panel contains members representing agricultural, educational, environmental, and land development interests. The measure would allow local governments to adopt their own "comprehensive wetland protection and management plan" in lieu of the rules adopted by the Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR), which currently oversees the law. Many local officials have complained those rules are too strict and make land development too costly. Under the bill, BWSR would still have to approve -- and could reject -- a county plan, a move applauded by the Minnesota Wetlands Conservation Coalition, which is composed of nine environmental groups. A separate wetlands bill (HF622) approved by the Agriculture Committee March 15, also would allow counties to develop their own wetland management plans. However, it did not require BWSR approval of those plans. (See March 17, 1995, Session Weekly, page 3.) HF787 also would ease current wetland replacement mandates that have caused five northern Minnesota counties to refuse to comply with the 1991 Wetlands Conservation Act. The law now tells local governments that wetlands drained for roads, housing, or other development must be replaced -- if not in another section of the county then somewhere in the state. The bill says that in counties which have 80 percent of the wetlands that existed when Europeans first arrived in Minnesota -- or presettlement wetlands -- the minimum size of a wetland requiring replacement would be raised to 7,500 square feet, up from 400 square feet. (The same language is contained in HF622.) Other changes to the current wetland replacement requirements were made to the bill. An amendment sponsored by Rep. Doug Peterson (DFL-Madison) would exempt the Lincoln- Pipestone Rural Water System from having to file a wetland replacement plan. Peterson explained that the system's waterfield is located in a "calcareous fen" -- a type of wetland where water percolates through calcium rock. Operation, future construction and maintenance of the water system serving 4,000 people would be allowed as long as it was "done in an environmentally sustainable manner," under the bill. Under current law, such a fen cannot be altered or degraded. A successful amendment offered by Rep. Virgil Johnson (IR-Caledonia) would ease the replacement requirements involving "public transportation projects." Under current law, those responsible for such projects must replace twice the area of wetlands that are disturbed. Under the amendment, these projects would replace drained wetlands on a one-for-one basis. HF622, sponsored by Rep. Jim Tunheim (DFL- Kennedy), is now pending before the Environment and Natural Resources Committee, but it will not receive a hearing. HF787 now moves to the House floor. Better shipwrecks and gardens The state would spend $100,000 to study shipwrecks in Minnesota and $150,000 to conduct workshops on landscaping with native Minnesota plants under a bill considered by the Environment and Natural Resources Finance Committee March 22. The $33 million Legislative Commission on Minnesota Resources' (LCMR) bill contains money for 86 environmental and recreational projects. HF213 will become part of an omnibus environmental spending bill that will be completed later this legislative session. Money raised through a portion of the state's cigarette tax and lottery earnings finance the projects selected by the LCMR. The commission solicits projects through mailings to 3,300 state agencies, local units of government, citizens groups, and through a series of natural resource forums across the state. LCMR chair Rep. Phyllis Kahn (DFL-Mpls) said that the commission provides worthy projects with an "avenue to the state budget that doesn't exist otherwise." One proposal, which prompted lawmaker debate would give $100,000 to the Minnesota Historical Society to survey "shipwrecks in Minnesota inland lakes and rivers," and organize a conference in Duluth on "underwater cultural resources." Kahn explained that shipwrecks in "fresh, clear water" stay well-preserved for a long time. She added that some Great Lakes states have promoted shipwrecks as a tourist attraction. Two previous LCMR grants have funded studies of shipwrecks in Lake Superior, according to Scott Anfinson, an archaeologist with the historical society. He said the society will publish a book on Lake Superior shipwrecks next year. Some other LCMR proposals include: -- $4.5 million to the Metropolitan Council to improve its regional park system; -- $3.7 million to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to upgrade state park facilities; -- $575,000 to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to determine the sources of toxic mercury emissions in Minnesota's air and how much is ending up in the state's lakes; -- $150,000 to the Neighborhood Energy Consortium in St. Paul to conduct workshops on landscaping with native Minnesota plants in the Twin Cities metropolitan area; -- $2.3 million to the DNR for four Reinvest in Minnesota (RIM) projects to acquire land to improve streams and wildlife habitat; -- $900,000 to the DNR for the ninth and tenth years of a 24-year project studying the "ecology of rare plants, animals, and natural communities" in Minnesota counties; -- $650,000 to the DNR for data collection to evaluate experimental fishing regulations; -- $600,000 to the DNR to construct boat ramps and fishing piers and improve shoreline access; and -- $680,000 for an expansion of the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum and development of a wetland restoration demonstration project. The LCMR is composed of eight representatives and eight senators. Bigger state parks Several state parks would have their legal boundaries expanded, under a bill given final approval March 22 by the House. The vote was 127-2. The bill (HF479) would allow parcels of land to be added to Forestville, Gooseberry Falls, and William O'Brien state parks. (See March 3, 1995, Session Weekly, page 8) In addition, the bill would correct a legal oversight to reclassify John A. Latsch State Park. The land was once a state park, but, for reasons unknown, it inadvertently became classified as a wayside rest area. A bill is usually introduced each session to modify state park boundaries. In some cases, landowners express a desire that their land become part of a park. In others, state forest land is added to a park. Although the proposal would expand the legal boundaries of the state parks, future legislation would need to be approved to authorize the sale of state bonds to pay for acquiring private land to add to the parks. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Tom Bakk (DFL- Cook), also would allow vehicles without state park permits to enter Gooseberry Falls State Park and park in a new highway rest area that lies within the park. Parking no longer would be allowed along the highway. The bill now heads to the Senate. GAMBLING Honoring state compacts Marge Anderson, chief executive of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Indians, urged lawmakers to honor the gaming compacts now in effect between the state and the 11 Minnesota tribes. Anderson, testifying March 17 before the Gambling Division of the House Governmental Operations Committee, opposed a resolution urging Congress to put a closing date on the 22 compacts now in existence between the state and the tribes. The compacts have no expiration date. Sponsor Rep. Phyllis Kahn (DFL-Mpls) said the resolution (HF1084) would be an early step in an effort to bring all the parties to the table to discuss some of the issues that have arisen since the compacts were signed. Anderson said the compacts were "not a gift" but instead were the result of "tough negotiations between sovereign powers." She said the expiration of the compacts would threaten the tribes' only source of revenue for economic development. "Indian gaming was not created to help the state government out of the financial mess they have gotten themselves into," Anderson said. Audrey Kohnen, of the Prairie Island Mdewakanton Dakota Community, said the resolution is another chapter in a history where only the issues have changed. "One thing has always stayed the same," she said. "Indians have always kept their word, and your governments have not." The division took no action on the resolution and is expected to debate it at a later date. GOVERNMENT Unforeseen expenses A $3.3 million proposal to cover unforeseen expenses incurred by several state departments and programs during fiscal year 1995 was given final approval by the House March 20. The vote was 127-2. Under the bill, the Office of the Attorney General would get $790,000 to pay for expert witnesses the state hired for the 1994 federal court case involving the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe's disputed treaty rights. Also, the state Board of Public Defense would receive $1.5 million to handle increased caseloads resulting from juvenile criminal laws enacted by the 1994 Legislature. With the current backlog of cases clogging the courts, public defenders have told lawmakers on several occasions this year that they need more staff. The governor vetoed a $2.65 million appropriation for public defenders contained in the 1994 juvenile crime bill. (See Feb. 24, 1995, Session Weekly, page 7) Rep. John Dorn (DFL-Mankato) offered a successful amendment to provide $245,000 to the Department of Health for "programs to deal with the meningitis outbreak in Minnesota." The total medical bill to prevent the spread of meningitis in Mankato has risen to sightly more than $1 million, according to Aggie Leitheiser, assistant director for disease prevention and control in the Department of Health. She said that $245,000 would pay for the first round of immunizations given to high school students, staff, and their families. The additional cost comes from immunizations given to everyone 29 years of age and under who were vaccinated after a Mankato State University student contracted the disease. Leitheiser said that 31,000 residents have been immunized and given antibiotics. The deficiency bill also would provide: -- $500,000 to the Department of Veterans Affairs for the emergency financial and medical needs of veterans; -- $200,000 to the Board of Architecture, Engineering, Land Surveying and Landscape Architecture and Interior Design to pay outside attorneys in response to a complaint and a lawsuit. Pam Smith, the board's executive secretary, said that half the request was for a complaint that was recently settled through mediation, so a large portion of the money would not be needed; -- $30,000 to the Department of Public Safety to match federal funds for flood relief; and -- $77,000 to the Minnesota Racing Commission to regulate pari-mutuel horse racing. As passed by the House, the bill (HF355/SF 335*), sponsored by Rep. Jim Girard (IR-Lynd), spends $1.1 million more than the Senate version. The Senate proposal, passed March 6 on a 62-0 vote, does not include money for Indian treaty litigation and several other items funded by the House. A conference committee will soon be appointed to negotiate a compromise. Improving debt collection A bill to give the state more power to collect overdue debts owed to state agencies won approval from the House Judiciary Committee March 22. But members voted to remove a penalty surcharge that bill sponsor Rep. Howard Orenstein (DFL-St. Paul) wanted deadbeat debtors to pay. "What you're doing here is asking Minnesota taxpayers to bear the burden of those who have taken us this far [in forcing the state to collect the debt] and still refuse to pay," Orenstein said. The penalty -- of up to 25 percent of the debt -- would have been added to an existing bad debt, such as a student loan, back taxes, or a fee, to pay for the cost of the collection. But the amount of the penalty was criticized as "arbitrary" by some members. Rep. Tom Pugh (DFL-So. St. Paul), who sponsored the amendment to delete the penalty, said it amounted to "interfering with a prior contract" which included no such penalty provision when it was signed. Another provision in the bill would allow the state to seize or reduce an individual's tax refund check or other state payment to pay any debt owed the state. (Public assistance checks would not be seized.) Current law only allows for such deductions for back taxes or child support payments owed the state. The state would notify the person whose funds would be taken, and the individual would have 30 days to request a hearing to dispute the matter. Under HF625, wages also could be garnished until a debt is paid off, as long as there are no other creditors garnishing the wages. Currently, the state and other creditors can garnish a person's wages for up to 70 days. Debtors who prove that they need more money for necessities such as shelter, food, and work transportation, could reduce a garnishment. As of Sept. 30, 1994, the state was owed $641 million to the general fund and $587 million to other state accounts, according to the Minnesota Collection Enterprise (MCE). The MCE was established by the 1994 Legislature to coordinate a statewide effort on bill collections. (See March 17, 1995, Session Weekly, page 6) The bill now moves to the Governmental Operations Committee's State Government Finance Division. Government contracts cut A bill to cut the state's use of private contracts and consultants by 10 percent during the 1996- 1997 biennium won approval from the House Governmental Operations Committee's State Government Finance Division March 21. The bill calls on the state's 20 main agencies to cut 10 percent off the aggregate amount they spent on consultants in fiscal years 1994-1995. They could not make the cuts from grant money or federal funds. Instead, they must cut from the dollars allocated to them by the state. The measure, sponsored by Rep. Joe Opatz (DFL- St. Cloud), is expected to be incorporated in the division's omnibus bill. Under the bill, the governor would decide which agencies would face contract cuts. Some could increase their use of consultants as long as others decreased enough for an overall reduction of 10 percent. The bill (HF123) also would apply to the House of Representatives, the Senate, the Legislative Coordinating Commission, and the Metropolitan Council. Each would be required to cut 10 percent in their consultant spending. There are exemptions in the bill, such as contracts for highway construction and maintenance; consultants hired by a Minnesota state college or university to teach public or private organizations, agencies, or businesses; and consultants used to help with pension plans. Opatz said the bill is designed to save money and force state agencies, the Legislature, and the Metropolitan Council to really look at whether a specific project warrants the hiring of a consultant or whether a current state employee could do the job. For that reason, the bill now exempts contracts between state agencies, trying to encourage more agencies to look to each other to help with special projects. Part of the bill would require agencies to seek prior approval before hiring a consultant for a contract exceeding $5,000. The agency must determine that no current state employee, including employees outside its own agency, could do the job. The agency must also certify that it has publicized the contract. (See Jan. 27, 1995, Session Weekly, page 8; Feb. 17, 1995, Session Weekly, page 7; and Mar. 10, 1995, Session Weekly, page 9) Government innovation One specially selected state agency could change its hiring practices and some state employees could earn bonuses for finding ways to save money and time at work, under a bill approved by the Ways and Means Committee's Government Efficiency and Oversight Division March 17. The bill, (HF976) sponsored by Rep. Howard Orenstein (DFL-St. Paul), sets up what he calls "pilot projects" for selected state agencies. Under the bill, the governor would be able to select one state agency to carry one pilot project throughout the next biennium. That agency would not have to keep the names of 20 people on an "eligibility list" from which new hires are culled -- a practice that some have argued is cumbersome and inefficient. State agencies must keep those eligibility lists by law. Potential employees are ranked on the list according to whether they had recently been laid off from the agency, their scores on agency examinations, past employment, and other factors. Names must remain on the list for at least six months. The selected agency would hire based on merit rather than rank, Orenstein said. Some state agency personnel staff say doing away with the eligibility list may open up the hiring process, he added. The selected agency must update the Legislature in October of 1996 and 1997 on how the project is progressing. A second part of the bill would allow employees in the Department of Employee Relations to be rewarded for suggesting ways the department could operate more effectively. Groups of employees are also eligible for the award, though managers are not eligible. The employees must identify a substantial cost- saving measure to receive the minimum $500 and maximum $2,500 award. That money would come from an account set up with money saved through efficiencies suggested by DOER employees. Each employee could only receive the award once. The third part of HF976 deals with procurement -- the process through which state agencies contract for goods and services. Orenstein said this part of the bill would remove rules and procedures that cause unnecessary inefficiencies in the purchasing system. Again, the governor will select one state agency. The Department of Administration would not have to approve contracts that the designated agency signs, as is now the practice with all state agencies. The selected agency would have to plan its method of submitting bids and awarding contracts and must ensure that method prevents conflict of interest between agency employees and bidders. The select agency would also report to the Legislature in October 1996 and 1997 on the pilot project's progress. The bill also would allow a state agency to apply to the State Board of Government Innovation and Cooperation for a waiver from a rule or policy that deals with the state personnel, procurement or accounting system. Term limit bill stalls A proposal to limit terms of office for legislators, constitutional officers, and members of Congress received its first hearing before a House committee March 23. But the term limits bill won't be moving forward -- at least for now. Members of the Elections Division of the House General Legislation, Veterans Affairs and Elections Committee rejected HF7 by a 5-5 vote. Rep. Tim Pawlenty (IR-Eagan), who sponsored the bill, said he has tried to bring the issue before House members since 1993. The bill calls for a proposed amendment to the Minnesota Constitution on the 1996 ballot, giving voters the option to approve term limits. State legislators would have been limited to 10 years in office. Representatives serve two-year terms and senators four-year terms. But because legislative districts are reapportioned every 10 years, state senators serve a two-year term each decade. The bill also would have restricted the governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, state treasurer, attorney general, and state auditor from seeking more than two terms in office. Also, Minnesota members of Congress could not hold office for more than 12 years, under the bill. Twenty-two states have term limit laws, Pawlenty said. A case before the U.S. Supreme Court questions a portion of the Arkansas law which sets terms for Arkansas' congressional delegation. The court is expected to rule on whether a state can limit federal elective terms. "Term limits increase competition because there will be an open seat up for election now and again," Pawlenty said. "It will decrease the power of special interest groups because the groups can't cultivate long-term relationships." The bill would have applied to current office holders as well as newly elected ones. Rep. Mindy Greiling (DFL-Roseville) voted against the measure, calling it a "simplistic solution" to voters' seeming disenchantment with government. Better metro planning A bill to coordinate planning and development across the Twin Cities metropolitan region was given final approval by the House March 22. The vote was 79-50. Under HF833, cities, counties, and towns within the seven-county metropolitan area must review and update their comprehensive plans by December 1998. Each would then have to repeat the process every 10 years. (The final plans are then submitted to the Metropolitan Council.) A comprehensive plan serves as a development and spending blueprint for a local government. A plan could include a section stating how the government's planned land use and its urban services, such as sewer service, would affect adjoining communities. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Dee Long (DFL-Mpls), would not allow local governments to adopt zoning ordinances which conflict with their comprehensive plans. The zoning guide laid out in the plans, however, could be amended. Currently, if a government's zoning ordinance differs from the zoning guide laid out in the comprehensive plan, zoning officials follow the ordinance. HF833 now heads to the Senate. Redrawing county boundaries A bill to study whether some of Minnesota's 87 counties could be consolidated won approval from the House Governmental Operations Committee's State Government Finance Division March 21. Rep. Phyllis Kahn (DFL-Mpls) is sponsoring the bill (HF130) that calls on the Board of Government Innovation and Cooperation to study whether it is feasible to consolidate counties and their services. It suggests looking at all sorts of options, including but not limited to organizing Minnesota counties in a fashion similar to the state's 10 judicial districts. Under the bill, the board would have to report its findings to the Legislature by Jan. 1, 1997. The 18-month study is expected to cost $20,000 and be incorporated into the division's omnibus bill, which is now being put together. Some counties have declined in population and the state needs to start thinking about county problems in a more unified way to better offer services and administer state programs, Kahn has said. She proposed a similar idea in 1991, but she called on the Office of the State Auditor to study the idea. Back in Minnesota's territorial days, Minnesota had just nine counties, some of which stretched to the Missouri River in what are now the Dakotas. In testimony earlier this session, Jim Gelbmann, executive director of the Board of Government Innovation and Cooperation, indicated that two sets of Minnesota counties in different parts of the state were discussing the possibility of merging. One potential hitch with the bill is Gov. Arne Carlson's desire to eliminate the Board of Government Innovation and Cooperation. The board was created in 1993 and awards grants to local governments that want to work together to share resources and offer better customer service. The board -- in the interest of government efficiency -- also has the power to waive certain rules placed on local governments. (See Feb. 3, 1995, Session Weekly, page 8) Met Council pay slashed Significant cuts in the pay to the chair and members of the Metropolitan Council won final approval from the House March 23. During debate on a bill (HF585/SF281*) to make technical changes to a law regarding the council, Rep. Dick Pellow (IR-New Brighton) offered an amendment to cut the officials' pay. The amendment, passed on a 106-20 vote, will reduce the Met Council chair's pay for the second time in as many years. Last year, the chair's annual salary was reduced from $67,000 to $52,500. But the 16 other council members had their pay increased to $20,000 annually rather than the $50 per day payments they had received. The per diem payments amounted to about $5,740 per year. The changes took effect Jan. 1, 1995. Pellow's amendment will cut the chair's salary to $29,657, the amount state legislators are now paid, and reduce the rest of the members' pay to $6,000 annually. House members also approved an amendment by Rep. Kevin Knight (IR-Bloomington) that removed the cost of bus driver uniforms from the list of approved capital expenditures by the Met Council. Without the amendment, $750,000 could have been spent to buy new uniforms for the more than 1,000 Metropolitan Council Transit Operations (formerly MTC) bus drivers, Knight said. With the House amendments now attached, the bill must go back to the Senate for its approval. International council A 12-member council would be created to advise the Legislature on international issues under a bill approved by the House International Trade and Economic Development Committee. HF993, sponsored by Rep. Mike Jaros (DFL- Duluth), would create the Minnesota International Council. The council would be required to make annual recommendations to the Legislature on ways to improve the state's efforts to attract foreign tourists, to improve cultural awareness and understanding, and to compete in the international market. "We have to get state government involved in international issues," Jaros said. The council would be comprised of three members from each chamber of the Legislature, three representatives of the executive branch, and three citizen volunteers. Jaros' bill is similar to legislation he introduced earlier this session that called for the establishment of a state office for international affairs. The office would have handled a range of tasks, including those assigned to the council under HF993. The difference between the two bills is that the proposal for the council would require no new funding. (See Feb. 24, 1995, Session Weekly, page 8) HF993 now goes to the House Governmental Operations Committee. HEALTH Doctors convicted of crimes Minnesota doctors convicted of felonies "reasonably related to the practice of patient care" would have their licenses automatically suspended under a bill given final approval by the House March 20. The vote was 123-0. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Steve Kelley (DFL- Hopkins), also would apply to physician's assistants, physical therapists, or other health professionals licensed by the state Board of Medical Practice. Under the bill, license suspension would be automatic following a felony conviction, and a doctor or other health professional would have to request a hearing to get back his or her license. For reinstatement, the individual would have to demonstrate that he or she has been rehabilitated by "clear and convincing evidence." Under current law, the board has the authority to suspend a doctor's license, but a hearing is held first. The board can suspend a license without a hearing in some circumstances, but the burden is then on the board to set up a hearing seeking a final determination. Kelley's bill would shift the burden to the health professional, who must seek a hearing and prove the suspension should not be made permanent. Under a successful amendment added to the measure on the Senate floor by Sen. Gene Merriam (DFL-Coon Rapids), a doctor convicted of a felony- level criminal sexual conduct offense would have his or her medical license automatically -- and permanently -- revoked. Another provision in the bill would allow the medical board to suspend or revoke the license of a doctor or health professional who fails to repay a state or federal student loan. Sen. Pat Piper (DFL-Austin) sponsored the legislation in the Senate. HF231, passed by the Senate March 9 on a 63-0 vote, now goes to the governor for his consideration. (See Feb. 10, 1995, Session Weekly, page 9; and Feb. 17, 1995, Session Weekly, page 7) HIGHER EDUCATION Semester system established Classes at Minnesota's state universities, community colleges, and technical colleges would last one semester rather than one quarter of the academic year, under a bill heard March 22 by the House Higher Education Finance Division. The Higher Education Board, which will coordinate those college systems when they merge in July, would have until fall 1998 to begin a semester school year. Rep. Tony Kinkel (DFL-Park Rapids), who sponsors HF899, said switching from a four-quarter school year to a two-semester year with a summer program would save the schools money. Students would have to register only twice during the academic year instead of three times. Financial aid also would be distributed only twice, which saves time and money, Kinkel said. Also, 80 percent of colleges and universities nationwide use a semester school year, he said. Next fall, Southwest State University and Moorhead State University will begin holding a semester class schedule. Division members did not act on the bill. They may include it in an omnibus higher education finance bill. HF899 also includes the following provisions: -- All schools in the soon-to-be-combined state university, technical college, and community college system would begin classes on the same fall date. If all system classes start at the same time, students could more easily transfer between schools, he added. Jennifer Swanson, president of the Inver Hills Community College, told division members she'll graduate next fall but won't be able to transfer to Bemidji State University until winter quarter. University fall classes begin before her community college summer classes end. The University of Minnesota would be exempt from that provision and from the semester provision because the Legislature has no authority to mandate changes, Kinkel said. The university predates the state's constitution. -- The state would stop subsidizing tuition costs after a student has earned 48 more credits than is needed for a degree in his or her major. Currently, the state pays 60 percent of a Minnesota student's education costs for up to 180 credit hours. Student tuition pays the remaining 40 percent. That provision would be effective for the upcoming school year, but would not apply to students already enrolled, Kinkel said. Also, "refresher" courses which students who return to school after a long absence or under-prepared students must take -- such as those in reading and math -- would not count toward the 48-hour requirement. The 48 credit hours roughly equals one full academic year, Kinkel said. -- Campus administrators who aren't part of a union would have to teach a regularly scheduled course or act as an academic advisor in addition to their administrative duties. The provision would allow for more contact between administrators and students, Kinkel said. -- The state university campus in Akita, Japan, would have two years to bring state funding of its Minnesota students in line with state funding of students on Minnesota public campuses. Currently, the state pays about $17,000 to subsidize the education of each Minnesota student in Akita. For students studying in Minnesota, the state subsidy amount is about $3,500. The state university system operates the campus in Akita, Japan, with the local Akita government. About 40 Minnesota students attend the school. They do not pay out-of-state tuition. The State University System and the Higher Education Coordinating Board, which oversees the system, would formulate a plan by September to reduce Akita campus costs and to increase enrollment under the bill. HOUSING Met Council and housing Two bills to encourage affordable housing in the seven-county metropolitan area and encourage suburbs to build their fair share of low-income housing passed the Housing Committee March 21. The two bills passed on party line 8-7 votes and will now travel to the House Local Government and Metropolitan Affairs Committee. Both bills look to the Metropolitan Council for guidance. HF1114, sponsored by Rep. Matt Entenza (DFL- St. Paul), would place into Minnesota law the Metropolitan Council's Regional Blueprint, a 1994 report that examined how to create a "vital and livable Twin Cities metropolitan area." Among other items, the report focused on how to strengthen regional economic growth, preserve the environment, invest in distressed areas, and expand housing options for poor families, the elderly, and young families. In the area of housing, it suggests the Metropolitan Council will work with all communities in the seven-county area to establish housing goals for all income levels and stages of life. The council will further look at how well a community is meeting its housing goals and building affordable housing when deciding which infrastructure projects to help fund in the metropolitan area. In 1997, the council plans to evaluate how much affordable housing has been created and, if necessary, seek help from the Legislature to encourage more. HF1258, sponsored by Rep. Alice Hausman (DFL- St. Paul), would require cities in the seven-county area to adopt housing plans and require the Metropolitan Council to review and approve them. Under current law, the council may review housing plans that accompany a city's local comprehensive growth plan. Hausman's bill would give the Metropolitan Council more regulatory authority. If the council doesn't like a city's housing plan or feels it doesn't create enough affordable housing, it may require the city to fix its plan before any building can occur. If a city fails to adopt a housing plan, or fix one as directed by the council, the council may take civil action against the city in court. The Metropolitan Council opposes both bills. Jim Solem, regional administrator with the council, told the Housing Committee March 21 that both bills are unnecessary. He asked committee members to let the council try on its own with the Regional Blueprint to encourage more affordable and low-income housing before the Legislature steps in. If the council isn't making progress, it will come back in 1997 to ask the Legislature for help. Solem said the Hausman bill in particular creates an adversarial role between the Metropolitan Council and local governments. Right now, he said, local governments are cooperating with the council to work on their housing situations. But Frank Hornstein of the Alliance for Metropolitan Stability, a coalition of 14 non-profit community groups in the metro area, sees no fault with the Entenza bill. "We simply can't wait until 1997. . . . There is an urgency" to create more affordable housing now, he said. INSURANCE Insurance quotas ban Independent insurance agents would no longer be required to meet quotas for the sale of certain kinds of insurance, under a bill on its way to the House floor. The bill (HF751), sponsored by Rep. Greg Davids (IR-Preston), was approved March 22 by the House Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee. Independent agents often represent as many as 30 separate insurance companies, Davids said. Some of those companies link the agent's right to sell homeowner, automobile, and other policies -- which are easier to sell -- to quotas on the sale of life and health policies. The latter types of insurance are more difficult to sell but provide a better profit. The problem, Davids said, is that independent agents can find it impossible to meet all of the quotas demanded by companies they represent. Agents who do not meet the quotas can be dropped by the companies. And that hurts consumers by limiting the insurance options available to them, Davids said. The bill would not apply to agents directly employed by a single company or those who sell for only one company. Rep. David Tomassoni (DFL-Chisholm) unsuccessfully offered an amendment that would have extended the quota ban to all insurance agents, as long as they had been selling for a company for at least four years. Any quota on life and health insurance sales is troubling because they can force agents to "inappropriately" sell policies, Tomassoni said. But Davids said the amendment presented a "major shift in state policy" that could seriously impact the relationship between non-independent agents and their company. LABOR Workers' compensation reform A House committee is considering several bills that all promise to reform Minnesota's workers' compensation system which many have argued is much too costly. Seven bills offering some form of workers' compensation reform were discussed during the March 20 meeting of the House Labor-Management Relations Committee. Rep. Kevin Goodno (IR-Moorhead), who is sponsoring one of the reform bills (HF921), said fixing the state's workers' compensation system ranks with welfare reform among legislative priorities this year. Employers pay workers' compensation insurance to help when workers injure themselves on the job. But the rates Minnesota companies pay are too high and cause too many companies to move to states with lower rates, according to some lawmakers. "The majority of legislators would agree that we do have a problem with our competitiveness with neighboring states," Goodno said. "I have heard some people comment that we don't have a problem, but I don't think those comments are realistic." Minnesota employers pay more for workers' compensation insurance than the national average and more than employers in Wisconsin and other neighboring states, according to the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry. A study by the city of Moorhead shows employers there pay significantly more than those just across the Red River in North Dakota. For example, a North Dakota employer would pay $845 a year in workers' compensation premiums for an electrician making $25,000 annually. The same electrician would cost a Minnesota employer $2,264 a year -- nearly three times as much, according to the study. Numbers like that have many lawmakers believing workers' compensation costs are driving businesses out of Minnesota and keeping new ones from coming in. "The pressure is being shown to the committee that there's going to have to be something done," said Rep. Jeff Bertram (DFL-Paynesville), who introduced a reform bill (HF69) on behalf of sponsor Rep. Becky Kelso (DFL-Shakopee). "I think the fact that there's seven bills shows that." Bertram said Kelso's bill offers the simplest approach to workers' compensation reform but at the same time addresses all of the important issues. The bill would regulate workers' compensation insurance and limit some forms of payment to injured workers. Rep. Jim Girard (IR-Lynd) is sponsoring a bill (HF391) that would scrap the state's current insurance and benefits system and replace it with Wisconsin's. Goodno's bill, along with a bill (HF18) sponsored by Rep. Hilda Bettermann (IR-Brandon), and another (HF1436) by Rep. Wayne Simoneau (DFL- Fridley), would tighten many restrictions on who receives benefits and how much they receive. Rep. Ted Winter (DFL-Fulda) is sponsoring two bills related to workers' comp reform. HF642 would regulate insurance rates and put new limits on just how long injured workers can receive several types of benefits, and HF1324 would expand the ability of employers to form groups for mutual self- insurance. Goodno said he expects one bill to emerge from the pack that will incorporate many key ingredients from the other bills. The committee is expected to begin hearing public testimony on the reform proposals March 24. Trapped between floors A bill approved by a House panel would require that all work on a passenger or freight elevator be done by a state licensed elevator mechanic. (See Feb. 17, 1995, Session Weekly, page 10) The measure received a hearing before the House Commerce, Tourism and Consumer Affairs Committee March 21. Several lawmakers acknowledged that they had been trapped in malfunctioning elevators in the State Office Building, where most legislators' offices are located. "We all know some of the problems we've had with our own elevators," commented the bill's sponsor, Rep. Phil Carruthers (DFL-Brooklyn Center). These elevator malfunctions "seem to be a daily occurrence," he said. Carruthers said the proposal would not fix Capitol area elevators, but would "move us forward to greater public safety in terms of elevators." The bill would require that a person complete the National Elevator Industry Education Program and hold an elevator constructor license issued by the state Board of Electricity before receiving state licensure. A licensed elevator mechanic could supervise up to two helpers. Additionally, the bill would require that a licensed person or company obtain a state permit before installing, altering, or removing an elevator. Current law requires only that a person apply for a permit before work is started. Altering or removing an elevator -- a potentially dangerous procedure that requires specialized knowledge -- does not require a permit. Carruthers noted that the bill would require that permit fees be appropriated to the Department of Administration. Currently, the fees go into the state treasury and are not dedicated for any purpose. This change would allow the hiring of more state elevator inspectors. The department's Building Codes and Standards Division employs only one full-time elevator inspector and has one position to fill. HF398 now moves to the Governmental Operations Committee's State Government Finance Division. LOCAL GOVERNMENT Hot goods sold legally Electronic equipment, tools, lawn mowers, and other items recovered by the Minneapolis Police Department could be sold in a special Minneapolis retail shop, under a bill that won final passage from the House March 15. The vote was 120-0. HF859, sponsored by Rep. Karen Clark (DFL- Mpls), would allow the police department to dispose of thousands of the unclaimed items it handles every year. Clark's bill would allow the police and south Minneapolis to build on the success of a bicycle business that began in 1992 with the help of the police. That year police began working with the community to teach young people bicycle repair, business management, and other skills by setting up a non-profit store -- The Phantom Bike Shop -- for the sale of "recycled" bicycles. The store receives damaged bikes the police cannot auction off, fixes them up, and sells them. Clark's bill would set up another non-profit similarly run store for secondhand goods called The CITY STORE. The police department could not provide items such as clothing, fine jewelry, or firearms to the store. The police department would benefit by gaining a percentage of the sale price on the items sold at the store and clearing out storage space, Clark said. The department's Property and Evidence Unit handles more than 18,000 items such as lawn mowers, snow blowers, and stereos every year, according to Clark. The department also picks up and processes more than 3,000 bicycles annually. Despite police efforts, many of the items are never reunited with their rightful owners, Clark said. Her bill would allow merchandise not claimed within 60 days to be sold at auction, as is the current practice, or by sale through a non-profit store such as The CITY STORE. HF859 is now pending in the Senate. TAXES Tightening TIFs Cities would not be as free to offer property tax breaks for businesses, under several bills discussed in the House Taxes Committee's Property Tax and Tax Increment Financing Division March 21. The major thrust of the bills (HF147, HF824, and HF1354) is to limit the way different cities sometimes compete with one another to lure businesses to either move or expand in their towns through the creation of tax increment financing (TIF) districts. And two of the bills also would provide school districts, which comprise the bulk of the average property owner's tax bill, some say in whether such tax breaks should be offered. Under Minnesota law, cities can offer tax breaks to companies to help create jobs in their communities. In exchange for creating jobs, a city can agree to forego property taxes on a business for a set number of years. By some estimates, the state loses approximately $260 million per year in property taxes through these tax increment financing district arrangements. At the division hearing March 21, several officials representing counties, businesses, and taxpayer groups criticized the TIF districts while city representatives praised them. Joe Harris, a Dakota County commissioner and president of the Metropolitan Inter-County Association, (MICA) questioned why a Target Greatland store in Apple Valley and a McDonald's truckstop in Lakeville needed a TIF district to build. Since Dakota County has been the fastest- growing county over the past 15 years, he said there was a good chance those facilities would have been built anyway. (MICA is composed of 10 larger, urbanized counties, including Anoka, Blue Earth, Dakota, Olmsted, Rice, St. Louis, Scott, Stearns, and Winona counties.) He estimated the county's loss of property tax revenue to TIF districts at $5 million. "Fifteen years ago, only about six-tenths of 1 percent of all value in Dakota County was captured by tax increment districts," he said. "This year, that total is over 4 percent. This is an increase of several hundred percent -- in a county that grew rapidly over this period -- and it shows no sign of slowing down." Although cities do lose a portion of their state aid when they agree to give a business tax breaks, the issue is of particular concern to counties and schools districts because they can lose tax money, too. For every dollar collected in property taxes in 1994, the cities got 15 cents; the counties, 28 cents; the school districts, 45 cents; and the remainder went to townships and special taxing districts, on average. Dan Salomone, executive director of the Minnesota Taxpayers Association, said Minnesota would be better served if it focused on improving the overall business climate rather than allowing Minnesota cities to compete with one another for jobs. But officials from the city of Roseville and the city of Cottonwood in southwestern Minnesota defended the TIF program and urged lawmakers not to make changes in the existing program. "In the past 10 years, we have been able to generate $145 million in new market value, create 3,400 new jobs, and add $90 million of annual new payroll in our community," said John Goedeke, mayor pro tem of Roseville. Greg Isaackson, the city of Cottonwood's clerk administrator, said his city has helped create 150 new jobs through tax increment projects in 1988 and 1994. "Those are pretty big numbers for a town of 1,000 people," he said. Without those TIF projects, many of those jobs could have been lost to South Dakota, Iowa, or Colorado, he said. All three bills were laid over and are now under consideration to be included in the omnibus tax bill. TIF bills at a glance Here's a quick look at some of the major provisions in three bills that were discussed by the Taxes Committee's Property Tax and Tax Increment Financing Division March 21: HF147 (Ozment) -- Would limit the use of tax increment financing (TIF) districts to cases where a business is considering a move out of state. Under current law, a TIF district can be used to prevent moves to another community. -- Would require a city to show that the use of TIF would increase the taxable market value of a site over what would have occurred without TIF. -- Would require school districts to approve TIF use for a housing district or any other type of district that will create 10 or more additional housing units. -- Would require that more details about TIF districts be disclosed in legal sections of newspapers. Under current law, the disclosure doesn't have to be published if the city files an annual report with the state auditor. -- Would require the recipient of TIF benefits to pay the city back, on a pro-rated basis, in certain cases where the property is sold or transferred. If the property is sold or transferred within five years, the recipient would have to pay 100 percent of the benefit back to the city. The repayment rate would drop to 20 percent at eight years, with nothing owed if the sale or transfer occurs after nine years. -- Would shift the enforcement of the TIF law to the Office of the State Auditor from the Department of Revenue. -- Would direct the Metropolitan Council to study the effect of TIF on land use patterns in the Twin Cities metropolitan area and report back to the Legislature by Feb. 1, 1996. HF824 (Rest) -- Would prohibit the creation of a new tax increment finance (TIF) district unless the TIF plan has been approved by the school board of the school district in which the TIF district is located. HF1354 (Abrams) -- Would require the state auditor to approve of a new tax increment financing (TIF) district before it could be created. The auditor could disapprove of the plan if he or she believes the plan is not in the best interests of the state. Source: House Research Department TRANSPORTATION High-speed train study The state would help pay for the second phase of a study to evaluate a high-speed train link that could cut the drive time from the Twin Cities to Chicago to two hours and 15 minutes. The bill (HF729) would spend $630,000 provided that Wisconsin and the federal government pitch in. Some $500,000 would be spent on the study, and the remaining $130,000 would go to the Department of Transportation to oversee it. The legislation passed during the 1994 session, but Wisconsin failed to come up with its share, so the study was postponed. Bill sponsor Rep. Don Frerichs (IR-Rochester) said that this year the Wisconsin Legislature is expected to appropriate $500,000 which, along with the Minnesota money, should trigger a $1 million federal match. The cost of the two-year study is $2 million. The Transportation Finance Division of the House Economic Development, Infrastructure and Regulation Finance Committee discussed the bill March 21. Unlike the feasibility phase of the study, which was done in 1991, the second phase will determine which train technology is best and what route the link should take. The train would travel from Minneapolis/St. Paul to Chicago, but it is unclear what other cities would be included in the link. Frerichs said he believes Rochester should be one and possibly Milwaukee. In terms of train technology, there are three options: a 125 mph Amtrak upgrade, a 185 mph high-speed train, or a 300 mph Super Speed train. The 300 mph train would make it to Chicago in about two hours and 15 minutes. The slowest option would take about four hours. Frerichs said although a completed link would cost about $5.5 billion for the 300 mph option, it would be very competitive with air travel. But at least one member raised concerns about the cost. Rep. Karen Clark (DFL-Mpls) said she would rather see the money go toward local transportation and transit needs such as improving access to Metro Mobility. The committee is expected to vote on the bill at a later date. Proof of certification Hunters who have passed a Department of Natural Resources' firearms safety course could have that noted on their driver's licenses under a bill approved by the House Transportation and Transit Committee March 16. The bill (HF878), sponsored by Rep. Steve Dehler (IR-St. Joseph), would allow those who have successfully completed the course to request a line on the back of their driver's license noting the certification. Hunters must show proof they passed a firearms safety course to register for big game hunting licenses in many states, though not in Minnesota, Dehler said. So when Minnesota hunters wish to buy such a license in another state, the marked driver's license would serve as that proof, he said. "Unless it's on their license, the only thing they would have to show is a little certificate from when they were 15 or 16," Dehler said. Many hunters take the class when they begin hunting as teenagers, he added. More than 975,000 Minnesotans have completed the course, Dehler said. Katherine Burke Moore, director of the Driver and Vehicle Services Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, said the cost to update computers to include the firearm's notation on a license would be about $60,300. The House Economic Development, Infrastructure and Regulation Finance Committee will hear the bill next. New members . . . Haas looks to find 'creative ways to do more with less' The school children's chalk sketches of ancient cave drawings and colorful paper designs that adorn the walls of Rep. Bill Haas' office attest to the first-term member's value of creativity. But while Haas readily concedes his limits as an artist, he said creativity is central to his approach to politics. In a state where government "has gotten out of control," Haas said, finding creative ways to do more with less will be the key to solving problems the Legislature faces. "You've got to run government like you run a household or a business," he said. "If you're short on money, you cut back and find new ways to accomplish what you have to get done." Haas won election to the District 48A seat in 1994 by defeating Rep. Brian Bergson (DFL-Osseo) in a rematch of the 1992 race. The Champlin resident owns an employee benefits brokerage and consulting company and likes to spend much of his free time outdoors. He enjoys hunting, hiking in the woods, and downhill and water skiing. Haas also is an avid fresh water and salt water angler who finds tying flies to be a creative outlet. He and his wife, Joenie, have two children: Rishia, 21, and Grahamm, 18. Haas comes to the Legislature with strong roots in local government. He served on the Parks and Recreation Commission in Champlin for eight years before being elected mayor of the north metropolitan area city in 1984. He also has served on the District 11 Boundary Committee and as president of the North Metro Mayors Development Association. He said his involvement in local government and decision to seek state office are the result of a basic philosophy that guides his actions in life. "I made a promise to myself a long time ago that if I saw something that needed to be changed, I would do what I could to change it," he said. During his eight years as mayor of Champlin, Haas put that promise to the test on more than a few tough issues. He was a leader in successful efforts to improve the city's housing stock and to ensure commercial growth in Champlin best fit its needs now and in the future. "We turned that whole city around," he said. Throughout his time as mayor, Haas worked to alert members of the community to the issues at hand and to include their opinions in the process of finding solutions. "The biggest thing we did for the community was to bring the voice of the people back into city government," he said. "The one thing I believe in most is government by the people because they're the ones [who] elected me and they're the ones I represent." As a legislator, Haas aims to make state government more accessible to his constituents. He plans to use their input and "a common sense approach" to make "effective change." He campaigned on an agenda calling for welfare reform, tougher criminal penalties, cuts in government, and reductions in the state's health care costs. Haas also wants to put more control in the hands of local governments by doing away with unfunded state mandates, and to reduce the regulatory and tax burdens on Minnesota businesses. "The way we ran government yesterday, we cannot do today and tomorrow," he said. "We have to make changes. That's what I was elected to do." -- Nick Healy District 48A Population: 33,322 Distribution: 100 percent urban County Hennepin Largest city: Brooklyn Park (portion) Location: north metro Unemployment rate: 3.19 percent Residents living below poverty level: 2.73 percent 1992 presidential election results: Bush/Quayle 32.64 percent Clinton/Gore 39.03 percent Perot/Stockdale 27.62 percent Other: 0.71 percent New members. . . Looking to volunteer, Hackbarth lands a House seat Rep. Tom Hackbarth (IR-Cedar) had no intention of becoming a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives. When he learned that a liberal DFLer intended to run for an open seat created by the 1992 redistricting plan, Hack- barth set out to recruit a conservative Independent-Republican as a challenger. He planned "to be the very best volunteer that anybody ever had." But when "it came down to the wire," no candidate could be found. Hackbarth himself took up the cause. "That's how I got started -- not really intending to run for state representative at all," he recalls. His 1992 campaign was unsuccessful, but in a 1994 rematch, he unseated Kathleen Sekhon. Hackbarth promises to heed what he sees as the voters' message from the 1994 election: "downsize government, don't raise any taxes." He intends to "look at all areas of government" to make spending cuts. He comes from a family of blue collar workers and currently belongs to a union. But in the past he was a business owner. The experiences allow him to "see both sides of the fence" in labor-management issues. "I'm pretty sympathetic to some labor issues that maybe some of the more conservative Republicans in our caucus are not," he said. Hunting and fishing issues are high on Hackbarth's legislative agenda. As a member of the Environment and Natural Resources Committee, he'll have a voice in such issues. Like many of his constituents in northern Anoka County, he is an avid angler and hunter. The nine-point buck's head mounted on his office wall attests to his hunting skill. The controversial treaty rights dispute between Minnesota and the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe still concerns Hackbarth. A proposed settlement of the band's hunting and fishing rights under the 1837 treaty failed to gain passage in the 1993 Legislature. Although the Mille Lacs Band recently won federal court recognition of their continuing treaty rights, Hackbarth thinks that American Indian bands in the state "should be on an equal basis with the rest of us" with regard to hunting and fishing options. "Maybe they should have to buy a license like everyone else," he suggests. Hackbarth acknowledges that Indian treaty rights are a federal issue -- something that the Legislature cannot do much about -- but he supports continuing efforts by the state to litigate treaty rights cases involving the Mille Lacs Band and other Indian bands in the state. On a separate fishing issue, Hackbarth recently authored a bill to guarantee that fishing contest participants actually receive the prizes that they win. The bill (HF384) won approval from the Environment and Natural Resource Committee and awaits consideration on the House floor. The idea for the bill came after Hackbarth read a newspaper story about a fishing contest on Medicine Lake last year. Anglers paid a $35 entry fee for the contest in hopes of winning big cash prizes and merchandise. But when all the fish were weighed and measured, the promoter reneged on awarding any prizes. Concerned that fishing contest fundraisers by "little church groups and the Boy Scouts" could be harmed by the actions of disreputable promoters, Hackbarth proposes that a fishing contest promoter offering more than $25,000 in prizes furnish the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) commissioner with a bond, insurance policy, or cash deposit equal to the total prize money. Although the Legislature is known for its punishing schedule, Hackbarth said he used to work the evening shift before he became a lawmaker -- in the parts department at Brookdale Ford. Nowadays, he is actually seeing more of his family. Hackbarth and his wife, Mary, have three children -- Jeff, 21; Gina, 19; and Tommy, 3. While he had some doubts early this session on the ability of House members to work together, Hackbarth is beginning to find "a lot more cooperation amongst everyone," both within the IR caucus and between IRs and DFLers. "I think we're getting along just great," he concludes. "I'm really surprised how everything is going very, very well." -- Mordecai Specktor District 50A Population: 32,806 Distribution: 100 percent urban County: Anoka Largest city: Ham Lake Location: north metro Unemployment rate: 5.13 percent Residents living below poverty level: 3.47 percent 1992 presidential election results: Bush/Quayle 29.56 percent Clinton/Gore 38.25 percent Perot/Stockdale 31.27 percent Other: 0.92 percent In the Hopper . . . March 17 - 23, 1995 Bill Introductions Monday, March 20 HF1441--Solberg (DFL) Environment & Natural Resources Tax-forfeited land sale notice requirements modified, and leasing and county road use provisions modified. HF1442--Greenfield (DFL) Health & Human Services Chemical dependency counselor and hearing instrument dispenser licensure required, and penalties provided. HF1443--Kalis (DFL) Transportation & Transit Motor carrier state law deregulation and conformance with federal law provided, and money appropriated. HF1444--Milbert (DFL) Environment & Natural Resources Game and fish license and permit form prescribed. HF1445--Kelley (DFL) Judiciary Bureau of Criminal Apprehension public data internet availability required, grants provided, and money appropriated. HF1446--Dawkins (DFL) Education Youth community service participant postservice benefit fund encumbrance provided. HF1447--Jennings (DFL) Economic Development, Infrastructure & Regulation Finance North West Company Fur Post Interpretive Center appropriated money. HF1448--Kelley (DFL) Regulated Industries & Energy Public utility disconnections during cold weather regulated. HF1449--Pugh (DFL) Governmental Operations Amateur Sports Commission ice arena authority increased, bond use authorized, sales tax exemption provided, and money appropriated. HF1450--Bishop (IR) Health & Human Services Living will form to include provisions for organ donations. HF1451--Kelley (DFL) Education Metropolitan area wide area school transportation service pilot project established, and money appropriated. HF1452--Olson, E. (DFL) Governmental Operations Amateur Sports Commission ice arena authority increased, bond use authorized, sales tax exemption provided, and money appropriated. HF1453--Onnen (IR) Health & Human Services Long-term care community services and personal care service coverage provided. HF1454--Seagren (IR) Financial Institutions & Insurance Automobile insurance minimum property damage liability coverage increase provided. HF1455--Dehler (IR) Labor-Management Relations Workers' compensation benefits and procedures modified, and penalties provided. HF1456--Carruthers (DFL) Commerce, Tourism & Consumer Affairs Accountancy Board license renewal schedule staggered. HF1457--Olson, E. (DFL) Environment & Natural Resources Becker County state land sale by natural resources commissioner authorized. HF1458--Paulsen (IR) Health & Human Services General Assistance Medical Care recipient reimbursement provided for video teleconferencing medical device used to measure vital signs. HF1459--Mulder (IR) Health & Human Services Woman's right to know act adopted, and money appropriated. HF1460--Greiling (DFL) Local Government & Metropolitan Affairs City budget report date modified, and budget publication requirements eliminated. HF1461--Kahn (DFL) Ways & Means Bond issuance authorized to fund a judgment against the state, and state and national banks required to purchase bonds. HF1462--Mariani (DFL) Governmental Operations Public official relative hiring restricted. HF1463--Leighton (DFL) Judiciary Motor vehicle warranty action limitations clarified. HF1464--Orenstein (DFL) Taxes This Old House Law; property tax valuation exclusion for certain improvements extended. HF1465--Dauner (DFL) Education West central educational cooperative service unit asbestos sampling and management plan revision provided, and money appropriated. HF1466--Bettermann (IR) Education Service fee levy provided for school districts operating a technical college. HF1467--Delmont (DFL) Commerce, Tourism & Consumer Affairs Building code and zoning state laws provisions modified and clarified. HF1468--Sviggum (IR) Governmental Operations Governor authorized to declare an inability to discharge duties of the office. HF1469--Bradley (IR) Commerce, Tourism & Consumer Affairs Elevator safety provisions modified, administrative and enforcement responsibilities changed, and penalties imposed. HF1470--Garcia (DFL) Governmental Operations Lawful gambling proceeds use limits removed for payment of property taxes and assessments. HF1471--Sviggum (IR) Education Independent School District No. 531, Byron, fund transfer authorized. HF1472--Bakk (DFL) Commerce, Tourism & Consumer Affairs St. Louis County authorized to issue an on-sale intoxicating malt liquor license. HF1473--McGuire (DFL) Judiciary Government data classification provisions modified, financial assistance data classification provided, and information policy training program established. HF1474--Greenfield (DFL) Health & Human Services Long-term care service demonstration project waiver requests required. HF1475--McElroy (IR) Housing Affordable neighborhood housing design and development initiative established, and money appropriated. HF1476--Murphy (DFL) Judiciary Finance Department of Corrections juvenile out-of-home placement study grant developed, and money appropriated. HF1477--Milbert (DFL) Health & Human Services Opticians licensed by Department of Health, and rulemaking required. HF1478--Otremba (DFL) Agriculture Agriculture commissioner notification of farming operation rule changes required. HF1479--Long (DFL) Environment & Natural Resources Environmental improvement pilot program established, voluntary investigation and cleanup program provisions modified, penalties modified, and recognition program established. HF1480--Sviggum (IR) Education Independent School District No. 763, Medford, authorized to deposit land sale proceeds into general fund. HF1481--Wenzel (DFL) Education Independent School District No. 486, Swanville, fund transfer authorized. HF1482--Tomassoni (DFL) Governmental Operations Video lottery terminal operation authorized, education trust fund established, and penalties prescribed. HF1483--Rukavina (DFL) Environment & Natural Resources Finance Recreational vehicle and watercraft registration fee increase provided. HF1484--Bettermann (IR) Local Government & Metropolitan Affairs Municipal annexation utility acquisition limitation provided. HF1485--Mariani (DFL) Transportation & Transit Protective agent security guards permitted to perform certain traffic control duties. HF1486--Abrams (IR) Regulated Industries & Energy Public Utilities Commission role and composition modified. HF1487--Dehler (IR) Education School districts receiving debt service equalization aid provided maximum effort tax rate calculation modification. HF1488--Trimble (DFL) Environment & Natural Resources Finance Eagle Creek in Scott County acquisition and protection provided, bonds issued, and money appropriated. HF1489--Winter (DFL) Taxes Fertilization and chemical application equipment sales and use tax exemption provided. HF1490--Jefferson (DFL) General Legislation, Veterans Affairs & Elections Dangerous dog definition modified, license restriction provided, civil fine established for dangerous dog offenses, and other penalties imposed. HF1491--Greenfield (DFL) Health & Human Services Tuberculosis related services covered by medical assistance. HF1492--Wejcman (DFL) Housing Housing development fund revenue use and deposit provisions modified, income tax mortagage interest provisions modified, and money appropriated. HF1493--Workman (IR) Health & Human Services Woman's right to know act adopted, and money appropriated. HF1494--Dawkins (DFL) Local Government & Metropolitan Affairs Government Innovation and Cooperation Board fund distribution approval provided. HF1495--Ness (IR) Commerce, Tourism & Consumer Affairs Hutchinson authorized to impose certain sales, liquor, and food taxes. HF1496--Orenstein (DFL) Judiciary Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Board membership modified, training requirements modified, and money appropriated. HF1497--Simoneau (DFL) Education Children, families, and learning department created, Department of Education abolished, and money appropriated. HF1498--Lynch (IR) Local Government & Metropolitan Affairs County library and human service activity maintenance of effort requirements eliminated. HF1499--Solberg (DFL) Judiciary Unlawful acts against senior citizens, disabled, or vulnerable persons prohibited, and statute of limitations suspended on actions brought by vulnerable persons. HF1500--Pelowski (DFL) Governmental Operations On-line lottery game computer equipment and connection placement required. HF1501--Jefferson (DFL) Health & Human Services Martin Luther King nonviolent institutional child development pilot project established, and money appropriated. HF1502--Tuma (IR) Education American Indian education block grant program established, and money appropriated. HF1503--Finseth (IR) Education Independent School District No. 561, Goodridge, capital health and safety revenue use authorized for portable classroom purchase. HF1504--Tuma (IR) Local Government & Metropolitan Affairs Northfield tax increment financing district duration extended. HF1505--Kahn (DFL) Governmental Operations Early retirement incentives provided for employees of the state university, community college, and technical college systems, and the Higher Education Board. HF1506--Murphy (DFL) Education Fond du Lac Community College appropriated money for material and equipment acquisition. HF1507--Murphy (DFL) Education Fond du Lac Community College appropriated money for residential facility planning, and bonds issued. HF1508--Dehler (IR) Judiciary Firearms; right to keep and bear arms not abridged and constitutional amendment proposed. HF1509--Wenzel (DFL) Judiciary Arson; penalty increase provided for arson crimes committed to conceal evidence of other criminal activity. HF1510--Wenzel (DFL) Agriculture Used farm machinery sales tax exemption extended permanently, and farm cost study required. HF1511--Lourey (DFL) Agriculture Federal milk marketing order legal action provided continued funding, and money appropriated. HF1512--Dawkins (DFL) Taxes Mortgage interest included in taxable income, and mortgage interest credit provided. HF1513--Rostberg (IR) Judiciary Forfeited bail proceeds disposition provided. HF1514--Mariani (DFL) Economic Development, Infrastructure & Regulation Finance Community Resources Program appropriated money. HF1515--Bettermann (IR) Education Community and technical college faculty transfers provided. HF1516--Greenfield (DFL) Health & Human Services Human services covered health service provisions expanded. HF1517--Lourey (DFL) Health & Human Services Carlton County Moose Lake family service center appropriated money. HF1518--Jennings (DFL) Commerce, Tourism & Consumer Affairs Minnesota ski safety act of 1995 adopted. HF1519--Orenstein (DFL) Judiciary Peace officer applicant training and education requirements modified. HF1520--Frerichs (IR) Judiciary Dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants granted access to data regarding complaints, mercury amalgam use informed consent required, and certain professional sanctions prohibited. HF1521--Wenzel (DFL) Environment & Natural Resources Landfill cleanup fund solid waste assessments remitted by state for return to counties. HF1522--Delmont (DFL) Health & Human Services Human service provider billing prompt payment required. HF1523--Dawkins (DFL) Taxes Tax expenditure budget incidence analysis required in certain instances. HF1524--Wejcman (DFL) Governmental Operations State employees provided opportunity to submit suggestions to improve government efficiency and effectiveness. HF1525--Murphy (DFL) Health & Human Services Child abuse prevention parent self-help and support statewide organization appropriated money. HF1526--Tomassoni (DFL) Commerce, Tourism & Consumer Affairs Motor vehicle service contracts and mechanical breakdown insurance regulated. HF1527--Hausman (DFL) Environment & Natural Resources Environmental Quality Board name and duties changed, and Minnesota sustainable development roundtable established. HF1528--Skoglund (DFL) Judiciary Stun Guns/Tasers; Electronic incapacitation devices operated by means of carbon dioxide propellants possession, use, and sale prohibited. HF1529--Kahn (DFL) Judiciary Paternity standards established for certain children conceived by artificial insemination after the death of the father. HF1530--Mariani (DFL) Education High School Graduation Incentives Program and private alternative program revenue determination modified. HF1531--Leighton (DFL) Transportation & Transit Interstate Highway No. 90 bicycle lane established. HF1532--Dehler (IR) Governmental Operations Property value reduction as a result of government action civil cause of action provided, and attorney general required to review proposed rules relating to taking property. HF1533--Murphy (DFL) Education Fond du Lac Community College appropriated money for American Indian student residential facility planning. HF1534--Pugh (DFL) Financial Institutions & Insurance Automobile insurance economic loss benefits to include in-home nursing care compensation. HF1535--Worke (IR) Judiciary Cooperative parenting and mandatory mediation provided when joint custody is sought. HF1536--Worke (IR) Judiciary Child support obligation imposed on both parents, and child support obligation formulas established. HF1537--Wenzel (DFL) Commerce, Tourism & Consumer Affairs Petroleum Tank Release Cleanup Program modified. HF1538--Orenstein (DFL) Judiciary Civil action fault questions and effect provisions modified. HF1539--Ness (IR) Environment & Natural Resources Meeker county tax-forfeited land sale authorized. HF1540--Jefferson (DFL) Governmental Operations Minneapolis Teachers Retirement Fund Association member authorized service credit purchase for service outside of the state. HF1541--Hugoson (IR) Education Independent School District No. 458, Truman, fund transfer authorized. HF1542--Orenstein (DFL) Ways & Means State agency periodic report requirement eliminated. HF1543--Winter (DFL) Environment & Natural Resources Wetland management and protection provisions modified. HF1544--Skoglund (DFL) Judiciary Finance Nonfelony Enforcement Advisory Committee duties expanded, and money appropriated. HF1545--Kelley (DFL) Taxes Omnibus property tax bill modifying property tax classification, tax refunds, local government aid, municipal service charges, state aid, education cooperation, and court administration finance, and money appropriated. HF1546--Munger (DFL) Environment & Natural Resources Environmental cleanup cost reimbursement provided to potentially responsible persons related to oil re-refinery operation. HF1547--Girard (IR) Ways & Means State expenditure long-range plan development provided, budget reserve account created, and budget reserve and cash flow account balance use restricted. HF1548--Mariani (DFL) Taxes Airport intermediate land detachment from cities and school districts provided. HF1549--Workman (IR) Transportation & Transit Transit program operation by metropolitan communities expanded, transit fund availibility provisions modified, reserve accounts established, and language clarified. HF1550--Winter (DFL) Environment & Natural Resources Environmental Response and Liability Act provisions modified. HF1551--Knight (IR) Governmental Operations Rules; obsolete administrative rules repealed for various departments and agencies and internal references modified. HF1552--Abrams (IR) Environment & Natural Resources Environmental and natural resources reorganization act of 1995 adopted. HF1553--Kelley (DFL) Local Government & Metropolitan Affairs Hennepin County medical examiner's office provisions modified. HF1554--Leppik (IR) General Legislation, Veterans Affairs & Elections School board candidate residency requirement established. HF1555--Van Engen (IR) Health & Human Services Nursing home placement level of care established, alternative care funds allowed for certain individuals, demonstration projects established, and federal waivers requested. HF1556--Milbert (DFL) Governmental Operations Revisor's bill correcting erroneous, ambiguous, and omitted text and obsolete references; eliminating certain redundant, conflicting, and superseded provisions; and making miscellaneous technical corrections to statutes and other laws. Wednesday, March 22 HF1557--Pugh (DFL) Judiciary Protective agents providing armored car services allowed to apply for permits to carry pistols. HF1558--McGuire (DFL) Judiciary Finance Violence prevention councils provided grants, and money appropriated. HF1559--Carruthers (DFL) Economic Development, Infrastructure & Regulation Finance Multiunit blighted rental property removal grants provided, and money appropriated. HF1560--Leighton (DFL) Governmental Operations Austin Fire Department Relief Association spouse survivor coverage language clarified. HF1561--Greenfield (DFL) Taxes Cigarette and tobacco product tax increase provided, and revenue dedication provided to the health care access fund. HF1562--Milbert (DFL) Taxes Corporate franchise tax modification provided for sales factor for leases of certain mobile equipment. HF1563--Molnau (IR) Local Government & Metropolitan Affairs Metropolitan Council member appointment provisions modified. HF1564--Holsten (IR) Governmental Operations Lawful purpose expenditure local authority provisions modified. HF1565--Hausman (DFL) International Trade & Economic Development Civic and convention center benefit assessment required. HF1566--Long (DFL) Local Government & Metropolitan Affairs Minneapolis authorized to establish special service districts. HF1567--Long (DFL) Financial Institutions & Insurance Public fund deposit and investment regulated. HF1568--Erhardt (IR) Financial Institutions & Insurance Homeowner and automobile insurance zip code rating prohibited. HF1569--Mulder (IR) Taxes Rock county aggregate removal tax imposed. HF1570--Pawlenty (IR) Governmental Operations Public employees provided opportunity to submit suggestions to improve government efficiency and effectiveness, program established by adminitration commissioner, and money appropriated. HF1571--Otremba (DFL) Health & Human Services Community services directory created by Children, Youth, and Families Consortium of the University of Minnesota, and money appropriated. HF1572--Onnen (IR) Agriculture Small family farm incubator services program established, and money appropriated. HF1573--Kelley (DFL) Financial Institutions & Insurance Omnibus financial institution regulatory bill. HF1574--Kelley (DFL) Local Government & Metropolitan Affairs Hopkins tax increment financing district modified. HF1575--Orenstein (DFL) Local Government & Metropolitan Affairs Independent School District No. 625, St. Paul, city civil service bureau contracting requirements eliminated. HF1576--Anderson, I. (DFL) Education Post-secondary enrollment options replacement aid provided, and money appropriated. HF1577--Ness (IR) Health & Human Services SIDS; Sudden Infant Death Center provided grant, and money appropriated. HF1578--Goodno (IR) Environment & Natural Resources Wastewater Infrastructure Funding Program to include basic grants to municipalities. HF1579--Workman (IR) Commerce, Tourism & Consumer Affairs Health, social referral, and buying clubs regulated, and unlicensed child care services notice requirement established. HF1580--Smith (IR) Financial Institutions & Insurance Governmental unit supplemental pension plan qualified insurance company selection restrictions modified. HF1581--Kraus (IR) Judiciary Pension plan division limitation provided upon dissolution of marriage. HF1582--Rukavina (DFL) Environment & Natural Resources St. Louis County tax-forfeited land sale authorized. HF1583--Lourey (DFL) Health & Human Services Contracted foster care service contract rate provisions modified. HF1584--Lourey (DFL) Health & Human Services Community Alternative Care Program study and Medical Assistance Waiver Program effects on medically fragile children study required by Department of Human Services. HF1585--McGuire (DFL) Health & Human Services Child and adolescent sexual health institute intervention services expanded, and money appropriated. HF1586--McGuire (DFL) Transportation & Transit Motor vehicle registration suspension provided for interest transfer violations, and certificate of title provisions modified. HF1587--Harder (IR) Agriculture Ethanol and wet and anhydrous alcohol producer payments modified, and money appropriated. HF1588--Greenfield (DFL) Health & Human Services Omnibus human services appropriation bill. HF1589--Munger (DFL) Environment & Natural Resources Peat harvesting studied and money appropriated. HF1590--Pawlenty (IR) Governmental Operations Minors under the age of 21 prohibited from engaging in various gambling activities. HF1591--Kraus (IR) Education Technical college purchase by municipalities, counties, or school districts authorized. HF1592--Paulsen (IR) Judiciary Plea bargaining prohibited when defendant is charged with committing a dangerous felony with a firearm and subject to mandatory minimum sentencing law, and exceptions provided. HF1593--Workman (IR) Judiciary Firearms; right to keep and bear arms not abridged and constitutional amendment proposed. HF1594--Rest (DFL) Local Government & Metropolitan Affairs Crystal and Fridley housing replacement pilot projects established. HF1595--Rostberg (IR) Education Cambridge Community College Center granted full campus status and money appropriated. HF1596--Ness (IR) Health & Human Services MinnesotaCare; regulated all-payer option repealed. HF1597--Carruthers (DFL) International Trade & Economic Development Multijurisdictional collaborative reinvestment program established in Hennepin County, and money appropriated. HF1598--Davids (IR) Education School boards authorized to conduct referenda to fund extracurricular activities. HF1599--Swenson, D. (IR) Education General education formula allowance increased, class size reduction program local control expanded, staff development reserved revenue use restricted, transportation inflation factors restored, and debt service equalization aid modified. HF1600--Jennings (DFL) Education Independent School District No. 139, Rush City, fund transfer authorized. HF1601--Kalis (DFL) Education Debt service equalizaton eligibility provisions modified. HF1602--Greenfield (DFL) Health & Human Services Mobile health care providers defined and regulated. HF1603--Greenfield (DFL) Health & Human Services Hospital and nursing home reimbursement rate adjustment indices modified. HF1604--Paulsen (IR) Governmental Operations Eden Prairie Volunteer Firefighters Relief Association service pension vesting requirement reduction provided. Thursday, March 23 HF1605--Larsen (IR) Education Independent school district Nos. 622, North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale, 833, South Washington county, and 834, Stillwater, provided additional joint elementary facility operation authority, and money appropriated. HF1606--Munger (DFL) Transportation & Transit Special critical habitat motor vehicle license plates established, and money appropriated. HF1607--Lourey (DFL) Health & Human Services Marriage license fee increased and provisional fee waiver provided, marriage and family counseling health care coverage provided, and marriage dissolution counseling order authority provided. HF1608--Entenza (DFL) Education Interagency services provided for children with disabilities, education and human services report required, training program established for persons who work with disabled children, and money appropriated. HF1609--McCollum (DFL) Labor-Management Relations Employee mandatory overtime work hours prohibited. HF1610--Clark (DFL) Health & Human Services Indian Child Welfare Defense Corporation provided compliance grants, and money appropriated. HF1611--Dawkins (DFL) Taxes Government Innovation and Cooperation Board authorized to conduct aid distribution council pilot project, and money appropriated. HF1612--Winter (DFL) Regulated Industries & Energy Farm-generated wind energy production facility rate policies established. HF1613--Weaver (IR) Judiciary Omnibus juvenile crime prevention bill, and money appropriated. HF1614--Rest (DFL) Capital Investment Public bond issuance conditions and requirements provided, unfunded pension liability obligation use procedures specified, indoor ice arena bond use authorized, and city tax anticipation certificate issuance required. HF1615--Ozment (IR) Environment & Natural Resources Pollution Control Agency automobile salvage yard environmental assessment continuance provided, automotive mercury recycling incentives provided, and money appropriated. HF1616--Milbert (DFL) Taxes Low and moderate housing construction project materials exempted from sales and use taxes. HF1617--Pugh (DFL) Financial Institutions & Insurance Reinsurance intermediaries regulation and fund investment provided. HF1618--Johnson, V. (IR) Agriculture Agriculture best management practices and clean water partnership loan programs modified. HF1619--Long (DFL) Taxes This Old House Law; valuation exclusion provided for improvements to certain property. HF1620--Trimble (DFL) Environment & Natural Resources Native vegetation planting promoted, and money appropriated. HF1621--Clark (DFL) Governmental Operations Minneapolis health insurance subsidy expanded to include eligible retiring teachers. HF1622--Swenson, D. (IR) Governmental Operations Lottery advertising prohibited. HF1623--Wenzel (DFL) Governmental Operations Legislative session timing, length, schedule, and calendar studied, and commission created. HF1624--Weaver (IR) Judiciary Paternity action time limits modified. HF1625--Weaver (IR) Judiciary County sheriffs required to be licensed as peace officers prior to taking office. HF1626--Bishop (IR) Governmental Operations Public fund investment in certain assets prohibited. HF1627--Van Dellen (IR) Local Government & Metropolitan Affairs Metropolitan revitalization fund established to provide funding for housing and urban development, and money appropriated. HF1628--Frerichs (IR) Transportation & Transit Motor carriers deregulated, and fees and penalties provided. HF1629--Johnson, V. (IR) Environment & Natural Resources Forest resources council and regional forest resource committee creation provided, and forest resource management effort coordination provided. HF1630--Finseth (IR) Environment & Natural Resources Water use permit application or inspection fee refund provided when permits are not granted. HF1631--McGuire (DFL) Judiciary Pistol and semiautomatic military-style assault weapon license requirement provided. HF1632--Orfield (DFL) Taxes Business property tax notices to include statement regarding state subsidies. HF1633--Lourey (DFL) Economic Development, Infrastructure & Regulation Finance Employment support services for persons with mental illness funding increased, and money appropriated. HF1634--Mulder (IR) Taxes Wind energy conversion systems provided tax liability in lieu of property taxes. HF1635--Molnau (IR) Taxes Motor vehicle purchase price modification provided for sales tax purposes. HF1636--Carruthers (DFL) Taxes Senior citizen's property tax deferral program established, and money appropriated. HF1637--McGuire (DFL) Judiciary Custodial parent child residence relocation to another state procedures established. HF1638--Kalis (DFL) Economic Development, Infrastructure & Regulation Finance Kee Theatre in Kiester restoration funding provided, and money appropriated. HF1639--Kalis (DFL) Economic Development, Infrastructure & Regulation Finance FarmAmerica in Waseca County provided a grant, and money appropriated. HF1640--Smith (IR) Environment & Natural Resources Lake Minnetonka seawall construction without a permit authorized. HF1641--Macklin (IR) Local Government & Metropolitan Affairs Counties, cities, and towns required to codify and print ordinances, resolutions and rules, and supply copies to county law libraries. HF1642--Winter (DFL) Agriculture Wholesale dairy product supplier trade practice restricted. HF1643--McGuire (DFL) Judiciary Finance Sexual assault program grants provided to Department of Corrections commissioner, and money appropriated. HF1644--McGuire (DFL) Judiciary Emergency 911 call recording use authorized for training purposes. HF1645--Olson, M. (IR) Commerce, Tourism & Consumer Affairs Wood types specified for exterior construction applications. HF1646--Hugoson (IR) Local Government & Metropolitan Affairs Fairmont tax increment financing district exempted from state aid offset. HF1647--Pugh (DFL) Judiciary Social Security Act claim record copy charge prohibited. HF1648--Pugh (DFL) Judiciary Uniform correction or clarification of defamation act adopted. HF1649--Entenza (DFL) Commerce, Tourism & Consumer Affairs Real estate brokers and salespersons regulated, and real property radon testing disclosure required. HF1650--Hausman (DFL) Environment & Natural Resources St. Paul district heating waste wood cogeneration facility biomass mandate satisfaction provided. HF1651--Anderson, I. (DFL) Commerce, Tourism & Consumer Affairs Canada; border water angling restriction challenge funding provided, and money appropriated. HF1652--Trimble (DFL) Capital Investment Public property acquired with bond funds lease and disposition provisions modified. HF1653--Dawkins (DFL) Taxes Revenue recapture debt collection notification provided annually. HF1654--McGuire (DFL) Health & Human Services Minor's mental health services consent provisions modified. MINNESOTA INDEX The disabled in the U.S. and Minnesota Nationwide, people with disabilities, in millions, 1991 48.9 as a ratio of all U.S. residents 1 in 5 Those with a serious disability nationwide, in millions 24.1 Children with disabilities nationwide, in millions 2.9 Nationwide, number of people who have a physical or mental condition that keep them from being able to "work, attend school, or maintain a household," in millions 9 Mean monthly earnings for a non-disabled person aged 35 to 54 $2,446 for someone with a severe disability $1,562 Minnesotans with a disability 873,000 with a severe disability 430,300 Nationwide, those aged 15 to 64 with a severe disability who have private insurance 1 in 1.6 Medicaid coverage 1 in 4 no health insurance 1 in 6 Nationwide, those able-bodied who have jobs 4 in 5 those with a "severe functional limitation" who have jobs 1 in 4 Percent of Minnesotans with disabilities aged 21 to 64 who are unemployed 49 Times that a disabled Minnesotan is more likely to be unemployed when compared to able-bodied Minnesotans aged 21 to 64 9 Number of certified Metro Mobility riders, August 1994 20,000 State funds marked for Metro Mobility, in millions, FY1994-95 $29.3 budget request, in millions, for FY1996-97 $31.7 Number of rides given, 1993 1,134,000 rides given in 1990, highest year ever 1,639,722 Disabled Minnesotans currently receiving personal care attendant (PCA) services paid for by Medical Assistance, (average monthly caseload) 5,300 Adults 3,245 Children 2,055 Estimated cost to the state, per year, in millions $47 Percent increase in Medical Assistance costs for personal care and private duty nursing services, FY 1991 to FY1994 192 Additional Minnesotans receiving PCA services under a special 1982 law, (the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act, or TEFRA), which allows parents of disabled children to buy into a state health service to help pay for their child's long-term medical care 1,300 Total number of Minnesotans in the TEFRA program 3,900 Cost of TEFRA to the state, per year, in millions $18 Dollars recouped by the state from TEFRA recipients, per year $325,000 Sources: Metropolitan Center for Independent Living, Department of Human Services, House Research Department.