Act Summary

1        

Definitions. Expands eligibility for a special Gold Star license plate available to certain surviving family members of a veteran who has died while serving honorably in active military service. The law adds siblings, children, and legal guardians of a deceased service-member to the list of recipients (which is in addition to spouses and parents). The change goes into effect August 1, 2011.

2        

Filing fee; allocations. Raises a filing fee by $1.50 for motor vehicle transactions, such as vehicle registration and titling. The filing fee increases are:

•  $4.50 to $6 for registration renewals; and

•  $8.50 to $10 for most other vehicle transactions (such as title transfers).

Allocates additional revenue so that (1) if the transaction is performed by a deputy registrar, the funds are kept by that registrar; and (2) if the transaction is done by Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) in the Department of Public Safety, funds are first allocated to implementation of the department's new information technology system, and subsequently are put into one of the department's standard operating accounts.

Makes technical changes, to restructure and clarify allocation of fee revenue. The fee increase goes into effect July 1, 2011.

3        

Fees. Adjusts statutory fees for driver's licenses and Minnesota identification cards to reflect the distinction between (1) the core license and card fees (which vary with the type of license or card) listed in this section, and (2) a $5 filing fee authorized to be imposed by driver's license agents. The change does not raise or lower the total amount charged for driver's licenses and identification cards. Rather, it amends the statute to reflect actual practice by driver's license agents and Driver and Vehicle Services.

The core fees are deposited into an account that funds Driver and Vehicle Services agency costs for driver licensing. The filing fee, which is set at $5 per transaction, is the amount retained by driver's license agents and is designed to cover an agent's operating expenses. Minn. Stat. § 171.061, subd. 4. Driver's license agents operate offices throughout the state to provide driver licensing services on behalf of Driver and Vehicle Services.

4        

[196.053] Acceptance of federal funds. Allows the Department of Veterans Affairs to apply for and receiving federal funding. It is effective July 1, 2011.

5        

Canteen, coffee shop, wood shop, and other work therapy programs. Expands a requirement that profits from shops located in veterans homes be dedicated to programs for the residents of the homes, to include all work therapy programs (which is in addition to canteens, coffee shops, and wood shops). It is effective July 1, 2011.

6        

Driver and vehicle services technology account. Adds a legislative notification requirement regarding finances of the new DVS information system project, once funding is completed to implement the system. The provision is effective July 1, 2011.

7        

Effective date. Makes a conforming change, to prevent sunset of an account for the new DVS information system that is set to receive additional funds from the filing fee increase in the act.