Journal of the House - 84th Day - Monday, March 12, 2012 - Top of Page 6181

 

 

STATE OF MINNESOTA

 

 

EIGHTY-SEVENTH SESSION - 2012

 

_____________________

 

EIGHTY-FOURTH DAY

 

Saint Paul, Minnesota, Monday, March 12, 2012

 

 

      The House of Representatives convened at 3:00 p.m. and was called to order by Kurt Zellers, Speaker of the House.

 

      Prayer was offered by Father Michael Kaluza, Our Lady of the Prairie Catholic Church, Belle Plaine, Minnesota.

 

      The members of the House gave the pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.

 

      The roll was called and the following members were present:

 


Abeler

Allen

Anderson, B.

Anderson, D.

Anderson, P.

Anderson, S.

Anzelc

Atkins

Banaian

Barrett

Beard

Benson, J.

Benson, M.

Bills

Brynaert

Buesgens

Carlson

Champion

Clark

Cornish

Crawford

Daudt

Davids

Davnie

Dean

Dettmer

Dill

Dittrich

Doepke

Downey

Drazkowski

Eken

Erickson

Fabian

Falk

Franson

Fritz

Garofalo

Gauthier

Gottwalt

Greene

Greiling

Gruenhagen

Gunther

Hackbarth

Hamilton

Hancock

Hansen

Hilstrom

Holberg

Hoppe

Hortman

Hosch

Howes

Huntley

Johnson

Kahn

Kath

Kelly

Kieffer

Kiel

Kiffmeyer

Knuth

Koenen

Kriesel

Laine

Lanning

Leidiger

LeMieur

Lenczewski

Lesch

Liebling

Lillie

Loeffler

Lohmer

Loon

Mack

Mahoney

Mariani

Marquart

Mazorol

McDonald

McElfatrick

McFarlane

McNamara

Melin

Moran

Morrow

Mullery

Murphy, E.

Murphy, M.

Murray

Myhra

Nelson

Nornes

Norton

O'Driscoll

Paymar

Pelowski

Peppin

Persell

Petersen, B.

Peterson, S.

Poppe

Quam

Rukavina

Runbeck

Sanders

Scalze

Schomacker

Scott

Shimanski

Simon

Slawik

Slocum

Smith

Stensrud

Swedzinski

Thissen

Tillberry

Torkelson

Urdahl

Vogel

Wagenius

Wardlow

Westrom

Winkler

Woodard

Spk. Zellers


 

      A quorum was present.

 

      Hausman, Hilty, Hornstein, Murdock and Ward were excused.

 

      The Chief Clerk proceeded to read the Journal of the preceding day.  There being no objection, further reading of the Journal was dispensed with and the Journal was approved as corrected by the Chief Clerk.


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REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES AND DIVISIONS

 

 

Shimanski from the Committee on Judiciary Policy and Finance to which was referred:

 

H. F. No. 68, A bill for an act relating to crimes; providing that careless driving resulting in death is a gross misdemeanor; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 169.13, by adding a subdivision.

 

Reported the same back with the recommendation that the bill pass and be re-referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.

 

      The report was adopted.

 

 

Hamilton from the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development Policy and Finance to which was referred:

 

H. F. No. 539, A bill for an act relating to agriculture; modifying the classification of horses as livestock; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 17.459, subdivision 2; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 17.459, subdivision 3.

 

Reported the same back with the following amendments:

 

Delete everything after the enacting clause and insert:

 

"Section 1.  [17.345] NOT DETERMINATIVE FOR PROPERTY CLASSIFICATION.

 

Participating in an agricultural pursuit identified in this chapter is not determinative for the classification of property under chapter 273.

 

Sec. 2.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 17.459, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2.  Agricultural pursuit.  Raising horses and other equines is agricultural production and an agricultural pursuit.  A horse breeding farm, horse training farm, horse boarding farm, or a farm combining those purposes is an agricultural operation.

 

Sec. 3.  REPEALER.

 

Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 17.459, subdivision 3, is repealed."

 

Delete the title and insert:

 

"A bill for an act relating to agriculture; horses; clarifying that agricultural pursuit is not determinative for property tax classification; defining agricultural operation; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 17.459, subdivision 2; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 17; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 17.459, subdivision 3."

 

 

With the recommendation that when so amended the bill pass.

 

      The report was adopted.


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Lanning from the Committee on State Government Finance to which was referred:

 

H. F. No. 1031, A bill for an act relating to the legislature; requiring that certain services be provided through a joint legislative office; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 3.06, subdivision 1; 3.303, by adding a subdivision.

 

Reported the same back with the following amendments:

 

Page 1, line 14, strike "a first and a second assistant sergeant-at-arms,"

 

Page 1, delete section 2 and insert:

 

"Sec. 2.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 3.303, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 11.  Geographic information systems.  The Legislative Coordinating Commission shall provide geographic information services to the legislative branch through an agreement with an executive branch agency or a contract with a private vendor, or both.  Services provided by the executive branch shall be provided in a timely fashion to the legislature.  Services relating to redistricting may not be provided by an executive branch agency.

 

Sec. 3.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 3.303, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 12.  Records retention.  The Legislative Coordinating Commission must adopt a records retention policy, for purposes of sections 15.17 and 138.17, that applies to the house of representatives, the senate, and all other entities in the legislative branch.  The commission must publish this policy on the commission's Web site.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  The authority to adopt a policy under this section is effective the day following final enactment.  The Legislative Coordinating Commission must adopt a policy under this section by July 1, 2012.  Policies previously adopted by entities in the legislative branch remain in effect until adoption of a policy by the Legislative Coordinating Commission under this section."

 

Page 2, line 2, delete "2011" and insert "2012"

 

Renumber the sections in sequence

 

Delete the title and insert:

 

"A bill for an act relating to the legislature; modifying provisions governing the election of certain officers and the provision of certain services; establishing a records retention policy; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 3.06, subdivision 1; 3.303, by adding subdivisions."

 

 

With the recommendation that when so amended the bill pass and be re-referred to the Committee on Government Operations and Elections.

 

      The report was adopted.


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Cornish from the Committee on Public Safety and Crime Prevention Policy and Finance to which was referred:

 

H. F. No. 1607, A bill for an act relating to the State Capitol; authorizing the State Patrol to provide security and protection to certain government officials; requiring a report on capitol complex security; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 299D.03, subdivision 1; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 299E.

 

Reported the same back with the following amendments:

 

Delete everything after the enacting clause and insert:

 

"Section 1.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 299D.03, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Members, powers, and duties.  (a) The commissioner is hereby authorized to employ and designate a chief supervisor, a chief assistant supervisor, and such assistant supervisors, sergeants and officers as are provided by law, who shall comprise the Minnesota State Patrol.

 

(b) The members of the Minnesota State Patrol shall have the power and authority:

 

(1) as peace officers to enforce the provisions of the law relating to the protection of and use of trunk highways;

 

(2) at all times to direct all traffic on trunk highways in conformance with law, and in the event of a fire or other emergency, or to expedite traffic or to insure safety, to direct traffic on other roads as conditions may require notwithstanding the provisions of law;

 

(3) to serve search warrants related to criminal motor vehicle and traffic violations and arrest warrants, and legal documents anywhere in the state;

 

(4) to serve orders of the commissioner of public safety or the commissioner's duly authorized agents issued under the provisions of the Driver's License Law, the Safety Responsibility Act, or relating to authorized brake- and light-testing stations, anywhere in the state and to take possession of any license, permit, or certificate ordered to be surrendered;

 

(5) to inspect official brake and light adjusting stations;

 

(6) to make appearances anywhere within the state for the purpose of conducting traffic safety educational programs and school bus clinics;

 

(7) to exercise upon all trunk highways the same powers with respect to the enforcement of laws relating to crimes, as sheriffs and police officers;

 

(8) to cooperate, under instructions and rules of the commissioner of public safety, with all sheriffs and other police officers anywhere in the state, provided that said employees shall have no power or authority in connection with strikes or industrial disputes;

 

(9) to assist and aid any peace officer whose life or safety is in jeopardy;

 

(10) as peace officers to provide security and protection to the governor, governor elect, either or both houses of the legislature, and state buildings or property in the manner and to the extent determined to be necessary after consultation with the governor, or a designee.  Pursuant to this clause, members of the State Patrol, acting as peace officers have the same powers with respect to the enforcement of laws relating to crimes, as sheriffs and police officers have within their respective jurisdictions;


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(11) to inspect school buses anywhere in the state for the purposes of determining compliance with vehicle equipment, pollution control, and registration requirements;

 

(12) as peace officers to make arrests for public offenses committed in their presence anywhere within the state.  Persons arrested for violations other than traffic violations shall be referred forthwith to the appropriate local law enforcement agency for further investigation or disposition; and

 

(13) to enforce the North American uniform out-of-service criteria and issue out-of-service orders, as defined in Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, section 383.5.

 

(c) After consultation with the governor or a designee, the commissioner may require the State Patrol to provide security and protection to Supreme Court justices, legislators, and constitutional officers other than the governor, for a limited period and within the limits of existing resources, in response to a credible threat on the individual's life or safety.

 

(d) The state may contract for State Patrol members to render the services described in this section in excess of their regularly scheduled duty hours and patrol members rendering such services shall be compensated in such amounts, manner and under such conditions as the agreement provides.

 

(d) (e) Employees thus employed and designated shall subscribe an oath.

 

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

 

Sec. 2.  [299E.04] ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON CAPITOL AREA SECURITY.

 

Subdivision 1.  Membership and terms.  The advisory committee on Capitol Area Security shall consist of six members, appointed as follows:

 

(1) the lieutenant governor;

 

(2) two senators, including one member from the majority party and one member from the minority party, appointed by the Subcommittee on Committees of the Committee on Rules and Administration of the senate;

 

(3) two members of the house of representatives, including one member appointed by the speaker of the house and one member appointed by the minority leader; and

 

(4) the chief justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court or the designee of the chief justice.

 

A member may be removed by the appointing authority at any time at the pleasure of the appointing authority.

 

Subd. 2.  Duties.  (a) The advisory committee shall meet at least quarterly to assess current safety and security risks in the Capitol Area, as defined by section 15B.02, and discuss developments that might affect those risks in the future.  The committee shall provide advice and recommendations to the governor and legislature regarding security priorities, strategies for addressing these priorities, and recommendations for funding to implement the strategies.  In performing its duties under this section, the committee shall consult with the commissioners of administration and public safety, the Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board, the director of the Minnesota Historical Society, and the sergeants-at-arms of the senate and house of representatives.

 

(b) The committee shall report to the governor, the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over the Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board and the Department of Public Safety, and chief justice of the Supreme Court by January 15 of each year.  This report shall provide a general


Journal of the House - 84th Day - Monday, March 12, 2012 - Top of Page 6186

assessment of the status of security in the Capitol Area, describe improvements implemented, and recommend future improvements.  As appropriate, the committee shall offer recommendations for capital or operating expenditures, statutory changes, or other changes in security-related policies or practices.  Spending recommendations shall be made in a timely manner to ensure that they can be considered as part of the state's capital and operating budget processes.

 

Subd. 3.  Administrative provisions.  (a) The lieutenant governor shall serve as the chair of the committee.  The committee may elect a vice-chair to convene and conduct meetings when the lieutenant governor is not available.

 

(b) Meetings of the committee shall be subject to chapter 13D.

 

(c) Administrative support for the committee shall be provided by the commissioners of administration and public safety and the sergeants-at-arms of the senate and house of representatives.

 

(d) The committee shall seek advice from at least one person with experience designating and implementing security for a public college or university campus, at least one person with experience designating and implementing security for courts, and at least one person with experience designating and implementing security for a private Minnesota company.  Data exchanged with individuals under this paragraph is not public data.

 

Subd. 4.  Data practices.  (a) The committee is subject to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, chapter 13.  The committee may request access to nonpublic data, as defined in section 13.02, subdivision 9, as necessary to fulfill its responsibilities under this section.  A government entity receiving a request under this subdivision must provide nonpublic data requested by the committee if the government entity reasonably determines that the data requested are relevant to the committee's responsibilities under this section. 

 

(b) Paragraph (a) must not be construed to give the committee access to data classified under section 13.87, subdivision 2, or data on persons who provide the notice described in section 609.66, subdivision 1g, paragraph (b), clause (2).

 

Subd. 5.  Expiration.  Notwithstanding section 15.059, subdivision 5, the advisory committee on Capitol Area Security expires June 30, 2022.

 

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

 

Sec. 3.  ORGANIZATIONAL DEADLINES.

 

The appointing authorities for the advisory committee on Capitol Area Security shall complete their initial appointments by July 30, 2012.  The lieutenant governor shall convene the first meeting of the committee within 30 days after the initial appointments are completed."

 

Amend the title as follows:

 

Page 1, line 3, delete "requiring a report" and insert "establishing a committee"

 

 

With the recommendation that when so amended the bill pass and be re-referred to the Committee on Transportation Policy and Finance.

 

      The report was adopted.


Journal of the House - 84th Day - Monday, March 12, 2012 - Top of Page 6187

Peppin from the Committee on Government Operations and Elections to which was referred:

 

H. F. No. 1629, A bill for an act relating to economic development; modifying Explore Minnesota Tourism Council; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 116U.25.

 

Reported the same back with the recommendation that the bill pass.

 

      The report was adopted.

 

 

Gottwalt from the Committee on Health and Human Services Reform to which was referred:

 

H. F. No. 1967, A bill for an act relating to human services; modifying provisions related to children and family services; reforming adoptions under guardianship of the commissioner; modifying statutory provisions related to child support; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 13.46, subdivision 2; 13.461, subdivision 17; 13.465, by adding a subdivision; 145.902, subdivision 1; 256.998, subdivisions 1, 5; 256J.24, subdivision 5; 259.22, subdivision 2; 259.23, subdivision 1; 259.24, subdivisions 1, 3, 5, 6a, 7; 259.29, subdivision 2; 260C.193, subdivision 3; 260C.201, subdivision 11a; 260C.212, subdivisions 1, 2, 5, 7; 260C.217; 260C.317, subdivisions 3, 4; 260C.325, subdivisions 1, 3, 4; 260C.328; 541.04; 548.09, subdivision 1; 626.556, subdivisions 2, 10f, 10i, 11; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 260C; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 256.022.

 

Reported the same back with the following amendments:

 

Delete everything after the enacting clause and insert:

 

"ARTICLE 1

CHILDREN AND FAMILIES POLICY PROVISIONS

 

Section 1.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 13.46, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2.  General.  (a) Unless the data is summary data or a statute specifically provides a different classification, data on individuals collected, maintained, used, or disseminated by the welfare system is private data on individuals, and shall not be disclosed except:

 

(1) according to section 13.05;

 

(2) according to court order;

 

(3) according to a statute specifically authorizing access to the private data;

 

(4) to an agent of the welfare system, including a law enforcement person, attorney, or investigator acting for it in the investigation or prosecution of a criminal or civil proceeding relating to the administration of a program;

 

(5) to personnel of the welfare system who require the data to verify an individual's identity; determine eligibility, amount of assistance, and the need to provide services to an individual or family across programs; evaluate the effectiveness of programs; assess parental contribution amounts; and investigate suspected fraud;

 

(6) to administer federal funds or programs;

 

(7) between personnel of the welfare system working in the same program;


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(8) to the Department of Revenue to assess parental contribution amounts for purposes of section 252.27, subdivision 2a, administer and evaluate tax refund or tax credit programs and to identify individuals who may benefit from these programs.  The following information may be disclosed under this paragraph:  an individual's and their dependent's names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, income, addresses, and other data as required, upon request by the Department of Revenue.  Disclosures by the commissioner of revenue to the commissioner of human services for the purposes described in this clause are governed by section 270B.14, subdivision 1.  Tax refund or tax credit programs include, but are not limited to, the dependent care credit under section 290.067, the Minnesota working family credit under section 290.0671, the property tax refund and rental credit under section 290A.04, and the Minnesota education credit under section 290.0674;

 

(9) between the Department of Human Services, the Department of Employment and Economic Development, and when applicable, the Department of Education, for the following purposes:

 

(i) to monitor the eligibility of the data subject for unemployment benefits, for any employment or training program administered, supervised, or certified by that agency;

 

(ii) to administer any rehabilitation program or child care assistance program, whether alone or in conjunction with the welfare system;

 

(iii) to monitor and evaluate the Minnesota family investment program or the child care assistance program by exchanging data on recipients and former recipients of food support, cash assistance under chapter 256, 256D, 256J, or 256K, child care assistance under chapter 119B, or medical programs under chapter 256B, 256D, or 256L; and

 

(iv) to analyze public assistance employment services and program utilization, cost, effectiveness, and outcomes as implemented under the authority established in Title II, Sections 201-204 of the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999.  Health records governed by sections 144.291 to 144.298 and "protected health information" as defined in Code of Federal Regulations, title 45, section 160.103, and governed by Code of Federal Regulations, title 45, parts 160-164, including health care claims utilization information, must not be exchanged under this clause;

 

(10) to appropriate parties in connection with an emergency if knowledge of the information is necessary to protect the health or safety of the individual or other individuals or persons;

 

(11) data maintained by residential programs as defined in section 245A.02 may be disclosed to the protection and advocacy system established in this state according to Part C of Public Law 98-527 to protect the legal and human rights of persons with developmental disabilities or other related conditions who live in residential facilities for these persons if the protection and advocacy system receives a complaint by or on behalf of that person and the person does not have a legal guardian or the state or a designee of the state is the legal guardian of the person;

 

(12) to the county medical examiner or the county coroner for identifying or locating relatives or friends of a deceased person;

 

(13) data on a child support obligor who makes payments to the public agency may be disclosed to the Minnesota Office of Higher Education to the extent necessary to determine eligibility under section 136A.121, subdivision 2, clause (5);

 

(14) participant Social Security numbers and names collected by the telephone assistance program may be disclosed to the Department of Revenue to conduct an electronic data match with the property tax refund database to determine eligibility under section 237.70, subdivision 4a;

 

(15) the current address of a Minnesota family investment program participant may be disclosed to law enforcement officers who provide the name of the participant and notify the agency that:


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(i) the participant:

 

(A) is a fugitive felon fleeing to avoid prosecution, or custody or confinement after conviction, for a crime or attempt to commit a crime that is a felony under the laws of the jurisdiction from which the individual is fleeing; or

 

(B) is violating a condition of probation or parole imposed under state or federal law;

 

(ii) the location or apprehension of the felon is within the law enforcement officer's official duties; and

 

(iii) the request is made in writing and in the proper exercise of those duties;

 

(16) the current address of a recipient of general assistance or general assistance medical care may be disclosed to probation officers and corrections agents who are supervising the recipient and to law enforcement officers who are investigating the recipient in connection with a felony level offense;

 

(17) information obtained from food support applicant or recipient households may be disclosed to local, state, or federal law enforcement officials, upon their written request, for the purpose of investigating an alleged violation of the Food Stamp Act, according to Code of Federal Regulations, title 7, section 272.1 (c);

 

(18) the address, Social Security number, and, if available, photograph of any member of a household receiving food support shall be made available, on request, to a local, state, or federal law enforcement officer if the officer furnishes the agency with the name of the member and notifies the agency that:

 

(i) the member:

 

(A) is fleeing to avoid prosecution, or custody or confinement after conviction, for a crime or attempt to commit a crime that is a felony in the jurisdiction the member is fleeing;

 

(B) is violating a condition of probation or parole imposed under state or federal law; or

 

(C) has information that is necessary for the officer to conduct an official duty related to conduct described in subitem (A) or (B);

 

(ii) locating or apprehending the member is within the officer's official duties; and

 

(iii) the request is made in writing and in the proper exercise of the officer's official duty;

 

(19) the current address of a recipient of Minnesota family investment program, general assistance, general assistance medical care, or food support may be disclosed to law enforcement officers who, in writing, provide the name of the recipient and notify the agency that the recipient is a person required to register under section 243.166, but is not residing at the address at which the recipient is registered under section 243.166;

 

(20) certain information regarding child support obligors who are in arrears may be made public according to section 518A.74;

 

(21) data on child support payments made by a child support obligor and data on the distribution of those payments excluding identifying information on obligees may be disclosed to all obligees to whom the obligor owes support, and data on the enforcement actions undertaken by the public authority, the status of those actions, and data on the income of the obligor or obligee may be disclosed to the other party;

 

(22) data in the work reporting system may be disclosed under section 256.998, subdivision 7;


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(23) to the Department of Education for the purpose of matching Department of Education student data with public assistance data to determine students eligible for free and reduced-price meals, meal supplements, and free milk according to United States Code, title 42, sections 1758, 1761, 1766, 1766a, 1772, and 1773; to allocate federal and state funds that are distributed based on income of the student's family; and to verify receipt of energy assistance for the telephone assistance plan;

 

(24) the current address and telephone number of program recipients and emergency contacts may be released to the commissioner of health or a local board of health as defined in section 145A.02, subdivision 2, when the commissioner or local board of health has reason to believe that a program recipient is a disease case, carrier, suspect case, or at risk of illness, and the data are necessary to locate the person;

 

(25) to other state agencies, statewide systems, and political subdivisions of this state, including the attorney general, and agencies of other states, interstate information networks, federal agencies, and other entities as required by federal regulation or law for the administration of the child support enforcement program;

 

(26) to personnel of public assistance programs as defined in section 256.741, for access to the child support system database for the purpose of administration, including monitoring and evaluation of those public assistance programs;

 

(27) to monitor and evaluate the Minnesota family investment program by exchanging data between the Departments of Human Services and Education, on recipients and former recipients of food support, cash assistance under chapter 256, 256D, 256J, or 256K, child care assistance under chapter 119B, or medical programs under chapter 256B, 256D, or 256L;

 

(28) to evaluate child support program performance and to identify and prevent fraud in the child support program by exchanging data between the Department of Human Services, Department of Revenue under section 270B.14, subdivision 1, paragraphs (a) and (b), without regard to the limitation of use in paragraph (c), Department of Health, Department of Employment and Economic Development, and other state agencies as is reasonably necessary to perform these functions;

 

(29) counties operating child care assistance programs under chapter 119B may disseminate data on program participants, applicants, and providers to the commissioner of education; or

 

(30) child support data on the parents and the child may be disclosed to agencies administering programs under titles IV-B and IV-E of the Social Security Act, as provided by federal law.  Data may be disclosed only to the extent necessary for the purpose of establishing parentage or for determining who has or may have parental rights with respect to a child, which could be related to permanency planning.

 

(b) Information on persons who have been treated for drug or alcohol abuse may only be disclosed according to the requirements of Code of Federal Regulations, title 42, sections 2.1 to 2.67.

 

(c) Data provided to law enforcement agencies under paragraph (a), clause (15), (16), (17), or (18), or paragraph (b), are investigative data and are confidential or protected nonpublic while the investigation is active.  The data are private after the investigation becomes inactive under section 13.82, subdivision 5, paragraph (a) or (b).

 

(d) Mental health data shall be treated as provided in subdivisions 7, 8, and 9, but is not subject to the access provisions of subdivision 10, paragraph (b).

 

For the purposes of this subdivision, a request will be deemed to be made in writing if made through a computer interface system.


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Sec. 2.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 13.461, subdivision 17, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 17.  Maltreatment review panels.  Data of the vulnerable adult maltreatment review panel or the child maltreatment review panel are classified under section 256.021 or 256.022.

 

Sec. 3.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 13.465, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 5a.  Adoptive parent.  Certain data that may be disclosed to a prospective adoptive parent is governed by section 260C.613, subdivision 2.

 

Sec. 4.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 145.902, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  General.  (a) For purposes of this section, a "safe place" means a hospital licensed under sections 144.50 to 144.56, health care provider that provides access to urgent care services, or 911 responder.

 

(b) A hospital licensed under sections 144.50 to 144.56 safe place shall receive a newborn left with a hospital an employee on the hospital premises of the safe place, provided that:

 

(1) the newborn was born within 72 hours seven days of being left at the hospital safe place, as determined within a reasonable degree of medical certainty; and

 

(2) the newborn is left in an unharmed condition.

 

(b) (c) During its hours of operation, the hospital safe place must not inquire as to the identity of the mother or the person leaving the newborn or call the police, provided the newborn is unharmed when presented to the hospital.  The hospital safe place may ask the mother or the person leaving the newborn about the medical history of the mother or newborn but the mother or the person leaving the newborn is not required to provide any information.  During its hours of operation, the hospital safe place may provide the mother or the person leaving the newborn with information about how to contact relevant social service agencies.  A safe place which is not a hospital shall dial 911, advise the 911 dispatcher that the call is being made from a safe place for newborns, and ask the dispatcher to send an ambulance or take any other appropriate action to transport the newborn to a hospital which shall receive the newborn and perform the duties in subdivision 2.

 

Sec. 5.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 145.902, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2.  Reporting.  Within 24 hours of receiving a newborn under this section, the hospital must inform the local welfare agency that a newborn has been left at or brought to the hospital, but must not do so before the mother or the person leaving the newborn leaves the hospital.

 

Sec. 6.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 145.902, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 3.  Immunity.  (a) A hospital safe place with responsibility for performing duties under this section, and any employee, doctor, or other medical professional working at the hospital safe place, are immune from any criminal liability that otherwise might result from their actions, if they are acting in good faith in receiving a newborn, and are immune from any civil liability that otherwise might result from merely receiving a newborn.

 

(b) A hospital safe place performing duties under this section, or an employee, doctor, or other medical professional working at the hospital safe place who is a mandated reporter under section 626.556, is immune from any criminal or civil liability that otherwise might result from the failure to make a report under that section if the person is acting in good faith in complying with this section.


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Sec. 7.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 256.998, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Definitions.  (a) The definitions in this subdivision apply to this section.

 

(b) "Date of hiring" means the earlier of:  (1) the first day for which an employee is owed compensation by an employer; or (2) the first day that an employee reports to work or performs labor or services for an employer.

 

(c) "Earnings" means payment owed by an employer for labor or services rendered by an employee.

 

(d) "Employee" means a person who resides or works in Minnesota, performs services for compensation, in whatever form, for an employer and satisfies the criteria of an employee under chapter 24 of the Internal Revenue Code.  Employee does not include:

 

(1) persons hired for domestic service in the private home of the employer, as defined in the Federal Tax Code; or

 

(2) an employee of the federal or state agency performing intelligence or counterintelligence functions, if the head of such agency has determined that reporting according to this law would endanger the safety of the employee or compromise an ongoing investigation or intelligence mission.

 

(e) "Employer" means a person or entity located or doing business in this state that employs one or more employees for payment, and satisfies the criteria of an employer under chapter 24 of the Internal Revenue Code.  Employer includes a labor organization as defined in paragraph (g).  Employer also includes the state, political or other governmental subdivisions of the state, and the federal government.

 

(f) "Hiring" means engaging a person to perform services for compensation and includes the reemploying or return to work of any previous employee who was laid off, furloughed, separated, granted a leave without pay, or terminated from employment when a period of 90 60 days elapses from the date of layoff, furlough, separation, leave, or termination to the date of the person's return to work.

 

(g) "Labor organization" means entities located or doing business in this state that meet the criteria of labor organization under section 2(5) of the National Labor Relations Act.  This includes any entity, that may also be known as a hiring hall, used to carry out requirements described in chapter 7 of the National Labor Relations Act.

 

(h) "Payor" means a person or entity located or doing business in Minnesota who pays money to an independent contractor according to an agreement for the performance of services.

 

Sec. 8.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 256.998, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 5.  Report contents.  Reports required under this section must contain: all the information required by federal law.

 

(1) the employee's name, address, Social Security number, and date of birth when available, which can be handwritten or otherwise added to the W-4 form, W-9 form, or other document submitted; and

 

(2) the employer's name, address, and federal identification number.

 

Sec. 9.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 256J.24, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 5.  MFIP transitional standard.  The MFIP transitional standard is based on the number of persons in the assistance unit eligible for both food and cash assistance unless the restrictions in subdivision 6 on the birth of a child apply.  The following table represents the transitional standards including a breakdown of the cash and food portions effective October 1, 2009.


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Number of Eligible People

Transitional Standard

Cash Portion

Food Portion

 

1

$428: 

$250

$178

 

2

$764: 

$437

$327

 

3

$1,005: 

$532

$473

 

4

$1,222: 

$621

$601

 

5

$1,399: 

$697

$702

 

6

$1,608: 

$773

$835

 

7

$1,754: 

$850

$904

 

8

$1,940: 

$916

$1,024

 

9

$2,125: 

$980

$1,145

 

10

$2,304: 

$1,035

$1,269

 

over 10 per

 

 

 

 

additional member.

add $178:

$53

$125

 

 

The amount of the transitional standard is published annually by the Department of Human Services.

 

Sec. 10.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 259.22, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2.  Persons who may be adopted.  No petition for adoption shall be filed unless the person sought to be adopted has been placed by the commissioner of human services, the commissioner's agent, or a licensed child-placing agency.  The provisions of this subdivision shall not apply if:

 

(1) the person to be adopted is over 14 years of age;

 

(2) the child is sought to be adopted by an individual who is related to the child, as defined by section 245A.02, subdivision 13;

 

(3) the child has been lawfully placed under the laws of another state while the child and petitioner resided in that other state;

 

(4) the court waives the requirement of this subdivision in the best interests of the child or petitioners, provided that the adoption does not involve a placement as defined in section 259.21, subdivision 8; or

 

(5) the child has been lawfully placed under section 259.47.

 

Sec. 11.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 259.23, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Venue.  (a) Except as provided in section 260C.101, subdivision 2, The juvenile court shall have original jurisdiction in all adoption proceedings.  The proper venue for an adoption proceeding shall be the county of the petitioner's residence, except as provided in paragraph (b) section 260C.621, subdivision 2, for the adoption of children under the guardianship of the commissioner.

 

(b) Venue for the adoption of a child committed to the guardianship of the commissioner of human services shall be the county with jurisdiction in the matter according to section 260C.317, subdivision 3.

 

(c) Upon request of the petitioner, the court having jurisdiction over the matter under section 260C.317, subdivision 3, may transfer venue of an adoption proceeding involving a child under the guardianship of the commissioner to the county of the petitioner's residence upon determining that:

 

(1) the commissioner has given consent to the petitioner's adoption of the child or that consent is unreasonably withheld;


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(2) there is no other adoption petition for the child that has been filed or is reasonably anticipated by the commissioner or the commissioner's delegate to be filed; and

 

(3) transfer of venue is in the best interests of the child.

 

Transfer of venue under this paragraph shall be according to the rules of adoption court procedure.

 

(d) (b) In all other adoptions under this chapter, if the petitioner has acquired a new residence in another county and requests a transfer of the adoption proceeding, the court in which an adoption is initiated may transfer the proceeding to the appropriate court in the new county of residence if the transfer is in the best interests of the person to be adopted.  The court transfers the proceeding by ordering a continuance and by forwarding to the court administrator of the appropriate court a certified copy of all papers filed, together with an order of transfer.  The transferring court also shall forward copies of the order of transfer to the commissioner of human services and any agency participating in the proceedings.  The judge of the receiving court shall accept the order of the transfer and any other documents transmitted and hear the case; provided, however, the receiving court may in its discretion require the filing of a new petition prior to the hearing.

 

Sec. 12.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 259.24, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Exceptions.  (a) No child shall be adopted without the consent of the child's parents and the child's guardian, if there be one, except in the following instances consent is not required of a parent:

 

(a) Consent shall not be required of a parent (1) who is not entitled to notice of the proceedings.;

 

(b) Consent shall not be required of a parent (2) who has abandoned the child, or of a parent who has lost custody of the child through a divorce decree or a decree of dissolution, and upon whom notice has been served as required by section 259.49.; or

 

(c) Consent shall not be required of a parent (3) whose parental rights to the child have been terminated by a juvenile court or who has lost custody of a child through a final commitment of the juvenile court or through a decree in a prior adoption proceeding.

 

(d) If there be no parent or guardian qualified to consent to the adoption, the consent shall be given by the commissioner.  After the court accepts a parent's consent to the adoption under section 260C.201, subdivision 11, consent by the commissioner or commissioner's delegate is also necessary.  Agreement to the identified prospective adoptive parent by the responsible social services agency under section 260C.201, subdivision 11, does not constitute the required consent.

 

(e) (b) If there is no parent or guardian qualified to consent to the adoption, the commissioner or agency having authority to place a child for adoption pursuant to section 259.25, subdivision 1, shall have the exclusive right to consent to the adoption of such the child.  The commissioner or agency shall make every effort to place siblings together for adoption.  Notwithstanding any rule to the contrary, the commissioner may delegate the right to consent to the adoption or separation of siblings, if it is in the child's best interest, to a local social services agency.

 

Sec. 13.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 259.24, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 3.  Child.  When the child to be adopted is over 14 years of age, the child's written consent to adoption by a particular person is also necessary.  A child of any age who is under the guardianship of the commissioner and is legally available for adoption may not refuse or waive the commissioner's agent's exhaustive efforts to recruit, identify, and place the child in an adoptive home required under section 260C.317, subdivision 3, paragraph (b), or sign a document relieving county social services agencies of all recruitment efforts on the child's behalf.


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Sec. 14.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 259.24, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 5.  Execution.  All consents to an adoption shall be in writing, executed before two competent witnesses, and acknowledged by the consenting party.  In addition, all consents to an adoption, except those by the commissioner, the commissioner's agent, a licensed child-placing agency, an adult adoptee, or the child's parent in a petition for adoption by a stepparent, shall be executed before a representative of the commissioner, the commissioner's agent, or a licensed child-placing agency.  All consents by a parent to adoption under this chapter:

 

(1) shall contain notice to the parent of the substance of subdivision 6a, providing for the right to withdraw consent unless the parent will not have the right to withdraw consent because consent was executed under section 260C.201, subdivision 11, following proper notice that consent given under that provision is irrevocable upon acceptance by the court as provided in subdivision 6a; and

 

(2) shall contain the following written notice in all capital letters at least one-eighth inch high:

 

"This The agency responsible for supervising the adoptive placement of the child will submit your consent to adoption to the court.  If you are consenting to adoption by the child's stepparent, the consent will be submitted to the court by the petitioner in your child's adoption.  The consent itself does not terminate your parental rights.  Parental rights to a child may be terminated only by an adoption decree or by a court order terminating parental rights.  Unless the child is adopted or your parental rights are terminated, you may be asked to support the child."

 

Consents shall be filed in the adoption proceedings at any time before the matter is heard provided, however, that a consent executed and acknowledged outside of this state, either in accordance with the law of this state or in accordance with the law of the place where executed, is valid.

 

Sec. 15.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 259.24, subdivision 6a, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 6a.  Withdrawal of consent.  Except for consents executed under section 260C.201, subdivision 11, A parent's consent to adoption under this chapter may be withdrawn for any reason within ten working days after the consent is executed and acknowledged.  No later than the tenth working day after the consent is executed and acknowledged, written notification of withdrawal of consent must be received by:  (1) the agency to which the child was surrendered no later than the tenth working day after the consent is executed and acknowledged; (2) the agency supervising the adoptive placement of the child; or (3) in the case of adoption by the step parent or any adoption not involving agency placement or supervision, by the district court where the adopting stepparent or parent resides.  On the day following the tenth working day after execution and acknowledgment, the consent shall become irrevocable, except upon order of a court of competent jurisdiction after written findings that consent was obtained by fraud.  A consent to adopt executed under section 260C.201, subdivision 11, is irrevocable upon proper notice to both parents of the effect of a consent to adopt and acceptance by the court, except upon order of the same court after written findings that the consent was obtained by fraud.  In proceedings to determine the existence of fraud, the adoptive parents and the child shall be made parties.  The proceedings shall be conducted to preserve the confidentiality of the adoption process.  There shall be no presumption in the proceedings favoring the birth parents over the adoptive parents.

 

Sec. 16.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 259.24, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 7.  Withholding consent; reason.  Consent to an adoption shall not be unreasonably withheld by a guardian, who is not a parent of the child, by the commissioner or by an agency.

 

Sec. 17.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 259.29, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2.  Placement with relative or friend.  The authorized child-placing agency shall consider placement, consistent with the child's best interests and in the following order, with (1) a relative or relatives of the child, or (2) an important friend with whom the child has resided or had significant contact.  In implementing this section, an


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authorized child-placing agency may disclose private or confidential data, as defined in section 13.02, to relatives of the child for the purpose of locating a suitable adoptive home.  The agency shall disclose only data that is necessary to facilitate implementing the preference.

 

If the child's birth parent or parents explicitly request that placement with relatives a specific relative or important friends friend not be considered, the authorized child-placing agency shall honor that request if it is consistent with the best interests of the child and consistent with the requirements of sections 260C.212, subdivision 2, and 260C.221.

 

If the child's birth parent or parents express a preference for placing the child in an adoptive home of the same or a similar religious background to that of the birth parent or parents, the agency shall place the child with a family that meets the birth parent's religious preference.

 

This subdivision does not affect the Indian Child Welfare Act, United States Code, title 25, sections 1901 to 1923, and the Minnesota Indian Family Preservation Act, sections 260.751 to 260.835.

 

Sec. 18.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 260.771, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 3.  Transfer of proceedings.  In a proceeding for (1) the termination of parental rights or, (2) the involuntary foster care placement of an Indian child not within the jurisdiction of subdivision 1, or (3) the preadoptive placement or adoptive placement of an Indian child not within the jurisdiction of subdivision 1, the court, in the absence of good cause to the contrary, shall transfer the proceeding to the jurisdiction of the tribe absent objection by either parent, upon the petition of either parent or the Indian custodian or the Indian child's tribe.  The transfer shall be subject to declination by the tribal court of such tribe.  For purposes of this subdivision, "preadoptive placement" and "adoptive placement" have the meanings given in section 260.755, subdivision 3.

 

Sec. 19.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 260C.193, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 3.  Best interest of the child in foster care or residential care.  (a) The policy of the state is to ensure that the best interests of children in foster or residential care are met by requiring individualized determinations under section 260C.212, subdivision 2, paragraph (b), of the needs of the child and of how the selected placement will serve the needs of the child in foster care placements.

 

(b) The court shall review whether the responsible social services agency made efforts as required under section 260C.212, subdivision 5 260C.221, and made an individualized determination as required under section 260C.212, subdivision 2.  If the court finds the agency has not made efforts as required under section 260C.212, subdivision 5 260C.221, and there is a relative who qualifies to be licensed to provide family foster care under chapter 245A, the court may order the child placed with the relative consistent with the child's best interests.

 

(c) If the child's birth parent or parents explicitly request that a relative or important friend not be considered, the court shall honor that request if it is consistent with the best interests of the child and consistent with the requirements of section 260C.221.  If the child's birth parent or parents express a preference for placing the child in a foster or adoptive home of the same or a similar religious background to that of the birth parent or parents, the court shall order placement of the child with an individual who meets the birth parent's religious preference.

 

(d) Placement of a child cannot be delayed or denied based on race, color, or national origin of the foster parent or the child.

 

(e) Whenever possible, siblings requiring foster care placement should be placed together unless it is determined not to be in the best interests of a sibling after weighing the benefits of separate placement against the benefits of sibling connections for each sibling.  If siblings are not placed together according to section 260C.212, subdivision 2, paragraph (d), the responsible social services agency shall report to the court the efforts made to place the siblings


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together and why the efforts were not successful.  If the court is not satisfied with the agency's efforts to place siblings together, the court may order the agency to make further efforts.  If siblings are not placed together the court shall review the responsible social services agency's plan for visitation among siblings required as part of the out-of-home placement plan under section 260C.212.

 

(f) This subdivision does not affect the Indian Child Welfare Act, United States Code, title 25, sections 1901 to 1923, and the Minnesota Indian Family Preservation Act, sections 260.751 to 260.835.

 

Sec. 20.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 260C.201, subdivision 11a, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 11a.  Permanency progress review for children under eight in foster care for six months.  (a) If the child was under eight years of age at the time the petition was filed alleging the child was in need of protection or services, and the When a child continues in placement out of the home of the parent or guardian from whom the child was removed, no later than six months after the child's placement the court shall conduct a permanency progress hearing to review:

 

(1) the progress of the case, the parent's progress on the case plan or out-of-home placement plan, and whichever is applicable;

 

(2) the agency's reasonable, or in the case of an Indian child, active efforts for reunification and its provision of services.;

 

(3) the agency's reasonable efforts to finalize the permanent plan for the child under section 260.012, paragraph (e), and to make a placement as required under section 260C.212, subdivision 2, in a home that will commit to being the legally permanent family for the child in the event the child cannot return home according to the timelines in this section; and

 

(4) in the case of an Indian child, active efforts to prevent the breakup of the Indian family and to make a placement according to the placement preferences under United States Code, title 25, chapter 21, section 1915.

 

(b) Based on its assessment of the parent's or guardian's progress on the out-of-home placement plan, the responsible social services agency must ask the county attorney to file a petition for termination of parental rights, a petition for transfer of permanent legal and physical custody to a relative, or the report required under juvenile court rules.

 

(b) The court shall ensure that notice of the hearing is sent to any relative who:

 

(1) responded to the agency's notice provided under section 260C.221, indicating an interest in participating in planning for the child or being a permanency resource for the child and who has kept the court apprised of the relative's address; or

 

(2) asked to be notified of court proceedings regarding the child as is permitted in section 260C.152, subdivision 5.

 

(c)(1) If the parent or guardian has maintained contact with the child and is complying with the court-ordered out-of-home placement plan, and if the child would benefit from reunification with the parent, the court may either:

 

(i) return the child home, if the conditions which led to the out-of-home placement have been sufficiently mitigated that it is safe and in the child's best interests to return home; or

 

(ii) continue the matter up to a total of six additional months.  If the child has not returned home by the end of the additional six months, the court must conduct a hearing according to subdivision 11.

 

(2) If the court determines that the parent or guardian is not complying with the out-of-home placement plan or is not maintaining regular contact with the child as outlined in the visitation plan required as part of the out-of-home placement plan under section 260C.212, the court may order the responsible social services agency:


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(i) to develop a plan for legally permanent placement of the child away from the parent and;

 

(ii) to consider, identify, recruit, and support one or more permanency resources from the child's relatives and foster parent to be the legally permanent home in the event the child cannot be returned to the parent.  Any relative or the child's foster parent may ask the court to order the agency to consider them for permanent placement of the child in the event the child cannot be returned to the parent.  A relative or foster parent who wants to be considered under this item shall cooperate with the background study required under section 245C.08, if the individual has not already done so, and with the home study process required under chapter 245A for providing child foster care and for adoption under section 259.41.  The home study referred to in this item shall be a single-home study in the form required by the commissioner of human services or similar study required by the individual's state of residence when the subject of the study is not a resident of Minnesota.  The court may order the responsible social services agency to make a referral under the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children when necessary to obtain a home study for an individual who wants to be considered for transfer of permanent legal and physical custody or adoption of the child; and

 

(iii) to file a petition to support an order for the legally permanent placement plan.

 

(d) Following the review under paragraphs (b) and (c) this subdivision:

 

(1) if the court has either returned the child home or continued the matter up to a total of six additional months, the agency shall continue to provide services to support the child's return home or to make reasonable efforts to achieve reunification of the child and the parent as ordered by the court under an approved case plan;

 

(2) if the court orders the agency to develop a plan for the transfer of permanent legal and physical custody of the child to a relative, a petition supporting the plan shall be filed in juvenile court within 30 days of the hearing required under this subdivision and a trial on the petition held within 30 60 days of the filing of the pleadings; or

 

(3) if the court orders the agency to file a termination of parental rights, unless the county attorney can show cause why a termination of parental rights petition should not be filed, a petition for termination of parental rights shall be filed in juvenile court within 30 days of the hearing required under this subdivision and a trial on the petition held within 90 60 days of the filing of the petition.

 

Sec. 21.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 260C.212, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Out-of-home placement; plan.  (a) An out-of-home placement plan shall be prepared within 30 days after any child is placed in foster care by court order or a voluntary placement agreement between the responsible social services agency and the child's parent pursuant to subdivision 8 or chapter 260D.

 

(b) An out-of-home placement plan means a written document which is prepared by the responsible social services agency jointly with the parent or parents or guardian of the child and in consultation with the child's guardian ad litem, the child's tribe, if the child is an Indian child, the child's foster parent or representative of the residential foster care facility, and, where appropriate, the child.  For a child in voluntary foster care for treatment under chapter 260D, preparation of the out-of-home placement plan shall additionally include the child's mental health treatment provider.  As appropriate, the plan shall be:

 

(1) submitted to the court for approval under section 260C.178, subdivision 7;

 

(2) ordered by the court, either as presented or modified after hearing, under section 260C.178, subdivision 7, or 260C.201, subdivision 6; and

 

(3) signed by the parent or parents or guardian of the child, the child's guardian ad litem, a representative of the child's tribe, the responsible social services agency, and, if possible, the child.


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(c) The out-of-home placement plan shall be explained to all persons involved in its implementation, including the child who has signed the plan, and shall set forth:

 

(1) a description of the residential facility foster care home or facility selected including how the out-of-home placement plan is designed to achieve a safe placement for the child in the least restrictive, most family-like, setting available which is in close proximity to the home of the parent or parents or guardian of the child when the case plan goal is reunification, and how the placement is consistent with the best interests and special needs of the child according to the factors under subdivision 2, paragraph (b);

 

(2) the specific reasons for the placement of the child in a residential facility foster care, and when reunification is the plan, a description of the problems or conditions in the home of the parent or parents which necessitated removal of the child from home and the changes the parent or parents must make in order for the child to safely return home;

 

(3) a description of the services offered and provided to prevent removal of the child from the home and to reunify the family including:

 

(i) the specific actions to be taken by the parent or parents of the child to eliminate or correct the problems or conditions identified in clause (2), and the time period during which the actions are to be taken; and

 

(ii) the reasonable efforts, or in the case of an Indian child, active efforts to be made to achieve a safe and stable home for the child including social and other supportive services to be provided or offered to the parent or parents or guardian of the child, the child, and the residential facility during the period the child is in the residential facility;

 

(4) a description of any services or resources that were requested by the child or the child's parent, guardian, foster parent, or custodian since the date of the child's placement in the residential facility, and whether those services or resources were provided and if not, the basis for the denial of the services or resources;

 

(5) the visitation plan for the parent or parents or guardian, other relatives as defined in section 260C.007, subdivision 27, and siblings of the child if the siblings are not placed together in foster care, and whether visitation is consistent with the best interest of the child, during the period the child is in foster care;

 

(6) documentation of steps to finalize the adoption or legal guardianship of the child if the court has issued an order terminating the rights of both parents of the child or of the only known, living parent of the child.  At a minimum, the documentation must include child-specific recruitment efforts such as relative search and the use of state, regional, and national adoption exchanges to facilitate orderly and timely placements in and outside of the state.  A copy of this documentation shall be provided to the court in the review required under section 260C.317, subdivision 3, paragraph (b);

 

(7) efforts to ensure the child's educational stability while in foster care, including:

 

(i) efforts to ensure that the child in placement remains in the same school in which the child was enrolled prior to placement or upon the child's move from one placement to another, including efforts to work with the local education authorities to ensure the child's educational stability; or

 

(ii) if it is not in the child's best interest to remain in the same school that the child was enrolled in prior to placement or move from one placement to another, efforts to ensure immediate and appropriate enrollment for the child in a new school;

 

(8) the educational records of the child including the most recent information available regarding:

 

(i) the names and addresses of the child's educational providers;


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(ii) the child's grade level performance;

 

(iii) the child's school record;

 

(iv) a statement about how the child's placement in foster care takes into account proximity to the school in which the child is enrolled at the time of placement; and

 

(v) any other relevant educational information;

 

(9) the efforts by the local agency to ensure the oversight and continuity of health care services for the foster child, including:

 

(i) the plan to schedule the child's initial health screens;

 

(ii) how the child's known medical problems and identified needs from the screens, including any known communicable diseases, as defined in section 144.4172, subdivision 2, will be monitored and treated while the child is in foster care;

 

(iii) how the child's medical information will be updated and shared, including the child's immunizations;

 

(iv) who is responsible to coordinate and respond to the child's health care needs, including the role of the parent, the agency, and the foster parent;

 

(v) who is responsible for oversight of the child's prescription medications;

 

(vi) how physicians or other appropriate medical and nonmedical professionals will be consulted and involved in assessing the health and well-being of the child and determine the appropriate medical treatment for the child; and

 

(vii) the responsibility to ensure that the child has access to medical care through either medical insurance or medical assistance;

 

(10) the health records of the child including information available regarding:

 

(i) the names and addresses of the child's health care and dental care providers;

 

(ii) a record of the child's immunizations;

 

(iii) the child's known medical problems, including any known communicable diseases as defined in section 144.4172, subdivision 2;

 

(iv) the child's medications; and

 

(v) any other relevant health care information such as the child's eligibility for medical insurance or medical assistance;

 

(11) an independent living plan for a child age 16 or older who is in placement as a result of a permanency disposition.  The plan should include, but not be limited to, the following objectives:

 

(i) educational, vocational, or employment planning;

 

(ii) health care planning and medical coverage;

 

(iii) transportation including, where appropriate, assisting the child in obtaining a driver's license;


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(iv) money management, including the responsibility of the agency to ensure that the youth annually receives, at no cost to the youth, a consumer report as defined under section 13C.001 and assistance in interpreting and resolving any inaccuracies in the report;

 

(v) planning for housing;

 

(vi) social and recreational skills; and

 

(vii) establishing and maintaining connections with the child's family and community; and

 

(12) for a child in voluntary foster care for treatment under chapter 260D, diagnostic and assessment information, specific services relating to meeting the mental health care needs of the child, and treatment outcomes.

 

(d) The parent or parents or guardian and the child each shall have the right to legal counsel in the preparation of the case plan and shall be informed of the right at the time of placement of the child.  The child shall also have the right to a guardian ad litem.  If unable to employ counsel from their own resources, the court shall appoint counsel upon the request of the parent or parents or the child or the child's legal guardian.  The parent or parents may also receive assistance from any person or social services agency in preparation of the case plan.

 

After the plan has been agreed upon by the parties involved or approved or ordered by the court, the foster parents shall be fully informed of the provisions of the case plan and shall be provided a copy of the plan.

 

Upon discharge from foster care, the parent, adoptive parent, or permanent legal and physical custodian, as appropriate, and the child, if appropriate, must be provided with a current copy of the child's health and education record.

 

Sec. 22.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 260C.212, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2.  Placement decisions based on best interest of the child.  (a) The policy of the state of Minnesota is to ensure that the child's best interests are met by requiring an individualized determination of the needs of the child and of how the selected placement will serve the needs of the child being placed.  The authorized child-placing agency shall place a child, released by court order or by voluntary release by the parent or parents, in a family foster home selected by considering placement with relatives and important friends in the following order:

 

(1) with an individual who is related to the child by blood, marriage, or adoption; or

 

(2) with an individual who is an important friend with whom the child has resided or had significant contact.

 

(b) Among the factors the agency shall consider in determining the needs of the child are the following:

 

(1) the child's current functioning and behaviors;

 

(2) the medical, needs of the child;

 

(3) the educational, and needs of the child;

 

(4) the developmental needs of the child;

 

(3) (5) the child's history and past experience;

 

(4) (6) the child's religious and cultural needs;

 

(5) (7) the child's connection with a community, school, and faith community;


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(6) (8) the child's interests and talents;

 

(7) (9) the child's relationship to current caretakers, parents, siblings, and relatives; and

 

(8) (10) the reasonable preference of the child, if the court, or the child-placing agency in the case of a voluntary placement, deems the child to be of sufficient age to express preferences.

 

(c) Placement of a child cannot be delayed or denied based on race, color, or national origin of the foster parent or the child.

 

(d) Siblings should be placed together for foster care and adoption at the earliest possible time unless it is documented that a joint placement would be contrary to the safety or well-being of any of the siblings or unless it is not possible after reasonable efforts by the responsible social services agency.  In cases where siblings cannot be placed together, the agency is required to provide frequent visitation or other ongoing interaction between siblings unless the agency documents that the interaction would be contrary to the safety or well-being of any of the siblings.

 

(e) Except for emergency placement as provided for in section 245A.035, a completed background study is required under section 245C.08 before the approval of a foster placement in a related or unrelated home.

 

Sec. 23.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 260C.212, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 5.  Relative search.  (a) The responsible social services agency shall exercise due diligence to identify and notify adult relatives prior to placement or within 30 days after the child's removal from the parent.  The county agency shall consider placement with a relative under subdivision 2 section 260C.221 without delay.  The relative search required by this section shall be reasonable and comprehensive in scope and may last up to six months or until a fit and willing relative is identified.  The relative search required by this section shall include both maternal relatives of the child and paternal relatives of the child, if paternity is adjudicated.  The relatives must be notified:

 

(1) of the need for a foster home for the child, the option to become a placement resource for the child, and the possibility of the need for a permanent placement for the child;

 

(2) of their responsibility to keep the responsible social services agency and the court informed of their current address in order to receive notice in the event that a permanent placement is sought for the child and to receive notice of the permanency progress review hearing under section 260C.204.  A relative who fails to provide a current address to the responsible social services agency and the court forfeits the right to receive notice of the possibility of permanent placement and of the permanency progress review hearing under section 260C.204.  A decision by a relative not to be a placement resource at the beginning of the case shall not affect whether the relative is considered for placement of the child with that relative later;

 

(3) that the relative may participate in the care and planning for the child, including that the opportunity for such participation may be lost by failing to respond to the notice sent under this subdivision; and

 

(4) of the family foster care licensing requirements, including how to complete an application and how to request a variance from licensing standards that do not present a safety or health risk to the child in the home under section 245A.04 and supports that are available for relatives and children who reside in a family foster home.

 

(b) A responsible social services agency may disclose private or confidential data, as defined in section 13.02, to relatives of the child for the purpose of locating a suitable placement.  The agency shall disclose only data that is necessary to facilitate possible placement with relatives.  If the child's parent refuses to give the responsible social services agency information sufficient to identify the maternal and paternal relatives of the child, the agency shall ask the juvenile court to order the parent to provide the necessary information.  If a parent makes an explicit request that relatives or a specific relative not be contacted or considered for placement due to safety reasons including past


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family or domestic violence, the agency shall bring the parent's request to the attention of the court to determine whether the parent's request is consistent with the best interests of the child and the agency shall not contact relatives or a the specific relative unless authorized to do so by when the juvenile court finds that contacting the specific relative would endanger the parent, guardian, child, sibling, or any family member.

 

(c) When the placing agency determines that a permanent placement hearing is necessary because there is a likelihood that the child will not return to a parent's care, the agency may send the notice provided in paragraph (d), may ask the court to modify the requirements of the agency under this paragraph, or may ask the court to completely relieve the agency of the requirements of this paragraph (d).  The relative notification requirements of this paragraph do not apply when the child is placed with an appropriate relative or a foster home that has committed to being the permanent legal placement for the child and the agency approves of that foster home for permanent placement of the child.  The actions ordered by the court under this section must be consistent with the best interests, safety, and welfare of the child.

 

(d) Unless required under the Indian Child Welfare Act or relieved of this duty by the court under paragraph (c), when the agency determines that it is necessary to prepare for the permanent placement determination hearing, or in anticipation of filing a termination of parental rights petition, the agency shall send notice to the relatives, any adult with whom the child is currently residing, any adult with whom the child has resided for one year or longer in the past, and any adults who have maintained a relationship or exercised visitation with the child as identified in the agency case plan.  The notice must state that a permanent home is sought for the child and that the individuals receiving the notice may indicate to the agency their interest in providing a permanent home.  The notice must state that within 30 days of receipt of the notice an individual receiving the notice must indicate to the agency the individual's interest in providing a permanent home for the child or that the individual may lose the opportunity to be considered for a permanent placement.

 

(e) The Department of Human Services shall develop a best practices guide and specialized staff training to assist the responsible social services agency in performing and complying with the relative search requirements under this subdivision.

 

Sec. 24.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 260C.212, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 7.  Administrative or court review of placements.  (a) There shall be an administrative review of the out-of-home placement plan of each child placed in foster care no later than 180 days after the initial placement of the child in foster care and at least every six months thereafter if the child is not returned to the home of the parent or parents within that time.  The out-of-home placement plan must be monitored and updated at each administrative review.  The administrative review shall be conducted by the responsible social services agency using a panel of appropriate persons at least one of whom is not responsible for the case management of, or the delivery of services to, either the child or the parents who are the subject of the review.  The administrative review shall be open to participation by the parent or guardian of the child and the child, as appropriate.

 

(b) As an alternative to the administrative review required in paragraph (a), the court may, as part of any hearing required under the Minnesota Rules of Juvenile Protection Procedure, conduct a hearing to monitor and update the out-of-home placement plan pursuant to the procedure and standard in section 260C.201, subdivision 6, paragraph (d).  The party requesting review of the out-of-home placement plan shall give parties to the proceeding notice of the request to review and update the out-of-home placement plan.  A court review conducted pursuant to section 260C.193; 260C.201, subdivision 1 or 11; 260C.141, subdivision 2; 260C.317; or 260D.06 shall satisfy the requirement for the review so long as the other requirements of this section are met.

 

(c) As appropriate to the stage of the proceedings and relevant court orders, the responsible social services agency or the court shall review:

 

(1) the safety, permanency needs, and well-being of the child;


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(2) the continuing necessity for and appropriateness of the placement;

 

(3) the extent of compliance with the out-of-home placement plan;

 

(4) the extent of progress which has been made toward alleviating or mitigating the causes necessitating placement in foster care;

 

(5) the projected date by which the child may be returned to and safely maintained in the home or placed permanently away from the care of the parent or parents or guardian; and

 

(6) the appropriateness of the services provided to the child.

 

(d) When a child is age 16 or older, in addition to any administrative review conducted by the agency, at the in-court review required under section 260C.201, subdivision 11, or 260C.317, subdivision 3, clause (3), the court shall review the independent living plan required under subdivision 1, paragraph (c), clause (11), and the provision of services to the child related to the well-being of the child as the child prepares to leave foster care.  The review shall include the actual plans related to each item in the plan necessary to the child's future safety and well-being when the child is no longer in foster care.

 

(1) At the court review, the responsible social services agency shall establish that it has given the notice required under section 260C.456 or Minnesota Rules, part 9560.0660, regarding the right to continued access to services for certain children in foster care past age 18 and of the right to appeal a denial of social services under section 256.045.  If the agency is unable to establish that the notice, including the right to appeal a denial of social services, has been given, the court shall require the agency to give it.

 

(2) Consistent with the requirements of the independent living plan, the court shall review progress toward or accomplishment of the following goals:

 

(i) the child has obtained a high school diploma or its equivalent;

 

(ii) the child has completed a driver's education course or has demonstrated the ability to use public transportation in the child's community;

 

(iii) the child is employed or enrolled in postsecondary education;

 

(iv) the child has applied for and obtained postsecondary education financial aid for which the child is eligible;

 

(v) the child has health care coverage and health care providers to meet the child's physical and mental health needs;

 

(vi) the child has applied for and obtained disability income assistance for which the child is eligible;

 

(vii) the child has obtained affordable housing with necessary supports, which does not include a homeless shelter;

 

(viii) the child has saved sufficient funds to pay for the first month's rent and a damage deposit;

 

(ix) the child has an alternative affordable housing plan, which does not include a homeless shelter, if the original housing plan is unworkable;

 

(x) the child, if male, has registered for the Selective Service; and

 

(xi) the child has a permanent connection to a caring adult.


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(3) The court shall ensure that the responsible agency in conjunction with the placement provider assists the child in obtaining the following documents prior to the child's leaving foster care:  a Social Security card; the child's birth certificate; a state identification card or driver's license, green card, or school visa; the child's school, medical, and dental records; a contact list of the child's medical, dental, and mental health providers; and contact information for the child's siblings, if the siblings are in foster care.

 

(e) When a child is age 17 or older, during the 90-day period immediately prior to the date the child is expected to be discharged from foster care, the responsible social services agency is required to provide the child with assistance and support in developing a transition plan that is personalized at the direction of the child.  The transition plan must be as detailed as the child may elect and include specific options on housing, health insurance, education, local opportunities for mentors and continuing support services, and work force supports and employment services.  The agency shall ensure that the youth receives, at no cost to the youth, a copy of the youth's consumer credit report as defined in section 13C.001 and assistance in interpreting and resolving any inaccuracies in the report.  The county agency shall also provide the individual youth with appropriate contact information if the individual youth needs more information or needs help dealing with a crisis situation through age 21.

 

Sec. 25.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 260C.217, is amended to read:

 

260C.217 SAFE PLACE FOR NEWBORNS.

 

Subdivision 1.  Duty to attempt reunification, duty to search for relatives, and preferences not applicable.  A local responsible social service agency taking custody of with legal responsibility for a child after discharge from a hospital that received a child under section 145.902 under subdivision 4 is not required to attempt to reunify the child with the child's parents.  Additionally, the agency is not required to search for relatives of the child as a placement or permanency option under section 260C.212, subdivision 5, or to implement other placement requirements that give a preference to relatives if the agency does not have information as to the identity of the child, the child's mother, or the child's father.

 

Subd. 1a.  Safe place.  For purposes of this section, "safe place" means a hospital, health care provider that provides access to urgent care services, 911 responder, or fire department.

 

Subd. 2.  Status of child.  For purposes of proceedings under this chapter and, including adoption proceedings, a newborn left at a hospital safe place or with a 911 responder under section 145.902 subdivision 3 is considered an abandoned child under section 626.556, subdivision 2, paragraph (c), clause (3).  The child is abandoned under sections 260C.007, subdivision 6, clause (1), and 260C.301, subdivision 1, paragraph (b), clause (1).

 

Subd. 3.  Relinquish newborn.  A mother or any person, with the mother's permission, may bring a newborn infant to a safe place during its hours of operation and leave the infant in the care of an employee of the safe place.  The mother or person with the mother's permission may also call 911 and request to have an emergency responder dispatched to an agreed upon location to relinquish a newborn infant into the custody of the 911 responder.

 

Subd. 4.  Placement of newborn.  A safe place or 911 responder with whom a newborn is left shall, within 24 hours, report receiving the newborn to the responsible social services agency.  The agency shall have legal responsibility for the placement of the newborn infant in foster care for 72 hours during which time the agency shall file a petition under section 260C.141 and ask the court to order continued placement of the child in foster care.  The agency shall immediately begin planning for adoptive placement of the newborn.

 

Subd. 5.  Care and treatment.  A safe place or 911 responder with whom a newborn is left may examine the newborn and provide necessary care and treatment, if any is required, pending assumption of legal responsibility by the responsible social services agency under subdivision 4.  A 911 responder with whom a newborn is left shall transport a newborn to a hospital for care.


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Subd. 6.  Immunity.  A safe place or 911 responder with responsibility for performing duties under this section, and any employee, doctor, or other medical, fire, or law enforcement professional receiving, handling, treating, caring for, and reporting the child as required in subdivision 4, are immune from any criminal liability that otherwise might result from their actions, if they are acting in good faith in receiving a newborn, and are immune from any civil liability that otherwise might result from merely receiving a newborn.

 

Sec. 26.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 260C.317, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 3.  Order; retention of jurisdiction.  (a) A certified copy of the findings and the order terminating parental rights, and a summary of the court's information concerning the child shall be furnished by the court to the commissioner or the agency to which guardianship is transferred.

 

(b) The orders shall be on a document separate from the findings.  The court shall furnish the individual to whom guardianship is transferred guardian a copy of the order terminating parental rights.

 

(b) (c) When the court orders guardianship pursuant to this section, the court shall retain jurisdiction in a case where adoption is the intended permanent placement disposition until the child's adoption is finalized, the child is 18 years of age, or, for children in foster care beyond age 18 pursuant to section 260C.451, until the individual becomes 21 years of age according to the provisions set forth in sections 260C.193, subdivision 6, and 260C.451.  The guardian ad litem and counsel for the child shall continue on the case until an adoption decree is entered.  An in-court appearance hearing must be held every 90 days following termination of parental rights for the court to review progress toward an adoptive placement and the specific recruitment efforts the agency has taken to find an adoptive family or other placement living arrangement for the child and to finalize the adoption or other permanency plan.  Review of the progress toward adoption of a child under guardianship of the commissioner of human services shall be conducted according to section 260C.607.

 

(c) The responsible social services agency may make a determination of compelling reasons for a child to be in long-term foster care when the agency has made exhaustive efforts to recruit, identify, and place the child in an adoptive home, and the child continues in foster care for at least 24 months after the court has issued the order terminating parental rights.  A child of any age who is under the guardianship of the commissioner of the Department of Human Services and is legally available for adoption may not refuse or waive the commissioner's agent's exhaustive efforts to recruit, identify, and place the child in an adoptive home required under paragraph (b) or sign a document relieving county social services agencies of all recruitment efforts on the child's behalf.  Upon approving the agency's determination of compelling reasons, the court may order the child placed in long-term foster care.  At least every 12 months thereafter as long as the child continues in out-of-home placement, the court shall conduct an in-court permanency review hearing to determine the future status of the child using the review requirements of section 260C.201, subdivision 11, paragraph (g).

 

(d) Upon terminating parental rights or upon a parent's consent to adoption under section 260C.201, subdivision 11, resulting in an order for guardianship to the commissioner of human services, the court shall retain jurisdiction:

 

(1) until the child is adopted;

 

(2) through the child's minority in a case where long-term; or

 

(3) as long as the child continues in or reenters foster care is the permanent disposition whether under paragraph (c) or section 260C.201, subdivision 11, or, for children in foster care age 18 or older under section 260C.451, until the individual becomes 21 years of age according to the provisions in sections 260C.193, subdivision 6, and 260C.451.

 

Sec. 27.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 260C.317, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 4.  Rights of terminated parent.  (a) Upon entry of an order terminating the parental rights of any person who is identified as a parent on the original birth record of the child as to whom the parental rights are terminated, the court shall cause written notice to be made to that person setting forth:


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(1) the right of the person to file at any time with the state registrar of vital statistics a consent to disclosure, as defined in section 144.212, subdivision 11;

 

(2) the right of the person to file at any time with the state registrar of vital statistics an affidavit stating that the information on the original birth record shall not be disclosed as provided in section 144.2252; and

 

(3) the effect of a failure to file either a consent to disclosure, as defined in section 144.212, subdivision 11, or an affidavit stating that the information on the original birth record shall not be disclosed.

 

(b) A parent whose rights are terminated under this section shall retain the ability to enter into a contact or communication agreement under section 260C.619 if an agreement is determined by the court to be in the best interests of the child.  The agreement shall be filed with the court at or prior to the time the child is adopted.  An order for termination of parental rights shall not be conditioned on an agreement under section 260C.619.

 

Sec. 28.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 260C.325, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Transfer of custody Guardianship.  (a) If When the court terminates parental rights of both parents or of the only known living legal parent, the court shall order the guardianship and the legal custody of the child transferred to:

 

(1) the commissioner of human services;

 

(2) a licensed child-placing agency; or

 

(3) an individual who is willing and capable of assuming the appropriate duties and responsibilities to the child.

 

(b) The court shall order transfer of guardianship and legal custody of a child to the commissioner of human services only when the responsible county social services agency had legal responsibility for planning for the permanent placement of the child and the child was in foster care under the legal responsibility of the responsible county social services agency at the time the court orders guardianship and legal custody transferred to the commissioner.  The court shall not order guardianship to the commissioner under any other circumstances, except as provided in subdivision 3.

 

Sec. 29.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 260C.325, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 3.  Both parents deceased.  (a) If upon petition to the juvenile court for guardianship by a reputable person, including but not limited to an the responsible social services agency as agent of the commissioner of human services, and upon hearing in the manner provided in section 260C.163, the court finds that both parents or the only known legal parent are or is deceased and no appointment has been made or petition for appointment filed pursuant to sections 524.5-201 to 524.5-317, the court shall order the guardianship and legal custody of the child transferred to:

 

(1) the commissioner of human services; or

 

(2) a licensed child-placing agency; or

 

(3) (2) an individual who is willing and capable of assuming the appropriate duties and responsibilities to the child.

 

(b) The court shall order transfer of guardianship and legal custody of a child to the commissioner of human services only if there is no individual who is willing and capable of assuming the appropriate duties and responsibilities to the child.


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Sec. 30.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 260C.325, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 4.  Guardian's responsibilities.  (a) A guardian appointed under the provisions of this section has legal custody of a ward unless the court which appoints the guardian gives legal custody to some other person.  If the court awards custody to a person other than the guardian, the guardian nonetheless has the right and responsibility of reasonable visitation, except as limited by court order. the child and the right to visit the child in foster care, the adoptive placement, or any other suitable setting at any time prior to finalization of the adoption of the child.  When the child is under the guardianship of the commissioner, the responsible social services agency, as agent of the commissioner, has the right to visit the child.

 

(b) When the guardian is a licensed child-placing agency, the guardian may shall make all major decisions affecting the person of the ward child, including, but not limited to, giving consent, (when consent is legally required), to the marriage, enlistment in the armed forces, medical, surgical, or psychiatric treatment, or adoption of the ward child.  When, pursuant to this section, the commissioner of human services is appointed guardian, the commissioner may delegate to the responsible social services agency of the county in which, after the appointment, the ward resides, the authority to act for the commissioner in decisions affecting the person of the ward, including but not limited to giving consent to the marriage, enlistment in the armed forces, medical, surgical, or psychiatric treatment of the ward.

 

(c) When the commissioner is appointed guardian, the duties of the commissioner of human services are established under sections 260C.601 to 260C.635.

 

(c) (d) A guardianship created under the provisions of this section shall not of itself include the guardianship of the estate of the ward child.

 

(e) The commissioner of human services, through the responsible social services agency, or a licensed child-placing agency who is a guardian or who has authority and responsibility for planning for the adoption of the child under section 259.25 or 259.47, has the duty to make reasonable efforts to finalize the adoption of the child.

 

Sec. 31.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 260C.328, is amended to read:

 

260C.328 CHANGE OF GUARDIAN; TERMINATION OF GUARDIANSHIP.

 

(a) Upon its own motion or upon petition of an interested party, the juvenile court having jurisdiction of the child may, after notice to the parties and a hearing, remove the guardian appointed by the juvenile court and appoint a new guardian in accordance with the provisions of section 260C.325, subdivision 1., clause (a), (b), or (c).  Upon a showing that the child is emancipated, the court may discharge the guardianship.  Any child 14 years of age or older who is not adopted but who is placed in a satisfactory foster home, may, with the consent of the foster parents, join with the guardian appointed by the juvenile court in a petition to the court having jurisdiction of the child to discharge the existing guardian and appoint the foster parents as guardians of the child.

 

(b) The authority of a guardian appointed by the juvenile court terminates when the individual under guardianship is no longer a minor or when guardianship is otherwise discharged.  becomes age 18.  However, an individual who has been under the guardianship of the commissioner and who has not been adopted may continue in foster care or reenter foster care pursuant to section 260C.451 and the responsible social services agency has continuing legal responsibility for the placement of the individual.

 

Sec. 32.  [260C.601] ADOPTION OF CHILDREN UNDER GUARDIANSHIP OF COMMISSIONER.

 

Subdivision 1.  Review and finalization requirements; adoption procedures.  (a) Sections 260C.601 to 260C.635 establish:

 

(1) the requirements for court review of children under the guardianship of the commissioner; and


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(2) procedures for timely finalizing adoptions in the best interests of children under the guardianship of the commissioner.

 

(b) Adoption proceedings for children not under the guardianship of the commissioner are governed by chapter 259.

 

Subd. 2.  Duty of responsible agency.  The responsible social services agency has the duty to act as the commissioner's agent in making reasonable efforts to finalize the adoption of all children under the guardianship of the commissioner pursuant to section 260C.325.  In implementing these duties, the agency shall ensure that:

 

(1) the best interests of the child are met in the planning and granting of adoptions;

 

(2) a child under the guardianship of the commissioner is appropriately involved in planning for adoption;

 

(3) the diversity of Minnesota's population and diverse needs including culture, religion, and language of persons affected by adoption are recognized and respected; and

 

(4) the court has the timely information it needs to make a decision that is in the best interests of the child in reviewing the agency's planning for adoption and when ordering the adoption of the child.

 

Subd. 3.  Background study.  Consistent with section 245C.33 and United States Code, title 42, section 671, a completed background study is required before the adoptive placement of the child in a related or an unrelated home.

 

Sec. 33.  [260C.603] DEFINITIONS.

 

Subdivision 1.  Scope.  For the purposes of sections 260C.601 to 260C.635, the terms defined in this section have the meanings given them.

 

Subd. 2.  Adopting parent.  "Adopting parent" means an adult who has signed an adoption placement agreement regarding the child and has the same meaning as preadoptive parent under section 259A.01, subdivision 23.

 

Subd. 3.  Adoption placement agreement.  "Adoption placement agreement" means the written agreement between the responsible social services agency, the commissioner, and the adopting parent which reflects the intent of all the signatories to the agreement that the adopting parent establish a parent and child relationship by adoption with the child who is under the guardianship of the commissioner.  The adoptive placement agreement must be in the commissioner's designated format.

 

Subd. 4.  Adoptive parent.  "Adoptive parent" has the meaning given in section 259A.01, subdivision 3.

 

Subd. 5.  Adoptive placement.  "Adoptive placement" means a placement made by the responsible social services agency upon a fully executed adoption placement agreement including the signatures of the adopting parent, the responsible social services agency, and the commissioner of human services according to section 260C.613, subdivision 1.

 

Subd. 6.  Commissioner.  "Commissioner" means the commissioner of human services or any employee of the Department of Human Services to whom the commissioner has delegated authority regarding children under the commissioner's guardianship.

 

Subd. 7.  Guardianship.  "Guardianship" has the meaning given in section 259A.01, subdivision 17; 260C.325; or 260C.515, subdivision 3.

 

Subd. 8.  Prospective adoptive parent.  "Prospective adoptive parent" means an individual who may become an adopting parent regardless of whether the individual has an adoption study approving the individual for adoption, but who has not signed an adoption placement agreement.


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Sec. 34.  [260C.605] REASONABLE EFFORTS TO FINALIZE AN ADOPTION.

 

Subdivision 1.  Requirements.  (a) Reasonable efforts to finalize the adoption of a child under the guardianship of the commissioner shall be made by the responsible social services agency responsible for permanency planning for the child.

 

(b) Reasonable efforts to make a placement in a home according to the placement considerations under section 260C.212, subdivision 2, with a relative or foster parent who will commit to being the permanent resource for the child in the event the child cannot be reunified with a parent are required under section 260.012 and may be made concurrently with reasonable, or if the child is an Indian child, active efforts to reunify the child with the parent.

 

(c) Reasonable efforts under paragraph (b) must begin as soon as possible when the child is in foster care under this chapter, but not later than the hearing required under section 260C.204.

 

(d) Reasonable efforts to finalize the adoption of the child include:

 

(1) using age-appropriate engagement strategies to plan for adoption with the child;

 

(2) identifying an appropriate prospective adoptive parent for the child by updating the child's identified needs using the factors in section 260C.212, subdivision 2;

 

(3) making an adoptive placement that meets the child's needs by:

 

(i) completing or updating the relative search required under section 260C.221 and giving notice of the need for an adoptive home for the child to:

 

(A) relatives who have kept the agency or the court apprised of their whereabouts and who have indicated an interest in adopting the child; or

 

(B) relatives of the child who are located in an updated search;

 

(ii) an updated search is required whenever:

 

(A) there is no identified prospective adoptive placement for the child notwithstanding a finding by the court that the agency made diligent efforts under section 260C.221, in a hearing required under section 260C.202;

 

(B) the child is removed from the home of an adopting parent; or

 

(C) the court determines a relative search by the agency is in the best interests of the child;

 

(iii) engaging child's foster parent and the child's relatives identified as an adoptive resource during the search conducted under section 260C.221, to commit to being the prospective adoptive parent of the child; or

 

(iv) when there is no identified prospective adoptive parent:

 

(A) registering the child on the state adoption exchange as required in section 259.75 unless the agency documents to the court an exception to placing the child on the state adoption exchange reported to the commissioner;

 

(B) reviewing all families with approved adoption home studies associated with the responsible social services agency;


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(C) presenting the child to adoption agencies and adoption personnel who may assist with finding an adoptive home for the child;

 

(D) using newspapers and other media to promote the particular child;

 

(E) using a private agency under grant contract with the commissioner to provide adoption services for intensive child-specific recruitment efforts; and

 

(F) making any other efforts or using any other resources reasonably calculated to identify a prospective adoption parent for the child;

 

(4) updating and completing the social and medical history required under sections 259.43 and 260C.609;

 

(5) making, and keeping updated, appropriate referrals required by section 260.851, the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children;

 

(6) giving notice regarding the responsibilities of an adoptive parent to any prospective adoptive parent as required under section 259.35;

 

(7) offering the adopting parent the opportunity to apply for or decline adoption assistance under chapter 259A;

 

(8) certifying the child for adoption assistance, assessing the amount of adoption assistance, and ascertaining the status of the commissioner's decision on the level of payment if the adopting parent has applied for adoption assistance;

 

(9) placing the child with siblings.  If the child is not placed with siblings, the agency must document reasonable efforts to place the siblings together, as well as the reason for separation.  The agency may not cease reasonable efforts to place siblings together for final adoption until the court finds further reasonable efforts would be futile or that placement together for purposes of adoption is not in the best interests of one of the siblings; and

 

(10) working with the adopting parent to file a petition to adopt the child and with the court administrator to obtain a timely hearing to finalize the adoption.

 

Subd. 2.  No waiver.  (a) The responsible social services agency shall make reasonable efforts to recruit, assess, and match an adoptive home for any child under the guardianship of the commissioner and reasonable efforts shall continue until an adoptive placement is made and adoption finalized or until the child is no longer under the guardianship of the commissioner.

 

(b) A child of any age who is under the guardianship of the commissioner and is legally available for adoption may not refuse or waive the responsible social services agency's reasonable efforts to recruit, identify, and place the child in an adoptive home required under this section.  The agency has an ongoing responsibility to work with the child to explore the child's opportunities for adoption, and what adoption means for the child, and may not accept a child's refusal to consider adoption as an option.

 

(c) The court may not relieve or otherwise order the responsible social services agency to cease fulfilling the responsible social services agency's duty regarding reasonable efforts to recruit, identify, and place the child in an adoptive home.

 

Sec. 35.  [260C.607] REVIEW OF PROGRESS TOWARD ADOPTION.

 

Subdivision 1.  Review hearings.  (a) The court shall conduct a review of the responsible social services agency's reasonable efforts to finalize adoption for any child under the guardianship of the commissioner and of the progress of the case toward adoption at least every 90 days after the court issues an order that the commissioner is the guardian of the child.


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(b) The review of progress toward adoption shall continue notwithstanding that an appeal is made of the order for guardianship.

 

(c) The agency's reasonable efforts to finalize the adoption must continue during the pendency of the appeal and all progress toward adoption shall continue except that the court may not finalize an adoption while the appeal is pending.

 

Subd. 2.  Notice.  Notice of review hearings shall be given by the court to:

 

(1) the responsible social services agency;

 

(2) the child, if the child is age ten and older;

 

(3) the child's guardian ad litem;

 

(4) relatives of the child who have kept the court informed of their whereabouts as required in section 260C.221 and who have responded to the agency's notice under section 260C.221, indicating a willingness to provide an adoptive home for the child unless the relative has been previously ruled out by the court as a suitable foster parent or permanency resource for the child;

 

(5) the current foster or adopting parent of the child;

 

(6) any foster or adopting parents of siblings of the child; and

 

(7) the Indian child's tribe.

 

Subd. 3.  Right to participate.  Any individual or entity listed in subdivision 2 may participate in the continuing reviews conducted under this section.  No other individual or entity is required to be given notice or to participate in the reviews unless the court specifically orders that notice be given or participation in the reviews be required.

 

Subd. 4.  Content of review.  (a) The court shall review:

 

(1) the agency's reasonable efforts under section 260C.605 to finalize an adoption for the child as appropriate to the stage of the case; and

 

(2) the child's current out-of-home placement plan required under section 260C.212, subdivision 1, to ensure the child is receiving all services and supports required to meet the child's needs as they relate to the child's:

 

(i) placement;

 

(ii) visitation and contact with siblings;

 

(iii) visitation and contact with relatives;

 

(iv) medical, mental, and dental health; and

 

(v) education.

 

(b) When the child is age 16 and older, and as long as the child continues in foster care, the court shall also review the agency's planning for the child's independent living after leaving foster care including how the agency is meeting the requirements of section 260C.212, subdivision 1, paragraph (c), clause (11).  The court shall use the review requirements of section 260C.203, in any review conducted under this paragraph.


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Subd. 5.  Required placement by responsible social services agency.  (a) No petition for adoption shall be filed for a child under the guardianship of the commissioner unless the child sought to be adopted has been placed for adoption with the adopting parent by the responsible social services agency.  The court may order the agency to make an adoptive placement using standards and procedures under subdivision 6.

 

(b) Any relative or the child's foster parent who believes the responsible agency has not reasonably considered their request to be considered for adoptive placement as required under section 260C.212, subdivision 2, and who wants to be considered for adoptive placement of the child shall bring their request for consideration to the attention of the court during a review required under this section.  The child's guardian ad litem and the child may also bring a request for a relative or the child's foster parent to be considered for adoptive placement.  After hearing from the agency, the court may order the agency to take appropriate action regarding the relative's or foster parent's request for consideration under section 260C.212, subdivision 2, paragraph (b).

 

Subd. 6.  Motion and hearing to order adoptive placement.  (a) At any time after the district court orders the child under the guardianship of the commissioner of human services, but not later than 30 days after receiving notice required under section 260C.613, subdivision 1, paragraph (c), that the agency has made an adoptive placement, a relative or the child's foster parent may file a motion for an order for adoptive placement of a child who is under the guardianship of the commissioner if the relative or the child's foster parent:

 

(1) has an adoption home study under section 259.41 approving the relative or foster parent for adoption and has been a resident of Minnesota for at least six months before filing the motion; the court may waive the residency requirement for the moving party if there is a reasonable basis to do so; or

 

(2) is not a resident of Minnesota, but has an approved adoption home study by an agency licensed or approved to complete an adoption home study in the state of the individual's residence and the study is filed with the motion for adoptive placement.

 

(b) The motion shall be filed with the court conducting reviews of the child's progress toward adoption under this section.  The motion and supporting documents must make a prima facie showing that the agency has been unreasonable in failing to make the requested adoptive placement.  The motion must be served according to the requirements for motions under the Minnesota Rules of Juvenile Protection Procedure and shall be made on all individuals and entities listed in subdivision 2.

 

(c) If the motion and supporting documents do not make a prima facie showing for the court to determine whether the agency has been unreasonable in failing to make the requested adoptive placement, the court shall dismiss the motion.  If the court determines a prima facie basis is made, the court shall set the matter for evidentiary hearing.

 

(d) At the evidentiary hearing the responsible social services agency shall proceed first with evidence about the reason for not making the adoptive placement proposed by the moving party.  The moving party then has the burden of proving by a preponderance of the evidence that the agency has been unreasonable in failing to make the adoptive placement.

 

(e) At the conclusion of the evidentiary hearing, if the court finds that the agency has been unreasonable in failing to make the adoptive placement and that the relative or the child's foster parent is the most suitable adoptive home to meet the child's needs using the factors in section 260C.212, subdivision 2, paragraph (b), the court may order the responsible social services agency to make an adoptive placement in the home of the relative or the child's foster parent.

 

(f) If, in order to ensure that a timely adoption may occur, the court orders the responsible social services agency to make an adoptive placement under this subdivision, the agency shall:


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(1) make reasonable efforts to obtain a fully executed adoption placement agreement;

 

(2) work with the moving party regarding eligibility for adoption assistance as required under chapter 259A; and

 

(3) if the moving party is not a resident of Minnesota, timely refer the matter for approval of the adoptive placement through the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children.

 

(g) Denial or granting of a motion for an order for adoptive placement after an evidentiary hearing is an order which may be appealed by the responsible social services agency, the moving party, the child, when age ten or over, the child's guardian ad litem, and any individual who had a fully executed adoption placement agreement regarding the child at the time the motion was filed if the court's order has the effect of terminating the adoption placement agreement.  An appeal shall be conducted according to the requirements of the Rules of Juvenile Protection Procedure.

 

Subd. 7.  Changing adoptive plan when parent has consented to adoption.  When the child's parent has consented to adoption under section 260C.515, subdivision 3, only the person identified by the parent and agreed to by the agency as the prospective adoptive parent qualifies for adoptive placement of the child until the responsible social services agency has reported to the court and the court has found in a hearing under this section that it is not possible to finalize an adoption by the identified prospective adoptive parent within 12 months of the execution of the consent to adopt under section 260C.515, subdivision 3, unless the responsible social services agency certifies that the failure to finalize is not due to either an action or a failure to act by the prospective adoptive parent.

 

Subd. 8.  Timing modified.  (a) The court may review the responsible social services agency's reasonable efforts to finalize an adoption more frequently than every 90 days whenever a more frequent review would assist in finalizing the adoption.

 

(b) In appropriate cases, the court may review the responsible social services agency's reasonable efforts to finalize an adoption less frequently than every 90 days.  The court shall not find it appropriate to review progress toward adoption less frequently than every 90 days except when:

 

(1) the court has approved the agency's reasonable efforts to recruit, identify, and place the child in an adoptive home on a continuing basis for at least 24 months after the court has issued the order for guardianship;

 

(2) the child is at least 16 years old; and

 

(3) the child's guardian ad litem agrees that review less frequently than every 90 days is in the child's best interests.

 

(c) In no event shall the court's review be less frequent than every six months.

 

Sec. 36.  [260C.609] SOCIAL AND MEDICAL HISTORY.

 

(a) The responsible social services agency shall work with the birth family of the child, foster family, medical and treatment providers, and the child's school to ensure there is a detailed, thorough, and currently up-to-date social and medical history of the child as required under section 259.43 on the forms required by the commissioner.

 

(b) When the child continues in foster care, the agency's reasonable efforts to complete the history shall begin no later than the permanency progress review hearing required under section 260C.204 or six months after the child's placement in foster care.


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(c) The agency shall thoroughly discuss the child's history with the adopting parent of the child and shall give a copy of the report of the child's social and medical history to the adopting parent.  A copy of the child's social and medical history may also be given to the child as appropriate.

 

(d) The report shall not include information that identifies birth relatives.  Redacted copies of all the child's relevant evaluations, assessments, and records must be attached to the social and medical history.

 

Sec. 37.  [260C.611] ADOPTION STUDY REQUIRED.

 

An adoption study under section 259.41 approving placement of the child in the home of the prospective adoptive parent shall be completed before placing any child under the guardianship of the commissioner in a home for adoption.  If a prospective adoptive parent has previously held a foster care license or adoptive home study, any update necessary to the foster care license, or updated or new adoptive home study, if not completed by the licensing authority responsible for the previous license or home study, shall include collateral information from the previous licensing or approving agency, if available.

 

Sec. 38.  [260C.613] SOCIAL SERVICES AGENCY AS COMMISSIONER'S AGENT.

 

Subdivision 1.  Adoptive placement decisions.  (a) The responsible social services agency has exclusive authority to make an adoptive placement of a child under the guardianship of the commissioner.  The child shall be considered placed for adoption when the adopting parent, the agency, and the commissioner have fully executed an adoption placement agreement on the form prescribed by the commissioner.

 

(b) The responsible social services agency shall use an individualized determination of the child's current needs pursuant to section 260C.212, subdivision 2, paragraph (b), to determine the most suitable adopting parent for the child in the child's best interests.

 

(c) The responsible social services agency shall notify the court and parties entitled to notice under section 260C.607, subdivision 2, when there is a fully executed adoption placement agreement for the child.

 

(d) In the event an adoption placement agreement terminates, the responsible social services agency shall notify the court, the parties entitled to notice under section 260C.607, subdivision 2, and the commissioner that the agreement and the adoptive placement have terminated.

 

Subd. 2.  Disclosure of data permitted to identify adoptive parent.  The responsible social services agency may disclose private data, as defined in section 13.02, to prospective adoptive parents for the purpose of identifying an adoptive parent willing and able to meet the child's needs as outlined in section 260C.212, subdivision 2, paragraph (b).

 

Subd. 3.  Siblings placed together.  The responsible social services agency shall place siblings together for adoption according to section 260.012, paragraph (e), clause (4), unless:

 

(1) the court makes findings required under section 260C.617; and

 

(2) the court orders that the adoption or progress toward adoption of the child under the court's jurisdiction may proceed notwithstanding that the adoption will result in siblings being separated.

 

Subd. 4.  Other considerations.  Placement of a child cannot be delayed or denied based on the race, color, or national origin of the prospective parent or the child.


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Subd. 5.  Required record keeping.  The responsible social services agency shall document, in the records required to be kept under section 259.79, the reasons for the adoptive placement decision regarding the child, including the individualized determination of the child's needs based on the factors in section 260C.212, subdivision 2, paragraph (b), and the assessment of how the selected adoptive placement meets the identified needs of the child.  The responsible social services agency shall retain in the records required to be kept under section 259.79, copies of all out-of-home placement plans made since the child was ordered under guardianship of the commissioner and all court orders from reviews conducted pursuant to section 260C.607.

 

Subd. 6.  Death notification.  (a) The agency shall inform the adoptive parents that the adoptive parents of an adopted child under age 19 or an adopted person age 19 or older may maintain a current address on file with the agency and indicate a desire to be notified if the agency receives information of the death of a birth parent.  The agency shall notify birth parents of the child's death and the cause of death, if known, provided that the birth parents desire notice and maintain current addresses on file with the agency.  The agency shall inform birth parents entitled to notice under section 259.27, that they may designate individuals to notify the agency if a birth parent dies and that the agency receiving information of the birth parent's death will share the information with adoptive parents, if the adopted person is under age 19, or an adopted person age 19 or older who has indicated a desire to be notified of the death of a birth parent and who maintains a current address on file with the agency.

 

(b) Notice to a birth parent that a child has died or to the adoptive parents or an adopted person age 19 or older that a birth parent has died shall be provided by an employee of the agency through personal and confidential contact, but not by mail.

 

Subd. 7.  Terminal illness notification.  If a birth parent or the child is terminally ill, the responsible social services agency shall inform the adoptive parents and birth parents of a child who is adopted that the birth parents, the adoptive parents of an adopted person under age 19, or an adopted person age 19 or older may request to be notified of the terminal illness.  The agency shall notify the other parties if a request is received under this subdivision and upon a party's request the agency shall share information regarding a terminal illness with the adoptive or birth parents or an adopted person age 19 or older.

 

Subd. 8.  Postadoption search services.  The responsible social services agency shall respond to requests from adopted persons age 19 years and over, adoptive parents of a minor child, and birth parents for social and medical history and genetic health conditions of the adopted person's birth family and genetic sibling information according to section 259.83.

 

Sec. 39.  [260C.615] DUTIES OF COMMISSIONER.

 

Subdivision 1.  Duties.  (a) For any child who is under the guardianship of the commissioner, the commissioner has the exclusive rights to consent to:

 

(1) the medical care plan for the treatment of a child who is at imminent risk of death or who has a chronic disease that, in a physician's judgment, will result in the child's death in the near future including a physician's order not to resuscitate or intubate the child; and

 

(2) the child donating a part of the child's body to another person while the child is living; the decision to donate a body part under this clause shall take into consideration the child's wishes and the child's culture.

 

(b) In addition to the exclusive rights under paragraph (a), the commissioner has a duty to:

 

(1) process any complete and accurate request for home study and placement through the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children under section 260.851;

 

(2) process any complete and accurate application for adoption assistance forwarded by the responsible social services agency according to chapter 259A;


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(3) complete the execution of an adoption placement agreement forwarded to the commissioner by the responsible social services agency and return it to the agency in a timely fashion; and

 

(4) maintain records as required in chapter 259.

 

Subd. 2.  Duties not reserved.  All duties, obligations, and consents not specifically reserved to the commissioner in this section are delegated to the responsible social services agency.

 

Sec. 40.  [260C.617] SIBLING PLACEMENT.

 

(a) The responsible social services agency shall make every effort to place siblings together for adoption.

 

(b) The court shall review any proposal by the responsible social services agency to separate siblings for purposes of adoption.

 

(c) If there is venue in more than one county for matters regarding siblings who are under the guardianship of the commissioner, the judges conducting reviews regarding the siblings shall communicate with each other about the siblings' needs and, where appropriate, shall conduct review hearings in a manner that ensures coordinated planning by agencies involved in decision making for the siblings.

 

(d) After notice to the individuals and entities listed in section 260C.627, the foster or prospective adoptive parent of the child, and any foster, adopting, or adoptive parents of the child's siblings, or relatives with permanent legal and physical custody of the child's sibling, and upon hearing, the court may determine that a child under the court's jurisdiction may be separated from the child's sibling for adoption when:

 

(1) the responsible social services agency has made reasonable efforts to place the siblings together, and after finding reasonable efforts have been made, the court finds further efforts would significantly delay the adoption of one or more of the siblings and are therefore not in the best interests of one or more of the siblings; or

 

(2) the court determines it is not in the best interests of one or more of the siblings to be placed together after reasonable efforts by the responsible social services agency to place the siblings together.

 

Sec. 41.  [260C.619] COMMUNICATION AND CONTACT AGREEMENTS.

 

(a) An adopting parent and a relative or foster parent of the child may enter into an agreement regarding communication with or contact between the adopted child, adopting parent, and the relative or foster parent.  An agreement may be entered between:

 

(1) an adopting parent and a birth parent;

 

(2) an adopting parent and any relative or foster parent with whom the child resided before being adopted; and

 

(3) an adopting parent and the parent or legal custodian of a sibling of the child, if the sibling is a minor, or any adult sibling of the child.

 

(b) An agreement regarding communication with or contact between the child, adoptive parents, and a relative or foster parent, is enforceable when the terms of the agreement are contained in a written court order.  The order must be issued before or at the time of the granting of the decree of adoption.  The order granting the communication, contact, or visitation shall be filed in the adoption file.

 

(c) The court shall mail a certified copy of the order to the parties to the agreement or their representatives at the addresses provided by the parties to the agreement.  Service shall be completed in a manner that maintains the confidentiality of confidential information.


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(d) The court shall not enter a proposed order unless the terms of the order have been approved in writing by the prospective adoptive parents, the birth relative, the foster parent, or the birth parent or legal custodian of the child's sibling who desires to be a party to the agreement, and the responsible social services agency.

 

(e) An agreement under this section need not disclose the identity of the parties to be legally enforceable and when the identity of the parties to the agreement is not disclosed, data about the identities in the adoption file shall remain confidential.

 

(f) The court shall not enter a proposed order unless the court finds that the communication or contact between the minor adoptee, the adoptive parents, and the relative, foster parents, or siblings as agreed upon and contained in the proposed order, would be in the child's best interests.

 

(g) Failure to comply with the terms of an order regarding communication or contact that has been entered by the court under this section is not grounds for:

 

(1) setting aside an adoption decree; or

 

(2) revocation of a written consent to an adoption after that consent has become irrevocable.

 

(h) An order regarding communication or contact entered under this section may be enforced by filing a motion in the existing adoption file with the court that entered the contact agreement.  Any party to the communication or contact order or the child who is the subject of the order has standing to file the motion to enforce the order.  The prevailing party may be awarded reasonable attorney fees and costs.

 

(i) The court shall not modify an order under this section unless it finds that the modification is necessary to serve the best interests of the child, and:

 

(1) the modification is agreed to by the parties to the agreement; or

 

(2) exceptional circumstances have arisen since the order was entered that justified modification of the order.

 

Sec. 42.  [260C.621] JURISDICTION AND VENUE.

 

Subdivision 1.  Jurisdiction.  (a) The juvenile court has original jurisdiction for all adoption proceedings involving the adoption of a child under the guardianship of the commissioner, including when the commissioner approves the placement of the child through the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children under section 260.851 for adoption outside the state of Minnesota and an adoption petition is filed in Minnesota.

 

(b) The receiving state also has jurisdiction to conduct an adoption proceeding for a child under the guardianship of the commissioner when the adopting home was approved by the receiving state through the interstate compact.

 

Subd. 2.  Venue.  (a) Venue for the adoption of a child committed to the guardianship of the commissioner of human services shall be the court conducting reviews in the matter according to section 260C.607.

 

(b) Upon request of the responsible social services agency, the court conducting reviews under section 260C.607 may order that filing an adoption petition involving a child under the guardianship of the commissioner be permitted in the county where the adopting parent resides upon determining that:

 

(1) there is no motion for an order for adoptive placement of the child that has been filed or is reasonably anticipated by the responsible social services agency to be filed; and

 

(2) filing the petition in the adopting parent's county of residence will expedite the proceedings and serve the best interests of the child.


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(c) When the court issues an order under paragraph (b), a copy of the court order shall be filed together with the adoption petition in the court of the adopting parent's county of residence.

 

(d) The court shall notify the court conducting reviews under section 260C.607 when the adoption is finalized so that the court conducting reviews under section 260C.607 may close its jurisdiction and the court record, including the court's electronic case record, in the county conducting the reviews, shall reflect that adoption of the child was finalized.

 

Sec. 43.  [260C.623] ADOPTION PETITION.

 

Subdivision 1.  Who may petition.  (a) The responsible social services agency may petition for the adopting parent to adopt a child who is under the guardianship of the commissioner.  The petition shall contain or have attached a statement certified by the adopting parent that the adopting parent desires that the relationship of parent and child be established between the adopting parent and the child and that adoption is in the best interests of the child.

 

(b) The adopting parent may petition the court for adoption of the child.

 

(c) An adopting parent must be at least 21 years of age at the time the adoption petition is filed unless the adopting parent is an individual related to the child, as defined by section 245A.02, subdivision 13.

 

(d) The petition may be filed in Minnesota by an adopting parent who resides within or outside the state.

 

Subd. 2.  Time for filing petition.  (a) An adoption petition shall be filed not later than nine months after the date of the fully executed adoption placement agreement unless the court finds that:

 

(1) the time for filing a petition be extended because of the child's special needs as defined under title IV-E of the federal Social Security Act, United States Code, title 42, section 672; or

 

(2) based on a written plan for completing filing of the petition, including a specific timeline, to which the adopting parent has agreed, the time for filing a petition be extended long enough to complete the plan because an extension is in the best interests of the child and additional time is needed for the child to adjust to the adoptive home.

 

(b) If an adoption petition is not filed within nine months of the execution of the adoption placement agreement as required under section 260C.613, subdivision 1, and after giving the adopting parent written notice of its request together with the date and time of the hearing set to consider its report, the responsible social services agency shall file a report requesting an order for one of the following:

 

(1) that the time for filing a petition be extended because of the child's special needs as defined under title IV-E of the federal Social Security Act, United States Code, title 42, section 673;

 

(2) that, based on a written plan for completing filing of the petition, including a specific timeline, to which the adopting parent has agreed, the time for filing a petition can be extended long enough to complete the plan because an extension is in the best interests of the child and additional time is needed for the child to adjust to the adoptive home; or

 

(3) that the child can be removed from the adopting home.

 

(c) At the conclusion of the review, the court shall issue findings, appropriate orders for the parties to take action or steps required to advance the case toward a finalized adoption, and set the date and time for the next review hearing.


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Subd. 3.  Requirements of petition.  (a) The petition shall be captioned in the legal name of the child as that name is reflected on the child's birth record prior to adoption and shall be entitled "Petition to Adopt Child under the Guardianship of the Commissioner of Human Services." The actual name of the child shall be supplied to the court by the responsible social services agency if unknown to the individual with whom the agency has made the adoptive placement.

 

(b) The adoption petition shall be verified as required in section 260C.141, subdivision 4, and, if filed by the responsible social services agency, signed and approved by the county attorney.

 

(c) The petition shall state:

 

(1) the full name, age, and place of residence of the adopting parent;

 

(2) if the adopting parents are married, the date and place of marriage;

 

(3) the date the adopting parent acquired physical custody of the child;

 

(4) the date of the adoptive placement by the responsible social services agency;

 

(5) the date of the birth of the child, if known, and the county, state, and country where born;

 

(6) the name to be given the child, if a change of name is desired;

 

(7) the description and value of any real or personal property owned by the child;

 

(8) the relationship of the adopting parent to the child prior to adoptive placement, if any;

 

(9) whether the Indian Child Welfare Act does or does not apply; and

 

(10) the name and address of:

 

(i) the child's guardian ad litem;

 

(ii) the adoptee, if age ten or older;

 

(iii) the child's Indian tribe, if the child is an Indian child; and

 

(iv) the responsible social services agency.

 

(d) A petition may ask for the adoption of two or more children.

 

(e) If a petition is for adoption by a married person, both spouses must sign the petition indicating willingness to adopt the child and the petition must ask for adoption by both spouses unless the court approves adoption by only one spouse when spouses do not reside together or for other good cause shown.

 

(f) If the petition is for adoption by a person residing outside the state, the adoptive placement must have been approved by the state where the person is a resident through the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children, sections 260.851 to 260.92.

 

Subd. 4.  Attachments to the petition.  The following must be filed with the petition:

 

(1) the adoption study report required under section 259.41;


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(2) the social and medical history required under sections 259.43 and 260C.609; and

 

(3) a document prepared by the petitioner that establishes who must be given notice under section 260C.627, subdivision 1, that includes the names and mailing addresses of those to be served by the court administrator.

 

Sec. 44.  [260C.625] DOCUMENTS FILED BY SOCIAL SERVICES AGENCY.

 

(a) The following shall be filed by the responsible social services agency prior to finalization of the adoption:

 

(1) a certified copy of the child's birth record;

 

(2) a certified copy of the findings and order terminating parental rights or order accepting the parent's consent to adoption under section 260C.515, subdivision 3, and for guardianship to the commissioner;

 

(3) a copy of any communication or contact agreement under section 260C.619;

 

(4) certification that the Minnesota Fathers' Adoption Registry has been searched which requirement may be met according to the requirements of the Minnesota Rules of Adoption Procedure, Rule 32.01, subdivision 2;

 

(5) the original of each consent to adoption required, if any, unless the original was filed in the permanency proceeding conducted under section 260C.515, subdivision 3, and the order filed under clause (2) has a copy of the consent attached; and

 

(6) the postplacement assessment report required under section 259.53, subdivision 2.

 

(b) The responsible social services agency shall provide any known aliases of the child to the court.

 

Sec. 45.  [260C.627] NOTICE OF ADOPTION PROCEEDINGS.

 

Subdivision 1.  To whom given.  (a) Notice of the adoption proceedings shall not be given to any parent whose rights have been terminated or who has consented to the adoption of the child under this chapter.

 

(b) Notice of the adoption proceedings shall be given to the following:

 

(1) the child's tribe if the child is an Indian child;

 

(2) the responsible social services agency;

 

(3) the child's guardian ad litem;

 

(4) the child, if the child is age ten or over;

 

(5) the child's attorney; and

 

(6) the adopting parent.

 

(c) Notice of a hearing regarding the adoption petition shall have a copy of the petition attached unless service of the petition has already been accomplished.

 

Subd. 2.  Method of service.  Notice of adoption proceedings for a child under the guardianship of the commissioner may be served by United States mail or any other method approved by the Minnesota Rules of Adoption Procedure.


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Sec. 46.  [260C.629] FINALIZATION HEARING.

 

Subdivision 1.  Consent.  (a) A parent whose rights to the child have not been terminated must consent to the adoption of the child.  A parent may consent to the adoption of the child under section 260C.515, subdivision 3, and that consent shall be irrevocable upon acceptance by the court except as otherwise provided in section 260C.515, subdivision 3, clause (2)(i).  A parent of an Indian child may consent to the adoption of the child according to United States Code, title 25, section 1913, and that consent may be withdrawn for any reason at any time before the entry of a final decree of adoption.

 

(b) When the child to be adopted is age 14 years or older, the child's written consent to adoption by the adopting parent is required.

 

(c) Consent by the responsible social services agency or the commissioner is not required because the adoptive placement has been made by the responsible social services agency.

 

Subd. 2.  Required documents.  In order to issue a decree for adoption and enter judgment accordingly, the court must have the following documents in the record:

 

(1) original birth record of the child;

 

(2) adoption study report including a background study required under section 259.41;

 

(3) a certified copy of the findings and order terminating parental rights or order accepting the parent's consent to adoption under section 260C.515, subdivision 3, and for guardianship to the commissioner;

 

(4) any consents required under subdivision 1;

 

(5) child's social and medical history under section 260C.609;

 

(6) postplacement assessment report required under section 259.53, subdivision 2, unless waived by the court on the record at a hearing under section 260C.607; and

 

(7) report from the child's guardian ad litem.

 

Sec. 47.  [260C.631] JUDGMENT AND DECREE.

 

(a) After taking testimony from the responsible social services agency, which may be by telephone or affidavit if the court has transferred venue of the matter to a county not conducting the posttermination of parental rights reviews under section 260C.607, and the adopting parent, if the court finds that it is in the best interests of the child that the petition be granted, a decree of adoption shall be issued ordering that the child to be adopted shall be the child of the adopting parent.  In the decree, the court may change the name of the adopted child, if a name change is requested.

 

(b) After the decree is granted, the court administrator shall mail a copy of the decree to the commissioner of human services.

 

Sec. 48.  [260C.633] ADOPTION DENIED.

 

(a) If the court is not satisfied that the proposed adoption is in the best interests of the child to be adopted, the court shall deny the petition, and order the responsible social services agency to take appropriate action for the protection and safety of the child.  If venue has been transferred under section 260C.621, subdivision 2, the court denying the petition shall notify the court originally conducting the guardianship reviews under section 260C.607.


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(b) The court responsible for conducting reviews under section 260C.607 shall set a hearing within 30 days of receiving notice of denial of the petition.

 

(c) Any appeal of the denial of an adoption petition under this section shall be made according to the requirements of the Minnesota Rules of Adoption Procedure.

 

Sec. 49.  [260C.635] EFFECT OF ADOPTION.

 

Subdivision 1.  Legal effect.  (a) Upon adoption, the adopted child becomes the legal child of the adopting parent and the adopting parent becomes the legal parent of the child with all the rights and duties between them of a birth parent and child.

 

(b) The child shall inherit from the adoptive parent and the adoptive parent's relatives the same as though the child were the birth child of the parent, and in case of the child's death intestate, the adoptive parent and the adoptive parent's relatives shall inherit the child's estate as if the child had been the adoptive parent's birth child.

 

(c) After a decree of adoption is entered, the birth parents or previous legal parents of the child shall be relieved of all parental responsibilities for the child except child support that has accrued to the date of the order for guardianship to the commissioner which continues to be due and owing.  The child's birth or previous legal parent shall not exercise or have any rights over the adopted child or the adopted child's property, person, privacy, or reputation.

 

(d) The adopted child shall not owe the birth parents or the birth parent's relatives any legal duty nor shall the adopted child inherit from the birth parents or kindred unless otherwise provided for in a will of the birth parent or kindred.

 

(e) Upon adoption, the court shall complete a certificate of adoption form and mail the form to the Office of the State Registrar at the Minnesota Department of Health.  Upon receiving the certificate of adoption, the state registrar shall register a replacement vital record in the new name of the adopted child as required under section 144.218.

 

Subd. 2.  Enrollment in American Indian tribe.  Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision 1, the adoption of a child whose birth parent or parents are enrolled in an American Indian tribe shall not change the child's enrollment in that tribe.

 

Subd. 3.  Communication or contact agreements.  This section does not prohibit birth parents, relatives, birth or legal siblings, and adoptive parents from entering a communication or contact agreement under section 260C.619.

 

Sec. 50.  [260C.637] ACCESS TO ORIGINAL BIRTH RECORD INFORMATION.

 

An adopted person may ask the commissioner of health to disclose the information on the adopted person's original birth record according to section 259.89.

 

Sec. 51.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 518A.40, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 4.  Change in child care.  (a) When a court order provides for child care expenses, and child care support is not assigned under section 256.741, the public authority, if the public authority provides child support enforcement services, must suspend collecting the amount allocated for child care expenses when:

 

(1) either party informs the public authority that no child care costs are being incurred; and:

 

(2) (1) the public authority verifies the accuracy of the information with the obligee.; or

 

(2) the obligee fails to provide verification to the public authority within 30 days after a request for information regarding child care costs.


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The suspension is effective as of the first day of the month following the date that the public authority received the verification verified the information with the obligee or the obligee failed to provide information.  The public authority will resume collecting child care expenses when either party provides information that child care costs have resumed are incurred, or when a child care support assignment takes effect under section 256.741, subdivision 4.  The resumption is effective as of the first day of the month after the date that the public authority received the information.

 

(b) If the parties provide conflicting information to the public authority regarding whether child care expenses are being incurred, or if the public authority is unable to verify with the obligee that no child care costs are being incurred, the public authority will continue or resume collecting child care expenses.  Either party, by motion to the court, may challenge the suspension, continuation, or resumption of the collection of child care expenses under this subdivision.  If the public authority suspends collection activities for the amount allocated for child care expenses, all other provisions of the court order remain in effect.

 

(c) In cases where there is a substantial increase or decrease in child care expenses, the parties may modify the order under section 518A.39.

 

Sec. 52.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 541.04, is amended to read:

 

541.04 JUDGMENTS, TEN OR 20 YEARS.

 

No action shall be maintained upon a judgment or decree of a court of the United States, or of any state or territory thereof, unless begun within ten years after the entry of such judgment or, in the case of a judgment for child support, including a judgment by operation of law, unless begun within 20 years after entry of the judgment.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  The amendments to this section are effective retroactively from April 15, 2010, the date the language stricken in this section was finally enacted.

 

Sec. 53.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 548.09, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Entry and docketing; survival of judgment.  Except as provided in section 548.091, every judgment requiring the payment of money shall be entered by the court administrator when ordered by the court and will be docketed by the court administrator upon the filing of an affidavit as provided in subdivision 2.  Upon a transcript of the docket being filed with the court administrator in any other county, the court administrator shall also docket it.  From the time of docketing the judgment is a lien, in the amount unpaid, upon all real property in the county then or thereafter owned by the judgment debtor, but it is not a lien upon registered land unless it is also recorded pursuant to sections 508.63 and 508A.63.  The judgment survives, and the lien continues, for ten years after its entry or, in the case of a judgment for child support, including a judgment by operation of law, for 20 years after its entry.  Child support judgments may be renewed pursuant to section 548.091.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  The amendments to this section are effective retroactively from April 15, 2010, the date the language stricken in this section was finally enacted.

 

Sec. 54.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 609.3785, is amended to read:

 

609.3785 UNHARMED NEWBORNS LEFT AT HOSPITALS; AVOIDANCE OF PROSECUTION.

 

A person may leave a newborn with a hospital an employee at a hospital safe place or with a 911 responder in this state without being subjected to prosecution for that act, provided that:

 

(1) the newborn was born within 72 hours seven days of being left at the hospital a safe place or with a 911 responder, as determined within a reasonable degree of medical certainty;


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(2) the newborn is left in an unharmed condition; and

 

(3) in cases where the person leaving the newborn is not the newborn's mother, the person has the mother's approval to do so.

 

Sec. 55.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 626.556, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2.  Definitions.  As used in this section, the following terms have the meanings given them unless the specific content indicates otherwise:

 

(a) "Family assessment" means a comprehensive assessment of child safety, risk of subsequent child maltreatment, and family strengths and needs that is applied to a child maltreatment report that does not allege substantial child endangerment.  Family assessment does not include a determination as to whether child maltreatment occurred but does determine the need for services to address the safety of family members and the risk of subsequent maltreatment.

 

(b) "Investigation" means fact gathering related to the current safety of a child and the risk of subsequent maltreatment that determines whether child maltreatment occurred and whether child protective services are needed.  An investigation must be used when reports involve substantial child endangerment, and for reports of maltreatment in facilities required to be licensed under chapter 245A or 245B; under sections 144.50 to 144.58 and 241.021; in a school as defined in sections 120A.05, subdivisions 9, 11, and 13, and 124D.10; or in a nonlicensed personal care provider association as defined in sections 256B.04, subdivision 16, and 256B.0625, subdivision 19a.

 

(c) "Substantial child endangerment" means a person responsible for a child's care, and in the case of sexual abuse includes a person who has a significant relationship to the child as defined in section 609.341, or a person in a position of authority as defined in section 609.341, who by act or omission commits or attempts to commit an act against a child under their care that constitutes any of the following:

 

(1) egregious harm as defined in section 260C.007, subdivision 14;

 

(2) sexual abuse as defined in paragraph (d);

 

(3) abandonment under section 260C.301, subdivision 2;

 

(4) neglect as defined in paragraph (f), clause (2), that substantially endangers the child's physical or mental health, including a growth delay, which may be referred to as failure to thrive, that has been diagnosed by a physician and is due to parental neglect;

 

(5) murder in the first, second, or third degree under section 609.185, 609.19, or 609.195;

 

(6) manslaughter in the first or second degree under section 609.20 or 609.205;

 

(7) assault in the first, second, or third degree under section 609.221, 609.222, or 609.223;

 

(8) solicitation, inducement, and promotion of prostitution under section 609.322;

 

(9) criminal sexual conduct under sections 609.342 to 609.3451;

 

(10) solicitation of children to engage in sexual conduct under section 609.352;

 

(11) malicious punishment or neglect or endangerment of a child under section 609.377 or 609.378;

 

(12) use of a minor in sexual performance under section 617.246; or


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(13) parental behavior, status, or condition which mandates that the county attorney file a termination of parental rights petition under section 260C.301, subdivision 3, paragraph (a).

 

(d) "Sexual abuse" means the subjection of a child by a person responsible for the child's care, by a person who has a significant relationship to the child, as defined in section 609.341, or by a person in a position of authority, as defined in section 609.341, subdivision 10, to any act which constitutes a violation of section 609.342 (criminal sexual conduct in the first degree), 609.343 (criminal sexual conduct in the second degree), 609.344 (criminal sexual conduct in the third degree), 609.345 (criminal sexual conduct in the fourth degree), or 609.3451 (criminal sexual conduct in the fifth degree).  Sexual abuse also includes any act which involves a minor which constitutes a violation of prostitution offenses under sections 609.321 to 609.324 or 617.246.  Sexual abuse includes threatened sexual abuse.

 

(e) "Person responsible for the child's care" means (1) an individual functioning within the family unit and having responsibilities for the care of the child such as a parent, guardian, or other person having similar care responsibilities, or (2) an individual functioning outside the family unit and having responsibilities for the care of the child such as a teacher, school administrator, other school employees or agents, or other lawful custodian of a child having either full-time or short-term care responsibilities including, but not limited to, day care, babysitting whether paid or unpaid, counseling, teaching, and coaching.

 

(f) "Neglect" means the commission or omission of any of the acts specified under clauses (1) to (9), other than by accidental means:

 

(1) failure by a person responsible for a child's care to supply a child with necessary food, clothing, shelter, health, medical, or other care required for the child's physical or mental health when reasonably able to do so;

 

(2) failure to protect a child from conditions or actions that seriously endanger the child's physical or mental health when reasonably able to do so, including a growth delay, which may be referred to as a failure to thrive, that has been diagnosed by a physician and is due to parental neglect;

 

(3) failure to provide for necessary supervision or child care arrangements appropriate for a child after considering factors as the child's age, mental ability, physical condition, length of absence, or environment, when the child is unable to care for the child's own basic needs or safety, or the basic needs or safety of another child in their care;

 

(4) failure to ensure that the child is educated as defined in sections 120A.22 and 260C.163, subdivision 11, which does not include a parent's refusal to provide the parent's child with sympathomimetic medications, consistent with section 125A.091, subdivision 5;

 

(5) nothing in this section shall be construed to mean that a child is neglected solely because the child's parent, guardian, or other person responsible for the child's care in good faith selects and depends upon spiritual means or prayer for treatment or care of disease or remedial care of the child in lieu of medical care; except that a parent, guardian, or caretaker, or a person mandated to report pursuant to subdivision 3, has a duty to report if a lack of medical care may cause serious danger to the child's health.  This section does not impose upon persons, not otherwise legally responsible for providing a child with necessary food, clothing, shelter, education, or medical care, a duty to provide that care;

 

(6) prenatal exposure to a controlled substance, as defined in section 253B.02, subdivision 2, used by the mother for a nonmedical purpose, as evidenced by withdrawal symptoms in the child at birth, results of a toxicology test performed on the mother at delivery or the child at birth, or medical effects or developmental delays during the child's first year of life that medically indicate prenatal exposure to a controlled substance;

 

(7) "medical neglect" as defined in section 260C.007, subdivision 6, clause (5);


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(8) chronic and severe use of alcohol or a controlled substance by a parent or person responsible for the care of the child that adversely affects the child's basic needs and safety; or

 

(9) emotional harm from a pattern of behavior which contributes to impaired emotional functioning of the child which may be demonstrated by a substantial and observable effect in the child's behavior, emotional response, or cognition that is not within the normal range for the child's age and stage of development, with due regard to the child's culture.

 

(g) "Physical abuse" means any physical injury, mental injury, or threatened injury, inflicted by a person responsible for the child's care on a child other than by accidental means, or any physical or mental injury that cannot reasonably be explained by the child's history of injuries, or any aversive or deprivation procedures, or regulated interventions, that have not been authorized under section 121A.67 or 245.825.

 

Abuse does not include reasonable and moderate physical discipline of a child administered by a parent or legal guardian which does not result in an injury.  Abuse does not include the use of reasonable force by a teacher, principal, or school employee as allowed by section 121A.582.  Actions which are not reasonable and moderate include, but are not limited to, any of the following that are done in anger or without regard to the safety of the child:

 

(1) throwing, kicking, burning, biting, or cutting a child;

 

(2) striking a child with a closed fist;

 

(3) shaking a child under age three;

 

(4) striking or other actions which result in any nonaccidental injury to a child under 18 months of age;

 

(5) unreasonable interference with a child's breathing;

 

(6) threatening a child with a weapon, as defined in section 609.02, subdivision 6;

 

(7) striking a child under age one on the face or head;

 

(8) purposely giving a child poison, alcohol, or dangerous, harmful, or controlled substances which were not prescribed for the child by a practitioner, in order to control or punish the child; or other substances that substantially affect the child's behavior, motor coordination, or judgment or that results in sickness or internal injury, or subjects the child to medical procedures that would be unnecessary if the child were not exposed to the substances;

 

(9) unreasonable physical confinement or restraint not permitted under section 609.379, including but not limited to tying, caging, or chaining; or

 

(10) in a school facility or school zone, an act by a person responsible for the child's care that is a violation under section 121A.58.

 

(h) "Report" means any report received by the local welfare agency, police department, county sheriff, or agency responsible for assessing or investigating maltreatment pursuant to this section.

 

(i) "Facility" means:

 

(1) a licensed or unlicensed day care facility, residential facility, agency, hospital, sanitarium, or other facility or institution required to be licensed under sections 144.50 to 144.58, 241.021, or 245A.01 to 245A.16, or chapter 245B;

 

(2) a school as defined in sections 120A.05, subdivisions 9, 11, and 13; and 124D.10; or


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(3) a nonlicensed personal care provider organization as defined in sections 256B.04, subdivision 16, and 256B.0625, subdivision 19a.

 

(j) "Operator" means an operator or agency as defined in section 245A.02.

 

(k) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of human services.

 

(l) "Practice of social services," for the purposes of subdivision 3, includes but is not limited to employee assistance counseling and the provision of guardian ad litem and parenting time expeditor services.

 

(m) "Mental injury" means an injury to the psychological capacity or emotional stability of a child as evidenced by an observable or substantial impairment in the child's ability to function within a normal range of performance and behavior with due regard to the child's culture.

 

(n) "Threatened injury" means a statement, overt act, condition, or status that represents a substantial risk of physical or sexual abuse or mental injury.  Threatened injury includes, but is not limited to, exposing a child to a person responsible for the child's care, as defined in paragraph (e), clause (1), who has:

 

(1) subjected a child to, or failed to protect a child from, an overt act or condition that constitutes egregious harm, as defined in section 260C.007, subdivision 14, or a similar law of another jurisdiction;

 

(2) been found to be palpably unfit under section 260C.301, paragraph (b), clause (4), or a similar law of another jurisdiction;

 

(3) committed an act that has resulted in an involuntary termination of parental rights under section 260C.301, or a similar law of another jurisdiction; or

 

(4) committed an act that has resulted in the involuntary transfer of permanent legal and physical custody of a child to a relative under section 260C.201, subdivision 11, paragraph (d), clause (1), or a similar law of another jurisdiction.

 

A child is the subject of a report of threatened injury when the responsible social services agency receives birth match data under paragraph (o) from the Department of Human Services.

 

(o) Upon receiving data under section 144.225, subdivision 2b, contained in a birth record or recognition of parentage identifying a child who is subject to threatened injury under paragraph (n), the Department of Human Services shall send the data to the responsible social services agency.  The data is known as "birth match" data.  Unless the responsible social services agency has already begun an investigation or assessment of the report due to the birth of the child or execution of the recognition of parentage and the parent's previous history with child protection, the agency shall accept the birth match data as a report under this section.  The agency may use either a family assessment or investigation to determine whether the child is safe.  All of the provisions of this section apply.  If the child is determined to be safe, the agency shall consult with the county attorney to determine the appropriateness of filing a petition alleging the child is in need of protection or services under section 260C.007, subdivision 6, clause (16), in order to deliver needed services.  If the child is determined not to be safe, the agency and the county attorney shall take appropriate action as required under section 260C.301, subdivision 3.

 

(o) (p) Persons who conduct assessments or investigations under this section shall take into account accepted child-rearing practices of the culture in which a child participates and accepted teacher discipline practices, which are not injurious to the child's health, welfare, and safety.

 

(p) (q) "Accidental" means a sudden, not reasonably foreseeable, and unexpected occurrence or event which:

 

(1) is not likely to occur and could not have been prevented by exercise of due care; and


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(2) if occurring while a child is receiving services from a facility, happens when the facility and the employee or person providing services in the facility are in compliance with the laws and rules relevant to the occurrence or event.

 

(q) (r) "Nonmaltreatment mistake" means:

 

(1) at the time of the incident, the individual was performing duties identified in the center's child care program plan required under Minnesota Rules, part 9503.0045;

 

(2) the individual has not been determined responsible for a similar incident that resulted in a finding of maltreatment for at least seven years;

 

(3) the individual has not been determined to have committed a similar nonmaltreatment mistake under this paragraph for at least four years;

 

(4) any injury to a child resulting from the incident, if treated, is treated only with remedies that are available over the counter, whether ordered by a medical professional or not; and

 

(5) except for the period when the incident occurred, the facility and the individual providing services were both in compliance with all licensing requirements relevant to the incident.

 

This definition only applies to child care centers licensed under Minnesota Rules, chapter 9503.  If clauses (1) to (5) apply, rather than making a determination of substantiated maltreatment by the individual, the commissioner of human services shall determine that a nonmaltreatment mistake was made by the individual.

 

Sec. 56.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 626.556, subdivision 10f, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 10f.  Notice of determinations.  Within ten working days of the conclusion of a family assessment, the local welfare agency shall notify the parent or guardian of the child of the need for services to address child safety concerns or significant risk of subsequent child maltreatment.  The local welfare agency and the family may also jointly agree that family support and family preservation services are needed.  Within ten working days of the conclusion of an investigation, the local welfare agency or agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report shall notify the parent or guardian of the child, the person determined to be maltreating the child, and if applicable, the director of the facility, of the determination and a summary of the specific reasons for the determination.  When the investigation involves a child foster care setting that is monitored by a private licensing agency under section 245A.16, the local welfare agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report shall notify the private licensing agency of the determination and shall provide a summary of the specific reasons for the determination.  The notice to the private licensing agency must include identifying private data, but not the identity of the reporter of maltreatment.  The notice must also include a certification that the information collection procedures under subdivision 10, paragraphs (h), (i), and (j), were followed and a notice of the right of a data subject to obtain access to other private data on the subject collected, created, or maintained under this section.  In addition, the notice shall include the length of time that the records will be kept under subdivision 11c.  The investigating agency shall notify the parent or guardian of the child who is the subject of the report, and any person or facility determined to have maltreated a child, of their appeal or review rights under this section or section 256.022.  The notice must also state that a finding of maltreatment may result in denial of a license application or background study disqualification under chapter 245C related to employment or services that are licensed by the Department of Human Services under chapter 245A, the Department of Health under chapter 144 or 144A, the Department of Corrections under section 241.021, and from providing services related to an unlicensed personal care provider organization under chapter 256B.

 

Sec. 57.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 626.556, subdivision 10i, is amended to read:


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Subd. 10i.  Administrative reconsideration; review panel.  (a) Administrative reconsideration is not applicable in family assessments since no determination concerning maltreatment is made.  For investigations, except as provided under paragraph (e), an individual or facility that the commissioner of human services, a local social service agency, or the commissioner of education determines has maltreated a child, an interested person acting on behalf of the child, regardless of the determination, who contests the investigating agency's final determination regarding maltreatment, may request the investigating agency to reconsider its final determination regarding maltreatment.  The request for reconsideration must be submitted in writing to the investigating agency within 15 calendar days after receipt of notice of the final determination regarding maltreatment or, if the request is made by an interested person who is not entitled to notice, within 15 days after receipt of the notice by the parent or guardian of the child.  If mailed, the request for reconsideration must be postmarked and sent to the investigating agency within 15 calendar days of the individual's or facility's receipt of the final determination.  If the request for reconsideration is made by personal service, it must be received by the investigating agency within 15 calendar days after the individual's or facility's receipt of the final determination.  Effective January 1, 2002, an individual who was determined to have maltreated a child under this section and who was disqualified on the basis of serious or recurring maltreatment under sections 245C.14 and 245C.15, may request reconsideration of the maltreatment determination and the disqualification.  The request for reconsideration of the maltreatment determination and the disqualification must be submitted within 30 calendar days of the individual's receipt of the notice of disqualification under sections 245C.16 and 245C.17.  If mailed, the request for reconsideration of the maltreatment determination and the disqualification must be postmarked and sent to the investigating agency within 30 calendar days of the individual's receipt of the maltreatment determination and notice of disqualification.  If the request for reconsideration is made by personal service, it must be received by the investigating agency within 30 calendar days after the individual's receipt of the notice of disqualification.

 

(b) Except as provided under paragraphs (e) and (f), if the investigating agency denies the request or fails to act upon the request within 15 working days after receiving the request for reconsideration, the person or facility entitled to a fair hearing under section 256.045 may submit to the commissioner of human services or the commissioner of education a written request for a hearing under that section.  Section 256.045 also governs hearings requested to contest a final determination of the commissioner of education.  For reports involving maltreatment of a child in a facility, an interested person acting on behalf of the child may request a review by the Child Maltreatment Review Panel under section 256.022 if the investigating agency denies the request or fails to act upon the request or if the interested person contests a reconsidered determination.  The investigating agency shall notify persons who request reconsideration of their rights under this paragraph.  The request must be submitted in writing to the review panel and a copy sent to the investigating agency within 30 calendar days of receipt of notice of a denial of a request for reconsideration or of a reconsidered determination.  The request must specifically identify the aspects of the agency determination with which the person is dissatisfied.

 

(c) If, as a result of a reconsideration or review, the investigating agency changes the final determination of maltreatment, that agency shall notify the parties specified in subdivisions 10b, 10d, and 10f.

 

(d) Except as provided under paragraph (f), if an individual or facility contests the investigating agency's final determination regarding maltreatment by requesting a fair hearing under section 256.045, the commissioner of human services shall assure that the hearing is conducted and a decision is reached within 90 days of receipt of the request for a hearing.  The time for action on the decision may be extended for as many days as the hearing is postponed or the record is held open for the benefit of either party.

 

(e) If an individual was disqualified under sections 245C.14 and 245C.15, on the basis of a determination of maltreatment, which was serious or recurring, and the individual has requested reconsideration of the maltreatment determination under paragraph (a) and requested reconsideration of the disqualification under sections 245C.21 to 245C.27, reconsideration of the maltreatment determination and reconsideration of the disqualification shall be consolidated into a single reconsideration.  If reconsideration of the maltreatment determination is denied and the individual remains disqualified following a reconsideration decision, the individual may request a fair hearing under section 256.045.  If an individual requests a fair hearing on the maltreatment determination and the disqualification, the scope of the fair hearing shall include both the maltreatment determination and the disqualification.


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(f) If a maltreatment determination or a disqualification based on serious or recurring maltreatment is the basis for a denial of a license under section 245A.05 or a licensing sanction under section 245A.07, the license holder has the right to a contested case hearing under chapter 14 and Minnesota Rules, parts 1400.8505 to 1400.8612.  As provided for under section 245A.08, subdivision 2a, the scope of the contested case hearing shall include the maltreatment determination, disqualification, and licensing sanction or denial of a license.  In such cases, a fair hearing regarding the maltreatment determination and disqualification shall not be conducted under section 256.045.  Except for family child care and child foster care, reconsideration of a maltreatment determination as provided under this subdivision, and reconsideration of a disqualification as provided under section 245C.22, shall also not be conducted when:

 

(1) a denial of a license under section 245A.05 or a licensing sanction under section 245A.07, is based on a determination that the license holder is responsible for maltreatment or the disqualification of a license holder based on serious or recurring maltreatment;

 

(2) the denial of a license or licensing sanction is issued at the same time as the maltreatment determination or disqualification; and

 

(3) the license holder appeals the maltreatment determination or disqualification, and denial of a license or licensing sanction.

 

Notwithstanding clauses (1) to (3), if the license holder appeals the maltreatment determination or disqualification, but does not appeal the denial of a license or a licensing sanction, reconsideration of the maltreatment determination shall be conducted under sections 626.556, subdivision 10i, and 626.557, subdivision 9d, and reconsideration of the disqualification shall be conducted under section 245C.22.  In such cases, a fair hearing shall also be conducted as provided under sections 245C.27, 626.556, subdivision 10i, and 626.557, subdivision 9d.

 

If the disqualified subject is an individual other than the license holder and upon whom a background study must be conducted under chapter 245C, the hearings of all parties may be consolidated into a single contested case hearing upon consent of all parties and the administrative law judge.

 

(g) For purposes of this subdivision, "interested person acting on behalf of the child" means a parent or legal guardian; stepparent; grandparent; guardian ad litem; adult stepbrother, stepsister, or sibling; or adult aunt or uncle; unless the person has been determined to be the perpetrator of the maltreatment.

 

Sec. 58.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 626.556, subdivision 11, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 11.  Records.  (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) or (d) and subdivisions 10b, 10d, 10g, and 11b, all records concerning individuals maintained by a local welfare agency or agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report under this section, including any written reports filed under subdivision 7, shall be private data on individuals, except insofar as copies of reports are required by subdivision 7 to be sent to the local police department or the county sheriff.  All records concerning determinations of maltreatment by a facility are nonpublic data as maintained by the Department of Education, except insofar as copies of reports are required by subdivision 7 to be sent to the local police department or the county sheriff.  Reports maintained by any police department or the county sheriff shall be private data on individuals except the reports shall be made available to the investigating, petitioning, or prosecuting authority, including county medical examiners or county coroners.  Section 13.82, subdivisions 8, 9, and 14, apply to law enforcement data other than the reports.  The local social services agency or agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report shall make available to the investigating, petitioning, or prosecuting authority, including county medical examiners or county coroners or their professional delegates, any records which contain information relating to a specific incident of neglect or abuse which is under investigation, petition, or prosecution and information relating to any prior incidents of neglect or abuse involving any of the same persons.  The records shall be collected and maintained in accordance with the provisions of chapter 13.  In conducting investigations and assessments pursuant to this section, the notice required by section 13.04, subdivision 2,


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need not be provided to a minor under the age of ten who is the alleged victim of abuse or neglect.  An individual subject of a record shall have access to the record in accordance with those sections, except that the name of the reporter shall be confidential while the report is under assessment or investigation except as otherwise permitted by this subdivision.  Any person conducting an investigation or assessment under this section who intentionally discloses the identity of a reporter prior to the completion of the investigation or assessment is guilty of a misdemeanor.  After the assessment or investigation is completed, the name of the reporter shall be confidential.  The subject of the report may compel disclosure of the name of the reporter only with the consent of the reporter or upon a written finding by the court that the report was false and that there is evidence that the report was made in bad faith.  This subdivision does not alter disclosure responsibilities or obligations under the Rules of Criminal Procedure.

 

(b) Upon request of the legislative auditor, data on individuals maintained under this section must be released to the legislative auditor in order for the auditor to fulfill the auditor's duties under section 3.971.  The auditor shall maintain the data in accordance with chapter 13.

 

(c) The commissioner of education must be provided with all requested data that are relevant to a report of maltreatment and are in possession of a school facility as defined in subdivision 2, paragraph (i), when the data is requested pursuant to an assessment or investigation of a maltreatment report of a student in a school.  If the commissioner of education makes a determination of maltreatment involving an individual performing work within a school facility who is licensed by a board or other agency, the commissioner shall provide necessary and relevant information to the licensing entity to enable the entity to fulfill its statutory duties.  Notwithstanding section 13.03, subdivision 4, data received by a licensing entity under this paragraph are governed by section 13.41 or other applicable law governing data of the receiving entity, except that this section applies to the classification of and access to data on the reporter of the maltreatment.

 

(d) The investigating agency shall exchange not public data with the Child Maltreatment Review Panel under section 256.022 if the data are pertinent and necessary for a review requested under section 256.022.  Upon completion of the review, the not public data received by the review panel must be returned to the investigating agency.

 

Sec. 59.  REPEALER.

 

Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 256.022, is repealed.

 

Sec. 60.  EFFECTIVE DATE.

 

This article is effective August 2, 2012.

 

ARTICLE 2

ADOPTION ASSISTANCE

 

Section 1.  [259A.01] DEFINITIONS.

 

Subdivision 1.  Scope.  For the purposes of this chapter, the terms defined in this section have the meanings given them except as otherwise indicated by the context.

 

Subd. 2.  Adoption assistance.  "Adoption assistance" means medical coverage and reimbursement of nonrecurring adoption expenses, and may also include financial support and reimbursement for specific nonmedical expenses provided under agreement with the parent of an adoptive child who would otherwise remain in foster care and whose special needs would otherwise make it difficult to place the child for adoption.  Financial support may include a basic maintenance payment and a supplemental needs payment.


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Subd. 3.  Adoptive parent.  "Adoptive parent" means the adult who has been made the legal parent of a child through a court-ordered adoption decree or a customary adoption through tribal court.

 

Subd. 4.  AFDC.  "AFDC" means the aid to families with dependent children program under sections 256.741, 256.82, and 256.87.

 

Subd. 5.  Assessment.  "Assessment" means the process by which the child-placing agency determines the benefits an eligible child may receive under this chapter.

 

Subd. 6.  At-risk child.  "At-risk child" means a child who does not have a documented disability but who is at risk of developing a physical, mental, emotional, or behavioral disability based on being related within the first or second degree to persons who have an inheritable physical, mental, emotional, or behavioral disabling condition, or from a background that has the potential to cause the child to develop a physical, mental, emotional, or behavioral disability that the child is at risk of developing.  The disability must manifest during childhood.

 

Subd. 7.  Basic maintenance payment.  "Basic maintenance payment" means the maintenance payment made on behalf of a child to support the costs an adoptive parent incurs to meet a child's needs consistent with the care parents customarily provide, including:  food, clothing, shelter, daily supervision, school supplies, and a child's personal incidentals.  It also supports reasonable travel to participate in face-to-face visitation between child and birth relatives, including siblings.

 

Subd. 8.  Child.  "Child" means an individual under 18 years of age.  For purposes of this chapter, child also includes individuals up to age 21 who have approved adoption assistance agreement extensions under section 259A.45, subdivision 1.

 

Subd. 9.  Child-placing agency.  "Child-placing agency" means a business, organization, or department of government, including the responsible social services agency or a federally recognized Minnesota tribe, designated or authorized by law to place children for adoption and assigned legal responsibility for placement, care, and supervision of the child through a court order, voluntary placement agreement, or voluntary relinquishment.

 

Subd. 10.  Child under guardianship of the commissioner of human services.  "Child under guardianship of the commissioner of human services" means a child the court has ordered under the guardianship of the commissioner of human services pursuant to section 260C.325.

 

Subd. 11.  Commissioner.  "Commissioner" means the commissioner of human services or any employee of the Department of Human Services to whom the commissioner has delegated authority regarding children under the commissioner's guardianship.

 

Subd. 12.  Consent of parent to adoption under chapter 260C.  "Consent of parent to adoption under chapter 260C" means the consent executed pursuant to section 260C.515, subdivision 3. 

 

Subd. 13.  Department.  "Department" means the Minnesota Department of Human Services.

 

Subd. 14.  Disability.  "Disability" means a physical, mental, emotional, or behavioral impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.  Major life activities include, but are not limited to:  thinking, walking, hearing, breathing, working, seeing, speaking, communicating, learning, developing and maintaining healthy relationships, safely caring for oneself, and performing manual tasks.  The nature, duration, and severity of the impairment shall be used in determining if the limitation is substantial.

 

Subd. 15.  Foster care.  "Foster care" has the meaning given in section 260C.007, subdivision 18.

 

Subd. 16.  Guardian.  "Guardian" means an adult who is appointed pursuant to section 260C.325.  For a child under guardianship of the commissioner, the child's guardian is the commissioner of human services.


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Subd. 17.  Guardianship.  "Guardianship" means the court-ordered rights and responsibilities of the guardian of a child and includes legal custody of the child.

 

Subd. 18.  Indian child.  "Indian child" has the meaning given in section 260.755, subdivision 8.

 

Subd. 19.  Legal custodian.  "Legal custodian" means a person to whom permanent legal and physical custody of a child has been transferred under chapter 260C, or for children under tribal court jurisdiction, a similar provision under tribal code which means that the individual responsible for the child has responsibility for the protection, education, care, and control of the child and decision making on behalf of the child.

 

Subd. 20.  Medical assistance.  "Medical assistance" means Minnesota's implementation of the federal Medicaid program.

 

Subd. 21.  Parent.  "Parent" has the meaning given in section 257.52.  Parent does not mean a putative father of a child unless the putative father also meets the requirements of section 257.55 or unless the putative father is entitled to notice under section 259.49, subdivision 1.  For matters governed by the Indian Child Welfare Act, parent includes any Indian person who has adopted a child by tribal law or custom, as provided in section 260.755, subdivision 14, and does not include the unwed father where paternity has not been acknowledged or established.

 

Subd. 22.  Permanent legal and physical custody.  "Permanent legal and physical custody" means permanent legal and physical custody ordered by a Minnesota court under section 260C.515, subdivision 4, or for children under tribal court jurisdiction, a similar provision under tribal code which means that the individual with permanent legal and physical custody of the child has responsibility for the protection, education, care, and control of the child and decision making on behalf of the child.

 

Subd. 23.  Preadoptive parent.  "Preadoptive parent" means an adult who is caring for a child in an adoptive placement, but where the court has not yet ordered a final decree of adoption making the adult the legal parent of the child.

 

Subd. 24.  Reassessment.  "Reassessment" means an update of a previous assessment through the process under this chapter completed for a child who has been continuously eligible for this benefit.

 

Subd. 25.  Relative.  "Relative" means a person related to the child by blood, marriage, or adoption, or an individual who is an important friend with whom the child has resided or had significant contact.  For an Indian child, relative includes members of the extended family as defined by law or custom of the Indian child's tribe, or, in the absence of law or custom, shall be a person who has reached the age of 18 and who is the Indian child's grandparent, aunt or uncle, brother or sister, brother-in-law or sister-in-law, niece or nephew, first or second cousin, or stepparent, as provided in the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978, United States Code, title 25, section 1903.

 

Subd. 26.  Relative search.  "Relative search" means the search that is required under section 260C.212, subdivision 5.

 

Subd. 27.  Sibling.  "Sibling" has the meaning given in section 260C.007, subdivision 32.

 

Subd. 28.  Social and medical history.  "Social and medical history" means the document, on a form or forms prescribed by the commissioner, that contains a child's genetic, medical, and family background as well as the history and current status of a child's physical and mental health, behavior, demeanor, foster care placements, education, and family relationships and has the same meaning as the history required under sections 259.43 and 260C.609.

 

Subd. 29.  Supplemental needs payment.  "Supplemental needs payment" means the payment which is negotiated with the adoptive parent for a child who has a documented physical, mental, emotional, or behavioral disability.  The payment is made based on the requirements associated with parenting duties to nurture the child, preserve the child's connections, and support the child's functioning in the home.


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Subd. 30.  Termination of parental rights.  "Termination of parental rights" means a court order that severs all rights, powers, privileges, immunities, duties, and obligations, including any rights to custody, control, visitation, or support, existing between a parent and child.  For an Indian child who is a ward of tribal court, termination of parental rights means any action resulting in the termination or suspension of the parent-child relationship when the tribe has made a judicial determination that the child cannot or should not be returned to the home of the child's parent or parents.

 

Sec. 2.  [259A.05] PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION.

 

Subdivision 1.  Administration of title IV-E programs.  The title IV-E Adoption Assistance Program shall operate according to the requirements of United States Code, title 42, sections 671 and 673, and Code of Federal Regulations, parts 1355 and 1356.

 

Subd. 2.  Administration responsibilities.  (a) AFDC relatedness is one eligibility component of title IV-E adoption assistance.  The AFDC relatedness determination shall be made by an agency according to policies and procedures prescribed by the commissioner.

 

(b) Subject to commissioner approval, the child-placing agency shall certify a child's eligibility for adoption assistance in writing on the forms prescribed by the commissioner according to section 259A.15.

 

(c) Children who meet all eligibility criteria except those specific to title IV-E, shall receive adoption assistance paid through state funds.

 

(d) The child-placing agency is responsible for assisting the commissioner with the administration of the adoption assistance program by conducting assessments, reassessments, negotiations, and other activities as specified by the requirements and procedures prescribed by the commissioner.

 

(e) The child-placing agency shall notify an adoptive parent of a child's eligibility for Medicaid in the state of residence.  In Minnesota, the child-placing agency shall refer the adoptive parent to the appropriate social service agency in the parent's county of residence that administers medical assistance.  The child-placing agency shall inform the adoptive parent of the requirement to comply with the rules of the applicable Medicaid program.

 

Subd. 3.  Procedures, requirements, and deadlines.  The commissioner shall specify procedures, requirements, and deadlines for the administration of adoption assistance in accordance with this section.

 

Subd. 4.  Promotion of programs.  (a) Parents who adopt children with special needs must be informed of the adoption tax credit.

 

(b) The commissioner shall actively seek ways to promote the adoption assistance program, including informing prospective adoptive parents of eligible children under guardianship of the commissioner and the availability of adoption assistance.

 

Sec. 3.  [259A.10] ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS.

 

Subdivision 1.  General eligibility requirements.  (a) To be eligible for adoption assistance, a child must:

 

(1) be determined to be a child with special needs, according to subdivision 2;

 

(2) meet the applicable citizenship and immigration requirements in subdivision 3; and

 

(3)(i) meet the criteria outlined in section 473 of the Social Security Act; or

 

(ii) have had foster care payments paid on the child's behalf while in out-of-home placement through the county or tribal social service agency and be a child under the guardianship of the commissioner or a ward of tribal court.


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(b) In addition to the requirements in paragraph (a), the child's adoptive parents must meet the applicable background study requirements outlined in subdivision 4.

 

Subd. 2.  Special needs determination.  (a) A child is considered a child with special needs under this section if all of the requirements in paragraphs (b) to (g) are met.

 

(b) There has been a determination that the child cannot or should not be returned to the home of the child's parents as evidenced by:

 

(1) court-ordered termination of parental rights;

 

(2) petition to terminate parental rights;

 

(3) consent of parent to adoption accepted by the court under chapter 260C;

 

(4) in circumstances where tribal law permits the child to be adopted without a termination of parental rights, a judicial determination by tribal court indicating the valid reason why the child cannot or should not return home;

 

(5) voluntary relinquishment under section 259.25 or 259.47 or, if relinquishment occurred in another state, the applicable laws in that state; or

 

(6) death of the legal parent, or parents if the child has two legal parents.

 

(c) There exists a specific factor or condition because of which it is reasonable to conclude that the child cannot be placed with adoptive parents without providing adoption assistance as evidenced by:

 

(1) determination by the Social Security Administration that the child meets all medical or disability requirements of title XVI of the Social Security Act with respect to eligibility for Supplemental Security Income benefits;

 

(2) documented physical, mental, emotional, or behavioral disability not covered under clause (1);

 

(3) a member in a sibling group being adopted at the same time by the same parent;

 

(4) adoptive placement in the home of a parent who previously adopted a sibling for whom they receive adoption assistance; or

 

(5) documentation that the child is an at-risk child.

 

(d) A reasonable but unsuccessful effort was made to place the child with adoptive parents without providing adoption assistance as evidenced by:

 

(1) a documented search for an appropriate adoptive placement; or

 

(2) determination by the commissioner that a search under clause (1) is not in the best interests of the child.

 

(e) The requirement for a documented search for an appropriate adoptive placement under paragraph (d), including the registration of the child with the State Adoption Exchange and other recruitment methods under paragraph (f), must be waived if:

 

(1) the child is being adopted by a relative and it is determined by the child-placing agency that adoption by the relative is in the best interests of the child;


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(2) the child is being adopted by a foster parent with whom the child has developed significant emotional ties while in their care as a foster child and it is determined by the child-placing agency that adoption by the foster parent is in the best interests of the child; or

 

(3) the child is being adopted by a parent that previously adopted a sibling of the child, and it is determined by the child-placing agency that adoption by this parent is in the best interests of the child.

 

When the Indian Child Welfare Act applies, a waiver must not be granted unless the child-placing agency has complied with the placement preferences required by the Indian Child Welfare Act according to United States Code, title 25, section 1915(a).

 

(f) To meet the requirement of a documented search for an appropriate adoptive placement under paragraph (d), clause (1), the child-placing agency minimally must:

 

(1) conduct a relative search as required by section 260C.212, subdivision 5, and give consideration to placement with a relative as required by section 260C.212, subdivision 2;

 

(2) comply with the adoptive placement preferences required under the Indian Child Welfare Act when the Indian Child Welfare Act, United States Code, title 25, section 1915(a), applies;

 

(3) locate prospective adoptive families by registering the child on the State Adoption Exchange, as required under section 259.75; and

 

(4) if registration with the State Adoption Exchange does not result in the identification of an appropriate adoptive placement, the agency must employ additional recruitment methods, as outlined in requirements and procedures prescribed by the commissioner.

 

(g) Once the child-placing agency has determined that placement with an identified parent is in the child's best interest and has made full written disclosure about the child's social and medical history, the agency must ask the prospective adoptive parent if they are willing to adopt the child without adoption assistance.  If the identified parent is either unwilling or unable to adopt the child without adoption assistance, the child-placing agency must provide documentation as prescribed by the commissioner to fulfill the requirement to make a reasonable effort to place the child without adoption assistance.  If the identified parent desires to adopt the child without adoption assistance, the parent must provide a written statement to this effect to the child-placing agency and the statement must be maintained in the permanent adoption record of the child-placing agency.  For children under guardianship of the commissioner, the child-placing agency shall submit a copy of this statement to the commissioner to be maintained in the permanent adoption record.

 

Subd. 3.  Citizenship and immigration status.  (a) A child must be a citizen of the United States or otherwise eligible for federal public benefits according to the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, as amended, in order to be eligible for the title IV-E Adoption Assistance Program.

 

(b) A child must be a citizen of the United States or meet the qualified alien requirements as defined in the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, as amended, in order to be eligible for state-funded adoption assistance.

 

Subd. 4.  Background study.  (a) A background study under section 259.41 must be completed on each prospective adoptive parent.  An adoptive parent is prohibited from receiving adoption assistance on behalf of an otherwise eligible child if the background study reveals:

 

(1) a felony conviction at any time for:

 

(i) child abuse or neglect;


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(ii) spousal abuse;

 

(iii) a crime against children, including child pornography; or

 

(iv) a crime involving violence, including rape, sexual assault, or homicide, but not including other physical assault or battery; or

 

(2) a felony conviction within the past five years for:

 

(i) physical assault;

 

(ii) battery; or

 

(iii) a drug-related offense.

 

Subd. 5.  Responsibility for determining adoption assistance eligibility.  The state will determine eligibility for:

 

(1) a Minnesota child under the guardianship of the commissioner who would otherwise remain in foster care;

 

(2) a child who is not under the guardianship of the commissioner who meets title IV-E eligibility defined in section 473 of the Social Security Act and no state agency has legal responsibility for placement and care of the child;

 

(3) a Minnesota child under tribal jurisdiction who would otherwise remain in foster care; and

 

(4) an Indian child being placed in Minnesota who meets title IV-E eligibility defined in section 473 of the Social Security Act.  The agency or entity assuming responsibility for the child is responsible for the nonfederal share of the adoption assistance payment.

 

Subd. 6.  Exclusions.  The commissioner shall not enter into an adoption assistance agreement with:

 

(1) a child's biological parent or stepparent;

 

(2) a child's relative, according to section 260C.007, subdivision 27, with whom the child resided immediately prior to child welfare involvement unless:

 

(i) the child was in the custody of a Minnesota county or tribal agency pursuant to an order under chapter 260C or equivalent provisions of tribal code and the agency had placement and care responsibility for permanency planning for the child; and

 

(ii) the child is under guardianship of the commissioner of human services according to the requirements of section 260C.325, subdivision 1, paragraphs (a) and (b), or subdivision 3, paragraphs (a) and (b), or is a ward of a Minnesota tribal court after termination of parental rights, suspension of parental rights, or a finding by the tribal court that the child cannot safely return to the care of the parent;

 

(3) a child's legal custodian or guardian who is now adopting the child;

 

(4) an individual adopting a child who is the subject of a direct adoptive placement under section 259.47 or the equivalent in tribal code; or

 

(5) an individual who is adopting a child who is not a citizen or resident of the United States and was either adopted in another country or brought to this country for the purposes of adoption.


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Sec. 4.  [259A.15] ESTABLISHMENT OF ADOPTION ASSISTANCE ELIGIBILITY.

 

Subdivision 1.  Adoption assistance certification.  (a) The child-placing agency shall certify a child as eligible for adoption assistance according to requirements and procedures, and on forms prescribed by the commissioner.  Documentation from a qualified expert must be provided to verify that a child meets the special needs criteria in section 259A.10, subdivision 2.

 

(b) Expert documentation of a disability is limited to evidence deemed appropriate by the commissioner and must be submitted with the certification.  Examples of appropriate documentation include, but are not limited to, medical records, psychological assessments, educational or early childhood evaluations, court findings, and social and medical history.

 

(c) Documentation that the child is an at-risk child must be submitted according to requirements and procedures prescribed by the commissioner.

 

Subd. 2.  Adoption assistance agreement.  (a) An adoption assistance agreement is a binding contract between the adopting parent, the child-placing agency, and the commissioner.  The agreement outlines the benefits to be provided on behalf of an eligible child.

 

(b) In order to receive adoption assistance benefits, a written agreement on a form prescribed by the commissioner must be signed by the parent, an approved representative from the child-placing agency, and the commissioner prior to the effective date of the adoption decree.  No later than 30 days after the parent is approved for the adoptive placement, the agreement must be negotiated with the parent as required in section 259A.25, subdivision 1.  Adoption assistance must be approved or denied by the commissioner no later than 15 business days after the receipt of a complete adoption assistance application prescribed by the commissioner.  A fully executed copy of the signed agreement must be given to each party.  Termination or disruption of the adoptive placement preceding adoption finalization makes the agreement with that parent void.

 

(c) The agreement must specify the following:

 

(1) duration of the agreement;

 

(2) the nature and amount of any payment, services, and assistance to be provided under the agreement;

 

(3) the child's eligibility for Medicaid services;

 

(4) the terms of the payment;

 

(5) eligibility for reimbursement of nonrecurring expenses associated with adopting the child, to the extent that the total cost does not exceed $2,000 per child;

 

(6) that the agreement will remain in effect regardless of the state in which the adoptive parent resides at any given time;

 

(7) provisions for modification of the terms of the agreement; and

 

(8) the effective date of the agreement.

 

(d) The agreement is effective on the date of the adoption decree.


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Subd. 3.  Assessment tool.  An assessment tool prescribed by the commissioner must be completed for any child who has a documented disability that necessitates care, supervision, and structure beyond that ordinarily provided in a family setting to children of the same age.  This assessment tool must be submitted with the adoption assistance certification and establishes eligibility for the amount of assistance requested.

 

Sec. 5.  [259A.20] BENEFITS AND PAYMENTS.

 

Subdivision 1.  General information.  (a) Payments to parents under adoption assistance must be made monthly.

 

(b) Payments must commence when the commissioner receives the adoption decree from the court, the child-placing agency, or the parent.  Payments must be made according to requirements and procedures prescribed by the commissioner.

 

(c) Payments shall only be made to the adoptive parent specified on the agreement.  If there is more than one adoptive parent, both parties must be listed as the payee unless otherwise specified in writing according to requirements and procedures prescribed by the commissioner.

 

(d) Payment must be considered income and resource attributable to the child.  Payment must not be assigned or transferred to another party.  Payment is exempt from garnishment, except as permissible under the laws of the state where the child resides.

 

Subd. 2.  Medical assistance eligibility.  Eligibility for medical assistance for children receiving adoption assistance is as specified in section 256B.055.

 

Subd. 3.  Payments.  (a) The basic maintenance payments must be made according to the following schedule for all children except those eligible for adoption assistance based on being an at-risk child:

 

Birth through age five

up to $247 per month

Age six through age 11

up to $277 per month

Age 12 through age 14

up to $307 per month

Age 15 and older

up to $337 per month

 

A child must receive the maximum payment amount for the child's age, unless a lesser amount is negotiated with and agreed to by the prospective adoptive parent.

 

(b) Supplemental needs payments, in addition to basic maintenance payments, are available based on the severity of a child's disability and the level of parenting required to care for the child, and must be made according to the following amounts:

 

Level I

up to $150 per month

Level II

up to $275 per month

Level III

up to $400 per month

Level IV

up to $500 per month

 

A child's level shall be assessed on an assessment tool prescribed by the commissioner.  A child must receive the maximum payment for the child's assessed level, unless a lesser amount is negotiated with and agreed to by the prospective adoptive parent.

 

Subd. 4.  Reimbursement for special nonmedical expenses.  (a) Reimbursement for special nonmedical expenses is available to children, except those eligible for adoption assistance based on being an at-risk child.


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(b) Reimbursements under this paragraph shall be made only after the adoptive parent documents that the requested service was denied by the local social service agency, community agencies, local school district, local public health department, the parent's insurance provider, or the child's program.  The denial must be for an eligible service or qualified item under the program requirements of the applicable agency or organization.

 

(c) Reimbursements must be previously authorized, adhere to the requirements and procedures prescribed by the commissioner, and be limited to:

 

(1) child care for a child age 12 and younger, or for a child age 13 or 14 who has a documented disability that requires special instruction for and services by the child care provider.  Child care reimbursements may be made if all available adult caregivers are employed or attending educational or vocational training programs.  If a parent is attending an educational or vocational training program, child care reimbursement is limited to no more than the time necessary to complete the credit requirements for an associate or baccalaureate degree as determined by the educational institution.  Child care reimbursement is not limited for an adoptive parent completing basic or remedial education programs needed to prepare for postsecondary education or employment;

 

(2) respite care provided for the relief of the child's parent up to 504 hours of respite care annually;

 

(3) camping up to 14 days per state fiscal year for a child to attend a special needs camp.  The camp must be accredited by the American Camp Association as a special needs camp in order to be eligible for camp reimbursement;

 

(4) postadoption counseling to promote the child's integration into the adoptive family that is provided by the placing agency during the first year following the date of the adoption decree.  Reimbursement is limited to 12 sessions of postadoption counseling;

 

(5) family counseling that is required to meet the child's special needs.  Reimbursement is limited to the prorated portion of the counseling fees allotted to the family when the adoptive parent's health insurance or Medicaid pays for the child's counseling but does not cover counseling for the rest of the family members;

 

(6) home modifications to accommodate the child's special needs upon which eligibility for adoption assistance was approved.  Reimbursement is limited to once every five years per child;

 

(7) vehicle modifications to accommodate the child's special needs upon which eligibility for adoption assistance was approved.  Reimbursement is limited to once every five years per family; and

 

(8) burial expenses up to $1,000, if the special needs, upon which eligibility for adoption assistance was approved, resulted in the death of the child.

 

(d) The adoptive parent shall submit statements for expenses incurred between July 1 and June 30 of a given fiscal year to the state adoption assistance unit within 60 days after the end of the fiscal year in order for reimbursement to occur.

 

Sec. 6.  [259A.25] DETERMINATION OF ADOPTION ASSISTANCE BENEFITS AND PAYMENT.

 

Subdivision 1.  Negotiation of adoption assistance agreement.  (a) A monthly payment is provided as part of the adoption assistance agreement to support the care of a child who has manifested special needs.  The amount of the payment made on behalf of a child eligible for adoption assistance is determined through negotiation between the adoptive parent and the child-placing agency on behalf of the commissioner.  The negotiation shall take into consideration the circumstances of the adopting parent and the needs of the child being adopted.  The income of the adoptive parent must not be taken into consideration when determining eligibility for adoption assistance or the amount of the payments under section 259A.20.  At the written request of the adoptive parent, the amount of the payment in the agreement may be renegotiated when there is a change in the child's needs or the family's circumstances.


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(b) The adoption assistance agreement of a child who is identified as an at-risk child must not include a monthly payment unless and until the potential disability upon which the eligibility for the agreement was based has manifested during childhood.

 

Subd. 2.  Renegotiation of adoption assistance agreement.  (a) An adoptive parent of a child with an adoption assistance agreement may request renegotiation of the agreement when there is a change in the needs of the child or in the family's circumstances.  When an adoptive parent requests renegotiation of the agreement, a reassessment of the child must be completed by:  (1) the responsible social services agency in the child's county of residence; or (2) the child-placing agency that facilitated the adoption when the child's residence is out of state.  If the reassessment indicates that the child's needs have changed, the child-placing agency, on behalf of the commissioner and the parent, shall renegotiate the agreement to include a payment of the level determined appropriate through the reassessment process using the assessment tool prescribed by the commissioner according to section 259A.15, subdivision 3.  The agreement must not be renegotiated unless the commissioner and the parent mutually agree to the changes.  The effective date of any renegotiated agreement must be determined according to requirements and procedures prescribed by the commissioner.

 

(b) An adoptive parent of a child with an adoption assistance agreement based on the child being an at-risk child may request renegotiation of the agreement to include a monthly payment.  The parent must have written documentation from a qualified expert that the potential disability upon which eligibility for adoption assistance was approved has manifested.  Documentation of the disability must be limited to evidence deemed appropriate by the commissioner.  Prior to renegotiating the agreement, a reassessment of the child must be conducted using an assessment tool prescribed by the commissioner according to section 259A.15, subdivision 3.  The reassessment must be used to renegotiate the agreement to include an appropriate monthly payment.  The agreement must not be renegotiated unless the commissioner and the adoptive parent mutually agree to the changes.  The effective date of any renegotiated agreement must be determined according to requirements and procedures prescribed by the commissioner.

 

Subd. 3.  Child income or income attributable to the child.  No income received by a child will be considered in determining a child's adoption assistance payment amount.  If a child for whom a parent is receiving adoption assistance is also receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Retirement, Survivors, Disability Insurance (RSDI), the certifying agency shall inform the adoptive parent that the child's adoption assistance must be reported to the Social Security Administration.

 

Sec. 7.  [259A.30] REPORTING RESPONSIBILITIES.

 

Subdivision 1.  Notification of change.  (a) An adoptive parent who has an adoption assistance agreement shall keep the agency administering the program informed of changes in status or circumstances that would make the child ineligible for the payments or eligible for payments in a different amount.

 

(b) As long as the agreement is in effect, the adoptive parent agrees to notify the agency administering the program in writing within 30 days of any of the following changes:

 

(1) the child's or adoptive parent's legal name;

 

(2) the family's address;

 

(3) the child's legal custody status;

 

(4) the child's completion of high school, if this occurs after the child attains age 18;

 

(5) the end of an adoptive parent's legal responsibility to support the child based on:  termination of parental rights of the adoptive parent, transfer of guardianship to another person, or transfer of permanent legal and physical custody to another person;


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(6) the end of an adoptive parent's financial support of the child;

 

(7) the death of the child;

 

(8) the death of the adoptive parent;

 

(9) the child enlists in the military;

 

(10) the child gets married;

 

(11) the child becomes an emancipated minor through legal action;

 

(12) the adoptive parents separate or divorce;

 

(13) the child is residing outside the adoptive home for a period of more than 30 consecutive days; and

 

(14) the child's status upon which eligibility for extension under section 259A.45, subdivision 2 or 3, was based.

 

Subd. 2.  Correct and true information.  If the adoptive parent reports information the adoptive parent knows is untrue, the adoptive parent fails to notify the commissioner of changes that may affect eligibility, or the agency administering the program receives information the adoptive parent did not report, the adoptive parent may be investigated for theft and, if charged and convicted, shall be sentenced under section 609.52, subdivision 3, clauses (1) to (5).

 

Sec. 8.  [259A.35] TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT.

 

Subdivision 1.  Reasons for termination.  (a) An adoption assistance agreement shall terminate in any of the following circumstances:

 

(1) the child has attained the age of 18, or up to age 21, when the child meets a condition for extension as outlined in section 259A.45, subdivision 1;

 

(2) the child has not attained the age of 18, but the commissioner determines the adoptive parent is no longer legally responsible for support of the child;

 

(3) the commissioner determines the adoptive parent is no longer providing financial support to the child up to age 21;

 

(4) the death of the child; or

 

(5) the adoptive parent requests in writing termination of the adoption assistance agreement.

 

(b) An adoptive parent is considered no longer legally responsible for support of the child in any of the following circumstances:

 

(1) parental rights to the child are legally terminated or a court accepted the parent's consent to adoption under chapter 260C;

 

(2) permanent legal and physical custody or guardianship of the child is transferred to another individual;

 

(3) death of adoptive parent;

 

(4) child enlists in the military;


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(5) child gets married; or

 

(6) child is determined an emancipated minor through legal action.

 

Subd. 2.  Death of adoptive parent or adoption dissolution.  The adoption assistance agreement ends upon death or termination of parental rights of both adoptive parents in the case of a two-parent adoption, or the sole adoptive parent in the case of a single-parent adoption.  The child's adoption assistance eligibility may be continued according to section 259A.40.

 

Subd. 3.  Termination notice for parent.  The commissioner shall provide the child's parent written notice of termination of payment.  Termination notices must be sent according to the requirements and procedures prescribed by the commissioner.

 

Sec. 9.  [259A.40] ASSIGNMENT OF ADOPTION ASSISTANCE AGREEMENT.

 

Subdivision 1.  Continuing child's eligibility for title IV-E adoption assistance in a subsequent adoption.  (a) The child maintains eligibility for title IV-E adoption assistance in a subsequent adoption if the following criteria are met:

 

(1) the child is determined to be a child with special needs as outlined in section 259A.10, subdivision 2; and

 

(2) the subsequent adoptive parent resides in Minnesota.

 

(b) If the child had a title IV-E adoption assistance agreement prior to the death of the adoptive parent or dissolution of the adoption, and the subsequent adoptive parent resides outside of Minnesota, the state is not responsible for determining whether the child meets the definition of special needs, entering into the adoption assistance agreement, and making any adoption assistance payments outlined in the new agreement unless a state agency in Minnesota has responsibility for placement and care of the child at the time of the subsequent adoption.  If there is no state agency in Minnesota that has responsibility for placement and care of the child at the time of the subsequent adoption, it is the public child welfare agency in the subsequent adoptive parent's residence that is responsible for determining whether the child meets the definition of special needs and entering into the adoption assistance agreement.

 

Subd. 2.  Assigning a child's adoption assistance to a court-appointed guardian.  (a) State-funded adoption assistance may be continued with the written consent of the commissioner to an individual who is a guardian appointed by a court for the child upon the death of both the adoptive parents in the case of a two-parent adoption, or the sole adoptive parent in the case of a single-parent adoption, unless the child is under the custody of a child-placing agency.

 

(b) Temporary assignment of adoption assistance may be approved by the commissioner for a maximum of six consecutive months from the death of the parent or parents and must adhere to the requirements and procedures prescribed by the commissioner.  If, within six months, the child has not been adopted by a person agreed upon by the commissioner, or if a court has not appointed a legal guardian under either section 260C.325 or 524.5-313, or similar law of another jurisdiction, the adoption assistance shall terminate.  Upon assignment of payments pursuant to this subdivision, funding shall be from state funds only.

 

Sec. 10.  [259A.45] EXTENSION OF ADOPTION ASSISTANCE AGREEMENT.

 

Subdivision 1.  General requirements.  (a) Under certain limited circumstances a child may qualify for extension of the adoption assistance agreement beyond the date the child attains age 18, up to the date the child attains the age of 21.


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(b) A request for extension of the adoption assistance agreement must be completed in writing and submitted, including all supporting documentation, by the adoptive parent at least 60 calendar days prior to the date that the current agreement will terminate.

 

(c) A signed amendment to the current adoption assistance agreement must be fully executed between the adoptive parent and the commissioner at least ten business days prior to the termination of the current agreement.  The request for extension and the fully executed amendment must be made according to the requirements and procedures prescribed by the commissioner, including documentation of eligibility, and on forms prescribed by the commissioner.

 

(d) If a child-placing agency is certifying a child for adoption assistance and the child will attain the age of 18 within 60 calendar days of submission, the request for extension must be completed in writing and submitted, including all supporting documentation, with the adoption assistance application.

 

Subd. 2.  Extension past age 18 for child adopted after 16th birthday.  A child who has attained the age of 16 prior to finalization of the child's adoption is eligible for extension of the adoption assistance agreement up to the date the child attains age 21 if the child is:

 

(1) dependent on the adoptive parent for care and financial support; and

 

(2)(i) completing a secondary education program or a program leading to an equivalent credential;

 

(ii) enrolled in an institution that provides postsecondary or vocational education;

 

(iii) participating in a program or activity designed to promote or remove barriers to employment;

 

(iv) employed for at least 80 hours per month; or

 

(v) incapable of doing any of the activities described in clauses (i) to (iv) due to a medical condition where incapability is supported by documentation from an expert according to the requirements and procedures prescribed by the commissioner.

 

Subd. 3.  Extension past age 18 for child adopted prior to 16th birthday.  A child who has not attained the age of 16 prior to finalization of the child's adoption is eligible for extension of the adoption assistance agreement up to the date the child attains the age of 21 if the child is:

 

(1) dependent on the adoptive parent for care and financial support; and

 

(2)(i) enrolled in a secondary education program or a program leading to the equivalent; or

 

(ii) incapable of sustaining employment because of the continuation of a physical or mental disability, upon which eligibility for adoption assistance was approved.

 

Sec. 11.  [259A.50] OVERPAYMENTS OF ADOPTION ASSISTANCE.

 

An amount of adoption assistance paid to an adoptive parent in excess of the payment that was actually due is recoverable by the commissioner, even when the overpayment was caused by agency error or circumstances outside the responsibility and control of the parent or provider.  Adoption assistance amounts covered by this section include basic maintenance needs payments, monthly supplemental maintenance needs payments, reimbursement of nonrecurring adoption expenses, reimbursement of special nonmedical costs, and reimbursement of medical costs.


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Sec. 12.  [259A.55] APPEALS AND FAIR HEARINGS.

 

Subdivision 1.  Appeals for denials, modifications, or terminations.  An adoptive parent or a prospective adoptive parent has the right to appeal to the commissioner under section 256.045, for reasons including, but not limited to:  when eligibility for adoption assistance is denied, when a specific payment or reimbursement is modified or denied, and when the agreement for an eligible child is terminated.  A prospective adoptive parent who disagrees with a decision by the commissioner prior to finalization of the adoption may request review of the decision by the commissioner, or may appeal the decision under section 256.045.

 

Subd. 2.  Extenuating circumstances.  (a) An adoption assistance agreement must be signed and fully executed prior to the court order that finalizes the adoption.  An adoptive parent who believes that extenuating circumstances exist, as to why the adoption was finalized prior to fully executing an adoption assistance agreement, may request a fair hearing.  The parent has the responsibility to prove the existence of extenuating circumstances, such as:

 

(1) relevant facts regarding the child were known by the child-placing agency and not presented to the parent prior to finalization of the adoption; or

 

(2) the child-placing agency failed to advise a potential parent about the availability of adoption assistance for a child in the county-paid foster care system.

 

(b) If an appeals judge finds through the fair hearing process that extenuating circumstances existed and that the child met all eligibility criteria at the time the adoption was finalized, the effective date and any associated federal financial participation shall be retroactive to the date of the request for a fair hearing.

 

Sec. 13.  [259A.65] INTERSTATE COMPACT ON ADOPTION AND MEDICAL ASSISTANCE.

 

Subdivision 1.  Purpose.  It is the purpose and policy of the state of Minnesota to:

 

(1) enter into interstate agreements with agencies of other states to safeguard and protect the interests of children covered by an adoption assistance agreement when they are adopted across state lines or move to another state after adoption finalization; and

 

(2) provide a framework for uniformity and consistency in administrative procedures when a child with special needs is adopted by a family in another state and for children adopted in Minnesota who move to another state.

 

Subd. 2.  Definitions.  For the purposes of this section, the terms defined in this subdivision have the meanings given them, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

 

(a) "Adoption assistance state" means the state that certifies eligibility for Medicaid in an adoption assistance agreement.

 

(b) "Resident state" means the state where the adopted child is a resident.

 

(c) "State" means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, or a territory or possession of the United States.

 

Subd. 3.  Compacts authorized.  The commissioner is authorized to develop, negotiate, and enter into one or more interstate compacts on behalf of this state with other states to implement Medicaid for children with adoption assistance agreements.


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Subd. 4.  Contents of compacts.  (a) A compact must include:

 

(1) a provision allowing all states to join the compact;

 

(2) a provision for withdrawal from the compact upon written notice to the parties, effective one year after the notice is provided;

 

(3) a requirement that the protections afforded under the compact continue in force for the duration of the adoption assistance from a party state other than the one in which the adopted child is a resident;

 

(4) a requirement that each instance of adoption assistance to which the compact applies be covered by an adoption assistance agreement in writing between the adoptive parent and the state child welfare agency of the state that provides the adoption assistance, and that the agreement be expressly for the benefit of the adopted child and enforceable by the adoptive parent and the state agency providing the adoption assistance; and

 

(5) other provisions necessary and appropriate for the proper administration of the compact.

 

(b) A compact may contain provisions establishing requirements and entitlements to medical, developmental, child care, or other social services for the child under state law, even though the child and the adoptive parent are in a state other than the one responsible for or providing the services or funds to pay part or all of the costs.

 

Subd. 5.  Duties of commissioner of human services regarding medical assistance.  (a) The commissioner of human services shall:

 

(1) provide Minnesota medical assistance for an adopted child who is title IV-E eligible;

 

(2) provide Minnesota medical assistance for an adopted child who is not title IV-E eligible who:

 

(i) was determined to have a special need for medical or rehabilitative care;

 

(ii) is living in another state; and

 

(iii) is covered by an adoption assistance agreement made by the commissioner for medical coverage or benefits when the child is not eligible for Medicaid in the child's residence state;

 

(3) consider the holder of a medical assistance identification card under this subdivision as any other recipient of medical assistance under chapter 256B; and

 

(4) process and make payments on claims for the recipient in the same manner as for other recipients of medical assistance.

 

(b) Coverage must be limited to providers authorized by Minnesota's medical assistance program, and according to Minnesota's program requirements.

 

Subd. 6.  Cooperation with Medicaid.  The adoptive parent shall cooperate with and abide by the Medicaid program requirements and procedures of the state which provides medical coverage.

 

Subd. 7.  Federal participation.  The commissioner shall apply for and administer all relevant aid in accordance with state and federal law.


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Sec. 14.  [259A.70] REIMBURSEMENT OF NONRECURRING ADOPTION EXPENSES.

 

(a) The commissioner of human services shall provide reimbursement to an adoptive parent for costs incurred in an adoption of a child with special needs according to section 259A.10, subdivision 2.  Reimbursement shall be made for expenses that are reasonable and necessary for the adoption to occur, subject to a maximum of $2,000.  The expenses must directly relate to the legal adoption of the child, not be incurred in violation of state or federal law, and must not have been reimbursed from other sources or funds.

 

(b) Children who have special needs but are not citizens or residents of the United States and were either adopted in another country or brought to this country for the purposes of adoption are categorically ineligible for this reimbursement program, except if the child meets the eligibility criteria after the dissolution of the international adoption.

 

(c) An adoptive parent, in consultation with the responsible child-placing agency, may request reimbursement of nonrecurring adoption expenses by submitting a complete application, according to the requirements and procedures and on forms prescribed by the commissioner.

 

(d) The commissioner shall determine the child's eligibility for adoption expense reimbursement under title IV-E of the Social Security Act, United States Code, title 42, sections 670 to 676.  If determined eligible, the commissioner of human services shall sign the agreement for nonrecurring adoption expense reimbursement, making this a fully executed agreement.  To be eligible, the agreement must be fully executed prior to the child's adoption finalization.

 

(e) An adoptive parent who has an adoption assistance agreement under section 259A.15, subdivision 2, is not required to make a separate application for reimbursement of nonrecurring adoption expenses for the child who is the subject of that agreement.

 

(f) If determined eligible, the adoptive parent shall submit reimbursement requests within 21 months of the date of the child's adoption decree, and according to requirements and procedures prescribed by the commissioner.

 

Sec. 15.  [259A.75] REIMBURSEMENT OF CERTAIN AGENCY COSTS; PURCHASE OF SERVICE CONTRACTS.

 

Subdivision 1.  General information.  (a) Subject to the procedures required by the commissioner and the provisions of this section, a Minnesota county or tribal social services agency shall receive a reimbursement from the commissioner equal to 100 percent of the reasonable and appropriate cost for contracted adoption placement services identified for a specific child that are not reimbursed under other federal or state funding sources.

 

(b) The commissioner may spend up to $16,000 for each purchase of service contract.  Only one contract per child per adoptive placement is permitted.  Funds encumbered and obligated under the contract for the child remain available until the terms of the contract are fulfilled or the contract is terminated.

 

(c) The commissioner shall set aside an amount not to exceed five percent of the total amount of the fiscal year appropriation from the state for the adoption assistance program to reimburse placing agencies for child-specific adoption placement services.  When adoption assistance payments for children's needs exceed 95 percent of the total amount of the fiscal year appropriation from the state for the adoption assistance program, the amount of reimbursement available to placing agencies for adoption services is reduced correspondingly.

 

Subd. 2.  Child eligibility criteria.  (a) A child who is the subject of a purchase of service contract must:

 

(1) have the goal of adoption, which may include an adoption in accordance with tribal law;

 

(2) be under the guardianship of the commissioner of human services or be a ward of tribal court pursuant to section 260.755, subdivision 20; and


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(3) meet all of the special needs criteria according to section 259A.10, subdivision 2.

 

(b) A child under the guardianship of the commissioner must have an identified adoptive parent and a fully executed adoption placement agreement according to section 260C.613, subdivision 1, paragraph (a).

 

Subd. 3.  Agency eligibility criteria.  (a) A Minnesota county or tribal social services agency shall receive reimbursement for child-specific adoption placement services for an eligible child that it purchases from a private adoption agency licensed in Minnesota or any other state or tribal social services agency.

 

(b) Reimbursement for adoption services is available only for services provided prior to the date of the adoption decree.

 

Subd. 4.  Application and eligibility determination.  (a) A county or tribal social services agency may request reimbursement of costs for adoption placement services by submitting a complete purchase of service application, according to the requirements and procedures and on forms prescribed by the commissioner.

 

(b) The commissioner shall determine eligibility for reimbursement of adoption placement services.  If determined eligible, the commissioner of human services shall sign the purchase of service agreement, making this a fully executed contract.  No reimbursement under this section shall be made to an agency for services provided prior to the fully executed contract.

 

(c) Separate purchase of service agreements shall be made, and separate records maintained, on each child.  Only one agreement per child per adoptive placement is permitted.  For siblings who are placed together, services shall be planned and provided to best maximize efficiency of the contracted hours.

 

Subd. 5.  Reimbursement process.  (a) The agency providing adoption services is responsible to track and record all service activity, including billable hours, on a form prescribed by the commissioner.  The agency shall submit this form to the state for reimbursement after services have been completed.

 

(b) The commissioner shall make the final determination whether or not the requested reimbursement costs are reasonable and appropriate and if the services have been completed according to the terms of the purchase of service agreement.

 

Subd. 6.  Retention of purchase of service records.  Agencies entering into purchase of service contracts shall keep a copy of the agreements, service records, and all applicable billing and invoicing according to the department's record retention schedule.  Agency records shall be provided upon request by the commissioner.

 

Sec. 16.  EFFECTIVE DATE.

 

This article is effective August 1, 2012.

 

ARTICLE 3

CHILD PROTECTION

 

Section 1.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 260.012, is amended to read:

 

260.012 DUTY TO ENSURE PLACEMENT PREVENTION AND FAMILY REUNIFICATION; REASONABLE EFFORTS.

 

(a) Once a child alleged to be in need of protection or services is under the court's jurisdiction, the court shall ensure that reasonable efforts, including culturally appropriate services, by the social services agency are made to prevent placement or to eliminate the need for removal and to reunite the child with the child's family at the earliest possible time, and the court must ensure that the responsible social services agency makes reasonable efforts to finalize an alternative permanent plan for the child as provided in paragraph (e).  In determining reasonable efforts


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to be made with respect to a child and in making those reasonable efforts, the child's best interests, health, and safety must be of paramount concern.  Reasonable efforts to prevent placement and for rehabilitation and reunification are always required except upon a determination by the court that a petition has been filed stating a prima facie case that:

 

(1) the parent has subjected a child to egregious harm as defined in section 260C.007, subdivision 14;

 

(2) the parental rights of the parent to another child have been terminated involuntarily;

 

(3) the child is an abandoned infant under section 260C.301, subdivision 2, paragraph (a), clause (2);

 

(4) the parent's custodial rights to another child have been involuntarily transferred to a relative under section 260C.201, subdivision 11, paragraph (d), clause (1), or a similar law of another jurisdiction; or

 

(5) the parent has committed sexual abuse as defined in section 626.556, subdivision 2, against the child or another child of the parent;

 

(6) the parent has committed an offense that requires registration as a predatory offender under section 243.166, subdivision 1b, paragraph (a) or (b); or

 

(5) (7) the provision of services or further services for the purpose of reunification is futile and therefore unreasonable under the circumstances.

 

(b) When the court makes one of the prima facie determinations under paragraph (a), either permanency pleadings under section 260C.201, subdivision 11, or a termination of parental rights petition under sections 260C.141 and 260C.301 must be filed.  A permanency hearing under section 260C.201, subdivision 11, must be held within 30 days of this determination.

 

(c) In the case of an Indian child, in proceedings under sections 260B.178 or 260C.178, 260C.201, and 260C.301 the juvenile court must make findings and conclusions consistent with the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978, United States Code, title 25, section 1901 et seq., as to the provision of active efforts.  In cases governed by the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978, United States Code, title 25, section 1901, the responsible social services agency must provide active efforts as required under United States Code, title 25, section 1911(d).

 

(d) "Reasonable efforts to prevent placement" means:

 

(1) the agency has made reasonable efforts to prevent the placement of the child in foster care by working with the family to develop and implement a safety plan; or

 

(2) given the particular circumstances of the child and family at the time of the child's removal, there are no services or efforts available which could allow the child to safely remain in the home.

 

(e) "Reasonable efforts to finalize a permanent plan for the child" means due diligence by the responsible social services agency to:

 

(1) reunify the child with the parent or guardian from whom the child was removed;

 

(2) assess a noncustodial parent's ability to provide day-to-day care for the child and, where appropriate, provide services necessary to enable the noncustodial parent to safely provide the care, as required by section 260C.212, subdivision 4;

 

(3) conduct a relative search to identify and provide notice to adult relatives as required under section 260C.212, subdivision 5;


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(4) place siblings removed from their home in the same home for foster care or adoption, or transfer permanent legal and physical custody to a relative.  Visitation between siblings who are not in the same foster care, adoption, or custodial placement or facility shall be consistent with section 260C.212, subdivision 2; and

 

(5) when the child cannot return to the parent or guardian from whom the child was removed, to plan for and finalize a safe and legally permanent alternative home for the child, and considers permanent alternative homes for the child inside or outside of the state, preferably through adoption or transfer of permanent legal and physical custody of the child.

 

(f) Reasonable efforts are made upon the exercise of due diligence by the responsible social services agency to use culturally appropriate and available services to meet the needs of the child and the child's family.  Services may include those provided by the responsible social services agency and other culturally appropriate services available in the community.  At each stage of the proceedings where the court is required to review the appropriateness of the responsible social services agency's reasonable efforts as described in paragraphs (a), (d), and (e), the social services agency has the burden of demonstrating that:

 

(1) it has made reasonable efforts to prevent placement of the child in foster care;

 

(2) it has made reasonable efforts to eliminate the need for removal of the child from the child's home and to reunify the child with the child's family at the earliest possible time;

 

(3) it has made reasonable efforts to finalize an alternative permanent home for the child, and considers permanent alternative homes for the child inside or outside of the state; or

 

(4) reasonable efforts to prevent placement and to reunify the child with the parent or guardian are not required.  The agency may meet this burden by stating facts in a sworn petition filed under section 260C.141, by filing an affidavit summarizing the agency's reasonable efforts or facts the agency believes demonstrate there is no need for reasonable efforts to reunify the parent and child, or through testimony or a certified report required under juvenile court rules.

 

(g) Once the court determines that reasonable efforts for reunification are not required because the court has made one of the prima facie determinations under paragraph (a), the court may only require reasonable efforts for reunification after a hearing according to section 260C.163, where the court finds there is not clear and convincing evidence of the facts upon which the court based its prima facie determination.  In this case when there is clear and convincing evidence that the child is in need of protection or services, the court may find the child in need of protection or services and order any of the dispositions available under section 260C.201, subdivision 1.  Reunification of a surviving child with a parent is not required if the parent has been convicted of:

 

(1) a violation of, or an attempt or conspiracy to commit a violation of, sections 609.185 to 609.20; 609.222, subdivision 2; or 609.223 in regard to another child of the parent;

 

(2) a violation of section 609.222, subdivision 2; or 609.223, in regard to the surviving child; or

 

(3) a violation of, or an attempt or conspiracy to commit a violation of, United States Code, title 18, section 1111(a) or 1112(a), in regard to another child of the parent.;

 

(4) committing sexual abuse as defined in section 626.556, subdivision 2, against the child or another child of the parent; or

 

(5) an offense that requires registration as a predatory offender under section 243.166, subdivision 1b, paragraph (a) or (b).


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(h) The juvenile court, in proceedings under sections 260B.178 or 260C.178, 260C.201, and 260C.301 shall make findings and conclusions as to the provision of reasonable efforts.  When determining whether reasonable efforts have been made, the court shall consider whether services to the child and family were:

 

(1) relevant to the safety and protection of the child;

 

(2) adequate to meet the needs of the child and family;

 

(3) culturally appropriate;

 

(4) available and accessible;

 

(5) consistent and timely; and

 

(6) realistic under the circumstances.

 

In the alternative, the court may determine that provision of services or further services for the purpose of rehabilitation is futile and therefore unreasonable under the circumstances or that reasonable efforts are not required as provided in paragraph (a).

 

(i) This section does not prevent out-of-home placement for treatment of a child with a mental disability when it is determined to be medically necessary as a result of the child's diagnostic assessment or individual treatment plan indicates that appropriate and necessary treatment cannot be effectively provided outside of a residential or inpatient treatment program and the level or intensity of supervision and treatment cannot be effectively and safely provided in the child's home or community and it is determined that a residential treatment setting is the least restrictive setting that is appropriate to the needs of the child.

 

(j) If continuation of reasonable efforts to prevent placement or reunify the child with the parent or guardian from whom the child was removed is determined by the court to be inconsistent with the permanent plan for the child or upon the court making one of the prima facie determinations under paragraph (a), reasonable efforts must be made to place the child in a timely manner in a safe and permanent home and to complete whatever steps are necessary to legally finalize the permanent placement of the child.

 

(k) Reasonable efforts to place a child for adoption or in another permanent placement may be made concurrently with reasonable efforts to prevent placement or to reunify the child with the parent or guardian from whom the child was removed.  When the responsible social services agency decides to concurrently make reasonable efforts for both reunification and permanent placement away from the parent under paragraph (a), the agency shall disclose its decision and both plans for concurrent reasonable efforts to all parties and the court.  When the agency discloses its decision to proceed on both plans for reunification and permanent placement away from the parent, the court's review of the agency's reasonable efforts shall include the agency's efforts under both plans.

 

Sec. 2.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 260C.001, is amended to read:

 

260C.001 TITLE, INTENT, AND CONSTRUCTION.

 

Subdivision 1.  Citation; scope.  (a) Sections 260C.001 to 260C.451 260C.521 may be cited as the child juvenile protection provisions of the Juvenile Court Act. 

 

(b) Juvenile protection proceedings include:

 

(1) a child in need of protection or services matters;

 

(2) permanency matters, including termination of parental rights;


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(3) postpermanency reviews under sections 260C.317 and 260C.521; and

 

(4) adoption matters including posttermination of parental rights proceedings that review the responsible social services agency's reasonable efforts to finalize adoption.

 

Subd. 2.  Child in need of Juvenile protection services proceedings.  (a) The paramount consideration in all juvenile protection proceedings concerning a child alleged or found to be in need of protection or services is the health, safety, and best interests of the child.  In proceedings involving an American Indian child, as defined in section 260.755, subdivision 8, the best interests of the child must be determined consistent with sections 260.751 to 260.835 and the Indian Child Welfare Act, United States Code, title 25, sections 1901 to 1923.

 

(b) The purpose of the laws relating to juvenile courts protection proceedings is:

 

(1) to secure for each child alleged or adjudicated in need of protection or services and under the jurisdiction of the court, the care and guidance, preferably in the child's own home, as will best serve the spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical welfare of the child;

 

(2) to provide judicial procedures which that protect the welfare of the child;

 

(3) to preserve and strengthen the child's family ties whenever possible and in the child's best interests, removing the child from the custody of parents only when the child's welfare or safety cannot be adequately safeguarded without removal;

 

(4) to ensure that when removal from the child's own family is necessary and in the child's best interests, the responsible social services agency has legal responsibility for the child removal either:

 

(i) pursuant to a voluntary placement agreement between the child's parent or guardian or the child, when the child is over age 18, and the responsible social services agency; or

 

(ii) by court order pursuant to section 260C.151, subdivision 6; 206C.178; or 260C.178; 260C.201; 260C.325; or 260C.515;

 

(5) to ensure that, when placement is pursuant to court order, the court order removing the child or continuing the child in foster care contains an individualized determination that placement is in the best interests of the child that coincides with the actual removal of the child; and

 

(6) to ensure that when the child is removed, the child's care and discipline is, as nearly as possible, equivalent to that which should have been given by the parents and is either in:

 

(i) the home of a noncustodial parent pursuant to section 260C.178 or 260C.201, subdivision 1, paragraph (a), clause (1);

 

(ii) the home of a relative pursuant to emergency placement by the responsible social services agency under chapter 245A; or

 

(iii) a foster home care licensed under chapter 245A.; and

 

(7) to ensure appropriate permanency planning for children in foster care including:

 

(i) unless reunification is not required under section 260.012, developing a permanency plan for the child that includes a primary plan for reunification with the child's parent or guardian and a secondary plan for an alternative, legally permanent home for the child in the event reunification cannot be achieved in a timely manner;


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(ii) identifying, locating, and assessing both parents of the child as soon as possible and offering reunification services to both parents of the child as required under section 260.012 and 260C.219;

 

(iii) identifying, locating, and notifying relatives of both parents of the child according to section 260C.221;

 

(iv) making a placement with a family that will commit to being the legally permanent home for the child in the event reunification cannot occur at the earliest possible time while at the same time actively supporting the reunification plan; and

 

(v) returning the child home with supports and services, as soon as return is safe for the child, or when safe return cannot be timely achieved, moving to finalize another legally permanent home for the child.

 

Subd. 3.  Permanency and, termination of parental rights, and adoption.  The purpose of the laws relating to permanency and, termination of parental rights, and children who come under the guardianship of the commissioner of human services is to ensure that:

 

(1) when required and appropriate, reasonable efforts have been made by the social services agency to reunite the child with the child's parents in a home that is safe and permanent; and

 

(2) if placement with the parents is not reasonably foreseeable, to secure for the child a safe and permanent placement according to the requirements of section 260C.212, subdivision 2, preferably with adoptive parents or, if that is not possible or in the best interests of the child, a fit and willing relative through transfer of permanent legal and physical custody to that relative; and

 

(3) when a child is under the guardianship of the commissioner of human services, reasonable efforts are made to finalize an adoptive home for the child in a timely manner.

 

Nothing in this section requires reasonable efforts to prevent placement or to reunify the child with the parent or guardian to be made in circumstances where the court has determined that the child has been subjected to egregious harm, when the child is an abandoned infant, the parent has involuntarily lost custody of another child through a proceeding under section 260C.201, subdivision 11 260C.515, subdivision 4, or similar law of another state, the parental rights of the parent to a sibling have been involuntarily terminated, or the court has determined that reasonable efforts or further reasonable efforts to reunify the child with the parent or guardian would be futile.

 

The paramount consideration in all proceedings for permanent placement of the child under section 260C.201, subdivision 11 sections 260C.503 to 260C.521, or the termination of parental rights is the best interests of the child.  In proceedings involving an American Indian child, as defined in section 260.755, subdivision 8, the best interests of the child must be determined consistent with the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978, United States Code, title 25, section 1901, et seq.

 

Subd. 4.  Construction.  The laws relating to the child protection provisions of the juvenile courts protection proceedings shall be liberally construed to carry out these purposes.

 

Sec. 3.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 260C.007, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 4.  Child.  "Child" means an individual under 18 years of age.  For purposes of this chapter and chapter 260D, child also includes individuals under age 21 who are in foster care pursuant to section 260C.451.

 

Sec. 4.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 260C.007, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 26a.  Putative father.  "Putative father" has the meaning given in section 259.21, subdivision 12.


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Sec. 5.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 260C.007, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 27a.  Responsible social services agency.  "Responsible social services agency" means the county social services agency that has responsibility for public child welfare and child protection services and includes the provision of adoption services as an agent of the commissioner of human services.

 

Sec. 6.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 260C.007, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 32.  Sibling.  "Sibling" means one of two or more individuals who have one or both parents in common through blood, marriage, or adoption, including siblings as defined by the child's tribal code or custom.

 

Sec. 7.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 260C.101, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2.  Other matters relating to children.  Except as provided in clause (4), The juvenile court has original and exclusive jurisdiction in proceedings concerning:

 

(1) the termination of parental rights to a child in accordance with the provisions of sections 260C.301 to 260C.328;

 

(2) permanency matters under sections 260C.503 to 260C.521;

 

(3) the appointment and removal of a juvenile court guardian for a child, where parental rights have been terminated under the provisions of sections 260C.301 to 260C.328;

 

(3) (4) judicial consent to the marriage of a child when required by law;

 

(4) the juvenile court in those counties in which the judge of the probate-juvenile court has been admitted to the practice of law in this state shall proceed under the laws relating to adoptions in all adoption matters.  In those counties in which the judge of the probate-juvenile court has not been admitted to the practice of law in this state the district court shall proceed under the laws relating to adoptions in

 

(5) all adoption matters and review of the efforts to finalize the adoption of the child under section 260C.317;

 

(5) (6) the review of the placement of a child who is in foster care pursuant to a voluntary placement agreement between the child's parent or parents and the responsible social services agency under section 260C.212, subdivision 8 260C.227; or between the child, when the child is over age 18, and the agency under section 260C.229; and

 

(6) (7) the review of voluntary foster care placement of a child for treatment under chapter 260D according to the review requirements of that chapter.

 

Sec. 8.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 260C.150, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Determining parentage.  (a) A parent and child relationship may be established under this chapter according to the requirements of section 257.54 and.  The requirements of the Minnesota Parentage Act, sections 257.51 to 257.74, must be followed unless otherwise specified in this section.

 

(b) An action to establish a parent and child relationship under this chapter must be commenced by motion, which shall be personally served upon the alleged parent and served upon all required parties under the Minnesota Parentage Act as provided for service of motions in the Minnesota Rules of Juvenile Protection Procedure.  The motion shall be brought in an existing juvenile protection proceeding and may be brought by any party, a putative father, or the county attorney representing the responsible social services agency. 


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(c) Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, a motion to establish parentage under this section, and any related documents or orders, are not confidential and are accessible to the public according to the provisions of the Minnesota Rules of Juvenile Protection Procedure.  Any hearings related to establishment of paternity under this section are accessible to the public according to the Minnesota Rules of Juvenile Protection Procedure.

 

(d) The court may order genetic testing of any putative father or any man presumed to be the father of a child who is the subject of a juvenile protection matter unless paternity of the child has already been adjudicated under the Minnesota Parentage Act or if a recognition of parentage has been fully executed and filed under section 257.75 when the recognition of parentage has the force and effect of a judgment or order determining the existence of the parent and child relationship under section 257.66.  If genetic testing is ordered, a positive genetic test under section 257.62, subdivision 5, is required to establish paternity for a child under this chapter.

 

(e) A copy of the order establishing the parent and child relationship shall be filed in family court.  Any further proceedings for modification of the child support portion of the order that establishes the parent and child relationship shall be brought in the family court of the county where the original order was filed.  The review shall be under chapters 518 and 518A.  Notice of any family court proceedings shall be provided by the court administrator to the responsible social services agency, which shall be a party to the family court proceeding.

 

Sec. 9.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 260C.157, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Investigation.  Upon request of the court the responsible social services agency or probation officer shall investigate the personal and family history and environment of any minor coming within the jurisdiction of the court under section 260C.101 and shall report its findings to the court.  The court may order any minor coming within its jurisdiction to be examined by a duly qualified physician, psychiatrist, or psychologist appointed by the court. 

 

Adoption investigations shall be conducted in accordance with the laws relating to adoptions in chapter 259.  Any funds received under the provisions of this subdivision shall not cancel until the end of the fiscal year immediately following the fiscal year in which the funds were received.  The funds are available for use by the commissioner of corrections during that period and are hereby appropriated annually to the commissioner of corrections as reimbursement of the costs of providing these services to the juvenile courts.

 

Sec. 10.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 260C.163, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  General.  (a) Except for hearings arising under section 260C.425, hearings on any matter shall be without a jury and may be conducted in an informal manner.  In all adjudicatory proceedings involving a child alleged to be in need of protection or services regarding juvenile protection matters under this chapter, the court shall admit only evidence that would be admissible in a civil trial.  To be proved at trial, allegations of a petition alleging a child to be in need of protection or services must be proved by clear and convincing evidence.

 

(b) Except for proceedings involving a child alleged to be in need of protection or services and petitions for the termination of parental rights, hearings may be continued or adjourned from time to time.  In proceedings involving a child alleged to be in need of protection or services and petitions for the termination of parental rights, hearings may not be continued or adjourned for more than one week unless the court makes specific findings that the continuance or adjournment is in the best interests of the child.  If a hearing is held on a petition involving physical or sexual abuse of a child who is alleged to be in need of protection or services or neglected and in foster care, the court shall file the decision with the court administrator as soon as possible but no later than 15 days after the matter is submitted to the court.  When a continuance or adjournment is ordered in any proceeding, the court may make any interim orders as it deems in the best interests of the minor in accordance with the provisions of sections 260C.001 to 260C.421 this chapter.


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(c) Absent exceptional circumstances, hearings under this chapter, except hearings in adoption proceedings, are presumed to be accessible to the public, however the court may close any hearing and the records related to any matter as provided in the Minnesota Rules of Juvenile Protection Procedure.

 

(d) Adoption hearings shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions of laws relating to adoptions are closed to the public and all records related to an adoption are inaccessible except as provided in the Minnesota Rules of Adoption Procedure.

 

(e) In any permanency hearing, including the transition of a child from foster care to independent living, the court shall ensure that its consult with the child during the hearing is in an age-appropriate manner.

 

Sec. 11.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 260C.163, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 4.  County attorney.  Except in adoption proceedings, the county attorney shall present the evidence upon request of the court.  In representing the responsible social services agency, the county attorney shall also have the responsibility for advancing the public interest in the welfare of the child.

 

Sec. 12.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 260C.178, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Hearing and release requirements.  (a) If a child was taken into custody under section 260C.175, subdivision 1, clause (1) or (2), item (ii), the court shall hold a hearing within 72 hours of the time the child was taken into custody, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, to determine whether the child should continue in custody.

 

(b) Unless there is reason to believe that the child would endanger self or others or not return for a court hearing, or that the child's health or welfare would be immediately endangered, the child shall be released to the custody of a parent, guardian, custodian, or other suitable person, subject to reasonable conditions of release including, but not limited to, a requirement that the child undergo a chemical use assessment as provided in section 260C.157, subdivision 1.

 

(c) If the court determines there is reason to believe that the child would endanger self or others or not return for a court hearing, or that the child's health or welfare would be immediately endangered if returned to the care of the parent or guardian who has custody and from whom the child was removed, the court shall order the child into foster care under the legal responsibility of the responsible social services agency or responsible probation or corrections agency for the purposes of protective care as that term is used in the juvenile court rules or into the home of a noncustodial parent and order the noncustodial parent to comply with any conditions the court determines to be appropriate to the safety and care of the child, including cooperating with paternity establishment proceedings in the case of a man who has not been adjudicated the child's father.  The court shall not give the responsible social services legal custody and order a trial home visit at any time prior to adjudication and disposition under section 260C.201, subdivision 1, paragraph (a), clause (3), but may order the child returned to the care of the parent or guardian who has custody and from whom the child was removed and order the parent or guardian to comply with any conditions the court determines to be appropriate to meet the safety, health, and welfare of the child.

 

(d) In determining whether the child's health or welfare would be immediately endangered, the court shall consider whether the child would reside with a perpetrator of domestic child abuse.

 

(e) The court, before determining whether a child should be placed in or continue in foster care under the protective care of the responsible agency, shall also make a determination, consistent with section 260.012 as to whether reasonable efforts were made to prevent placement or whether reasonable efforts to prevent placement are not required.  In the case of an Indian child, the court shall determine whether active efforts, according to the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978, United States Code, title 25, section 1912(d), were made to prevent placement.  The court shall enter a finding that the responsible social services agency has made reasonable efforts to prevent placement when the agency establishes either:


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(1) that it has actually provided services or made efforts in an attempt to prevent the child's removal but that such services or efforts have not proven sufficient to permit the child to safely remain in the home; or

 

(2) that there are no services or other efforts that could be made at the time of the hearing that could safely permit the child to remain home or to return home.  When reasonable efforts to prevent placement are required and there are services or other efforts that could be ordered which would permit the child to safely return home, the court shall order the child returned to the care of the parent or guardian and the services or efforts put in place to ensure the child's safety.  When the court makes a prima facie determination that one of the circumstances under paragraph (g) exists, the court shall determine that reasonable efforts to prevent placement and to return the child to the care of the parent or guardian are not required.

 

If the court finds the social services agency's preventive or reunification efforts have not been reasonable but further preventive or reunification efforts could not permit the child to safely remain at home, the court may nevertheless authorize or continue the removal of the child.

 

(f) The court may not order or continue the foster care placement of the child unless the court makes explicit, individualized findings that continued custody of the child by the parent or guardian would be contrary to the welfare of the child and that placement is in the best interest of the child.

 

(g) At the emergency removal hearing, or at any time during the course of the proceeding, and upon notice and request of the county attorney, the court shall determine whether a petition has been filed stating a prima facie case that:

 

(1) the parent has subjected a child to egregious harm as defined in section 260C.007, subdivision 14;

 

(2) the parental rights of the parent to another child have been involuntarily terminated;

 

(3) the child is an abandoned infant under section 260C.301, subdivision 2, paragraph (a), clause (2);

 

(4) the parents' custodial rights to another child have been involuntarily transferred to a relative under Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 260C.201, subdivision 11, paragraph (e), clause (1); section 260C.515, subdivision 4, or a similar law of another jurisdiction; or

 

(5) the parent has committed sexual abuse as defined in section 626.556, subdivision 2, against the child or another child of the parent;

 

(6) the parent has committed an offense that requires registration as a predatory offender under section 243.166, subdivision 1b, paragraph (a) or (b); or

 

(7) the provision of services or further services for the purpose of reunification is futile and therefore unreasonable.

 

(h) When a petition to terminate parental rights is required under section 260C.301, subdivision 3 or 4, but the county attorney has determined not to proceed with a termination of parental rights petition, and has instead filed a petition to transfer permanent legal and physical custody to a relative under section 260C.201, subdivision 11 260C.507, the court shall schedule a permanency hearing within 30 days of the filing of the petition.

 

(i) If the county attorney has filed a petition under section 260C.307, the court shall schedule a trial under section 260C.163 within 90 days of the filing of the petition except when the county attorney determines that the criminal case shall proceed to trial first under section 260C.201, subdivision 3 260C.503, subdivision 2, paragraph (c).


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(j) If the court determines the child should be ordered into foster care and the child's parent refuses to give information to the responsible social services agency regarding the child's father or relatives of the child, the court may order the parent to disclose the names, addresses, telephone numbers, and other identifying information to the responsible social services agency for the purpose of complying with the requirements of sections 260C.151, 260C.212, and 260C.215.

 

(k) If a child ordered into foster care has siblings, whether full, half, or step, who are also ordered into foster care, the court shall inquire of the responsible social services agency of the efforts to place the children together as required by section 260C.212, subdivision 2, paragraph (d), if placement together is in each child's best interests, unless a child is in placement for treatment or a child is placed with a previously noncustodial parent who is not a parent to all siblings.  If the children are not placed together at the time of the hearing, the court shall inquire at each subsequent hearing of the agency's reasonable efforts to place the siblings together, as required under section 260.012.  If any sibling is not placed with another sibling or siblings, the agency must develop a plan to facilitate visitation or ongoing contact among the siblings as required under section 260C.212, subdivision 1, unless it is contrary to the safety or well-being of any of the siblings to do so.

 

(l) When the court has ordered the child into foster care or into the home of a noncustodial parent, the court may order a chemical dependency evaluation, mental health evaluation, medical examination, and parenting assessment for the parent as necessary to support the development of a plan for reunification required under subdivision 7 and section 260C.212, subdivision 1, or the child protective services plan under section 626.556, subdivision 10, and Minnesota Rules, part 9560.0228.

 

Sec. 13.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 260C.178, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 7.  Out-of-home placement plan.  (a) An out-of-home placement plan required under section 260C.212 shall be filed with the court within 30 days of the filing of a juvenile protection petition alleging the child to be in need of protection or services under section 260C.141, subdivision 1, when the court orders emergency removal of the child under this section, or filed with the petition if the petition is a review of a voluntary placement under section 260C.141, subdivision 2.

 

(b) Upon the filing of the out-of-home placement plan which has been developed jointly with the parent and in consultation with others as required under section 260C.212, subdivision 1, the court may approve implementation of the plan by the responsible social services agency based on the allegations contained in the petition and any evaluations, examinations, or assessments conducted under subdivision 1, paragraph (l).  The court shall send written notice of the approval of the out-of-home placement plan to all parties and the county attorney or may state such approval on the record at a hearing.  A parent may agree to comply with the terms of the plan filed with the court.

 

(c) The responsible social services agency shall make reasonable attempts efforts to engage a parent both parents of the child in case planning.  If the parent refuses to cooperate in the development of the out-of-home placement plan or disagrees with the services recommended by The responsible social service agency, the agency shall note such refusal or disagreement for the court report the results of its efforts to engage the child's parents in the out-of-home placement plan filed with the court.  The agency shall notify the court of the services it will provide or efforts it will attempt under the plan notwithstanding the parent's refusal to cooperate or disagreement with the services.  The parent may ask the court to modify the plan to require different or additional services requested by the parent, but which the agency refused to provide.  The court may approve the plan as presented by the agency or may modify the plan to require services requested by the parent.  The court's approval shall be based on the content of the petition.

 

(d) Unless the parent agrees to comply with the terms of the out-of-home placement plan, the court may not order a parent to comply with the provisions of the plan until the court finds the child is in need of protection or services and orders disposition under section 260C.201, subdivision 1.  However, the court may find that the responsible social services agency has made reasonable efforts for reunification if the agency makes efforts to implement the terms of an out-of-home placement plan approved under this section.


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Sec. 14.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 260C.193, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 3.  Best interest of the child in foster care or residential care.  (a) The policy of the state is to ensure that the best interests of children in foster or residential care, who experience transfer of permanent legal and physical custody to a relative under section 260C.515, subdivision 4, or adoption under chapter 259 are met by requiring individualized determinations under section 260C.212, subdivision 2, paragraph (b), of the needs of the child and of how the selected placement home will serve the needs of the child in foster care placements. 

 

(b) No later than three months after a child is ordered removed from the care of a parent in the hearing required under section 260C.202, the court shall review and enter findings regarding whether the responsible social services agency made:

 

(1) diligent efforts to identify and search for relatives as required under section 260C.212, subdivision 5, 260C.221; and made

 

(2) an individualized determination as required under section 260C.212, subdivision 2, to select a home that meets the needs of the child. 

 

(c) If the court finds the agency has not made efforts as required under section 260C.212, subdivision 5 260C.221, and there is a relative who qualifies to be licensed to provide family foster care under chapter 245A, the court may order the child placed with the relative consistent with the child's best interests. 

 

(d) If the agency's efforts under section 260C.221 are found to be sufficient, the court shall order the agency to continue to appropriately engage relatives who responded to the notice under section 260C.221 in placement and case planning decisions and to appropriately engage relatives who subsequently come to the agency's attention.

 

(c) (e) If the child's birth parent or parents explicitly request that a relative or important friend not be considered, the court shall honor that request if it is consistent with the best interests of the child.  If the child's birth parent or parents express a preference for placing the child in a foster or adoptive home of the same or a similar religious background to that of the birth parent or parents, the court shall order placement of the child with an individual who meets the birth parent's religious preference.

 

(d) (f) Placement of a child cannot be delayed or denied based on race, color, or national origin of the foster parent or the child.

 

(e) (g) Whenever possible, siblings should be placed together unless it is determined not to be in the best interests of a sibling siblings.  If siblings are were not placed together according to section 260C.212, subdivision 2, paragraph (d), the responsible social services agency shall report to the court the efforts made to place the siblings together and why the efforts were not successful.  If the court is not satisfied with that the agency's agency has made reasonable efforts to place siblings together, the court may must order the agency to make further reasonable efforts.  If siblings are not placed together the court shall review order the responsible social services agency's agency to implement the plan for visitation among siblings required as part of the out-of-home placement plan under section 260C.212.  

 

(f) (h) This subdivision does not affect the Indian Child Welfare Act, United States Code, title 25, sections 1901 to 1923, and the Minnesota Indian Family Preservation Act, sections 260.751 to 260.835. 

 

Sec. 15.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 260C.193, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 6.  Jurisdiction to review foster care to age 21, termination of jurisdiction, jurisdiction to age 18.  (a) Jurisdiction over a child in foster care pursuant to section 260C.451 may shall continue to age 21 for the purpose of conducting the reviews required under section 260C.201, subdivision 11, paragraph (d), 260C.212, subdivision 7, or 260C.317, subdivision 3, 260C.203, or 260C.515, subdivision 5 or 6.  Jurisdiction over a child in foster care


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pursuant to section 260C.451 shall not be terminated without giving the child notice of any motion or proposed order to dismiss jurisdiction and an opportunity to be heard on the appropriateness of the dismissal.  When a child in foster care pursuant to section 260C.451 asks to leave foster care or actually leaves foster care, the court may terminate its jurisdiction.

 

(b) Except when a court order is necessary for a child to be in foster care or when continued review under (1) section 260C.212, subdivision 7, paragraph (d), or 260C.201, subdivision 11, paragraph (d), and (2) section 260C.317, subdivision 3, is required for a child in foster care under section 260C.451, The court may terminate jurisdiction on its own motion or the motion of any interested party upon a determination that jurisdiction is no longer necessary to protect the child's best interests except when:

 

(1) a court order is necessary for a child to be in foster care; or

 

(2) continued review under section 260C.203, 260C.515, subdivision 5 or 6, or 260C.317, subdivision 3, is required for a child in foster care under section 260C.451.

 

(c) Unless terminated by the court, and except as otherwise provided in this subdivision, the jurisdiction of the court shall continue until the child becomes 18 years of age.  The court may continue jurisdiction over an individual and all other parties to the proceeding to the individual's 19th birthday when continuing jurisdiction is in the individual's best interest in order to:

 

(1) protect the safety or health of the individual;

 

(2) accomplish additional planning for independent living or for the transition out of foster care; or

 

(3) support the individual's completion of high school or a high school equivalency program.

 

Sec. 16.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 260C.201, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2.  Written findings.  (a) Any order for a disposition authorized under this section shall contain written findings of fact to support the disposition and case plan ordered and shall also set forth in writing the following information:

 

(1) why the best interests and safety of the child are served by the disposition and case plan ordered;

 

(2) what alternative dispositions or services under the case plan were considered by the court and why such dispositions or services were not appropriate in the instant case;

 

(3) when legal custody of the child is transferred, the appropriateness of the particular placement made or to be made by the placing agency using the factors in section 260C.212, subdivision 2, paragraph (b);

 

(4) whether reasonable efforts to finalize the permanent plan for the child consistent with section 260.012 were made including reasonable efforts:

 

(i) to prevent or eliminate the necessity of the child's removal placement and to reunify the family after removal child with the parent or guardian from whom the child was removed at the earliest time consistent with the child's safety.  The court's findings must include a brief description of what preventive and reunification efforts were made and why further efforts could not have prevented or eliminated the necessity of removal or that reasonable efforts were not required under section 260.012 or 260C.178, subdivision 1;


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(ii) to identify and locate any noncustodial or nonresident parent of the child and to assess such parent's ability to provide day-to-day care of the child, and, where appropriate, provide services necessary to enable the noncustodial or nonresident parent to safely provide day-to-day care of the child as required under section 260C.219, unless such services are not required under section 260.012 or 260C.178, subdivision 1;

 

(iii) to make the diligent search for relatives and provide the notices required under section 260C.221; a finding made pursuant to a hearing under section 260C.202 that the agency has made diligent efforts to conduct a relative search and has appropriately engaged relatives who responded to the notice under section 260C.221 and other relatives, who came to the attention of the agency after notice under section 260C.221 was sent, in placement and case planning decisions fulfills the requirement of this item;

 

(iv) to identify and make a foster care placement in the home of an unlicensed relative, according to the requirements of section 245A.035, a licensed relative, or other licensed foster care provider who will commit to being the permanent legal parent or custodian for the child in the event reunification cannot occur, but who will actively support the reunification plan for the child; and

 

(v) to place siblings together in the same home or to ensure visitation is occurring when siblings are separated in foster care placement and visitation is in the siblings' best interests under section 260C.212, subdivision 2, paragraph (d); and

 

(5) if the child has been adjudicated as a child in need of protection or services because the child is in need of special services or care to treat or ameliorate a mental disability or emotional disturbance as defined in section 245.4871, subdivision 15, the written findings shall also set forth:

 

(i) whether the child has mental health needs that must be addressed by the case plan;

 

(ii) what consideration was given to the diagnostic and functional assessments performed by the child's mental health professional and to health and mental health care professionals' treatment recommendations;

 

(iii) what consideration was given to the requests or preferences of the child's parent or guardian with regard to the child's interventions, services, or treatment; and

 

(iv) what consideration was given to the cultural appropriateness of the child's treatment or services.

 

(b) If the court finds that the social services agency's preventive or reunification efforts have not been reasonable but that further preventive or reunification efforts could not permit the child to safely remain at home, the court may nevertheless authorize or continue the removal of the child.

 

(c) If the child has been identified by the responsible social services agency as the subject of concurrent permanency planning, the court shall review the reasonable efforts of the agency to recruit, identify, and make a placement in a home where the foster parent or relative that has committed to being the legally permanent home for the child in the event reunification efforts are not successful develop a permanency plan for the child that includes a primary plan which is for reunification with the child's parent or guardian and a secondary plan which is for an alternative, legally permanent home for the child in the event reunification cannot be achieved in a timely manner.

 

Sec. 17.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 260C.201, subdivision 10, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 10.  Court review of foster care.  (a) If the court orders a child placed in foster care, the court shall review the out-of-home placement plan and the child's placement at least every 90 days as required in juvenile court rules to determine whether continued out-of-home placement is necessary and appropriate or whether the child should be returned home.  This review is not required if the court has returned the child home, ordered the child permanently placed away from the parent under subdivision 11, or terminated rights under section 260C.301.  Court review for a child permanently placed away from a parent, including where the child is under guardianship and legal custody of the commissioner, shall be governed by subdivision 11 or section 260C.317, subdivision 3, whichever is applicable 260C.607.


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(b) No later than six three months after the child's placement in foster care, the court shall review agency efforts pursuant to section 260C.212, subdivision 2 260C.221, and order that the efforts continue if the agency has failed to perform the duties under that section.  The court must order the agency to continue to appropriately engage relatives who responded to the notice under section 260C.221 in placement and case planning decisions and to engage other relatives who came to the agency's attention after notice under section 260C.221 was sent.

 

(c) The court shall review the out-of-home placement plan and may modify the plan as provided under subdivisions 6 and 7.

 

(d) When the court orders transfer of custody to a responsible social services agency resulting in foster care or protective supervision with a noncustodial parent under subdivision 1, the court shall notify the parents of the provisions of subdivisions 11 and subdivision 11a and sections 260C.503 to 260C.521, as required under juvenile court rules.

 

(e) When a child remains in or returns to foster care pursuant to section 260C.451 and the court has jurisdiction pursuant to section 260C.193, subdivision 6, paragraph (c), the court shall at least annually conduct the review required under subdivision 11, paragraph (d), or sections 260C.212, subdivision 7, and 260C.317, subdivision 3 section 260C.203.

 

Sec. 18.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 260C.212, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 5.  Relative search.  (a) The responsible social services agency shall exercise due diligence to identify and notify adult relatives prior to placement or within 30 days after the child's removal from the parent.  The county agency shall consider placement with a relative under subdivision 2 without delay and whenever the child must move from or be returned to foster care.  The relative search required by this section shall be reasonable and comprehensive in scope and may last up to six months or until a fit and willing relative is identified.  After a finding that the agency has made reasonable efforts to conduct the relative search under this paragraph, the agency has the continuing responsibility to appropriately involve relatives, who have responded to the notice required under this paragraph, in planning for the child and to continue to consider relatives according to the requirements of section 260C.212, subdivision 2.  At any time during the course of juvenile protection proceedings, the court may order the agency to reopen its search for relatives when it is in the child's best interest to do so.  The relative search required by this section shall include both maternal relatives of the child and paternal relatives of the child, if paternity is adjudicated.  The search shall also include getting information from the child in an age-appropriate manner about who the child considers to be family members and important friends with whom the child has resided or had significant contact.  The relative search required under this section must fulfill the agency's duties under the Indian Child Welfare Act regarding active efforts to prevent the breakup of the Indian family under United States Code, title 25, section 1912(d), and to meet placement preferences under United States Code, title 25, section 1915.  The relatives must be notified:

 

(1) of the need for a foster home for the child, the option to become a placement resource for the child, and the possibility of the need for a permanent placement for the child;

 

(2) of their responsibility to keep the responsible social services agency informed of their current address in order to receive notice in the event that a permanent placement is sought for the child.  A relative who fails to provide a current address to the responsible social services agency forfeits the right to notice of the possibility of permanent placement.  A decision by a relative not to be identified as a potential permanent placement resource or participate in planning for the child at the beginning of the case shall not affect whether the relative is considered for placement of the child with that relative later;

 

(3) that the relative may participate in the care and planning for the child, including that the opportunity for such participation may be lost by failing to respond to the notice.  "Participate in the care and planning" includes, but is not limited to, participation in case planning for the parent and child, identifying the strengths and needs of the


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parent and child, supervising visits, providing respite and vacation visits for the child, providing transportation to appointments, suggesting other relatives who might be able to help support the case plan, and to the extent possible, helping to maintain the child's familiar and regular activities and contact with friends and relatives; and

 

(4) of the family foster care licensing requirements, including how to complete an application and how to request a variance from licensing standards that do not present a safety or health risk to the child in the home under section 245A.04 and supports that are available for relatives and children who reside in a family foster home.; and

 

(5) of the relatives' right to ask to be notified of any court proceedings regarding the child, to attend the hearings, and of a relative's right or opportunity to be heard by the court as required under section 260C.152, subdivision 5.

 

(b) A responsible social services agency may disclose private or confidential data, as defined in section sections 13.02 and 626.556, to relatives of the child for the purpose of locating and assessing a suitable placement and may use any reasonable means of identifying and locating relatives including the Internet or other electronic means of conducting a search.  The agency shall disclose only data that is necessary to facilitate possible placement with relatives and to ensure that the relative is informed of the needs of the child so the relative can participate in planning for the child and be supportive of services to the child and family.  If the child's parent refuses to give the responsible social services agency information sufficient to identify the maternal and paternal relatives of the child, the agency shall ask the juvenile court to order the parent to provide the necessary information.  If a parent makes an explicit request that relatives or a specific relative not be contacted or considered for placement, the agency shall bring the parent's request to the attention of the court to determine whether the parent's request is consistent with the best interests of the child and the agency shall not contact relatives or a specific relative unless authorized to do so by the juvenile court.

 

(c) At a regularly scheduled hearing not later than three months after the child's placement in foster care and as required in section 260C.202, the agency shall report to the court:

 

(1) its efforts to identify maternal and paternal relatives of the child, to engage the relatives in providing support for the child and family, and document that the relatives have been provided the notice required under paragraph (a); and

 

(2) its decision regarding placing the child with a relative as required under section 260C.212, subdivision 2, and to ask relatives to visit or maintain contact with the child in order to support family connections for the child, when placement with a relative is not possible or appropriate.

 

(d) Notwithstanding chapter 13, the agency shall disclose data about particular relatives identified, searched for, and contacted for the purposes of the court's review of the agency's due diligence.

 

(e) When the court is satisfied that the agency has exercised due diligence to identify relatives and provide the notice required in paragraph (a), the court may find that reasonable efforts have been made to conduct a relative search to identify and provide notice to adult relatives as required under section 260.012, paragraph (e), clause (3).  If the court is not satisfied that the agency has exercised due diligence to identify relatives and provide the notice required in paragraph (a), the court may order the agency to continue its search and notice efforts and to report back to the court.

 

(f) When the placing agency determines that a permanent placement hearing is proceedings are necessary because there is a likelihood that the child will not return to a parent's care, the agency may must send the notice provided in paragraph (d) (g), may ask the court to modify the requirements duty of the agency under this paragraph to send the notice required in paragraph (g), or may ask the court to completely relieve the agency of the requirements of this paragraph (g).  The relative notification requirements of this paragraph (g) do not apply when the child is placed with an appropriate relative or a foster home that has committed to being the adopting the child or taking permanent legal placement for and physical custody of the child and the agency approves of that foster home for permanent placement of the child.  The actions ordered by the court under this section must be consistent with the best interests, safety, permanency, and welfare of the child.


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(d) (g) Unless required under the Indian Child Welfare Act or relieved of this duty by the court under paragraph (c) (e), when the agency determines that it is necessary to prepare for the permanent placement determination hearing proceedings, or in anticipation of filing a termination of parental rights petition, the agency shall send notice to the relatives, any adult with whom the child is currently residing, any adult with whom the child has resided for one year or longer in the past, and any adults who have maintained a relationship or exercised visitation with the child as identified in the agency case plan.  The notice must state that a permanent home is sought for the child and that the individuals receiving the notice may indicate to the agency their interest in providing a permanent home.  The notice must state that within 30 days of receipt of the notice an individual receiving the notice must indicate to the agency the individual's interest in providing a permanent home for the child or that the individual may lose the opportunity to be considered for a permanent placement.

 

(e) The Department of Human Services shall develop a best practices guide and specialized staff training to assist the responsible social services agency in performing and complying with the relative search requirements under this subdivision.

 

Sec. 19.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 260C.212, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 7.  Administrative or court review of placements.  (a) Unless the court is conducting the reviews required under section 260C.202, there shall be an administrative review of the out-of-home placement plan of each child placed in foster care no later than 180 days after the initial placement of the child in foster care and at least every six months thereafter if the child is not returned to the home of the parent or parents within that time.  The out-of-home placement plan must be monitored and updated at each administrative review.  The administrative review shall be conducted by the responsible social services agency using a panel of appropriate persons at least one of whom is not responsible for the case management of, or the delivery of services to, either the child or the parents who are the subject of the review.  The administrative review shall be open to participation by the parent or guardian of the child and the child, as appropriate.

 

(b) As an alternative to the administrative review required in paragraph (a), the court may, as part of any hearing required under the Minnesota Rules of Juvenile Protection Procedure, conduct a hearing to monitor and update the out-of-home placement plan pursuant to the procedure and standard in section 260C.201, subdivision 6, paragraph (d).  The party requesting review of the out-of-home placement plan shall give parties to the proceeding notice of the request to review and update the out-of-home placement plan.  A court review conducted pursuant to section 260C.141, subdivision 2; 260C.193; 260C.201, subdivision 1 or 11; 260C.141, subdivision 2; 260C.317 260C.202; 260C.204; 260C.317; or 260D.06 shall satisfy the requirement for the review so long as the other requirements of this section are met.

 

(c) As appropriate to the stage of the proceedings and relevant court orders, the responsible social services agency or the court shall review:

 

(1) the safety, permanency needs, and well-being of the child;

 

(2) the continuing necessity for and appropriateness of the placement;

 

(3) the extent of compliance with the out-of-home placement plan;

 

(4) the extent of progress which that has been made toward alleviating or mitigating the causes necessitating placement in foster care;

 

(5) the projected date by which the child may be returned to and safely maintained in the home or placed permanently away from the care of the parent or parents or guardian; and

 

(6) the appropriateness of the services provided to the child.


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(d) When a child is age 16 or older, in addition to any administrative review conducted by the agency, at the in-court review required under section 260C.201, subdivision 11, or 260C.317, subdivision 3, clause (3), or 260C.515, subdivision 5 or 6, the court shall review the independent living plan required under section 260C.201, subdivision 1, paragraph (c), clause (11), and the provision of services to the child related to the well-being of the child as the child prepares to leave foster care.  The review shall include the actual plans related to each item in the plan necessary to the child's future safety and well-being when the child is no longer in foster care.

 

(1) (e) At the court review required under paragraph (d) for a child age 16 or older the following procedures apply:

 

(1) six months before the child is expected to be discharged from foster care, the responsible social services agency shall establish that it has given give the written notice required under section 260C.456 or Minnesota Rules, part 9560.0660 260C.451, subdivision 1, regarding the right to continued access to services for certain children in foster care past age 18 and of the right to appeal a denial of social services under section 256.045.  If The agency is unable to establish that shall file a copy of the notice, including the right to appeal a denial of social services, has been given, with the court.  If the agency does not file the notice by the time the child is age 17-1/2, the court shall require the agency to give it.;

 

(2) consistent with the requirements of the independent living plan, the court shall review progress toward or accomplishment of the following goals:

 

(i) the child has obtained a high school diploma or its equivalent;

 

(ii) the child has completed a driver's education course or has demonstrated the ability to use public transportation in the child's community;

 

(iii) the child is employed or enrolled in postsecondary education;

 

(iv) the child has applied for and obtained postsecondary education financial aid for which the child is eligible;

 

(v) the child has health care coverage and health care providers to meet the child's physical and mental health needs;

 

(vi) the child has applied for and obtained disability income assistance for which the child is eligible;

 

(vii) the child has obtained affordable housing with necessary supports, which does not include a homeless shelter;

 

(viii) the child has saved sufficient funds to pay for the first month's rent and a damage deposit;

 

(ix) the child has an alternative affordable housing plan, which does not include a homeless shelter, if the original housing plan is unworkable;

 

(x) the child, if male, has registered for the Selective Service; and

 

(xi) the child has a permanent connection to a caring adult.; and

 

(3) the court shall ensure that the responsible agency in conjunction with the placement provider assists the child in obtaining the following documents prior to the child's leaving foster care:  a Social Security card; the child's birth certificate; a state identification card or driver's license, green card, or school visa; the child's school, medical, and dental records; a contact list of the child's medical, dental, and mental health providers; and contact information for the child's siblings, if the siblings are in foster care.


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(e) When a child is age 17 or older, during the 90-day period immediately prior to the date the child is expected to be discharged from foster care, the responsible social services agency is required to provide the child with assistance and support in developing a transition plan that is personalized at the direction of the child.  (f) For a child who will be discharged from foster care at age 18 or older, the responsible social services agency is required to develop a personalized transition plan as directed by the youth.  The transition plan must be developed during the 90-day period immediately prior to the expected date of discharge.  The transition plan must be as detailed as the child may elect and include specific options on housing, health insurance, education, local opportunities for mentors and continuing support services, and work force supports and employment services.  The plan must include information on the importance of designating another individual to make health care treatment decisions on behalf of the child if the child becomes unable to participate in these decisions and the child does not have, or does not want, a relative who would otherwise be authorized to make these decisions.  The plan must provide the child with the option to execute a health care directive as provided under chapter 145C.  The county shall also provide the individual with appropriate contact information if the individual needs more information or needs help dealing with a crisis situation through age 21.

 

Sec. 20.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 260C.215, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 4.  Consultation with representatives Duties of commissioner.  The commissioner of human services, after seeking and considering advice from representatives reflecting diverse populations from the councils established under sections 3.922, 3.9223, 3.9225, and 3.9226, and other state, local, and community organizations shall: 

 

(1) review and, where necessary, revise the Department of Human Services Social Service Manual and Practice Guide provide practice guidance to responsible social services agencies and child-placing agencies that reflect federal and state laws and policy direction on placement of children;

 

(2) develop criteria for determining whether a prospective adoptive or foster family has the ability to understand and validate the child's cultural background;

 

(3) develop provide a standardized training curriculum for adoption and foster care workers, family-based providers, and administrators who work with children.  Training must address the following objectives:

 

(a) (i) developing and maintaining sensitivity to all cultures;

 

(b) (ii) assessing values and their cultural implications; and

 

(c) (iii) making individualized placement decisions that advance the best interests of a particular child under section 260C.212, subdivision 2; and

 

(iv) issues related to cross-cultural placement;

 

(4) develop provide a training curriculum for family and extended family members all prospective adoptive and foster families that prepares them to care for the needs of adoptive and foster children.  The curriculum must address issues relating to cross-cultural placements as well as issues that arise after a foster or adoptive placement is made taking into consideration the needs of children outlined in section 260C.212, subdivision 2, paragraph (b); and

 

(5) develop and provide to agencies an assessment tool to be used in combination with group interviews and other preplacement activities a home study format to evaluate assess the capacities and needs of prospective adoptive and foster families.  The tool format must assess address problem-solving skills; identify parenting skills; and evaluate the degree to which the prospective family has the ability to understand and validate the child's cultural background, and other issues needed to provide sufficient information for agencies to make an individualized placement decision consistent with section 260C.212, subdivision 2.  If a prospective adoptive parent has also been a


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foster parent, any update necessary to a home study for the purpose of adoption may be completed by the licensing authority responsible for the foster parent's license.  If a prospective adoptive parent with an approved adoptive home study also applies for a foster care license, the license application may be made with the same agency which provided the adoptive home study; and

 

(6) shall consult with representatives reflecting diverse populations from the councils established under sections 3.922, 3.9223, 3.9225, and 3.9226, and other state, local, and community organizations.

 

Sec. 21.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 260C.215, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 6.  Duties of child-placing agencies.  (a) Each authorized child-placing agency must:

 

(1) develop and follow procedures for implementing the requirements of section 260C.193, subdivision 3 260C.212, subdivision 2, and the Indian Child Welfare Act, United States Code, title 25, sections 1901 to 1923;

 

(2) have a written plan for recruiting adoptive and foster families that reflect the ethnic and racial diversity of children who are in need of foster and adoptive homes.  The plan must include:

 

(i) strategies for using existing resources in diverse communities, ;

 

(ii) use of diverse outreach staff wherever possible, ;

 

(iii) use of diverse foster homes for placements after birth and before adoption, ; and

 

(iv) other techniques as appropriate;

 

(3) have a written plan for training adoptive and foster families;

 

(4) have a written plan for employing staff in adoption and foster care who have the capacity to assess the foster and adoptive parents' ability to understand and validate a child's cultural and meet the child's individual needs, and to advance the best interests of the child, as required in section 260C.212, subdivision 2.  The plan must include staffing goals and objectives;

 

(5) ensure that adoption and foster care workers attend training offered or approved by the Department of Human Services regarding cultural diversity and the needs of special needs children; and

 

(6) develop and implement procedures for implementing the requirements of the Indian Child Welfare Act and the Minnesota Indian Family Preservation Act.

 

(b) In determining the suitability of a proposed placement of an Indian child, the standards to be applied must be the prevailing social and cultural standards of the Indian child's community, and the agency shall defer to tribal judgment as to suitability of a particular home when the tribe has intervened pursuant to the Indian Child Welfare Act.

 

Sec. 22.  [260C.229] VOLUNTARY FOSTER CARE FOR CHILDREN OVER AGE 18; REQUIRED COURT REVIEW.

 

(a) When a child asks to continue or to reenter foster care after age 18 under section 260C.451, the child and the responsible social services agency may enter into a voluntary agreement for the child to be in foster care under the terms of section 260C.451.  The voluntary agreement must be in writing and on a form prescribed by the commissioner.


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(b) When the child is in foster care pursuant to a voluntary foster care agreement between the agency and child and the child is not already under court jurisdiction pursuant to section 260C.193, subdivision 6, the agency responsible for the child's placement in foster care shall:

 

(1) file a motion to reopen the juvenile protection matter where the court previously had jurisdiction over the child within 30 days of the child and the agency executing the voluntary placement agreement under paragraph (a) and ask the court to review the child's placement in foster care and find that the placement is in the best interests of the child; and

 

(2) file the out-of-home placement plan required under subdivision 1 with the motion to reopen jurisdiction.

 

(c) The court shall conduct a hearing on the matter within 30 days of the agency's motion to reopen the matter and, if the court finds that placement is in the best interest of the child, shall conduct the review for the purpose and with the content required under section 260C.203, at least every 12 months as long as the child continues in foster care.

 

Sec. 23.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 260C.301, subdivision 8, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 8.  Findings regarding reasonable efforts.  In any proceeding under this section, the court shall make specific findings:

 

(1) that reasonable efforts to prevent the placement and finalize the permanency plan to reunify the child and the parent were made including individualized and explicit findings regarding the nature and extent of efforts made by the social services agency to rehabilitate the parent and reunite the family; or

 

(2) that reasonable efforts at for reunification are not required as provided under section 260.012. 

 

Sec. 24.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 260C.328, is amended to read:

 

260C.328 CHANGE OF GUARDIAN; TERMINATION OF GUARDIANSHIP.

 

(a) Upon its own motion or upon petition of an interested party, the juvenile court having jurisdiction of the child may, after notice to the parties and a hearing, remove the guardian appointed by the juvenile court and appoint a new guardian in accordance with the provisions of section 260C.325, subdivision 1, clause (a), (b), or (c).  Upon a showing that the child is emancipated, the court may discharge the guardianship.  Any child 14 years of age or older who is not adopted but who is placed in a satisfactory foster home, may, with the consent of the foster parents, join with the guardian appointed by the juvenile court in a petition to the court having jurisdiction of the child to discharge the existing guardian and appoint the foster parents as guardians of the child. 

 

(b) The authority of a guardian appointed by the juvenile court terminates when the individual under guardianship is no longer a minor or when guardianship is otherwise discharged becomes age 18.  However, an individual who has been under the guardianship of the commissioner and who has not been adopted may continue in foster care or reenter foster care pursuant to section 260C.451 and the responsible social services agency has continuing legal responsibility for the placement of the individual. 

 

Sec. 25.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 260C.451, is amended to read:

 

260C.451 FOSTER CARE BENEFITS TO AGE 21 PAST AGE 18.

 

Subdivision 1.  Notification of benefits.  Within the Six months prior to the child's 18th birthday, the local responsible social services agency shall advise provide written notice on a form prescribed by the commissioner of human services to any child in foster care under this chapter who cannot reasonably be expected to return home or have another legally permanent family by the age of 18, the child's parents or legal guardian, if any, and the child's guardian ad litem, and the child's foster parents of the availability of benefits of the foster care program up to age 21, when the child is eligible under subdivisions 3 and 3a.


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Subd. 2.  Independent living plan.  Upon the request of any child receiving in foster care benefits immediately prior to the child's 18th birthday and who is in foster care at the time of the request, the local responsible social services agency shall, in conjunction with the child and other appropriate parties, update the independent living plan required under section 260C.212, subdivision 1, paragraph (c), clause (11), related to the child's employment, vocational, educational, social, or maturational needs.  The agency shall provide continued services and foster care for the child including those services that are necessary to implement the independent living plan.

 

Subd. 3.  Eligibility to continue in foster care.  A child already in foster care immediately prior to the child's 18th birthday may continue in foster care past age 18 unless:

 

(1) the child can safely return home;

 

(2) the child is in placement pursuant to the agency's duties under section 256B.092 and Minnesota Rules, parts 9525.0004 to 9525.0016, to meet the child's needs due to developmental disability or related condition, and the child will be served as an adult under section 256B.092 and Minnesota Rules, parts 9525.0004 to 9525.0016; or

 

(3) the child can be adopted or have permanent legal and physical custody transferred to a relative prior to the child's 18th birthday. 

 

Subd. 3a.  Eligibility criteria.  The child must meet at least one of the following conditions to be considered eligible to continue in or return to foster care and remain there to age 21.  The child must be:

 

(1) completing secondary education or a program leading to an equivalent credential;

 

(2) enrolled in an institution which that provides postsecondary or vocational education;

 

(3) participating in a program or activity designed to promote or remove barriers to employment;

 

(4) employed for at least 80 hours per month; or

 

(5) incapable of doing any of the activities described in clauses (1) to (4) due to a medical condition.

 

Subd. 4.  Foster care benefits.  For children between the ages of 18 and 21, "foster care benefits" means payment for those foster care settings defined in section 260C.007, subdivision 18.  Additionally, foster care benefits means payment for a supervised setting, approved by the responsible social services agency, in which a child may live independently.

 

Subd. 5.  Permanent decision Foster care setting.  The particular foster care setting, including supervised settings, shall be selected by the agency and the child based on the best interest of the child consistent with section 260C.212, subdivision 2.  Supervision in approved settings must be determined by an individual determination of the child's needs by the responsible social services agency and consistent with section 260C.212, subdivision 4a.

 

Subd. 6.  Individual plan to age 21 Reentering foster care and accessing services after age 18.  (a) Upon request of an individual between the ages of 18 and 21 who, within six months of the individual's 18th birthday, had been under the guardianship of the commissioner and who has left foster care without being adopted, the responsible social services agency which had been the commissioner's agent for purposes of the guardianship shall develop with the individual a plan related to the individual's vocational, educational, social, or maturational needs to increase the individual's ability to live safely and independently using the plan requirements of section 260C.212, subdivision 1, paragraph (b), clause (11), and to assist the individual to meet one or more of the eligibility criteria in subdivision 4 if the individual wants to reenter foster care.  The agency shall provide foster care with maintenance and counseling benefits as required to implement the plan.  The agency shall enter into a voluntary placement agreement under section 260C.229 with the individual if the plan includes foster care.


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(b) Individuals who had not been under the guardianship of the commissioner of human services prior to age 18 and are between the ages of 18 and 21 may ask to reenter foster care after age 18 and, to the extent funds are available, the responsible social services agency that had responsibility for planning for the individual before discharge from foster care may provide foster care or other services to the individual for the purpose of increasing the individual's ability to live safely and independently and to meet the eligibility criteria in subdivision 3a, if the individual:

 

(1) was in foster care for the six consecutive months prior to the person's 18th birthday and was not discharged home, adopted, or received into a relative's home under a transfer of permanent legal and physical custody under section 260C.515, subdivision 4; or

 

(2) was discharged from foster care while on runaway status after age 15.

 

(c) In conjunction with a qualifying and eligible individual under paragraph (b) and other appropriate persons, the responsible social services agency shall develop a specific plan related to that individual's vocational, educational, social, or maturational needs and, to the extent funds are available, provide foster care as required to implement the plan.  The agency shall enter into a voluntary placement agreement with the individual if the plan includes foster care.

 

(d) Youth who left foster care while under guardianship of the commissioner of human services retain eligibility for foster care for placement at any time between the ages of 18 and 21.

 

Subd. 7.  Jurisdiction.  Notwithstanding that the court retains jurisdiction pursuant to this section, Individuals in foster care pursuant to this section are adults for all purposes except the continued provision of foster care.  Any order establishing guardianship under section 260C.325, any legal custody order under section 260C.201, subdivision 1, and any order for legal custody associated with an order for long-term foster care permanent custody under section 260C.201, subdivision 11 260C.515, subdivision 5, terminates on the child's 18th birthday.  The responsible social services agency has legal responsibility for the individual's placement and care when the matter continues under court jurisdiction pursuant to section 260C.193 or when the individual and the responsible agency execute a voluntary placement agreement pursuant to section 260C.229.

 

Subd. 8.  Notice of termination of foster care.  When a child in foster care between the ages of 18 and 21 ceases to meet one of the eligibility criteria of subdivision 3a, the responsible social services agency shall give the child written notice that foster care will terminate 30 days from the date the notice is sent.  The child or the child's guardian ad litem may file a motion asking the court to review the agency's determination within 15 days of receiving the notice.  The child shall not be discharged from foster care until the motion is heard.  The agency shall work with the child to transition out of foster care as required under section 260C.203, paragraph (e).  The written notice of termination of benefits shall be on a form prescribed by the commissioner and shall also give notice of the right to have the agency's determination reviewed by the court in the proceeding where the court conducts the reviews required under section 260C.203, 260C.317, or 260C.515, subdivision 5 or 6.  A copy of the termination notice shall be sent to the child and the child's attorney, if any, the foster care provider, the child's guardian ad litem, and the court.  The agency is not responsible for paying foster care benefits for any period of time after the child actually leaves foster care.

 

Sec. 26.  [260C.503] PERMANENCY PROCEEDINGS.

 

Subdivision 1.  Required permanency proceedings.  Except for children in foster care pursuant to chapter 260D, where the child is in foster care or in the care of a noncustodial or nonresident parent, the court shall commence proceedings to determine the permanent status of a child by holding the admit-deny hearing required under section 260C.507 not later than 12 months after the child is placed in foster care or in the care of a noncustodial or nonresident parent.  Permanency proceedings for children in foster care pursuant to chapter 260D shall be according to section 260D.07.


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Subd. 2.  Termination of parental rights.  (a) The responsible social services agency must ask the county attorney to immediately file a termination of parental rights petition when:

 

(1) the child has been subjected to egregious harm as defined in section 260C.007, subdivision 14;

 

(2) the child is determined to be the sibling of a child who was subjected to egregious harm;

 

(3) the child is an abandoned infant as defined in section 260C.301, subdivision 3, paragraph (b), clause (2);

 

(4) the child's parent has lost parental rights to another child through an order involuntarily terminating the parent's rights;

 

(5) the parent has committed sexual abuse as defined in section 626.556, subdivision 2, against the child or another child of the parent;

 

(6) the parent has committed an offense that requires registration as a predatory offender under section 243.166, subdivision 1b, paragraph (a) or (b); or

 

(7) another child of the parent is the subject of an order involuntarily transferring permanent legal and physical custody of the child to a relative under this chapter or a similar law of another jurisdiction;

 

The county attorney shall file a termination of parental rights petition unless the conditions of paragraph (d) are met.

 

(b) When the termination of parental rights petition is filed under this subdivision, the responsible social services agency shall identify, recruit, and approve an adoptive family for the child.  If a termination of parental rights petition has been filed by another party, the responsible social services agency shall be joined as a party to the petition.

 

(c) If criminal charges have been filed against a parent arising out of the conduct alleged to constitute egregious harm, the county attorney shall determine which matter should proceed to trial first, consistent with the best interests of the child and subject to the defendant's right to a speedy trial.

 

(d) The requirement of paragraph (a) does not apply if the responsible social services agency and the county attorney determine and file with the court:

 

(1) a petition for transfer of permanent legal and physical custody to a relative under sections 260C.505 and 260C.515, subdivision 3, including a determination that adoption is not in the child's best interests and that transfer of permanent legal and physical custody is in the child's best interests; or

 

(2) a petition under section 260C.141 alleging the child, and where appropriate, the child's siblings, to be in need of protection or services accompanied by a case plan prepared by the responsible social services agency documenting a compelling reason why filing a termination of parental rights petition would not be in the best interests of the child.

 

Subd. 3.  Calculating time to required permanency proceedings.  (a) For purposes of this section, the date of the child's placement in foster care is the earlier of the first court-ordered placement or 60 days after the date on which the child has been voluntarily placed in foster care by the child's parent or guardian.  For purposes of this section, time spent by a child in the home of the noncustodial parent pursuant to court order under section 260C.178 or under the protective supervision of the responsible social services agency in the home of the noncustodial parent pursuant to an order under section 260C.201, subdivision 1, counts towards the requirement of a permanency hearing under this section.  Time spent on a trial home visit counts towards the requirement of a permanency hearing under this section and the permanency progress review required under section 260C.204.


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(b) For the purposes of this section, 12 months is calculated as follows:

 

(1) during the pendency of a petition alleging that a child is in need of protection or services, all time periods when a child is placed in foster care or in the home of a noncustodial parent are cumulated;

 

(2) if a child has been placed in foster care within the previous five years under one or more previous petitions, the lengths of all prior time periods when the child was placed in foster care within the previous five years are cumulated.  If a child under this clause has been in foster care for 12 months or more, the court, if it is in the best interests of the child and for compelling reasons, may extend the total time the child may continue out of the home under the current petition up to an additional six months before making a permanency determination.

 

(c) If the child is on a trial home visit 12 months after the child was placed in foster care or in the care of a noncustodial parent, the responsible social services agency may file a report with the court regarding the child's and parent's progress on the trial home visit and the agency's reasonable efforts to finalize the child's safe and permanent return to the care of the parent in lieu of filing the petition required under section 260C.505.  The court shall make findings regarding the reasonable efforts of the agency to finalize the child's return home as the permanency disposition order in the best interests of the child.  The court may continue the trial home visit to a total time not to exceed six months as provided in section 260C.201, subdivision 1, paragraph (a), clause (3).  If the court finds the agency has not made reasonable efforts to finalize the child's return home as the permanency disposition order in the child's best interests, the court may order other or additional efforts to support the child remaining in the care of the parent.  If a trial home visit ordered or continued at permanency proceedings under sections 260C.503 to 260C.521 terminates, the court shall commence or recommence permanency proceedings under this chapter no later than 30 days after the child is returned to foster care or to the care of a noncustodial parent.

 

Sec. 27.  [260C.505] PETITION.

 

(a) A permanency or termination of parental rights petition must be filed at or prior to the time the child has been in foster care or in the care of a noncustodial or nonresident parent for 11 months or in the expedited manner required in section 260C.503, subdivision 2, paragraph (a).  The court administrator shall serve the petition as required in the Minnesota Rules of Juvenile Protection Procedure and section 260C.152 for the admit-deny hearing on the petition required in section 260C.507.

 

(b) A petition under this section is not required if the responsible social services agency intends to recommend that the child return to the care of the parent from whom the child was removed at or prior to the time the court is required to hold the admit-deny hearing required under section 260C.507.

 

Sec. 28.  [260C.507] ADMIT-DENY HEARING.

 

(a) An admit-deny hearing on the permanency or termination of parental rights petition shall be held not later than 12 months from the child's placement in foster care or an order for the child to be in the care of a noncustodial or nonresident parent.

 

(b) An admit-deny hearing on the termination of parental rights or transfer of permanent legal and physical custody petition required to be immediately filed under section 260C.503, subdivision 2, paragraph (a), shall be within ten days of the filing of the petition.

 

(c) At the admit-deny hearing, the court shall determine whether there is a prima facie basis for finding that the agency made reasonable efforts, or in the case of an Indian child active efforts, for reunification as required or that reasonable efforts for reunification are not required under section 260.012 and proceed according to the Minnesota Rules of Juvenile Protection Procedure.


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Sec. 29.  [260C.509] TRIAL.

 

The permanency proceedings shall be conducted in a timely fashion including that any trial required under section 260C.163 shall be commenced within 60 days of the admit-deny hearing required under section 260C.507.  At the conclusion of the permanency proceedings, the court shall:

 

(1) order the child returned to the care of the parent or guardian from whom the child was removed; or

 

(2) order a permanency disposition under section 260C.515 or termination of parental rights under sections 260C.301 to 260C.328 if a permanency disposition order or termination of parental rights is in the child's best interests.

 

Sec. 30.  [260C.511] BEST INTERESTS OF THE CHILD.

 

(a) The "best interests of the child" means all relevant factors to be considered and evaluated.

 

(b) In making a permanency disposition order or termination of parental rights, the court must be governed by the best interests of the child, including a review of the relationship between the child and relatives and the child and other important persons with whom the child has resided or had significant contact.

 

Sec. 31.  [260C.513] PERMANENCY DISPOSITIONS WHEN CHILD CANNOT RETURN HOME.

 

(a) Termination of parental rights and adoption, or guardianship to the commissioner of human services through a consent to adopt are preferred permanency options for a child who cannot return home.  If the court finds that termination of parental rights and guardianship to the commissioner is not in the child's best interests, the court may transfer permanent legal and physical custody of the child to a relative when that order is in the child's best interests.

 

(b) When the court has determined that permanent placement of the child away from the parent is necessary, the court shall consider permanent alternative homes that are available both inside and outside the state.

 

Sec. 32.  [260C.515] PERMANENCY DISPOSITION ORDERS.

 

Subdivision 1.  Court order required.  If the child is not returned to the home at or before the conclusion of permanency proceedings under sections 260C.503 to 260C.521, the court must order one of the permanency dispositions in this section.

 

Subd. 2.  Termination of parental rights.  The court may order:

 

(1) termination of parental rights when the requirements of sections 260C.301 to 260C.328 are met; or

 

(2) the responsible social services agency to file a petition for termination of parental rights in which case all the requirements of sections 260C.301 to 260C.328 remain applicable.

 

Subd. 3.  Guardianship; commissioner.  The court may order guardianship to the commissioner of human services under the following procedures and conditions:

 

(1) there is an identified prospective adoptive parent agreed to by the responsible social services agency having legal custody of the child pursuant to court order under this chapter and that prospective adoptive parent has agreed to adopt the child;

 

(2) the court accepts the parent's voluntary consent to adopt in writing on a form prescribed by the commissioner, executed before two competent witnesses and confirmed by the consenting parent before the court or executed before court.  The consent shall contain notice that consent given under this chapter:


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(i) is irrevocable upon acceptance by the court unless fraud is established and an order issues permitting revocation as stated in clause (9) unless the matter is governed by the Indian Child Welfare Act, United States Code, title 25, section 1913(c); and

 

(ii) will result in an order that the child is under the guardianship of the commissioner of human services;

 

(3) a consent executed and acknowledged outside of this state, either in accordance with the law of this state or in accordance with the law of the place where executed, is valid;

 

(4) the court must review the matter at least every 90 days under section 260C.317;

 

(5) a consent to adopt under this subdivision vests guardianship of the child with the commissioner of human services and makes the child a ward of the commissioner of human services under section 260C.325;

 

(6) the court must forward to the commissioner a copy of the consent to adopt, together with a certified copy of the order transferring guardianship to the commissioner;

 

(7) if an adoption is not finalized by the identified prospective adoptive parent within six months of the execution of the consent to adopt under this clause, the responsible social services agency shall pursue adoptive placement in another home unless the court finds in a hearing under section 260C.317 that the failure to finalize is not due to either an action or a failure to act by the prospective adoptive parent;

 

(8) notwithstanding clause (7), the responsible social services agency must pursue adoptive placement in another home as soon as the agency determines that finalization of the adoption with the identified prospective adoptive parent is not possible, that the identified prospective adoptive parent is not willing to adopt the child, or that the identified prospective adoptive parent is not cooperative in completing the steps necessary to finalize the adoption;

 

(9) unless otherwise required by the Indian Child Welfare Act, United States Code, title 25, section 1913(c), a consent to adopt executed under this section shall be irrevocable upon acceptance by the court except upon order permitting revocation issued by the same court after written findings that consent was obtained by fraud.

 

Subd. 4.  Custody to relative.  The court may order permanent legal and physical custody to a relative in the best interests of the child according to the following conditions:

 

(1) an order for transfer of permanent legal and physical custody to a relative shall only be made after the court has reviewed the suitability of the prospective legal and physical custodian;

 

(2) in transferring permanent legal and physical custody to a relative, the juvenile court shall follow the standards applicable under this chapter and chapter 260, and the procedures in the Minnesota Rules of Juvenile Protection Procedure;

 

(3) a transfer of legal and physical custody includes responsibility for the protection, education, care, and control of the child and decision making on behalf of the child;

 

(4) a permanent legal and physical custodian may not return a child to the permanent care of a parent from whom the court removed custody without the court's approval and without notice to the responsible social services agency;

 

(5) the social services agency may file a petition naming a fit and willing relative as a proposed permanent legal and physical custodian;


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(6) another party to the permanency proceeding regarding the child may file a petition to transfer permanent legal and physical custody to a relative, but the petition must be filed not later than the date for the required admit/deny hearing under section 260C.507; or if the agency's petition is filed under section 260C.503, subdivision 2, the petition must be filed not later than 30 days prior to the trial required under section 260C.509; and

 

(7) the juvenile court may maintain jurisdiction over the responsible social services agency, the parents or guardian of the child, the child, and the permanent legal and physical custodian for purposes of ensuring appropriate services are delivered to the child and permanent legal custodian for the purpose of ensuring conditions ordered by the court related to the care and custody of the child are met.

 

Subd. 5.  Permanent custody to agency.  The court may order permanent custody to the responsible social services agency for continued placement of the child in foster care but only if it approves the responsible social services agency's compelling reasons that no other permanency disposition order is in the child's best interests, and:

 

(1) the child has reached age 12;

 

(2) the child is a sibling of a child described in clause (1) and the siblings have a significant positive relationship and are ordered into the same foster home;

 

(3) the responsible social services agency has made reasonable efforts to locate and place the child with an adoptive family or a fit and willing relative who would either agree to adopt the child or to a transfer of permanent legal and physical custody of the child, but these efforts have not proven successful; and

 

(4) the parent will continue to have visitation or contact with the child and will remain involved in planning for the child.

 

Subd. 6.  Temporary legal custody to agency.  The court may order temporary legal custody to the responsible social services agency for continued placement of the child in foster care for a specified period of time according to the following conditions:

 

(1) the sole basis for an adjudication that the child is in need of protection or services is the child's behavior;

 

(2) the court finds that foster care for a specified period of time is in the best interests of the child;

 

(3) the court approves the responsible social services agency's compelling reasons that neither an award of permanent legal and physical custody to a relative, nor termination of parental rights is in the child's best interests; and

 

(4) the order specifies that the child continue in foster care no longer than one year.

 

Sec. 33.  [260C.517] FINDINGS AND CONTENT OF ORDER FOR PERMANENCY DISPOSITION.

 

(a) Except for an order terminating parental rights, an order permanently placing a child out of the home of the parent or guardian must include the following detailed findings:

 

(1) how the child's best interests are served by the order;

 

(2) the nature and extent of the responsible social services agency's reasonable efforts, or, in the case of an Indian child, active efforts to reunify the child with the parent or guardian where reasonable efforts are required;

 

(3) the parent's or parents' efforts and ability to use services to correct the conditions which led to the out-of-home placement; and


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(4) that the conditions which led to the out-of-home placement have not been corrected so that the child can safely return home.

 

(b) The court shall issue an order required under section 260C.515 and this section within 15 days of the close of the proceedings.  The court may extend issuing the order an additional 15 days when necessary in the interests of justice and the best interests of the child.

 

Sec. 34.  [260C.519] FURTHER COURT HEARINGS.

 

Once a permanency disposition order has been made, further court hearings are necessary if:

 

(1) the child is ordered on a trial home visit or under the protective supervision of the responsible social services agency;

 

(2) the child continues in foster care;

 

(3) the court orders further hearings in a transfer of permanent legal and physical custody matter including if a party seeks to modify an order under section 260C.521, subdivision 2;

 

(4) an adoption has not yet been finalized; or

 

(5) the child returns to foster care after the court has entered an order for a permanency disposition under this section.

 

Sec. 35.  [260C.521] COURT REVIEWS AFTER PERMANENCY DISPOSITION ORDER.

 

Subdivision 1.  Child in permanent custody of responsible social services agency.  (a) Court reviews of an order for permanent custody to the responsible social services agency for placement of the child in foster care must be conducted at least yearly at an in-court appearance hearing.

 

(b) The purpose of the review hearing is to ensure:

 

(1) the order for permanent custody to the responsible social services agency for placement of the child in foster care continues to be in the best interests of the child and that no other permanency disposition order is in the best interests of the child;

 

(2) that the agency is assisting the child to build connections to the child's family and community; and

 

(3) that the agency is appropriately planning with the child for development of independent living skills for the child, and as appropriate, for the orderly and successful transition to independent living that may occur if the child continues in foster care without another permanency disposition order.

 

(c) The court must review the child's out-of-home placement plan and the reasonable efforts of the agency to finalize an alternative permanent plan for the child including the agency's efforts to:

 

(1) ensure that permanent custody to the agency with placement of the child in foster care continues to be the most appropriate legal arrangement for meeting the child's need for permanency and stability or, if not, to identify and attempt to finalize another permanency disposition order under this chapter that would better serve the child's needs and best interests;

 

(2) identify a specific foster home for the child, if one has not already been identified;

 

(3) support continued placement of the child in the identified home, if one has been identified;


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(4) ensure appropriate services are provided to address the physical health, mental health, and educational needs of the child during the period of foster care and also ensure appropriate services or assistance to maintain relationships with appropriate family members and the child's community; and

 

(5) plan for the child's independence upon the child's leaving foster care living as required under section 260C.212, subdivision 1.

 

(d) The court may find that the agency has made reasonable efforts to finalize the permanent plan for the child when:

 

(1) the agency has made reasonable efforts to identify a more legally permanent home for the child than is provided by an order for permanent custody to the agency for placement in foster care; and

 

(2) the agency's engagement of the child in planning for independent living is reasonable and appropriate.

 

Subd. 2.  Modifying an order for permanent legal and physical custody to a relative.  An order for a relative to have permanent legal and physical custody of a child may be modified using standards under sections 518.18 and 518.185.  The social services agency is a party to the proceeding and must receive notice.

 

Subd. 3.  Modifying order for permanent custody to agency for placement in foster care.  (a) A parent may seek modification of an order for permanent custody of the child to the responsible social services agency for placement in foster care upon motion and a showing by the parent of a substantial change in the parent's circumstances such that the parent could provide appropriate care for the child and that removal of the child from the permanent custody of the agency and the return to the parent's care would be in the best interests of the child.

 

(b) The responsible social services agency may ask the court to vacate an order for permanent custody to the agency upon a petition and hearing pursuant to section 260C.163 establishing the basis for the court to order another permanency disposition under this chapter, including termination of parental rights based on abandonment if the parent has not visited the child, maintained contact with the child, or participated in planning for the child as required under section 260C.515, subdivision 5.  The responsible social services agency must establish that the proposed permanency disposition order is in the child's best interests.  Upon a hearing where the court determines the petition is proved, the court may vacate the order for permanent custody and enter a different order for a permanent disposition that is in the child's best interests.  The court shall not require further reasonable efforts to reunify the child with the parent or guardian as a basis for vacating the order for permanent custody to the agency and ordering a different permanency disposition in the child's best interests.  The county attorney must file the petition and give notice as required under the Minnesota Rules of Juvenile Protection Procedure in order to modify an order for permanent custody under this subdivision.

 

Sec. 36.  EFFECTIVE DATE.

 

This article is effective August 1, 2012.

 

ARTICLE 4

CHILD SUPPORT

 

Section 1.  Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 256.01, subdivision 14b, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 14b.  American Indian child welfare projects.  (a) The commissioner of human services may authorize projects to test tribal delivery of child welfare services to American Indian children and their parents and custodians living on the reservation.  The commissioner has authority to solicit and determine which tribes may participate in a project.  Grants may be issued to Minnesota Indian tribes to support the projects.  The commissioner may waive existing state rules as needed to accomplish the projects.  Notwithstanding section 626.556, the commissioner may authorize projects to use alternative methods of investigating and assessing reports of child maltreatment, provided


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that the projects comply with the provisions of section 626.556 dealing with the rights of individuals who are subjects of reports or investigations, including notice and appeal rights and data practices requirements.  The commissioner may seek any federal approvals necessary to carry out the projects as well as seek and use any funds available to the commissioner, including use of federal funds, foundation funds, existing grant funds, and other funds.  The commissioner is authorized to advance state funds as necessary to operate the projects.  Federal reimbursement applicable to the projects is appropriated to the commissioner for the purposes of the projects.  The projects must be required to address responsibility for safety, permanency, and well-being of children.

 

(b) For the purposes of this section, "American Indian child" means a person under 18 years of age 21 years old and who is a tribal member or eligible for membership in one of the tribes chosen for a project under this subdivision and who is residing on the reservation of that tribe.

 

(c) In order to qualify for an American Indian child welfare project, a tribe must:

 

(1) be one of the existing tribes with reservation land in Minnesota;

 

(2) have a tribal court with jurisdiction over child custody proceedings;

 

(3) have a substantial number of children for whom determinations of maltreatment have occurred;

 

(4) have capacity to respond to reports of abuse and neglect under section 626.556;

 

(5) provide a wide range of services to families in need of child welfare services; and

 

(6) have a tribal-state title IV-E agreement in effect.

 

(d) Grants awarded under this section may be used for the nonfederal costs of providing child welfare services to American Indian children on the tribe's reservation, including costs associated with:

 

(1) assessment and prevention of child abuse and neglect;

 

(2) family preservation;

 

(3) facilitative, supportive, and reunification services;

 

(4) out-of-home placement for children removed from the home for child protective purposes; and

 

(5) other activities and services approved by the commissioner that further the goals of providing safety, permanency, and well-being of American Indian children.

 

(e) When a tribe has initiated a project and has been approved by the commissioner to assume child welfare responsibilities for American Indian children of that tribe under this section, the affected county social service agency is relieved of responsibility for responding to reports of abuse and neglect under section 626.556 for those children during the time within which the tribal project is in effect and funded.  The commissioner shall work with tribes and affected counties to develop procedures for data collection, evaluation, and clarification of ongoing role and financial responsibilities of the county and tribe for child welfare services prior to initiation of the project.  Children who have not been identified by the tribe as participating in the project shall remain the responsibility of the county.  Nothing in this section shall alter responsibilities of the county for law enforcement or court services.

 

(f) Participating tribes may conduct children's mental health screenings under section 245.4874, subdivision 1, paragraph (a), clause (14), for children who are eligible for the initiative and living on the reservation and who meet one of the following criteria:


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(1) the child must be receiving child protective services;

 

(2) the child must be in foster care; or

 

(3) the child's parents must have had parental rights suspended or terminated.

 

Tribes may access reimbursement from available state funds for conducting the screenings.  Nothing in this section shall alter responsibilities of the county for providing services under section 245.487.

 

(g) Participating tribes may establish a local child mortality review panel.  In establishing a local child mortality review panel, the tribe agrees to conduct local child mortality reviews for child deaths or near-fatalities occurring on the reservation under subdivision 12.  Tribes with established child mortality review panels shall have access to nonpublic data and shall protect nonpublic data under subdivision 12, paragraphs (c) to (e).  The tribe shall provide written notice to the commissioner and affected counties when a local child mortality review panel has been established and shall provide data upon request of the commissioner for purposes of sharing nonpublic data with members of the state child mortality review panel in connection to an individual case.

 

(h) The commissioner shall collect information on outcomes relating to child safety, permanency, and well-being of American Indian children who are served in the projects.  Participating tribes must provide information to the state in a format and completeness deemed acceptable by the state to meet state and federal reporting requirements.

 

(i) In consultation with the White Earth Band, the commissioner shall develop and submit to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over health and human services a plan to transfer legal responsibility for providing child protective services to White Earth Band member children residing in Hennepin County to the White Earth Band.  The plan shall include a financing proposal, definitions of key terms, statutory amendments required, and other provisions required to implement the plan.  The commissioner shall submit the plan by January 15, 2012.

 

Sec. 2.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 257.75, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 7.  Hospital and Department of Health distribution of educational materials; recognition form.  Hospitals that provide obstetric services and the state registrar of vital statistics shall distribute the educational materials and recognition of parentage forms prepared by the commissioner of human services to new parents; and shall assist parents in understanding the recognition of parentage form, including following the provisions for notice under subdivision 5; shall aid new parents in properly completing the recognition of parentage form, including providing notary services; and shall timely file the completed recognition of parentage form with the Office of the State Registrar of Vital Statistics.  On and after January 1, 1994, hospitals may not distribute the declaration of parentage forms.

 

Sec. 3.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 518C.205, is amended to read:

 

518C.205 CONTINUING, EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION.

 

(a) A tribunal of this state issuing a support order consistent with the law of this state has continuing, exclusive jurisdiction over a child support order unless:

 

(1) as long as this state remains is no longer the residence of the obligor, the individual obligee, or and the child for whose benefit the support order is issued; or

 

(2) until all of the parties who are individuals have filed written consents with the tribunal of this state for a tribunal of another state to modify the order and assume continuing, exclusive jurisdiction.


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(b) A tribunal of this state issuing a child support order consistent with the law of this state may not exercise its continuing jurisdiction to modify the order if the order has been modified by a tribunal of another state pursuant to this chapter or a law substantially similar to this chapter.

 

(c) If a child support order of this state is modified by a tribunal of another state pursuant to this chapter or a law substantially similar to this chapter, a tribunal of this state loses its continuing, exclusive jurisdiction with regard to prospective enforcement of the order issued in this state, and may only:

 

(1) enforce the order that was modified as to amounts accruing before the modification;

 

(2) enforce nonmodifiable aspects of that order; and

 

(3) provide other appropriate relief for violations of that order which occurred before the effective date of the modification.

 

(d) A tribunal of this state shall recognize the continuing, exclusive jurisdiction of a tribunal of another state which has issued a child support order pursuant to this chapter or a law substantially similar to this chapter.

 

(e) A temporary support order issued ex parte or pending resolution of a jurisdictional conflict does not create continuing, exclusive jurisdiction in the issuing tribunal.

 

(f) A tribunal of this state issuing a support order consistent with the law of this state has continuing, exclusive jurisdiction over a spousal support order throughout the existence of the support obligation.  A tribunal of this state may not modify a spousal support order issued by a tribunal of another state having continuing, exclusive jurisdiction over that order under the law of that state.

 

Sec. 4.  RECIPROCAL AGREEMENT; CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT.

 

The commissioner of human services shall initiate procedures no later than October 1, 2012, to enter into a reciprocal agreement with Bermuda for the establishment and enforcement of child support obligations pursuant to United States Code, title 42, section 659a(d).

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective upon Bermuda's written acceptance and agreement to enforce Minnesota child support orders.  If Bermuda does not accept and declines to enforce Minnesota orders, this section expires October 1, 2013.

 

Sec. 5.  EFFECTIVE DATE.

 

This article is effective August 1, 2012.

 

ARTICLE 5

TECHNICAL AND CONFORMING AMENDMENTS

 

Section 1.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 257.01, is amended to read:

 

257.01 RECORDS REQUIRED.

 

Each person or authorized child-placing agency permitted by law to receive children, secure homes for children, or care for children, shall keep a record containing the name, age, former residence, legal status, health records, sex, race, and accumulated length of time in foster care, if applicable, of each child received; the name, former residence, occupation, health history, and character, of each birth parent; the date of reception, placing out, and adoption of each child, and the name, race, occupation, and residence of the person with whom a child is placed; the date of the


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removal of any child to another home and the reason for removal; the date of termination of the guardianship; the history of each child until the child reaches the age of 18 21 years, is legally adopted, or is discharged according to law; and further demographic and other information as is required by the commissioner of human services.

 

Sec. 2.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 259.69, is amended to read:

 

259.69 TRANSFER OF FUNDS.

 

The commissioner of human services may transfer funds into the subsidized adoption assistance account when a deficit in the subsidized adoption assistance program occurs.

 

Sec. 3.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 259.73, is amended to read:

 

259.73 REIMBURSEMENT OF NONRECURRING ADOPTION EXPENSES.

 

The commissioner of human services shall provide reimbursement of up to $2,000 to the adoptive parent or parents for costs incurred in adopting a child with special needs.  The commissioner shall determine the child's eligibility for adoption expense reimbursement under title IV-E of the Social Security Act, United States Code, title 42, sections 670 to 676.  To be reimbursed, costs must be reasonable, necessary, and directly related to the legal adoption of the child.  An individual may apply for reimbursement for costs incurred in an adoption of a child with special needs under section 259A.70.

 

Sec. 4.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 260C.301, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Voluntary and involuntary.  The juvenile court may upon petition, terminate all rights of a parent to a child:

 

(a) with the written consent of a parent who for good cause desires to terminate parental rights; or

 

(b) if it finds that one or more of the following conditions exist:

 

(1) that the parent has abandoned the child;

 

(2) that the parent has substantially, continuously, or repeatedly refused or neglected to comply with the duties imposed upon that parent by the parent and child relationship, including but not limited to providing the child with necessary food, clothing, shelter, education, and other care and control necessary for the child's physical, mental, or emotional health and development, if the parent is physically and financially able, and either reasonable efforts by the social services agency have failed to correct the conditions that formed the basis of the petition or reasonable efforts would be futile and therefore unreasonable;

 

(3) that a parent has been ordered to contribute to the support of the child or financially aid in the child's birth and has continuously failed to do so without good cause.  This clause shall not be construed to state a grounds for termination of parental rights of a noncustodial parent if that parent has not been ordered to or cannot financially contribute to the support of the child or aid in the child's birth;

 

(4) that a parent is palpably unfit to be a party to the parent and child relationship because of a consistent pattern of specific conduct before the child or of specific conditions directly relating to the parent and child relationship either of which are determined by the court to be of a duration or nature that renders the parent unable, for the reasonably foreseeable future, to care appropriately for the ongoing physical, mental, or emotional needs of the child.  It is presumed that a parent is palpably unfit to be a party to the parent and child relationship upon a showing that the parent's parental rights to one or more other children were involuntarily terminated or that the parent's custodial rights to another child have been involuntarily transferred to a relative under section 260C.201, subdivision 11, paragraph (e), clause (1), or a similar law of another jurisdiction;


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(5) that following the child's placement out of the home, reasonable efforts, under the direction of the court, have failed to correct the conditions leading to the child's placement.  It is presumed that reasonable efforts under this clause have failed upon a showing that:

 

(i) a child has resided out of the parental home under court order for a cumulative period of 12 months within the preceding 22 months.  In the case of a child under age eight at the time the petition was filed alleging the child to be in need of protection or services, the presumption arises when the child has resided out of the parental home under court order for six months unless the parent has maintained regular contact with the child and the parent is complying with the out-of-home placement plan;

 

(ii) the court has approved the out-of-home placement plan required under section 260C.212 and filed with the court under section 260C.178;

 

(iii) conditions leading to the out-of-home placement have not been corrected.  It is presumed that conditions leading to a child's out-of-home placement have not been corrected upon a showing that the parent or parents have not substantially complied with the court's orders and a reasonable case plan; and

 

(iv) reasonable efforts have been made by the social services agency to rehabilitate the parent and reunite the family.

 

This clause does not prohibit the termination of parental rights prior to one year, or in the case of a child under age eight, prior to six months after a child has been placed out of the home.

 

It is also presumed that reasonable efforts have failed under this clause upon a showing that:

 

(A) the parent has been diagnosed as chemically dependent by a professional certified to make the diagnosis;

 

(B) the parent has been required by a case plan to participate in a chemical dependency treatment program;

 

(C) the treatment programs offered to the parent were culturally, linguistically, and clinically appropriate;

 

(D) the parent has either failed two or more times to successfully complete a treatment program or has refused at two or more separate meetings with a caseworker to participate in a treatment program; and

 

(E) the parent continues to abuse chemicals.

 

(6) that a child has experienced egregious harm in the parent's care which is of a nature, duration, or chronicity that indicates a lack of regard for the child's well-being, such that a reasonable person would believe it contrary to the best interest of the child or of any child to be in the parent's care;

 

(7) that in the case of a child born to a mother who was not married to the child's father when the child was conceived nor when the child was born the person is not entitled to notice of an adoption hearing under section 259.49 and the person has not registered with the fathers' adoption registry under section 259.52;

 

(8) that the child is neglected and in foster care; or

 

(9) that the parent has been convicted of a crime listed in section 260.012, paragraph (g), clauses (1) to (3) (5).

 

In an action involving an American Indian child, sections 260.751 to 260.835 and the Indian Child Welfare Act, United States Code, title 25, sections 1901 to 1923, control to the extent that the provisions of this section are inconsistent with those laws.


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Sec. 5.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 260D.08, is amended to read:

 

260D.08 ANNUAL REVIEW.

 

(a) After the court conducts a permanency review hearing under section 260D.07, the matter must be returned to the court for further review of the responsible social services reasonable efforts to finalize the permanent plan for the child and the child's foster care placement at least every 12 months while the child is in foster care.  The court shall give notice to the parent and child, age 12 or older, and the foster parents of the continued review requirements under this section at the permanency review hearing.

 

(b) Every 12 months, the court shall determine whether the agency made reasonable efforts to finalize the permanency plan for the child, which means the exercise of due diligence by the agency to:

 

(1) ensure that the agreement for voluntary foster care is the most appropriate legal arrangement to meet the child's safety, health, and best interests and to conduct a genuine examination of whether there is another permanency disposition order under chapter 260C, including returning the child home, that would better serve the child's need for a stable and permanent home;

 

(2) engage and support the parent in continued involvement in planning and decision making for the needs of the child;

 

(3) strengthen the child's ties to the parent, relatives, and community;

 

(4) implement the out-of-home placement plan required under section 260C.212, subdivision 1, and ensure that the plan requires the provision of appropriate services to address the physical health, mental health, and educational needs of the child; and

 

(5) ensure appropriate planning for the child's safe, permanent, and independent living arrangement after the child's 18th birthday.

 

Sec. 6.  [611.012] DISPOSITION OF CHILD OF PARENT ARRESTED.

 

A peace officer who arrests a person accompanied by a child of the person may release the child to any person designated by the parent unless it is necessary to remove the child under section 260C.175 because the child is found in surroundings or conditions which endanger the child's health or welfare or which the peace officer reasonably believes will endanger the child's health or welfare.  An officer releasing a child under this section to a person designated by the parent has no civil or criminal liability for the child's release.

 

Sec. 7.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 626.556, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2.  Definitions.  As used in this section, the following terms have the meanings given them unless the specific content indicates otherwise:

 

(a) "Family assessment" means a comprehensive assessment of child safety, risk of subsequent child maltreatment, and family strengths and needs that is applied to a child maltreatment report that does not allege substantial child endangerment.  Family assessment does not include a determination as to whether child maltreatment occurred but does determine the need for services to address the safety of family members and the risk of subsequent maltreatment.

 

(b) "Investigation" means fact gathering related to the current safety of a child and the risk of subsequent maltreatment that determines whether child maltreatment occurred and whether child protective services are needed.  An investigation must be used when reports involve substantial child endangerment, and for reports of maltreatment


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in facilities required to be licensed under chapter 245A or 245B; under sections 144.50 to 144.58 and 241.021; in a school as defined in sections 120A.05, subdivisions 9, 11, and 13, and 124D.10; or in a nonlicensed personal care provider association as defined in sections 256B.04, subdivision 16, and 256B.0625, subdivision 19a.

 

(c) "Substantial child endangerment" means a person responsible for a child's care, and in the case of sexual abuse includes a person who has a significant relationship to the child as defined in section 609.341, or a person in a position of authority as defined in section 609.341, who by act or omission commits or attempts to commit an act against a child under their care that constitutes any of the following:

 

(1) egregious harm as defined in section 260C.007, subdivision 14;

 

(2) sexual abuse as defined in paragraph (d);

 

(3) abandonment under section 260C.301, subdivision 2;

 

(4) neglect as defined in paragraph (f), clause (2), that substantially endangers the child's physical or mental health, including a growth delay, which may be referred to as failure to thrive, that has been diagnosed by a physician and is due to parental neglect;

 

(5) murder in the first, second, or third degree under section 609.185, 609.19, or 609.195;

 

(6) manslaughter in the first or second degree under section 609.20 or 609.205;

 

(7) assault in the first, second, or third degree under section 609.221, 609.222, or 609.223;

 

(8) solicitation, inducement, and promotion of prostitution under section 609.322;

 

(9) criminal sexual conduct under sections 609.342 to 609.3451;

 

(10) solicitation of children to engage in sexual conduct under section 609.352;

 

(11) malicious punishment or neglect or endangerment of a child under section 609.377 or 609.378;

 

(12) use of a minor in sexual performance under section 617.246; or

 

(13) parental behavior, status, or condition which mandates that the county attorney file a termination of parental rights petition under section 260C.301, subdivision 3, paragraph (a).

 

(d) "Sexual abuse" means the subjection of a child by a person responsible for the child's care, by a person who has a significant relationship to the child, as defined in section 609.341, or by a person in a position of authority, as defined in section 609.341, subdivision 10, to any act which constitutes a violation of section 609.342 (criminal sexual conduct in the first degree), 609.343 (criminal sexual conduct in the second degree), 609.344 (criminal sexual conduct in the third degree), 609.345 (criminal sexual conduct in the fourth degree), or 609.3451 (criminal sexual conduct in the fifth degree).  Sexual abuse also includes any act which involves a minor which constitutes a violation of prostitution offenses under sections 609.321 to 609.324 or 617.246.  Sexual abuse includes threatened sexual abuse which includes the status of a parent or household member who has committed a violation which requires registration as an offender under section 243.166, subdivision 1b, paragraph (a) or (b), or required registration under section 243.166, subdivision 1b, paragraph (a) or (b).

 

(e) "Person responsible for the child's care" means (1) an individual functioning within the family unit and having responsibilities for the care of the child such as a parent, guardian, or other person having similar care responsibilities, or (2) an individual functioning outside the family unit and having responsibilities for the care of the child such as a teacher, school administrator, other school employees or agents, or other lawful custodian of a child having either full-time or short-term care responsibilities including, but not limited to, day care, babysitting whether paid or unpaid, counseling, teaching, and coaching.


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(f) "Neglect" means the commission or omission of any of the acts specified under clauses (1) to (9), other than by accidental means:

 

(1) failure by a person responsible for a child's care to supply a child with necessary food, clothing, shelter, health, medical, or other care required for the child's physical or mental health when reasonably able to do so;

 

(2) failure to protect a child from conditions or actions that seriously endanger the child's physical or mental health when reasonably able to do so, including a growth delay, which may be referred to as a failure to thrive, that has been diagnosed by a physician and is due to parental neglect;

 

(3) failure to provide for necessary supervision or child care arrangements appropriate for a child after considering factors as the child's age, mental ability, physical condition, length of absence, or environment, when the child is unable to care for the child's own basic needs or safety, or the basic needs or safety of another child in their care;

 

(4) failure to ensure that the child is educated as defined in sections 120A.22 and 260C.163, subdivision 11, which does not include a parent's refusal to provide the parent's child with sympathomimetic medications, consistent with section 125A.091, subdivision 5;

 

(5) nothing in this section shall be construed to mean that a child is neglected solely because the child's parent, guardian, or other person responsible for the child's care in good faith selects and depends upon spiritual means or prayer for treatment or care of disease or remedial care of the child in lieu of medical care; except that a parent, guardian, or caretaker, or a person mandated to report pursuant to subdivision 3, has a duty to report if a lack of medical care may cause serious danger to the child's health.  This section does not impose upon persons, not otherwise legally responsible for providing a child with necessary food, clothing, shelter, education, or medical care, a duty to provide that care;

 

(6) prenatal exposure to a controlled substance, as defined in section 253B.02, subdivision 2, used by the mother for a nonmedical purpose, as evidenced by withdrawal symptoms in the child at birth, results of a toxicology test performed on the mother at delivery or the child at birth, or medical effects or developmental delays during the child's first year of life that medically indicate prenatal exposure to a controlled substance, or the presence of a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder;

 

(7) "medical neglect" as defined in section 260C.007, subdivision 6, clause (5);

 

(8) chronic and severe use of alcohol or a controlled substance by a parent or person responsible for the care of the child that adversely affects the child's basic needs and safety; or

 

(9) emotional harm from a pattern of behavior which contributes to impaired emotional functioning of the child which may be demonstrated by a substantial and observable effect in the child's behavior, emotional response, or cognition that is not within the normal range for the child's age and stage of development, with due regard to the child's culture.

 

(g) "Physical abuse" means any physical injury, mental injury, or threatened injury, inflicted by a person responsible for the child's care on a child other than by accidental means, or any physical or mental injury that cannot reasonably be explained by the child's history of injuries, or any aversive or deprivation procedures, or regulated interventions, that have not been authorized under section 121A.67 or 245.825.

 

Abuse does not include reasonable and moderate physical discipline of a child administered by a parent or legal guardian which does not result in an injury.  Abuse does not include the use of reasonable force by a teacher, principal, or school employee as allowed by section 121A.582.  Actions which are not reasonable and moderate include, but are not limited to, any of the following that are done in anger or without regard to the safety of the child:


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(1) throwing, kicking, burning, biting, or cutting a child;

 

(2) striking a child with a closed fist;

 

(3) shaking a child under age three;

 

(4) striking or other actions which result in any nonaccidental injury to a child under 18 months of age;

 

(5) unreasonable interference with a child's breathing;

 

(6) threatening a child with a weapon, as defined in section 609.02, subdivision 6;

 

(7) striking a child under age one on the face or head;

 

(8) purposely giving a child poison, alcohol, or dangerous, harmful, or controlled substances which were not prescribed for the child by a practitioner, in order to control or punish the child; or other substances that substantially affect the child's behavior, motor coordination, or judgment or that results in sickness or internal injury, or subjects the child to medical procedures that would be unnecessary if the child were not exposed to the substances;

 

(9) unreasonable physical confinement or restraint not permitted under section 609.379, including but not limited to tying, caging, or chaining; or

 

(10) in a school facility or school zone, an act by a person responsible for the child's care that is a violation under section 121A.58.

 

(h) "Report" means any report received by the local welfare agency, police department, county sheriff, or agency responsible for assessing or investigating maltreatment pursuant to this section.

 

(i) "Facility" means:

 

(1) a licensed or unlicensed day care facility, residential facility, agency, hospital, sanitarium, or other facility or institution required to be licensed under sections 144.50 to 144.58, 241.021, or 245A.01 to 245A.16, or chapter 245B;

 

(2) a school as defined in sections 120A.05, subdivisions 9, 11, and 13; and 124D.10; or

 

(3) a nonlicensed personal care provider organization as defined in sections 256B.04, subdivision 16, and 256B.0625, subdivision 19a.

 

(j) "Operator" means an operator or agency as defined in section 245A.02.

 

(k) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of human services.

 

(l) "Practice of social services," for the purposes of subdivision 3, includes but is not limited to employee assistance counseling and the provision of guardian ad litem and parenting time expeditor services.

 

(m) "Mental injury" means an injury to the psychological capacity or emotional stability of a child as evidenced by an observable or substantial impairment in the child's ability to function within a normal range of performance and behavior with due regard to the child's culture.

 

(n) "Threatened injury" means a statement, overt act, condition, or status that represents a substantial risk of physical or sexual abuse or mental injury.  Threatened injury includes, but is not limited to, exposing a child to a person responsible for the child's care, as defined in paragraph (e), clause (1), who has:


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(1) subjected a child to, or failed to protect a child from, an overt act or condition that constitutes egregious harm, as defined in section 260C.007, subdivision 14, or a similar law of another jurisdiction;

 

(2) been found to be palpably unfit under section 260C.301, paragraph (b), clause (4), or a similar law of another jurisdiction;

 

(3) committed an act that has resulted in an involuntary termination of parental rights under section 260C.301, or a similar law of another jurisdiction; or

 

(4) committed an act that has resulted in the involuntary transfer of permanent legal and physical custody of a child to a relative under section 260C.201, subdivision 11, paragraph (d), clause (1), or a similar law of another jurisdiction.

 

(o) Persons who conduct assessments or investigations under this section shall take into account accepted child-rearing practices of the culture in which a child participates and accepted teacher discipline practices, which are not injurious to the child's health, welfare, and safety.

 

(p) "Accidental" means a sudden, not reasonably foreseeable, and unexpected occurrence or event which:

 

(1) is not likely to occur and could not have been prevented by exercise of due care; and

 

(2) if occurring while a child is receiving services from a facility, happens when the facility and the employee or person providing services in the facility are in compliance with the laws and rules relevant to the occurrence or event.

 

(q) "Nonmaltreatment mistake" means:

 

(1) at the time of the incident, the individual was performing duties identified in the center's child care program plan required under Minnesota Rules, part 9503.0045;

 

(2) the individual has not been determined responsible for a similar incident that resulted in a finding of maltreatment for at least seven years;

 

(3) the individual has not been determined to have committed a similar nonmaltreatment mistake under this paragraph for at least four years;

 

(4) any injury to a child resulting from the incident, if treated, is treated only with remedies that are available over the counter, whether ordered by a medical professional or not; and

 

(5) except for the period when the incident occurred, the facility and the individual providing services were both in compliance with all licensing requirements relevant to the incident.

 

This definition only applies to child care centers licensed under Minnesota Rules, chapter 9503.  If clauses (1) to (5) apply, rather than making a determination of substantiated maltreatment by the individual, the commissioner of human services shall determine that a nonmaltreatment mistake was made by the individual.

 

Sec. 8.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 626.556, subdivision 10, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 10.  Duties of local welfare agency and local law enforcement agency upon receipt of report.  (a) Upon receipt of a report, the local welfare agency shall determine whether to conduct a family assessment or an investigation as appropriate to prevent or provide a remedy for child maltreatment.  The local welfare agency:


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(1) shall conduct an investigation on reports involving substantial child endangerment;

 

(2) shall begin an immediate investigation if, at any time when it is using a family assessment response, it determines that there is reason to believe that substantial child endangerment or a serious threat to the child's safety exists;

 

(3) may conduct a family assessment for reports that do not allege substantial child endangerment.  In determining that a family assessment is appropriate, the local welfare agency may consider issues of child safety, parental cooperation, and the need for an immediate response; and

 

(4) may conduct a family assessment on a report that was initially screened and assigned for an investigation.  In determining that a complete investigation is not required, the local welfare agency must document the reason for terminating the investigation and notify the local law enforcement agency if the local law enforcement agency is conducting a joint investigation.

 

If the report alleges neglect, physical abuse, or sexual abuse by a parent, guardian, or individual functioning within the family unit as a person responsible for the child's care, or sexual abuse by a person with a significant relationship to the child when that person resides in the child's household or by a sibling, the local welfare agency shall immediately conduct a family assessment or investigation as identified in clauses (1) to (4).  In conducting a family assessment or investigation, the local welfare agency shall gather information on the existence of substance abuse and domestic violence and offer services for purposes of preventing future child maltreatment, safeguarding and enhancing the welfare of the abused or neglected minor, and supporting and preserving family life whenever possible.  If the report alleges a violation of a criminal statute involving sexual abuse, physical abuse, or neglect or endangerment, under section 609.378, the local law enforcement agency and local welfare agency shall coordinate the planning and execution of their respective investigation and assessment efforts to avoid a duplication of fact-finding efforts and multiple interviews.  Each agency shall prepare a separate report of the results of its investigation.  In cases of alleged child maltreatment resulting in death, the local agency may rely on the fact-finding efforts of a law enforcement investigation to make a determination of whether or not maltreatment occurred.  When necessary the local welfare agency shall seek authority to remove the child from the custody of a parent, guardian, or adult with whom the child is living.  In performing any of these duties, the local welfare agency shall maintain appropriate records.

 

If the family assessment or investigation indicates there is a potential for abuse of alcohol or other drugs by the parent, guardian, or person responsible for the child's care, the local welfare agency shall conduct a chemical use assessment pursuant to Minnesota Rules, part 9530.6615.

 

(b) When a local agency receives a report or otherwise has information indicating that a child who is a client, as defined in section 245.91, has been the subject of physical abuse, sexual abuse, or neglect at an agency, facility, or program as defined in section 245.91, it shall, in addition to its other duties under this section, immediately inform the ombudsman established under sections 245.91 to 245.97.  The commissioner of education shall inform the ombudsman established under sections 245.91 to 245.97 of reports regarding a child defined as a client in section 245.91 that maltreatment occurred at a school as defined in sections 120A.05, subdivisions 9, 11, and 13, and 124D.10.

 

(c) Authority of the local welfare agency responsible for assessing or investigating the child abuse or neglect report, the agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report, and of the local law enforcement agency for investigating the alleged abuse or neglect includes, but is not limited to, authority to interview, without parental consent, the alleged victim and any other minors who currently reside with or who have resided with the alleged offender.  The interview may take place at school or at any facility or other place where the alleged victim or other minors might be found or the child may be transported to, and the interview conducted at, a place appropriate for the interview of a child designated by the local welfare agency or law enforcement agency.  The interview may take place outside the presence of the alleged offender or parent, legal custodian, guardian, or school official.  For family assessments, it is the preferred practice to request a parent or guardian's permission to interview the child prior to


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conducting the child interview, unless doing so would compromise the safety assessment.  Except as provided in this paragraph, the parent, legal custodian, or guardian shall be notified by the responsible local welfare or law enforcement agency no later than the conclusion of the investigation or assessment that this interview has occurred.  Notwithstanding rule 32 of the Minnesota Rules of Procedure for Juvenile Courts, the juvenile court may, after hearing on an ex parte motion by the local welfare agency, order that, where reasonable cause exists, the agency withhold notification of this interview from the parent, legal custodian, or guardian.  If the interview took place or is to take place on school property, the order shall specify that school officials may not disclose to the parent, legal custodian, or guardian the contents of the notification of intent to interview the child on school property, as provided under this paragraph, and any other related information regarding the interview that may be a part of the child's school record.  A copy of the order shall be sent by the local welfare or law enforcement agency to the appropriate school official.

 

(d) When the local welfare, local law enforcement agency, or the agency responsible for assessing or investigating a report of maltreatment determines that an interview should take place on school property, written notification of intent to interview the child on school property must be received by school officials prior to the interview.  The notification shall include the name of the child to be interviewed, the purpose of the interview, and a reference to the statutory authority to conduct an interview on school property.  For interviews conducted by the local welfare agency, the notification shall be signed by the chair of the local social services agency or the chair's designee.  The notification shall be private data on individuals subject to the provisions of this paragraph.  School officials may not disclose to the parent, legal custodian, or guardian the contents of the notification or any other related information regarding the interview until notified in writing by the local welfare or law enforcement agency that the investigation or assessment has been concluded, unless a school employee or agent is alleged to have maltreated the child.  Until that time, the local welfare or law enforcement agency or the agency responsible for assessing or investigating a report of maltreatment shall be solely responsible for any disclosures regarding the nature of the assessment or investigation.

 

Except where the alleged offender is believed to be a school official or employee, the time and place, and manner of the interview on school premises shall be within the discretion of school officials, but the local welfare or law enforcement agency shall have the exclusive authority to determine who may attend the interview.  The conditions as to time, place, and manner of the interview set by the school officials shall be reasonable and the interview shall be conducted not more than 24 hours after the receipt of the notification unless another time is considered necessary by agreement between the school officials and the local welfare or law enforcement agency.  Where the school fails to comply with the provisions of this paragraph, the juvenile court may order the school to comply.  Every effort must be made to reduce the disruption of the educational program of the child, other students, or school staff when an interview is conducted on school premises.

 

(e) Where the alleged offender or a person responsible for the care of the alleged victim or other minor prevents access to the victim or other minor by the local welfare agency, the juvenile court may order the parents, legal custodian, or guardian to produce the alleged victim or other minor for questioning by the local welfare agency or the local law enforcement agency outside the presence of the alleged offender or any person responsible for the child's care at reasonable places and times as specified by court order.

 

(f) Before making an order under paragraph (e), the court shall issue an order to show cause, either upon its own motion or upon a verified petition, specifying the basis for the requested interviews and fixing the time and place of the hearing.  The order to show cause shall be served personally and shall be heard in the same manner as provided in other cases in the juvenile court.  The court shall consider the need for appointment of a guardian ad litem to protect the best interests of the child.  If appointed, the guardian ad litem shall be present at the hearing on the order to show cause.

 

(g) The commissioner of human services, the ombudsman for mental health and developmental disabilities, the local welfare agencies responsible for investigating reports, the commissioner of education, and the local law enforcement agencies have the right to enter facilities as defined in subdivision 2 and to inspect and copy the facility's records, including medical records, as part of the investigation.  Notwithstanding the provisions of chapter 13,


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they also have the right to inform the facility under investigation that they are conducting an investigation, to disclose to the facility the names of the individuals under investigation for abusing or neglecting a child, and to provide the facility with a copy of the report and the investigative findings.

 

(h) The local welfare agency responsible for conducting a family assessment or investigation shall collect available and relevant information to determine child safety, risk of subsequent child maltreatment, and family strengths and needs and share not public information with an Indian's tribal social services agency without violating any law of the state that may otherwise impose duties of confidentiality on the local welfare agency in order to implement the tribal state agreement.  The local welfare agency or the agency responsible for investigating the report shall collect available and relevant information to ascertain whether maltreatment occurred and whether protective services are needed.  Information collected includes, when relevant, information with regard to the person reporting the alleged maltreatment, including the nature of the reporter's relationship to the child and to the alleged offender, and the basis of the reporter's knowledge for the report; the child allegedly being maltreated; the alleged offender; the child's caretaker; and other collateral sources having relevant information related to the alleged maltreatment.  The local welfare agency or the agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report may make a determination of no maltreatment early in an assessment investigation, and close the case and retain immunity, if the collected information shows no basis for a full assessment or investigation.

 

Information relevant to the assessment or investigation must be asked for, and may include:

 

(1) the child's sex and age, prior reports of maltreatment, information relating to developmental functioning, credibility of the child's statement, and whether the information provided under this clause is consistent with other information collected during the course of the assessment or investigation;

 

(2) the alleged offender's age, a record check for prior reports of maltreatment, and criminal charges and convictions.  The local welfare agency or the agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report must provide the alleged offender with an opportunity to make a statement.  The alleged offender may submit supporting documentation relevant to the assessment or investigation;

 

(3) collateral source information regarding the alleged maltreatment and care of the child.  Collateral information includes, when relevant:  (i) a medical examination of the child; (ii) prior medical records relating to the alleged maltreatment or the care of the child maintained by any facility, clinic, or health care professional and an interview with the treating professionals; and (iii) interviews with the child's caretakers, including the child's parent, guardian, foster parent, child care provider, teachers, counselors, family members, relatives, and other persons who may have knowledge regarding the alleged maltreatment and the care of the child; and

 

(4) information on the existence of domestic abuse and violence in the home of the child, and substance abuse.

 

Nothing in this paragraph precludes the local welfare agency, the local law enforcement agency, or the agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report from collecting other relevant information necessary to conduct the assessment or investigation.  Notwithstanding sections 13.384 or 144.291 to 144.298, the local welfare agency has access to medical data and records for purposes of clause (3).  Notwithstanding the data's classification in the possession of any other agency, data acquired by the local welfare agency or the agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report during the course of the assessment or investigation are private data on individuals and must be maintained in accordance with subdivision 11.  Data of the commissioner of education collected or maintained during and for the purpose of an investigation of alleged maltreatment in a school are governed by this section, notwithstanding the data's classification as educational, licensing, or personnel data under chapter 13.

 

In conducting an assessment or investigation involving a school facility as defined in subdivision 2, paragraph (i), the commissioner of education shall collect investigative reports and data that are relevant to a report of maltreatment and are from local law enforcement and the school facility.


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(i) Upon receipt of a report, the local welfare agency shall conduct a face-to-face contact with the child reported to be maltreated and with the child's primary caregiver sufficient to complete a safety assessment and ensure the immediate safety of the child.  The face-to-face contact with the child and primary caregiver shall occur immediately if substantial child endangerment is alleged and within five calendar days for all other reports.  If the alleged offender was not already interviewed as the primary caregiver, the local welfare agency shall also conduct a face-to-face interview with the alleged offender in the early stages of the assessment or investigation.  At the initial contact, the local child welfare agency or the agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report must inform the alleged offender of the complaints or allegations made against the individual in a manner consistent with laws protecting the rights of the person who made the report.  The interview with the alleged offender may be postponed if it would jeopardize an active law enforcement investigation.

 

(j) When conducting an investigation, the local welfare agency shall use a question and answer interviewing format with questioning as nondirective as possible to elicit spontaneous responses.  For investigations only, the following interviewing methods and procedures must be used whenever possible when collecting information:

 

(1) audio recordings of all interviews with witnesses and collateral sources; and

 

(2) in cases of alleged sexual abuse, audio-video recordings of each interview with the alleged victim and child witnesses.

 

(k) In conducting an assessment or investigation involving a school facility as defined in subdivision 2, paragraph (i), the commissioner of education shall collect available and relevant information and use the procedures in paragraphs (i), (k), and subdivision 3d, except that the requirement for face-to-face observation of the child and face-to-face interview of the alleged offender is to occur in the initial stages of the assessment or investigation provided that the commissioner may also base the assessment or investigation on investigative reports and data received from the school facility and local law enforcement, to the extent those investigations satisfy the requirements of paragraphs (i) and (k), and subdivision 3d.

 

Sec. 9.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 626.556, subdivision 10e, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 10e.  Determinations.  (a) The local welfare agency shall conclude the family assessment or the investigation within 45 days of the receipt of a report.  The conclusion of the assessment or investigation may be extended to permit the completion of a criminal investigation or the receipt of expert information requested within 45 days of the receipt of the report.

 

(b) After conducting a family assessment, the local welfare agency shall determine whether services are needed to address the safety of the child and other family members and the risk of subsequent maltreatment.

 

(c) After conducting an investigation, the local welfare agency shall make two determinations:  first, whether maltreatment has occurred; and, second, whether child protective services are needed.  No determination of maltreatment shall be made when the alleged perpetrator is a child under the age of ten.

 

(d) If the commissioner of education conducts an assessment or investigation, the commissioner shall determine whether maltreatment occurred and what corrective or protective action was taken by the school facility.  If a determination is made that maltreatment has occurred, the commissioner shall report to the employer, the school board, and any appropriate licensing entity the determination that maltreatment occurred and what corrective or protective action was taken by the school facility.  In all other cases, the commissioner shall inform the school board or employer that a report was received, the subject of the report, the date of the initial report, the category of maltreatment alleged as defined in paragraph (f), the fact that maltreatment was not determined, and a summary of the specific reasons for the determination.


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(e) When maltreatment is determined in an investigation involving a facility, the investigating agency shall also determine whether the facility or individual was responsible, or whether both the facility and the individual were responsible for the maltreatment using the mitigating factors in paragraph (i).  Determinations under this subdivision must be made based on a preponderance of the evidence and are private data on individuals or nonpublic data as maintained by the commissioner of education.

 

(f) For the purposes of this subdivision, "maltreatment" means any of the following acts or omissions:

 

(1) physical abuse as defined in subdivision 2, paragraph (g);

 

(2) neglect as defined in subdivision 2, paragraph (f);

 

(3) sexual abuse as defined in subdivision 2, paragraph (d);

 

(4) mental injury as defined in subdivision 2, paragraph (m); or

 

(5) maltreatment of a child in a facility as defined in subdivision 2, paragraph (i).

 

(g) For the purposes of this subdivision, a determination that child protective services are needed means that the local welfare agency has documented conditions during the assessment or investigation sufficient to cause a child protection worker, as defined in section 626.559, subdivision 1, to conclude that a child is at significant risk of maltreatment if protective intervention is not provided and that the individuals responsible for the child's care have not taken or are not likely to take actions to protect the child from maltreatment or risk of maltreatment.

 

(h) This subdivision does not mean that maltreatment has occurred solely because the child's parent, guardian, or other person responsible for the child's care in good faith selects and depends upon spiritual means or prayer for treatment or care of disease or remedial care of the child, in lieu of medical care.  However, if lack of medical care may result in serious danger to the child's health, the local welfare agency may ensure that necessary medical services are provided to the child.

 

(i) When determining whether the facility or individual is the responsible party, or whether both the facility and the individual are responsible for determined maltreatment in a facility, the investigating agency shall consider at least the following mitigating factors:

 

(1) whether the actions of the facility or the individual caregivers were according to, and followed the terms of, an erroneous physician order, prescription, individual care plan, or directive; however, this is not a mitigating factor when the facility or caregiver was responsible for the issuance of the erroneous order, prescription, individual care plan, or directive or knew or should have known of the errors and took no reasonable measures to correct the defect before administering care;

 

(2) comparative responsibility between the facility, other caregivers, and requirements placed upon an employee, including the facility's compliance with related regulatory standards and the adequacy of facility policies and procedures, facility training, an individual's participation in the training, the caregiver's supervision, and facility staffing levels and the scope of the individual employee's authority and discretion; and

 

(3) whether the facility or individual followed professional standards in exercising professional judgment.

 

The evaluation of the facility's responsibility under clause (2) must not be based on the completeness of the risk assessment or risk reduction plan required under section 245A.66, but must be based on the facility's compliance with the regulatory standards for policies and procedures, training, and supervision as cited in Minnesota Statutes and Minnesota Rules.

 

(j) Notwithstanding paragraph (i), when maltreatment is determined to have been committed by an individual who is also the facility license holder, both the individual and the facility must be determined responsible for the maltreatment, and both the background study disqualification standards under section 245C.15, subdivision 4, and the licensing actions under sections 245A.06 or 245A.07 apply.


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(k) Individual counties may implement more detailed definitions or criteria that indicate which allegations to investigate, as long as a county's policies are consistent with the definitions in the statutes and rules and are approved by the county board.  Each local welfare agency shall periodically inform mandated reporters under subdivision 3 who work in the county of the definitions of maltreatment in the statutes and rules and any additional definitions or criteria that have been approved by the county board.

 

Sec. 10.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 626.556, subdivision 10f, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 10f.  Notice of determinations.  Within ten working days of the conclusion of a family assessment, the local welfare agency shall notify the parent or guardian of the child of the need for services to address child safety concerns or significant risk of subsequent child maltreatment.  The local welfare agency and the family may also jointly agree that family support and family preservation services are needed.  Within ten working days of the conclusion of an investigation, the local welfare agency or agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report shall notify the parent or guardian of the child, the person determined to be maltreating the child, and if applicable, the director of the facility, of the determination and a summary of the specific reasons for the determination.  When the investigation involves a child foster care setting that is monitored by a private licensing agency under section 245A.16, the local welfare agency responsible for assessing or investigating the report shall notify the private licensing agency of the determination and shall provide a summary of the specific reasons for the determination.  The notice to the private licensing agency must include identifying private data, but not the identity of the reporter of maltreatment.  The notice must also include a certification that the information collection procedures under subdivision 10, paragraphs (h), (i), and (j), were followed and a notice of the right of a data subject to obtain access to other private data on the subject collected, created, or maintained under this section.  In addition, the notice shall include the length of time that the records will be kept under subdivision 11c.  The investigating agency shall notify the parent or guardian of the child who is the subject of the report, and any person or facility determined to have maltreated a child, of their appeal or review rights under this section or section 256.022.  The notice must also state that a finding of maltreatment may result in denial of a license application or background study disqualification under chapter 245C related to employment or services that are licensed by the Department of Human Services under chapter 245A, the Department of Health under chapter 144 or 144A, the Department of Corrections under section 241.021, and from providing services related to an unlicensed personal care provider organization under chapter 256B.

 

Sec. 11.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 626.556, subdivision 10i, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 10i.  Administrative reconsideration; review panel.  (a) Administrative reconsideration is not applicable in family assessments since no determination concerning maltreatment is made.  For investigations, except as provided under paragraph (e), an individual or facility that the commissioner of human services, a local social service agency, or the commissioner of education determines has maltreated a child, an interested person acting on behalf of the child, regardless of the determination, who contests the investigating agency's final determination regarding maltreatment, may request the investigating agency to reconsider its final determination regarding maltreatment.  The request for reconsideration must be submitted in writing to the investigating agency within 15 calendar days after receipt of notice of the final determination regarding maltreatment or, if the request is made by an interested person who is not entitled to notice, within 15 days after receipt of the notice by the parent or guardian of the child.  If mailed, the request for reconsideration must be postmarked and sent to the investigating agency within 15 calendar days of the individual's or facility's receipt of the final determination.  If the request for reconsideration is made by personal service, it must be received by the investigating agency within 15 calendar days after the individual's or facility's receipt of the final determination.  Effective January 1, 2002, an individual who was determined to have maltreated a child under this section and who was disqualified on the basis of serious or recurring maltreatment under sections 245C.14 and 245C.15, may request reconsideration of the maltreatment determination and the disqualification.  The request for reconsideration of the maltreatment determination and the disqualification must be submitted within 30 calendar days of the individual's receipt of the notice of disqualification under sections 245C.16 and 245C.17.  If mailed, the request for reconsideration of the maltreatment determination and the disqualification must be postmarked and sent to the investigating agency within 30 calendar days of the individual's receipt of the maltreatment determination and notice of disqualification.  If the request for reconsideration is made by personal service, it must be received by the investigating agency within 30 calendar days after the individual's receipt of the notice of disqualification.


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(b) Except as provided under paragraphs (e) and (f), if the investigating agency denies the request or fails to act upon the request within 15 working days after receiving the request for reconsideration, the person or facility entitled to a fair hearing under section 256.045 may submit to the commissioner of human services or the commissioner of education a written request for a hearing under that section.  Section 256.045 also governs hearings requested to contest a final determination of the commissioner of education.  For reports involving maltreatment of a child in a facility, an interested person acting on behalf of the child may request a review by the Child Maltreatment Review Panel under section 256.022 if the investigating agency denies the request or fails to act upon the request or if the interested person contests a reconsidered determination.  The investigating agency shall notify persons who request reconsideration of their rights under this paragraph.  The request must be submitted in writing to the review panel and a copy sent to the investigating agency within 30 calendar days of receipt of notice of a denial of a request for reconsideration or of a reconsidered determination.  The request must specifically identify the aspects of the agency determination with which the person is dissatisfied.  The hearings specified under this section are the only administrative appeal of a decision issued under paragraph (a).  Determinations under this section are not subject to accuracy and completeness challenges under section 13.04.

 

(c) If, as a result of a reconsideration or review, the investigating agency changes the final determination of maltreatment, that agency shall notify the parties specified in subdivisions 10b, 10d, and 10f.

 

(d) Except as provided under paragraph (f), if an individual or facility contests the investigating agency's final determination regarding maltreatment by requesting a fair hearing under section 256.045, the commissioner of human services shall assure that the hearing is conducted and a decision is reached within 90 days of receipt of the request for a hearing.  The time for action on the decision may be extended for as many days as the hearing is postponed or the record is held open for the benefit of either party.

 

(e) If an individual was disqualified under sections 245C.14 and 245C.15, on the basis of a determination of maltreatment, which was serious or recurring, and the individual has requested reconsideration of the maltreatment determination under paragraph (a) and requested reconsideration of the disqualification under sections 245C.21 to 245C.27, reconsideration of the maltreatment determination and reconsideration of the disqualification shall be consolidated into a single reconsideration.  If reconsideration of the maltreatment determination is denied and the individual remains disqualified following a reconsideration decision, the individual may request a fair hearing under section 256.045.  If an individual requests a fair hearing on the maltreatment determination and the disqualification, the scope of the fair hearing shall include both the maltreatment determination and the disqualification.

 

(f) If a maltreatment determination or a disqualification based on serious or recurring maltreatment is the basis for a denial of a license under section 245A.05 or a licensing sanction under section 245A.07, the license holder has the right to a contested case hearing under chapter 14 and Minnesota Rules, parts 1400.8505 to 1400.8612.  As provided for under section 245A.08, subdivision 2a, the scope of the contested case hearing shall include the maltreatment determination, disqualification, and licensing sanction or denial of a license.  In such cases, a fair hearing regarding the maltreatment determination and disqualification shall not be conducted under section 256.045.  Except for family child care and child foster care, reconsideration of a maltreatment determination as provided under this subdivision, and reconsideration of a disqualification as provided under section 245C.22, shall also not be conducted when:

 

(1) a denial of a license under section 245A.05 or a licensing sanction under section 245A.07, is based on a determination that the license holder is responsible for maltreatment or the disqualification of a license holder based on serious or recurring maltreatment;

 

(2) the denial of a license or licensing sanction is issued at the same time as the maltreatment determination or disqualification; and

 

(3) the license holder appeals the maltreatment determination or disqualification, and denial of a license or licensing sanction.


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Notwithstanding clauses (1) to (3), if the license holder appeals the maltreatment determination or disqualification, but does not appeal the denial of a license or a licensing sanction, reconsideration of the maltreatment determination shall be conducted under sections 626.556, subdivision 10i, and 626.557, subdivision 9d, and reconsideration of the disqualification shall be conducted under section 245C.22.  In such cases, a fair hearing shall also be conducted as provided under sections 245C.27, 626.556, subdivision 10i, and 626.557, subdivision 9d.

 

If the disqualified subject is an individual other than the license holder and upon whom a background study must be conducted under chapter 245C, the hearings of all parties may be consolidated into a single contested case hearing upon consent of all parties and the administrative law judge.

 

(g) For purposes of this subdivision, "interested person acting on behalf of the child" means a parent or legal guardian; stepparent; grandparent; guardian ad litem; adult stepbrother, stepsister, or sibling; or adult aunt or uncle; unless the person has been determined to be the perpetrator of the maltreatment.

 

Sec. 12.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 626.556, subdivision 10k, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 10k.  Release of certain assessment or investigative records to other counties.  Records maintained under subdivision 11c, paragraph (a), may be shared with another local welfare agency that requests the information because it is conducting an assessment or investigation under this section of the subject of the records.

 

Sec. 13.  REVISOR'S INSTRUCTION.

 

(a) The revisor of statutes shall renumber each section of Minnesota Statutes listed in column A with the number listed in column B.

 

 

Column A

Column B

 

 

259.69

259A.05, subd. 5

 

260C.217

260C.139

 

260C.501

260C.177

 

260C.201, subd. 10

260C.202

 

260C.212, subd. 7

260C.203

 

260C.201, subd. 11a

260C.204

 

260C.212, subd. 4

260C.219

 

260C.212, subd. 5

260C.221

 

260C.213

260C.223

 

260C.206

260C.225

 

260C.212, subd. 8

260C.227

 

260C.212, subd. 6

260C.521, subd. 4

 

260C.205

260D.11

 

(b) The revisor of statutes shall make necessary cross-reference changes in Minnesota Statutes and Minnesota Rules consistent with the numbering in articles 1 and 2 and the renumbering in paragraph (a).

 

Sec. 14.  REPEALER.

 

(a) Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 256.022; 259.67; 259.71; 260C.201, subdivision 11; 260C.215, subdivision 2; and 260C.456, are repealed.

 

(b) Minnesota Rules, parts 9560.0071; 9560.0082; 9560.0083; 9560.0091; 9560.0093, subparts 1, 3, and 4; 9560.0101; and 9560.0102, are repealed.


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Sec. 15.  EFFECTIVE DATE.

 

This article is effective August 1, 2012.

 

ARTICLE 6

CHILD CARE

 

Section 1.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 119B.09, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 7.  Date of eligibility for assistance.  (a) The date of eligibility for child care assistance under this chapter is the later of the date the application was signed received by the county; the beginning date of employment, education, or training; the date the infant is born for applicants to the at-home infant care program; or the date a determination has been made that the applicant is a participant in employment and training services under Minnesota Rules, part 3400.0080, or chapter 256J.

 

(b) Payment ceases for a family under the at-home infant child care program when a family has used a total of 12 months of assistance as specified under section 119B.035.  Payment of child care assistance for employed persons on MFIP is effective the date of employment or the date of MFIP eligibility, whichever is later.  Payment of child care assistance for MFIP or DWP participants in employment and training services is effective the date of commencement of the services or the date of MFIP or DWP eligibility, whichever is later.  Payment of child care assistance for transition year child care must be made retroactive to the date of eligibility for transition year child care.

 

(c) Notwithstanding paragraph (b), payment of child care assistance for participants eligible under section 119B.05 may only be made retroactive for a maximum of six months from the date of application for child care assistance.

 

Sec. 2.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 119B.12, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Fee schedule.  All changes to parent fees must be implemented on the first Monday of the service period following the effective date of the change.

 

PARENT FEE SCHEDULE.  The parent fee schedule is as follows, except as noted in subdivision 2:

 

Income Range (as a percent of the state median income, except at the start of the first tier)

Co-payment (as a percentage

of adjusted gross income)

 

 

0 - 74.99% of federal poverty guidelines

$0/month biweekly

75.00 - 99.99% of federal poverty guidelines

$5/month $2/biweekly

100.00% of federal poverty guidelines - 27.72%

2.61%

 

27.73 - 29.04%

2.61%

 

29.05 - 30.36%

2.61%

 

30.37 - 31.68%

2.61%

 

31.69 - 33.00%

2.91%

 

33.01 - 34.32%

2.91%

 

34.33 - 35.65%

2.91%

 

35.66 - 36.96%

2.91%

 

36.97 - 38.29%

3.21%

 

38.30 - 39.61%

3.21%

 

39.62 - 40.93%

3.21%

 

40.94 - 42.25%

3.84%

 

42.26 - 43.57%

3.84%

 

43.58 - 44.89%

4.46%

 

44.90 - 46.21%

4.76%

 

46.22 - 47.53%

5.05%

 


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47.54 - 48.85%

5.65%

 

48.86 - 50.17%

5.95%

 

50.18 - 51.49%

6.24%

 

51.50 - 52.81%

6.84%

 

52.82 - 54.13%

7.58%

 

54.14 - 55.45%

8.33%

 

55.46 - 56.77%

9.20%

 

56.78 - 58.09%

10.07%

 

58.10 - 59.41%

10.94%

 

59.42 - 60.73%

11.55%

 

60.74 - 62.06%

12.16%

 

62.07 - 63.38%

12.77%

 

63.39 - 64.70%

13.38%

 

64.71 - 66.99 67.00%

14.00%

 

Greater than 67.00%

ineligible

 

 

A family's monthly biweekly co-payment fee is the fixed percentage established for the income range multiplied by the highest possible income within that income range.

 

Sec. 3.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 119B.12, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2.  Parent fee.  A family must be assessed a parent fee for each service period.  A family's parent fee must be a fixed percentage of its annual gross income.  Parent fees must apply to families eligible for child care assistance under sections 119B.03 and 119B.05.  Income must be as defined in section 119B.011, subdivision 15.  The fixed percent is based on the relationship of the family's annual gross income to 100 percent of the annual state median income.  Parent fees must begin at 75 percent of the poverty level.  The minimum parent fees for families between 75 percent and 100 percent of poverty level must be $5 per month $2 per biweekly period.  Parent fees must provide for graduated movement to full payment.  Payment of part or all of a family's parent fee directly to the family's child care provider on behalf of the family by a source other than the family shall not affect the family's eligibility for child care assistance, and the amount paid shall be excluded from the family's income.  Child care providers who accept third-party payments must maintain family specific documentation of payment source, amount, and time period covered by the payment.

 

Sec. 4.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 119B.125, subdivision 1a, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 1a.  Background study required.  This subdivision only applies to legal, nonlicensed family child care providers.  Prior to authorization, and as part of each reauthorization required in subdivision 1, the county shall perform a background study on every member of the provider's household who is age 13 and older.  The background study shall be conducted according to the procedures under subdivision 2.  The county shall also perform a background study on an individual who has reached age ten but is not yet age 13 and is living in the household where the nonlicensed child care will be provided when the county has reasonable cause as defined under section 245C.02, subdivision 15.

 

Sec. 5.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 119B.125, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2.  Persons who cannot be authorized.  (a) When any member of the legal, nonlicensed family child care provider's household meets any of the conditions under paragraphs (b) to (n), the provider must not be authorized as a legal nonlicensed family child care provider.  To determine whether any of the listed conditions exist, the county must request information about the provider and other household members for whom a background study is required under subdivision 1a from the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, the juvenile courts, and social service agencies.  When one of the listed entities does not maintain information on a statewide basis, the county must contact the entity in the county where the provider resides and any other county in which the provider or any household member previously resided in the past year.  For purposes of this subdivision, a finding that a delinquency petition is proven in juvenile court must be considered a conviction in state district court.  The provider seeking authorization under


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this section shall collect the information required under section 245C.05, subdivision 1, and forward the information to the county agency.  The background study must include a review of the information required under section 245C.08, subdivisions 2, 3, and 4, paragraph (b).  A nonlicensed family child care provider is not authorized under this section if any household member who is the subject of a background study is determined to have a disqualifying characteristic under paragraphs (b) to (e) or under section 245C.14 or 245C.15.  If a county has determined that a provider is able to be authorized in that county, and a family in another county later selects that provider, the provider is able to be authorized in the second county without undergoing a new background investigation unless one of the following conditions exists:

 

(1) two years have passed since the first authorization;

 

(2) another person age 13 or older has joined the provider's household since the last authorization;

 

(3) a current household member has turned 13 since the last authorization; or

 

(4) there is reason to believe that a household member has a factor that prevents authorization.

 

(b) The person has been convicted of one of the following offenses or has admitted to committing or a preponderance of the evidence indicates that the person has committed an act that meets the definition of one of the following offenses:  sections 609.185 to 609.195, murder in the first, second, or third degree; 609.2661 to 609.2663, murder of an unborn child in the first, second, or third degree; 609.322, solicitation, inducement, promotion of prostitution, or receiving profit from prostitution; 609.342 to 609.345, criminal sexual conduct in the first, second, third, or fourth degree; 609.352, solicitation of children to engage in sexual conduct; 609.365, incest; 609.377, felony malicious punishment of a child; 617.246, use of minors in sexual performance; 617.247, possession of pictorial representation of a minor; 609.2242 to 609.2243, felony domestic assault; a felony offense of spousal abuse; a felony offense of child abuse or neglect; a felony offense of a crime against children; or an attempt or conspiracy to commit any of these offenses as defined in Minnesota Statutes; or an offense in any other state or country where the elements are substantially similar to any of the offenses listed in this paragraph.

 

(c) Less than 15 years have passed since the discharge of the sentence imposed for the offense and the person has received a felony conviction for one of the following offenses, or the person has admitted to committing or a preponderance of the evidence indicates that the person has committed an act that meets the definition of a felony conviction for one of the following offenses:  sections 609.20 to 609.205, manslaughter in the first or second degree; 609.21, criminal vehicular homicide; 609.215, aiding suicide or aiding attempted suicide; 609.221 to 609.2231, assault in the first, second, third, or fourth degree; 609.224, repeat offenses of fifth-degree assault; 609.228, great bodily harm caused by distribution of drugs; 609.2325, criminal abuse of a vulnerable adult; 609.2335, financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult; 609.235, use of drugs to injure or facilitate a crime; 609.24, simple robbery; 617.241, repeat offenses of obscene materials and performances; 609.245, aggravated robbery; 609.25, kidnapping; 609.255, false imprisonment; 609.2664 to 609.2665, manslaughter of an unborn child in the first or second degree; 609.267 to 609.2672, assault of an unborn child in the first, second, or third degree; 609.268, injury or death of an unborn child in the commission of a crime; 609.27, coercion; 609.275, attempt to coerce; 609.324, subdivision 1, other prohibited acts, minor engaged in prostitution; 609.3451, repeat offenses of criminal sexual conduct in the fifth degree; 609.378, neglect or endangerment of a child; 609.52, theft; 609.521, possession of shoplifting gear; 609.561 to 609.563, arson in the first, second, or third degree; 609.582, burglary in the first, second, third, or fourth degree; 609.625, aggravated forgery; 609.63, forgery; 609.631, check forgery, offering a forged check; 609.635, obtaining signature by false pretenses; 609.66, dangerous weapon; 609.665, setting a spring gun; 609.67, unlawfully owning, possessing, or operating a machine gun; 609.687, adulteration; 609.71, riot; 609.713, terrorist threats; 609.749, stalking; 260C.301, termination of parental rights; 152.021 to 152.022 and 152.0262, controlled substance crime in the first or second degree; 152.023, subdivision 1, clause (3) or (4), or 152.023, subdivision 2, clause (4), controlled substance crime in third degree; 152.024, subdivision 1, clause (2), (3), or (4), controlled substance crime in fourth degree; 617.23, repeat offenses of indecent exposure; an attempt or conspiracy to commit any of these offenses as defined in Minnesota Statutes; or an offense in any other state or country where the elements are substantially similar to any of the offenses listed in this paragraph.


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(d) Less than ten years have passed since the discharge of the sentence imposed for the offense and the person has received a gross misdemeanor conviction for one of the following offenses or the person has admitted to committing or a preponderance of the evidence indicates that the person has committed an act that meets the definition of a gross misdemeanor conviction for one of the following offenses:  sections 609.224, fifth-degree assault; 609.2242 to 609.2243, domestic assault; 518B.01, subdivision 14, violation of an order for protection; 609.3451, fifth-degree criminal sexual conduct; 609.746, repeat offenses of interference with privacy; 617.23, repeat offenses of indecent exposure; 617.241, obscene materials and performances; 617.243, indecent literature, distribution; 617.293, disseminating or displaying harmful material to minors; 609.71, riot; 609.66, dangerous weapons; 609.749, stalking; 609.224, subdivision 2, paragraph (c), fifth-degree assault against a vulnerable adult by a caregiver; 609.23, mistreatment of persons confined; 609.231, mistreatment of residents or patients; 609.2325, criminal abuse of a vulnerable adult; 609.2335, financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult; 609.233, criminal neglect of a vulnerable adult; 609.234, failure to report maltreatment of a vulnerable adult; 609.72, subdivision 3, disorderly conduct against a vulnerable adult; 609.265, abduction; 609.378, neglect or endangerment of a child; 609.377, malicious punishment of a child; 609.324, subdivision 1a, other prohibited acts, minor engaged in prostitution; 609.33, disorderly house; 609.52, theft; 609.582, burglary in the first, second, third, or fourth degree; 609.631, check forgery, offering a forged check; 609.275, attempt to coerce; an attempt or conspiracy to commit any of these offenses as defined in Minnesota Statutes; or an offense in any other state or country where the elements are substantially similar to any of the offenses listed in this paragraph.

 

(e) Less than seven years have passed since the discharge of the sentence imposed for the offense and the person has received a misdemeanor conviction for one of the following offenses or the person has admitted to committing or a preponderance of the evidence indicates that the person has committed an act that meets the definition of a misdemeanor conviction for one of the following offenses:  sections 609.224, fifth-degree assault; 609.2242, domestic assault; 518B.01, violation of an order for protection; 609.3232, violation of an order for protection; 609.746, interference with privacy; 609.79, obscene or harassing telephone calls; 609.795, letter, telegram, or package opening, harassment; 617.23, indecent exposure; 609.2672, assault of an unborn child, third degree; 617.293, dissemination and display of harmful materials to minors; 609.66, dangerous weapons; 609.665, spring guns; an attempt or conspiracy to commit any of these offenses as defined in Minnesota Statutes; or an offense in any other state or country where the elements are substantially similar to any of the offenses listed in this paragraph.

 

(f) The person has been identified by the child protection agency in the county where the provider resides or a county where the provider has resided or by the statewide child protection database as a person found by a preponderance of evidence under section 626.556 to be responsible for physical or sexual abuse of a child within the last seven years.

 

(g) The person has been identified by the adult protection agency in the county where the provider resides or a county where the provider has resided or by the statewide adult protection database as the person responsible for abuse or neglect of a vulnerable adult within the last seven years.

 

(h) (b) The person has refused to give written consent for disclosure of criminal history records.

 

(i) (c) The person has been denied a family child care license or has received a fine or a sanction as a licensed child care provider that has not been reversed on appeal.

 

(j) (d) The person has a family child care licensing disqualification that has not been set aside.

 

(k) (e) The person has admitted or a county has found that there is a preponderance of evidence that fraudulent information was given to the county for child care assistance application purposes or was used in submitting child care assistance bills for payment.

 

(l) The person has been convicted of the crime of theft by wrongfully obtaining public assistance or has been found guilty of wrongfully obtaining public assistance by a federal court, state court, or an administrative hearing determination or waiver, through a disqualification consent agreement, as part of an approved diversion plan under section 401.065, or a court-ordered stay with probationary or other conditions.

 

(m) The person has a household member age 13 or older who has access to children during the hours that care is provided and who meets one of the conditions listed in paragraphs (b) to (l).


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(n) The person has a household member ages ten to 12 who has access to children during the hours that care is provided; information or circumstances exist which provide the county with articulable suspicion that further pertinent information may exist showing the household member meets one of the conditions listed in paragraphs (b) to (l); and the household member actually meets one of the conditions listed in paragraphs (b) to (l).

 

Sec. 6.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 119B.125, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 6.  Record-keeping requirement.  All providers receiving child care assistance payments must keep daily attendance records for children receiving child care assistance and must make those records available immediately to the county upon request.  The attendance records must be completed daily and include the date, the first and last name of each child in attendance, and the times when each child is dropped off and picked up.  To the extent possible, the times that the child was dropped off to and picked up from the child care provider must be entered by the person dropping off or picking up the child.  The daily attendance records must be retained for six years after the date of service.  A county may deny authorization as a child care provider to any applicant or rescind authorization of any provider when the county knows or has reason to believe that the provider has not complied with the record-keeping requirement in this subdivision.

 

Sec. 7.  Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 119B.13, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Subsidy restrictions.  (a) Beginning October 31, 2011, the maximum rate paid for child care assistance in any county or multicounty region under the child care fund shall be the rate for like-care arrangements in the county effective July 1, 2006, decreased by 2.5 percent.

 

(b) Every year Biennially beginning in 2012, the commissioner shall survey rates charged by child care providers in Minnesota to determine the 75th percentile for like-care arrangements in counties.  When the commissioner determines that, using the commissioner's established protocol, the number of providers responding to the survey is too small to determine the 75th percentile rate for like-care arrangements in a county or multicounty region, the commissioner may establish the 75th percentile maximum rate based on like-care arrangements in a county, region, or category that the commissioner deems to be similar.

 

(c) A rate which includes a special needs rate paid under subdivision 3 or under a school readiness service agreement paid under section 119B.231, may be in excess of the maximum rate allowed under this subdivision.

 

(d) The department shall monitor the effect of this paragraph on provider rates.  The county shall pay the provider's full charges for every child in care up to the maximum established.  The commissioner shall determine the maximum rate for each type of care on an hourly, full-day, and weekly basis, including special needs and disability care.  The maximum payment to a provider for one day of care must not exceed the daily rate.  The maximum payment to a provider for one week of care must not exceed the weekly rate.

 

(e) Child care providers receiving reimbursement under this chapter must not be paid activity fees or an additional amount above the maximum rates for care provided during nonstandard hours for families receiving assistance.

 

(f) When the provider charge is greater than the maximum provider rate allowed, the parent is responsible for payment of the difference in the rates in addition to any family co-payment fee.

 

(g) All maximum provider rates changes shall be implemented on the Monday following the effective date of the maximum provider rate.


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Sec. 8.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 119B.13, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 6.  Provider payments.  (a) The provider shall bill for services provided within ten days of the end of the service period.  If bills are submitted within ten days of the end of the service period, payments under the child care fund shall be made within 30 days of receiving a bill from the provider.  Counties or the state may establish policies that make payments on a more frequent basis.

 

(b) If a provider has received an authorization of care and been issued a billing form for an eligible family, the bill must be submitted within 60 days of the last date of service on the bill.  A bill submitted more than 60 days after the last date of service must be paid if the county determines that the provider has shown good cause why the bill was not submitted within 60 days.  Good cause must be defined in the county's child care fund plan under section 119B.08, subdivision 3, and the definition of good cause must include county error.  Any bill submitted more than a year after the last date of service on the bill must not be paid.

 

(c) If a provider provided care for a time period without receiving an authorization of care and a billing form for an eligible family, payment of child care assistance may only be made retroactively for a maximum of six months from the date the provider is issued an authorization of care and billing form.

 

(d) A county may refuse to issue a child care authorization to a licensed or legal nonlicensed provider, revoke an existing child care authorization to a licensed or legal nonlicensed provider, stop payment issued to a licensed or legal nonlicensed provider, or may refuse to pay a bill submitted by a licensed or legal nonlicensed provider if:

 

(1) the provider admits to intentionally giving the county materially false information on the provider's billing forms; or

 

(2) a county finds by a preponderance of the evidence that the provider intentionally gave the county materially false information on the provider's billing forms.;

 

(3) the provider is in violation of licensing or child care assistance program rules and the provider has not corrected the violation;

 

(4) the provider submits false attendance reports or refuses to provide documentation of the child's attendance upon request; or

 

(5) the provider gives false child care price information.

 

(e) A county's payment policies must be included in the county's child care plan under section 119B.08, subdivision 3.  If payments are made by the state, in addition to being in compliance with this subdivision, the payments must be made in compliance with section 16A.124.

 

Sec. 9.  CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM RULE CHANGE.

 

The commissioner shall amend Minnesota Rules, part 3400.0035, subpart 2, to remove the requirement that applications must be submitted by mail or delivered to the agency within 15 calendar days after the date of signature.  The commissioner shall comply with Minnesota Statutes, section 14.389, in adopting the amendment.

 

ARTICLE 7

SIMPLIFICATION OF MFIP AND DWP

 

Section 1.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 256J.08, subdivision 11, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 11.  Caregiver.  "Caregiver" means a minor child's natural birth or adoptive parent or parents and stepparent who live in the home with the minor child.  For purposes of determining eligibility for this program, caregiver also means any of the following individuals, if adults, who live with and provide care and support to a


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minor child when the minor child's natural birth or adoptive parent or parents or stepparents do not reside in the same home:  legal custodian or guardian, grandfather, grandmother, brother, sister, half brother, half sister, stepbrother, stepsister, uncle, aunt, first cousin or first cousin once removed, nephew, niece, person of preceding generation as denoted by prefixes of "great," "great-great," or "great-great-great," or a spouse of any person named in the above groups even after the marriage ends by death or divorce.

 

Sec. 2.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 256J.24, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2.  Mandatory assistance unit composition.  Except for minor caregivers and their children who must be in a separate assistance unit from the other persons in the household, when the following individuals live together, they must be included in the assistance unit:

 

(1) a minor child, including a pregnant minor;

 

(2) the minor child's minor siblings, minor half siblings, and minor stepsiblings;

 

(3) the minor child's natural birth parents, adoptive parents, and stepparents; and

 

(4) the spouse of a pregnant woman.

 

A minor child must have a caregiver for the child to be included in the assistance unit.

 

Sec. 3.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 256J.32, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 6.  Recertification.  (a) The county agency shall recertify eligibility in an annual face-to-face interview with the participant and.  The county agency may waive the face-to-face interview and conduct a phone interview for participants who qualify under paragraph (b).  During the interview the county agency shall verify the following:

 

(1) presence of the minor child in the home, if questionable;

 

(2) income, unless excluded, including self-employment expenses used as a deduction or deposits or withdrawals from business accounts;

 

(3) assets when the value is within $200 of the asset limit;

 

(4) information to establish an exception under section 256J.24, subdivision 9, if questionable;

 

(5) inconsistent information, if related to eligibility; and

 

(6) whether a single caregiver household meets requirements in section 256J.575, subdivision 3.

 

(b) A participant who is employed any number of hours must be given the option of conducting a face-to-face or phone interview to recertify eligibility.  The participant must be employed at the time the interview is scheduled.  If the participant loses the participant's job between the time the interview is scheduled and when it is to be conducted, the phone interview may still be conducted.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective October 1, 2012.

 

Sec. 4.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 256J.621, is amended to read:

 

256J.621 WORK PARTICIPATION CASH BENEFITS.


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(a) Effective October 1, 2009, upon exiting the diversionary work program (DWP) or upon terminating the Minnesota family investment program with earnings, a participant who is employed may be eligible for work participation cash benefits of $25 per month to assist in meeting the family's basic needs as the participant continues to move toward self-sufficiency.

 

(b) To be eligible for work participation cash benefits, the participant shall not receive MFIP or diversionary work program assistance during the month and the participant or participants must meet the following work requirements:

 

(1) if the participant is a single caregiver and has a child under six years of age, the participant must be employed at least 87 hours per month;

 

(2) if the participant is a single caregiver and does not have a child under six years of age, the participant must be employed at least 130 hours per month; or

 

(3) if the household is a two-parent family, at least one of the parents must be employed an average of at least 130 hours per month.

 

Whenever a participant exits the diversionary work program or is terminated from MFIP and meets the other criteria in this section, work participation cash benefits are available for up to 24 consecutive months.

 

(c) Expenditures on the program are maintenance of effort state funds under a separate state program for participants under paragraph (b), clauses (1) and (2).  Expenditures for participants under paragraph (b), clause (3), are nonmaintenance of effort funds.  Months in which a participant receives work participation cash benefits under this section do not count toward the participant's MFIP 60-month time limit.

 

Sec. 5.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 256J.68, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 7.  Exclusive procedure.  The procedure established by this section is exclusive of all other legal, equitable, and statutory remedies against the state, its political subdivisions, or employees of the state or its political subdivisions.  The claimant shall not be entitled to seek damages from any state, county, tribal, or reservation insurance policy or self-insurance program.  A provider who accepts or agrees to accept an injury protection program payment for services provided to an individual must not require any payment from the individual.

 

Sec. 6.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 256J.95, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 3.  Eligibility for diversionary work program.  (a) Except for the categories of family units listed below in clauses (1) to (8), all family units who apply for cash benefits and who meet MFIP eligibility as required in sections 256J.11 to 256J.15 are eligible and must participate in the diversionary work program.  Family units or individuals that are not eligible for the diversionary work program include:

 

(1) child only cases;

 

(2) a single-parent family unit units that includes include a child under 12 months of age.  A parent is eligible for this exception once in a parent's lifetime;

 

(3) family units with a minor parent without a high school diploma or its equivalent;

 

(4) family units with an 18- or 19-year-old caregiver without a high school diploma or its equivalent who chooses to have an employment plan with an education option;

 

(5) a caregiver age 60 or over;


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(6) (5) family units with a caregiver who received DWP benefits in within the 12 months prior to the month the family applied for DWP, except as provided in paragraph (c);

 

(7) (6) family units with a caregiver who received MFIP within the 12 months prior to the month the family unit applied for DWP;

 

(8) a (7) family unit units with a caregiver who received 60 or more months of TANF assistance; and

 

(9) (8) family units with a caregiver who is disqualified from the work participation cash benefit program, DWP, or MFIP due to fraud; and.

 

(10) refugees and asylees as defined in Code of Federal Regulations, title 45, part 400, subpart d, section 400.43, who arrived in the United States in the 12 months prior to the date of application for family cash assistance.

 

(b) A two-parent family must participate in DWP unless both caregivers meet the criteria for an exception under paragraph (a), clauses (1) through (5), or the family unit includes a parent who meets the criteria in paragraph (a), clause (6), (7), (8), (9), or (10).

 

(c) Once DWP eligibility is determined, the four months run consecutively.  If a participant leaves the program for any reason and reapplies during the four-month period, the county must redetermine eligibility for DWP."

 

Delete the title and insert:

 

"A bill for an act relating to human services; modifying provisions related to children and family services; providing for child safety and permanency reform including adoptions under guardianship of the commissioner; modifying statutory provisions related to child support; modifying child care provisions; modifying fees; modifying MFIP provisions; providing criminal penalties; making technical changes; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 13.46, subdivision 2; 13.461, subdivision 17; 13.465, by adding a subdivision; 119B.09, subdivision 7; 119B.12, subdivisions 1, 2; 119B.125, subdivisions 1a, 2, 6; 119B.13, subdivision 6; 145.902, subdivisions 1, 2, 3; 256.998, subdivisions 1, 5; 256J.08, subdivision 11; 256J.24, subdivisions 2, 5; 256J.32, subdivision 6; 256J.621; 256J.68, subdivision 7; 256J.95, subdivision 3; 257.01; 257.75, subdivision 7; 259.22, subdivision 2; 259.23, subdivision 1; 259.24, subdivisions 1, 3, 5, 6a, 7; 259.29, subdivision 2; 259.69; 259.73; 260.012; 260.771, subdivision 3; 260C.001; 260C.007, subdivision 4, by adding subdivisions; 260C.101, subdivision 2; 260C.150, subdivision 1; 260C.157, subdivision 1; 260C.163, subdivisions 1, 4; 260C.178, subdivisions 1, 7; 260C.193, subdivisions 3, 6; 260C.201, subdivisions 2, 10, 11a; 260C.212, subdivisions 1, 2, 5, 7; 260C.215, subdivisions 4, 6; 260C.217; 260C.301, subdivisions 1, 8; 260C.317, subdivisions 3, 4; 260C.325, subdivisions 1, 3, 4; 260C.328; 260C.451; 260D.08; 518A.40, subdivision 4; 518C.205; 541.04; 548.09, subdivision 1; 609.3785; 626.556, subdivisions 2, 10, 10e, 10f, 10i, 10k, 11; Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, sections 119B.13, subdivision 1; 256.01, subdivision 14b; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 260C; 611; proposing coding for new law as Minnesota Statutes, chapter 259A; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 256.022; 259.67; 259.71; 260C.201, subdivision 11; 260C.215, subdivision 2; 260C.456; Minnesota Rules, parts 9560.0071; 9560.0082; 9560.0083; 9560.0091; 9560.0093, subparts 1, 3, 4; 9560.0101; 9560.0102."

 

 

With the recommendation that when so amended the bill pass and be re-referred to the Committee on Civil Law.

 

      The report was adopted.


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Peppin from the Committee on Government Operations and Elections to which was referred:

 

H. F. No. 1979, A bill for an act relating to human services; Minnesota supplemental aid shelter needy provisions; modifying adult foster care homes; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 245A.03, by adding a subdivision; 245A.11, subdivisions 2a, 7, 7a; 245B.06, subdivision 2; 245B.07, subdivision 1; 245C.04, subdivision 6; 245C.05, subdivision 7; 256B.092, subdivision 1b; 256D.44, subdivision 5; Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, sections 256B.097, subdivision 3; 256B.49, subdivision 23; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 256B.

 

Reported the same back with the following amendments:

 

Page 21, line 8, delete "one county representative;" and insert "one metropolitan area county representative; one greater Minnesota county representative;"

 

 

With the recommendation that when so amended the bill pass and be re-referred to the Committee on Health and Human Services Finance.

 

      The report was adopted.

 

 

Garofalo from the Committee on Education Finance to which was referred:

 

H. F. No. 2083, A bill for an act relating to education finance; modifying school district aid payment shift; amending Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 127A.45, subdivision 2.

 

Reported the same back with the following amendments:

 

Delete everything after the enacting clause and insert:

 

"ARTICLE 1

GENERAL EDUCATION

 

Section 1.  Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 123B.41, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2.  Textbook.  (a) "Textbook" means any book or book substitute, including electronic books as well as other printed materials delivered electronically, which a pupil uses as a text or text substitute in a particular class or program in the school regularly attended and a copy of which is expected to be available for the individual use of each pupil in this class or program.

 

(b) For purposes of calculating the annual nonpublic pupil aid entitlement for textbooks, the term shall be limited to books, workbooks, or manuals, whether bound or in loose-leaf form, as well as electronic books and other printed materials delivered electronically, intended for use as a principal source of study material for a given class or a group of students.

 

(c) For purposes of sections 123B.40 to 123B.48, the term includes terms "textbook" and "software or other educational technology" include only such secular, neutral, and nonideological textbooks materials as are available, used by, or of benefit to Minnesota public school pupils.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective July 1, 2012.


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Sec. 2.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 123B.41, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 5a.  Software or other educational technology.  For purposes of sections 123B.42 and 123B.43, "software or other educational technology" includes software, programs, applications, hardware, and any other electronic educational technology.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective July 1, 2012.

 

Sec. 3.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 123B.42, is amended to read:

 

123B.42 TEXTBOOKS; INDIVIDUAL INSTRUCTION OR COOPERATIVE LEARNING MATERIAL; STANDARD TESTS.

 

Subdivision 1.  Providing education materials and tests.  The commissioner of education shall promulgate rules under the provisions of chapter 14 requiring that in each school year, based upon formal requests by or on behalf of nonpublic school pupils in a nonpublic school, the local districts or intermediary service areas must purchase or otherwise acquire textbooks, individualized instructional or cooperative learning materials, software or other educational technology, and standardized tests and loan or provide them for use by children enrolled in that nonpublic school.  These textbooks, individualized instructional or cooperative learning materials, software or other educational technology, and standardized tests must be loaned or provided free to the children for the school year for which requested.  The loan or provision of the textbooks, individualized instructional or cooperative learning materials, and standardized tests shall be subject to rules prescribed by the commissioner of education.

 

Subd. 1a.  Curriculum; electronic components.  A school district that provides curriculum to resident students that has both physical and electronic components must make the electronic component accessible to a resident student in a home school in compliance with sections 120A.22 and 120A.24 at the request of the student or the student's parent or guardian, provided that the district does not incur more than an incidental cost as a result of providing access electronically.

 

Subd. 2.  Title to education materials and tests.  The title to textbooks, individualized instructional or cooperative learning materials, software or other educational technology, and standardized testing materials must remain in the servicing school district or intermediary service area, and possession or custody may be granted or charged to administrators of the nonpublic school attended by the nonpublic school pupil or pupils to whom the textbooks, individualized instructional or cooperative learning materials, or standardized tests are loaned or provided.

 

Subd. 3.  Cost; limitation.  (a) The cost per pupil of the textbooks, individualized instructional or cooperative learning materials, software or other educational technology, and standardized tests provided for in this section for each school year must not exceed the statewide average expenditure per pupil, adjusted pursuant to clause (b), by the Minnesota public elementary and secondary schools for textbooks, individualized instructional materials and standardized tests as computed and established by the department by February 1 of the preceding school year from the most recent public school year data then available.

 

(b) The cost computed in clause (a) shall be increased by an inflation adjustment equal to the percent of increase in the formula allowance, pursuant to section 126C.10, subdivision 2, from the second preceding school year to the current school year.

 

(c) The commissioner shall allot to the districts or intermediary service areas the total cost for each school year of providing or loaning the textbooks, individualized instructional or cooperative learning materials, software or other educational technology, and standardized tests for the pupils in each nonpublic school.  The allotment shall not exceed the product of the statewide average expenditure per pupil, according to clause (a), adjusted pursuant to clause (b), multiplied by the number of nonpublic school pupils who make requests pursuant to this section and who are enrolled as of September 15 of the current school year.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective July 1, 2012.


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Sec. 4.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 123B.43, is amended to read:

 

123B.43 USE OF INDIVIDUALIZED INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS.

 

(a) The commissioner shall assure that textbooks and individualized instructional materials loaned to nonpublic school pupils are secular, neutral, nonideological and that they are incapable of diversion for religious use.

 

(b) Textbooks and, individualized instructional materials, software and other technology must not be used in religious courses, devotional exercises, religious training or any other religious activity.

 

(c) Textbooks and individualized instructional materials must be loaned only to individual pupils upon the request of a parent or guardian or the pupil on a form designated for this use by the commissioner.  The request forms shall provide for verification by the parent or guardian or pupil that the requested textbooks and individualized instructional materials are for the use of the individual pupil in connection with a program of instruction in the pupil's elementary or secondary school.

 

(d) The servicing school district or the intermediary service area must take adequate measures to ensure an accurate and periodic inventory of all textbooks and, individualized instructional materials, software and other technology loaned to elementary and secondary school pupils attending nonpublic schools.  The commissioner of education shall promulgate rules under the provisions of chapter 14 to terminate the eligibility of any nonpublic school pupil if the commissioner determines, after notice and opportunity for hearing, that the textbooks or, individualized instructional materials, or software or other technology have been used in a manner contrary to the provisions of section 123B.41, subdivision 5, 123B.42, or this section or any rules promulgated by the commissioner of education.

 

(e) Nothing contained in section 123B.41, subdivision 5, 123B.42, or this section shall be construed to authorize the making of any payments to a nonpublic school or its faculty, staff or administrators for religious worship or instruction or for any other purpose.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective July 1, 2012.

 

Sec. 5.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 126C.10, subdivision 28, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 28.  Equity region.  For the purposes of computing equity revenue under subdivision 24, a district whose with its administrative offices on July 1, 1999, is office located in Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, or Washington County on January 1, 2012, is part of the metro equity region.  Districts whose administrative offices on July 1, 1999, are not located in Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, or Washington County  All other districts are part of the rural equity region.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective for revenue for fiscal years 2013 and later.

 

Sec. 6.  Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 127A.33, is amended to read:

 

127A.33 SCHOOL ENDOWMENT FUND; APPORTIONMENT.

 

(a) The commissioner shall apportion the school endowment fund semiannually on the first Monday in March and September in each year, to districts whose schools have been in session at least nine months.  The apportionment shall be in proportion to each district's adjusted average daily membership during the preceding year.  Any annual apportionment in excess of $28 per pupil in adjusted average daily membership must be reserved and used only for the school technology purposes listed in paragraph (b).  The apportionment shall not be paid to a district for pupils for whom tuition is received by the district.


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(b) For purposes of this section, revenue reserved under paragraph (a) for school technology purposes may only be used:

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective for apportionments occurring on or after July 1, 2012.

 

Sec. 7.  Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 11, article 1, section 36, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

 

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

 

 

 

$ 5,112,037,000 5,720,705,000

. . . . .

2012

 

 

$ 5,850,065,000 5,854,570,000

. . . . .

2013

 

The 2012 appropriation includes $1,678,539,000 $1,660,922,000 for 2011 and $3,433,498,000 $4,059,783,000 for 2012.

 

The 2013 appropriation includes $2,297,765,000 $1,696,931,000 for 2012 and $3,552,300,000 $4,157,639,000 for 2013.

 

Sec. 8.  Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 11, article 1, section 36, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 3.  Enrollment options transportation.  For transportation of pupils attending postsecondary institutions under Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.09, or for transportation of pupils attending nonresident districts under Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.03:

 

 

 

$ 31,000 42,000

. . . . .

2012

 

 

$ 32,000 46,000

. . . . .

2013

 

Sec. 9.  Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 11, article 1, section 36, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 4.  Abatement revenue.  For abatement aid under Minnesota Statutes, section 127A.49:

 

 

 

$ 1,294,000 1,503,000

. . . . .

2012

 

 

$ 1,627,000 2,111,000

. . . . .

2013

 

The 2012 appropriation includes $346,000 for 2011 and $948,000 $1,157,000 for 2012.

 

The 2013 appropriation includes $631,000 $491,000 for 2012 and $996,000 $1,620,000 for 2013.


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Sec. 10.  Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 11, article 1, section 36, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 5.  Consolidation transition.  For districts consolidating under Minnesota Statutes, section 123A.485:

 

 

 

$145,000

. . . . .

2012

 

 

$ 180,000 211,000

. . . . .

2013

 

The 2012 appropriation includes $145,000 for 2011 and $0 for 2012.

 

The 2013 appropriation includes $0 for 2012 and $180,000 $211,000 for 2013.

 

Sec. 11.  Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 11, article 1, section 36, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 6.  Nonpublic pupil education aid.  For nonpublic pupil education aid under Minnesota Statutes, sections 123B.40 to 123B.43 and 123B.87:

 

 

 

$ 14,598,000 15,232,000

. . . . .

2012

 

 

$ 16,198,000 15,578,000

. . . . .

2013

 

The 2012 appropriation includes $5,078,000 $4,161,000 for 2011 and $9,520,000 $11,071,000 for 2012.

 

The 2013 appropriation includes $6,346,000 $4,699,000 for 2012 and $9,852,000 $10,879,000 for 2013.

 

Sec. 12.  Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 11, article 1, section 36, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 7.  Nonpublic pupil transportation.  For nonpublic pupil transportation aid under Minnesota Statutes, section 123B.92, subdivision 9:

 

 

 

$ 17,178,000 18,864,000

. . . . .

2012

 

 

$ 19,056,000 19,061,000

. . . . .

2013

 

The 2012 appropriation includes $5,895,000 $5,700,000 for 2011 and $11,283,000 $13,164,000 for 2012.

 

The 2013 appropriation includes $7,521,000 $5,587,000 for 2012 and $11,535,000 $13,474,000 for 2013.

 

Sec. 13.  Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 11, article 1, section 36, subdivision 10, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 10.  Compensatory pilot project formula aid.  For grants for compensatory pilot project formula aid as calculated under this subdivision:

 

 

 

$ 9,776,000 10,228,000

. . . . .

2013

 

For fiscal year 2013 only, a district which has a pupil unit count that is in the top 20 largest pupil unit counts is eligible for the greater of zero or $1,400 times the number of compensatory pupil units, minus the amount of compensatory education revenue received by the district under Minnesota Statutes, section 126C.10, subdivision 3.

 

The 2013 appropriation includes $0 for 2012 and $9,776,000 $10,228,000 for 2013.

 

This is a onetime appropriation.

 

Sec. 14.  EFFECTIVE DATE.

 

Unless otherwise specified, this article is effective the day following final enactment.


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ARTICLE 2

EDUCATION EXCELLENCE

 

Section 1.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 13.43, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2.  Public data.  (a) Except for employees described in subdivision 5 and subject to the limitations described in subdivision 5a, the following personnel data on current and former employees, volunteers, and independent contractors of a government entity is public:

 

(1) name; employee identification number, which must not be the employee's Social Security number; actual gross salary; salary range; terms and conditions of employment relationship; contract fees; actual gross pension; the value and nature of employer paid fringe benefits; and the basis for and the amount of any added remuneration, including expense reimbursement, in addition to salary;

 

(2) job title and bargaining unit; job description; education and training background; and previous work experience;

 

(3) date of first and last employment;

 

(4) the existence and status of any complaints or charges against the employee, regardless of whether the complaint or charge resulted in a disciplinary action;

 

(5) the final disposition of any disciplinary action together with the specific reasons for the action and data documenting the basis of the action, excluding data that would identify confidential sources who are employees of the public body;

 

(6) (i) the complete terms of any agreement settling any dispute arising out of or arrangement resulting from amending, terminating, or otherwise modifying an employment relationship, including a buyout agreement as defined in section 123B.143, subdivision 2, paragraph (a) ; except that the agreement, or (ii) an agreement involving the payment of more than $10,000 of public money or resulting from terminating an employment relationship that includes a lump sum payment made in lieu of salary or other compensation must include specific reasons for the agreement if it involves the payment of more than $10,000 of public money;

 

(7) work location; a work telephone number; badge number; work-related continuing education; and honors and awards received; and

 

(8) payroll time sheets or other comparable data that are only used to account for employee's work time for payroll purposes, except to the extent that release of time sheet data would reveal the employee's reasons for the use of sick or other medical leave or other not public data.

 

(b) For purposes of this subdivision, a final disposition occurs when the government entity makes its final decision about the disciplinary action, regardless of the possibility of any later proceedings or court proceedings.  Final disposition includes a resignation by an individual when the resignation occurs after the final decision of the government entity, or arbitrator.  In the case of arbitration proceedings arising under collective bargaining agreements, a final disposition occurs at the conclusion of the arbitration proceedings, or upon the failure of the employee to elect arbitration within the time provided by the collective bargaining agreement.  A disciplinary action does not become public data if an arbitrator sustains a grievance and reverses all aspects of any disciplinary action.

 

(c) The government entity may display a photograph of a current or former employee to a prospective witness as part of the government entity's investigation of any complaint or charge against the employee.

 

(d) A complainant has access to a statement provided by the complainant to a government entity in connection with a complaint or charge against an employee.


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(e) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), clause (5), upon completion of an investigation of a complaint or charge against a public official, or if a public official resigns or is terminated from employment while the complaint or charge is pending, all data relating to the complaint or charge are public, unless access to the data would jeopardize an active investigation or reveal confidential sources.  For purposes of this paragraph, "public official" means:

 

(1) the head of a state agency and deputy and assistant state agency heads;

 

(2) members of boards or commissions required by law to be appointed by the governor or other elective officers; and

 

(3) executive or administrative heads of departments, bureaus, divisions, or institutions within state government.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective the day following final enactment and applies to any agreement entered into or modified after that date.

 

Sec. 2.  Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 122A.245, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Requirements.  (a) To improve academic excellence, improve ethnic and cultural diversity in the classroom, and close the academic achievement gap, the Board of Teaching must approve qualified teacher preparation programs under this section that are a means to acquire a two-year limited-term license, which the board may renew one time for an additional one-year term, and to prepare for acquiring a standard license.  The following entities are eligible to participate under this section:

 

(1) a school district or charter school that forms a partnership with a college or university that has a board-approved alternative teacher preparation program; or

 

(2) a school district or charter school, after consulting with a college or university with a board-approved teacher preparation program, forms a partnership with a nonprofit corporation organized under chapter 317A for an education-related purpose that has a board-approved teacher preparation program.

 

(b) Before participating in this program, a candidate must:

 

(1) have a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 or higher grade point average unless the board waives the grade point average requirement based on board-adopted criteria;

 

(2) pass the reading, writing, and mathematics skills examination under section 122A.09, subdivision 4, paragraph (b); and

 

(3) obtain qualifying scores on applicable board-approved rigorous content area and pedagogy examinations under section 122A.09, subdivision 4, paragraph (e).

 

(c) The Board of Teaching must issue a two-year limited-term license to a person who enrolls in an alternative teacher preparation program.  This limited-term license is not a provisional license under section 122A.40 or 122A.41.

 

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

 

Sec. 3.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 122A.40, subdivision 10, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 10.  Negotiated unrequested leave of absence.  (a) The school board and the exclusive bargaining representative of the teachers may must negotiate a plan providing for unrequested leave of absence without pay or fringe benefits for as many teachers as may be necessary because of discontinuance of position, lack of pupils,


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financial limitations, or merger of classes caused by consolidation of districts.  The plan must base unrequested leave of absence decisions on teachers' subject matter licensure fields and evaluation outcomes, from the least to most effective category under subdivision 8 and from the least to greatest seniority within each effectiveness category, and must be consistent with subdivision 11, paragraph (n).  Failing to successfully negotiate such a plan, the provisions of subdivision 11 shall apply.  The negotiated plan must not include provisions which would result in the exercise of seniority by a teacher holding a provisional license, other than a vocational education license if required for the position, contrary to the provisions of subdivision 11, clause paragraph (c), or the reinstatement of a teacher holding a provisional license, other than a vocational education license required for the position, contrary to the provisions of subdivision 11, clause (e) paragraph (f).  The provisions of section 179A.16 do not apply for the purposes of this subdivision.

 

(b) For purposes of placing a teacher on unrequested leave of absence or recalling a teacher from unrequested leave of absence, nothing in this subdivision requires a school board to reassign a teacher with more seniority to a different subject matter licensure field in order to accommodate the seniority claims of a teacher who is similarly licensed and effective but with less seniority.  For purposes of this subdivision, a teacher holding a provisional license is a teacher who has received a waiver or variance to teach from the Minnesota Board of Teaching. 

 

(c) Notwithstanding section 13.43, subdivision 2, paragraph (a), clause (5), or other law to the contrary, a teacher's effectiveness category and the underlying data on the individual teacher generated under the teacher evaluation process in subdivision 8, paragraph (b), used to determine a teacher's effectiveness category for purposes of this subdivision are private data on individuals.

 

(d) Nothing in this subdivision permits a school board to use a teacher's remuneration as a basis for making unrequested leave of absence or discharge decisions.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective the day following final enactment and applies to negotiated plans agreed to after that date.

 

Sec. 4.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 122A.40, subdivision 11, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 11.  Unrequested leave of absence.  The board may place on unrequested leave of absence, without pay or fringe benefits, as many teachers as may be necessary because of discontinuance of position, lack of pupils, financial limitations, or merger of classes caused by consolidation or reorganization of districts under chapter 123A.  The unrequested leave is effective at the close of the school year.  In placing teachers on unrequested leave, the board is governed by the following provisions:

 

(a) The board may place probationary teachers on unrequested leave first in the inverse order of their employment.  A teacher who has acquired continuing contract rights must not be placed on unrequested leave of absence while probationary teachers are retained in positions for which the teacher who has acquired continuing contract rights is licensed;.

 

(b) Teachers who have acquired continuing contract rights shall be placed on unrequested leave of absence in fields in which they are licensed in the inverse order in which they were employed by the school district.  In the case of equal seniority, the order in which teachers who have acquired continuing contract rights shall be placed on unrequested leave of absence in fields in which they are licensed is negotiable;.

 

(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of clause paragraph (b), a teacher is not entitled to exercise any seniority when that exercise results in that teacher being retained by the district in a field for which the teacher holds only a provisional license, as defined by the board of teaching, unless that exercise of seniority results in the placement on unrequested leave of absence of another teacher who also holds a provisional license in the same field.  The provisions of this clause paragraph do not apply to vocational education licenses; required for available positions.


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(d) Notwithstanding clauses paragraphs (a), (b) and (c), if the placing of a probationary teacher on unrequested leave before a teacher who has acquired continuing rights, the placing of a teacher who has acquired continuing contract rights on unrequested leave before another teacher who has acquired continuing contract rights but who has greater seniority, or the restriction imposed by the provisions of clause paragraph (c) would place the district in violation of its affirmative action program, the district may retain the probationary teacher, the teacher with less seniority, or the provisionally licensed teacher;.

 

(e) For purposes of placing a teacher on unrequested leave of absence or recalling a teacher from unrequested leave of absence, nothing in this subdivision requires a school board to reassign a teacher with more seniority to a different subject matter licensure field in order to accommodate the seniority claims of a teacher who is similarly licensed and effective but with less seniority.

 

(f) Teachers placed on unrequested leave of absence must be reinstated to the positions from which they have been given leaves of absence or, if not available, to other available positions in the school district in fields in which they are licensed.  Reinstatement must be in the inverse order of placement on leave of absence.  A teacher must not be reinstated to a position in a field in which the teacher holds only a provisional license, other than a vocational education license if required for the position, while another teacher who holds a nonprovisional license in the same field remains on unrequested leave.  The order of reinstatement of teachers who have equal seniority and who are placed on unrequested leave in the same school year is negotiable;.

 

(f) (g) Appointment of a new teacher must not be made while there is available, on unrequested leave, a teacher who is properly licensed to fill such vacancy, unless the teacher fails to advise the school board within 30 days of the date of notification that a position is available to that teacher who may return to employment and assume the duties of the position to which appointed on a future date determined by the board;.

 

(g) (h) A teacher placed on unrequested leave of absence may engage in teaching or any other occupation during the period of this leave;.

 

(h) (i) The unrequested leave of absence must not impair the continuing contract rights of a teacher or result in a loss of credit for previous years of service;.

 

(i) (j) Consistent with paragraph (n) and subdivision 10, the unrequested leave of absence of a teacher who is categorized as effective or better under subdivision 8, who is placed on unrequested leave of absence, and who is not reinstated shall continue for a period of five years, after which the right to reinstatement shall terminate terminates.  The teacher's right to reinstatement shall also terminate terminates if the teacher fails to file with the board by April 1 of any each year a written statement requesting reinstatement;.

 

(k) Consistent with paragraph (n) and subdivision 10, the unrequested leave of absence of a teacher who is categorized as ineffective or less under subdivision 8, who is placed on unrequested leave of absence, and who is not reinstated continues for the following school year only, after which the teacher's right to reinstatement terminates.  The teacher's right to reinstatement also terminates if the teacher fails to file with the board by April 1 in that following school year a written statement requesting reinstatement.

 

(j) (l) The same provisions applicable to terminations of probationary or continuing contracts in subdivisions 5 and 7 must apply to placement on unrequested leave of absence;.

 

(k) (m) Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed to impair the rights of teachers placed on unrequested leave of absence to receive unemployment benefits if otherwise eligible.

 

(n) Beginning in the 2016-2017 school year and later, and notwithstanding any law to the contrary, a school board must place teachers on unrequested leave of absence based on their subject matter licensure fields and most recent evaluation outcomes, from the least to most effective category under subdivision 8 and from the least to


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greatest seniority within each effectiveness category.  A school board is not required to reassign a teacher with more seniority to a different subject matter licensure field in order to accommodate the seniority claims of a teacher who is similarly licensed and effective but with less seniority.  A school board may decide not to renew a probationary teacher's contract or may place the probationary teacher on unrequested leave of absence as it sees fit.  The school board must publish in a readily accessible format the unrequested leave of absence plan it develops and implements under this paragraph.

 

(o) For purposes of this subdivision, a teacher who holds only a provisional license is a teacher who has received a waiver or variance to teach from the Minnesota Board of Teaching.

 

(p) Notwithstanding section 13.43, subdivision 2, paragraph (a), clause (5), or other law to the contrary, a teacher's effectiveness category and the underlying data on the individual teacher generated under the teacher evaluation process in subdivision 8, paragraph (b), used to determine a teacher's effectiveness category for purposes of this subdivision are private data on individuals.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective the day following final enactment except that paragraph (n) is effective for the 2016-2017 school year and later.

 

Sec. 5.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 122A.40, subdivision 13, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 13.  Immediate discharge.  (a) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (b), a board may discharge a continuing-contract teacher, effective immediately, upon any of the following grounds:

 

(1) immoral conduct, insubordination, or conviction of a felony;

 

(2) conduct unbecoming a teacher which requires the immediate removal of the teacher from classroom or other duties;

 

(3) failure without justifiable cause to teach without first securing the written release of the school board;

 

(4) gross inefficiency which the teacher has failed to correct after reasonable written notice;

 

(5) willful neglect of duty; or

 

(6) continuing physical or mental disability subsequent to a 12 months leave of absence and inability to qualify for reinstatement in accordance with subdivision 12.

 

For purposes of this paragraph, conduct unbecoming a teacher includes an unfair discriminatory practice described in section 363A.13.

 

Prior to discharging a teacher under this paragraph, the board must notify the teacher in writing and state its ground for the proposed discharge in reasonable detail.  Within ten days after receipt of this notification the teacher may make a written request for a hearing before the board and it shall be granted before final action is taken.  The board may, however, suspend a teacher with pay pending the conclusion of such the hearing and determination of the issues raised in the hearing after charges have been filed which constitute ground for discharge.  If a teacher has been charged with a felony and the underlying conduct that is the subject of the felony charge is a ground for a proposed immediate discharge, the suspension pending the conclusion of the hearing and determination of the issues may be without pay.  If a hearing under this paragraph is held, the board must reimburse the teacher for any salary or compensation withheld if the final decision of the board or the arbitrator does not result in a penalty to or suspension, termination, or discharge of the teacher.


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(b) A board must discharge a continuing-contract teacher, effective immediately, upon receipt of notice under section 122A.20, subdivision 1, paragraph (b), that the teacher's license has been revoked due to a conviction for child abuse or sexual abuse.

 

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

 

Sec. 6.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 122A.40, subdivision 19, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 19.  Records relating to individual teacher; access; expungement.  All evaluations and files generated within a school district relating to each individual teacher, including teacher evaluation data under subdivisions 8, 10, and 11, among other teacher evaluations and files, must be available to each individual teacher upon written request.  Effective January 1, 1976, all evaluations and files, wherever generated, relating to each individual teacher must be available to each individual teacher upon written request.  The teacher shall have the right to reproduce any of the contents of the files at the teacher's expense and to submit for inclusion in the file written information in response to any material contained therein.

 

A district may destroy the files as provided by law and must expunge from the teacher's file any material found to be false or inaccurate through the grievance procedure required pursuant to section 179A.20, subdivision 4.  The grievance procedure promulgated by the director of the bureau of mediation services, pursuant to section 179A.04, subdivision 3, clause (h), applies to those principals and supervisory employees not included in an appropriate unit as defined in section 179A.03.  Expungement proceedings must be commenced within the time period provided in the collective bargaining agreement for the commencement of a grievance.  If no time period is provided in the bargaining agreement, the expungement proceedings must commence within 15 days after the teacher has knowledge of the inclusion in the teacher's file of the material the teacher seeks to have expunged.

 

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

 

Sec. 7.  Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 122A.41, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 6.  Grounds for discharge or demotion.  (a) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (b), causes for the discharge or demotion of a teacher either during or after the probationary period must be:

 

(1) immoral character, conduct unbecoming a teacher, or insubordination;

 

(2) failure without justifiable cause to teach without first securing the written release of the school board having the care, management, or control of the school in which the teacher is employed;

 

(3) inefficiency in teaching or in the management of a school, consistent with subdivision 5, paragraph (b);

 

(4) affliction with active tuberculosis or other communicable disease must be considered as cause for removal or suspension while the teacher is suffering from such disability; or

 

(5) discontinuance of position or lack of pupils.

 

Beginning no later than the 2016-2017 school year, and notwithstanding any contradictory provisions in this subdivision, the school board must discharge or demote teachers under clause (5) based on their subject matter licensure fields and most recent evaluation outcomes, from the least to most effective category under subdivision 5 and from the least to greatest seniority within each effectiveness category.  Notwithstanding section 13.43, subdivision 2, paragraph (a), clause (5), or other law to the contrary, a teacher's effectiveness category and the underlying data on the individual teacher generated under the teacher evaluation process in subdivision 5, paragraph (b), used to determine a teacher's effectiveness category for purposes of this subdivision are private data on individuals.  The school board must publish in a readily accessible format any discharge and demotion plan it develops to implement clause (5).  Nothing in this subdivision permits a school board to use a teacher's remuneration as a basis for making discharge or demotion decisions.


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For purposes of this paragraph, conduct unbecoming a teacher includes an unfair discriminatory practice described in section 363A.13.

 

(b) A probationary or continuing-contract teacher must be discharged immediately upon receipt of notice under section 122A.20, subdivision 1, paragraph (b), that the teacher's license has been revoked due to a conviction for child abuse or sexual abuse.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective the day following final enactment and applies to negotiated plans agreed to after that date.

 

Sec. 8.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 122A.41, subdivision 14, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 14.  Services terminated by discontinuance or lack of pupils; preference given.  (a) To the extent consistent with paragraph (c) and subdivision 6, paragraph (a), clause (5), a teacher whose services are terminated on account of discontinuance of position or lack of pupils must receive first consideration for other positions in the district for which that teacher is qualified. In the event If it becomes is necessary to discontinue one or more positions, in making such discontinuance, teachers must be discontinued in any department in the inverse order in which they were employed, unless a board and the exclusive representative of teachers in the district negotiate a plan providing otherwise.

 

(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of clause paragraph (a), and to the extent consistent with paragraph (c) and subdivision 6, paragraph (a), a teacher is not entitled to exercise any seniority when that exercise results in that teacher being retained by the district in a field for which the teacher holds only a provisional license, as defined by the Board of Teaching, unless that exercise of seniority results in the termination of services, on account of discontinuance of position or lack of pupils, of another teacher who also holds a provisional license in the same field.  The provisions of this clause do not apply to vocational education licenses.

 

(c) For purposes of discharging, demoting, or recalling a teacher whose services are terminated under this subdivision, nothing in this subdivision requires a school board to reassign a teacher with more seniority to a different subject matter licensure field in order to accommodate the seniority claims of a teacher who is similarly licensed and effective but with less seniority. 

 

(d) Notwithstanding the provisions of clause paragraph (a), and to the extent consistent with paragraph (c) and subdivision 6, paragraph (a), a teacher must not be reinstated to a position in a field in which the teacher holds only a provisional license, other than a vocational education license if required for the position, while another teacher who holds a nonprovisional license in the same field is available for reinstatement.

 

(e) For purposes of this subdivision, a teacher who holds a provisional license is a teacher who has received a waiver or variance to teach from the Minnesota Board of Teaching.

 

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

 

Sec. 9.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 122A.41, subdivision 15, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 15.  Records relating to individual teacher; access; expungement.  All evaluations and files generated within a district relating to each individual teacher, including teacher evaluation data under subdivisions 5, 6, and 14, among other teacher evaluations and files, must be available to each individual teacher upon the teacher's written request.  Effective January 1, 1976, all evaluations and files, wherever generated, relating to each individual teacher must be available to each individual teacher upon the teacher's written request.  The teacher has the right to reproduce any of the contents of the files at the teacher's expense and to submit for inclusion in the file written information in response to any material contained therein.


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A district may destroy the files as provided by law and must expunge from the teacher's file any material found to be false or substantially inaccurate through the grievance procedure required pursuant to section 179A.20, subdivision 4.  The grievance procedure promulgated by the director of the Bureau of Mediation Services, pursuant to section 179A.04, subdivision 3, clause (h), applies to those principals and supervisory employees not included in an appropriate unit as defined in section 179A.03.  Expungement proceedings must be commenced within the time period provided in the collective bargaining agreement for the commencement of a grievance.  If no time period is provided in the bargaining agreement, the expungement proceedings must commence within 15 days after the teacher has knowledge of the inclusion in the teacher's file of the material the teacher seeks to have expunged.

 

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

 

Sec. 10.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 123A.75, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Teacher assignment.  (a) As of the effective date of a consolidation in which a district is divided or the dissolution of a district and its attachment to two or more existing districts, each teacher employed by an affected district shall be assigned to the newly created or enlarged district on the basis of a ratio of the pupils assigned to each district according to the new district boundaries.  The district receiving the greatest number of pupils must be assigned the teacher with the greatest seniority, and the remaining teachers must be alternately assigned to each district until the district receiving the fewest pupils has received its ratio of teachers who will not be retiring before the effective date of the consolidation or dissolution.

 

(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), the board and the exclusive representative of teachers in each district involved in the consolidation or dissolution and attachment may negotiate a plan for assigning teachers to each newly created or enlarged district.

 

(c) Notwithstanding other law to the contrary, the provisions of this section apply only to the extent they are consistent with section 122A.40, subdivisions 8, 10, and 11.

 

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

 

Sec. 11.  Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 11, article 2, section 50, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

 

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

 

 

 

$ 43,203,000 45,573,000

. . . . .

2012

 

 

$ 52,359,000 49,168,000

. . . . .

2013

 

The 2012 appropriation includes $13,336,000 $12,642,000 for 2011 and $29,867,000 $32,931,000 for 2012.

 

The 2013 appropriation includes $19,910,000 $13,979,000 for 2012 and $32,449,000 $35,189,000 for 2013.

 

Sec. 12.  Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 11, article 2, section 50, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 3.  Charter school start-up aid.  For charter school start-up cost aid under Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.11, subdivision 8:

 

 

 

$ 171,000 164,000

. . . . .

2012

 

 

$ 34,000 19,000

. . . . .

2013

 

The 2012 appropriation includes $119,000 for 2011 and $52,000 $45,000 for 2012.

 

The 2013 appropriation includes $34,000 $19,000 for 2012 and $0 for 2013.


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Sec. 13.  Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 11, article 2, section 50, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

 

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

 

 

 

$ 59,599,000 65,027,000

. . . . .

2012

 

 

$ 67,432,000 65,526,000

. . . . .

2013

 

The 2012 appropriation includes $19,272,000 for 2011 and $40,327,000 $45,755,000 for 2012.

 

The 2013 appropriation includes $26,884,000 $19,422,000 for 2012 and $40,548,000 $46,104,000 for 2013.

 

The base for the final payment in fiscal year 2014 for fiscal year 2013 is $34,828,000 $27,794,000.

 

Sec. 14.  Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 11, article 2, section 50, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 5.  Literacy incentive aid.  For literacy incentive aid under Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.98:

 

 

 

$ 29,151,000 34,107,000

. . . . .

2013

 

The 2013 appropriation includes $0 for 2012 and $29,151,000 $34,107,000 for 2013.

 

Sec. 15.  Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 11, article 2, section 50, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

 

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

 

 

 

$ 14,917,000 13,262,000

. . . . .

2012

 

 

$ 16,612,000 13,966,000

. . . . .

2013

 

 

Sec. 16.  Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 11, article 2, section 50, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 7.  Success for the future.  For American Indian success for the future grants under Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.81:

 

 

 

$ 1,924,000 2,139,000

. . . . .

2012

 

 

$2,137,000

. . . . .

2013

 

The 2012 appropriation includes $641,000 $638,000 for 2011 and $1,283,000 $1,501,000 for 2012.

 

The 2013 appropriation includes $854,000 $636,000 for 2012 and $1,283,000 $1,501,000 for 2013.

 

Sec. 17.  Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 11, article 2, section 50, subdivision 9, is amended to read:

 

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

 

 

 

$ 1,883,000 1,900,000

. . . . .

2012

 

 

$ 2,206,000 1,980,000

. . . . .

2013

 

The 2012 appropriation includes $600,000 for 2011 and $1,283,000 $1,300,000 for 2012.

 

The 2013 appropriation includes $855,000 $551,000 for 2012 and $1,351,000 $1,429,000 for 2013.

 

Sec. 18.  EFFECTIVE DATE.

 

Unless otherwise specified, this article is effective the day following final enactment.


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ARTICLE 3

SPECIAL EDUCATION

 

Section 1.  Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 11, article 3, section 11, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2.  Special education; regular.  For special education aid under Minnesota Statutes, section 125A.75:

 

 

 

$ 732,658,000 816,648,000

. . . . .

2012

 

 

$ 855,605,000 859,067,000

. . . . .

2013

 

The 2012 appropriation includes $235,975,000 for 2011 and $496,683,000 $580,673,000 for 2012.

 

The 2013 appropriation includes $331,121,000 $246,496,000 for 2012 and $524,484,000 $612,571,000 for 2013.

 

Sec. 2.  Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 11, article 3, section 11, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

 

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

 

 

 

$ 1,648,000 1,508,000

. . . . .

2012

 

 

$ 1,745,000 1,593,000

. . . . .

2013

 

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

 

Sec. 3.  Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 11, article 3, section 11, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

 

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

 

 

 

$ 322,000 333,000

. . . . .

2012

 

 

$ 358,000 321,000

. . . . .

2013

 

The 2012 appropriation includes $107,000 for 2011 and $215,000 $226,000 for 2012.

 

The 2013 appropriation includes $142,000 $95,000 for 2012 and $216,000 $226,000 for 2013.

 

Sec. 4.  Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 11, article 3, section 11, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 5.  Special education; excess costs.  For excess cost aid under Minnesota Statutes, section 125A.79, subdivision 7:

 

 

 

$ 103,978,000 112,522,000

. . . . .

2012

 

 

$ 115,304,000 115,411,000

. . . . .

2013

 

The 2012 appropriation includes $53,449,000 for 2011 and $50,529,000 $59,073,000 for 2012.

 

The 2013 appropriation includes $63,273,000 $54,642,000 for 2012 and $52,031,000 $60,769,000 for 2013.


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Sec. 5.  Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 11, article 3, section 11, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 6.  Court-placed special education revenue.  For reimbursing serving school districts for unreimbursed eligible expenditures attributable to children placed in the serving school district by court action under Minnesota Statutes, section 125A.79, subdivision 4:

 

 

 

$ 80,000 52,000

. . . . .

2012

 

 

$ 82,000 53,000

. . . . .

2013

 

 

Sec. 6.  EFFECTIVE DATE.

 

Unless otherwise specified, this article is effective the day following final enactment.

 

ARTICLE 4

FACILITIES AND TECHNOLOGY

 

Section 1.  Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 11, article 4, section 10, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

 

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

 

 

 

$ 111,000 103,000

. . . . .

2012

 

 

$ 114,000 164,000

. . . . .

2013

 

The 2012 appropriation includes $39,000 for 2011 and $72,000 $64,000 for 2012.

 

The 2013 appropriation includes $48,000 $27,000 for 2012 and $66,000 $137,000 for 2013.

 

Sec. 2.  Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 11, article 4, section 10, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

 

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

 

 

 

$ 11,022,000 12,453,000

. . . . .

2012

 

 

$ 19,484,000 16,554,000

. . . . .

2013

 

The 2012 appropriation includes $2,604,000 for 2011 and $8,418,000 $9,849,000 for 2012.

 

The 2013 appropriation includes $5,611,000 $4,180,000 for 2012 and $13,873,000 $12,374,000 for 2013.

 

Sec. 3.  Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 11, article 4, section 10, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 4.  Alternative facilities bonding aid.  For alternative facilities bonding aid, according to Minnesota Statutes, section 123B.59, subdivision 1:

 

 

 

$ 17,359,000 19,325,000

. . . . .

2012

 

 

$19,287,000

. . . . .

2013

 

The 2012 appropriation includes $5,786,000 $5,785,000 for 2011 and $11,573,000 $13,540,000 for 2012.

 

The 2013 appropriation includes $7,714,000 $5,747,000 for 2012 and $11,573,000 $13,540,000 for 2013.


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Sec. 4.  Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 11, article 4, section 10, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

 

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

 

 

 

$ 2,234,000 2,483,000

. . . . .

2012

 

 

$ 2,972,000 3,193,000

. . . . .

2013

 

The 2012 appropriation includes $676,000 for 2011 and $1,558,000 $1,807,000 for 2012.

 

The 2013 appropriation includes $1,038,000 $766,000 for 2012 and $1,934,000 $2,427,000 for 2013.

 

Sec. 5.  LEASE LEVY; ADMINISTRATIVE SPACE; FARIBAULT.

 

Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 126C.40, subdivision 1, Independent School District No. 656, Faribault, may lease administrative space under Minnesota Statutes, section 126C.40, subdivision 1, if the district can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the commissioner of education that the administrative space is less expensive than instructional space that the district would otherwise lease.  The commissioner must deny this levy authority unless the district passes a resolution stating its intent to lease instructional space under Minnesota Statutes, section 126C.40, subdivision 1, if the commissioner does not grant authority under this section.  The resolution must also certify that a lease of administrative space under this section is less expensive than the district's proposed instructional lease.  Levy authority under this section shall not exceed the total levy authority under Minnesota Statutes, section 126C.40, subdivision 1, paragraph (e).

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective for taxes payable in 2013 and later.

 

Sec. 6.  EFFECTIVE DATE.

 

Unless otherwise specified, this article is effective the day following final enactment.

 

ARTICLE 5

NUTRITION AND ACCOUNTING

 

Section 1.  Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 124D.11, subdivision 9, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 9.  Payment of aids to charter schools.  (a) Notwithstanding section 127A.45, subdivision 3, if the current year aid payment percentage under section 127A.45, subdivision 2, paragraph (d), is 90 or greater, aid payments for the current fiscal year to a charter school shall be of an equal amount on each of the 24 payment dates.  Notwithstanding section 127A.45, subdivision 3, if the current year aid payment percentage under section 127A.45, subdivision 2, paragraph (d), is less than 90, aid payments for the current fiscal year to a charter school shall be:

 

(1) of an equal amount on each of the 16 payment dates in July through February if the aid payment percentage is 60 or less;

 

(2) of an equal amount on each of the 19 payment dates in July through April if the aid percentage is between 60 and 70; and

 

(3) of an equal amount on each of the 21 payment dates in July through May if the aid percentage is between 70 and 90.

 

(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) and section 127A.45, for a charter school ceasing operation on or prior to June 30 of a school year, for the payment periods occurring after the school ceases serving students, the commissioner shall withhold the estimated state aid owed the school.  The charter school board of directors and authorizer must submit to the commissioner a closure plan under chapter 308A or 317A, and financial information


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about the school's liabilities and assets.  After receiving the closure plan, financial information, an audit of pupil counts, documentation of lease expenditures, and monitoring of special education expenditures, the commissioner may release cash withheld and may continue regular payments up to the current year payment percentages if further amounts are owed.  If, based on audits and monitoring, the school received state aid in excess of the amount owed, the commissioner shall retain aid withheld sufficient to eliminate the aid overpayment.  For a charter school ceasing operations prior to, or at the end of, a school year, notwithstanding section 127A.45, subdivision 3, preliminary final payments may be made after receiving the closure plan, audit of pupil counts, monitoring of special education expenditures, documentation of lease expenditures, and school submission of Uniform Financial Accounting and Reporting Standards (UFARS) financial data for the final year of operation.  Final payment may be made upon receipt of audited financial statements under section 123B.77, subdivision 3.

 

(c) If a charter school fails to comply with the commissioner's directive to return, for cause, federal or state funds administered by the department, the commissioner may withhold an amount of state aid sufficient to satisfy the directive.

 

(d) If, within the timeline under section 471.425, a charter school fails to pay the state of Minnesota, a school district, intermediate school district, or service cooperative after receiving an undisputed invoice for goods and services, the commissioner may withhold an amount of state aid sufficient to satisfy the claim and shall distribute the withheld aid to the interested state agency, school district, intermediate school district, or service cooperative.  An interested state agency, school district, intermediate school district, or education cooperative shall notify the commissioner when a charter school fails to pay an undisputed invoice within 75 business days of when it received the original invoice.

 

(e) Notwithstanding section 127A.45, subdivision 3, and paragraph (a), 80 percent of the start-up cost aid under subdivision 8 shall be paid within 45 days after the first day of student attendance for that school year.

 

(f) In order to receive state aid payments under this subdivision, a charter school in its first three years of operation must submit a school calendar in the form and manner requested by the department and a quarterly report to the Department of Education.  The report must list each student by grade, show the student's start and end dates, if any, with the charter school, and for any student participating in a learning year program, the report must list the hours and times of learning year activities.  The report must be submitted not more than two weeks after the end of the calendar quarter to the department.  The department must develop a Web-based reporting form for charter schools to use when submitting enrollment reports.  A charter school in its fourth and subsequent year of operation must submit a school calendar and enrollment information to the department in the form and manner requested by the department.

 

(g) Notwithstanding sections 317A.701 to 317A.791, upon closure of a charter school and satisfaction of creditors, cash and investment balances remaining shall be returned to the state.

 

(h) A charter school must have a valid, signed contract under section 124D.10, subdivision 6, on file at the Department of Education at least 15 days prior to the date of first payment of state aid for the fiscal year.

 

(i) State aid entitlements shall be computed for a charter school only for the portion of a school year for which it has a valid, signed contract under section 124D.10, subdivision 6.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective for fiscal year 2013 and later.

 

Sec. 2.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 124D.111, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 3.  School food service fund.  (a) The expenses described in this subdivision must be recorded as provided in this subdivision.


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(b) In each district, the expenses for a school food service program for pupils must be attributed to a school food service fund.  Under a food service program, the school food service may prepare or serve milk, meals, or snacks in connection with school or community service activities.

 

(c) Revenues and expenditures for food service activities must be recorded in the food service fund.  The costs of processing applications, accounting for meals, preparing and serving food, providing kitchen custodial services, and other expenses involving the preparing of meals or the kitchen section of the lunchroom may be charged to the food service fund or to the general fund of the district.  The costs of lunchroom supervision, lunchroom custodial services, lunchroom utilities, and other administrative costs of the food service program must be charged to the general fund.

 

That portion of superintendent and fiscal manager costs that can be documented as attributable to the food service program may be charged to the food service fund provided that the school district does not employ or contract with a food service director or other individual who manages the food service program, or food service management company.  If the cost of the superintendent or fiscal manager is charged to the food service fund, the charge must be at a wage rate not to exceed the statewide average for food service directors as determined by the department.

 

(d) Capital expenditures for the purchase of food service equipment must be made from the general fund and not the food service fund, unless two conditions apply:

 

(1) the unreserved balance in the food service fund at the end of the last fiscal year is greater than the cost of the equipment to be purchased; and.

 

(2) the department has approved the purchase of the equipment.

 

(e) If the two conditions condition set out in paragraph (d) apply applies, the equipment may be purchased from the food service fund.

 

(f) If a deficit in the food service fund exists at the end of a fiscal year, and the deficit is not eliminated by revenues from food service operations in the next fiscal year, then the deficit must be eliminated by a permanent fund transfer from the general fund at the end of that second fiscal year.  However, if a district contracts with a food service management company during the period in which the deficit has accrued, the deficit must be eliminated by a payment from the food service management company.

 

(g) Notwithstanding paragraph (f), a district may incur a deficit in the food service fund for up to three years without making the permanent transfer if the district submits to the commissioner by January 1 of the second fiscal year a plan for eliminating that deficit at the end of the third fiscal year.

 

(h) If a surplus in the food service fund exists at the end of a fiscal year for three successive years, a district may recode for that fiscal year the costs of lunchroom supervision, lunchroom custodial services, lunchroom utilities, and other administrative costs of the food service program charged to the general fund according to paragraph (c) and charge those costs to the food service fund in a total amount not to exceed the amount of surplus in the food service fund.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective for food service equipment purchases made on or after July 1, 2012.

 

Sec. 3.  Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 127A.45, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2.  Definitions.  (a) "Other district receipts" means payments by county treasurers pursuant to section 276.10, apportionments from the school endowment fund pursuant to section 127A.33, apportionments by the county auditor pursuant to section 127A.34, subdivision 2, and payments to school districts by the commissioner of revenue pursuant to chapter 298.


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(b) "Cumulative amount guaranteed" means the product of

 

(1) the cumulative disbursement percentage shown in subdivision 3; times

 

(2) the sum of

 

(i) the current year aid payment percentage of the estimated aid and credit entitlements paid according to subdivision 13; plus

 

(ii) 100 percent of the entitlements paid according to subdivisions 11 and 12; plus

 

(iii) the other district receipts.

 

(c) "Payment date" means the date on which state payments to districts are made by the electronic funds transfer method.  If a payment date falls on a Saturday, a Sunday, or a weekday which is a legal holiday, the payment shall be made on the immediately preceding business day.  The commissioner may make payments on dates other than those listed in subdivision 3, but only for portions of payments from any preceding payment dates which could not be processed by the electronic funds transfer method due to documented extenuating circumstances.

 

(d) The current year aid payment percentage equals 73 in fiscal year 2010 and 70 in fiscal year 2011, and 60 70.2 in fiscal years year 2012 and later.

 

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

 

Sec. 4.  Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 11, article 5, section 12, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

 

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

 

 

 

$ 12,626,000 12,285,000

. . . . .

2012

 

 

$ 12,878,000 12,524,000

. . . . .

2013

 

Sec. 5.  Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 11, article 5, section 12, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 3.  School breakfast.  For traditional school breakfast aid under Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.1158:

 

 

 

$ 4,759,000 5,247,000

. . . . .

2012

 

 

$ 4,875,000 5,560,000

. . . . .

2013

 

Sec. 6.  Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 11, article 5, section 12, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 4.  Kindergarten milk.  For kindergarten milk aid under Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.118:

 

 

 

$ 1,084,000 1,025,000

. . . . .

2012

 

 

$ 1,105,000 1,035,000

. . . . .

2013

 

Sec. 7.  BALANCES CANCELED TO GENERAL FUND.

 

$430,094,000 of the unobligated balance in the budget reserve account created in Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.152, subdivision 1a, is canceled to the general fund in fiscal year 2012.

 

Sec. 8.  EFFECTIVE DATE.

 

Unless otherwise specified, this article is effective the day following final enactment.


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ARTICLE 6

LIBRARIES

 

Section 1.  Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 11, article 6, section 2, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2.  Basic system support.  For basic system support grants under Minnesota Statutes, section 134.355:

 

 

 

$ 12,213,000 13,598,000

. . . . .

2012

 

 

$13,570,000

. . . . .

2013

 

The 2012 appropriation includes $4,071,000 for 2011 and $8,142,000 $9,527,000 for 2012.

 

The 2013 appropriation includes $5,428,000 $4,043,000 for 2012 and $8,142,000 $9,527,000 for 2013.

 

Sec. 2.  Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 11, article 6, section 2, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 3.  Multicounty, multitype library systems.  For grants under Minnesota Statutes, sections 134.353 and 134.354, to multicounty, multitype library systems:

 

 

 

$ 1,170,000 1,303,000

. . . . .

2012

 

 

$1,300,000

. . . . .

2013

 

The 2012 appropriation includes $390,000 for 2011 and $780,000 $913,000 for 2012.

 

The 2013 appropriation includes $520,000 $387,000 for 2012 and $780,000 $913,000 for 2013.

 

Sec. 3.  Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 11, article 6, section 2, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 5.  Regional library telecommunications aid.  For regional library telecommunications aid under Minnesota Statutes, section 134.355:

 

 

 

$ 2,070,000 2,305,000

. . . . .

2012

 

 

$2,300,000

. . . . .

2013

 

The 2012 appropriation includes $690,000 for 2011 and $1,380,000 $1,615,000 for 2012.

 

The 2013 appropriation includes $920,000 $685,000 for 2012 and $1,380,000 $1,615,000 for 2013.

 

Sec. 4.  EFFECTIVE DATE.

 

Unless otherwise specified, this article is effective the day following final enactment.

 

ARTICLE 7

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

 

Section 1.  Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 11, article 7, section 2, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2.  School readiness.  For revenue for school readiness programs under Minnesota Statutes, sections 124D.15 and 124D.16:

 

 

 

$ 9,085,000 10,039,000

. . . . .

2012

 

 

$10,095,000

. . . . .

2013

 

The 2012 appropriation includes $3,028,000 $2,952,000 for 2011 and $6,057,000 $7,087,000 for 2012.

 

The 2013 appropriation includes $4,038,000 $3,008,000 for 2012 and $6,057,000 $7,087,000 for 2013.


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Sec. 2.  Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 11, article 7, section 2, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 3.  Early childhood family education aid.  For early childhood family education aid under Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.135:

 

 

 

$ 20,191,000 22,435,000

. . . . .

2012

 

 

$ 22,977,000 22,332,000

. . . . .

2013

 

The 2012 appropriation includes $6,542,000 for 2011 and $13,649,000 $15,893,000 for 2012.

 

The 2013 appropriation includes $9,099,000 $6,746,000 for 2012 and $13,878,000 $15,586,000 for 2013.

 

Sec. 3.  Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 11, article 7, section 2, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

 

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

 

 

 

$ 3,211,000 3,570,000

. . . . .

2012

 

 

$ 3,550,000 3,541,000

. . . . .

2013

 

The 2012 appropriation includes $1,066,000 for 2011 and $2,145,000 $2,504,000 for 2012.

 

The 2013 appropriation includes $1,429,000 $1,062,000 for 2012 and $2,121,000 $2,479,000 for 2013.

 

Sec. 4.  REPEALER.

 

Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 124D.135, subdivisions 8 and 9; and 124D.16, subdivisions 6 and 7, are repealed.

 

Sec. 5.  EFFECTIVE DATE.

 

Unless otherwise specified, this article is effective the day following final enactment.

 

ARTICLE 8

PREVENTION

 

Section 1.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 124D.518, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 4a.  Service disruption.  "Service disruption" means the loss of student contact time due to a natural disaster including but not limited to floods, tornadoes, and fires, or the loss of student contact hours caused by a party other than the adult basic education program or consortium including, but not limited to, building relocations and transportation disruptions.  A service disruption occurs only if:

 

(1) the loss of contact hours is sufficient to cause the consortium to lose revenue equal to at least ten percent of the aid generated under section 124D.531, subdivision 3, clause (2); or

 

(2) the loss of contact hours is sufficient to cause the program to lose revenue equal to at least 15 percent of the aid generated under section 124D.531, subdivision 3, clause (2).

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective for aid for fiscal year 2013 and later.


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Sec. 2.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 124D.518, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 3.  Contact hours.  (a) "Contact hours" means the number of hours during which a student was engaged in learning activities provided by an approved adult education program.  Contact hours excludes homework but includes interactive distance learning.  The commissioner may only reallocate contact hours among programs to adjust for changes in program membership between the first prior program year and the current program year based on the actual contact hours reported for the first prior program year.  The commissioner may adjust a program's or consortium's contact hours due to a service disruption according to the process established in section 124D.531, subdivision 10.

 

(b) For revenue beginning in fiscal year 2002, contact hours for a provider of adult basic education services funded in fiscal year 2000, but not eligible for basic population aid in fiscal year 2001, is computed by multiplying the provider's contact hours by 1.03.

 

(c) For aid in fiscal year 2001, contact hours in fiscal year 2000 equals the number of full-time equivalent learners times the contact hours.  A level one full-time equivalent learner is equal to 240 contact hours and a level two full-time learner is equal to 408 contact hours.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective for aid for fiscal year 2013 and later.

 

Sec. 3.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 124D.531, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 10.  Contact hours in cases of disruption of services.  An adult basic education program or consortium that has been subject to a service disruption may apply to the commissioner in the form and manner established by the commissioner for an adjusted number of contact hours.  The program or consortium must demonstrate to the commissioner's satisfaction that the loss in contact hours due to the service disruption was outside of the control of the adult basic education program or its consortium and that the program or consortium took reasonable actions to avoid the loss of contact hours.  If the commissioner approves the program's or consortium's request, the commissioner may adjust the number of contact hours of the program and, if applicable, of the consortium, but in no case may the adjusted contact hours yield an aid amount for a consortium under subdivision 3, clause (2), greater than the most recent two-year average aid under that clause.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective for aid for fiscal year 2013 and later.

 

Sec. 4.  Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 11, article 8, section 2, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2.  Community education aid.  For community education aid under Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.20:

 

 

 

$ 429,000 470,000

. . . . .

2012

 

 

$ 665,000 771,000

. . . . .

2013

 

The 2012 appropriation includes $134,000 for 2011 and $295,000 $336,000 for 2012.

 

The 2013 appropriation includes $196,000 $142,000 for 2012 and $469,000 $629,000 for 2013.

 

Sec. 5.  Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 11, article 8, section 2, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 3.  Adults with disabilities program aid.  For adults with disabilities programs under Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.56:

 

 

 

$ 639,000 696,000

. . . . .

2012

 

 

$710,000

. . . . .

2013


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The 2012 appropriation includes $213,000 $197,000 for 2011 and $426,000 $499,000 for 2012.

 

The 2013 appropriation includes $284,000 $211,000 for 2012 and $426,000 $499,000 for 2013.

 

Sec. 6.  Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 11, article 9, section 3, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2.  Adult basic education aid.  For adult basic education aid under Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.531:

 

 

 

$ 40,545,000 45,202,000

. . . . .

2012

 

 

$ 45,842,000 45,951,000

. . . . .

2013

 

The 2012 appropriation includes $13,365,000 $13,364,000 for 2011 and $27,180,000 $31,838,000 for 2012.

 

The 2013 appropriation includes $18,119,000 $13,514,000 for 2012 and $27,723,000 $32,437,000 for 2013.

 

Sec. 7.  REPEALER.

 

Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 124D.20, subdivisions 11 and 12, are repealed.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective for revenue for fiscal year 2014 and later.

 

Sec. 8.  EFFECTIVE DATE.

 

Unless otherwise specified, this article is effective the day following final enactment."

 

Delete the title and insert:

 

"A bill for an act relating to education; providing funding and modifying certain early, adult, and kindergarten through grade 12 education provisions, including general education, education excellence, special programs, facilities and technology, nutrition and accounting, libraries, and prevention; providing education forecast adjustments; appropriating money; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 13.43, subdivision 2; 122A.40, subdivisions 10, 11, 13, 19; 122A.41, subdivisions 14, 15; 123A.75, subdivision 1; 123B.41, by adding a subdivision; 123B.42; 123B.43; 124D.111, subdivision 3; 124D.518, subdivision 3, by adding a subdivision; 124D.531, by adding a subdivision; 126C.10, subdivision 28; Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, sections 122A.245, subdivision 1; 122A.41, subdivision 6; 123B.41, subdivision 2; 124D.11, subdivision 9; 127A.33; 127A.45, subdivision 2; Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 11, article 1, section 36, subdivisions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10; article 2, section 50, subdivisions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9; article 3, section 11, subdivisions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; article 4, section 10, subdivisions 2, 3, 4, 6; article 5, section 12, subdivisions 2, 3, 4; article 6, section 2, subdivisions 2, 3, 5; article 7, section 2, subdivisions 2, 3, 4; article 8, section 2, subdivisions 2, 3; article 9, section 3, subdivision 2; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 124D.135, subdivisions 8, 9; 124D.16, subdivisions 6, 7; 124D.20, subdivisions 11, 12."

 

 

With the recommendation that when so amended the bill pass and be re-referred to the Committee on Taxes.

 

      The report was adopted.

 

 

Abeler from the Committee on Health and Human Services Finance to which was referred:

 

H. F. No. 2094, A bill for an act relating to human services; modifying the Minnesota health care program provider requirements for critical access dental provider clinics; amending Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 256B.76, subdivision 4.

 

Reported the same back with the following amendments:


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Delete everything after the enacting clause and insert:

 

"Section 1.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 256B.0625, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 9a.  Volunteer dental services.  (a) A dentist not already enrolled as a medical assistance provider who is providing volunteer dental services for an enrolled medical assistance dental provider that is a nonprofit entity or government owned and not receiving payment for the services provided shall complete and submit a volunteer agreement form developed by the commissioner.  The volunteer agreement shall be used to enroll the dentist in medical assistance only for the purpose of providing volunteer dental services.  The volunteer agreement must specify that a volunteer dentist:

 

(1) will not be listed in the Minnesota health care programs provider directory;

 

(2) will not receive payment for the services the volunteer dentist provides to Minnesota health care program clients; and

 

(3) is not required to serve Minnesota health care program clients when providing nonvolunteer services in a private practice.

 

(b) A volunteer dentist enrolled under this subdivision as a fee-for-service provider shall not otherwise be enrolled in or receive payments from Minnesota health care programs as a fee-for-service provider.

 

(c) The volunteer dentist shall be notified by the dental provider for which they are providing services that medical assistance is being billed for the volunteer services provided.

 

Sec. 2.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 256B.0644, is amended to read:

 

256B.0644 REIMBURSEMENT UNDER OTHER STATE HEALTH CARE PROGRAMS.

 

(a) A vendor of medical care, as defined in section 256B.02, subdivision 7, and a health maintenance organization, as defined in chapter 62D, must participate as a provider or contractor in the medical assistance program, general assistance medical care program, and MinnesotaCare as a condition of participating as a provider in health insurance plans and programs or contractor for state employees established under section 43A.18, the public employees insurance program under section 43A.316, for health insurance plans offered to local statutory or home rule charter city, county, and school district employees, the workers' compensation system under section 176.135, and insurance plans provided through the Minnesota Comprehensive Health Association under sections 62E.01 to 62E.19.  The limitations on insurance plans offered to local government employees shall not be applicable in geographic areas where provider participation is limited by managed care contracts with the Department of Human Services.

 

(b) For providers other than health maintenance organizations, participation in the medical assistance program means that:

 

(1) the provider accepts new medical assistance, general assistance medical care, and MinnesotaCare patients;

 

(2) for providers other than dental service providers, at least 20 percent of the provider's patients are covered by medical assistance, general assistance medical care, and MinnesotaCare as their primary source of coverage; or

 

(3) for dental service providers, at least ten percent of the provider's patients are covered by medical assistance, general assistance medical care, and MinnesotaCare as their primary source of coverage, or the provider accepts new medical assistance and MinnesotaCare patients who are children with special health care needs.  For purposes of this


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section, "children with special health care needs" means children up to age 18 who:  (i) require health and related services beyond that required by children generally; and (ii) have or are at risk for a chronic physical, developmental, behavioral, or emotional condition, including:  bleeding and coagulation disorders; immunodeficiency disorders; cancer; endocrinopathy; developmental disabilities; epilepsy, cerebral palsy, and other neurological diseases; visual impairment or deafness; Down syndrome and other genetic disorders; autism; fetal alcohol syndrome; and other conditions designated by the commissioner after consultation with representatives of pediatric dental providers and consumers.

 

(c) Patients seen on a volunteer basis by the provider at a location other than the provider's usual place of practice may be considered in meeting the participation requirement in this section.  The commissioner shall establish participation requirements for health maintenance organizations.  The commissioner shall provide lists of participating medical assistance providers on a quarterly basis to the commissioner of management and budget, the commissioner of labor and industry, and the commissioner of commerce.  Each of the commissioners shall develop and implement procedures to exclude as participating providers in the program or programs under their jurisdiction those providers who do not participate in the medical assistance program.  The commissioner of management and budget shall implement this section through contracts with participating health and dental carriers.

 

(d) For purposes of paragraphs (a) and (b), participation in the general assistance medical care program applies only to pharmacy providers.  A volunteer dentist who has signed a volunteer agreement under section 256B.0625, subdivision 9a, shall not be considered to be participating in medical assistance or MinnesotaCare for the purpose of this section."

 

Delete the title and insert:

 

"A bill for an act relating to human services; providing for and regulating coverage of volunteer dental services under medical assistance; making technical changes; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 256B.0625, by adding a subdivision; 256B.0644."

 

 

With the recommendation that when so amended the bill pass.

 

      The report was adopted.

 

 

McNamara from the Committee on Environment, Energy and Natural Resources Policy and Finance to which was referred:

 

H. F. No. 2164, A bill for an act relating to environment; modifying certain reporting and assessment requirements; modifying waste management provisions; clarifying certain environmental review; eliminating certain fees; modifying toxic pollution prevention requirements; modifying certain standards for stationary sources; extending prohibition on new open air swine basins; modifying acid deposition control requirements; modifying sewage sludge management; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 103A.43; 103H.175, subdivision 3; 115.06, subdivision 4; 115.42; 115A.15, subdivision 5; 115A.411; 115A.551, subdivisions 2a, 4; 115A.557, subdivisions 3, 4; 115A.93, subdivisions 1, 3; 115D.08; 115D.10; 116.011; 116.0714; 116.10; 116C.833, subdivision 2; 216C.055; 216H.07, subdivision 3; 473.149, subdivision 6; 473.846; Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, sections 115A.1320, subdivision 1; 116D.04, subdivision 2a; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 115.447; 115A.07, subdivision 2; 115A.15, subdivision 5; 115A.965, subdivision 7; 216H.07, subdivision 4; Minnesota Rules, parts 7002.0025, subpart 2a; 7011.7030; 7021.0010, subpart 3; 7021.0050, subparts 1, 2, 3; 7041.0500, subparts 5, 6, 7.

 

Reported the same back with the following amendments:


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Delete everything after the enacting clause and insert:

 

"Section 1.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 9.071, is amended to read:

 

9.071 SETTLEMENT OF CLAIMS; OTHER SPECIFIED POWERS.

 

The council has the powers with respect to:

 

(1) timberlands provided in sections 90.031, 90.041, and 90.151;

 

(2) lands acquired from the United States provided in section 94.50;

 

(3) lands subject to delinquent drainage assessments provided in section 84A.20;

 

(4) transfer of lands between departments of state government provided in section 15.16;

 

(5) sale or exchange of lands within national forests provided in sections 92.30 and 92.31;

 

(6) approval of acquisition of land for camping or parking area provided in sections 97A.135 and 97A.141; and

 

(7) awarding leases to prospect for iron ore provided in section 93.17;

 

(8) approval of rules for issuance of leases to prospect for minerals under state lands provided in section 93.25; and

 

(9) (7) construction of dams provided in section 103G.545.

 

Sec. 2.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 16A.065, is amended to read:

 

16A.065 PREPAY SOFTWARE, SUBSCRIPTIONS, UNITED STATES DOCUMENTS.

 

Notwithstanding section 16A.41, subdivision 1, the commissioner may allow an agency to make advance deposits or payments for software or software maintenance services for state-owned or leased electronic data processing equipment, for sole source maintenance agreements where it is not cost-effective to pay in arrears, for exhibit booth space or boat slip rental when required by the renter to guarantee the availability of space, for short-term cash flow advances under executed grants associated with land acquisitions, for registration fees where advance payment is required or advance payment discount is provided, and for newspaper, magazine, and other subscription fees customarily paid for in advance.  The commissioner may also allow advance deposits by any department with the Library of Congress and federal Supervisor of Documents for items to be purchased from those federal agencies.

 

Sec. 3.  Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 84.027, subdivision 14a, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 14a.  Permitting efficiency.  (a) It is the goal of the state that environmental and resource management permits be issued or denied within 150 days of the submission of a substantially completed permit application.  The commissioner of natural resources shall establish management systems designed to achieve the goal.

 

(b) The commissioner shall prepare semiannual permitting efficiency reports that include statistics on meeting the goal in paragraph (a).  The reports are due February 1 and August 1 each year.  For permit applications that have not met the goal, the report must state the reasons for not meeting the goal, steps that will be taken to complete action on the application, and the expected timeline.  In stating the reasons for not meeting the goal, the


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commissioner shall separately identify delays caused by the responsiveness of the proposer, lack of staff, scientific or technical disagreements, or the level of public engagement.  The report must specify the number of days from initial submission of the application to the day of determination that the application is complete.  The report for August 1 each year must aggregate the data for the year and assess whether program or system changes are necessary to achieve the goal.  The report must be posted on the department's Web site and submitted to the governor and the chairs and ranking minority members of the house of representatives and senate committees having jurisdiction over natural resources policy and finance.

 

(c) The commissioner shall allow electronic submission of environmental review and permit documents to the department.

 

(d) Beginning July 1, 2011, within 30 business days of application for a permit subject to paragraph (a), the commissioner of natural resources shall notify the project proposer, in writing, of whether or not the permit application is complete enough for processing.  If the permit is incomplete, the commissioner must identify where deficiencies exist and advise the applicant on how they can be remedied.  A resubmittal of the application begins a new 30-day review period.  If the commissioner fails to notify the project proposer of completeness within 30 business days, the application is deemed to be substantially complete and subject to the 150-day permitting review period in paragraph (a) from the date it was submitted.  This paragraph does not apply to an application for a permit that is subject to a grant or loan agreement under chapter 446A.

 

(e) The commissioner shall approve or deny within 60 days an application for a minor permit or a minor permit amendment.  Failure of the commissioner to deny an application for a minor permit or minor permit amendment within 60 days is approval of the permit.  If the commissioner receives an application that does not contain all required information, the 60-day limit starts over only if the commissioner notifies the applicant as required under paragraph (d).

 

(f) By July 1, 2012, the commissioner shall review all types of permits issued by the department, determine the permit and amendment types the commissioner deems minor for purposes of paragraph (e), and post a list of the permit and amendment types on the department's Web site.  The commissioner shall periodically review, update, and post the list of permits and permit amendment types subject to paragraph (e) at least every five years.  Permits and permit amendments may not be deemed minor under this paragraph if approval of a permit or permit amendment according to paragraph (e) would be in violation of federal law.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  Paragraph (f) is effective the day following final enactment.

 

Sec. 4.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 84.027, subdivision 15, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 15.  Electronic transactions.  (a) The commissioner may receive an application for, sell, and issue any license, stamp, permit, pass, sticker, gift card, safety training certification, registration, or transfer under the jurisdiction of the commissioner by electronic means, including by telephone.  Notwithstanding section 97A.472, electronic and telephone transactions may be made outside of the state.  The commissioner may:

 

(1) provide for the electronic transfer of funds generated by electronic transactions, including by telephone;

 

(2) assign an identification number to an applicant who purchases a hunting or fishing license or recreational vehicle registration by electronic means, to serve as temporary authorization to engage in the activity requiring a license or registration until the license or registration is received or expires;

 

(3) charge and permit agents to charge a fee of individuals who make electronic transactions and transactions by telephone or Internet, including issuing fees and an additional transaction fee not to exceed $3.50;


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(4) charge and permit agents to charge a convenience fee not to exceed three percent of the cost of the license to individuals who use electronic bank cards for payment.  An electronic licensing system agent charging a fee of individuals making an electronic bank card transaction in person must post a sign informing individuals of the fee.  The sign must be near the point of payment, clearly visible, include the amount of the fee, and state:  "License agents are allowed by state law to charge a fee not to exceed three percent of the cost of state licenses to persons who use electronic bank cards for payment.  The fee is not required by state law.";

 

(5) establish, by written order, an electronic licensing system commission to be paid by revenues generated from all sales made through the electronic licensing system.  The commissioner shall establish the commission in a manner that neither significantly overrecovers nor underrecovers costs involved in providing the electronic licensing system; and

 

(6) adopt rules to administer the provisions of this subdivision.

 

(b) The fees established under paragraph (a), clauses (3) and (4), and the commission established under paragraph (a), clause (5), are not subject to the rulemaking procedures of chapter 14 and section 14.386 does not apply.

 

(c) Money received from fees and commissions collected under this subdivision, including interest earned, is annually appropriated from the game and fish fund and the natural resources fund to the commissioner for the cost of electronic licensing.

 

(d) Game and fish licenses under chapters 97A, 97B, and 97C shall be available by electronic transaction, regardless of whether all or any part of the biennial appropriation law for the department has been enacted.  If, by July 1 of an odd-numbered year, legislation has not been enacted to appropriate money to the commissioner of management and budget for central accounting, procurement, payroll, and human resources functions, amounts necessary to operate those functions for the purpose of this paragraph are appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner of management and budget.  As necessary, the commissioner may transfer a portion of this appropriation to other state agencies to support carrying out these functions.  Any subsequent appropriation to the commissioner of management and budget for a biennium in which this section is applicable supersedes and replaces the funding authorized in this paragraph.

 

Sec. 5.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 84.0272, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Acquisition procedure.  (a) When the commissioner of natural resources is authorized to acquire lands or interests in lands the procedure set forth in this section shall apply.  The commissioner of natural resources shall first prepare a fact sheet showing the lands to be acquired, the legal authority for their acquisition, and the qualities of the land that make it a desirable acquisition.  The commissioner of natural resources shall cause appraise the lands or contract to have the lands to be appraised.  An appraiser shall before entering upon the duties of office take and subscribe an oath to faithfully and impartially discharge the duties as appraiser according to the best of the appraiser's ability and that the appraiser is not interested directly or indirectly in any of the lands to be appraised or the timber or improvements thereon or in the sale thereof and has entered into no agreement or combination to purchase the same or any part thereof, which oath shall be attached to the report of the appraisal.  New appraisals may be made at the discretion of the commissioner of natural resources.

 

(b) For fee title acquisitions, the commissioner of natural resources may pay less than the appraised value, but shall not agree to pay more than ten 20 percent above the appraised county assessor's estimated market value or ten percent above appraised value, whichever is less, except that if the commissioner pays less than the appraised value for a parcel of land, the difference between the purchase price and the appraised value may be used to apply to purchases at more than the appraised value.  The sum of accumulated differences between appraised amounts and purchases for more than the appraised amount may not exceed the sum of accumulated differences between appraised amounts and purchases for less than the appraised amount.  New appraisals may be made at the discretion


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of the commissioner of natural resources.  unless the commissioner determines that the acquisition is a high priority because the land is adjacent to other public land, would conserve a high degree of biological diversity, or is otherwise a high priority for the department.  The commissioner shall document the reason for the determination in writing.

 

(c) For acquisitions that are for less than fee title, the commissioner shall not pay more than ten percent above appraised value when acquiring an easement or other interest in land that is less than fee title.

 

Sec. 6.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 84.0895, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 7.  General exceptions.  (a) The commissioner may issue permits and prescribe conditions for an act otherwise prohibited by subdivision 1 if:

 

(1) the act is for the purpose of zoological, educational, or scientific study;

 

(2) the act enhances the propagation or survival of the affected species;

 

(3) the act prevents injury to persons or property; or

 

(4) the social and economic benefits of the act outweigh the harm caused by it.

 

(b) The commissioner may issue a general permit to a governmental subdivision or to the general public to conduct one or more acts described in paragraph (a).

 

(c) A member of an endangered species may not be destroyed under paragraph (a), clause (3) or (4), until all alternatives, including live trapping and transplantation, have been evaluated and rejected.  The commissioner may prescribe conditions to propagate a species or subspecies.

 

(c) (d) A person may capture or destroy a member of an endangered species, without permit, to avoid an immediate and demonstrable threat to human life or property.

 

(d) (e) The commissioner must give approval under this subdivision for forest management, including permit, sale, or lease of land for timber harvesting.

 

Sec. 7.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 84.631, is amended to read:

 

84.631 ROAD EASEMENTS ACROSS STATE LANDS.

 

(a) Except as provided in section 85.015, subdivision 1b, the commissioner of natural resources, on behalf of the state, may convey a road easement across state land under the commissioner's jurisdiction other than school trust land, to a private person requesting an easement for access to property owned by the person only if the following requirements are met:  (1) there are no reasonable alternatives to obtain access to the property; and (2) the exercise of the easement will not cause significant adverse environmental or natural resource management impacts.

 

(b) The commissioner shall:

 

(1) require the applicant to pay the market value of the easement;

 

(2) limit the easement term to 50 years if the road easement is across school trust land;

 

(2) (3) provide that the easement reverts to the state in the event of nonuse; and

 

(3) (4) impose other terms and conditions of use as necessary and appropriate under the circumstances.


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(c) An applicant shall submit an application fee of $2,000 with each application for a road easement across state land.  The application fee is nonrefundable, even if the application is withdrawn or denied.

 

(d) In addition to the payment for the market value of the easement and the application fee, the commissioner of natural resources shall assess the applicant a monitoring fee to cover the projected reasonable costs for monitoring the construction of the road and preparing special terms and conditions for the easement.  The commissioner must give the applicant an estimate of the monitoring fee before the applicant submits the fee.  The applicant shall pay the application and monitoring fees to the commissioner of natural resources.  The commissioner shall not issue the easement until the applicant has paid in full the application fee, the monitoring fee, and the market value payment for the easement.

 

(e) Upon completion of construction of the road, the commissioner shall refund the unobligated balance from the monitoring fee revenue.

 

(f) Fees collected under paragraphs (c) and (d) must be credited to the land management account in the natural resources fund and are appropriated to the commissioner of natural resources to cover the reasonable costs incurred under this section.

 

Sec. 8.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 84.67, is amended to read:

 

84.67 FORESTS FOR THE FUTURE REVOLVING ACCOUNT.

 

A forests for the future revolving account is created in the natural resources fund.  Money in the account is appropriated to the commissioner of natural resources for the acquisition of forest lands that meet the eligibility criteria in section 84.66, subdivision 4.  The commissioner shall sell the lands acquired under this section, subject to an easement as provided in section 84.66.  Money received from the sale of forest lands acquired under this section and interest earned on the account shall be deposited into the account.  The commissioner must file a report to the house of representatives Ways and Means and the senate Finance Committees and the environment and natural resources finance committees or divisions of the senate and house of representatives by October 1 of each year indicating all purchases of forest land using money from this account and sales of forest land for which revenue is deposited into this account.

 

Sec. 9.  [84.76] APPRENTICE RIDER VALIDATION.

 

Subdivision 1.  Definition.  For the purpose of this section, "accompanied by" means within a distance of another person that permits uninterrupted visual contact and verbal communication.

 

Subd. 2.  Apprentice rider requirements.  Notwithstanding sections 84.793, 84.862, 84.925, and 84.9256, a person who is age 12 or over and who does not possess a required safety certificate may participate in up to two trail-riding events sponsored by the commissioner in state parks, state trails, state recreation areas, and state forests that are designed to involve apprentice riders.  The person must be accompanied by an adult with a valid safety certificate.  All vehicles must be properly registered for use in Minnesota.

 

Sec. 10.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 84.91, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Acts prohibited.  (a) No owner or other person having charge or control of any snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle shall authorize or permit any individual the person knows or has reason to believe is under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance or other substance to operate the snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle anywhere in this state or on the ice of any boundary water of this state.


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(b) No owner or other person having charge or control of any snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle shall knowingly authorize or permit any person, who by reason of any physical or mental disability is incapable of operating the vehicle, to operate the snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle anywhere in this state or on the ice of any boundary water of this state.

 

(c) A person who operates or is in physical control of a snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle anywhere in this state or on the ice of any boundary water of this state is subject to chapter 169A.  In addition to the applicable sanctions under chapter 169A, a person who is convicted of violating section 169A.20 or an ordinance in conformity with it while operating a snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle, or who refuses to comply with a lawful request to submit to testing under sections 169A.50 to 169A.53 or an ordinance in conformity with it, shall be prohibited from operating the a snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle for a period of one year.  The commissioner shall notify the person of the time period during which the person is prohibited from operating a snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle.

 

(d) Administrative and judicial review of the operating privileges prohibition is governed by section 97B.066, subdivisions 7 to 9, if the person does not have a prior impaired driving conviction or prior license revocation, as defined in section 169A.03.  Otherwise, administrative and judicial review of the prohibition is governed by section 169A.53.

 

(e) The court shall promptly forward to the commissioner and the Department of Public Safety copies of all convictions and criminal and civil sanctions imposed under this section and chapters 169 and 169A relating to snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles.

 

(f) A person who violates paragraph (a) or (b), or an ordinance in conformity with either of them, is guilty of a misdemeanor.  A person who operates a snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle during the time period the person is prohibited from operating a vehicle under paragraph (c) is guilty of a misdemeanor.

 

Sec. 11.  Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 84D.01, subdivision 15a, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 15a.  Service provider.  "Service provider" means an individual who or entity that installs or removes water-related equipment or structures from waters of the state for hire or as a service provided as a benefit of membership in a yacht club, boat club, marina, or similar organization.  Service provider does not include a person working under the supervision of an individual with a valid service provider permit issued under section 84D.108.

 

Sec. 12.  Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 84D.03, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 3.  Bait harvest from infested waters.  (a) Taking wild animals from infested waters for bait or aquatic farm purposes is prohibited, except as provided in paragraph (b) and section 97C.341.

 

(b) In waters that are designated as infested waters, except those designated because they contain prohibited invasive species of fish or certifiable diseases of fish, as defined under section 17.4982, subdivision 6, taking wild animals may be permitted for:

 

(1) commercial taking of wild animals for bait and aquatic farm purposes according to a permit issued under section 84D.11, subject to rules adopted by the commissioner; and

 

(2) bait purposes for noncommercial personal use in waters that contain Eurasian water milfoil, when the infested waters are designated solely because they contain Eurasian water milfoil and if the equipment for taking is limited to cylindrical minnow traps not exceeding 16 inches in diameter and 32 inches in length; and

 

(3) harvest of bullheads, goldeyes, mooneyes, sheepshead (freshwater drum), and suckers for bait from streams or rivers designated as infested waters, by hook and line for noncommercial personal use.  Other provisions that apply to this clause are:


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(i) fish taken under this clause must be used on the same body of water where caught and while still on that water body;

 

(ii) fish taken under this clause may not be transported live from or off the water body;

 

(iii) fish harvested under this clause may only be used in accordance with this section.  Any other use of wild animals used for bait from infested waters is prohibited;

 

(iv) fish taken under this clause must meet all other size restrictions and requirements as established in rules; and

 

(v) all species listed under this clause shall be included in the person's daily limit as established in rules, if applicable.

 

(c) Equipment authorized for minnow harvest in a designated infested water by permit issued under paragraph (b) may not be transported to, or used in, any waters other than waters specified in the permit.

 

Sec. 13.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 84D.05, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Prohibited activities.  A person may not possess, import, purchase, sell, propagate, transport, or introduce a prohibited invasive species, except:

 

(1) under a permit issued by the commissioner under section 84D.11;

 

(2) in the case of purple loosestrife, as provided by sections 18.75 to 18.88;

 

(3) under a restricted species permit issued under section 17.457;

 

(4) when being transported to the department, or another destination as the commissioner may direct, in a sealed container for purposes of identifying the species or reporting the presence of the species;

 

(5) when being transported for disposal as part of a harvest or control activity when specifically authorized under a permit issued by the commissioner according to section 103G.615, when being transported for disposal as specified under a commercial fishing license issued by the commissioner according to section 97A.418, 97C.801, 97C.811, 97C.825, 97C.831, or 97C.835, or when being transported as specified by the commissioner;

 

(6) when the specimen has been lawfully acquired dead and, in the case of plant species, all seeds are removed or are otherwise secured in a sealed container;

 

(7) in the form of herbaria or other preserved specimens;

 

(8) when being removed from watercraft and equipment, or caught while angling, and immediately returned to the water from which they came; or

 

(9) as the commissioner may otherwise prescribe by rule.

 

Sec. 14.  Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 84D.09, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2.  Exceptions.  Unless otherwise prohibited by law, a person may transport aquatic macrophytes:

 

(1) that are duckweeds in the family Lemnaceae;

 

(2) for disposal as part of a harvest or control activity conducted when specifically authorized under an aquatic plant management permit pursuant to section 103G.615, under permit pursuant to section 84D.11, or as specified by the commissioner;


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(3) for purposes of constructing shooting or observation blinds in amounts sufficient for that purpose, provided that the aquatic macrophytes are emergent and cut above the waterline;

 

(4) when legally purchased or traded by or from commercial or hobbyist sources for aquarium, wetland or lakeshore restoration, or ornamental purposes;

 

(5) when harvested for personal or commercial use if in a motor vehicle;

 

(6) to the department, or another destination as the commissioner may direct, in a sealed container for purposes of identifying a species or reporting the presence of a species;

 

(7) when transporting commercial aquatic plant harvesting or control equipment to a suitable location for purposes of cleaning any remaining aquatic macrophytes;

 

(8) that are wild rice harvested under section 84.091;

 

(9) in the form of fragments of emergent aquatic macrophytes incidentally transported in or on watercraft or decoys used for waterfowl hunting during the waterfowl season; or

 

(10) when removing water-related equipment from waters of the state for purposes of cleaning off aquatic macrophytes before leaving a water access site.

 

Sec. 15.  Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 84D.10, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Launching prohibited.  A person may not place or attempt to place into waters of the state a watercraft, a trailer, or water-related equipment, including aquatic plant harvesting or control equipment that has aquatic macrophytes, zebra mussels, or prohibited invasive species attached except as provided in this section.

 

Sec. 16.  Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 84D.10, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 4.  Persons transporting water-related equipment.  (a) When leaving waters of the state a person must drain water-related equipment holding water and live wells and bilges by removing the drain plug before transporting the water-related equipment off the water access site or riparian property.

 

(b) Drain plugs, bailers, valves, or other devices used to control the draining of water from ballast tanks, bilges, and live wells must be removed or opened while transporting water-related equipment.

 

(c) Emergency response vehicles and equipment may be transported on a public road with the drain plug or other similar device replaced only after all water has been drained from the equipment upon leaving the water body.

 

(d) Portable bait containers used by licensed aquatic farms, portable bait containers when fishing through the ice except on waters designated infested for viral hemorrhagic septicemia, and marine sanitary systems are exempt from this subdivision.

 

(e) A person must not dispose of bait in waters of the state.

 

(f) A boat lift, dock, swim raft, or associated equipment that has been removed from any water body may not be placed in another water body until a minimum of 21 days have passed.


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Sec. 17.  Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 84D.105, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2.  Inspector authority.  (a) The commissioner shall train and authorize individuals to inspect water-related equipment for aquatic macrophytes, aquatic invasive species, and water.  The commissioner may delegate inspection authority as provided under paragraph (b) or (g) to tribal and local governments that assume all legal, financial, and administrative responsibilities for inspection programs on public waters within their jurisdiction.

 

(b) Inspectors may visually and tactilely inspect watercraft and water-related equipment to determine whether aquatic invasive species, aquatic macrophytes, or water is present.  If a person transporting watercraft or water-related equipment refuses to take required corrective actions or fails to comply with an order under section 84D.10, subdivision 3, an inspector who is not a licensed peace officer shall refer the violation to a conservation officer or other licensed peace officer.

 

(c) In addition to paragraph (b), a conservation officer or other licensed peace officer may inspect any watercraft or water-related equipment that is stopped at a water access site, any other public location in the state, or a private location where the watercraft or water-related equipment is in plain view, if the officer determines there is reason to believe that aquatic invasive species, aquatic macrophytes, or water is present on the watercraft or water-related equipment.

 

(d) Conservation officers or other licensed peace officers may utilize check stations in locations, or in proximity to locations, where watercraft or other water-related equipment is placed into or removed from waters of the state.  Any check stations shall be operated in a manner that minimizes delays to vehicles, equipment, and their occupants.

 

(e) Conservation officers or other licensed peace officers may order water-related equipment to be removed from a water body if the commissioner determines such action is needed to implement aquatic invasive species control measures.

 

(f) The commissioner may require mandatory inspections of water-related equipment before a person places the water-related equipment into a water body.  Inspection stations may be located at or near public water accesses or in locations that allow for servicing multiple water bodies.  The commissioner shall ensure that inspection stations:

 

(1) have adequate staffing to minimize delays to vehicles and their occupants;

 

(2) allow for reasonable travel times between public accesses and inspection stations if inspection is required before placing water-related equipment into a water body;

 

(3) are located so as not to create traffic delays or public safety issues;

 

(4) have decontamination equipment available to bring water-related equipment into compliance; and

 

(5) do not reduce the capacity or hours of operation of public water accesses.

 

(g) The commissioner may authorize tribal and local governments to conduct mandatory inspections of water-related equipment at specified locations within a defined area before a person places the water-related equipment into a water body.  Tribal and local governments that are authorized to conduct inspections under this paragraph must:

 

(1) assume all legal, financial, and administrative responsibilities for implementing the mandatory inspections, alone or in agreement with other tribal or local governments;

 

(2) employ inspectors that have been trained and authorized by the commissioner;

 

(3) conduct inspections and decontamination measures in accordance with guidelines approved by the commissioner;


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(4) have decontamination equipment available at inspection stations to bring water-related equipment into compliance;

 

(5) provide for inspection station locations that do not create traffic delays or public safety issues; and

 

(6) submit a plan approved by the commissioner according to paragraph (h).

 

(h) Plans required under paragraph (g) must address:

 

(1) no reduction in capacity or hours of operation of public accesses and fees that do not discourage or limit use;

 

(2) reasonable travel times between public accesses and inspection stations;

 

(3) adequate staffing to minimize wait times and provide adequate hours of operation at inspection stations and public accesses;

 

(4) adequate enforcement capacity;

 

(5) measures to address inspections of water-related equipment at public water accesses for commercial entities and private riparian land owners; and

 

(6) other elements as required by the commissioner to ensure statewide consistency, appropriate inspection and decontamination protocols, and protection of the state's resources, public safety, and access to public waters.

 

(i) A government unit authorized to conduct inspections under this subdivision must submit an annual report to the commissioner summarizing the results and issues related to implementing the inspection program.

 

Sec. 18.  Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 84D.13, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 5.  Civil penalties.  (a) A civil citation issued under this section must impose the following penalty amounts:

 

(1) for transporting aquatic macrophytes in violation of section 84D.09, $50;

 

(2) for placing or attempting to place into waters of the state water-related equipment that has aquatic macrophytes attached, $100;

 

(3) for unlawfully possessing or transporting a prohibited invasive species other than an aquatic macrophyte, $250;

 

(4) for placing or attempting to place into waters of the state water-related equipment that has prohibited invasive species attached when the waters are not designated by the commissioner as being infested with that invasive species, $500 for the first offense and $1,000 for each subsequent offense;

 

(5) for intentionally damaging, moving, removing, or sinking a buoy marking, as prescribed by rule, Eurasian water milfoil, $100;

 

(6) for failing to remove plugs, open valves, and drain water from water-related equipment, other than marine sanitary systems, before leaving waters of the state, $50; and

 

(7) for transporting infested water off riparian property without a permit as required by rule, $200.

 

(b) A civil citation that is issued to a person who has one or more prior convictions or final orders for violations of this chapter is subject to twice the penalty amounts listed in paragraph (a).


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Sec. 19.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 85.018, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2.  Authority of local government.  (a) A local government unit that receives state grants-in-aid for any trail, with the concurrence of the commissioner, and the landowner or land lessee, may:

 

(1) designate the trail for use by snowmobiles or for nonmotorized use from December 1 to April 1 of any year; and

 

(2) issue any permit required under subdivisions 3 to 5.

 

(b) A local government unit that receives state grants-in-aid under section 84.794, subdivision 2, 84.803, subdivision 2, or 84.927, subdivision 2, for any trail, with the concurrence of the commissioner, and landowner or land lessee, may:

 

(1) designate the trail specifically for use at various times of the year by all-terrain or off-road vehicles or off-highway motorcycles, for nonmotorized use such as ski touring, snowshoeing, and hiking, and for multiple use, but not for motorized and nonmotorized use at the same time; and

 

(2) issue any permit required under subdivisions 3 to 5.

 

(c) A local unit of government that receives state grants-in-aid for any trail, with the concurrence of the commissioner and landowner or land lessee, may designate certain trails for joint use by snowmobiles, off-highway motorcycles, all-terrain and off-road vehicles.

 

Sec. 20.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 85.055, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2.  Fee deposit and appropriation; continued operation.  (a) The fees collected under this section shall be deposited in the natural resources fund and credited to the state parks account.  Money in the account, except for the electronic licensing system commission established by the commissioner under section 84.027, subdivision 15, is available for appropriation to the commissioner to operate and maintain the state park system.

 

(b) State parks and recreation areas shall remain open for camping and other recreational activities, regardless of whether all or any part of the biennial appropriation law for the state parks and recreation areas has been enacted.  The amount necessary for operations of state parks and recreation areas when the biennial appropriation law has not been enacted is appropriated from the state parks account in the natural resources fund.  If, by July 1 of an odd-numbered year, legislation has not been enacted to appropriate money to the commissioner of management and budget for central accounting, procurement, payroll, and human resources functions, amounts necessary to operate those functions for the purpose of this paragraph are appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner of management and budget.  As necessary, the commissioner may transfer a portion of this appropriation to other state agencies to support carrying out these functions.  Any subsequent appropriation to the commissioner of management and budget for a biennium in which this paragraph has been applied supersedes and replaces the funding authorized in this paragraph.

 

Sec. 21.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 85.20, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Violation of rules.  (a) Any person who, within the limits of any state park, state monument, state recreation area, state wayside, or area of state land reserved from sale, as provided by Laws 1923, chapter 430 outdoor recreation unit established in chapter 86A, shall willfully cut, injure, or destroy any live tree, shrub, timber, evergreen, or ornamental plant of any kind, or who shall willfully injure, remove, destroy, deface, or mutilate any guideboard, guidepost, furniture, fixture, improvement, monument, tablet, or other property of the state of any kind, or who shall willfully violate, or fail to comply with, any rule of the commissioner adopted and promulgated in accordance with the provisions of Laws 1923, chapter 430, shall be according to section 86A.06, is guilty of a petty misdemeanor.


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(b) Violations under paragraph (a) adopted for wildlife management areas described in section 86A.05, subdivision 8, are misdemeanors, consistent with game and fish law penalties defined in section 97A.301, subdivision 1, clause (6).

 

(c) If a different penalty is provided in another section of law for the violation and the person is charged under that section of law, the penalty specified for the violation will control over the penalty specified in paragraphs (a) and (b).  Violations relating to the taking of wild animals are subject to the penalties as specified in the game and fish laws described in section 97A.011.

 

Sec. 22.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 85.46, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Pass in possession.  (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), while riding, leading, or driving a horse on lands administered by the commissioner, except forest roads and forest roads rights-of-way, a person 16 years of age or over shall carry in immediate possession a valid horse pass.  The pass must be available for inspection by a peace officer, a conservation officer, or an employee designated under section 84.0835.  A person who violates any provision of this subdivision is guilty of a petty misdemeanor.

 

(b) A valid horse pass is not required under this section for a person riding, leading, or driving a horse on property that is owned by the person or the person's spouse, child, parent, or guardian.

 

Sec. 23.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 85A.04, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Deposit; continued operation.  (a) All receipts from parking and admission to the Minnesota Zoological Garden shall be deposited in the state treasury and credited to an account in the special revenue fund, and are annually appropriated to the board for operations and maintenance.

 

(b) The Minnesota Zoological Garden shall remain open, regardless of whether all or any part of the biennial appropriation law for the zoo has been enacted.  Appropriations under this section shall be used for operations of the zoo when the biennial appropriation law has not been enacted.  If, by July 1 of an odd-numbered year, legislation has not been enacted to appropriate money to the commissioner of management and budget for central accounting, procurement, payroll, and human resources functions, amounts necessary to operate those functions for the purpose of this paragraph are appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner of management and budget.  As necessary, the commissioner may transfer a portion of this appropriation to other state agencies to support carrying out these functions.  Any subsequent appropriation to the commissioner of management and budget for a biennium in which this paragraph has been applied supersedes and replaces the funding authorized in this paragraph.

 

Sec. 24.  [86B.13] AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES PREVENTION PROGRAM.

 

Subdivision 1.  Establishment.  The commissioner shall establish a statewide course in preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species.  The commissioner must develop an educational course and testing program that address identification of aquatic invasive species and best practices to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species when moving water-related equipment, as defined under section 84D.01, subdivision 18a.

 

Subd. 2.  Aquatic invasive species trailer decal.  The commissioner shall issue an aquatic invasive species trailer decal to a person that satisfactorily completes the required course of instruction.

 

Subd. 3.  Contracting for services.  The commissioner may contract for services to provide training and testing services under this section.

 

Sec. 25.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 86B.331, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Acts prohibited.  (a) An owner or other person having charge or control of a motorboat may not authorize or allow an individual the person knows or has reason to believe is under the influence of alcohol or a controlled or other substance to operate the motorboat in operation on the waters of this state.


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(b) An owner or other person having charge or control of a motorboat may not knowingly authorize or allow a person, who by reason of a physical or mental disability is incapable of operating the motorboat, to operate the motorboat in operation on the waters of this state.

 

(c) A person who operates or is in physical control of a motorboat on the waters of this state is subject to chapter 169A.  In addition to the applicable sanctions under chapter 169A, a person who is convicted of violating section 169A.20 or an ordinance in conformity with it while operating a motorboat, shall be prohibited from operating the a motorboat on the waters of this state for a period of 90 days between May 1 and October 31, extending over two consecutive years if necessary.  If the person operating the motorboat refuses to comply with a lawful demand to submit to testing under sections 169A.50 to 169A.53 or an ordinance in conformity with it, the person shall be prohibited from operating the a motorboat for a period of one year.  The commissioner shall notify the person of the period during which the person is prohibited from operating a motorboat.

 

(d) Administrative and judicial review of the operating privileges prohibition is governed by section 97B.066, subdivisions 7 to 9, if the person does not have a prior impaired driving conviction or prior license revocation, as defined in section 169A.03.  Otherwise, administrative and judicial review of the prohibition is governed by section 169A.53.

 

(e) The court shall promptly forward to the commissioner and the Department of Public Safety copies of all convictions and criminal and civil sanctions imposed under this section and chapters 169 and 169A relating to motorboats.

 

(f) A person who violates paragraph (a) or (b), or an ordinance in conformity with either of them, is guilty of a misdemeanor.

 

(g) For purposes of this subdivision, a motorboat "in operation" does not include a motorboat that is anchored, beached, or securely fastened to a dock or other permanent mooring, or a motorboat that is being rowed or propelled by other than mechanical means.

 

Sec. 26.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 90.031, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 4.  Timber rules.  The Executive Council may formulate and establish, from time to time, rules it deems advisable for the transaction of timber business of the state, including approval of the sale of timber on any tract in a lot exceeding 6,000 cords in volume when the sale is in the best interests of the state, and may abrogate, modify, or suspend rules at its pleasure.

 

Sec. 27.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 92.45, is amended to read:

 

92.45 STATE LAND ON MEANDERED LAKES WITHDRAWN FROM SALE PUBLIC WATERS.

 

All state lands bordering on or adjacent to meandered lakes and other public waters and watercourses, with the live timber growing on them, are withdrawn from sale except as provided in this section.  The commissioner of natural resources may sell the timber as otherwise provided by law for cutting and removal under conditions the commissioner prescribes.  The conditions must be in accordance with approved, sustained-yield forestry practices.  The commissioner must reserve the timber and impose other conditions the commissioner deems necessary to protect watersheds, wildlife habitat, shorelines, and scenic features.  (a) Within the area in Cook, Lake, and St. Louis Counties described in the Act of Congress approved July 10, 1930, (Statutes at Large, volume 46, page 1020), the timber on state lands is subject to restrictions like those now imposed by the act on federal lands.

 

(b) The following land is reserved for public travel:  of all state-owned land bordering on or adjacent to meandered lakes and other public waters and watercourses and withdrawn from sale, a strip two rods wide, the ordinary high-water mark being its waterside boundary, and its landside boundary a line drawn parallel to the ordinary high-water mark and two rods distant landward from it.  Wherever the conformation of the shore line or conditions require, the commissioner must reserve a wider strip.


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Except for sales under section 282.018, subdivision 1, when a state agency or any other unit of government requests the legislature to authorize the sale of state lands bordering on or adjacent to meandered lakes and other public waters and watercourses, the commissioner shall evaluate the lands and their public benefits and make recommendations on the proposed dispositions to the committees of the legislature with jurisdiction over natural resources.  The commissioner shall include any recommendations of the commissioner for disposition of lands withdrawn from sale under this section over which the commissioner has jurisdiction.  The commissioner's recommendations may include a public sale, sale to a private party, acquisition by the commissioner for public purposes, retention of a conservation easement for shoreland preservation by the commissioner under chapter 84C, or a cooperative management agreement with, or transfer to, another unit of government.

 

(c) The commissioner may sell state lands bordering on or adjacent to the Mississippi River or any lakes, waters, and watercourses in its bottom lands, desired or needed by the United States government for, or in connection with, any project heretofore authorized by Congress, to improve navigation in the Mississippi River at public sale according to law, as in other cases, upon application by an authorized United States official.  The application must describe the land and include a map showing its location with reference to adjoining properties.

 

Sec. 28.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 92.50, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Lease terms.  (a) The commissioner of natural resources may lease land under the commissioner's jurisdiction and control:

 

(1) to remove sand, gravel, clay, rock, marl, peat, and black dirt;

 

(2) to store ore, waste materials from mines, or rock and tailings from ore milling plants;

 

(3) for roads or railroads; or

 

(4) for other uses consistent with the interests of the state.

 

(b) The commissioner shall offer the lease at public or private sale for an amount and under terms and conditions prescribed by the commissioner.  Commercial leases for more than ten years and leases for removal of peat that cover 320 or more acres must be approved by the Executive Council.

 

(c) The lease term may not exceed ten 21 years except:

 

(1) leases of lands for storage sites for ore, waste materials from mines, or rock and tailings from ore milling plants, or for the removal of peat for nonagricultural purposes may not exceed a term of 25 years; and

 

(2) leases for the use of peat lands for agricultural purposes may not exceed 21 years; and

 

(3) (2) leases for commercial purposes, including major resort, convention center, or recreational area purposes, may not exceed a term of 40 years.

 

(d) Leases must be subject to sale and leasing of the land for mineral purposes and contain a provision for cancellation for just cause at any time by the commissioner upon six months' written notice.  A longer notice period, not exceeding three years, may be provided in leases for storing ore, waste materials from mines or rock or tailings from ore milling plants.  The commissioner may determine the terms and conditions, including the notice period, for cancellation of a lease for the removal of peat and commercial leases.

 

(e) Money received from leases under this section must be credited to the fund to which the land belongs.


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Sec. 29.  [92.80] CREATION OF CHILDREN'S STATE FOREST.

 

Subdivision 1.  Purpose and scope.  (a) This section facilitates the expedited exchange of state-owned lands located within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

 

(b) For land exchanges under this section, sections 94.342 to 94.347 apply only to the extent specified in this section.

 

Subd. 2.  Classes of land; definitions.  The classes of state land that may be involved in an expedited exchange under this section are:

 

(1) school trust land as defined in section 92.025;

 

(2) university land granted to the state by acts of Congress;

 

(3) all other lands acquired by the state in any manner and under the control of the commissioner of natural resources; and

 

(4) all lands acquired by the state through tax forfeiture, held subject to a trust in favor of the taxing districts, and under the control of county authorities for classification, appraisal, and sale.

 

Subd. 3.  Priority.  An exchange of state land under this section shall give priority to exchanges that provide the most opportunity for revenue generation for the permanent school fund, and priority shall be given to lands within the Superior National Forest in the Mesabi Purchase Unit in St. Louis County and in the following townships in St. Louis County:

 

(1) Township 59 North, Range 14 West;

 

(2) Township 59 North, Range 13 West;

 

(3) Township 60 North, Range 13 West; and

 

(4) Township 60 North, Range 12 West.

 

Subd. 4.  Valuation of land.  (a) In an exchange of school trust land, university land, or other land under the control of the commissioner of natural resources for land owned by the United States, the examination and value determination of the land shall be done in a manner as agreed to between the commissioner and the authorized representative of the United States.

 

(b) In an exchange of tax-forfeited land for land owned by the United States, the examination and value determination shall be done in a manner as agreed to between the county board and the authorized representative of the United States.

 

(c) Notwithstanding section 94.343 or any other law to the contrary, all lands exchanged under this section shall be exchanged for an equal amount of acres of land and shall, through exchanges that reunite mineral rights with surface ownership and other means, provide as close to an equal land value exchange as possible.

 

Subd. 5.  Title.  Title to the land must be examined to the extent necessary for the parties to determine that the title is good, with any encumbrances identified.  The parties to the exchange may use title insurance to aid in the determination.


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Subd. 6.  Approval by Land Exchange Board.  In accordance with the Minnesota Constitution, article XI, section 10, all expedited land exchanges under this section require the unanimous approval of the Land Exchange Board.

 

Subd. 7.  Conveyance.  (a) Conveyance of school trust land, university land, or other land under the control of the commissioner of natural resources shall be made by deed executed by the commissioner in the name of the state.  Conveyance of tax-forfeited land shall be by a deed executed by the commissioner of revenue in the name of the state.

 

(b) School trust land, university land, and other land under the control of the commissioner of natural resources and given in exchange are subject to reservations under section 94.343, subdivision 4, and the Minnesota Constitution, article XI, section 10.  Tax-forfeited land given in exchange is subject to reservations under section 94.344, subdivision 4, and the Minnesota Constitution, article XI, section 10.

 

(c) All deeds shall be recorded or registered in the county in which the lands lie.

 

Subd. 8.  Land status.  Except as provided under section 92.81, land received in exchange for school trust land, university land, or other land under the control of the commissioner of natural resources is subject to the same trust, if any, and otherwise has the same status as the land given in exchange.  Land received in exchange for tax-forfeited land is subject to a trust in favor of the governmental subdivision in which it lies and all laws relating to tax-forfeited land.

 

Sec. 30.  [92.81] CONDEMNATION OF SCHOOL TRUST LAND.

 

Subdivision 1.  Purpose and scope.  (a) The purpose of this section is to facilitate the exchange of school trust lands located within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness to the United States.

 

(b) For purposes of this section, "school trust land" has the meaning given under section 92.025.

 

Subd. 2.  Commencement of condemnation proceedings.  When the commissioner of natural resources has reached agreement with the United States on the exchange of state-owned land within the wilderness area, the commissioner shall extinguish the school trust interest by condemnation action when necessary to facilitate the agreement.  When requested by the commissioner, the attorney general shall commence condemnation of the school trust lands.

 

Subd. 3.  Valuation.  Notwithstanding section 117.036, an appraisal of the land is not required, and the examination and value determination of the school trust land shall be done in a manner as agreed to between the commissioner of natural resources and the authorized representative of the United States.

 

Sec. 31.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 93.17, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 3.  Bid acceptance.  (a) At the time and place fixed for the sale, the commissioner shall publicly announce the number of applications and bids received.  The commissioner shall then publicly open the bids and announce the amount of each bid separately.  Thereafter, the commissioner, together with the Executive Council, shall award the leases to the highest bidders for the respective mining units, but no bids shall be accepted that do not equal or exceed the minimum amounts provided for in section 93.20, nor shall any bid be accepted that does not comply with the law.  The right is reserved to the state to reject any and all bids.

 

(b) All applications for leases and bids not accepted at the sale shall become void at the close of the sale and the payment accompanying the applications and bids shall be returned to the applicants entitled to them.

 

(c) Upon the award of a lease, the payment submitted with the application as provided by subdivision 1 shall be deposited with the commissioner of management and budget as a fee for the lease.


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Sec. 32.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 93.1925, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Conditions required.  When the commissioner finds that the best interests of the state will be served and the circumstances in clause (1), (2), or (3) exist, the commissioner, with the approval of the Executive Council, may issue an iron ore or taconite iron ore mining lease through negotiations to an applicant.  A lease may be issued through negotiations under any of the following circumstances:

 

(1) the state taconite iron ore is adjacent to taconite iron ore owned or leased for mining purposes by the applicant and the commissioner finds that it is impracticable to mine the state taconite iron ore except in conjunction with the mining of the adjacent ore;

 

(2) the lands to be leased are primarily valuable for their natural iron ore content; or

 

(3) the state's mineral ownership interest in the lands to be leased is an undivided fractional interest and the applicant holds under control a majority of the remaining undivided fractional mineral interests in the lands to be leased.

 

Sec. 33.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 93.20, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2.  Term; conditions.  The commissioner of natural resources, with the approval of the Executive Council, may, so far as the commissioner deems advisable in furtherance of the public interests, fix the term of any lease at any period not exceeding that hereinafter prescribed, or may include in a lease any other conditions not inconsistent herewith relating to performance by the lessee or other pertinent matters, provided, that in case of a lease made pursuant to a permit issued upon public sale, a statement of such conditions shall be included in the designation of the mining unit affected before publication of the notice of sale.

 

Sec. 34.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 93.20, subdivision 30, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 30.  Supplemental agreement.  In case it shall become impossible or impracticable at any time during the term of this lease to comply with the provisions hereof relating to sampling, analysis, shipping, or weighing of ore, or in case methods for any of said operations shall be developed which appear to be superior to those herein prescribed and which will not result in any loss or disadvantage to the state hereunder, the commissioner of natural resources, with the approval of the Executive Council, may make a supplemental agreement with the part.....  of the second part, modifying this lease so as to authorize the adoption of such other methods for any of said operations so far as deemed expedient.

 

Sec. 35.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 93.20, subdivision 38, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 38.  Lease modification.  Any state iron ore mining lease heretofore or hereafter issued and in force may be modified by the commissioner of natural resources, with the approval of the Executive Council, upon application of the holder of the lease, by written agreement with the holder, so as to conform with the provisions of the laws in force at the time of such application with respect to the methods of shipping, weighing, and analyzing ore and computing royalty thereon, the time of payment of rental and royalty, the beneficiation or treatment of iron ore and the disposal of concentrates and residues therefrom, the stockpiling, depositing, or disposal of iron ore or other material, and the making of statements and reports pertaining to said matters.

 

Sec. 36.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 93.2236, is amended to read:

 

93.2236 MINERALS MANAGEMENT ACCOUNT.

 

(a) The minerals management account is created as an account in the natural resources fund.  Interest earned on money in the account accrues to the account.  Money in the account may be spent or distributed only as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c).


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(b) If the balance in the minerals management account exceeds $3,000,000 on June 30, the amount exceeding $3,000,000 must be distributed to the permanent school fund and, the permanent university fund, and the counties' forfeited tax sale funds.  The amount distributed to each fund must be in the same proportion as the total mineral lease revenue received in the previous biennium from school trust lands and, university lands, and tax-forfeited lands held in trust for each respective county.

 

(c) Subject to appropriation by the legislature, money in the minerals management account may be spent by the commissioner of natural resources for mineral resource management and projects to enhance future mineral income and promote new mineral resource opportunities.

 

Sec. 37.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 93.25, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2.  Lease requirements.  All leases for nonferrous metallic minerals or petroleum must be approved by the Executive Council, and any other mineral lease issued pursuant to this section that covers 160 or more acres must be approved by the Executive Council.  (a) Except as provided in subdivision 2a, the rents, royalties, terms, conditions, and covenants of all such leases shall be fixed by the commissioner according to rules adopted by the commissioner, but no lease shall be for a longer term than 50 years, and all rents, royalties, terms, conditions, and covenants shall be fully set forth in each lease issued.  The rents and royalties shall be credited to the funds as provided in section 93.22.

 

(b) The applicant must submit with the application a certified check, cashier's check, or bank money order, payable to the Department of Natural Resources, in the sum of $1,000 as a fee for filing an application for a lease being offered at public sale and in the sum of $2,000 as a fee for filing an application for a lease through negotiation.  The application fee for a negotiated lease shall not be refunded under any circumstances.  The application fee must be deposited in the minerals management account in the natural resources fund.

 

Sec. 38.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 93.25, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 2a.  Rents.  The commissioner shall, by written order, establish the schedule of rental rates of all leases issued under this section.  The commissioner shall update the schedule of rental rates every five years.  The schedule of rental rates and any adjustment to the schedule are not subject to the rulemaking provisions of chapter 14, and section 14.386 does not apply.

 

Sec. 39.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 97A.401, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Commissioner's authority.  The commissioner may issue special permits for the activities in this section.  A special permit may be issued in the form of a general permit to a governmental subdivision or to the general public to conduct one or more activities under subdivisions 2 to 7.

 

Sec. 40.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 97A.421, subdivision 4a,  is amended to read:

 

Subd. 4a.  Suspension for failure to appear in court or pay a fine or surcharge.  When a court reports to the commissioner that a person:  (1) has failed to appear in court under the summons issued in response to a notice to appear or fails to comply with other orders of the court regarding the appearance or proceedings for a violation of the game and fish laws; or (2) has been convicted of violating a provision of the game and fish laws, has been sentenced to the payment of a fine or had a surcharge levied against them, and refused or failed to comply with that sentence or to pay the fine or surcharge, the commissioner shall suspend the game and fish license and permit privileges of the person until notified by the court that the person has appeared in court under clause (1) or that any fine or surcharge due the court has been paid under clause (2).

 

Sec. 41.  Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 97C.341, is amended to read:

 

97C.341 CERTAIN AQUATIC LIFE PROHIBITED FOR BAIT.


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(a) A person may not use live minnows imported from outside of the state, game fish, goldfish, or carp for bait.  The commissioner may, by written order published in the State Register, authorize use of game fish eggs as bait and prescribe restrictions on their use.  The order is exempt from the rulemaking provisions of chapter 14 and section 14.386 does not apply.

 

(b) A person may not import or possess live, frozen, or processed bait from known waters where viral hemorrhagic septicemia has been identified as being present, :  (1) unless the bait has been processed to inactivate viral hemorrhagic septicemia in a manner prescribed by rules adopted by the commissioner; or (2) except as provided in paragraph (c).  For purposes of this paragraph, "bait" includes fish, aquatic worms, amphibians, invertebrates, and insects used for taking wild animals in waters of the state.

 

(c) Cisco and rainbow smelt taken under rules adopted by the commissioner may be used as:

 

(1) fresh or frozen bait only on Lake Superior; or

 

(2) bait that has been processed to inactivate viral hemorrhagic septicemia in a manner prescribed by rules adopted by the commissioner.

 

(d) To ensure that frozen or dead fish being brought into the state are not in violation of paragraph (b), the following paperwork must accompany the shipment.  Documents must be open for inspection by the commissioner at any reasonable time.  All documents must be available to purchasers of these bait items.  Each container or package of frozen or dead fish must have the following information:

 

(1) water body source;

 

(2) lot number;

 

(3) company contact including name, phone, and address;

 

(4) date of packaging and labeling; and

 

(5) valid negative fish health certification from the source water body.

 

Sec. 42.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 103A.43, is amended to read:

 

103A.43 WATER ASSESSMENTS AND REPORTS.

 

(a) The Environmental Quality Board shall consolidate the assessments required in paragraphs (b) and (c) with the policy report in section 103A.204 and submit a single report to the house of representatives and senate committees with jurisdiction over the environment, natural resources, and agriculture and the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources by September 15, 2010, and every five years thereafter.

 

(b) The Pollution Control Agency and the Department of Agriculture shall provide a biennial an assessment and analysis of water quality, groundwater degradation trends, and efforts to reduce, prevent, minimize, and eliminate degradation of water.  The assessment and analysis must include an analysis of relevant monitoring data.

 

(c) The Department of Natural Resources shall provide an assessment and analysis of the quantity of surface and ground water in the state and the availability of water to meet the state's needs.

 

Sec. 43.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 103B.101, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

 

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

 

(1) three county commissioners;


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(2) three soil and water conservation district supervisors;

 

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

 

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

 

(5) one township officer;

 

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

 

(7) the commissioner of agriculture;

 

(8) the commissioner of health;

 

(9) the commissioner of natural resources;

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Sec. 44.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 103B.101, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 7.  Hearings, orders, and rulemaking.  The board may hold public hearings and adopt rules and orders necessary to execute its duties.

 

Sec. 45.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 103B.101, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 8a.  Bylaws and conflict of interest.  The board shall adopt bylaws that include provisions to prevent or address conflict of interest.

 

Sec. 46.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 103B.101, subdivision 10, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 10.  Committee for dispute resolution.  A committee of the board is established to hear and resolve disputes, appeals, and interventions under sections 103A.301 to 103A.341; 103B.101; 103B.231; 103B.345; 103D.535; 103D.537; and 103G.2242, subdivision 9.  The committee consists of two of the three citizen members; one county commissioner member; one soil and water conservation district supervisor member; and one watershed district or watershed management organization representative member.  The committee is appointed by the board chair.  The board shall adopt bylaws governing committee membership and duties.


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Sec. 47.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 103B.101, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 14.  Local water management coordination.  (a) The board may adopt resolutions, policies, or orders that allow a comprehensive plan, local water management plan, or watershed management plan, developed or amended, approved and adopted, according to chapter 103B, 103C, or 103D to serve as substitutes for one another or be replaced with a comprehensive watershed management plan.  The board may also develop criteria for incorporating or coordinating the elements of metropolitan county groundwater plans in accordance with section 103B.255.  The board shall, to the extent practicable, incorporate a watershed approach when adopting the resolutions, policies, or orders, and shall establish a suggested watershed boundary framework for development, approval, adoption, and coordination of plans.

 

(b) The board shall work with local government stakeholders and others to foster mutual understanding and develop recommendations for local water management and related state water management policy and programs.  The board may convene informal working groups or work teams to develop information, education, and recommendations.  Local government units may develop and carry out TMDL implementation plans, or their equivalent, as provided in chapter 114D, as part of the local water management plans and responsibilities under chapters 103B, 103C, and 103D.

 

Sec. 48.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 103B.101, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 15.  Local water management boundary and plan determinations and appeals.  (a) Local government units may either submit a request for a plan boundary determination as part of a plan approval request or apply separately for a plan boundary determination from the board before requesting plan approval.  Local government units must provide written documentation of the rationale and justification for the proposed boundary.  The board may request additional information needed to make a plan boundary determination.

 

(b) Local government units may appeal a board decision to deny approval of a plan or the establishment of a plan boundary.  An appeal of a board decision may be taken to the state Court of Appeals and must be considered an appeal from a contested case decision for purposes of judicial review under sections 14.63 to 14.69.  Local government units may request the board's dispute resolution committee or executive director to hear and make recommendations to resolve boundary and plan implementation disputes.

 

Sec. 49.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 103B.311, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 4.  Water plan requirements.  (a) A local water management plan must:

 

(1) cover the entire area within a county;

 

(2) address water problems in the context of watershed units and groundwater systems;

 

(3) be based upon principles of sound hydrologic management of water, effective environmental protection, and efficient management;

 

(4) be consistent with local water management plans prepared by counties and watershed management organizations wholly or partially within a single watershed unit or groundwater system; and

 

(5) the local water management plan must specify the period covered by the local water management plan and must extend at least five years but no more than ten years from the date the board approves the local water management plan.  Local water management plans that contain revision dates inconsistent with this section must comply with that date, provided it is not more than ten years beyond the date of board approval.  A two-year extension of the revision date of a local water management plan may be granted by the board, provided no projects are ordered or commenced during the period of the extension.


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(b) Existing water and related land resources plans, including plans related to agricultural land preservation programs developed pursuant to chapter 40A, must be fully utilized in preparing the local water management plan.  Duplication of the existing plans is not required.

 

Sec. 50.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 103B.3363, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 3a.  Comprehensive watershed management plan.  "Comprehensive watershed management plan" means a plan to manage the water and related natural resources of a watershed that consists of the plans listed in subdivision 3 or a separate plan that has been approved as a substitute by the board and adopted by local units of government for the same or additional purposes.  The comprehensive watershed management plan shall be consistent with the goals of section 103A.212 and may address the goals in sections 103A.201 to 103A.211, and chapter 114D.

 

Sec. 51.  [103B.3367] WATER PLAN EXTENSIONS.

 

The board may grant extensions with or without conditions of the revision date of a comprehensive local water management plan or a comprehensive watershed management plan.

 

Sec. 52.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 103B.3369, is amended to read:

 

103B.3369 LOCAL WATER RESOURCES RESTORATION, PROTECTION, AND MANAGEMENT PROGRAM.

 

Subdivision 1.  Assistance priorities.  State agencies may give priority to local government unit requests that are part of or responsive to a comprehensive plan, local water management plan, watershed management plan, or comprehensive watershed management plan, developed or amended, approved and adopted, according to chapter 103B, 103C, 103D, or 114D, when administering programs for water-related financial and technical assistance.

 

Subd. 2.  Establishment.  A local water resources restoration, protection, and management program is established.  The board may provide financial assistance to local units of government for activities that restore, protect, or manage water and related land quality.  The activities include planning, zoning, official controls, best management practices, capital projects, and other activities to implement a comprehensive plan, local water management plans plan, or watershed management plan, developed or amended, adopted and approved, according to chapter 103B, 103C, or 103D.

 

Subd. 4.  Contracts.  A local unit of government may contract to implement programs.  An explanation of the program responsibilities proposed to be contracted must accompany grant requests.  A local unit of government that contracts is responsible for ensuring that state funds are properly expended and for providing an annual report to the board describing expenditures of funds and program accomplishments.

 

Subd. 5.  Financial assistance.  A base grant may be awarded to a county that provides a match utilizing a water implementation tax or other local source.  A water implementation tax that a county intends to use as a match to the base grant must be levied at a rate determined by the board.  The minimum amount of the water implementation tax shall be a tax rate times the adjusted net tax capacity of the county for the preceding year.  The rate shall be the rate, rounded to the nearest .001 of a percent, that, when applied to the adjusted net tax capacity for all counties, raises the amount of $1,500,000.  The base grant will be in an amount equal to $37,500 less the amount raised by the local match.  If the amount necessary to implement the local water plan for the county is less than $37,500, the amount of the base grant shall be the amount that, when added to the match amount, equals the amount required to implement the plan.  For counties where the tax rate generates an amount equal to or greater than $18,750, the base grant shall be in an amount equal to $18,750.  The board may award performance-based grants to local units of government that are responsible for implementing elements of applicable portions of watershed management plans, comprehensive plans, local water management plans, or comprehensive watershed management plans, developed or amended, adopted and approved, according to chapter 103B, 103C, or 103D.  Upon request by a local government unit, the


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board may also award performance-based grants to local units of government to carry out TMDL implementation plans as provided in chapter 114D, if the TMDL implementation plan has been incorporated into the local water management plan according to the procedures for approving comprehensive plans, watershed management plans, local water management plans, or comprehensive watershed management plans under chapter 103B, 103C, or 103D, or if the TMDL implementation plan has undergone a public review process.  Notwithstanding section 16A.41, the board may award performance-based grants on an advanced basis.

 

Subd. 6.  Limitations Conditions.  (a) Grants provided to implement programs under this section must be reviewed by the state agency having statutory program authority to assure compliance with minimum state standards.  At the request of the state agency commissioner, the board shall revoke the portion of a grant used to support a program not in compliance.

 

(b) Grants may be provided to develop or revise, amend, or implement local water management plans may not be awarded for a time longer than two years, comprehensive plans, watershed management plans, or comprehensive watershed management plans, approved and adopted, according to chapter 103B, 103C, 103D, or 114D.

 

(c) A local unit of government may not request or be awarded grants for project implementation unless a comprehensive plan, local water management water plan has been adopted, watershed management plan, or comprehensive watershed management plan has been developed or amended, adopted and approved, according to chapter 103B, 103C, or 103D.

 

Subd. 7.  Performance criteria.  The board shall develop and utilize performance-based criteria for local water resources restoration, protection, and management programs and projects.  The criteria may include, but are not limited to, science-based assessments, organizational capacity, priority resource issues, community outreach and support, partnership potential, potential for multiple benefits, and program and project delivery efficiency and effectiveness.

 

Sec. 53.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 103B.355, is amended to read:

 

103B.355 APPLICATION.

 

Sections 103B.301 to 103B.335 and 103B.341 to 103B.355 do not apply in areas subject to the requirements of sections 103B.201 to 103B.255 under section 103B.231, subdivision 1, and in areas covered by an agreement under section 103B.231, subdivision 2, except as otherwise provided in section 103B.311, subdivision 4, clause (4).

 

Sec. 54.  Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 103G.222, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Requirements.  (a) Wetlands must not be drained or filled, wholly or partially, unless replaced by restoring or creating wetland areas of at least equal public value under a replacement plan approved as provided in section 103G.2242, a replacement plan under a local governmental unit's comprehensive wetland protection and management plan approved by the board under section 103G.2243, or, if a permit to mine is required under section 93.481, under a mining reclamation plan approved by the commissioner under the permit to mine.  For project-specific wetland replacement completed prior to wetland impacts authorized or conducted under a permit to mine within the Great Lakes and Rainy River watershed basins, those basins shall be considered a single watershed for purposes of determining wetland replacement ratios.  Mining reclamation plans shall apply the same principles and standards for replacing wetlands by restoration or creation of wetland areas that are applicable to mitigation plans approved as provided in section 103G.2242.  Public value must be determined in accordance with section 103B.3355 or a comprehensive wetland protection and management plan established under section 103G.2243.  Sections 103G.221 to 103G.2372 also apply to excavation in permanently and semipermanently flooded areas of types 3, 4, and 5 wetlands.


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(b) Replacement must be guided by the following principles in descending order of priority:

 

(1) avoiding the direct or indirect impact of the activity that may destroy or diminish the wetland;

 

(2) minimizing the impact by limiting the degree or magnitude of the wetland activity and its implementation;

 

(3) rectifying the impact by repairing, rehabilitating, or restoring the affected wetland environment;

 

(4) reducing or eliminating the impact over time by preservation and maintenance operations during the life of the activity;

 

(5) compensating for the impact by restoring a wetland; and

 

(6) compensating for the impact by replacing or providing substitute wetland resources or environments.

 

For a project involving the draining or filling of wetlands in an amount not exceeding 10,000 square feet more than the applicable amount in section 103G.2241, subdivision 9, paragraph (a), the local government unit may make an on-site sequencing determination without a written alternatives analysis from the applicant.

 

(c) If a wetland is located in a cultivated field, then replacement must be accomplished through restoration only without regard to the priority order in paragraph (b), provided that a deed restriction is placed on the altered wetland prohibiting is not converted to a nonagricultural use for at least ten years.

 

(d) If a wetland is replaced under paragraph (c), or drained under section 103G.2241, subdivision 2, paragraphs paragraph (b) and or (e), the local government unit may require a deed restriction that prohibits nonagricultural use for at least ten years unless the drained wetland is replaced as provided under this section.  The local government unit may require the deed restriction if it determines the wetland area drained is at risk of conversion to a nonagricultural use within ten years based on the zoning classification, proximity to a municipality or full service road, or other criteria as determined by the local government unit.

 

(e) Restoration and replacement of wetlands must be accomplished in accordance with the ecology of the landscape area affected and ponds that are created primarily to fulfill storm water management, and water quality treatment requirements may not be used to satisfy replacement requirements under this chapter unless the design includes pretreatment of runoff and the pond is functioning as a wetland.

 

(f) Except as provided in paragraph (g), for a wetland or public waters wetland located on nonagricultural land, replacement must be in the ratio of two acres of replaced wetland for each acre of drained or filled wetland.

 

(g) For a wetland or public waters wetland located on agricultural land or in a greater than 80 percent area, replacement must be in the ratio of one acre of replaced wetland for each acre of drained or filled wetland.

 

(h) Wetlands that are restored or created as a result of an approved replacement plan are subject to the provisions of this section for any subsequent drainage or filling.

 

(i) Except in a greater than 80 percent area, only wetlands that have been restored from previously drained or filled wetlands, wetlands created by excavation in nonwetlands, wetlands created by dikes or dams along public or private drainage ditches, or wetlands created by dikes or dams associated with the restoration of previously drained or filled wetlands may be used in a statewide banking program established in rules adopted under section 103G.2242, subdivision 1.  Modification or conversion of nondegraded naturally occurring wetlands from one type to another are not eligible for enrollment in a statewide wetlands bank.


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(j) The Technical Evaluation Panel established under section 103G.2242, subdivision 2, shall ensure that sufficient time has occurred for the wetland to develop wetland characteristics of soils, vegetation, and hydrology before recommending that the wetland be deposited in the statewide wetland bank.  If the Technical Evaluation Panel has reason to believe that the wetland characteristics may change substantially, the panel shall postpone its recommendation until the wetland has stabilized.

 

(k) This section and sections 103G.223 to 103G.2242, 103G.2364, and 103G.2365 apply to the state and its departments and agencies.

 

(l) For projects involving draining or filling of wetlands associated with a new public transportation project, and for projects expanded solely for additional traffic capacity, public transportation authorities may purchase credits from the board at the cost to the board to establish credits.  Proceeds from the sale of credits provided under this paragraph are appropriated to the board for the purposes of this paragraph.  For the purposes of this paragraph, "transportation project" does not include an airport project.

 

(m) A replacement plan for wetlands is not required for individual projects that result in the filling or draining of wetlands for the repair, rehabilitation, reconstruction, or replacement of a currently serviceable existing state, city, county, or town public road necessary, as determined by the public transportation authority, to meet state or federal design or safety standards or requirements, excluding new roads or roads expanded solely for additional traffic capacity lanes.  This paragraph only applies to authorities for public transportation projects that:

 

(1) minimize the amount of wetland filling or draining associated with the project and consider mitigating important site-specific wetland functions on site;

 

(2) except as provided in clause (3), submit project-specific reports to the board, the Technical Evaluation Panel, the commissioner of natural resources, and members of the public requesting a copy at least 30 days prior to construction that indicate the location, amount, and type of wetlands to be filled or drained by the project or, alternatively, convene an annual meeting of the parties required to receive notice to review projects to be commenced during the upcoming year; and

 

(3) for minor and emergency maintenance work impacting less than 10,000 square feet, submit project-specific reports, within 30 days of commencing the activity, to the board that indicate the location, amount, and type of wetlands that have been filled or drained.

 

Those required to receive notice of public transportation projects may appeal minimization, delineation, and on-site mitigation decisions made by the public transportation authority to the board according to the provisions of section 103G.2242, subdivision 9.  The Technical Evaluation Panel shall review minimization and delineation decisions made by the public transportation authority and provide recommendations regarding on-site mitigation if requested to do so by the local government unit, a contiguous landowner, or a member of the Technical Evaluation Panel.

 

Except for state public transportation projects, for which the state Department of Transportation is responsible, the board must replace the wetlands, and wetland areas of public waters if authorized by the commissioner or a delegated authority, drained or filled by public transportation projects on existing roads.

 

Public transportation authorities at their discretion may deviate from federal and state design standards on existing road projects when practical and reasonable to avoid wetland filling or draining, provided that public safety is not unreasonably compromised.  The local road authority and its officers and employees are exempt from liability for any tort claim for injury to persons or property arising from travel on the highway and related to the deviation from the design standards for construction or reconstruction under this paragraph.  This paragraph does not preclude an action for damages arising from negligence in construction or maintenance on a highway.

 

(n) If a landowner seeks approval of a replacement plan after the proposed project has already affected the wetland, the local government unit may require the landowner to replace the affected wetland at a ratio not to exceed twice the replacement ratio otherwise required.


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(o) A local government unit may request the board to reclassify a county or watershed on the basis of its percentage of presettlement wetlands remaining.  After receipt of satisfactory documentation from the local government, the board shall change the classification of a county or watershed.  If requested by the local government unit, the board must assist in developing the documentation.  Within 30 days of its action to approve a change of wetland classifications, the board shall publish a notice of the change in the Environmental Quality Board Monitor.

 

(p) One hundred citizens who reside within the jurisdiction of the local government unit may request the local government unit to reclassify a county or watershed on the basis of its percentage of presettlement wetlands remaining.  In support of their petition, the citizens shall provide satisfactory documentation to the local government unit.  The local government unit shall consider the petition and forward the request to the board under paragraph (o) or provide a reason why the petition is denied.

 

Sec. 55.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 103G.2241, subdivision 9, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 9.  De minimis.  (a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) (d), (e), (f), (g) and (c) (h), a replacement plan for wetlands is not required for draining or filling the following amounts of wetlands as part of a project outside of the shoreland wetland protection zone:

 

(1) 10,000 square feet of type 1, 2, 6, or 7 wetland, excluding white cedar and tamarack wetlands, outside of the shoreland wetland protection zone in a greater than 80 percent area;

 

(2) 5,000 square feet of type 1, 2, 6, or 7 wetland, excluding white cedar and tamarack wetlands, outside of the shoreland wetland protection zone in a 50 to 80 percent area, except within the 11-county metropolitan area;

 

(3) 2,000 square feet of type 1, 2, or 6, or 7 wetland, outside of the shoreland wetland protection zone excluding white cedar and tamarack wetlands, in a less than 50 percent area, except within the 11-county metropolitan area; or

 

(4) 100 square feet of type 3, 4, 5, or 8 wetland or white cedar and tamarack wetland types not listed in clauses (1) to (3) outside of the building setback zone of the shoreland wetland protection zones in all counties; .

 

(b) Except as provided in paragraphs (d), (e), (f), (g), and (h), a replacement plan for wetlands is not required for draining or filling the following amounts of wetlands as part of a project within the shoreland wetland protection zone beyond the shoreland building setback zone:

 

(5) (1) 400 square feet of type 1, 2, 6, or 7 wetland types listed in clauses (1) to (3), beyond the building setback zone, as defined in the local shoreland management ordinance, but within the shoreland wetland protection zone.; or

 

(2) 100 square feet of type 3, 4, 5, or 8 wetland or white cedar and tamarack wetland.

 

In a greater than 80 percent area, the local government unit may increase the de minimis amount allowed under clause (1) may be increased up to 1,000 square feet if the wetland is isolated and is determined to have no direct surficial connection to the public water or if permanent water runoff retention or infiltration measures are established in proximity as approved by the shoreland management authority. 

 

(c) Except as provided in paragraphs (d), (e), (f), (g), and (h), a replacement plan for wetlands is not required for draining or filling up to 20 square feet of wetland as part of a project within the shoreland building setback zone, as defined in the local shoreland management ordinance.  The amount in this paragraph may be increased to 100 square feet if permanent water runoff retention or infiltration measures are established in proximity as approved by the shoreland management authority.

 

To the extent that a local shoreland management ordinance is more restrictive than this provision, the local shoreland ordinance applies;


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(6) up to 20 square feet of wetland, regardless of type or location;

 

(7) 2,500 square feet of type 1, 2, 6, or 7 wetland, excluding white cedar and tamarack wetlands, outside of the shoreland wetland protection zone in a 50 to 80 percent area within the 11-county metropolitan area; or

 

(8) 1,000 square feet of type 1, 2, or 6 wetland, outside of the shoreland wetland protection zone in a less than 50 percent area within the 11-county metropolitan area.

 

For purposes of this paragraph, the 11-county metropolitan area consists of the counties of Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Hennepin, Isanti, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, Washington, and Wright.

 

(b) (d) The amounts listed in paragraph paragraphs (a), clauses (1) to (8), (b), and (c) may not be combined on a project.

 

(c) (e) This exemption no longer applies to a landowner's portion of a wetland when the cumulative area drained or filled of the landowner's portion since January 1, 1992, is the greatest of:

 

(1) the applicable area listed in paragraph (a), (b), or (c), if the landowner owns the entire wetland;

 

(2) five percent of the landowner's portion of the wetland; or

 

(3) 400 square feet.

 

(d) (f) This exemption may not be combined with another exemption in this section on a project.

 

(e) (g) Property may not be divided to increase the amounts listed in paragraph (a).

 

(h) If a local ordinance or similar local control is more restrictive than this subdivision, the local standard applies.

 

Sec. 56.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 103G.2242, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 3.  Replacement completion.  Replacement of wetland values must be completed prior to or concurrent with the actual draining or filling of a wetland, or unless an irrevocable bank letter of credit or other security acceptable to the local government unit must be or the board is given to the local government unit or the board to guarantee the successful completion of the replacement.  The board may establish, sponsor, or administer a wetland banking program, which may include provisions allowing monetary payment to the wetland bank for impacts to wetlands on agricultural land, for impacts that occur in greater than 80 percent areas, and for public road projects.  The board shall coordinate the establishment and operation of a wetland bank with the United States Army Corps of Engineers, the Natural Resources Conservation Service of the United States Department of Agriculture, and the commissioners of natural resources, agriculture, and the Pollution Control Agency.

 

Sec. 57.  [103G.2375] ASSUMPTION OF SECTION 404 OF FEDERAL CLEAN WATER ACT.

 

Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, the Board of Water and Soil Resources, in consultation with the commissioners of natural resources, agriculture, and the Pollution Control Agency, may adopt or amend rules establishing a program for regulating the discharge of dredged and fill material into the waters of the state as necessary to obtain approval from the United States Environmental Protection Agency to administer, in whole or part, the permitting and wetland banking programs under section 404 of the federal Clean Water Act, United States Code, title 33, section 1344.  The rules may not be more restrictive than the program under section 404 or state law.


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Sec. 58.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 103G.245, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 3.  Permit application.  Application for a public waters work permit must be in writing to the commissioner on forms prescribed by the commissioner.  The commissioner may issue a state general permit to a governmental subdivision or to the general public for classes of activities having minimal impact upon public waters under which more than one project may be conducted under a single permit.

 

Sec. 59.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 103G.271, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Permit required.  (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), the state, a person, partnership, or association, private or public corporation, county, municipality, or other political subdivision of the state may not appropriate or use waters of the state without a water use permit from the commissioner.

 

(b) This section does not apply to use for a water supply by less than 25 persons for domestic purposes.

 

(c) The commissioner may issue a state general permit for appropriation of water to a governmental subdivision or to the general public for classes of activities that have minimal impact upon waters of the state.  The general permit may authorize more than one project and the appropriation or use of more than one source of water.  Water use permit processing fees and reports required under subdivision 6 and section 103G.281, subdivision 3, are required for each project or water source that is included under a general permit, except that no fee is required for uses totaling less than 15,000,000 gallons annually.

 

Sec. 60.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 103G.291, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 3.  Water supply plans; demand reduction.  (a) Every public water supplier serving more than 1,000 people must submit a water supply plan to the commissioner for approval by January 1, 1996.  In accordance with guidelines developed by the commissioner, the plan must address projected demands, adequacy of the water supply system and planned improvements, existing and future water sources, natural resource impacts or limitations, emergency preparedness, water conservation, supply and demand reduction measures, and allocation priorities that are consistent with section 103G.261.  Public water suppliers must update their plan and, upon notification, submit it to the commissioner for approval every ten years.

 

(b) The water supply plan in paragraph (a) is required for all communities in the metropolitan area, as defined in section 473.121, with a municipal water supply system and is a required element of the local comprehensive plan required under section 473.859.  Water supply plans or updates submitted after December 31, 2008, must be consistent with the metropolitan area master water supply plan required under section 473.1565, subdivision 1, paragraph (a), clause (2).

 

(c) Public water suppliers serving more than 1,000 people must employ encourage water conservation by employing water use demand reduction measures, including a conservation rate structure, as defined in subdivision 4, paragraph (a), unless exempted under subdivision 4, paragraph (c), before requesting approval from the commissioner of health under section 144.383, paragraph (a), to construct a public water supply well or requesting an increase in the authorized volume of appropriation.  Demand reduction measures must include evaluation of conservation rate structures and a public education program that may include a toilet and showerhead retrofit program.  The commissioner of natural resources and the water supplier shall use a collaborative process to achieve demand reduction measures as a part of a water supply plan review process.

 

(d) Public water suppliers serving more than 1,000 people must submit records that indicate the number of connections and amount of use by customer category and volume of water unaccounted for with the annual report of water use required under section 103G.281, subdivision 3.

 

(e) For the purposes of this section, "public water supplier" means an entity that owns, manages, or operates a public water supply, as defined in section 144.382, subdivision 4.


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Sec. 61.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 103G.291, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 4.  Conservation rate structure required Demand reduction measures.  (a) For the purposes of this section, "demand reduction measures" means measures that reduce water demand, water losses, peak water demands, and nonessential water uses.  Demand reduction measures must include a conservation rate structure, or a uniform rate structure with a conservation program that achieves demand reduction.  A "conservation rate structure" means a rate structure that encourages conservation and may include increasing block rates, seasonal rates, time of use rates, individualized goal rates, or excess use rates.  If a conservation rate is applied to multifamily dwellings, the rate structure must consider each residential unit as an individual user in multiple-family dwellings.

 

(b) To encourage conservation, a public water supplier serving more than 1,000 people in the metropolitan area, as defined in section 473.121, subdivision 2, shall use a conservation rate structure by January 1, 2010.  All remaining public water suppliers serving more than 1,000 people shall use a conservation rate structure must implement demand reduction measures by January 1, 2013 2015.

 

(c) A public water supplier without the proper measuring equipment to track the amount of water used by its users, as of July 1, 2008, is exempt from this subdivision and the conservation rate structure requirement under subdivision 3, paragraph (c).

 

Sec. 62.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 103G.301, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2.  Permit application and notification fees.  (a) A permit application fee to defray the costs of receiving, recording, and processing the application must be paid for a permit application authorized under this chapter and, except for a general permit application, for each request to amend or transfer an existing permit, and for a notification to request authorization to conduct a project under a general permit.  Fees established under this subdivision, unless specified in paragraph (c), shall be compliant with section 16A.1285.

 

(b) Proposed projects that require water in excess of 100 million gallons per year must be assessed fees to recover the costs incurred to evaluate the project and the costs incurred for environmental review.  Fees collected under this paragraph must be credited to an account in the natural resources fund and are appropriated to the commissioner.

 

(c) The fee to apply for a permit to appropriate water, in addition to any fee under paragraph (b);, and for a permit to construct or repair a dam that is subject to dam safety inspection; or a state general permit is $150.  The application fee for a permit to work in public waters or to divert waters for mining must be at least $150, but not more than $1,000.  The fee for a notification to request authorization to conduct a project under a general permit is $100.

 

Sec. 63.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 103G.301, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 4.  Refund of fees prohibited.  A permit application, general permit notification, or field inspection fee may not be refunded for any reason, even if the application or request is denied or withdrawn.

 

Sec. 64.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 103G.301, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 5.  State and federal agencies exempt from fee.  A permit application, general permit notification, or field inspection fee may not be imposed on any state agency, as defined in section 16B.01, or federal governmental agency applying for a permit.

 

Sec. 65.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 103G.301, subdivision 5a, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 5a.  Town fees limited.  Notwithstanding this section or any other law, no permit application, general permit notification, or field inspection fee charged to a town in connection with the construction or alteration of a town road, bridge, or culvert shall exceed $100.


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Sec. 66.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 103G.611, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 1a.  General permits.  The commissioner may issue a general permit to a governmental subdivision or to the general public to conduct one or more projects described in subdivision 1.  A fee of $100 may be charged for each aeration system used under a general permit.

 

Sec. 67.  Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 103G.615, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Issuance; validity.  (a) The commissioner may issue a state general permit to a governmental subdivision or to the general public to conduct one or more projects described in this subdivision.  The commissioner may issue permits, with or without a fee, to:

 

(1) gather or harvest aquatic plants, or plant parts, other than wild rice from public waters;

 

(2) transplant aquatic plants into public waters;

 

(3) destroy harmful or undesirable aquatic vegetation or organisms in public waters under prescribed conditions to protect the waters, desirable species of fish, vegetation, other forms of aquatic life, and the public.

 

(b) Application for a permit and a notification to request authorization to conduct a project under a general permit must be accompanied by a permit fee, if required.

 

(c) An aquatic plant management permit is valid for one growing season and expires on December 31 of the year it is issued unless the commissioner stipulates a different expiration date in rule or in the permit.

 

(d) A general permit may authorize a project for more than one growing season.

 

Sec. 68.  Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 103G.615, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2.  Fees.  (a) The commissioner shall establish a fee schedule for permits to control or harvest aquatic plants other than wild rice.  The fees must be set by rule, and section 16A.1283 does not apply, but the rule must not take effect until 45 legislative days after it has been reported to the legislature.  The fees shall not exceed $2,500 per permit and shall be based upon the cost of receiving, processing, analyzing, and issuing the permit, and additional costs incurred after the application to inspect and monitor the activities authorized by the permit, and enforce aquatic plant management rules and permit requirements.

 

(b) A fee for a permit for the control of rooted aquatic vegetation for each contiguous parcel of shoreline owned by an owner may be charged.  This fee may not be charged for permits issued in connection with purple loosestrife control or lakewide Eurasian water milfoil control programs.

 

(c) A fee may not be charged to the state or a federal governmental agency applying for a permit.

 

(d) A fee for a permit for the control of rooted aquatic vegetation in a public water basin that is 20 acres or less in size shall be one-half of the fee established under paragraph (a).

 

(e) The money received for the permits under this subdivision shall be deposited in the treasury and credited to the water recreation account.

 

(f) The fee for processing a notification to request authorization for work under a general permit is $30, until the commissioner establishes a fee by rule as provided under this subdivision.


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Sec. 69.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 103H.175, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 3.  Report.  In each even-numbered year Every five years, the Pollution Control Agency, in cooperation with other agencies participating in the monitoring of water resources, shall provide a draft report on the status of groundwater monitoring to the Environmental Quality Board for review and then to the house of representatives and senate committees with jurisdiction over the environment, natural resources, and agriculture as part of the report in section 103A.204.

 

Sec. 70.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 115.01, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 2a.  Concrete washout.  "Concrete washout" means untreated wash water used in concrete mixer and concrete pump rinse-out operations.

 

Sec. 71.  [115.035] WATER QUALITY STANDARDS NO MORE RESTRICTIVE THAN FEDERAL STANDARDS.

 

Notwithstanding section 115.03 or 115.44 or any other law to the contrary, the commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency shall not adopt water quality standards that are more restrictive than federal water quality standards after June 30, 2012, except upon a showing by clear and convincing evidence that another standard is necessary to protect the public use and benefit of the waters of the state.  Water quality standards that were adopted before that date and that exceed federal standards remain in effect, but shall not be made more restrictive unless required under federal law.

 

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

 

Sec. 72.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 115.06, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 4.  Citizen monitoring of water quality.  (a) The agency may encourage citizen monitoring of ambient water quality for public waters by:

 

(1) providing technical assistance to citizen and local group water quality monitoring efforts;

 

(2) integrating citizen monitoring data into water quality assessments and agency programs, provided that the data adheres to agency quality assurance and quality control protocols; and

 

(3) seeking public and private funds to:

 

(i) collaboratively develop clear guidelines for water quality monitoring procedures and data management practices for specific data and information uses;

 

(ii) distribute the guidelines to citizens, local governments, and other interested parties;

 

(iii) improve and expand water quality monitoring activities carried out by the agency; and

 

(iv) continue to improve electronic and Web access to water quality data and information about public waters that have been either fully or partially assessed.

 

(b) This subdivision does not authorize a citizen to enter onto private property for any purpose.

 

(c) By January 15 of each odd-numbered year, 2017, and every four years thereafter, the commissioner shall report to the senate and house of representatives committees with jurisdiction over environmental policy and finance on activities under this section.


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Sec. 73.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 115.073, is amended to read:

 

115.073 ENFORCEMENT FUNDING.

 

Except as provided in section 115C.05, all money recovered by the state under this chapter and chapters 115A and 116, including civil penalties and money paid under an agreement, stipulation, or settlement, excluding money paid for past due fees or taxes, must be deposited in the state treasury and credited to the environmental general fund.

 

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

 

Sec. 74.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 115.42, is amended to read:

 

115.42 POLICY; LONG-RANGE PLAN; PURPOSE.

 

It is the policy of the state to provide for the prevention, control, and abatement of pollution of all waters of the state, so far as feasible and practical, in furtherance of conservation of such waters and protection of the public health and in furtherance of the development of the economic welfare of the state.  The agency shall prepare a long-range plan and program for the effectuation of said policy, and shall make a report of progress thereon to the legislature by November 15 of each even-numbered year, with recommendations for action in furtherance of such program during the ensuing biennium.  It is the purpose of sections 115.41 to 115.53 to safeguard the waters of the state from pollution by:  (a) preventing any new pollution; and (b) abating pollution existing when sections 115.41 to 115.53 become effective, under a program consistent with the declaration of policy above stated.

 

Sec. 75.  [115A.121] REPORT CONSOLIDATION.

 

Notwithstanding the statutory filing dates for reports required under chapters 115A and 115D, the commissioner shall consolidate all reports under those chapters in a single report to be submitted by December 31, 2013, and every four years thereafter, to the chairs and ranking minority members of the senate and house of representatives committees having jurisdiction over environment and natural resources policy and finance and to other persons statutorily designated to receive the reports.

 

Sec. 76.  Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 115A.1320, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Duties of the agency.  (a) The agency shall administer sections 115A.1310 to 115A.1330.

 

(b) The agency shall establish procedures for:

 

(1) receipt and maintenance of the registration statements and certifications filed with the agency under section 115A.1312; and

 

(2) making the statements and certifications easily available to manufacturers, retailers, and members of the public.

 

(c) The agency shall annually review the value of the following variables that are part of the formula used to calculate a manufacturer's annual registration fee under section 115A.1314, subdivision 1:

 

(1) the proportion of sales of video display devices sold to households that manufacturers are required to recycle;

 

(2) the estimated per-pound price of recycling covered electronic devices sold to households;

 

(3) the base registration fee; and


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(4) the multiplier established for the weight of covered electronic devices collected in section 115A.1314, subdivision 1, paragraph (d).  If the agency determines that any of these values must be changed in order to improve the efficiency or effectiveness of the activities regulated under sections 115A.1312 to 115A.1330, the agency shall submit recommended changes and the reasons for them to the chairs of the senate and house of representatives committees with jurisdiction over solid waste policy.

 

(d) By January 15 each year, beginning in 2008, the agency shall calculate estimated sales of video display devices sold to households by each manufacturer during the preceding program year, based on national sales data, and forward the estimates to the department.

 

(e) On or before December 1, 2010, and each year thereafter, The agency shall provide a report to the governor and the legislature on the implementation of sections 115A.1310 to 115A.1330.  For each program year, the report must discuss the total weight of covered electronic devices recycled and a summary of information in the reports submitted by manufacturers and recyclers under section 115A.1316.  The report must also discuss the various collection programs used by manufacturers to collect covered electronic devices; information regarding covered electronic devices that are being collected by persons other than registered manufacturers, collectors, and recyclers; and information about covered electronic devices, if any, being disposed of in landfills in this state.  The report must include a description of enforcement actions under sections 115A.1310 to 115A.1330.  The agency may include in its report other information received by the agency regarding the implementation of sections 115A.1312 to 115A.1330.  The report must be done in conjunction with the report required under section 115D.10.

 

(f) The agency shall promote public participation in the activities regulated under sections 115A.1312 to 115A.1330 through public education and outreach efforts.

 

(g) The agency shall enforce sections 115A.1310 to 115A.1330 in the manner provided by sections 115.071, subdivisions 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6; and 116.072, except for those provisions enforced by the department, as provided in subdivision 2.  The agency may revoke a registration of a collector or recycler found to have violated sections 115A.1310 to 115A.1330.

 

(h) The agency shall facilitate communication between counties, collection and recycling centers, and manufacturers to ensure that manufacturers are aware of video display devices available for recycling.

 

(i) The agency shall develop a form retailers must use to report information to manufacturers under section 115A.1318 and post it on the agency's Web site.

 

(j) The agency shall post on its Web site the contact information provided by each manufacturer under section 115A.1318, paragraph (e).

 

Sec. 77.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 115A.15, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 5.  Reports.  (a) By January 1 of each odd-numbered year, the commissioner of administration shall submit a report to the governor and to the senate and house of representatives committees having jurisdiction over environment and natural resources and environment and natural resources finance summarizing past activities and proposed goals of the program for the following biennium.  The report shall include at least:

 

(1) a summary list of product and commodity purchases that contain recycled materials;

 

(2) the results of any performance tests conducted on recycled products and agencies' experience with recycled products used;

 

(3) a list of all organizations participating in and using the cooperative purchasing program; and

 

(4) a list of products and commodities purchased for their recyclability and of recycled products reviewed for purchase.


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(b) By July 1 of each even-numbered year, the commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency and the commissioner of commerce through the State Energy Office shall submit recommendations to the commissioner regarding the operation of the program.

 

Sec. 78.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 115A.411, is amended to read:

 

115A.411 SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT POLICY; CONSOLIDATED REPORT.

 

Subdivision 1.  Authority; purpose.  The commissioner shall prepare and adopt a report on solid waste management policy and activities under this chapter.  The report must be submitted by the commissioner to the senate and house of representatives committees having jurisdiction over environment and natural resources and environment and natural resources finance by December 1 of each odd-numbered year 31, 2015, and every four years thereafter and shall include reports required under sections 115A.55, subdivision 4, paragraph (b); 115A.551, subdivision 4; 115A.557, subdivision 4; 473.149, subdivision 6; 473.846; and 473.848, subdivision 4.

 

Subd. 2.  Contents.  (a) The report must may also include:

 

(1) a summary of the current status of solid waste management, including the amount of solid waste generated and reduced, the manner in which it is collected, processed, and disposed, the extent of separation, recycling, reuse, and recovery of solid waste, and the facilities available or under development to manage the waste;

 

(2) an evaluation of the extent and effectiveness of implementation and of section 115A.02, including an assessment of progress in accomplishing state policies, goals, and objectives, including those listed in paragraph (b);

 

(3) identification of issues requiring further research, study, and action, the appropriate scope of the research, study, or action, the state agency or political subdivision that should implement the research, study, or action, and a schedule for completion of the activity; and

 

(4) recommendations for establishing or modifying state solid waste management policies, authorities, responsibilities, and programs.; and

 

(b) (5) a report on progress made toward implementation of the objectives of Beginning in 1997, and every sixth year thereafter, the report shall be expanded to include the metropolitan area solid waste policy plan as required in section 473.149, subdivision 1, and strategies for the agency to advance the goals of this chapter, to manage waste as a resource, to further reduce the need for expenditures on resource recovery and disposal facilities, and to further reduce long-term environmental and financial liabilities 6. 

 

(b) The expanded report must include strategies for:

 

(1) achieving the maximum feasible reduction in waste generation;

 

(2) encouraging manufacturers to design products that eliminate or reduce the adverse environmental impacts of resource extraction, manufacturing, use, and waste processing and disposal;

 

(3) educating businesses, public entities, and other consumers about the need to consider the potential environmental and financial impacts of purchasing products that may create a liability or that may be expensive to recycle or manage as waste, due to the presence of toxic or hazardous components;

 

(4) eliminating or reducing toxic or hazardous components in compost from municipal solid waste composting facilities, in ash from municipal solid waste incinerators, and in leachate and air emissions from municipal solid waste landfills, in order to reduce the potential liability of waste generators, facility owners and operators, and taxpayers;


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(5) encouraging the source separation of materials to the extent practicable, so that the materials are most appropriately managed and to ensure that resources that can be reused or recycled are not disposed of or destroyed; and

 

(6) maximizing the efficiency of the waste management system by managing waste and recyclables close to the point of generation, taking into account the characteristics of the resources to be recovered from the waste and the type and capacity of local facilities.

 

Sec. 79.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 115A.551, subdivision 2a, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2a.  Supplementary recycling goals.  (a) By December 31, 1996, each county will have as a goal to recycle the following amounts:

 

(1) for a county outside of the metropolitan area, 35 percent by weight of total solid waste generation;

 

(2) for a metropolitan county, 50 percent by weight of total solid waste generation.

 

Each county will develop and implement or require political subdivisions within the county to develop and implement programs, practices, or methods designed to meet its recycling goal.  Nothing in this section or in any other law may be construed to prohibit a county from establishing a higher recycling goal.

 

(b) For a county that, by January 1, 1995, is implementing a solid waste reduction program that is approved by the commissioner, the commissioner shall apply up to three percentage points toward achievement of the recycling goals in this subdivision.  In addition, the commissioner shall apply demonstrated waste reduction that exceeds three percent reduction toward achievement of the goals in this subdivision.

 

(c) No more than five percentage points may be applied toward achievement of the recycling goals in this subdivision for management of yard waste.  The five percentage points must be applied as provided in this paragraph.  The commissioner shall apply three percentage points for a county in which residents, by January 1, 1996, are provided with:

 

(1) an ongoing comprehensive education program under which they are informed about how to manage yard waste and are notified of the prohibition in section 115A.931; and

 

(2) the opportunity to drop off yard waste at specified sites or participate in curbside yard waste collection.

 

The commissioner shall apply up to an additional two percentage points toward achievement of the recycling goals in this subdivision for additional activities approved by the commissioner that are likely to reduce the amount of yard waste generated and to increase the on-site composting of yard waste.

 

Sec. 80.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 115A.551, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 4.  Interim monitoring.  The commissioner shall monitor the progress of each county toward meeting the recycling goals in subdivisions 2 and 2a.  The commissioner shall report to the senate and house of representatives committees having jurisdiction over environment and natural resources and environment and natural resources finance on the progress of the counties by July 1 of each odd-numbered year as part of the report required under section 115A.411.  If the commissioner finds that a county is not progressing toward the goals in subdivisions 2 and 2a, the commissioner shall negotiate with the county to develop and implement solid waste management techniques designed to assist the county in meeting the goals, such as organized collection, curbside collection of source-separated materials, and volume-based pricing.

 

The progress report shall be included in the report required under section 115A.411.


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Sec. 81.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 115A.557, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 4.  Report.  By July 1 of each odd-numbered year, The commissioner shall report on how the money was spent and the resulting statewide improvements in solid waste management to the senate and house of representatives committees having jurisdiction over ways and means, finance, environment and natural resources, and environment and natural resources finance.  The report shall be included in the report required under section 115A.411.

 

Sec. 82.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 115D.08, is amended to read:

 

115D.08 PROGRESS REPORTS.

 

Subdivision 1.  Requirement to submit progress report.  (a) All persons required to prepare a toxic pollution prevention plan under section 115D.07 shall submit an annual progress report to the commissioner of public safety that may be drafted in a manner that does not disclose proprietary information.  Progress reports are due on October July 1 of each year.  The first progress reports are due in 1992.

 

(b) At a minimum, each progress report must include:

 

(1) a summary of each objective established in the plan, including the base year for any objective stated in numeric terms, and the schedule for meeting each objective;

 

(2) a summary of progress made during the past year, if any, toward meeting each objective established in the plan including the quantity of each toxic pollutant eliminated or reduced;

 

(3) a statement of the methods through which elimination or reduction has been achieved;

 

(4) if necessary, an explanation of the reasons objectives were not achieved during the previous year, including identification of any technological, economic, or other impediments the facility faced in its efforts to achieve its objectives; and

 

(5) a certification, signed and dated by the facility manager and an officer of the company under penalty of section 609.63, attesting that a plan meeting the requirements of section 115D.07 has been prepared and also attesting to the accuracy of the information in the progress report.

 

Subd. 2.  Review of progress reports.  (a) The commissioner of public safety shall review all progress reports to determine if they meet the requirements of subdivision 1.  If the commissioner of public safety determines that a progress report does not meet the requirements, the commissioner of public safety shall notify the facility in writing and shall identify specific deficiencies and specify a reasonable time period of not less than 90 days for the facility to modify the progress report.

 

(b) The commissioner of public safety shall be given access to a facility plan required under section 115D.07 if the commissioner of public safety determines that the progress report for that facility does not meet the requirements of subdivision 1.  Twenty-five or more persons living within ten miles of the facility may submit a petition to the commissioner of public safety that identifies specific deficiencies in the progress report and requests the commissioner of public safety to review the facility plan.  Within 30 days after receipt of the petition, the commissioner of public safety shall respond in writing.  If the commissioner of public safety agrees that the progress report does not meet requirements of subdivision 1, the commissioner of public safety shall be given access to the facility plan.

 

(c) After reviewing the plan and the progress report with any modifications submitted, the commissioner of public safety shall state in writing whether the progress report meets the requirements of subdivision 1.  If the commissioner of public safety determines that a modified progress report still does not meet the requirements of subdivision 1, the commissioner of public safety shall schedule a public meeting.  The meeting shall be held in the county where the facility is located.  The meeting is not subject to the requirements of chapter 14.


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(d) The facility shall be given the opportunity to amend the progress report within a period of not less than 30 days after the public meeting.

 

(e) If the commissioner of public safety determines that a modified progress report still does not meet the requirements of subdivision 1, action may be taken under section 115.071 to obtain compliance with sections 115D.01 to 115D.12.

 

Sec. 83.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 116.011, is amended to read:

 

116.011 ANNUAL POLLUTION REPORT.

 

A goal of the Pollution Control Agency is to reduce the amount of pollution that is emitted in the state.  By April 1 of each even-numbered year, the Pollution Control Agency shall report the best estimate of the agency of the total volume of water and air pollution that was emitted in the state in the previous two calendar year years for which data are available.  The agency shall report its findings for both water and air pollution:

 

(1) in gross amounts, including the percentage increase or decrease over the previous previously reported two calendar year years; and

 

(2) in a manner which will demonstrate the magnitude of the various sources of water and air pollution.

 

Sec. 84.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 116.02, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Creation.  A pollution control agency, designated as the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, is and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Citizen's Board are hereby created.  The agency Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Citizen's Board shall consist of the commissioner and eight members appointed by the governor, by and with the advice and consent of the senate.  One of such members shall be a person knowledgeable in the field of agriculture and one shall be representative of organized labor.

 

Sec. 85.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 116.02, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2.  Terms, compensation, removal, vacancies.  The membership terms, compensation, removal of members, and filling of vacancies on the agency Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Citizen's Board shall be as provided in section 15.0575.

 

Sec. 86.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 116.02, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 3.  Membership.  The membership of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Citizen's Board shall be broadly representative of the skills and experience necessary to effectuate the policy of sections 116.01 to 116.075, except that no member other than the commissioner shall be an officer or employee of the state or federal government.  Only two members at one time may be officials or employees of a municipality or any governmental subdivision, but neither may be a member ex officio or otherwise on the management board of a municipal sanitary sewage disposal system.

 

Sec. 87.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 116.02, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 4.  Chair.  The commissioner shall serve as chair of the agency Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Citizen's Board.  The agency Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Citizen's Board shall elect such other officers as it deems necessary.

 

Sec. 88.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 116.02, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 6.  Required decisions.  The agency Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Citizen's Board shall make final decisions on the following matters:


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(1) a petition for the preparation of an environmental assessment worksheet, if the project proposer or a person commenting on the proposal requests that the decision be made by the agency and the agency requests that it make the decision under subdivision 8;

 

(2) the need for an environmental impact statement following preparation of an environmental assessment worksheet under applicable rules, if:

 

(i) the agency has received a request for an environmental impact statement;

 

(ii) the project proposer or a person commenting on the proposal requests that the declaration be made by the agency and the agency requests that it make the decision under subdivision 8; or

 

(iii) the commissioner is recommending preparation of an environmental impact statement;

 

(3) the scope and adequacy of environmental impact statements;

 

(4) issuance, reissuance, modification, or revocation of a permit if:

 

(i) a variance is sought in the permit application or a contested case hearing request is pending; or

 

(ii) the permit applicant, the permittee, or a person commenting on the permit action requests that the decision be made by the agency and the agency requests that it make the decision under subdivision 8;

 

(5) final adoption or amendment of agency rules for which a public hearing is required under section 14.25 or for which the commissioner decides to proceed directly to a public hearing under section 14.14, subdivision 1;

 

(6) approval or denial of an application for a variance from an agency rule if:

 

(i) granting the variance request would change an air, soil, or water quality standard;

 

(ii) the commissioner has determined that granting the variance would have a significant environmental impact; or

 

(iii) the applicant or a person commenting on the variance request requests that the decision be made by the agency and the agency requests that it make the decision under subdivision 8; and

 

(7) whether to reopen, rescind, or reverse a decision of the agency.

 

(1) make final decisions on adoption or amendment of rules implementing the substantive statutes charged to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency for administration;

 

(2) make additional decisions in response to the commissioner's request; and

 

(3) provide advice to the commissioner at the commissioner's request.

 

Sec. 89.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 116.03, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Office.  (a) The Office of Commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency is created and is under the supervision and control of the commissioner, who is appointed by the governor under the provisions of section 15.06.

 

(b) The commissioner may appoint a deputy commissioner and assistant commissioners who shall be in the unclassified service.


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(c) The commissioner shall make all decisions on behalf of the agency that are not required to be made by the agency other than rulemaking decisions to be made by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Citizen's Board under section 116.02.

 

Sec. 90.  Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 116.03, subdivision 2b, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2b.  Permitting efficiency.  (a) It is the goal of the state that environmental and resource management permits be issued or denied within 150 days of the submission of a substantially completed permit application.  The commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency shall establish management systems designed to achieve the goal.

 

(b) The commissioner shall prepare semiannual permitting efficiency reports that include statistics on meeting the goal in paragraph (a).  The reports are due February 1 and August 1 each year.  For permit applications that have not met the goal, the report must state the reasons for not meeting the goal, steps that will be taken to complete action on the application, and the expected timeline.  In stating the reasons for not meeting the goal, the commissioner shall separately identify delays caused by the responsiveness of the proposer, lack of staff, scientific or technical disagreements, or the level of public engagement.  The report must specify the number of days from initial submission of the application to the day of determination that the application is complete.  The report for August 1 each year must aggregate the data for the year and assess whether program or system changes are necessary to achieve the goal.  The report must be posted on the agency's Web site and submitted to the governor and the chairs and ranking minority members of the house of representatives and senate committees having jurisdiction over environment policy and finance.

 

(c) The commissioner shall allow electronic submission of environmental review and permit documents to the agency.

 

(d) Beginning July 1, 2011, within 30 business days of application for a permit subject to paragraph (a), the commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency shall notify the project proposer, in writing, of whether or not the permit application is complete enough for processing.  If the permit is incomplete, the commissioner must identify where deficiencies exist and advise the applicant on how they can be remedied.  A resubmittal of the application begins a new 30-day review period.  If the commissioner fails to notify the project proposer of completeness within 30 business days, the application is deemed to be substantially complete and subject to the 150-day permitting review period in paragraph (a) from the date it was submitted.  This paragraph does not apply to an application for a permit that is subject to a grant or loan agreement under chapter 446A.

 

(e) The commissioner shall approve or deny within 60 days an application for a minor permit or minor permit amendment.  Failure of the commissioner to deny an application for a minor permit or minor permit amendment within 60 days is approval of the permit.  If the commissioner receives an application that does not contain all required information, the 60-day limit starts over only if the commissioner notifies the applicant as required under paragraph (d).

 

(f) By July 1, 2012, the commissioner shall review all types of permits issued by the agency, determine the permit and amendment types the commissioner deems minor for purposes of paragraph (e), and post a list of the permit and amendment types on the agency's Web site.  The commissioner shall periodically review, update, and post the list of permits and permit amendment types subject to paragraph (e) at least every five years.  Permits and permit amendments may not be deemed minor under this paragraph if approval of a permit or permit amendment according to paragraph (e) would be in violation of federal law.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  Paragraph (f) is effective the day following final enactment.

 

Sec. 91.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 116.06, subdivision 22, is amended to read:


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Subd. 22.  Solid waste.  "Solid waste" means garbage, refuse, sludge from a water supply treatment plant or air contaminant treatment facility, and other discarded waste materials and sludges, in solid, semisolid, liquid, or contained gaseous form, resulting from industrial, commercial, mining, and agricultural operations, and from community activities, but does not include hazardous waste; animal waste used as fertilizer; earthen fill, boulders, rock; concrete diamond grinding and saw slurry associated with the construction, improvement, or repair of a road when deposited according to section 161.367; sewage sludge; solid or dissolved material in domestic sewage or other common pollutants in water resources, such as silt, dissolved or suspended solids in industrial wastewater effluents or discharges which are point sources subject to permits under section 402 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended, dissolved materials in irrigation return flows; or source, special nuclear, or by-product material as defined by the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended.

 

Sec. 92.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 116.07, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 7e.  Manure digester permits.  An air emissions permit is not required for a manure digester and associated electrical generation equipment that converts methane to electricity or provides backup power for farm use on a farm that is located outside the metropolitan area, as defined in section 473.121, subdivision 2.

 

Sec. 93.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 116.0714, is amended to read:

 

116.0714 NEW OPEN AIR SWINE BASINS.

 

The commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency or a county board shall not approve any permits for the construction of new open air swine basins, except that existing facilities may use one basin of less than 1,000,000 gallons as part of a permitted waste treatment program for resolving pollution problems or to allow conversion of an existing basin of less than 1,000,000 gallons to a different animal type, provided all standards are met.  This section expires June 30, 2012 2017.

 

Sec. 94.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 116.10, is amended to read:

 

116.10 POLICY; LONG-RANGE PLAN; PURPOSE.

 

Consistent with the policy announced herein and the purposes of Laws 1963, chapter 874, the Pollution Control Agency shall, before November 15 of each even-numbered year, prepare a long-range plan and program for the effectuation of said policy, and shall make a report also of progress on abatement and control of air and land pollution during each biennium to the legislature with recommendations for action in furtherance of the air and land pollution and waste programs.

 

Sec. 95.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 116C.833, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2.  Biennial Quadrennial report.  In addition to other duties specified in sections 116C.833 to 116C.843, the commissioner shall report by January 31, 1997 2013, and biennially every four years thereafter, to the governor and the legislature concerning the activities of the Interstate Commission.  The report shall include any recommendations the commissioner deems necessary to assure the protection of the interest of the state in the proper functioning of the compact.  The commissioner also shall report to the governor and the legislature any time there is a change in the status of a host state or other party states in the compact.

 

Sec. 96.  Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 116D.04, subdivision 2a, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2a.  When prepared.  Where there is potential for significant environmental effects resulting from any major governmental action, the action shall be preceded by a detailed environmental impact statement prepared by the responsible governmental unit.  The environmental impact statement shall be an analytical rather than an encyclopedic document which describes the proposed action in detail, analyzes its significant environmental


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impacts, discusses appropriate alternatives to the proposed action and their impacts, and explores methods by which adverse environmental impacts of an action could be mitigated.  The environmental impact statement shall also analyze those economic, employment and sociological effects that cannot be avoided should the action be implemented.  To ensure its use in the decision-making process, the environmental impact statement shall be prepared as early as practical in the formulation of an action.  No mandatory environmental impact statement may be required for an ethanol plant, as defined in section 41A.09, subdivision 2a, paragraph (b), that produces less than 125,000,000 gallons of ethanol annually and is located outside of the seven-county metropolitan area.

 

(a) The board shall by rule establish categories of actions for which environmental impact statements and for which environmental assessment worksheets shall be prepared as well as categories of actions for which no environmental review is required under this section.  A mandatory environmental assessment worksheet shall not be required for the expansion of an ethanol plant, as defined in section 41A.09, subdivision 2a, paragraph (b), or the conversion of an ethanol plant to a biobutanol facility or the expansion of a biobutanol facility as defined in section 41A.105, subdivision 1a, based on the capacity of the expanded or converted facility to produce alcohol fuel, but must be required if the ethanol plant or biobutanol facility meets or exceeds thresholds of other categories of actions for which environmental assessment worksheets must be prepared.  The responsible governmental unit for an ethanol plant or biobutanol facility project for which an environmental assessment worksheet is prepared shall be the state agency with the greatest responsibility for supervising or approving the project as a whole.

 

(b) The responsible governmental unit shall promptly publish notice of the completion of an environmental assessment worksheet in a by publishing the notice in at least one newspaper of general circulation in the geographic area where the project is proposed, by posting the notice on a Web site that has been designated as the official publication site for publication of proceedings, public notices, and summaries of a political subdivision in which the project is proposed or in any other manner to be determined by the board and shall provide copies of the environmental assessment worksheet to the board and its member agencies.  Comments on the need for an environmental impact statement may be submitted to the responsible governmental unit during a 30-day period following publication of the notice that an environmental assessment worksheet has been completed.  The responsible governmental unit's decision on the need for an environmental impact statement shall be based on the environmental assessment worksheet and the comments received during the comment period, and shall be made within 15 days after the close of the comment period.  The board's chair may extend the 15-day period by not more than 15 additional days upon the request of the responsible governmental unit.

 

(c) An environmental assessment worksheet shall also be prepared for a proposed action whenever material evidence accompanying a petition by not less than 100 individuals who reside or own property in the state, submitted before the proposed project has received final approval by the appropriate governmental units, demonstrates that, because of the nature or location of a proposed action, there may be potential for significant environmental effects.  Petitions requesting the preparation of an environmental assessment worksheet shall be submitted to the board.  The chair of the board shall determine the appropriate responsible governmental unit and forward the petition to it.  A decision on the need for an environmental assessment worksheet shall be made by the responsible governmental unit within 15 days after the petition is received by the responsible governmental unit.  The board's chair may extend the 15-day period by not more than 15 additional days upon request of the responsible governmental unit.

 

(d) Except in an environmentally sensitive location where Minnesota Rules, part 4410.4300, subpart 29, item B, applies, the proposed action is exempt from environmental review under this chapter and rules of the board, if:

 

(1) the proposed action is:

 

(i) an animal feedlot facility with a capacity of less than 1,000 animal units; or

 

(ii) an expansion of an existing animal feedlot facility with a total cumulative capacity of less than 1,000 animal units;


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(2) the application for the animal feedlot facility includes a written commitment by the proposer to design, construct, and operate the facility in full compliance with Pollution Control Agency feedlot rules; and

 

(3) the county board holds a public meeting for citizen input at least ten business days prior to the Pollution Control Agency or county issuing a feedlot permit for the animal feedlot facility unless another public meeting for citizen input has been held with regard to the feedlot facility to be permitted.  The exemption in this paragraph is in addition to other exemptions provided under other law and rules of the board.

 

(e) The board may, prior to final approval of a proposed project, require preparation of an environmental assessment worksheet by a responsible governmental unit selected by the board for any action where environmental review under this section has not been specifically provided for by rule or otherwise initiated.

 

(f) An early and open process shall be utilized to limit the scope of the environmental impact statement to a discussion of those impacts, which, because of the nature or location of the project, have the potential for significant environmental effects.  The same process shall be utilized to determine the form, content and level of detail of the statement as well as the alternatives which are appropriate for consideration in the statement.  In addition, the permits which will be required for the proposed action shall be identified during the scoping process.  Further, the process shall identify those permits for which information will be developed concurrently with the environmental impact statement.  The board shall provide in its rules for the expeditious completion of the scoping process.  The determinations reached in the process shall be incorporated into the order requiring the preparation of an environmental impact statement.

 

(g) The responsible governmental unit shall, to the extent practicable, avoid duplication and ensure coordination between state and federal environmental review and between environmental review and environmental permitting.  Whenever practical, information needed by a governmental unit for making final decisions on permits or other actions required for a proposed project shall be developed in conjunction with the preparation of an environmental impact statement.  When an environmental impact statement is prepared for a project requiring multiple permits for which two or more state agencies' decision processes include either mandatory or discretionary hearings before a hearing officer prior to the agencies' decision on the permit, the agencies may, notwithstanding any law or rule to the contrary, conduct such hearings in a single consolidated hearing process if requested by the proposer.  All state agencies having jurisdiction over a permit that is included in the consolidated hearing shall participate.  The responsible governmental unit shall establish appropriate procedures for the consolidated hearing process, including procedures to ensure that the consolidated hearing process is consistent with the applicable requirements for each permit regarding the rights and duties of parties to the hearing, and shall utilize the earliest applicable hearing procedure to initiate the hearing.  The procedures of section 116C.28, subdivision 2, shall apply to the consolidated hearing.

 

(h) An environmental impact statement shall be prepared and its adequacy determined within 280 days after notice of its preparation unless the time is extended by consent of the parties or by the governor for good cause.  The responsible governmental unit shall determine the adequacy of an environmental impact statement, unless within 60 days after notice is published that an environmental impact statement will be prepared, the board chooses to determine the adequacy of an environmental impact statement.  If an environmental impact statement is found to be inadequate, the responsible governmental unit shall have 60 days to prepare an adequate environmental impact statement.

 

(i) The proposer of a specific action may include in the information submitted to the responsible governmental unit a preliminary draft environmental impact statement under this section on that action for review, modification, and determination of completeness and adequacy by the responsible governmental unit.  A preliminary draft environmental impact statement prepared by the project proposer and submitted to the responsible governmental unit shall identify or include as an appendix all studies and other sources of information used to substantiate the analysis contained in the preliminary draft environmental impact statement.  The responsible governmental unit shall require additional studies, if needed, and obtain from the project proposer all additional studies and information necessary for the responsible governmental unit to perform its responsibility to review, modify, and determine the completeness and adequacy of the environmental impact statement.


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Sec. 97.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 116D.04, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 15.  Duplicative permit information; environmental assessment worksheets.  The board shall not require, unless necessary, information in an environmental assessment worksheet for a proposed action when the information is also required as part of any necessary permitting process for the proposed action.

 

Sec. 98.  [161.367] CONCRETE DIAMOND GRINDING AND SAW SLURRY.

 

In any contract that includes concrete diamond grinding or concrete sawing associated with construction, improvement, or repair of a road, the commissioner of transportation shall include a special provision relating to the resulting concrete slurry.  The special provision must include language requiring removal of the concrete slurry by vacuuming; allowing deposit of the concrete slurry along the in-slope of the roadway; prohibiting the contractor from allowing the concrete slurry to flow across lanes of traffic or into gutters or other closed drainage facilities; specifying that the concrete slurry disposal follows national industry best management practices; and specifying that the concrete slurry must be deposited in a manner that complies with Minnesota Rules, part 7050.0210.

 

Sec. 99.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 216C.055, is amended to read:

 

216C.055 KEY ROLE OF SOLAR AND BIOMASS RESOURCES IN PRODUCING THERMAL ENERGY.

 

The annual biennial legislative proposals required to be submitted by the commissioners of commerce and the Pollution Control Agency under section 216H.07, subdivision 4 3, must include proposals regarding the use of solar energy and the combustion of grasses, agricultural wastes, trees, and other vegetation to produce thermal energy for heating commercial, industrial, and residential buildings and for industrial processes if the commissioners determine that such policies are appropriate to achieve the state's greenhouse gas emissions-reduction goals.  No legal claim against any person is allowed under this section.  This section does not apply to the combustion of municipal solid waste or refuse-derived fuel to produce thermal energy.  For purposes of this section, removal of woody biomass from publicly owned forests must be consistent with the principles of sustainable forest management.

 

Sec. 100.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 216H.07, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 3.  Biennial reduction progress report.  (a) By January 15 of each odd-numbered year, the commissioners of commerce and the Pollution Control Agency shall jointly report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with primary policy jurisdiction over energy and environmental issues to provide:

 

(1) the most recent and best available evidence identifying the level of reductions already achieved and the level necessary to achieve the reductions timetable in section 216H.02.; and

 

(2) proposed legislation the commissioners determine appropriate to achieve the reductions in section 216H.02.  The proposed legislation must be based on the principles in subdivision 5.  If the commissioners determine no legislation is appropriate, they shall report that determination to the chairs along with an explanation of the determination.

 

(b) The report must be in easily understood nontechnical terms.

 

Sec. 101.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 473.149, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Policy plan; general requirements.  The commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency may shall revise the metropolitan long range policy plan for solid waste management adopted and revised by the Metropolitan Council prior to the transfer of powers and duties in Laws 1994, chapter 639, article 5, section 2 in 2011 by December 31, 2016, and every sixth year thereafter.  The plan shall be followed in the metropolitan area.  Until the commissioner revises it, the plan adopted and revised by the council on September 26, 1991, remains in effect.  The plan shall address the state policies and purposes expressed in section 115A.02.  In revising the plan the commissioner shall follow the procedures in subdivision 3.  The plan shall include goals and policies for solid waste management, including recycling consistent with section 115A.551, and household hazardous waste management consistent with section 115A.96, subdivision 6, in the metropolitan area.


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The plan shall include criteria and standards for solid waste facilities and solid waste facility sites respecting the following matters:  general location; capacity; operation; processing techniques; environmental impact; effect on existing, planned, or proposed collection services and waste facilities; and economic viability.  The plan shall, to the extent practicable and consistent with the achievement of other public policies and purposes, encourage ownership and operation of solid waste facilities by private industry.  For solid waste facilities owned or operated by public agencies or supported primarily by public funds or obligations issued by a public agency, the plan shall include additional criteria and standards to protect comparable private and public facilities already existing in the area from displacement unless the displacement is required in order to achieve the waste management objectives identified in the plan.  In revising the plan, the commissioner shall consider the orderly and economic development, public and private, of the metropolitan area; the preservation and best and most economical use of land and water resources in the metropolitan area; the protection and enhancement of environmental quality; the conservation and reuse of resources and energy; the preservation and promotion of conditions conducive to efficient, competitive, and adaptable systems of waste management; and the orderly resolution of questions concerning changes in systems of waste management.  Criteria and standards for solid waste facilities shall be consistent with rules adopted by the Pollution Control Agency pursuant to chapter 116 and shall be at least as stringent as the guidelines, regulations, and standards of the federal Environmental Protection Agency.

 

Sec. 102.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 473.149, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 6.  Report to legislature.  The commissioner shall report on abatement to the senate and house of representatives committees having jurisdiction over ways and means, finance, environment and natural resources committees of the senate and house of representatives, the Finance Division of the senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, and the house of representatives Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Finance by July 1 of each odd-numbered year policy, and environment and natural resources finance.  The report must include an assessment of whether the objectives of the metropolitan abatement plan have been met and whether each county and each class of city within each county have achieved the objectives set for it in the plan.  The report must recommend any legislation that may be required to implement the plan.  The report shall be included in the report required by section 115A.411.  If in any year the commissioner reports that the objectives of the abatement plan have not been met, the commissioner shall evaluate and report on the need to reassign governmental responsibilities among cities, counties, and metropolitan agencies to assure implementation and achievement of the metropolitan and local abatement plans and objectives.

 

The report must include a report on the operating, capital, and debt service costs of solid waste facilities in the metropolitan area; changes in the costs; the methods used to pay the costs; and the resultant allocation of costs among users of the facilities and the general public.  The facility costs report must present the cost and financing analysis in the aggregate and broken down by county and by major facility.

 

Sec. 103.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 473.846, is amended to read:

 

473.846 REPORT REPORTS TO LEGISLATURE.

 

The agency shall submit to the senate Finance Committee, the and house of representatives Ways and Means Committee, and the Environment and Natural Resources Committees of the senate and house of representatives, the Finance Division of the senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, and the house of representatives Committee on committees having jurisdiction over environment and natural resources finance separate reports describing the activities for which money for landfill abatement has been spent under sections 473.844 and 473.845.  The agency shall report by November 1 of each year on expenditures during its previous fiscal year.  The commissioner shall report on expenditures during the previous calendar year and must incorporate its report The report for section 473.844 expenditures shall be included in the report required by section 115A.411, due July 1 of each odd-numbered year.  By December 31 of each year, the commissioner shall submit the report for section 473.845 on contingency action trust fund activities.  In both reports, the commissioner shall make recommendations to the Environment and Natural Resources Committees of the senate and house of representatives, the Finance Division of the senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, and the house of representatives Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Finance on the future management and use of the metropolitan landfill abatement account.


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Sec. 104.  [574.2631] SURVEYORS WORKING ON STATE LANDS; BONDS; INSURANCE.

 

The commissioner of natural resources shall not require a surveyor working on lands administered by the commissioner to obtain insurance or bonds in excess of $1,000,000.

 

Sec. 105.  Laws 2007, chapter 57, article 1, section 4, subdivision 2, as amended by Laws 2009, chapter 37, article 1, section 60, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2.  Land and Mineral Resources Management

 

11,747,000

 

11,272,000

 

Appropriations by Fund

 

General

6,633,000

6,230,000

Natural Resources

3,551,000

3,447,000

Game and Fish

1,363,000

1,395,000

Permanent School

200,000

200,000

 

$475,000 the first year and $475,000 the second year are for iron ore cooperative research.  Of this amount, $200,000 each year is from the minerals management account in the natural resources fund and $275,000 each year is from the general fund.  $237,500 the first year and $237,500 the second year are available only as matched by $1 of nonstate money for each $1 of state money.  The match may be cash or in-kind.

 

$86,000 the first year and $86,000 the second year are for minerals cooperative environmental research, of which $43,000 the first year and $43,000 the second year are available only as matched by $1 of nonstate money for each $1 of state money.  The match may be cash or in-kind.

 

$2,800,000 the first year and $2,696,000 the second year are from the minerals management account in the natural resources fund for use as provided in Minnesota Statutes, section 93.2236, paragraph (c).

 

$200,000 the first year and $200,000 the second year are from the state forest suspense account in the permanent school fund to accelerate land exchanges, land sales, and commercial leasing of school trust lands and to identify, evaluate, and lease construction aggregate located on school trust lands.  This appropriation is to be used for securing maximum long-term economic return from the school trust lands consistent with fiduciary responsibilities and sound natural resources conservation and management principles.

 

$15,000 the first year is for a report by February 1, 2008, to the house and senate committees with jurisdiction over environment and natural resources on proposed minimum legal and conservation standards that could be applied to conservation easements acquired with public money.


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$1,201,000 the first year and $701,000 the second year are to support the land records management system.  Of this amount, $326,000 the first year and $326,000 the second year are from the game and fish fund and $375,000 the first year and $375,000 the second year are from the natural resources fund.  The unexpended balances are available until June 30, 2011.  The commissioner must report to the legislative chairs on environmental finance on the outcomes of the land records management support.

 

$500,000 the first year and $500,000 the second year are for land asset management.  This is a onetime appropriation.

 

Sec. 106.  Laws 2010, chapter 362, section 2, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 7.  Renewable Energy

-0-

3,364,000

 

(a) Algae for Fuels Pilot Project

 

 

 

 

 

$900,000 is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to demonstrate an innovative microalgae production system utilizing and treating sanitary wastewater to produce biofuels from algae.  This appropriation is available until June 30, 2013, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

 

(b) Sustainable Biofuels

 

 

 

 

 

$221,000 is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to determine how fertilization and irrigation impact yields of grass monoculture and high diversity prairie biofuel crops, their storage of soil carbon, and susceptibility to invasion by exotic species.  This appropriation is available until June 30, 2013, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

 

(c) Linking Habitat Restoration to Bioenergy and Local Economies

 

 

 

 

$600,000 is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources to restore high quality native habitats and expand market opportunities for utilizing postharvest restoration as a using the woody by-product material for bioenergy source.  or other products.  The commissioner may provide grants or otherwise transfer some or all of this money to other public or private entities to accomplish these purposes.  The commissioner may sell the material from public or private property to any viable market, provided that all of the proceeds are spent to further the purposes of this appropriation.  This appropriation is available until June 30, 2013, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.


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(d) Demonstrating Sustainable Energy Practices at Residential Environmental Learning Centers (RELCs)

 

 

 

 

$1,500,000 is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for agreements as follows:  $206,000 with Audubon Center of the North Woods; $212,000 with Deep Portage Learning Center; $350,000 with Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center; $258,000 with Laurentian Environmental Learning Center; $240,000 with Long Lake Conservation Center; and $234,000 with Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center to implement renewable energy, energy efficiency, and energy conservation practices at the facilities.  Efforts will include dissemination of related energy education.

 

Sec. 107.  Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 2, article 1, section 4, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 7.  Enforcement

 

31,613,000

 

32,225,000

 

Appropriations by Fund

 

 

2012

2013

 

 

 

General

2,216,000

2,216,000

Natural Resources

8,868,000

9,577,000

Game and Fish

20,429,000

20,332,000

Remediation

100,000

100,000

 

$1,204,000 the first year and $1,307,000 the second year are from the heritage enhancement account in the game and fish fund for only the purposes specified in Minnesota Statutes, section 297A.94, paragraph (e), clause (1).

 

$240,000 the first year and $143,000 the second year are from the heritage enhancement account in the game and fish fund for a conservation officer academy.

 

$315,000 the first year and $315,000 the second year are from the snowmobile trails and enforcement account in the natural resources fund for grants to local law enforcement agencies for snowmobile enforcement activities.  Any unencumbered balance does not cancel at the end of the first year and is available for the second year.

 

$250,000 the first year and $250,000 the second year are from the all-terrain vehicle account for grants to qualifying organizations to assist in safety and environmental education and monitoring trails on public lands under Minnesota Statutes, section 84.9011.  Grants issued under this paragraph:  (1) must be issued through a formal agreement with the organization; and (2) must not be used as a substitute for traditional spending by the organization.  By December 15 each year, an organization receiving a grant under


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this paragraph shall report to the commissioner with details on expenditures and outcomes from the grant.  By January 15, 2013, the commissioner shall report on the expenditures and outcomes of the grants to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees and divisions having jurisdiction over natural resources policy and finance.  Of this appropriation, $25,000 each year is for administration of these grants.  Any unencumbered balance does not cancel at the end of the first year and is available for the second year.

 

$510,000 the first year and $510,000 the second year are from the natural resources fund for grants to county law enforcement agencies for off-highway vehicle enforcement and public education activities based on off-highway vehicle use in the county.  Of this amount, $498,000 each year is from the all-terrain vehicle account; $11,000 each year is from the off-highway motorcycle account; and $1,000 each year is from the off-road vehicle account.  The county enforcement agencies may use money received under this appropriation to make grants to other local enforcement agencies within the county that have a high concentration of off-highway vehicle use.  Of this appropriation, $25,000 each year is for administration of these grants.  Any unencumbered balance does not cancel at the end of the first year and is available for the second year.

 

$1,082,000 the first year and $1,082,000 the second year are from the water recreation account in the natural resources fund for grants to counties for boat and water safety.  Any unencumbered balance does not cancel at the end of the first year and is available for the second year.

 

Sec. 108.  Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 6, article 3, section 8, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 3.  Administration.  The commissioner of natural resources shall administer the area according to Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05, subdivision 3, subject to existing rules and regulations for state recreation areas, except the following is permitted:  hunting, fishing, and trapping of protected species during designated seasons and dogs under control for hunting purposes during regular hunting seasons.  La Salle Lake State Recreation Area shall be administered as a satellite unit of Itasca State Park. 

 

Sec. 109.  LEGISLATIVE REPORT ON STATE PARKS, RECREATION AREAS, TRAILS, AND STATE FOREST DAY USE AREAS.

 

(a) By January 15, 2013, the commissioner of natural resources shall prepare and submit a report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the house of representatives and senate legislative committees with jurisdiction over environment and natural resources policy and finance concerning the long-term funding, use, expansion, and administration of Minnesota's system of state parks, recreation areas, trails, and state forest day use areas.

 

(b) At a minimum, the report shall include:

 

(1) long-term funding options to reduce reliance on general fund appropriations for maintaining and operating state parks, recreation areas, trails, and forest day use areas;


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(2) criteria and considerations for optimizing the system of state parks, recreation areas, trails, and state forest day use areas to ensure investment focuses on Minnesota's most important natural resources and the highest quality recreational opportunities; and

 

(3) recommendations for innovative programs and initiatives to increase outdoor recreation participation among Minnesotans and visitors to the state.

 

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

 

Sec. 110.  ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES TRUST FUND; APPROPRIATION EXTENSION.

 

(a) The availability of the appropriation is extended to June 30, 2013, for:

 

(1) Laws 2009, chapter 143, section 2, subdivision 5, paragraph (c), cooperative habitat research in deep lakes; and

 

(2) Laws 2009, chapter 143, section 2, subdivision 6, paragraph (d), controlling the movement of invasive fish species.

 

(b) The availability of the appropriation is extended to June 30, 2014, for Laws 2009, chapter 143, section 2, subdivision 4, paragraph (c), metropolitan regional park system acquisition.

 

(c) The availability of the appropriation is extended to June 30, 2015, for Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 2, article 3, section 2, subdivision 9, paragraph (a), Minnesota Conservation Apprenticeship Academy.

 

Sec. 111.  ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW REPORT.

 

By November 15, 2012, the Environmental Quality Board shall evaluate and make recommendations to the governor and the chairs of the house of representatives and senate committees having jurisdiction over environment and natural resources on how to improve environmental review, given the changes made in Minnesota Laws 2011, chapter 4, and the recommendations contained in the Office of the Legislative Auditor's "Environmental Review and Permitting Report" dated March 2011.  The evaluation and recommendations shall include:

 

(1) a compilation of information on the mandatory environmental assessment worksheet categories listed in Minnesota Rules, part 4410.4300, and the mandatory environmental impact statement categories listed in Minnesota Rules, part 4410.4400, that includes for each category:

 

(i) the date the mandatory category was created and the date of any amendments made to the description of the category;

 

(ii) the information used by the board to justify the need and reasonableness of the category when it was created or amended;

 

(iii) the number of environmental assessment worksheets and environmental impact statements prepared for projects in each category; and

 

(iv) for environmental assessment worksheets and environmental impact statements that have been prepared for projects subject to the mandatory category, a report on the information that has been included in environmental assessment worksheets pursuant to Minnesota Rules, part 4410.1200, item D, regarding known governmental approvals, reviews, or financing required, applied for, or anticipated and the status of any applications made, including permit conditions that may have been ordered or are being considered; and


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(2) an evaluation of the mandatory environmental assessment worksheet categories listed in Minnesota Rules, part 4410.4300, and mandatory environmental impact statement categories listed in Minnesota Rules, part 4410.4400, that includes for each category:

 

(i) a description of the local, state, and federal laws and regulations applicable to projects in the category that are intended to address potential environmental effects from such projects; and

 

(ii) a description of potential environmental effects from projects in the category that are not subject to local, state, and federal laws and regulations intended to address potential environmental effects from such projects.

 

Sec. 112.  BENEFICIAL USE OF WASTEWATER; CITY OF ELK RIVER.

 

Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 116.195, the executed grant agreement between Elk River and the state shall be amended to provide for the beneficial use of treated wastewater effluent provided by the city of Elk River to replace surface water used for noncontact cooling by the Great River Energy generating facility located in Elk River.

 

Sec. 113.  RULEMAKING; INDUSTRIAL MINERALS AND NONFERROUS MINERAL LEASES.

 

The commissioner of natural resources may use the good cause exemption under Minnesota Statutes, section 14.388, subdivision 1, clause (3), to amend Minnesota Rules, parts 6125.0100 to 6125.0700 and 6125.8000 to 6125.8700, to conform with the amendments to Minnesota Statutes, section 93.25, contained in this act.  Minnesota Statutes, section 14.386, does not apply except as provided under Minnesota Statutes, section 14.388.

 

Sec. 114.  RULEMAKING; NOTICE OF ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT WORKSHEET.

 

The Environmental Quality Board may use the good cause exemption under Minnesota Statutes, section 14.388, subdivision 1, clause (3), to amend Minnesota Rules to conform with the amendments to Minnesota Statutes, section 116D.04, subdivision 2a, contained in this act.  Minnesota Statutes, section 14.386, does not apply except as provided under Minnesota Statutes, section 14.388.

 

Sec. 115.  REPEALER.

 

(a) Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 84.946, subdivision 3; 86A.12, subdivision 5; 89.06; 90.042; 97A.4742, subdivision 4; 103G.705; 115.447; 115A.07, subdivision 2; 115A.965, subdivision 7; 116.02, subdivisions 7 and 8; and 216H.07, subdivision 4, Laws 2011, chapter 107, section 105, and Minnesota Rules, parts 7002.0025, subpart 2a; 7011.7030; 7021.0010, subpart 3; 7021.0050, subparts 1, 2, and 3; and 7041.0500, subparts 5, 6, and 7, are repealed.

 

(b) Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, sections 86B.508; and 86B.811, subdivision 1a, are repealed."

 

Delete the title and insert:

 

"A bill for an act relating to natural resources; authorizing certain agency prepayments; providing for apprentice riders; modifying aquatic invasive species provisions; modifying local government trail authority; modifying enforcement provisions; modifying certain bait provisions; modifying prior appropriations; modifying and eliminating certain reporting, plan, and meeting requirements; eliminating loan program; modifying La Salle Lake State Recreation Area administration; prohibiting commissioner of natural resources from purchasing land at more than 20 percent above estimated market value; modifying waste management provisions; clarifying certain environmental review; eliminating certain fees; modifying toxic pollution prevention requirements; modifying certain standards for stationary sources; extending prohibition on new open air swine basins; modifying local water management; requiring water supply demand reduction measures; modifying acid deposition control requirements; modifying sewage sludge management; modifying Wetland Conservation Act; providing for continued operation of


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the Minnesota Zoological Garden, and state parks and recreation areas when biennial appropriations have not been enacted; requiring the availability of game and fish licenses by electronic transaction; creating citizen's board; authorizing and clarifying the use of general permits; modifying mineral lease provisions; modifying authority of Executive Council; authorizing rulemaking; appropriating money; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 9.071; 16A.065; 84.027, subdivision 15; 84.0272, subdivision 1; 84.0895, subdivision 7; 84.631; 84.67; 84.91, subdivision 1; 84D.05, subdivision 1; 85.018, subdivision 2; 85.055, subdivision 2; 85.20, subdivision 1; 85.46, subdivision 1; 85A.04, subdivision 1; 86B.331, subdivision 1; 90.031, subdivision 4; 92.45; 92.50, subdivision 1; 93.17, subdivision 3; 93.1925, subdivision 1; 93.20, subdivisions 2, 30, 38; 93.2236; 93.25, subdivision 2, by adding a subdivision; 97A.401, subdivision 1; 97A.421, subdivision 4a; 103A.43; 103B.101, subdivisions 2, 7, 10, by adding subdivisions; 103B.311, subdivision 4; 103B.3363, by adding a subdivision; 103B.3369; 103B.355; 103G.2241, subdivision 9; 103G.2242, subdivision 3; 103G.245, subdivision 3; 103G.271, subdivision 1; 103G.291, subdivisions 3, 4; 103G.301, subdivisions 2, 4, 5, 5a; 103G.611, by adding a subdivision; 103H.175, subdivision 3; 115.01, by adding a subdivision; 115.06, subdivision 4; 115.073; 115.42; 115A.15, subdivision 5; 115A.411; 115A.551, subdivisions 2a, 4; 115A.557, subdivision 4; 115D.08; 116.011; 116.02, subdivisions 1, 2, 3, 4, 6; 116.03, subdivision 1; 116.06, subdivision 22; 116.07, by adding a subdivision; 116.0714; 116.10; 116C.833, subdivision 2; 116D.04, by adding a subdivision; 216C.055; 216H.07, subdivision 3; 473.149, subdivisions 1, 6; 473.846; Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, sections 84.027, subdivision 14a; 84D.01, subdivision 15a; 84D.03, subdivision 3; 84D.09, subdivision 2; 84D.10, subdivisions 1, 4; 84D.105, subdivision 2; 84D.13, subdivision 5; 97C.341; 103G.222, subdivision 1; 103G.615, subdivisions 1, 2; 115A.1320, subdivision 1; 116.03, subdivision 2b; 116D.04, subdivision 2a; Laws 2007, chapter 57, article 1, section 4, subdivision 2, as amended; Laws 2010, chapter 362, section 2, subdivision 7; Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 2, article 1, section 4, subdivision 7; Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 6, article 3, section 8, subdivision 3; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 84; 86B; 92; 103B; 103G; 115; 115A; 161; 574; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 84.946, subdivision 3; 86A.12, subdivision 5; 89.06; 90.042; 97A.4742, subdivision 4; 103G.705; 115.447; 115A.07, subdivision 2; 115A.965, subdivision 7; 116.02, subdivisions 7, 8; 216H.07, subdivision 4; Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, sections 86B.508; 86B.811, subdivision 1a; Laws 2011, chapter 107, section 105; Minnesota Rules, parts 7002.0025, subpart 2a; 7011.7030; 7021.0010, subpart 3; 7021.0050, subparts 1, 2, 3; 7041.0500, subparts 5, 6, 7."

 

 

With the recommendation that when so amended the bill pass and be re-referred to the Committee on Government Operations and Elections.

 

      The report was adopted.

 

 

Peppin from the Committee on Government Operations and Elections to which was referred:

 

H. F. No. 2171, A bill for an act relating to natural resources; modifying game and fish license provisions; modifying civil liability for certain outdoor recreational activities; providing for taking wolf; modifying requirements to take and transport wild animals; modifying department authority and duties; creating walk-in access program; modifying predator control program; modifying deer baiting restrictions; modifying authority to remove beavers; providing for disposition of certain receipts; eliminating venison donation program; modifying snowmobile registration and trail sticker requirements; modifying snowmobile operation provisions; modifying watercraft license fees; modifying shooting range provisions; requiring rulemaking; providing civil penalties; appropriating money; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 3.736, subdivision 4; 84.027, subdivisions 14, 15; 84.82, subdivisions 2, 3; 84.8205, subdivision 1; 84.83, subdivisions 2, 3; 84.86, subdivision 1; 84.8712, subdivision 1; 86B.301, subdivision 2; 86B.415, subdivisions 1, 2, by adding a subdivision; 87A.01, subdivision 4; 87A.02, subdivision 2; 97A.015, subdivisions 3a, 53; 97A.065, subdivision 6; 97A.137, subdivision 5; 97A.421, subdivision 3; 97A.441, subdivision 7; 97A.451, subdivisions 3, 4, by adding a subdivision; 97A.473, subdivisions 3, 5, 5a; 97A.475, subdivisions 2, 3, 20; 97A.482; 97B.001, subdivision 7; 97B.031, subdivisions 1, 2; 97B.035, subdivision 1a; 97B.055, subdivision 1; 97B.071; 97B.085, subdivision 3; 97B.328; 97B.601, subdivisions 3a, 4; 97B.603; 97B.605;


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97B.671, subdivisions 3, 4; 97B.711, subdivision 1; 97B.805, subdivision 1; 97B.901; 97C.395, subdivision 1; 97C.515, subdivisions 1, 2, 4, 5; 466.04, subdivisions 1, 3; Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, sections 97A.075, subdivision 1, by adding a subdivision; 97B.075; 97B.645, subdivision 9; 97B.667; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 97A; 97B; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 17.035; 17.4993, subdivision 2; 87A.02, subdivision 1; 97A.045, subdivisions 8, 13; 97A.065, subdivision 1; 97A.095, subdivision 3; 97A.331, subdivision 7; 97A.485, subdivision 12; 97A.552; 97B.303; 97B.645, subdivision 2; 97C.031; 97C.515, subdivision 5.

 

Reported the same back with the following amendments:

 

Page 11, line 4, delete ", including"

 

Page 11, line 5, delete "any successor publications,"

 

Page 29, delete section 60

 

Renumber the sections in sequence and correct internal references

 

Correct the title numbers accordingly

 

 

With the recommendation that when so amended the bill pass and be re-referred to the Committee on Civil Law.

 

      The report was adopted.

 

 

Lanning from the Committee on State Government Finance to which was referred:

 

H. F. No. 2259, A bill for an act relating to lawful gambling; increasing the allowable per diem reimbursement from lawful gambling net profits for military marching, color guard, or honor guard units; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.12, subdivision 25.

 

Reported the same back with the recommendation that the bill pass.

 

      The report was adopted.

 

 

Lanning from the Committee on State Government Finance to which was referred:

 

H. F. No. 2261, A bill for an act relating to veterans; expanding eligibility for burial in the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery to include deceased allied Hmong-American or Lao-American veterans of the American Secret War in Laos; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 197.236, subdivision 8.

 

Reported the same back with the recommendation that the bill pass.

 

      The report was adopted.

 

 

Abeler from the Committee on Health and Human Services Finance to which was referred:

 

H. F. No. 2276, A bill for an act relating to health; requiring accreditation of advanced diagnostic imaging services operating in the state; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 144.

 

Reported the same back with the following amendments:


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Delete everything after the enacting clause and insert:

 

"Section 1.  [144.1225] ADVANCED DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING SERVICES.

 

Subdivision 1.  Definition.  For purposes of this section, "advanced diagnostic imaging services" means services entailing the use of diagnostic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment, except that it does not include MRI equipment owned or operated by a hospital licensed under sections 144.50 to 144.56 or any facility affiliated with or owned by such hospital.

 

Subd. 2.  Accreditation required.  (a) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (b), advanced diagnostic imaging services eligible for reimbursement from any source including, but not limited to, the individual receiving such services and any individual or group insurance contract, plan, or policy delivered in this state including, but not limited to, private health insurance plans, workers' compensation insurance, motor vehicle insurance, the State Employee Group Insurance Program (SEGIP), and other state health care programs shall be reimbursed only if the facility at which the service has been conducted and processed is accredited by one of the following entities:

 

(1) American College of Radiology (ACR);

 

(2) Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC); or

 

(3) the joint commission.

 

(b) Any facility that performs advanced diagnostic imaging services and is eligible to receive reimbursement for such services from any source in paragraph (a) must obtain accreditation by August 1, 2013.  Thereafter, all facilities that provide advanced diagnostic imaging services in the state must obtain accreditation prior to commencing operations and must, at all times, maintain accreditation with an accrediting organization as provided in paragraph (a).

 

Subd. 3.  Reporting.  (a) Advanced diagnostic imaging facilities and providers of advanced diagnostic imaging services must annually report to the commissioner demonstration of accreditation as required under this section.

 

(b) The commissioner may promulgate any rules necessary to administer the reporting required under paragraph (a)."

 

 

With the recommendation that when so amended the bill pass.

 

      The report was adopted.

 

 

Erickson from the Committee on Education Reform to which was referred:

 

H. F. No. 2293, A bill for an act relating to education; extending for one additional year school districts' ability to use prone restraints under some conditions; requiring data collection and reporting; amending Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 125A.0942, subdivision 3.

 

Reported the same back with the following amendments:

 

Delete everything after the enacting clause and insert:

 

"Section 1.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 125A.0941, is amended to read:

 

125A.0941 DEFINITIONS.

 

(a) The following terms have the meanings given them.


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(b) "Emergency" means a situation where immediate intervention is needed to protect a child or other individual from physical injury or to prevent serious property damage.

 

(c) "Physical holding" means physical intervention intended to hold a child immobile or limit a child's movement and, where body contact is the only source of physical restraint, and where immobilization is used to effectively gain control of a child in order to protect the child or other person from injury.  The term physical holding does not mean physical contact that:

 

(1) helps a child respond or complete a task;

 

(2) assists a child without restricting the child's movement;

 

(3) is needed to administer an authorized health-related service or procedure; or

 

(4) is needed to physically escort a child when the child does not resist or the child's resistance is minimal.

 

(d) "Positive behavioral interventions and supports" means interventions and strategies to improve the school environment and teach children the skills to behave appropriately.

 

(e) "Prone restraint" means placing a child in a face down position.

 

(f) "Restrictive procedures" means the use of physical holding or seclusion in an emergency.

 

(f) (g) "Seclusion" means confining a child alone in a room from which egress is barred.  Removing a child from an activity to a location where the child cannot participate in or observe the activity is not seclusion.

 

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

 

Sec. 2.  Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 125A.0942, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 3.  Physical holding or seclusion.  (a) Physical holding or seclusion may be used only in an emergency.  A school that uses physical holding or seclusion shall meet the following requirements:

 

(1) the physical holding or seclusion must be the least intrusive intervention that effectively responds to the emergency;

 

(2) physical holding or seclusion must end when the threat of harm ends and the staff determines that the child can safely return to the classroom or activity;

 

(3) staff must directly observe the child while physical holding or seclusion is being used;

 

(4) each time physical holding or seclusion is used, the staff person who implements or oversees the physical holding or seclusion shall document, as soon as possible after the incident concludes, the following information:

 

(i) a description of the incident that led to the physical holding or seclusion;

 

(ii) why a less restrictive measure failed or was determined by staff to be inappropriate or impractical;

 

(iii) the time the physical holding or seclusion began and the time the child was released; and

 

(iv) a brief record of the child's behavioral and physical status;

 

(5) the room used for seclusion must:


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(i) be at least six feet by five feet;

 

(ii) be well lit, well ventilated, adequately heated, and clean;

 

(iii) have a window that allows staff to directly observe a child in seclusion;

 

(iv) have tamperproof fixtures, electrical switches located immediately outside the door, and secure ceilings;

 

(v) have doors that open out and are unlocked, locked with keyless locks that have immediate release mechanisms, or locked with locks that have immediate release mechanisms connected with a fire and emergency system; and

 

(vi) not contain objects that a child may use to injure the child or others;

 

(6) before using a room for seclusion, a school must:

 

(i) receive written notice from local authorities that the room and the locking mechanisms comply with applicable building, fire, and safety codes; and

 

(ii) register the room with the commissioner, who may view that room; and

 

(7) until August 1, 2012 2013, a school district may use prone restraints with children age five or older under the following conditions:

 

(i) a district has provided to the department a list of staff who have had specific training on the use of prone restraints;

 

(ii) a district provides information on the type of training that was provided and by whom;

 

(iii) prone restraints may only be used by staff who have received specific training;

 

(iv) each incident of the use of prone restraints is reported to the department within five working days on a form provided by the department or on a district's restrictive procedure documentation form; and

 

(v) a district, prior to using prone restraints, must review any known medical or psychological limitations that contraindicate the use of prone restraints.

 

The department will report back to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with primary jurisdiction over education policy by February 1, 2012 2013, on the use of prone restraints in the schools.  Consistent with item (iv), the department must collect data on districts' use of prone restraints and publish the data in a readily accessible format on the department's Web site on a quarterly basis.

 

(b) The department must develop a statewide plan by February 1, 2013, to reduce districts' use of restrictive procedures that includes:  measurable goals; the resources, training, technical assistance, mental health services, and collaborative efforts needed to significantly reduce districts' use of prone restraints; and recommendations to clarify and improve the law governing districts' use of restrictive procedures.  The department must convene interested stakeholders to develop the statewide plan and identify the need for technical assistance, including representatives of advocacy organizations, special education directors, intermediate school districts, school boards, day treatment providers, state human services department staff, mental health professionals, and autism experts.  To assist the department and stakeholders under this paragraph, school districts must report summary data to the department by July 1, 2012, on districts' use of restrictive procedures during the 2011-2012 school year, including data on the number of incidents involving restrictive procedures, the total number of students on which restrictive procedures were used, the number of resulting injuries, relevant demographic data on the students and school, and other relevant data collected by the district.


Journal of the House - 84th Day - Monday, March 12, 2012 - Top of Page 6387

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

 

Sec. 3.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 125A.0942, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 4.  Prohibitions.  The following actions or procedures are prohibited:

 

(1) engaging in conduct prohibited under section 121A.58;

 

(2) requiring a child to assume and maintain a specified physical position, activity, or posture that induces physical pain;

 

(3) totally or partially restricting a child's senses as punishment;

 

(4) presenting an intense sound, light, or other sensory stimuli using smell, taste, substance, or spray as punishment;

 

(5) denying or restricting a child's access to equipment and devices such as walkers, wheelchairs, hearing aids, and communication boards that facilitate the child's functioning, except when temporarily removing the equipment or device is needed to prevent injury to the child or others or serious damage to the equipment or device, in which case the equipment or device shall be returned to the child as soon as possible;

 

(6) interacting with a child in a manner that constitutes sexual abuse, neglect, or physical abuse under section 626.556;

 

(7) withholding regularly scheduled meals or water;

 

(8) denying access to bathroom facilities; and

 

(9) physical holding that restricts or impairs a child's ability to breathe, restricts or impairs a child's ability to communicate distress, places pressure or weight on a child's head, throat, neck, chest, lungs, sternum, diaphragm, back, or abdomen, or results in straddling a child's torso.

 

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

 

Delete the title and insert:

 

"A bill for an act relating to education; extending for one additional year school districts' ability to use prone restraints under some conditions; requiring data collection and reporting; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 125A.0941; 125A.0942, subdivision 4; Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 125A.0942, subdivision 3."

 

 

With the recommendation that when so amended the bill pass.

 

      The report was adopted.

 

 

Peppin from the Committee on Government Operations and Elections to which was referred:

 

H. F. No. 2353, A bill for an act relating to natural resources; requiring certain accessibility to publicly funded shooting ranges; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 87A.

 

Reported the same back with the recommendation that the bill pass.

 

      The report was adopted.


Journal of the House - 84th Day - Monday, March 12, 2012 - Top of Page 6388

Cornish from the Committee on Public Safety and Crime Prevention Policy and Finance to which was referred:

 

H. F. No. 2426, A bill for an act relating to state government; appropriating money for repairs of the Peace Officer's Memorial.

 

Reported the same back with the recommendation that the bill pass and be re-referred to the Committee on State Government Finance.

 

      The report was adopted.

 

 

Cornish from the Committee on Public Safety and Crime Prevention Policy and Finance to which was referred:

 

H. F. No. 2463, A bill for an act relating to liquor; authorizing purchase in special circumstances; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 340A.301, subdivision 6a.

 

Reported the same back with the following amendments:

 

Page 1, line 19, after the period, insert "Notwithstanding section 340A.401,"

 

 

With the recommendation that when so amended the bill pass.

 

      The report was adopted.

 

 

Shimanski from the Committee on Judiciary Policy and Finance to which was referred:

 

H. F. No. 2491, A bill for an act relating to public safety; providing for a domestic abuse no contact order as a criminal order; modifying when proceeding occurs; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 629.75, subdivision 1.

 

Reported the same back with the recommendation that the bill pass.

 

      The report was adopted.

 

 

Garofalo from the Committee on Education Finance to which was referred:

 

H. F. No. 2506, A bill for an act relating to education; striking the requirement to allocate portions of reserved staff development revenue for particular purposes; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 122A.61, subdivision 1.

 

Reported the same back with the recommendation that the bill pass.

 

      The report was adopted.

 

 

Cornish from the Committee on Public Safety and Crime Prevention Policy and Finance to which was referred:

 

H. F. No. 2528, A bill for an act relating to transportation; trunk highways; providing for sharing of reports for accidents involving damage to state-owned infrastructure; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 161.20, subdivision 4.

 

Reported the same back with the recommendation that the bill pass and be re-referred to the Committee on Civil Law.

 

      The report was adopted.


Journal of the House - 84th Day - Monday, March 12, 2012 - Top of Page 6389

Hamilton from the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development Policy and Finance to which was referred:

 

H. F. No. 2564, A bill for an act relating to civil liability; creating immunity for agritourism activities; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 604A.

 

Reported the same back with the following amendments:

 

Page 2, line 31, delete "Optional" and delete "may" and insert "shall"

 

Page 3, line 2, delete "may" and insert "shall"

 

Page 3, line 4, delete "may" and insert "shall"

 

 

With the recommendation that when so amended the bill pass and be re-referred to the Committee on Civil Law.

 

      The report was adopted.

 

 

Hoppe from the Committee on Commerce and Regulatory Reform to which was referred:

 

H. F. No. 2569, A bill for an act relating to debt management and debt settlement; clarifying exemption for attorneys at law; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 332A.02, subdivision 8; 332B.02, subdivision 13.

 

Reported the same back with the following amendments:

 

Delete everything after the enacting clause and insert:

 

"Section 1.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 332A.02, subdivision 8, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 8.  Debt management services provider.  "Debt management services provider" means any person offering or providing debt management services to a debtor domiciled in this state, regardless of whether or not a fee is charged for the services and regardless of whether the person maintains a physical presence in the state.  This term includes any person to whom debt management services are delegated, and does not include services performed by the following when engaged in the regular course of their respective businesses and professions:

 

(1) exempt attorneys at law, escrow agents, accountants, broker-dealers in securities;

 

(2) state or national banks, credit unions, trust companies, savings associations, title insurance companies, insurance companies, and all other lending institutions duly authorized to transact business in Minnesota;

 

(3) persons who, as employees on a regular salary or wage of an employer not engaged in the business of debt management, perform credit services for their employer;

 

(4) public officers acting in their official capacities and persons acting as a debt management services provider pursuant to court order;

 

(5) any person while performing services incidental to the dissolution, winding up, or liquidation of a partnership, corporation, or other business enterprise;


Journal of the House - 84th Day - Monday, March 12, 2012 - Top of Page 6390

(6) the state, its political subdivisions, public agencies, and their employees;

 

(7) collection agencies, provided that the services are provided to a creditor;

 

(8) "qualified organizations" designated as representative payees for purposes of the Social Security and Supplemental Security Income Representative Payee System and the federal Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990, Public Law 101-508;

 

(9) accelerated mortgage payment providers.  "Accelerated mortgage payment providers" are persons who, after satisfying the requirements of sections 332.30 to 332.303, receive funds to make mortgage payments to a lender or lenders, on behalf of mortgagors, in order to exceed regularly scheduled minimum payment obligations under the terms of the indebtedness.  The term does not include:  (i) persons or entities described in clauses (1) to (8); (ii) mortgage lenders or servicers, industrial loan and thrift companies, or regulated lenders under chapter 56; or (iii) persons authorized to make loans under section 47.20, subdivision 1.  For purposes of this clause and sections 332.30 to 332.303, "lender" means the original lender or that lender's assignee, whichever is the current mortgage holder;

 

(10) trustees, guardians, and conservators; and

 

(11) debt settlement services providers.

 

Sec. 2.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 332A.02, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 10a.  Exempt attorney at law.  "Exempt attorney at law" means an attorney who:

 

(1) is licensed or otherwise authorized to practice law in this state;

 

(2) does not have a business relationship with the debt management services provider that involves the offering or provision of debt management services to debtors; and

 

(3) provides debt management services as an ancillary matter to the primary purpose of the attorney's practice.

 

Sec. 3.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 332B.02, subdivision 13, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 13.  Debt settlement services provider.  "Debt settlement services provider" means any person offering or providing debt settlement services to a debtor domiciled in this state, regardless of whether or not a fee is charged for the services and regardless of whether the person maintains a physical presence in the state.  The term includes any person to whom debt settlement services are delegated.  The term shall not include an exempt attorney at law and persons listed in section 332A.02, subdivision 8, clauses (1) to (10), or a debt management services provider.

 

Sec. 4.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 332B.02, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 13a.  Exempt attorney at law.  "Exempt attorney at law" means an attorney who:

 

(1) is licensed or otherwise authorized to practice law in this state;

 

(2) does not have a business relationship with the debt settlement services provider that involves the offering or provision of debt settlement services to debtors; and

 

(3) provides debt settlement services as an ancillary matter to the primary purpose of the attorney's practice."


Journal of the House - 84th Day - Monday, March 12, 2012 - Top of Page 6391

Delete the title and insert:

 

"A bill for an act relating to debt management and debt settlement; clarifying exemption for attorneys at law; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 332A.02, subdivision 8, by adding a subdivision; 332B.02, subdivision 13, by adding a subdivision."

 

 

With the recommendation that when so amended the bill pass.

 

      The report was adopted.

 

 

Erickson from the Committee on Education Reform to which was referred:

 

H. F. No. 2580, A bill for an act relating to education; empowering parents to request a school district intervene in a persistently low-performing school; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 120B.

 

Reported the same back with the following amendments:

 

Delete everything after the enacting clause and insert:

 

"Section 1.  [120B.361] EMPOWERING PARENTS TO REQUEST SCHOOL INTERVENTIONS.

 

(a) This section applies to those public schools including charter schools identified by the department as one of the state's persistently lowest performing schools under the federal School Improvement Grant Program or the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act that continue to not make adequate yearly progress under sections 120B.299, subdivision 5, and 120B.35.

 

(b) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, if parents representing at least 51 percent of students attending one of the state's persistently lowest performing schools under paragraph (a), or parents who combined represent at least 51 percent of students attending that school and students attending the elementary or middle schools that normally matriculate into that school, sign a petition requesting that the school board of the school district in which the school is located or the charter school board of directors implements one of four intervention models or other alternative governance arrangement under section 1116(b)(8)(B)(v) of the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act, United States Code, title 20, section 6301, et seq., then the school board must implement the parent-requested intervention model or other governance arrangement.  The four intervention models include:

 

(1) a turnaround model requiring the district in which the school is located or the charter school board of directors to replace the school principal, allow the newly placed principal to determine who is hired into licensed positions notwithstanding other law to the contrary, adopt a new school governance structure, and implement a new or revised instructional program;

 

(2) a restart model requiring the district in which the school is located or the charter school board of directors to close the school and restart or reopen it under the management of a charter school operator, a charter management organization, or an educational management organization that manages a currently operating charter school that met or exceeded state proficiency and growth standards on state reading and mathematics assessments in at least the preceding three school years;

 

(3) a school closure model requiring the district in which the school is located to close the school and transfer the students enrolled in the school to another high-achieving school in the district; and


Journal of the House - 84th Day - Monday, March 12, 2012 - Top of Page 6392

(4) a transformational model requiring the district in which the school is located to transform the school by (i) developing and improving teacher and principal effectiveness and replacing the principal who led the school before implementing this model, (ii) implementing comprehensive instructional reform strategies, (iii) extending learning and teacher planning time and creating community-oriented schools, and (iv) providing operating flexibility and sustained support.

 

If on the date a school board receives a petition, the school that is the subject of the petition is identified as one of the state's persistently lowest performing schools, then that school is subject to this section.  This section does not apply to a public school already subject to closure.

 

(c) The petition shall read as follows:

 

Petition to request that Independent School District No. _____, _____ intervene in the _______ school, designated a persistently low-performing school by the Minnesota Department of Education, by implementing the following intervention at the school:  _______.

 

SIGNER'S OATH

 

"I swear (or affirm) that I know the contents and purpose of this petition and that I signed the petition only once on behalf of my child who attends the school that is the subject of this petition or attends a school that normally matriculates into the school that is the subject of this petition and of my own free will."

 

ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PETITION IS SUBJECT TO PUBLIC INSPECTION. 

ALL INFORMATION MUST BE FILLED IN BY PERSON(S) SIGNING THIS PETITION UNLESS DISABILITY PREVENTS THE PERSON(S) FROM DOING SO. 

 

 

DATE

SIGNATURE

PRINT FIRST, MIDDLE, AND

LAST NAME

RESIDENCE ADDRESS (number and street or route and box number)

(Not a P.O.  Box)

SCHOOL DISTRICT

SCHOOL

1. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Each eligible student must be represented by only one parent on the petition.  Signature gatherers must not offer incentives or make threats to parents to sign a petition.  No person shall be harassed, threatened, or intimidated for circulating or signing a petition.  Signature gatherers must disclose if they are being paid to gather signatures.  All persons involved in signature gathering are subject to local administrative policies governing access to school facilities.  School officials must not use school resources to support or oppose the gathering of signatures by parents or others.  Petitioners may submit a petition that complies with this section to the affected school board and must designate up to five individuals who sign the petition as "lead petitioners" to help facilitate communication between the school board and parents who sign the petition.  Upon receiving a petition, a school board may use simple random sampling to verify that the signatures on the petition can be counted under this section and must review and verify the signatures as legitimate within 45 days.  The school board may contact parents only to verify their signatures on the petition.  If the school board finds errors with petition signatures, it must immediately notify the lead petitioners and allow them to resubmit the petition within 30 calendar days of notice if no substantive changes are made to the petition.  The school board shall then have 15 calendar days to determine whether the errors were


Journal of the House - 84th Day - Monday, March 12, 2012 - Top of Page 6393

corrected and verify the signatures.  A resubmitted petition with substantive changes is deemed a new petition and must be recirculated.  The commissioner must post a sample petition on the department's Web site and each school district in which one of the state's persistently lowest performing schools is located and each charter school identified as one of the state's persistently lowest performing schools must post a sample petition on its Web site.

 

(d) A school board that receives a petition or a corrected resubmitted petition must provide public notice and hold a public meeting to hear public comment on the substance of the petition within 30 calendar days of finally verifying the signatures.  Within 45 calendar days after hearing public comments, the board must identify the parent-requested intervention or other governance arrangement it will implement.  The board must implement the intervention or other governance arrangement in the proximate school year unless the board finally verifies petition signatures after March 1 and then the board must implement the intervention or other governance arrangement no later than the school year following the proximate school year.

 

(e) If eligible parents petition to reopen or restart a school as a charter school, the school board must implement this option by converting the school to a charter school at the beginning of the proximate academic year, consistent with section 124D.10.  The reopened or restarted school must admit any former student seeking enrollment, consistent with the grades served by the reopened or restarted school.

 

(f) A school board that receives a petition must notify the commissioner in writing of its receipt of the petition and the final disposition of that petition.

 

(g) A school board is not required to implement the intervention or other governance arrangement requested by parents in a petition if the request is inconsistent with this section.

 

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

 

 

With the recommendation that when so amended the bill pass and be re-referred to the Committee on Education Finance.

 

      The report was adopted.

 

 

Abeler from the Committee on Health and Human Services Finance to which was referred:

 

H. F. No. 2587, A bill for an act relating to health; amending health professional education loan forgiveness program requirements; amending Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 9, article 2, section 30.

 

Reported the same back with the recommendation that the bill pass.

 

      The report was adopted.

 

 

Erickson from the Committee on Education Reform to which was referred:

 

H. F. No. 2621, A bill for an act relating to education; making certain special or independent school districts subject to mayoral control; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 128D.02; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 123A; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 128D.05; 128D.08, subdivisions 1, 3, 4; 128D.14.

 

Reported the same back with the following amendments:


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Delete everything after the enacting clause and insert:

 

"Section 1.  [123A.695] CHANGE FROM INDEPENDENT TO MAYORAL DISTRICT.

 

Subdivision 1.  Definition.  For the purposes of this section, "city" means a statutory or home rule charter city with more than 250,000 residents located in the seven-county metropolitan area. 

 

Subd. 2.  Mayoral governance option.  The mayor of a city may govern an independent school district with administrative offices in the city as provided in this section if the mayor:

 

(1) submits written notice of intent to govern the district to the commissioner by September 1 in any calendar year;

 

(2) within 90 days after submitting notice under clause (1):

 

(i) holds at least one public meeting within the boundaries of the affected district seeking public comment on changing district governance; and

 

(ii) with assistance from district and department employees at the mayor's request, develops and publishes a plan consistent with this section for governing the district; and

 

(3) presents the published plan at a public meeting within the boundaries of the affected district.

 

A mayor who meets the requirements of this subdivision may govern the affected district for ten consecutive school years beginning in the next school year after these requirements are met.  The transition to mayoral governance does not affect any collective bargaining agreement then in effect or reduce the term of any then-serving school board member.  After the ten-school-year term expires, a school board subject to section 123B.09, subdivision 1, shall govern the district unless otherwise specifically provided in law.

 

Subd. 3.  Mayoral governance requirements.  If the option for mayoral governance is exercised, the care, management, supervision, conduct, and control of the school district and all the powers and rights of school boards of independent school districts are as provided in subdivisions 4 to 6.

 

Subd. 4.  Mayoral appointment of school board, district administrator; powers and duties.  (a) Notwithstanding other law to the contrary, the mayor shall appoint a board of education composed of seven members who reside in and reflect the diversity of the city and a chief executive officer with recognized administrative ability and management experience who manages the district and has all other powers and duties of the district superintendent.

 

(b) To assemble the members of the board of education, the mayor shall appoint a qualified successor for each incumbent school board member at the time that member's term expires.  In the case of a six-member board, when appointing the initial three successors, the mayor shall also appoint one additional qualified person to serve on the board of education.  In the case of a seven-member board, if the mayor initially appoints three successors, the mayor shall also appoint one additional qualified person to serve on the board of education, and appoint only three successors upon the expiration of all remaining terms regardless of the number of terms expiring.  The chief executive officer is not required to hold a school superintendent license or other administrative license under this section.

 

(c) The powers and duties of the board of education include:

 

(1) increasing the quality of education services in the school district;


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(2) implementing policies, programs, and strategies to increase challenging learning opportunities targeted to diverse groups of students, increase student engagement and connection and community and family partnerships, and improve the educational outcomes of all groups of students enrolled in district schools so that students at least meet or exceed statewide averages for proficiency in reading and mathematics and demonstrate medium or high growth or, if students are not proficient in reading and mathematics, they consistently demonstrate high growth;

 

(3) reducing the cost of noneducational services and implementing cost-saving measures;

 

(4) developing a long-term financial plan;

 

(5) streamlining and strengthening management of the system, including a school-based budgeting process to refocus resources on student achievement;

 

(6) enacting policies and procedures to ensure an ethical and efficient system;

 

(7) establishing or repurposing local school or school site council advisory boards; and

 

(8) establishing organizational structures needed to efficiently and effectively operate the system.

 

(d) The members of the board of education serve staggered four-year terms.  Board members serve without compensation or reimbursement of expenses incurred in performing board duties unless the mayor establishes a procedure to reimburse members for reasonable and necessary expenses.

 

Subd. 5.  School site council.  Each school site located within a district subject to mayoral governance must have an 11-member school site advisory council composed of the school principal or other person having administrative control of the school, two licensed teachers employed in the school, six parents of children enrolled in the school, and two community residents.  School site council members serve two-year terms and are appointed by the school board of the district until the board of education under subdivision 4 is assembled, at which time the board of education shall make all subsequent school site council appointments.  School site council members must reflect the diversity of the school site to the extent practicable.

 

Subd. 6.  Exemption; relation to home rule charter.  (a) Notwithstanding other law to the contrary, school districts under this section are exempt from the statutes and rules specified in section 124D.10, subdivision 7, to the extent the exemptions are consistent with and required to implement the provisions of this section. 

 

(b) The authority in this section supersedes any home rule charter or ordinance provision inconsistent or in conflict with this section.

 

Subd. 7.  Education advisory council.  The mayor shall appoint an education advisory council composed of representatives of the business community with experience in finance and management, parents of enrolled students, teachers and principals currently employed in the schools, and other interested persons representing various education-related service organizations and public and private nonprofit agencies, among other interests.  Advisory council members shall convene periodically and provide advice to the mayor upon request.  Members serve without compensation and without reimbursement of expenses incurred in performing duties under this subdivision.  The education advisory council is subject to the open meeting law.

 

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

 

Sec. 2.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 128D.02, is amended to read:

 

128D.02 BOARD OF EDUCATION GOVERNING ENTITY LIKE INDEPENDENT DISTRICT'S DISTRICTS.


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Subdivision 1.  General authority.  Except as provided in subdivision 2, the governing body of such the school district shall be a board of education, which board shall have the care, management, supervision, conduct, and control of the school district and shall have all the powers and rights of school boards of independent school districts except as otherwise stated.

 

Subd. 2.  Mayoral governance option.  The provisions of section 123A.695 apply to the option for implementing mayoral governance of the school district.  If the option is exercised, during the ten-school-year term, sections 128D.05; 128D.08, subdivisions 1, 3, and 4; and 128D.14, do not apply.  After the ten-school-year term expires, a school board shall govern the district, subject to sections 128D.05; 128D.08, subdivisions 1, 3, and 4; and 128D.14, unless otherwise specifically provided in law.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective the day following final enactment without local approval, as provided in Minnesota Statutes, section 645.023, subdivision 1.

 

Sec. 3.  POTENTIAL CONFLICTS.

 

To the extent any conflicts with existing law arise under this act, the attorney general, in collaboration with affected city attorneys, shall provide advice to implement this law to the extent practicable and, if needed, propose legislation to resolve the conflicts.

 

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

 

Sec. 4.  MAYORAL GOVERNANCE IMPLEMENTATION REPORT.

 

Any mayor who exercises the mayoral governance option under Minnesota Statutes, section 123A.695, must submit written recommendations to the legislative committees with jurisdiction over kindergarten through grade 12 education finance and policy by February 15, 2013, for fully implementing sections 1 and 2.

 

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

 

Correct the title numbers accordingly

 

 

With the recommendation that when so amended the bill pass and be re-referred to the Committee on Government Operations and Elections.

 

      The report was adopted.

 

 

Peppin from the Committee on Government Operations and Elections to which was referred:

 

H. F. No. 2684, A bill for an act relating to lobbying; modifying principal reports; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 10A.04, subdivision 6.

 

Reported the same back with the following amendments:

 

Delete everything after the enacting clause and insert:

 

"Section 1.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 10A.04, subdivision 6, is amended to read:


Journal of the House - 84th Day - Monday, March 12, 2012 - Top of Page 6397

Subd. 6.  Principal reports.  (a) A principal must report to the board as required in this subdivision by March 15 for the preceding calendar year.

 

(b) Except as provided in paragraph (d), the principal must report the total amount, rounded to the nearest $20,000, spent by the principal during the preceding calendar year to influence legislative action, administrative action, and the official action of metropolitan governmental units.

 

(c) Except as provided in paragraph (d), the principal must report under this subdivision a total amount that includes:

 

(1) all direct payments by the principal to lobbyists in this state;

 

(2) all expenditures for advertising, mailing, research, analysis, compilation and dissemination of information, and public relations campaigns related to legislative action, administrative action, or the official action of metropolitan governmental units in this state; and

 

(3) all salaries and administrative expenses attributable to activities of the principal relating to efforts to influence legislative action, administrative action, or the official action of metropolitan governmental units in this state.

 

(d) A principal that must report spending to influence administrative action in cases of rate setting, power plant and powerline siting, and granting of certificates of need under section 216B.243 must report those amounts as provided in this subdivision, except that they must be reported separately and not included in the totals required under paragraphs (b) and (c).

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective for reports due March 15, 2013, and thereafter."

 

 

With the recommendation that when so amended the bill pass.

 

      The report was adopted.

 

 

Garofalo from the Committee on Education Finance to which was referred:

 

S. F. No. 946, A bill for an act relating to education; establishing a pilot project to examine how school districts might operate jointly to provide innovative delivery of programs and activities and share resources.

 

Reported the same back with the following amendments to the unofficial engrossment:

 

Delete everything after the enacting clause and insert:

 

"Section 1.  INNOVATIVE DELIVERY OF EDUCATION SERVICES AND SHARING OF DISTRICT RESOURCES; PILOT PROJECT.

 

Subdivision 1.  Establishment; requirements for participation.  (a) A five-year pilot project for the 2013-2014 through 2017-2018 school years is established to improve student and school outcomes by allowing groups of school districts to work together to provide innovative education programs and activities and share district resources.

 

(b) To participate in this pilot project to improve student and school outcomes, a group of two or more school districts must collaborate with school staff and receive formal school board approval to form a partnership.  The


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partnership must develop a plan to provide challenging programmatic options for students, create professional development opportunities for educators, increase student engagement and connection and challenging learning opportunities for students, or demonstrate efficiencies in delivering financial and other services.  The plan must establish:

 

(1) collaborative educational goals and objectives;

 

(2) strategies and processes to implement those goals and objectives, including a budget process with periodic expenditure reviews;

 

(3) valid and reliable measures to evaluate progress in realizing the goals and objectives;

 

(4) an implementation timeline; and

 

(5) other applicable conditions, regulations, responsibilities, duties, provisions, fee schedules, and legal considerations needed to fully implement the plan.

 

A partnership may invite additional districts to join the partnership during the pilot project term after notifying the commissioner.

 

(c) A partnership of interested districts must apply by February 1, 2013, to the education commissioner in the form and manner the commissioner determines, consistent with this section.  The application must contain the formal approval adopted by the school board in each district to participate in the plan.

 

(d) Notwithstanding other law to the contrary, during the term of the pilot project, participating districts may begin the school year before Labor Day, may adopt an extended school calendar, or may schedule staff development days throughout the calendar year.

 

(e) Notwithstanding other law to the contrary, a participating school district under this section continues to:  receive revenue and maintain its taxation authority; be organized and governed by an elected school board with general powers under Minnesota Statutes, section 123B.02; be subject to employment agreements under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 122A, and Minnesota Statutes, section 179A.20; and remain employees of the employing school district.

 

Subd. 2.  Commissioner's role.  Interested groups of school districts must submit a completed application to the commissioner by March 1, 2013, in the form and manner determined by the commissioner.  The education commissioner must convene an advisory panel composed of a teacher appointed by Education Minnesota, a school principal appointed by the Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals, a school board member appointed by the Minnesota School Boards Association, and a school superintendent appointed by the Minnesota Association of School Administrators to advise the commissioner on applicants' qualifications to participate in this pilot project.  The commissioner must select between three and six qualified applicants under subdivision 1 by April 1, 2013, to participate in this pilot project, ensuring an equitable geographical distribution of project participants to the extent practicable.  The commissioner must select only those applicants that fully comply with the requirements in subdivision 1.  The commissioner must terminate a project participant that fails to effectively implement the goals and objectives contained in its application and according to its stated timeline.

 

Subd. 3.  Pilot project evaluation.  Participating school districts must submit pilot project data to the commissioner in the form and manner determined by the commissioner.  The education commissioner must analyze participating districts' progress in realizing their educational goals and objectives to work together in providing innovative education programs and activities and sharing resources.  The commissioner must include the analysis of best practices in a report to the legislative committees with jurisdiction over kindergarten through grade 12


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education finance and policy on the efficacy of this pilot project.  The commissioner may submit an interim project report at any time and must submit a final report to the legislature by February 1, 2018, recommending whether or not to continue or expand the pilot project.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective the day following final enactment and applies to the 2013-2014 through 2017-2018 school years."

 

 

With the recommendation that when so amended the bill pass and be re-referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.

 

      The report was adopted.

 

 

SECOND READING OF HOUSE BILLS

 

 

      H. F. Nos. 539, 1629, 2094, 2259, 2261, 2276, 2293, 2353, 2463, 2491, 2506, 2569, 2587 and 2684 were read for the second time.

 

 

INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING OF HOUSE BILLS

 

 

      The following House Files were introduced:

 

 

Erickson introduced:

 

H. F. No. 2759, A bill for an act relating to education; modifying certain Board of School Administrators provisions; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 122A.14, subdivisions 2, 9.

 

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Education Reform.

 

 

Rukavina, Franson, Runbeck, Howes and Davids introduced:

 

H. F. No. 2760, A bill for an act relating to public officials; providing an exception to the gift ban in certain circumstances; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 10A.071, subdivision 3.

 

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Government Operations and Elections.

 

 

Benson, M., introduced:

 

H. F. No. 2761, A bill for an act relating to state finance; increasing the rate of taxes on cigarettes and other tobacco products; providing for use of the proceeds; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 275.025, subdivision 1; 297F.05, subdivisions 1, 3, 4; Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 127A.45, subdivision 2.

 

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Education Finance.


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Westrom introduced:

 

H. F. No. 2762, A bill for an act relating to courts; modifying service of petition for certain election errors; modifying certain appeals of referee orders; adding to requirements for notice of a transfer of structure settlement payment rights; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 204B.44; 243.166, subdivision 2; 484.013, subdivision 3; 549.32, subdivision 2.

 

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary Policy and Finance.

 

 

Westrom and LeMieur introduced:

 

H. F. No. 2763, A bill for an act relating to real property; registered land; providing for registration for time share interests; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 508.58, subdivision 2, by adding subdivisions; 508.71, by adding a subdivision.

 

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Civil Law.

 

 

Kahn, Greiling, Hausman, Slawik and Murphy, E., introduced:

 

H. F. No. 2764, A bill for an act relating to elections; permitting individuals who are at least 16 years of age to register to vote; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 201.054, subdivisions 1, 2; 201.061, subdivision 1; 201.071, subdivision 1; 201.091, subdivision 4.

 

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Government Operations and Elections.

 

 

Urdahl, by request, introduced:

 

H. F. No. 2765, A bill for an act relating to capital improvements; appropriating money for land acquisition for a regional park in Wright County; authorizing the sale and issuance of state bonds.

 

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Environment, Energy and Natural Resources Policy and Finance.

 

 

Ward, Dettmer, Kriesel, Anzelc, Persell and Anderson, B., introduced:

 

H. F. No. 2766, A bill for an act relating to veterans affairs; establishing a grant program for eligible survivors of certain veterans; appropriating money; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 197.

 

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on State Government Finance.

 

 

Urdahl; Torkelson; Kiel; Murphy, M., and Davids introduced:

 

H. F. No. 2767, A bill for an act relating to arts and cultural heritage; creating a film production incentive program; appropriating money.

 

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Legacy Funding Division.


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Urdahl; Lanning; Kiel; Murphy, M., and Davids introduced:

 

H. F. No. 2768, A bill for an act relating to history and cultural heritage; appropriating money for certain historical society activities and grants.

 

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Legacy Funding Division.

 

 

Hackbarth and Beard introduced:

 

H. F. No. 2769, A bill for an act relating to utilities; requiring utility rates be based primarily on cost of service between and among consumer classes; making clarifying and technical changes; making changes to the low-income affordability program; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 216B.03; 216B.07; 216B.16, by adding subdivisions.

 

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Environment, Energy and Natural Resources Policy and Finance.

 

 

Wardlow and Lesch introduced:

 

H. F. No. 2770, A bill for an act relating to legislative enactments; correcting erroneous, ambiguous, and omitted text and obsolete references; removing redundant, conflicting, and superseded provisions; making miscellaneous corrections to laws, statutes, and rules; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 5.25, subdivision 1; 12A.04; 12A.08, subdivision 1; 12A.09, subdivision 2; 12A.10, subdivision 1; 12A.12, subdivision 1; 13.383, subdivision 10; 13.6401, subdivision 2; 13.716, subdivision 1; 13.7191, by adding subdivisions; 13.805, subdivision 1; 60A.0811, subdivision 1; 62L.05, subdivision 13; 67A.40, subdivision 1; 82B.195, subdivision 1; 124D.09, subdivision 16; 129D.01; 144.291, subdivision 2; 144A.01, subdivision 4; 145.883, subdivision 1; 145A.12, subdivision 7; 145A.131, subdivision 3; 148D.061; 148D.062, subdivision 4; 148D.063, subdivision 2; 148E.100, subdivision 2a; 148E.105, subdivision 2a; 148E.106, subdivision 2a; 148E.110, subdivision 1a; 148E.115, subdivision 1a; 148E.130, subdivision 1a; 171.306, subdivision 7; 204B.04, subdivision 3; 204B.07, subdivision 1; 204B.11, subdivision 2; 204B.13, subdivision 6; 205.02, subdivision 2; 205A.06, subdivision 1; 214.01, subdivision 2; 216B.1694, subdivision 2; 245.4835, subdivision 1; 256B.0625, subdivision 19c; 256B.0755, subdivision 1; 256B.094, subdivision 6; 256B.69, subdivision 20; 256B.75; 256J.49, subdivision 4; 256L.12, subdivision 6; 270B.14, subdivision 11; 273.1392; 282.08; 297I.06, subdivision 2; 298.018; 299L.03, subdivision 1; 349.15, subdivision 2; 349.151, subdivisions 2, 4a; 349.166, subdivision 1; 352.01, subdivision 11; 352D.05, subdivision 3; 353.46, subdivision 6; 390.32, subdivision 9; 609.131, subdivision 2; Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, sections 12A.05, subdivision 1; 12A.06, subdivision 1; 12A.07, subdivision 1; 60A.206, subdivision 3; 122A.41, subdivision 5; 123B.75, subdivision 5; 124D.10, subdivision 15; 127A.441; 176.307; 256B.021, subdivision 4; 268.035, subdivision 29; 270C.991, subdivision 4; 297A.668, subdivision 7; 297A.70, subdivision 3; 297A.75, subdivision 1; 349.15, subdivision 1; 353.6511, subdivisions 2, 7; 353.667, subdivision 8; 353.668, subdivision 8; 402A.35, subdivision 4; 515B.1-102; 515B.3-105; 515B.3-1151; Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 8, article 7, section 19; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 62Q.10; 148C.04, subdivision 3; 326B.82, subdivision 1; Laws 2011, chapter 22, article 1, section 1; Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 9, article 6, section 87; Minnesota Rules, part 4604.0600, subpart 2.

 

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Civil Law.


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Benson, M.; Norton; Gunther; Liebling and Quam introduced:

 

H. F. No. 2771, A bill for an act relating to workforce development; creating a pilot program for individuals with autism spectrum disorders; appropriating money.

 

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Jobs and Economic Development Finance.

 

 

Fabian, Hancock and Ward introduced:

 

H. F. No. 2772, A bill for an act relating to human services; modifying coverage of certain dental services; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 256B.0625, subdivision 9.

 

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Health and Human Services Finance.

 

 

Atkins and Davids introduced:

 

H. F. No. 2773, A bill for an act relating to taxation; individual income; conforming to individual retirement account rollover provisions; amending Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, sections 289A.02, subdivision 7; 290.01, subdivisions 19, 31; 290A.03, subdivision 15; 291.005, subdivision 1.

 

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Taxes.

 

 

Lenczewski introduced:

 

H. F. No. 2774, A bill for an act relating to taxes; individual income and corporate franchise; conforming to federal marriage penalty relief and increased section 179 expensing, and providing ongoing state marriage penalty relief; amending Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, sections 290.01, subdivisions 19a, 19b, 19c; 290.0675, subdivision 1.

 

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Taxes.

 

 

Fabian; Anderson, P.; Torkelson; Eken; Ward; Kiel and Koenen introduced:

 

H. F. No. 2775, A bill for an act relating to transportation; traffic regulations; amending brake requirements for towed implements of husbandry; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 169.801, subdivision 10.

 

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Transportation Policy and Finance.

 

 

Banaian introduced:

 

H. F. No. 2776, A bill for an act relating to public safety; authorizing a corrections officer and custody staff to carry a firearm at a private establishment; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 624.714, subdivision 17.

 

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Public Safety and Crime Prevention Policy and Finance.


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Gottwalt introduced:

 

H. F. No. 2777, A bill for an act relating to health; repealing provider peer grouping; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 62U.04, subdivisions 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8; Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 62U.04, subdivisions 3, 9.

 

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Health and Human Services Reform.

 

 

Fabian and Anzelc introduced:

 

H. F. No. 2778, A bill for an act relating to education finance; making federally mandated radio communications updates eligible for health and safety revenue; amending Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 123B.57, subdivision 6.

 

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Education Finance.

 

 

Rukavina, Melin and Anzelc introduced:

 

H. F. No. 2779, A bill for an act relating to taxation; minerals; modifying the rates of taxation of nonferrous minerals; modifying the distribution of production tax revenues; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 298.018, subdivision 1; 298.28, subdivision 4; Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, sections 298.01, subdivision 3; 298.015, subdivision 1; 298.28, subdivision 2.

 

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Education Finance.

 

 

Hornstein introduced:

 

H. F. No. 2780, A bill for an act relating to public safety; eliminating surcharge for and stacked letters on veteran license plates; authorizing donation for education on anatomical gifts with vehicle registration tax; creating anatomical gift account; clarifying and conforming provisions regarding driver's license revocation periods for DWI convictions; providing for acceptable methods of payment and surcharge on driver's licenses; authorizing a fee for motor vehicle title searches and appropriating that amount to the Department of Public Safety; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 168.013, by adding a subdivision; 168.123, subdivision 2; 168A.07, subdivision 1; 169A.54, subdivisions 1, 6; 171.061, subdivision 4; 171.30, subdivision 1; 171.306, subdivision 4; Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, sections 168.12, subdivision 5; 168.123, subdivision 1; 171.075, subdivision 1; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 169A.54, subdivision 5.

 

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Transportation Policy and Finance.

 

 

Allen and Abeler introduced:

 

H. F. No. 2781, A bill for an act relating to human services; establishing a statewide self-advocacy network for persons with disabilities; appropriating money.

 

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Health and Human Services Finance.


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Persell, Loon, Abeler, Knuth and Hortman introduced:

 

H. F. No. 2782, A bill for an act relating to commerce; protecting the health of children; prohibiting formaldehyde in products for children; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 325F.

 

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Health and Human Services Reform.

 

 

Gruenhagen; Abeler; Franson; Laine; Hamilton; Hosch; Lohmer; McDonald; Murphy, E.; Mack and Gottwalt introduced:

 

H. F. No. 2783, A bill for an act relating to human services; providing medical assistance coverage for services provided by registered naturopathic doctors; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 256B.0625, by adding a subdivision.

 

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Health and Human Services Finance.

 

 

Atkins and Hoppe introduced:

 

H. F. No. 2784, A bill for an act relating to liquor; clarifying the citation of Minnesota Statutes, chapter 340A; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 340A.901.

 

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Commerce and Regulatory Reform.

 

 

Hamilton, Gunther and Shimanski introduced:

 

H. F. No. 2785, A bill for an act relating to gambling; authorizing the director of the State Lottery to establish gaming machines at a licensed racetrack; imposing a fee on gaming machine revenue; providing powers and duties to the director; dedicating money for education; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 240.03; 240.13, by adding a subdivision; 240.14, by adding a subdivision; 240.28, subdivision 2; 299L.07, subdivisions 2, 2a; 340A.410, subdivision 5; 349A.01, subdivision 10, by adding subdivisions; 349A.10, subdivision 3; 349A.13; 541.20; 541.21; 609.75, subdivision 3; 609.761, subdivision 2; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 297A; 349A; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 240.30, subdivision 8.

 

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Commerce and Regulatory Reform.

 

 

Swedzinski, Nornes, Anzelc, Gruenhagen, McElfatrick, Koenen and Hamilton introduced:

 

H. F. No. 2786, A bill for an act relating to local government aid; exempting certain cities from 2011 aid penalties.

 

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Taxes.

 

 

Hamilton; McNamara; Anderson, P.; Schomacker and Torkelson introduced:

 

H. F. No. 2787, A bill for an act relating to environment; modifying permit requirements for certain feedlots; amending Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 116.07, subdivision 7c.

 

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Environment, Energy and Natural Resources Policy and Finance.


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Peppin introduced:

 

H. F. No. 2788, A bill for an act relating to local government; providing for election of the two appointed members of the Three Rivers Park District; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 383B.68, subdivision 1, by adding a subdivision; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 383B.68, subdivisions 2, 3.

 

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Government Operations and Elections.

 

 

McDonald, Cornish, Kath, Kriesel, Fritz, Mariani, Gruenhagen and Smith introduced:

 

H. F. No. 2789, A bill for an act relating to public safety; amending the definitions of drug paraphernalia and methamphetamine paraphernalia; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 152.01, subdivision 18; 152.137, subdivision 1.

 

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Public Safety and Crime Prevention Policy and Finance.

 

 

Bills; Benson, J.; Myhra; Pelowski; Fabian; Ward; Garofalo; Carlson; Woodard; Greiling; Slawik and Downey introduced:

 

H. F. No. 2790, A bill for an act relating to education; creating education boards; allowing school boards to reorganize as education boards; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 123B.045; Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 124D.10, subdivisions 3, 8, 17; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 123A.

 

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Education Reform.

 

 

Vogel; Benson, M.; Ward; LeMieur; Persell; Schomacker; Swedzinski and Gunther introduced:

 

H. F. No. 2791, A bill for an act relating to cultural heritage; appropriating money for Let's Go Fishing.

 

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Environment, Energy and Natural Resources Policy and Finance.

 

 

Doepke; Benson, J., and Smith introduced:

 

H. F. No. 2792, A bill for an act relating to education; authorizing a lease levy for administrative space for Independent School District No. 284, Wayzata.

 

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Education Finance.

 

 

Shimanski, Beard and Hausman introduced:

 

H. F. No. 2793, A bill for an act relating to transportation; traffic regulations; allowing vehicle combination to transport property and equipment; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 169.81, subdivision 3.

 

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Transportation Policy and Finance.


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Atkins and Hoppe introduced:

 

H. F. No. 2794, A bill for an act relating to insurance; requiring refund of premiums paid on life insurance policies in certain circumstances; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 61A.

 

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Commerce and Regulatory Reform.

 

 

Hoppe introduced:

 

H. F. No. 2795, A bill for an act relating to horse racing; medication; providing for certain regulatory threshold concentrations to be set by the commission; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 240.24, subdivision 2.

 

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Commerce and Regulatory Reform.

 

 

Loon and Stensrud introduced:

 

H. F. No. 2796, A bill for an act relating to education; requiring the State High School League to arrange a requesting school's football schedule; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 128C.02, by adding a subdivision.

 

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Education Reform.

 

 

Barrett, Lohmer, Banaian, Crawford, Gruenhagen, Kiffmeyer, Dettmer, Runbeck, McDonald and McElfatrick introduced:

 

H. F. No. 2797, A bill for an act relating to health; requiring disclosure of certain hospital futility policies; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 144.

 

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Health and Human Services Reform.

 

 

McElfatrick introduced:

 

H. F. No. 2798, A bill for an act relating to local government; authorizing Itasca County to issue general obligation bonds for the county nursing home; amending Laws 2003, chapter 127, article 12, section 28.

 

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Taxes.

 

 

Slawik and Abeler introduced:

 

H. F. No. 2799, A bill for an act relating to human services; modifying child care provisions; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 119B.13, subdivision 3a; Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 119B.13, subdivision 7.

 

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Health and Human Services Finance.


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Hausman introduced:

 

H. F. No. 2800, A bill for an act relating to natural resources; imposing restrictions on permits to mine sulfide ore bodies; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 93.

 

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Environment, Energy and Natural Resources Policy and Finance.

 

 

Woodard introduced:

 

H. F. No. 2801, A bill for an act relating to education; clarifying accountability measures for certain charter school student populations; amending Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 124D.10, subdivision 10.

 

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Education Reform.

 

 

Kiel introduced:

 

H. F. No. 2802, A bill for an act relating to property taxation; allowing agricultural homestead classification when the homeowner lives off the farm due to flooding; amending Laws 2010, chapter 389, article 1, section 12.

 

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Taxes.

 

 

Johnson and Atkins introduced:

 

H. F. No. 2803, A bill for an act relating to wireless telecommunications; requiring wireless telecommunications service providers to alert customers whose usage approaches or exceeds their contract limit; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 325F.

 

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Commerce and Regulatory Reform.

 

 

Erickson introduced:

 

H. F. No. 2804, A bill for an act relating to natural resources; requiring report on management costs for certain fisheries; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 97C.

 

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Environment, Energy and Natural Resources Policy and Finance.

 

 

Erickson introduced:

 

H. F. No. 2805, A bill for an act relating to natural resources; applying open meeting law to certain treaty-related meetings; requiring aquatic invasive species report; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 97A.

 

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Environment, Energy and Natural Resources Policy and Finance.


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Torkelson introduced:

 

H. F. No. 2806, A bill for an act relating to clean water; appropriating money for clean water assistance grants; appropriating money for an Aquatic Invasive Species Cooperative Research Center; modifying prior appropriations; amending Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 2, article 3, section 2, subdivision 9.

 

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Environment, Energy and Natural Resources Policy and Finance.

 

 

Lesch and Ward introduced:

 

H. F. No. 2807, A bill for an act relating to education; requiring school district policies to address child sexual abuse; establishing an advisory task force on preventing child sexual abuse; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 121A.

 

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Education Reform.

 

 

Clark, Hornstein, Kahn, Allen, Wagenius, Davnie and Loeffler introduced:

 

H. F. No. 2808, A bill for an act relating to food safety; requiring labeling of genetically engineered food; providing criminal penalties; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 31.01, by adding a subdivision; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 31.

 

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development Policy and Finance.

 

 

Runbeck introduced:

 

H. F. No. 2809, A bill for an act relating to taxation; estate; modifying requirements for qualified farm and qualified small business property; amending Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 291.03, subdivisions 9, 10.

 

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Taxes.

 

 

Lanning; Morrow; Hamilton; Nelson; Davids; Lillie; Anderson, P., and Kriesel introduced:

 

H. F. No. 2810, A bill for an act relating to stadiums; providing for a new National Football League Stadium in Minnesota; establishing a Minnesota Stadium Authority; abolishing the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission; providing for use of certain local tax revenue; authorizing electronic pull-tabs and bingo; authorizing the sale and issuance of state appropriation bonds; appropriating money; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 3.971, subdivision 6; 3.9741, by adding a subdivision; 13.55, subdivision 1; 297A.71, by adding subdivisions; 297A.75, as amended; 349.12, subdivisions 3b, 3c, 5, 6a, 12a, 18, 25b, 25c, 25d, 29, 31, 32, by adding subdivisions; 349.13; 349.151, subdivisions 4b, 4c, by adding a subdivision; 349.161, subdivisions 1, 5; 349.162, subdivision 5; 349.163, subdivisions 1, 5, 6; 349.1635, subdivisions 2, 3, by adding a subdivision; 349.17, subdivisions 6, 7, 8, by adding a subdivision; 349.1721; 349.18, subdivision 1; 349.19, subdivisions 2, 3, 5, 10; 349.211, subdivision 1a; 352.01, subdivision 2a; 473.121, subdivision 5a; 473.164; 473.565, subdivision 1; Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, sections 10A.01, subdivision 35; 340A.404, subdivision 1; Laws 1986, chapter 396, sections 4, as amended; 5, as amended; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 16A; 297A; proposing coding for new law


Journal of the House - 84th Day - Monday, March 12, 2012 - Top of Page 6409

as Minnesota Statutes, chapter 473J; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 473.551; 473.552; 473.553, subdivisions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13; 473.556, subdivisions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17; 473.561; 473.564, subdivisions 2, 3; 473.572; 473.581; 473.592, subdivision 1; 473.595; 473.598; 473.599; 473.76.

 

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Commerce and Regulatory Reform.

 

 

Kieffer introduced:

 

H. F. No. 2811, A bill for an act relating to local government; authorizing the city of Woodbury to issue public debt.

 

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Taxes.

 

 

Simon introduced:

 

H. F. No. 2812, A bill for an act relating to alcohol; allowing an off-sale licensee to host monthly educational tasting events; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 340A.419, subdivision 2.

 

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Commerce and Regulatory Reform.

 

 

Rukavina and Banaian introduced:

 

H. F. No. 2813, A bill for an act relating to higher education; requiring that two members of the Board of Regents be university students; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 137.023.

 

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Higher Education Policy and Finance.

 

 

Mullery introduced:

 

H. F. No. 2814, A bill for an act relating to the judiciary; regulating the issuance of writs of mandamus; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 586.01.

 

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary Policy and Finance.

 

 

Davids introduced:

 

H. F. No. 2815, A bill for an act relating to property taxation; expanding the area of the Iron Range fiscal disparities program; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 276A.01, subdivision 2.

 

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Taxes.

 

 

Swedzinski introduced:

 

H. F. No. 2816, A bill for an act relating to natural resources; requiring state lands to be made available for grazing; requiring outdoor heritage fund projects to protect grazing lands; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 97A.056, by adding a subdivision; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 84.

 

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Environment, Energy and Natural Resources Policy and Finance.


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Davnie, Clark, Wagenius, Loeffler, Hilstrom and Hornstein introduced:

 

H. F. No. 2817, A bill for an act relating to real estate; prohibiting mortgage lenders or brokers from charging for services not performed or charges in excess of what was paid to a third party; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 47.

 

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Commerce and Regulatory Reform.

 

 

Davnie, Clark, Wagenius, Hilstrom and Hornstein introduced:

 

H. F. No. 2818, A bill for an act relating to real estate; requiring lender response to short sale requests; specifying consequences of nonresponse; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 47.

 

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Commerce and Regulatory Reform.

 

 

Clark, Loeffler and Hilstrom introduced:

 

H. F. No. 2819, A bill for an act relating to real estate; requiring transparency in mortgage loan modification criteria; amending Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 580.041, subdivision 2; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 47.

 

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Commerce and Regulatory Reform.

 

 

Loeffler, Clark and Hilstrom introduced:

 

H. F. No. 2820, A bill for an act relating to real estate; foreclosure forbearance for unemployed long-term homeowners; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 580.

 

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Commerce and Regulatory Reform.

 

 

Anderson, S., introduced:

 

H. F. No. 2821, A bill for an act relating to redistricting; adjusting the house of representatives district boundaries within senate districts 39 and 49; repealing obsolete district descriptions; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 2; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 2.444; 2.484.

 

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Redistricting.

 

 

Mullery, Clark and Hilstrom introduced:

 

H. F. No. 2822, A bill for an act relating to real estate; providing a process for requesting mortgage loan modifications and for responses by lenders; proposing coding for new law as Minnesota Statutes, chapter 584.

 

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Commerce and Regulatory Reform.


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Mullery, Clark, Loeffler, Davnie, Hilstrom, Hilty, Mariani, Ward, Tillberry, Norton, Wagenius, Liebling, Hornstein, Mahoney and Knuth introduced:

 

H. F. No. 2823, A bill for an act relating to real estate; enacting the Supporting Responsible Homeowners and Stabilizing Neighborhoods Act; providing homeowner opportunities in regard to underwater mortgage loans and foreclosure relief on residential homestead property; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 580.02; Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 580.041, subdivision 2; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 47; 580; proposing coding for new law as Minnesota Statutes, chapter 584.

 

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Commerce and Regulatory Reform.

 

 

MESSAGES FROM THE SENATE

 

 

      The following message was received from the Senate:

 

 

Mr. Speaker:

 

      I hereby announce the passage by the Senate of the following Senate File, herewith transmitted:

 

      S. F. No. 1567.

 

Cal R. Ludeman, Secretary of the Senate

 

 

FIRST READING OF SENATE BILLS

 

 

S. F. No. 1567, A bill for an act relating to environment; providing for permitting efficiency; modifying environmental review requirements; modifying requirements for water supply plans; modifying terms for certain permits; appropriating money; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 41A.10, subdivision 1; 84.027, by adding a subdivision; 103G.291, subdivisions 3, 4; 115.03, by adding a subdivision; 116.07, subdivision 4a, by adding a subdivision; 116D.04, by adding a subdivision; 116J.03, by adding subdivisions; 116J.035, by adding a subdivision; Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, sections 84.027, subdivision 14a; 116.03, subdivision 2b; 116D.04, subdivision 2a; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 103G.291, subdivision 4.

 

The bill was read for the first time.

 

Fabian moved that S. F. No. 1567 and H. F. No. 2095, now on the General Register, be referred to the Chief Clerk for comparison.  The motion prevailed.

 

 

CALENDAR FOR THE DAY

 

 

      Dean moved that the Calendar for the Day be continued.  The motion prevailed.


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MOTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS

 

 

      Anderson, S., moved that the name of Gruenhagen be added as an author on H. F. No. 255.  The motion prevailed.

 

      Fritz moved that the name of Nornes be added as an author on H. F. No. 285.  The motion prevailed.

 

      Hamilton moved that the name of Buesgens be added as an author on H. F. No. 383.  The motion prevailed.

 

      Knuth moved that the name of Hortman be added as an author on H. F. No. 1619.  The motion prevailed.

 

      Hansen moved that the name of Hortman be added as an author on H. F. No. 1780.  The motion prevailed.

 

      Lohmer moved that the name of Buesgens be added as an author on H. F. No. 1841.  The motion prevailed.

 

      Cornish moved that the name of Hortman be added as an author on H. F. No. 1906.  The motion prevailed.

 

      Wagenius moved that the name of Kahn be added as an author on H. F. No. 1963.  The motion prevailed.

 

      McElfatrick moved that the name of LeMieur be added as an author on H. F. No. 1982.  The motion prevailed.

 

      Kahn moved that the name of Hortman be added as an author on H. F. No. 2055.  The motion prevailed.

 

      Dittrich moved that the name of Hortman be added as an author on H. F. No. 2075.  The motion prevailed.

 

      Dittrich moved that the name of Hortman be added as an author on H. F. No. 2076.  The motion prevailed.

 

      Dittrich moved that the name of Hortman be added as an author on H. F. No. 2077.  The motion prevailed.

 

      Garofalo moved that the name of Myhra be added as an author on H. F. No. 2083.  The motion prevailed.

 

      Myhra moved that the name of Mariani be added as an author on H. F. No. 2127.  The motion prevailed.

 

      Vogel moved that the name of Erickson be added as an author on H. F. No. 2152.  The motion prevailed.

 

      Beard moved that the name of Vogel be added as an author on H. F. No. 2190.  The motion prevailed.

 

      Simon moved that the name of Hortman be added as an author on H. F. No. 2233.  The motion prevailed.

 

      Knuth moved that the name of Hortman be added as an author on H. F. No. 2317.  The motion prevailed.

 

      Nelson moved that the name of Hortman be added as an author on H. F. No. 2357.  The motion prevailed.

 

      Kath moved that the name of Hortman be added as an author on H. F. No. 2385.  The motion prevailed.

 

      Slawik moved that the name of Johnson be added as an author on H. F. No. 2477.  The motion prevailed.

 

      Hausman moved that the name of Hortman be added as an author on H. F. No. 2642.  The motion prevailed.

 

      Winkler moved that the name of Hortman be added as an author on H. F. No. 2657.  The motion prevailed.


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      Morrow moved that the name of Hortman be added as an author on H. F. No. 2659.  The motion prevailed.

 

      Kriesel moved that the name of Slocum be added as an author on H. F. No. 2706.  The motion prevailed.

 

      Lenczewski moved that the name of Slocum be added as an author on H. F. No. 2707.  The motion prevailed.

 

      Murdock moved that the name of Swedzinski be added as chief author on H. F. No. 2736.  The motion prevailed.

 

      Murphy, E., moved that the names of Mariani, Persell, Greene and Slocum be added as authors on H. F. No. 2737.  The motion prevailed.

 

      Loon moved that the name of Slocum be added as an author on H. F. No. 2745.  The motion prevailed.

 

      Abeler moved that the name of Howes be added as an author on H. F. No. 2750.  The motion prevailed.

 

      Howes moved that the name of Hortman be added as an author on H. F. No. 2754.  The motion prevailed.

 

      Gottwalt moved that his name be stricken as an author on H. F. No. 2755.  The motion prevailed.

 

      Loeffler moved that the name of Liebling be added as an author on H. F. No. 2755.  The motion prevailed.

 

      Abeler moved that the name of Slocum be added as an author on H. F. No. 2757.  The motion prevailed.

 

      Downey moved that the name of Runbeck be added as an author on H. F. No. 2758.  The motion prevailed.

 

      Mariani moved that H. F. No. 2727 be recalled from the Committee on Rules and Legislative Administration and be re-referred to the Committee on Education Reform.  The motion prevailed.

 

      Kieffer moved that H. F. No. 2043 be returned to its author.  The motion prevailed.

 

      Kieffer moved that H. F. No. 2165 be returned to its author.  The motion prevailed.

 

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

      Dean moved that when the House adjourns today it adjourn until 12:00 noon, Tuesday, March 13, 2012.  The motion prevailed.

 

      Dean moved that the House adjourn.  The motion prevailed, and the Speaker declared the House stands adjourned until 12:00 noon, Tuesday, March 13, 2012.

 

 

Albin A. Mathiowetz, Chief Clerk, House of Representatives


 


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