Journal of the House - 71st Day - Monday, March 8, 2010 - Top of Page 8167

STATE OF MINNESOTA

 

Journal of the House

 

EIGHTY-SIXTH SESSION - 2010

 

_____________________

 

SEVENTY-FIRST DAY

 

Saint Paul, Minnesota, Monday, March 8, 2010

 

 

      The House of Representatives convened at 1:00 p.m. and was called to order by Margaret Anderson Kelliher, Speaker of the House.

 

      Prayer was offered by the Reverend Jon Ellefson (Retired), Rosemount, 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

Anderson, B.

Anderson, P.

Anderson, S.

Anzelc

Atkins

Beard

Benson

Bigham

Bly

Brod

Brown

Brynaert

Buesgens

Bunn

Carlson

Champion

Clark

Cornish

Davids

Davnie

Dean

Demmer

Dettmer

Dill

Dittrich

Doepke

Doty

Downey

Drazkowski

Eastlund

Eken

Emmer

Falk

Faust

Fritz

Gardner

Garofalo

Gottwalt

Greiling

Gunther

Hackbarth

Hamilton

Hansen

Hausman

Haws

Hayden

Hilstrom

Hilty

Holberg

Hoppe

Hornstein

Hortman

Hosch

Howes

Huntley

Jackson

Johnson

Juhnke

Kahn

Kalin

Kath

Kelly

Kiffmeyer

Knuth

Koenen

Kohls

Laine

Lanning

Lenczewski

Lesch

Liebling

Lieder

Lillie

Loeffler

Loon

Mack

Magnus

Mahoney

Mariani

Marquart

Masin

McFarlane

McNamara

Morgan

Morrow

Mullery

Murdock

Murphy, E.

Murphy, M.

Nelson

Newton

Nornes

Norton

Obermueller

Olin

Otremba

Paymar

Pelowski

Peppin

Persell

Peterson

Poppe

Reinert

Rosenthal

Rukavina

Ruud

Sailer

Sanders

Scalze

Scott

Seifert

Sertich

Severson

Shimanski

Simon

Slawik

Slocum

Smith

Solberg

Sterner

Swails

Thao

Thissen

Tillberry

Torkelson

Urdahl

Wagenius

Ward

Welti

Winkler

Zellers

Spk. Kelliher


 

      A quorum was present.

 

      Westrom was excused.

 

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


Journal of the House - 71st Day - Monday, March 8, 2010 - Top of Page 8168

PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS

 

 

      The following communication was received:

 

 

STATE OF MINNESOTA

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE

ST. PAUL 55155

 

 

The Honorable Margaret Anderson Kelliher

Speaker of the House of Representatives

 

The Honorable James P. Metzen

President of the Senate

 

      I have the honor to inform you that the following enrolled Act of the 2010 Session of the State Legislature has been received from the Office of the Governor and is deposited in the Office of the Secretary of State for preservation, pursuant to the State Constitution, Article IV, Section 23:

 

 

S. F.

No.

 

H. F.

No.

 

Session Laws

Chapter No.

Time and

Date Approved

2010

 

Date Filed

2010

 

      2251                                               184                                     9:10 a.m. March 3                                 March 3

 

 

                                                                                                                                Sincerely,

 

                                                                                                                                Mark Ritchie

                                                                                                                                Secretary of State

 

 

REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES AND DIVISIONS

 

 

Pelowski from the Committee on State and Local Government Operations Reform, Technology and Elections to which was referred:

 

H. F. No. 224, A bill for an act relating to judicial selection; proposing an amendment to the Minnesota Constitution, article VI, sections 7 and 8; establishing retention elections for judges; creating a judicial performance commission; amending Minnesota Statutes 2008, sections 10A.01, subdivisions 7, 10, 15; 204B.06, subdivision 6; 204B.34, subdivision 3; 204B.36, subdivision 4; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 204D; 480B; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2008, sections 204B.36, subdivision 5; 204D.14, subdivision 3.

 

Reported the same back with the following amendments:


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Delete everything after the enacting clause and insert:

 

"ARTICLE 1

 

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT

 

Section 1.  CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT PROPOSED. 

 

An amendment to the Minnesota Constitution is proposed to the people.  If the amendment is adopted, article VI, section 7, will read:

 

The term of office of all judges shall be six years and until their successors are qualified.  They Following appointment by the governor, each judge shall initially hold office for a term ending the first Monday of January following the next regularly scheduled general election held more than three years after the appointment.  Thereafter, the judge's term of office shall be eight years and until a successor is appointed and qualified.  Judges' retention shall be elected determined by the voters from the area which they are to serve, in the manner provided by law.  An independent judicial performance commission shall evaluate in a nonpartisan manner the performance of judges according to criteria that the commission develops and publishes, and any such other criteria as may be established by law.

 

article VI, section 8, will read:

 

Whenever there is a vacancy in the office of judge, the governor shall appoint in the manner provided by law a qualified person to fill the vacancy until a successor is elected and qualified.  The successor shall be elected for a six year term at the next general election occurring more than one year after the appointment.

 

Sec. 2.  SUBMISSION TO VOTERS. 

 

The proposed amendment must be submitted to the people at the 2010 general election.  The question submitted must be:

 

"Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to reaffirm the impartiality of the judiciary by providing that all judges be appointed by the governor, with their continuation in office determined at a retention election after a public, nonpartisan evaluation of their performance by a judicial performance commission rather than be determined under the current system of contested elections?

                                                                                          Yes .......

                                                                                          No ......."

 

Sec. 3.  TRANSITION. 

 

Any judge currently seated or elected at the time the constitutional amendment provided in section 1 is adopted shall complete the remainder of the judge's term as it existed before adoption of the amendment.  A judge who is elected at the 2010 general election will serve a term of six years.  Following completion of their terms, these judges are subject to the retention election process as provided in the constitution and may file for retention following the procedures described in article 2.

 

ARTICLE 2

 

STATUTORY PROVISIONS

 

Section 1.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 10A.01, subdivision 7, is amended to read:


Journal of the House - 71st Day - Monday, March 8, 2010 - Top of Page 8170

Subd. 7.  Ballot question.  "Ballot question" means a question or proposition that is placed on the ballot and that may be voted on by all voters of the state. "Promoting or defeating a ballot question" includes activities, other than lobbying activities, related to qualifying the question for placement on the ballot.  A ballot question does not include a judicial retention election.

 

Sec. 2.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 10A.01, subdivision 10, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 10.  Candidate.  "Candidate" means an individual who seeks nomination or election as a state constitutional officer, or legislator, or judge retention in a judicial office.  An individual is deemed to seek nomination or election if the individual has taken the action necessary under the law of this state to qualify for nomination or election, has received contributions or made expenditures in excess of $100, or has given implicit or explicit consent for any other person to receive contributions or make expenditures in excess of $100, for the purpose of bringing about the individual's nomination or election.  A candidate remains a candidate until the candidate's principal campaign committee is dissolved as provided in section 10A.24.

 

Sec. 3.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 10A.01, subdivision 15, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 15.  Election.  "Election" means a primary, special primary, general, or special, or retention election.

 

Sec. 4.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 10A.14, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  First registration.  The treasurer of a political committee, political fund, principal campaign committee, or party unit must register with the board by filing a statement of organization no later than within the earlier of:

 

(1) 14 days after the committee, fund, or party unit has made a contribution, received contributions, or made expenditures in excess of $100, or by;

 

(2) 72 hours after the committee, fund, or party unit has made a contribution, received contributions, or made expenditures in excess of $100, if the contribution or expenditure was made to advocate the retention or defeat of a candidate for judicial office; or

 

(3) the end of the next business day after it has received a loan or contribution that must be reported under section 10A.20, subdivision 5, whichever is earlier.

 

Sec. 5.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 10A.20, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2.  Time for filing.  (a) The reports must be filed with the board on or before January 31 of each year and additional reports must be filed as required and in accordance with paragraphs (b) and (c) to (d).

 

(b) In each year in which the name of the candidate is on the ballot, the report of the principal campaign committee must be filed 15 days before a primary and ten days before a general election, seven days before a special primary and a special election, and ten days after a special election cycle.

 

(c) In each general election year, a political committee, political fund, or party unit must file reports 15 days before a primary and ten days before a general election.

 

(d) In each general election year in which a political committee, political fund, or party unit makes expenditures that, in the aggregate, exceed $100 to advocate the retention or defeat of a candidate for judicial office, reports must be filed 90 days, 60 days, and 30 days before the retention election.


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Sec. 6.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 10A.20, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 6c.  Independent expenditures; judicial retention.  (a) An individual, corporation, association, political committee, political party unit, or political fund must file a report with the board each time the individual, corporation, association, political committee, political party unit, or political fund makes or contracts to make, at any time up to and including the 20th day before an election, independent expenditures in an aggregate amount in excess of $1,000 to advocate the retention or defeat of a candidate for judicial office.  The report must be filed within 48 hours after initially making or contracting to make the expenditures.  An additional report must be filed within 48 hours after each time an independent expenditure in an aggregate amount in excess of $1,000 is made or contracted to be made, up to and including the 20th day before a retention election.  The report must include the information required to be reported under subdivision 3, paragraph (g), except that if the expenditure is reported at the time it is contracted, the report must include the contract amount.

 

(b) An individual, political committee, political party unit, or political fund must file a report with the board each time the individual, political committee, political party unit, or political fund makes or contracts to make, between the 19th day and the last day before an election, an independent expenditure in an aggregate amount in excess of $100 to advocate the retention or defeat of a candidate for judicial office.  The report must be filed within 24 hours after initially making or contracting to make such expenditures.  An additional report must be filed within 24 hours after making or contracting to make an independent expenditure in an aggregate amount in excess of $100 at any time up to and including the 20th day before a retention election.  The report must include the information required to be reported under subdivision 3, paragraph (g), except that if the expenditure is reported at the time it is contracted, the report must include the contract amount.

 

(c) An individual, corporation, association, political committee, political party unit, or political fund that must file a report under this subdivision must also provide a copy of the report to the candidate, by certified mail, sent within the time period required for filing that same report with the board as provided in paragraphs (a) and (b).

 

Sec. 7.  [13.95] INDEPENDENT JUDICIAL PERFORMANCE COMMISSION. 

 

Data of the Independent Judicial Performance Commission is classified and governed as provided in section 480B.02.

 

Sec. 8.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 204B.06, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 6.  Judicial retention candidates; designation of term office.  An individual A justice or judge who files as a retention candidate for the office of chief justice or associate justice of the Supreme Court, judge of the Court of Appeals, or judge of the district court shall state in the affidavit of candidacy the office of the particular justice or judge for which the individual is a retention candidate.  The individual shall be a retention candidate only for the office identified in the affidavit.  Each justice of the Supreme Court and each Court of Appeals and district court judge is deemed to hold a separate nonpartisan office.

 

Sec. 9.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 204B.11, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Amount; dishonored checks; consequences.  Except as provided by subdivision 2, a filing fee shall be paid by each candidate who files an affidavit of candidacy.  The fee shall be paid at the time the affidavit is filed.  The amount of the filing fee shall vary with the office sought as follows:

 

(a) (1) for the office of governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, state auditor, secretary of state, or representative in Congress, $300;


Journal of the House - 71st Day - Monday, March 8, 2010 - Top of Page 8172

(2) for judge of the Supreme Court, judge of the Court of Appeals, or judge of the district court, $300, plus a judicial performance evaluation fee, to be sent to the judicial performance evaluation fee account established in section 480B.06, subdivision 2, of $.......;

 

(b) (3) for the office of senator in Congress, $400;

 

(c) (4) for office of senator or representative in the legislature, $100;

 

(d) (5) for a county office, $50; and

 

(e) (6) for the office of soil and water conservation district supervisor, $20.

 

For the office of presidential elector, and for those offices for which no compensation is provided, no filing fee is required.

 

The filing fees received by the county auditor shall immediately be paid to the county treasurer.  The filing fees received by the secretary of state shall immediately be paid to the commissioner of management and budget.

 

When an affidavit of candidacy has been filed with the appropriate filing officer and the requisite filing fee has been paid, the filing fee shall not be refunded.  If a candidate's filing fee is paid with a check, draft, or similar negotiable instrument for which sufficient funds are not available or that is dishonored, notice to the candidate of the worthless instrument must be sent by the filing officer via registered mail no later than immediately upon the closing of the filing deadline with return receipt requested.  The candidate will have five days from the time the filing officer receives proof of receipt to issue a check or other instrument for which sufficient funds are available.  The candidate issuing the worthless instrument is liable for a service charge pursuant to section 604.113.  If adequate payment is not made, the name of the candidate must not appear on any official ballot and the candidate is liable for all costs incurred by election officials in removing the name from the ballot.

 

Sec. 10.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 204B.34, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 3.  Judicial elections.  When one or more justices of the Supreme Court or judges of the Court of Appeals or of a district court are to be nominated at the same primary or elected at the same general election have filed for retention election, the notice of election shall state the name of each justice or judge whose successor is to be nominated or elected seeking retention.

 

Sec. 11.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 204B.36, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 4.  Judicial retention candidates.  The official ballot shall contain the names of all candidates for each judicial office and shall state the number of those candidates for whom a voter may vote. (a) The official ballot shall contain the names of all justices or judges seeking to retain their office.  Each seat for an associate justice, associate judge, or judge of the district court must be numbered.  The words "SUPREME COURT," "COURT OF APPEALS," and "(number) DISTRICT COURT" must be printed above the respective judicial office groups on the ballot.  The title of each judicial office shall be printed on the official primary and general election ballot as follows:

 

(a) (1) in the case of the Supreme Court:

 

"Chief justice";

 

"Associate justice (number)";

 

(b) (2) in the case of the Court of Appeals:


Journal of the House - 71st Day - Monday, March 8, 2010 - Top of Page 8173

"Judge (number)"; or

 

(c) (3) in the case of the district court:

 

"Judge (number)."

 

(b) A judicial retention election shall be placed on the ballot as a question, as provided in subdivision 3.  The question shall appear in substantially the following form:  "Shall ..... (name of judge) of the ..... (district court, Court of Appeals, or Supreme Court) be retained in office?"

 

Sec. 12.  [204D.30] RETENTION OF JUDGES. 

 

(a) Within the time period established by section 204B.09, a judge seeking to retain judicial office shall file an affidavit of candidacy with the secretary of state.  Judges who have filed an affidavit of candidacy as provided in this section must be placed on the appropriate official ballot at the next regular general election under a nonpartisan designation in the form provided in section 204B.36, subdivision 4.

 

(b) If a majority of those voting on the question votes "No," then upon the expiration of the term for which the judge was serving, a vacancy exists, which must be filled as provided by law.  If a majority of those voting on the question votes "Yes," the judge shall remain in office for an eight-year term, subject to removal as provided by the Minnesota Constitution.  A judge who loses a retention election is ineligible to be appointed to fill the resulting vacancy.

 

(c) A judge seeking to retain judicial office is considered a candidate for election to that office.  A judicial retention election is not a ballot question for the purposes of Minnesota Election Law.

 

Sec. 13.  [480B.02] INDEPENDENT JUDICIAL PERFORMANCE COMMISSION. 

 

Subdivision 1.  Establishment.  An Independent Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission is established and shall be an independent body not subject to the direct control of any branch of government.

 

Subd. 2.  Purpose of commission.  After public hearings, the commission shall adopt and administer for all judges a process for evaluating judicial performance.  The performance review process must be designed to assist voters in evaluating the performance of judges standing for retention, facilitate self-improvement of all judges, and promote public accountability of the judiciary.

 

Subd. 3.  Composition; appointment of commission members.  (a) The commission is comprised of 24 members.  All members of the commission must be residents of Minnesota at the time of their appointment and for the duration of their term.  Sitting judges and public officials, as defined in section 10A.01, subdivision 35, may not be appointed or serve on the commission.  Members of the commission who are attorneys at the time of their appointment must have been admitted to practice before the Minnesota Supreme Court for not less than five years.  Members of the commission are eligible for reappointment up to two additional full terms.

 

(b) Members of the commission must be appointed and serve as follows:

 

(1) the governor shall appoint a total of eight members, no more than four of whom may be attorneys at the time of their appointment.  Gubernatorial appointees serve on the commission until the governor who made the appointment leaves office or for a term of four years, whichever comes first;


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(2) the Supreme Court shall appoint a total of eight members.  The court shall designate one of the appointees to serve as chair of the commission.  No more than four of the appointees may be attorneys at the time of their appointment.  The Supreme Court's appointees serve on the commission for a four-year term; and

 

(3) the legislature shall appoint a total of eight members, no more than four of whom may be attorneys at the time of their appointment.  Legislative appointments must be made sequentially as follows:  the speaker of the house shall appoint one member, the majority leader of the senate shall appoint one member, the minority leader of the house of representatives shall appoint one member, and the minority leader of the senate shall appoint one member.  After each legislative leader has made one appointment as provided in this clause, a second round of appointments must be made in the same sequence.  Legislative appointees serve on the commission for a two-year term.

 

In the case of a vacancy on the commission, the authority who appointed the member whose seat has become vacant shall appoint a person to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the unexpired term.

 

(c) In making appointments, the governor, Supreme Court, and legislative leaders must consider the diversity of the state's population, as well as the importance of balanced geographic representation, and appoint individuals of outstanding competence and reputation.  The governor, Supreme Court, and legislative leaders should consult with one another to ensure the requirements of this paragraph are met.

 

(d) Members shall perform their duties in an impartial and objective manner and shall base their recommendations solely upon matters that are in the record developed by the commission.  A member who violates this paragraph may be removed from the commission by majority vote of the commission's membership.

 

(e) A member may be removed by the appointing authority at any time for cause, after notice and hearing, or after missing three consecutive meetings.  After a member misses two consecutive meetings and before the next meeting, the secretary of the commission shall notify the member in writing that the member may be removed if the member misses the next meeting.  The chair of the commission shall inform the appointing authority if a member misses three consecutive meetings.

 

(f) Commission members shall serve without compensation and may not be reimbursed for expenses associated with their work on the commission.

 

(g) The commission shall appoint an executive secretary to provide administrative assistance and coordinate the work of the commission.

 

Subd. 4.  Meetings and data.  Meetings of the Independent Judicial Performance Commission are subject to the requirements of chapter 13D, except that a meeting held to evaluate the performance of a judge may only be closed to discuss issues related to the judge's health or allegations against the judge that may be defamatory in nature.  The commission is subject to the requirements of chapter 13.  Except as otherwise provided in this section, data of the commission are public data pursuant to section 13.03, subdivision 1.

 

Subd. 5.  Standards and procedures.  (a) The Independent Judicial Performance Commission shall develop written standards, subject to approval of the Supreme Court in their entirety, by which judicial performance is to be evaluated.  The standards must be periodically updated and must include knowledge of the law, procedure, integrity, impartiality, temperament, respect for litigants, respect for the rule of law, administrative skill, punctuality, and communication skills.  The commission may not evaluate judicial performance based on substantive legal issues or opinions subject to standard appellate processes.

 

(b) The commission shall adopt procedures for collecting information and conducting reviews and shall create and implement a program of periodic review of the performance of each judge.  The commission must request public comment on these procedures prior to their adoption.


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Subd. 6.  Surveys.  (a) Midway through a judge's term and again no fewer than nine months before the date of the election for retention of the judge's position, the commission must distribute anonymous survey forms eliciting performance evaluations of the judge to a representative sampling of attorneys, litigants, other judges, and other persons who have been in direct contact with the judge being evaluated and who have direct knowledge of the judge's judicial performance during the evaluation period.

 

(b) The commission must employ or contract with qualified individuals to prepare survey forms, process responses, and compile the statistical reports of the survey results in a manner that ensures confidentiality and accuracy.

 

(c) Each survey conducted must seek evaluations in accordance with the written performance standards adopted as provided in paragraph (a) and must solicit narrative comments regarding the judge's performance.  Narrative comments contained in a survey response are private data on the judge, as defined in section 13.02, subdivision 12.  Other data on an individual who completes or responds to a survey form are private data on that individual.

 

Subd. 7.  Midterm evaluation.  The commission shall evaluate each judge halfway through the judge's term, as nearly as practicable, to provide feedback to the judge about the judge's performance and to give the judge an opportunity for improvement.  The commission shall adopt procedures for conducting the midterm evaluation.

 

Subd. 8.  Retention-year evaluation.  (a) In each year in which a judge has the opportunity to file as a candidate for retention, the Independent Judicial Performance Commission must conduct a final evaluation of the judge and determine whether the judge meets or does not meet judicial performance standards.  Upon completion of the evaluation, the commission must rate the judge "well-qualified," "qualified," or "unqualified" for office.  A rating of "unqualified" does not prohibit a judge from seeking retention by the voters.

 

(b) The final evaluation of a judge must include a public hearing and an opportunity for submission of written public comments on the performance of a judge standing for retention.  Prior to accepting public comment and conducting a hearing, the commission must notify each judge to be evaluated of the process for conducting the evaluation and the right of the judge to submit written comments and appear in person at the hearing.  The hearing and evaluation may be conducted by a panel of commission members, as provided in subdivision 9.

 

(c) A judge who does not intend to seek retention may waive the final evaluation process by providing written notice to the commission affirming the judge's intention to not file as a retention candidate for the judge's current office.  If a judge waives the final evaluation under this paragraph, the judge is not eligible to file an affidavit of candidacy for the office and is not eligible to be appointed to fill the resulting vacancy.

 

Subd. 9.  Evaluation panels; review by full commission.  (a) The evaluation of a judge may be conducted by an evaluation panel.  An evaluation panel is comprised of five members, including at least one member appointed by each branch of government, but otherwise chosen randomly.  A panel must report its results to the full commission.  The full commission shall review a panel's evaluation if the panel rates a judge unqualified, or if one panelist or three members of the commission request a review within 15 days after the panel makes its report.  The commission may overturn a panel's rating.  If a panel's report and rating is not reviewed, the determination of the panel is final.  Decisions of an evaluation panel or the full commission regarding a judge's performance are not subject to judicial review.

 

(b) If an evaluation is reviewed by the full commission, the commission shall provide written notice to the affected judge.  The judge has the right to submit written comments to the commission and to appear and be heard by the commission prior to a final vote of the commission members regarding the judge's performance.

 

Subd. 10.  Publication of evaluation results.  Following the final evaluation of a judge, the commission shall compile a factual report on the judicial performance of each judge intending to stand for retention, including the final rating assigned to the judge's performance.  The report must be made available to the public at least one month before the time period established in section 204B.09 for filing an affidavit of candidacy with the secretary of state.


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Sec. 14.  [480B.03] JUDICIAL RETENTION ELECTIONS. 

 

Judicial retention elections must be conducted consistent with the procedures established by law for the administration of state general elections.  Judges standing for retention must be placed on the ballot as provided in section 204D.30.

 

Sec. 15.  [480B.04] REQUIREMENTS FOR SERVICE ON COMMISSIONS. 

 

Subdivision 1.  Service on multiple commissions prohibited.  A person may not simultaneously serve on more than one commission established under this chapter.

 

Subd. 2.  Service until appointment of successors.  Members of commissions established under this chapter continue to serve until their successors have been appointed and qualified.

 

Sec. 16.  [480B.05] TELEPHONIC OR ELECTRONIC PARTICIPATION IN MEETINGS. 

 

(a) If compliance with section 13D.02 is impractical, any of the commissions established under this chapter may conduct a meeting of its members by telephonic or other electronic means, so long as the following conditions are met:

 

(1) all members of the commission participating in the meeting, wherever their physical location, can hear one another and can hear all discussion and testimony;

 

(2) all members of the public present at the regular meeting location can clearly hear all discussion and testimony and all votes of members;

 

(3) at least one member of the commission is physically present at the regular meeting location; and

 

(4) all votes committing funds, finalizing recommendations, and approving contracts are conducted by roll call, so each member's vote on each issue can be identified and recorded.

 

(b) Each member of the commission participating in a meeting by telephonic or other electronic means is considered present at the meeting for purposes of determining a quorum and participating in all proceedings.  If telephonic or other electronic means are used to conduct a meeting, the commission, to the extent practical, shall allow a person to monitor the meeting electronically from a remote location.  The commission may require the person making the connection to pay for documented marginal costs that the commission incurs as a result of the additional connection.  If telephonic or other electronic means are used to conduct a regular, special, or emergency meeting, the commission shall provide notice of the regular meeting location, of the fact that some members may participate by telephonic or other electronic means, and of whether and how a person may monitor the meeting electronically from a remote location.  The timing and method of providing notice is governed by section 13D.04.

 

Sec. 17.  [480B.06] JUDICIAL PERFORMANCE EVALUATION; FEE. 

 

Subdivision 1.  Authorization.  The Supreme Court, through the Lawyer Registration Office, may assess a judicial performance evaluation fee on each licensed attorney in the state.  If imposed, the fee must not exceed $....... and may only apply to attorneys actively engaged in the practice of law.

 

Subd. 2.  Creation of account.  The Judicial Performance Evaluation Fee Account is created in the special revenue fund.  The state court administrator shall forward fees collected under subdivision 1 to the commissioner of finance who shall deposit them in the state treasury and credit them to this account.  Money in the account is appropriated to the Independent Judicial Performance Commission.


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Sec. 18.  INDEPENDENT JUDICIAL PERFORMANCE COMMISSION; FIRST MEETING; TRANSITION. 

 

(a) Initial appointments must be made to the Independent Judicial Performance Commission on July 1, 2011.

 

(b) Initial appointees shall serve for a term ending January 15, 2013, and may be considered for reappointment as provided in this article at that time.  The chair of the commission must convene the first full meeting of the commission no later than August 1, 2011, and appoint a secretary for the commission at the first meeting.

 

(c) The commission is only required to conduct a final retention-year evaluation of each judge whose term expires on or before January 5, 2015, but may conduct an initial evaluation of these judges to provide an opportunity for improvement if the commission determines that it is prepared and equipped to do so.  Judges whose terms expire after January 5, 2015, are subject to both the midterm and final retention-year evaluations required by this article.

 

Sec. 19.  REPEALER. 

 

Minnesota Statutes 2008, sections 204B.36, subdivision 5; and 204D.14, subdivision 3, are repealed.

 

Sec. 20.  EFFECTIVE DATE. 

 

This article is effective July 1, 2011, if the constitutional amendment in article 1 is adopted.  However, if the constitutional amendment is adopted, the governor and Supreme Court may immediately undertake any procedure necessary to consider and select potential appointees."

 

Delete the title and insert:

 

"A bill for an act relating to judicial selection; proposing an amendment to the Minnesota Constitution, article VI, sections 7 and 8; establishing retention elections for judges; creating an independent judicial performance commission; amending Minnesota Statutes 2008, sections 10A.01, subdivisions 7, 10, 15; 10A.14, subdivision 1; 10A.20, subdivision 2, by adding a subdivision; 204B.06, subdivision 6; 204B.11, subdivision 1; 204B.34, subdivision 3; 204B.36, subdivision 4; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 13; 204D; 480B; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2008, sections 204B.36, subdivision 5; 204D.14, subdivision 3."

 

 

With the recommendation that when so amended the bill pass and be re-referred to the Committee on Civil Justice.

 

      The report was adopted.

 

 

Mullery from the Committee on Civil Justice to which was referred:

 

H. F. No. 1182, A bill for an act relating to eminent domain; clarifying use of eminent domain authority by public service corporations; amending Minnesota Statutes 2008, sections 117.225; 216E.03, subdivision 7; Minnesota Statutes 2009 Supplement, section 117.189.

 

Reported the same back with the following amendments:

 

Page 3, line 35, before "publicly" insert "and"


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Page 3, line 36, after "corridors" insert "to the extent such consideration does not increase impacts on home or business"

 

 

With the recommendation that when so amended the bill pass.

 

      The report was adopted.

 

 

Pelowski from the Committee on State and Local Government Operations Reform, Technology and Elections to which was referred:

 

H. F. No. 1395, A bill for an act relating to real property; modifying procedures relating to uses and conveyances of tax-forfeited property; amending Minnesota Statutes 2008, sections 282.01, subdivisions 1, 1a, 1c, 1d, 2, 3, 4, 7, 7a, by adding a subdivision; 287.2205; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 282.01, subdivisions 1b, 9, 10, 11.

 

Reported the same back with the following amendments:

 

Delete everything after the enacting clause and insert:

 

"Section 1.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 282.01, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Classification as conservation or nonconservation.  It is the general policy of this state to encourage the best use of tax-forfeited lands, recognizing (a) When acting on behalf of the state under laws allowing the county board to classify and manage tax-forfeited lands held by the state in trust for the local units as provided in section 281.25, the county board has the discretion to decide that some lands in public ownership should be retained and managed for public benefits while other lands should be returned to private ownership.  Parcels of land becoming the property of the state in trust under law declaring the forfeiture of lands to the state for taxes must be classified by the county board of the county in which the parcels lie as conservation or nonconservation.  In making the classification the board shall consider the present use of adjacent lands, the productivity of the soil, the character of forest or other growth, accessibility of lands to established roads, schools, and other public services, their peculiar suitability or desirability for particular uses, and the suitability of the forest resources on the land for multiple use, and sustained yield management.  The classification, furthermore, must:  (1) encourage and foster a mode of land utilization that will facilitate the economical and adequate provision of transportation, roads, water supply, drainage, sanitation, education, and recreation; (2) facilitate reduction of governmental expenditures; (3) conserve and develop the natural resources; and (4) foster and develop agriculture and other industries in the districts and places best suited to them.

 

In making the classification the county board may use information made available by any office or department of the federal, state, or local governments, or by any other person or agency possessing pertinent information at the time the classification is made.  The lands may be reclassified from time to time as the county board considers necessary or desirable, except for conservation lands held by the state free from any trust in favor of any taxing district.

 

If the lands are located within the boundaries of an organized town, with taxable valuation in excess of $20,000, or incorporated municipality, the classification or reclassification and sale must first be approved by the town board of the town or the governing body of the municipality in which the lands are located.  The town board of the town or the governing body of the municipality is considered to have approved the classification or reclassification and sale if the county board is not notified of the disapproval of the classification or reclassification and sale within 60 days of the date the request for approval was transmitted to the town board of the town or governing body of the


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municipality.  If the town board or governing body desires to acquire any parcel lying in the town or municipality by procedures authorized in this section, it must file a written application with the county board to withhold the parcel from public sale.  The application must be filed within 60 days of the request for classification or reclassification and sale.  The county board shall then withhold the parcel from public sale for six months.  A municipality or governmental subdivision shall pay maintenance costs incurred by the county during the six-month period while the property is withheld from public sale, provided the property is not offered for public sale after the six-month period.  A clerical error made by county officials does not serve to eliminate the request of the town board or governing body if the board or governing body has forwarded the application to the county auditor.  If the town board or governing body of the municipality fails to submit an application and a resolution of the board or governing body to acquire the property within the withholding period, the county may offer the property for sale upon the expiration of the withholding period.

 

(b) Whenever the county board deems it appropriate, the board may hold a meeting for the purpose of reclassifying tax-forfeited land that has not been sold or released from the trust.  The criteria and procedures for reclassification are the same as those required for an initial classification.

 

(c) Prior to meeting for the purpose of classifying or reclassifying tax-forfeited lands, the county board must give notice of its intent to meet for that purpose as provided in this paragraph.  The notice must be given no more than 90 days and no less than 60 days before the date of the meeting; provided that if the meeting is rescheduled, notice of the new date, time, and location must be given at least 14 days before the date of the rescheduled meeting.  The notice must be posted on a Web site.  The notice must also be mailed or otherwise delivered to each person who has filed a request for notice of special meetings with the public body, regardless of whether the matter is considered at a regular or special meeting.  The notice must be mailed or delivered at least 60 days before the date of the meeting.  If the meeting is rescheduled, notice of the new date, time, and location must be mailed or delivered at least 14 days before the date of the rescheduled meeting.  The public body shall publish the notice once, at least 30 days before the meeting, in a newspaper of general circulation within the area of the public body's authority.  The board must also mail a notice by electronic means to each person who requests notice of meetings dealing with this subject and who agrees as provided in chapter 325L to accept notice that is mailed by electronic means.  Receipt of actual notice under the conditions specified in section 13D.04, subdivision 7, satisfies the notice requirements of this paragraph.

 

The board may classify or reclassify tax-forfeited lands at any regular or special meeting, as those terms are defined in chapter 13D and may conduct only this business, or this business as well as other business or activities at the meeting.

 

(d) At the meeting, the county board must allow any person or agency possessing pertinent information to make or submit comments and recommendations about the pending classification or reclassification.  In addition, representatives of governmental entities in attendance must be allowed to describe plans, ideas, or projects that may involve use or acquisition of the property by that or another governmental entity.  The county board must solicit and consider any relevant components of current municipal or metropolitan comprehensive land use plans that incorporate the area in which the land is located.  After allowing testimony, the board may classify, reclassify, or delay taking action on any parcel or parcels.  In order for a state agency or a governmental subdivision of the state to preserve its right to request a purchase or other acquisition of a forfeited parcel, it may, at any time following forfeiture, file a written request to withhold the parcel from sale or lease to others under the provisions of subdivision 1a.

 

(e) When classifying, reclassifying, appraising, and selling lands under this chapter, the county board may designate the tracts as assessed and acquired, or may by resolution provide for the subdivision of the tracts into smaller units or for the grouping of several tracts into one tract when the subdivision or grouping is deemed advantageous for conservation or sale purposes.  This paragraph does not authorize the county board to subdivide a parcel or tract of tax-forfeited land that, as assessed and acquired, is withheld from sale under section 282.018, subdivision 1.


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(f) A county board may by resolution elect to use the classification and reclassification procedures provided in paragraphs (g), (h), and (i), instead of the procedures provided in paragraphs (b), (c), and (d).  Once an election is made under this paragraph, it is effective for a minimum of five years.

 

(g) The classification or reclassification of tax-forfeited land that has not been sold or released from the trust may be made by the county board using information made available to it by any office or department of the federal, state, or local governments, or by any other person or agency possessing pertinent information at the time the classification is made.

 

(h) If the lands are located within the boundaries of an organized town or incorporated municipality, a classification or reclassification and sale must first be approved by the town board of the town or the governing body of the municipality in which the lands are located.  The town board of the town or the governing body of the municipality is considered to have approved the classification or reclassification and sale if the county board is not notified of the disapproval of the classification or reclassification and sale within 60 days of the date the request for approval was transmitted to the town board of the town or governing body of the municipality.  If the town board or governing body disapproves of the classification or reclassification and sale, the county board must follow the procedures in paragraphs (c) and (d), with regard to the parcel, and must additionally cause to be published in a newspaper a notice of the date, time, location, and purpose of the required meeting.

 

(i) If a town board or a governing body of a municipality or a park and recreation board in a city of the first class desires to acquire any parcel lying in the town or municipality by procedures authorized in this section, it may file a written request under subdivision 1a, paragraph (a).

 

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

 

Sec. 2.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 282.01, subdivision 1a, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 1a.  Conveyance; generally to public entities.  (a) Upon written request from a state agency or a governmental subdivision of the state, a parcel of unsold tax-forfeited land must be withheld from sale or lease to others for a maximum of six months.  The request must be submitted to the county auditor.  Upon receipt, the county auditor must withhold the parcel from sale or lease to any other party for six months, and must confirm the starting date of the six-month withholding period to the requesting agency or subdivision.  If the request is from a governmental subdivision of the state, the governmental subdivision must pay the maintenance costs incurred by the county during the period the parcel is withheld.  The county board may approve a sale or conveyance to the requesting party during the withholding period.  A conveyance of the property to the requesting party terminates the withholding period.

 

A governmental subdivision of the state must not make, and a county auditor must not act upon, a second request to withhold a parcel from sale or lease within 18 months of a previous request for that parcel.  A county may reject a request made under this paragraph if the request is made more than 30 days after the county has given notice to the requesting state agency or governmental subdivision of the state that the county intends to sell or otherwise dispose of the property.

 

(b) Nonconservation tax-forfeited lands may be sold by the county board, for their market value as determined by the county board, to an organized or incorporated governmental subdivision of the state for any public purpose for which the subdivision is authorized to acquire property or.  When the term "market value" is used in this section, it means an estimate of the full and actual market value of the parcel as determined by the county board, but in making this determination, the board and the persons employed by or under contract with the board in order to perform, conduct, or assist in the determination, are exempt from the licensure requirements of chapter 82B.


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(c) Nonconservation tax-forfeited lands may be released from the trust in favor of the taxing districts on application of to the county board by a state agency for an authorized use at not less than their market value as determined by the county board.

 

(d) Nonconservation tax-forfeited lands may be sold by the county board to an organized or incorporated governmental subdivision of the state or state agency for less than their market value if:

 

(1) the county board determines that a sale at a reduced price is in the public interest because a reduced price is necessary to provide an incentive to correct the blighted conditions that make the lands undesirable in the open market, or the reduced price will lead to the development of affordable housing; and

 

(2) the governmental subdivision or state agency has documented its specific plans for correcting the blighted conditions or developing affordable housing, and the specific law or laws that empower it to acquire real property in furtherance of the plans.

 

If the sale under this paragraph is to a governmental subdivision of the state, the commissioner of revenue must convey the property on behalf of the state by quit claim deed.  If the sale under this paragraph is to a state agency, the commissioner must issue a conveyance document that releases the property from the trust in favor of the taxing districts.

 

(e) Nonconservation tax-forfeited land held in trust in favor of the taxing districts may be conveyed by the commissioner of revenue may convey by deed in the name of the state a tract of tax-forfeited land held in trust in favor of the taxing districts to a governmental subdivision for an authorized public use, if an application is submitted to the commissioner which includes a statement of facts as to the use to be made of the tract and the need therefor and the favorable recommendation of the county board.  For the purposes of this paragraph, "authorized public use" means a use that allows an indefinite segment of the public to physically use and enjoy the property in numbers appropriate to its size and use, or is for a public service facility.  Authorized public uses as defined in this paragraph are limited to:

 

(1) a road, or right-of-way for a road;

 

(2) a park that is both available to, and accessible by, the public that contains amenities such as campgrounds, playgrounds, athletic fields, trails, or shelters;

 

(3) trails for walking, bicycling, snowmobiling, or other recreational purposes, along with a reasonable amount of surrounding land maintained in its natural state;

 

(4) transit facilities for buses, light rail transit, commuter rail or passenger rail, including transit ways, park-and-ride lots, transit stations, maintenance and garage facilities, and other facilities related to a public transit system;

 

(5) public beaches or boat launches;

 

(6) public parking;

 

(7) civic recreation or conference facilities; and

 

(8) public service facilities such as fire halls, police stations, lift stations, water towers, sanitation facilities, water treatment facilities, and administrative offices.


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No monetary compensation or consideration is required for the conveyance, except as provided in subdivision 1g, but the conveyance is subject to the conditions provided in law, including, but not limited to, the reversion provisions of subdivisions 1c and 1d.

 

(f) The commissioner of revenue shall convey a parcel of nonconservation tax-forfeited land to a local governmental subdivision of the state by quit claim deed on behalf of the state upon the favorable recommendation of the county board if the governmental subdivision has certified to the board that prior to forfeiture the subdivision was entitled to the parcel under a written development agreement or instrument, but the conveyance failed to occur prior to forfeiture.  No compensation or consideration is required for, and no conditions attach to, the conveyance.

 

(g) The commissioner of revenue shall convey a parcel of nonconservation tax-forfeited land to the association of a common interest community by quit claim deed upon the favorable recommendation of the county board if the association certifies to the board that prior to forfeiture the association was entitled to the parcel under a written agreement, but the conveyance failed to occur prior to forfeiture.  No compensation or consideration is required for, and no conditions attach to, the conveyance.

 

(h) Conservation tax-forfeited land may be sold to a governmental subdivision of the state for less than its market value for either:  (1) creation or preservation of wetlands; (2) drainage or storage of storm water under a storm water management plan; or (3) preservation, or restoration and preservation, of the land in its natural state.  The deed must contain a restrictive covenant limiting the use of the land to one of these purposes for 30 years or until the property is reconveyed back to the state in trust.  At any time, the governmental subdivision may reconvey the property to the state in trust for the taxing districts.  The deed of reconveyance is subject to approval by the commissioner of revenue.  No part of a purchase price determined under this paragraph shall be refunded upon a reconveyance, but the amount paid for a conveyance under this paragraph may be taken into account by the county board when setting the terms of a future sale of the same property to the same governmental subdivision under paragraph (b) or (d).  If the lands are unplatted and located outside of an incorporated municipality and the commissioner of natural resources determines there is a mineral use potential, the sale is subject to the approval of the commissioner of natural resources.

 

(i) A park and recreation board in a city of the first class is a governmental subdivision for the purposes of this section.

 

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

 

Sec. 3.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 282.01, subdivision 1b, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 1b.  Conveyance; targeted neighborhood lands.  (a) Notwithstanding subdivision 1a, in the case of tax-forfeited lands located in a targeted neighborhood, as defined in section 469.201, subdivision 10 in a city of the first class, the commissioner of revenue shall convey by quit claim deed in the name of the state any tract of tax-forfeited land held in trust in favor of the taxing districts, to a political subdivision of the state that submits an application to the commissioner of revenue and the favorable recommendation of the county board.  For purposes of this subdivision, the term "targeted neighborhood" has the meaning given in section 469.201, subdivision 10, except that the land must be located within a first class city.

 

(b) The application under paragraph (a) must include a statement of facts as to the use to be made of the tract, the need therefor, and a resolution, adopted by the governing body of the political subdivision, finding that the conveyance of a tract of tax-forfeited land to the political subdivision is necessary to provide for the redevelopment of land as productive taxable property.  Deeds of conveyance issued under paragraph (a) are not conditioned on continued use of the property for the use stated in the application.

 

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


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Sec. 4.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 282.01, subdivision 1c, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 1c.  Deed of conveyance; form; approvals.  The deed of conveyance for property conveyed for a an authorized public use under the authorities in subdivision 1a, paragraph (e), must be on a form approved by the attorney general and must be conditioned on continued use for the purpose stated in the application as provided in this section.  These deeds are conditional use deeds that convey a defeasible estate.  Reversion of the estate occurs by operation of law and without the requirement for any affirmative act by or on behalf of the state when there is a failure to put the property to the approved authorized public use for which it was conveyed, or an abandonment of that use, except as provided in subdivision 1d.

 

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

 

Sec. 5.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 282.01, subdivision 1d, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 1d.  Reverter for failure to use; conveyance to state.  (a) If after three years from the date of the conveyance a governmental subdivision to which tax-forfeited land has been conveyed for a specified an authorized public use as provided in this section subdivision 1a, paragraph (e), fails to put the land to that use, or abandons that use, the governing body of the subdivision may, must:  (1) with the approval of the county board, purchase the property for an authorized public purpose at the present appraised market value as determined by the county board.  In that case, the commissioner of revenue shall, upon proper written application approved by the county board, issue an appropriate deed to the subdivisions free of a use restriction and reverter.  The governing body may also, or (2) authorize the proper officers to convey the land, or the part of the land not required for an authorized public use, to the state of Minnesota. in trust for the taxing districts.  If the governing body purchases the property under clause (1), the commissioner of revenue shall, upon proper application submitted by the county auditor, convey the property on behalf of the state by quit claim deed to the subdivision free of a use restriction and the possibility of reversion or defeasement.  If the governing body decides to reconvey the property to the state under this clause, the officers shall execute a deed of conveyance immediately.  The conveyance is subject to the approval of the commissioner and its form must be approved by the attorney general.  A sale, lease, transfer, or other conveyance of tax-forfeited lands by a housing and redevelopment authority, a port authority, an economic development authority, or a city as authorized by chapter 469 is not an abandonment of use and the lands shall not be reconveyed to the state nor shall they revert to the state.  A certificate made by a housing and redevelopment authority, a port authority, an economic development authority, or a city referring to a conveyance by it and stating that the conveyance has been made as authorized by chapter 469 may be filed with the county recorder or registrar of titles, and the rights of reverter in favor of the state provided by subdivision 1e will then terminate.  No vote of the people is required for the conveyance. For the purposes of this paragraph, there is no failure to put the land to the authorized public use and no abandonment of that use if a formal plan of the governmental subdivision, including, but not limited to, a comprehensive plan or land use plan that shows an intended future use of the land for the authorized public use.

 

(b) Property held by a governmental subdivision of the state under a conditional use deed executed under subdivision 1a, paragraph (e), by the commissioner of revenue on or after January 1, 2007, may be acquired by that governmental subdivision after 15 years from the date of the conveyance if the commissioner determines upon written application from the subdivision that the subdivision has in fact put the property to the authorized public use for which it was conveyed, and the subdivision has made a finding that it has no current plans to change the use of the lands.  Prior to conveying the property, the commissioner shall inquire whether the county board where the land is located objects to a conveyance of the property to the subdivision without conditions and without further act by or obligation of the subdivision.  If the county does not object within 60 days, and the commissioner makes a favorable determination, the commissioner shall issue a quit claim deed on behalf of the state unconditionally conveying the property to the governmental subdivision.  For purposes of this paragraph, demonstration of an intended future use for the authorized public use in a formal plan of the governmental subdivision does not constitute use for that authorized public use.


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(c) Property held by a governmental subdivision of the state under a conditional use deed executed under subdivision 1a, paragraph (e), by the commissioner of revenue before January 1, 2007, is released from the use restriction and possibility of reversion on January 1, 2022, if the county board records a resolution describing the land and citing this paragraph.  The county board may authorize the county treasurer to deduct the amount of the recording fees from future settlements of property taxes to the subdivision.

 

(d) All property conveyed under a conditional use deed executed under subdivision 1a, paragraph (e), by the commissioner of revenue is released from the use restriction and reverter, and any use restriction or reverter for which no declaration of reversion has been recorded with the county recorder or registrar of titles, as appropriate, is nullified on the later of:  (1) January 1, 2015; (2) 30 years from the date the deed was acknowledged; or (3) final resolution of an appeal to district court under subdivision 1e, if a lis pendens related to the appeal is recorded in the office of the county recorder or registrar of titles, as appropriate, prior to January 1, 2015.

 

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

 

Sec. 6.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 282.01, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 1g.  Conditional use deed fees.  (a) A governmental subdivision of the state applying for a conditional use deed under subdivision 1a, paragraph (e), must submit a fee of $250 to the commissioner of revenue along with the application.  If the application is denied, the commissioner shall refund $150 of the application fee.

 

(b) The proceeds from the fees must be deposited in a Department of Revenue conditional use deed revolving fund.  The sums deposited into the revolving fund are appropriated to the commissioner of revenue for the purpose of making the refunds described in this subdivision, and administering conditional use deed laws.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective for applications received by the commissioner after June 30, 2010.

 

Sec. 7.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 282.01, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 1h.  Conveyance; form.  The instruments of conveyance executed and issued by the commissioner of revenue under subdivision 1a, paragraphs (c), (d), (e), (f), (g), and (h), and subdivision 1d, paragraph (b), must be on a form approved by the attorney general and are prima facie evidence of the facts stated therein and that the execution and issuance of the conveyance complies with the applicable laws.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective for deeds executed by the commissioner of revenue after June 30, 2010.

 

Sec. 8.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 282.01, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2.  Conservation lands; county board supervision.  (a) Lands classified as conservation lands, unless reclassified as nonconservation lands, sold to a governmental subdivision of the state, designated as lands primarily suitable for forest production and sold as hereinafter provided, or released from the trust in favor of the taxing districts, as herein provided, will must be held under the supervision of the county board of the county within which such the parcels lie. and must not be conveyed or sold unless the lands are:

 

The county board may, by resolution duly adopted, declare lands classified as conservation lands as primarily suitable for timber production and as lands which should be placed in private ownership for such purposes.  If such action be approved by the commissioner of natural resources, the lands so designated, or any part thereof, may be sold by the county board in the same manner as provided for the sale of lands classified as nonconservation lands.  Such county action and the approval of the commissioner shall be limited to lands lying within areas zoned for restricted uses under the provisions of Laws 1939, chapter 340, or any amendments thereof.


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(1) reclassified as nonconservation lands;

 

(2) conveyed to a governmental subdivision of the state under subdivision 1a;

 

(3) released from the trust in favor of the taxing districts as provided in paragraph (b); or

 

(4) conveyed or sold under the authority of another general or special law.

 

(b) The county board may, by resolution duly adopted, resolve that certain lands classified as conservation lands shall be devoted to conservation uses and may submit such a resolution to the commissioner of natural resources.  If, upon investigation, the commissioner of natural resources determines that the lands covered by such the resolution, or any part thereof, can be managed and developed for conservation purposes, the commissioner shall make a certificate describing the lands and reciting the acceptance thereof on behalf of the state for such purposes.  The commissioner shall transmit the certificate to the county auditor, who shall note the same upon the auditor's records and record the same with the county recorder.  The title to all lands so accepted shall be held by the state free from any trust in favor of any and all taxing districts and such the lands shall be devoted thereafter to the purposes of forestry, water conservation, flood control, parks, game refuges, controlled game management areas, public shooting grounds, or other public recreational or conservation uses, and managed, controlled, and regulated for such purposes under the jurisdiction of the commissioner of natural resources and the divisions of the department.

 

(c) All proceeds derived from the sale of timber, lease of crops of hay, or other revenue from lands under the jurisdiction of the commissioner of natural resources shall be credited to the general fund of the state.

 

In case (d) If the commissioner of natural resources shall determine determines that any tract of land so held acquired by the state under paragraph (b) and situated within or adjacent to the boundaries of any governmental subdivision of the state is suitable for use by such the subdivision for any authorized public purpose, the commissioner may convey such the tract by deed in the name of the state to such the subdivision upon the filing with the commissioner of a resolution adopted by a majority vote of all the members of the governing body thereof, stating the purpose for which the land is desired.  The deed of conveyance shall be upon a form approved by the attorney general and must be conditioned upon continued use for the purpose stated in the resolution.  All proceeds derived from the sale of timber, lease of hay stumpage, or other revenue from such lands under the jurisdiction of the natural resources commissioner shall be paid into the general fund of the state.

 

(e) The county auditor, with the approval of the county board, may lease conservation lands remaining under the jurisdiction supervision of the county board and sell timber and hay stumpage thereon in the manner hereinafter provided, and all proceeds derived therefrom shall be distributed in the same manner as provided in section 282.04.

 

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

 

Sec. 9.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 282.01, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 3.  Nonconservation lands; appraisal and sale.  (a) All parcels of land classified as nonconservation, except those which may be reserved, shall be sold as provided, if it is determined, by the county board of the county in which the parcels lie, that it is advisable to do so, having in mind their accessibility, their proximity to existing public improvements, and the effect of their sale and occupancy on the public burdens.  Any parcels of land proposed to be sold shall be first appraised by the county board of the county in which the parcels lie.  The parcels may be reappraised whenever the county board deems it necessary to carry out the intent of sections 282.01 to 282.13.


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(b) In an appraisal the value of the land and any standing timber on it shall be separately determined.  No parcel of land containing any standing timber may be sold until the appraised value of the timber on it and the sale of the land have been approved by the commissioner of natural resources.  The commissioner shall base review of a proposed sale on the policy and considerations specified in subdivision 1.  The decision of the commissioner shall be in writing and shall state the reasons for it.  The commissioner's decision is exempt from the rulemaking provisions of chapter 14 and section 14.386 does not apply.  The county may appeal the decision of the commissioner in accordance with chapter 14.

 

(c) In any county in which a state forest or any part of it is located, the county auditor shall submit to the commissioner at least 60 days before the first publication of the list of lands to be offered for sale a list of all lands included on the list which are situated outside of any incorporated municipality.  If, at any time before the opening of the sale, the commissioner notifies the county auditor in writing that there is standing timber on any parcel of such land, the parcel shall not be sold unless the requirements of this section respecting the separate appraisal of the timber and the approval of the appraisal by the commissioner have been complied with.  The commissioner may waive the requirement of the 60-day notice as to any parcel of land which has been examined and the timber value approved as required by this section.

 

(d) If any public improvement is made by a municipality after any parcel of land has been forfeited to the state for the nonpayment of taxes, and the improvement is assessed in whole or in part against the property benefited by it, the clerk of the municipality shall certify to the county auditor, immediately upon the determination of the assessments for the improvement, the total amount that would have been assessed against the parcel of land if it had been subject to assessment; or if the public improvement is made, petitioned for, ordered in or assessed, whether the improvement is completed in whole or in part, at any time between the appraisal and the sale of the parcel of land, the cost of the improvement shall be included as a separate item and added to the appraised value of the parcel of land at the time it is sold.  No sale of a parcel of land shall discharge or free the parcel of land from lien for the special benefit conferred upon it by reason of the public improvement until the cost of it, including penalties, if any, is paid.  The county board shall determine the amount, if any, by which the value of the parcel was enhanced by the improvement and include the amount as a separate item in fixing the appraised value for the purpose of sale.  In classifying, appraising, and selling the lands, the county board may designate the tracts as assessed and acquired, or may by resolution provide for the subdivision of the tracts into smaller units or for the grouping of several tracts into one tract when the subdivision or grouping is deemed advantageous for the purpose of sale.  Each such smaller tract or larger tract must be classified and appraised as such before being offered for sale.  If any such lands have once been classified, the board of county commissioners, in its discretion, may, by resolution, authorize the sale of the smaller tract or larger tract without reclassification.

 

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

 

Sec. 10.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 282.01, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 4.  Sale:  method, requirements, effects.  The sale authorized under subdivision 3 must be conducted by the county auditor at the county seat of the county in which the parcels lie, except that in St. Louis and Koochiching Counties, the sale may be conducted in any county facility within the county.  The sale must not be for less than the appraised value except as provided in subdivision 7a.  The parcels must be sold for cash only and at not less than the appraised value, unless the county board of the county has adopted a resolution providing for their sale on terms, in which event the resolution controls with respect to the sale.  When the sale is made on terms other than for cash only (1) a payment of at least ten percent of the purchase price must be made at the time of purchase, and the balance must be paid in no more than ten equal annual installments, or (2) the payments must be made in accordance with county board policy, but in no event may the board require more than 12 installments annually, and the contract term must not be for more than ten years.  Standing timber or timber products must not be removed from these lands until an amount equal to the appraised value of all standing timber or timber products on the lands at the time of purchase has been paid by the purchaser.  If a parcel of land bearing standing timber or timber products is sold at public


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auction for more than the appraised value, the amount bid in excess of the appraised value must be allocated between the land and the timber in proportion to their respective appraised values.  In that case, standing timber or timber products must not be removed from the land until the amount of the excess bid allocated to timber or timber products has been paid in addition to the appraised value of the land.  The purchaser is entitled to immediate possession, subject to the provisions of any existing valid lease made in behalf of the state.

 

For sales occurring on or after July 1, 1982, the unpaid balance of the purchase price is subject to interest at the rate determined pursuant to section 549.09.  The unpaid balance of the purchase price for sales occurring after December 31, 1990, is subject to interest at the rate determined in section 279.03, subdivision 1a.  The interest rate is subject to change each year on the unpaid balance in the manner provided for rate changes in section 549.09 or 279.03, subdivision 1a, whichever, is applicable.  Interest on the unpaid contract balance on sales occurring before July 1, 1982, is payable at the rate applicable to the sale at the time that the sale occurred.

 

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

 

Sec. 11.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 282.01, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 7.  County sales; notice, purchase price, disposition.  The sale must commence at the time determined by the county board of the county in which the parcels are located.  The county auditor shall offer the parcels of land in order in which they appear in the notice of sale, and shall sell them to the highest bidder, but not for a sum less than the appraised value, until all of the parcels of land have been offered.  Then the county auditor shall sell any remaining parcels to anyone offering to pay the appraised value, except that if the person could have repurchased a parcel of property under section 282.012 or 282.241, that person may not purchase that same parcel of property at the sale under this subdivision for a purchase price less than the sum of all taxes, assessments, penalties, interest, and costs due at the time of forfeiture computed under section 282.251, and any special assessments for improvements certified as of the date of sale.  The sale must continue until all the parcels are sold or until the county board orders a reappraisal or withdraws any or all of the parcels from sale.  The list of lands may be added to and the added lands may be sold at any time by publishing the descriptions and appraised values.  The added lands must be:  (1) parcels of land that have become forfeited and classified as nonconservation since the commencement of any prior sale; (2) parcels classified as nonconservation that have been reappraised; (3) parcels that have been reclassified as nonconservation; or (4) other parcels that are subject to sale but were omitted from the existing list for any reason.  The descriptions and appraised values must be published in the same manner as provided for the publication of the original list.  Parcels added to the list must first be offered for sale to the highest bidder before they are sold at appraised value.  All parcels of land not offered for immediate sale, as well as parcels that are offered and not immediately sold, continue to be held in trust by the state for the taxing districts interested in each of the parcels, under the supervision of the county board.  Those parcels may be used for public purposes until sold, as directed by the county board.

 

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

 

Sec. 12.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 282.01, subdivision 7a, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 7a.  City sales; alternate procedures.  Land located in a home rule charter or statutory city, or in a town which cannot be improved because of noncompliance with local ordinances regarding minimum area, shape, frontage or access may be sold by the county auditor pursuant to this subdivision if the auditor determines that a nonpublic sale will encourage the approval of sale of the land by the city or town and promote its return to the tax rolls.  If the physical characteristics of the land indicate that its highest and best use will be achieved by combining it with an adjoining parcel and the city or town has not adopted a local ordinance governing minimum area, shape, frontage, or access, the land may also be sold pursuant to this subdivision.  If the property consists of an undivided interest in land or land and improvements, the property may also be sold to the other owners under this subdivision.  The sale of land pursuant to this subdivision shall be subject to any conditions imposed by the county board pursuant


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to section 282.03.  The governing body of the city or town may recommend to the county board conditions to be imposed on the sale.  The county auditor may restrict the sale to owners of lands adjoining the land to be sold.  The county auditor shall conduct the sale by sealed bid or may select another means of sale.  The land shall be sold to the highest bidder but in no event shall the land and may be sold for less than its appraised value.  All owners of land adjoining the land to be sold shall be given a written notice at least 30 days prior to the sale.

 

This subdivision shall be liberally construed to encourage the sale and utilization of tax-forfeited land, to eliminate nuisances and dangerous conditions and to increase compliance with land use ordinances.

 

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

 

Sec. 13.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 282.01, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 12.  Notice; public hearing for use change.  If a governmental subdivision that acquired a parcel for public use under this section later determines to change the use, it must hold a public hearing on the proposed use change.  The governmental subdivision must mail written notice of the proposed use change and the public hearing to each owner of property that is within 400 feet of the parcel at least ten days and no more than 60 days before it holds the hearing.  The notice must identify:  (1) the parcel, (2) its current use, (3) the proposed use, (4) the date, time, and place of the public hearing, and (5) where to submit written comments on the proposal and that the public is invited to testify at the public hearing.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective July 1, 2010, and applies to a change in use of a parcel acquired under Minnesota Statutes, section 282.01, whether acquired by the governmental subdivision before or after the effective date of this section.

 

Sec. 14.  REPEALER. 

 

Minnesota Statutes 2008, sections 282.01, subdivisions 9, 10, and 11; and 383A.76, are repealed.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective July 1, 2010."

 

Delete the title and insert:

 

"A bill for an act relating to real property; modifying procedures relating to uses and conveyances of tax­forfeited property; amending Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 282.01, subdivisions 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 2, 3, 4, 7, 7a, by adding subdivisions; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2008, sections 282.01, subdivisions 9, 10, 11; 383A.76."

 

 

With the recommendation that when so amended the bill pass and be re-referred to the Committee on Civil Justice.

 

      The report was adopted.

 

 

Mullery from the Committee on Civil Justice to which was referred:

 

H. F. No. 1396, A bill for an act relating to domestic abuse; authorizing courts to include pets and companion animals in protective orders; amending Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 518B.01, subdivisions 6, 7.

 

Reported the same back with the recommendation that the bill pass and be re-referred to the Committee on Public Safety Policy and Oversight.

 

      The report was adopted.


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Atkins from the Committee on Commerce and Labor to which was referred:

 

H. F. No. 1503, A bill for an act relating to health occupations; providing registration for massage therapists; amending Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 116J.70, subdivision 2a; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 148; 325F; repealing Minnesota Rules, part 2500.5000.

 

Reported the same back with the following amendments:

 

Delete everything after the enacting clause and insert:

 

"ARTICLE 1

 

MASSAGE THERAPY REGISTRATION

 

Section 1.  [148.981] CITATION. 

 

Sections 148.981 to 148.9886 may be cited as the "Minnesota Massage Therapy Act."

 

Sec. 2.  [148.982] DEFINITIONS. 

 

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

 

Subd. 2.  Advertise.  "Advertise" means to publish, display, or disseminate information, and includes, but is not limited to, the issuance of any card, sign, direct mail, Internet posting or the causing or permitting in one's name for any sign or marking on or in a building, vehicle, or structure or in a newspaper, magazine, any listing in any directory under a classification or heading that includes the words "massage," "massage therapist," "therapeutic massage," or "massage therapeutic," or commercials broadcast by any means.

 

Subd. 3.  Advisory council.  "Advisory council" means the Registered Massage Therapist Advisory Council established under section 148.9861.

 

Subd. 4.  Applicant.  "Applicant" means an individual applying for massage therapy registration or registration renewal.

 

Subd. 5.  Approved continuing education program.  "Approved continuing education program" means a continuing education program that meets the continuing education requirements in section 148.9881 and is approved by the board.

 

Subd. 6.  Approved massage therapy program.  "Approved massage therapy program" means a university, college, or other postsecondary education program leading to eligibility for state registration in massage therapy that meets the requirements of section 148.988.

 

Subd. 7.  Board.  "Board" means the Minnesota Board of Nursing.

 

Subd. 8.  Client.  "Client" means a recipient of massage therapy services.

 

Subd. 9.  Contact hour.  "Contact hour" means an instructional session of at least 50 consecutive minutes, excluding coffee breaks, registration, meals without a speaker, and social activities.

 

Subd. 10.  Credential.  "Credential" means a license, registration, or certification.


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Subd. 11.  Competency exam.  "Competency exam" means a massage therapy competency assessment that is approved by the board and is psychometrically valid, based on a job task analysis, and administered by a national testing organization.

 

Subd. 12.  Health care provider.  "Health care provider" means a person who is credentialed to practice the following:  medicine as defined in section 147.081, chiropractic as defined in section 148.01, podiatry as defined in section 153.01, dentistry as defined in section 150A.05, physical therapy as defined in section 148.65, advanced practice nursing as defined in section 148.171, or other state-credentialed providers.

 

Subd. 13.  Massage or massage therapy.  "Massage" or "massage therapy" means a health care service involving systematic and structured touch and palpation, pressure and movement of the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia, in order to reduce muscle tension, relieve soft tissue pain, improve circulation, increase flexibility, increase activity of the parasympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system, or to promote general wellness, by use of the techniques and applications described in section 148.983.

 

Subd. 14.  Massage therapist.  "Massage therapist" means a health care professional registered under this chapter for the practice of massage therapy.

 

Subd. 15.  Municipality.  "Municipality" means a county, town, city, or other municipal corporation or political subdivision of this state.

 

Subd. 16.  Physical agent modality.  "Physical agent modality" means modalities that use the properties of light, water, temperature, sound, and electricity to produce a response in soft tissue.

 

Subd. 17.  Practice of massage therapy.  "Practice of massage therapy" means to engage professionally for compensation or as a volunteer in massage therapy or the instruction of professional technique coursework.

 

Subd. 18.  Professional organization.  "Professional organization" means an organization that represents massage therapists, was established before the year 2000, offers professional liability insurance as a benefit of membership, has an established code of professional ethics, and is board-approved.

 

Subd. 19.  State.  "State" means any state in the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, Canadian province, or foreign country, except "this state" means the state of Minnesota.

 

Sec. 3.  [148.983] MASSAGE THERAPY. 

 

(a) The practice of massage therapy by a registered massage therapist includes the following:

 

(1) use of any or all of the following techniques using the hands, forearms, or elbows or handheld mechanical or electrical devices that mimic or enhance the actions of the human hands:  effleurage or gliding; petrissage or kneading; vibration and jostling; friction; tapotement or percussion; compression; fascial manipulation; passive stretching within the normal anatomical range of motion; and

 

(2) application and use of any of the following:  oils, lotions, gels, rubbing alcohol, or powders for the purpose of lubricating skin to be massaged; essential oils, or creams, with the exception of prescription-requiring medicinal creams; hot or cold stones; salt glows and wraps; and ice.

 

(b) The practice of massage therapy does not include any of the following:

 

(i) diagnosing any illness or disease; or


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(ii) changing recommendations of a state-credentialed health care provider without consulting that health care provider prior to altering a course of recommended massage therapy;

 

(2) prescription of drugs or medicines;

 

(3) intentional adjusting, manipulating, or mobilizing any articulations of the body or spine, including by means of a high velocity, low amplitude thrusting force or as described in section 146.23 or 148.01; or

 

(4) application of physical agent modalities or injection therapy.

 

Sec. 4.  [148.984] LIMITATIONS ON PRACTICE; REFERRALS. 

 

If a medical condition is beyond the scope of practice established by this chapter or by rules of the board for a registered massage therapist, the massage therapist must refer the client to a health care provider as defined in this chapter.

 

Sec. 5.  [148.985] PROTECTED TITLES AND RESTRICTIONS ON USE. 

 

Subdivision 1.  Designation.  An individual regulated by this chapter is designated as a "registered massage therapist" or "RMT."

 

Subd. 2.  Title protection.  No individual may use the title "registered massage therapist," or use, in connection with the individual's name, the letters "RMT," or any other titles, words, letters, abbreviations, or insignia indicating or implying that the individual is registered or eligible for registration by this state as a registered massage therapist unless the individual has been registered as a massage therapist according to this chapter.

 

Subd. 3.  Identification of practitioners.  (a) A massage therapist registered in Minnesota shall be identified as a "registered massage therapist." If not written in full, this must be designated as RMT.  A student attending a massage therapy training program and providing massage therapy services to the public as part of the student's training must be identified as a "Student Massage Therapist." This abbreviated designation is "Student MT."

 

(b) The board may adopt rules for the implementation of this section, including the identification of terms or references that may be used only by registered massage therapists as necessary to protect the public.

 

(c) A practitioner who is credentialed by another state, or who holds certification from organizations, agencies, or educational providers is not prohibited from using those terms, letters, or any figures, signs, or insignia to indicate that credential in advertising, provided the state and the credentialing body are clearly identified in the advertisement.

 

(d) A practitioner who is licensed in another state may advertise as being a licensed practitioner provided the state and the licensing agency are clearly identified in the advertisement.

 

Subd. 4.  Other health care providers.  Nothing in this chapter may be construed to prohibit, nor restrict the practice of, nor require massage therapy registration of any of the following:

 

(1) a person holding a credential granted by this state, who utilizes massage therapy techniques within the scope of that credential, provided the practitioner does not imply that they are registered under this chapter; or

 

(2) the natural health procedures, practices, and treatments in section 146A.01, subdivision 4, provided that those services are not advertised, designated, or implied to be from a registered massage therapist or other terms or abbreviations protected under this chapter.


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Sec. 6.  [148.986] POWERS OF BOARD. 

 

The board, acting with the advice of the Registered Massage Therapist Advisory Council, shall issue registrations to duly qualified applicants and shall exercise the following powers and duties:

 

(1) adopt rules necessary to effect the provisions of sections 148.982 to 148.9886;

 

(2) conduct a competency exam that an applicant may use as the basis for establishing competence to be registered under section 148.987;

 

(3) cause the prosecution of all registrants or applicants for violating sections 148.982 to 148.9886 and have power to incur any associated expense;

 

(4) impose discipline as described in section 148.9884;

 

(5) maintain a record of names and addresses of massage therapists registered by this chapter;

 

(6) keep a permanent record of all its proceedings; and

 

(7) employ and establish the duties of personnel necessary to carry on its work.

 

Sec. 7.  [148.9861] REGISTERED MASSAGE THERAPIST ADVISORY COUNCIL. 

 

Subdivision 1.  Creation; membership.  (a) The Registered Massage Therapist Advisory Council is created and is composed of seven members appointed by the board.  All members must have been residents of this state for at least three years prior to appointment.  The advisory council consists of:

 

(1) three public members, as defined in section 214.02; and

 

(2) four members who, except for initial appointees, are registered massage therapists.

 

(b) Initial appointees shall possess the qualifications necessary to become registered massage therapists and must do so as soon as applications for registration are available.  A person may not be appointed to serve more than two consecutive full terms.

 

Subd. 2.  Administration.  The advisory council shall be organized and administered under section 15.059.  The council shall not expire.

 

Subd. 3.  Duties.  The advisory council shall advise the board regarding:

 

(1) standards of practice and a code of ethics for registered massage therapists;

 

(2) distribution of information regarding massage therapist standards;

 

(3) enforcement of sections 148.982 to 148.9886;

 

(4) applications and make recommendations of applicants for registration or registration renewal;

 

(5) complaints and recommendations regarding disciplinary matters and proceedings according to sections 214.10, 214.103, and 214.13, subdivisions 6 and 7;


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(6) competency exams and approval of continuing education programs; and

 

(7) perform other duties authorized for advisory councils under chapter 214, or as directed by the board.

 

Sec. 8.  [148.987] REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS. 

 

Subdivision 1.  Registration.  To be eligible for registration under this chapter, an applicant must:

 

(1) pay fees under section 148.9886;

 

(2) submit to procedures specified by the board for obtaining a criminal background check.  The applicant shall pay fees associated with obtaining the criminal background check.  The background check shall include records of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the results shall be forwarded directly to the board; and

 

(3) file a written application on a form provided by the board that includes:

 

(i) the applicant's name, Social Security number, home address and telephone number, business address and telephone number, and business setting;

 

(ii) provide proof, as required by the board, of:

 

(A) having obtained a high school diploma or its equivalent;

 

(B) being 18 years of age or older;

 

(C) current cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid certification; and

 

(D) current professional liability insurance coverage, with a minimum of $1,000,000 of coverage per occurrence;

 

(iii) unless registered under subdivision 3 or 4, evidence satisfactory to the board of the successful completion of an approved education program;

 

(iv) unless registered under subdivision 3 or 4, evidence satisfactory to the board of having passed a board-approved competency exam;

 

(v) a description of any continuing education programming in which the applicant claims or advertises competence;

 

(vi) a list of credentials or memberships held in other states or from private credentialing or professional organizations;

 

(vii) a description of any other state or municipality's refusal to credential the applicant;

 

(viii) a description of all professional disciplinary actions initiated against the applicant in any jurisdiction;

 

(ix) any history of drug or alcohol abuse, and any misdemeanor or felony conviction;

 

(x) additional information as requested by the board;


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(xi) the applicant's signature on a statement that the information in the application is true and correct to the best of the applicant's knowledge; and

 

(xii) the applicant's signature on a waiver authorizing the board to obtain access to the applicant's records in this state or any other state in which the applicant has completed an education program approved by the board or engaged in the practice of massage therapy.

 

Subd. 2.  Registration prohibited.  The board may deny an application for registration if the applicant:

 

(1) has been convicted in this state of any of the following crimes, or in another state of equivalent crimes:

 

(i) prostitution as defined under section 609.321, 609.324, and 609.3242;

 

(ii) sexual attack as defined under section 611A.21;

 

(iii) criminal sexual conduct under sections 609.342 to 609.3451, or 609.3453; or

 

(iv) is a registered sex offender under section 243.166;

 

(2) has had the ability to practice the natural health procedures, practices, and treatments in chapter 146A revoked, suspended, or limited with conditions under the provisions of chapter 146A, if the board determines the denial is necessary to protect the public; or

 

(3) is charged or under investigation for complaints that would constitute a violation of the laws or rules established for the practice of massage therapy in this or any other state, the applicant shall not be registered until the complaints have been resolved in the applicant's favor.  If a complaint is resolved in favor of the complainant, the application for registration may be denied.

 

Subd. 3.  Registration by endorsement.  (a) To be eligible for registration by endorsement, the applicant shall:

 

(1) meet the requirements for registration in subdivision 1, clauses (1), (2), and (3), items (i), (ii), and (v) to (xii); and

 

(2) provide proof of a current and unrestricted credential for the practice of massage therapy in another state that has credentialing requirements at least equivalent to the requirements under this chapter.  Proof shall include records as required by rules of the board.

 

(b) In the event that a disciplinary proceeding or unresolved complaint is pending for a complaint regarding an action of the applicant that would constitute a violation of sections 148.982 to 148.9886, or rules adopted by the board, the applicant shall not be registered in this state until the proceeding or complaint has been resolved in the applicant's favor.  If a complaint is resolved in favor of the complainant, the application for licensure may be denied.

 

(c) Registrations issued by endorsement shall expire on the same schedule and be renewed by the same procedures as registrations issued under subdivision 1.

 

(d) An applicant for registration by endorsement may apply to the board for a temporary permit under subdivision 5.

 

Subd. 4.  Registration by grandfathering.  (a) To be eligible for registration by grandfathering, the applicant shall:

 

(1) meet the requirements for registration in subdivision 1, clauses (1), (2), and (3), items (i), (ii), and (v) to (xii) and


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(2) provide proof specified by the board demonstrating the applicant has met at least one of the following qualifications:

 

(i) successful completion of at least 500 hours of supervised classroom and hands-on instruction relating to massage therapy which may be established by an official transcript, certificate of completion, or other record as approved by the board;

 

(ii) successful completion of one of the board-approved competency exams which shall be established by submitting records as required by the board;

 

(iii) employment for at least the previous two years prior to the effective date of sections 148.981 to 148.9886 in the practice of massage therapy which shall be established by Internal Revenue Service income tax return forms, business records, or other records as approved by the board; or

 

(iv) active membership in a professional organization for at least two years prior to the effective date of sections 148.981 to 148.9886 which shall be established by a letter verifying the applicant's initial membership date and current standing sent directly to the board from the professional organization, or other records as approved by the board.

 

(b) Registrations issued by grandfathering shall expire on the same schedule and be renewed by the same procedures as registrations issued under subdivision 1.

 

(c) Registration by grandfathering is effective for one year after the first date the board has made applications available.

 

(d) An applicant for registration by grandfathering may apply to the board for a temporary permit under subdivision 5.

 

Subd. 5.  Temporary permit.  The board may issue a temporary permit to practice as a registered massage therapist to an applicant eligible for registration under this section if the application for registration is complete, all applicable requirements in this section have been met, and the fee required in section 148.9886 has been paid.  The temporary permit is valid until the board makes a decision on the massage therapist's application for registration.

 

Sec. 9.  [148.9871] EXPIRATION AND RENEWAL. 

 

Subdivision 1.  Registration expiration.  Registrations issued under section 148.987 expire annually.

 

Subd. 2.  Renewal.  To be eligible for registration renewal a registrant must:

 

(1) annually, or as determined by the board, complete a renewal application on a form provided by the board;

 

(2) submit the renewal fee;

 

(3) provide evidence every two years of a total of 12 contact hours of approved continuing education in section 148.9881; and

 

(4) submit any additional information requested by the board to clarify information presented in the renewal application.  The information must be submitted within 30 days after the board's request, or the renewal request is nullified.


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Subd. 3.  Change of address.  A registrant who changes addresses must inform the board within 30 days, in writing, of the change of address.  Notices or other correspondence mailed to or served on a registrant at the registrant's current address on file shall be considered received by the registrant.

 

Subd. 4.  Registration renewal notice.  At least 60 days before the registration renewal date, the board shall send out a renewal notice to the last known address of the registrant on file.  The notice must include a renewal application and a notice of fees required for renewal.  The notice must inform the registrant that registration will expire without further action by the board if an application for registration renewal is not received before the deadline for renewal.  The registrant's failure to receive this notice shall not relieve the registrant of the obligation to meet the deadline and other requirements for registration renewal.  Failure to receive this notice is not grounds for challenging expiration of registered status.

 

Subd. 5.  Renewal deadline.  The renewal application and fee must be postmarked on or before October 1 of the year of renewal or as determined by the board.  If the postmark is illegible, the application shall be considered timely if received by the third working day after the deadline.

 

Subd. 6.  Inactive status and return to active status.  (a) A registration may be placed in inactive status upon application to the board by the registrant and upon payment of an inactive status fee.

 

(b) A registrant seeking restoration to active from inactive status must pay the current renewal fees and all unpaid back inactive fees.  The registrant must meet the criteria for renewal specified in subdivision 7, including continuing education hours equivalent to one hour for each month of inactive status, prior to submitting an application to regain registered status.  If the inactive status extends beyond five years, a qualifying score on a competency exam is required.

 

Subd. 7.  Registration following lapse of registration status for two years or less.  For an individual whose registration status has lapsed for two years or less, to regain registration status, the individual must:

 

(1) apply for registration renewal according to subdivision 2;

 

(2) document compliance with the continuing education requirements in section 148.9881 since the registrant's initial registration or last renewal; and

 

(3) submit the fees required in section 148.9886 for the period not registered, including the fee for late renewal.

 

Subd. 8.  Cancellation due to nonrenewal.  The board shall not renew, reissue, reinstate, or restore a registration that has lapsed and has not been renewed within two years.  A registrant whose registration is canceled for nonrenewal must obtain a new registration by applying for registration and fulfilling all requirements then in existence for initial registration as a massage therapist.

 

Subd. 9.  Cancellation of registration in good standing.  (a) A registrant holding active registration as a massage therapist in this state may, upon approval of the board, be granted registration cancellation if the board is not investigating the person as a result of a complaint or information received or if the board has not begun disciplinary proceedings against the registrant.  This action by the board shall be reported as a cancellation of registration in good standing.

 

(b) A registrant who receives board approval for registration cancellation is not entitled to a refund of any registration fees paid for the registration period in which cancellation of the registration occurred.

 

(c) To obtain registration after cancellation, a registrant must obtain a new registration by applying for registration and fulfilling the requirements then in existence for obtaining initial registration as a massage therapist.


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Sec. 10.  [148.988] MASSAGE THERAPY PROGRAM. 

 

Subdivision 1.  Initial approval.  An institution desiring to conduct a massage therapy program from which graduates will be eligible for registration under section 148.987 shall apply to the board, pay fees under section 148.9886, and submit evidence that the institution is:

 

(1) teaching or prepared to teach a program of at least 500 contact hours of combined massage therapy theory and practice training;

 

(2) licensed by the Minnesota Office of Higher Education or equivalent agency in another state;

 

(3) accredited by an agency recognized by the United States Secretary of Education for accrediting such programs or institutions:

 

(i) schools without accreditation must meet the requirements of clauses (1) and (2), must be in the accreditation application process, and must gain accreditation within two years of the effective date of sections 148.981 to 148.9886 or within two years of commencing operations as a massage therapy program, whichever is later; and

 

(ii) an applicant for registration who graduates from a program prior to the program becoming accredited must pass an approved competency exam; and

 

(4) prepared to meet other standards established by law and by the board.

 

Subd. 2.  Continuing approval.  An approved program shall annually make application to continue approval based on the conditions of subdivision 1.

 

Subd. 3.  Loss of approval.  If the board determines that an approved massage therapy program is not maintaining the standards required by applicable law and rules, notice in writing specifying the defect shall be given to the program.  If a program fails to correct these conditions to the satisfaction of the board within a reasonable time set in the notice of defect, approval of the program may be revoked and the program shall be removed from the list of approved massage therapy programs.

 

Subd. 4.  Reinstatement of approval.  The board may reinstate approval of a massage therapy program upon submission of satisfactory evidence that its program of theory and practice, state licensure, and accreditation meets the standards required by law and rules then in effect.

 

Sec. 11.  [148.9881] CONTINUING EDUCATION. 

 

Subdivision 1.  Number of required contact hours.  A registered massage therapist shall complete during every two-year period at least the equivalent of 12 contact hours of continuing education in programs approved by the board.

 

Subd. 2.  Approved programs.  The board may approve continuing education programs that have been taught, sponsored, or approved by:

 

(1) an approved credentialing or professional organization;

 

(2) state licensed health care facility;

 

(3) an accredited college or university; or

 

(4) a board-approved school.


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Subd. 3.  Approval of continuing education programs.  The board may also approve continuing education programs that do not meet the requirements of subdivision 2 but pay fees under section 148.9886 and meet all of the following criteria:

 

(1) the program content directly relates to the practice of massage therapy;

 

(2) each member of the program faculty is knowledgeable in the subject matter as demonstrated by a degree from an accredited education program, verifiable experience in the field of massage therapy, special training in the subject matter, or experience teaching in the subject area;

 

(3) the program lasts at least 50 minutes per contact hour;

 

(4) there are specific, measurable, written objectives, consistent with the program, describing the expected outcomes for the participants; and

 

(5) the program sponsor has a mechanism to verify participation and maintains attendance records for three years.

 

Subd. 4.  Accumulation of contact hours.  A registrant may not apply contact hours acquired in one two-year reporting period to a future continuing education reporting period.

 

Subd. 5.  Verification of continuing education.  The board shall periodically select a random sample of registrants and require those registrants to supply the board with evidence of having completed the continuing education to which they attested.

 

Subd. 6.  Continuing education topics.  Continuing education program topics may include, but are not limited to, techniques, modalities, and theory directly relating to the practice of massage therapy, business practices, pathology, prevention of spreading disease and medical errors, treatment contraindications, anatomy and physiology, areas of professional ethics, research literacy, or other coursework as approved by the board.

 

Subd. 7.  Continuing education exemptions.  The board may exempt any person holding a registration under section 148.987 from some or all of the requirements of subdivision 1 upon application showing evidence satisfactory to the board of inability to comply with the requirements because of physical or mental condition or because of other unusual or extenuating circumstances.  No person may be exempted from the requirements of subdivision 1 more than once in any five-year period.

 

Sec. 12.  [148.9882] BOARD ACTION ON APPLICATIONS. 

 

(a) The board shall act on each application for registration according to paragraphs (b) to (d).

 

(b) The board or advisory council shall determine if the applicant meets the requirements for registration or renewal under sections 148.987 and 148.9871.  The board or advisory council may investigate information provided by an applicant to determine whether the information is accurate and complete, including requesting additional information or documentation.

 

(c) The board shall notify each applicant in writing of action taken on the application, the grounds for denying registration if registration is denied, and the applicant's right to review under paragraph (d).

 

(d) An applicant denied registration may make a written request to the board, within 30 days of the board's notice, to appear before the advisory council and for the advisory council to review the board's decision to deny the applicant's registration.  After reviewing the denial, the advisory council shall make a recommendation to the board as to whether the denial shall be affirmed.  An applicant is allowed only one request for review per registration period.


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Sec. 13.  [148.9883] GROUNDS FOR DISCIPLINARY ACTION; MALTREATMENT OF MINORS. 

 

Subdivision 1.  Grounds listed.  The board may deny, revoke, suspend, limit, or condition the registration of a massage therapist registered or applying for registration as a massage therapist or may otherwise discipline a registrant as described in section 148.9884.  The fact that massage therapy may be a less customary approach to health care shall not constitute the basis for disciplinary action per se.  The following are grounds for disciplinary action:

 

(1) failure to demonstrate the qualifications or satisfy the requirements for registration as a massage therapist contained in sections 148.982 to 148.9886, or rules of the board.  A person applying for registration has the burden of demonstrating the required qualifications or satisfy the requirements;

 

(2) engaging in false, fraudulent, deceptive, or misleading advertising, including, but not limited to:

 

(i) advertising, representing, or presenting as a "Registered Massage Therapist" or any abbreviation or derivative of this to indicate this title, when the registration is not valid or current for any reason;

 

(ii) advertising, representing, or presenting as a "Licensed Massage Therapist" or any abbreviation or derivative of this to indicate this title, unless the practitioner currently holds a valid state license in another state and clearly indicates what state the credential is held in;

 

(iii) advertising to offer a service that would constitute a violation of sections 148.981 to 148.9886 or rules adopted by the board shall be considered grounds for discipline, regardless of whether actual injury to a client is established; and

 

(iv) using fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation when communicating with the general public, health care providers, or other business professionals;

 

(3) falsified information in a massage therapy registration or renewal application or attempting to obtain registration, registration renewal, or reinstatement by fraud, deception, or misrepresentation, or aided and abetted any of these acts;

 

(4) engaging in conduct with a client that is sexual or may reasonably be interpreted by the client as sexual, or in any verbal behavior that is seductive or sexually demeaning to a client, or engaging in sexual exploitation of a client, without regard to who initiates the behaviors;

 

(5) failure to refer a client to a general health care provider when the services required by the client are beyond the level of competence of the massage therapist or beyond the scope of practice of massage therapy in section 148.983;

 

(6) committing an act of gross malpractice, negligence, or incompetency, or failing to practice massage therapy with the level of care, skill, and treatment that is recognized by a reasonably prudent massage therapist as being acceptable under similar conditions and circumstances, regardless of whether actual injury to the client occurs;

 

(7) actual or potential inability to practice massage therapy with reasonable skill and safety to clients by reason of illness, as a result of any mental or physical condition, or use of alcohol, drugs, chemicals, or any other material, regardless of whether actual injury to the client occurs;

 

(8) being adjudicated as mentally incompetent, mentally ill, a chemically dependent person, or a person dangerous to the public by a court of competent jurisdiction, within or without this state may be considered as evidence of the inability to practice massage therapy;


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(9) being the subject of disciplinary action as a massage therapist by another state or jurisdiction and the board or advisory council determines that the cause of the disciplinary action would be a violation under this state's laws or rules if the violation occurred in this state;

 

(10) failure to notify the board of having had a credential revoked, suspended, or any other disciplinary action taken including restrictions on the right to practice, or an application for credential refused, revoked, suspended, or otherwise disciplined by authorities of another state, territory, or country; or surrendered or voluntarily terminated a credential during a board investigation of a complaint, as part of a disciplinary order, or while under a disciplinary order;

 

(11) being convicted of or pled guilty or nolo contendere to a felony or other crime, an element of which is dishonesty or fraud, or proven to have engaged in acts or practice showing that the applicant or registrant is incompetent or has engaged in conduct reflecting adversely on the applicant's or registrant's ability or fitness to engage in the practice of massage therapy;

 

(12) practicing or offering to practice beyond the scope of the practice of massage therapy;

 

(13) improperly managing client records and information including, but not limited to, failure to maintain adequate client records, comply with a client's request made under sections 144.291 to 144.298, furnish a client record or report required by law;

 

(14) revealing a privileged communication from or relating to a client except when otherwise required or permitted by law;

 

(15) providing massage therapy services that are in any way linked to the financial gain of a referral source;

 

(16) obtaining money, property, or services from a client, other than reasonable fees for services provided to the client, through the use of undue influence, harassment, duress, deception, or fraud;

 

(17) engaging in abusive or fraudulent billing practices, including violations of federal Medicare and Medicaid laws or state medical assistance laws;

 

(18) failure to consult the client's health care provider who recommended a course of massage therapy treatment if the treatment needs to be altered from the original written recommendations to conform with standards in the massage therapy field or the practitioner's level of training or experience;

 

(19) failure to cooperate with an investigation of the board or its representative, including responding fully and promptly to any question raised by or on behalf of the board relating to the subject of the investigation, executing all releases requested by the board, providing copies of client records, requested by the board to assist it in its investigation, and appearing at conferences or hearings scheduled by the board or its staff;

 

(20) interfering with an investigation or disciplinary proceeding, including by willful misrepresentation of facts or by the use of threats or harassment to prevent a person from providing evidence in a disciplinary proceeding or any legal action;

 

(21) violating a law, rule, order, or agreement for corrective action that the board issued or is otherwise authorized or empowered to enforce;

 

(22) failure to report to the board other massage therapists who commit violations of this chapter; or


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(23) failure to notify the board, in writing, of the entry of a final judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction against the registrant for malpractice of massage therapy or any settlement by the registrant in response to charges or allegations of malpractice of massage therapy.

 

The notice in clause (23) must be provided to the board within 60 days after the entry of the judgment or settlement and, in the case of a judgment, must contain the name of the court, the case number, and the names of all parties to the action.

 

Subd. 2.  Maltreatment of minors.  Nothing in sections 148.981 to 148.9886 shall restrict the ability of a local or state agency to take action regarding the maltreatment of minors under section 609.378 or 626.556.  A parent who obtains massage therapy services for the parent's minor child is not relieved of the duty to seek necessary medical care consistent with the requirements of sections 609.378 and 626.556.  A registered massage therapist who is providing services to a child who is not receiving necessary medical care must make a report under section 626.556.  A registered massage therapist is a mandated reporter under section 626.556, subdivision 3.

 

Subd. 3.  Evidence.  In disciplinary actions alleging a violation of subdivision 1, a copy of the judgment or proceeding under the seal of the court administrator or of the administrative agency that entered the judgment or proceeding is admissible into evidence without further authentication and constitutes prima facie evidence of the violation.

 

Subd. 4.  Examination; access to medical data.  (a) The board may take the following actions if it has probable cause to believe that grounds for disciplinary action exist under subdivision 1, clause (7) or (8):

 

(1) direct the applicant or massage therapist to submit to a mental or physical examination or chemical dependency evaluation.  For the purpose of this subdivision, when a massage therapist registered under sections 148.987 to 148.9871 is directed in writing by the board to submit to a mental or physical examination or chemical dependency evaluation, that person is considered to have consented and to have waived all objections to admissibility on the grounds of privilege.  Failure of the applicant or massage therapist to submit to an examination when directed constitutes an admission of the allegations against the applicant or massage therapist, unless the failure was due to circumstances beyond the person's control, and the board may enter a default and final order without taking testimony or allowing evidence to be presented.  A massage therapist affected under this paragraph shall, at reasonable intervals, be given an opportunity to demonstrate that the competent practice of massage therapy can be resumed with reasonable skill and safety to clients.  Neither the record of proceedings nor the order entered by the board in a proceeding under this paragraph may be used against a massage therapist in any other proceeding; and

 

(2) notwithstanding sections 13.384, 144.651, and 595.02, or any other law limiting access to medical or other health data, obtain medical data and health records relating to a registered massage therapist or applicant for registration without that person's consent.  The medical data may be requested from a provider as defined in section 144.291, subdivision 2, paragraph (h), an insurance company, or a government agency.  A provider, insurance company, or government agency shall comply with any written request of the board under this subdivision and is not liable in any action for damages for releasing the data requested by the board if the data are released according to a written request under this subdivision unless the information is false and the provider giving the information knew, or had reason to believe, the information was false.  Information obtained under this subdivision is classified as private data on individuals as defined in section 13.02.

 

Sec. 14.  [148.9884] DISCIPLINE; REPORTING. 

 

For purposes of this chapter, registered massage therapists and applicants are subject to sections 148.262 to 148.266.


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Sec. 15.  [148.9885] EFFECT ON MUNICIPAL ORDINANCES. 

 

Subdivision 1.  License authority.  The provisions of sections 148.981 to 148.9886 preempt the licensure and regulation of a registered massage therapist by a municipality, including, without limitation, conducting a criminal background investigation and examination of a massage therapist or applicant for a municipal credential to practice massage therapy.

 

Subd. 2.  Business license or permit.  The provisions of this chapter do not prohibit a municipality from requiring a massage therapist to obtain a license or permit to transact business within the jurisdiction of the municipality, if the license or permit is required of other persons, regardless of occupation or profession, who transact business within the jurisdiction of the municipality.  A massage therapist working under a business license or permit must follow the requirement in section 325F.816.

 

Subd. 3.  Prosecuting authority.  The provisions of this chapter do not prohibit any municipality of this state from prosecuting:

 

(1) an unregistered person engaged in the practice of massage therapy; or

 

(2) a registered massage therapist who is engaged in unlawful conduct.

 

Sec. 16.  [148.9886] FEES. 

 

Subdivision 1.  Fees.  Fees are as follows:

 

(1) initial registration with application, $272;

 

(2) annual registration renewal, $172;

 

(3) initial school approval with accreditation, $300;

 

(4) initial school approval without accreditation, $450;

 

(5) school approval renewal, $175;

 

(6) continuing education program approval, $40;

 

(7) duplicate registration certificate, $30;

 

(8) late fee, $40;

 

(9) inactive status and inactive to active status reactivation, $100;

 

(10) temporary permit, $50; and

 

(11) returned check, $35.

 

Subd. 2.  Proration of fees.  The board may prorate the initial registration fee.  All registrants are required to pay the full fee upon registration renewal.

 

Subd. 3.  Penalty fee for late renewals.  An application for registration renewal submitted after the deadline must be accompanied by a late fee in addition to the required fees.


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Subd. 4.  Nonrefundable fees.  All of the fees in subdivision 1 are nonrefundable.

 

Subd. 5.  Deposit.  Fees collected by the board under this section shall be deposited into the state government special revenue fund.

 

Sec. 17.  EFFECTIVE DATE. 

 

This article is effective August 1, 2010.

 

ARTICLE 2

 

CONFORMING AMENDMENTS

 

Section 1.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 116J.70, subdivision 2a, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2a.  License; exceptions.  "Business license" or "license" does not include the following:

 

(1) any occupational license or registration issued by a licensing board listed in section 214.01 or any occupational registration issued by the commissioner of health pursuant to section 214.13;

 

(2) any license issued by a county, home rule charter city, statutory city, township, or other political subdivision;

 

(3) any license required to practice the following occupation regulated by the following sections:

 

(i) abstracters regulated pursuant to chapter 386;

 

(ii) accountants regulated pursuant to chapter 326A;

 

(iii) adjusters regulated pursuant to chapter 72B;

 

(iv) architects regulated pursuant to chapter 326;

 

(v) assessors regulated pursuant to chapter 270;

 

(vi) athletic trainers regulated pursuant to chapter 148;

 

(vii) attorneys regulated pursuant to chapter 481;

 

(viii) auctioneers regulated pursuant to chapter 330;

 

(ix) barbers and cosmetologists regulated pursuant to chapter 154;

 

(x) boiler operators regulated pursuant to chapter 183;

 

(xi) chiropractors regulated pursuant to chapter 148;

 

(xii) collection agencies regulated pursuant to chapter 332;

 

(xiii) dentists, registered dental assistants, and dental hygienists regulated pursuant to chapter 150A;

 

(xiv) detectives regulated pursuant to chapter 326;


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(xv) electricians regulated pursuant to chapter 326;

 

(xvi) mortuary science practitioners regulated pursuant to chapter 149A;

 

(xvii) engineers regulated pursuant to chapter 326;

 

(xviii) insurance brokers and salespersons regulated pursuant to chapter 60A;

 

(xix) certified interior designers regulated pursuant to chapter 326;

 

(xx) midwives regulated pursuant to chapter 147D;

 

(xxi) nursing home administrators regulated pursuant to chapter 144A;

 

(xxii) optometrists regulated pursuant to chapter 148;

 

(xxiii) osteopathic physicians regulated pursuant to chapter 147;

 

(xxiv) pharmacists regulated pursuant to chapter 151;

 

(xxv) physical therapists regulated pursuant to chapter 148;

 

(xxvi) physician assistants regulated pursuant to chapter 147A;

 

(xxvii) physicians and surgeons regulated pursuant to chapter 147;

 

(xxviii) plumbers regulated pursuant to chapter 326;

 

(xxix) podiatrists regulated pursuant to chapter 153;

 

(xxx) practical nurses regulated pursuant to chapter 148;

 

(xxxi) professional fund-raisers regulated pursuant to chapter 309;

 

(xxxii) psychologists regulated pursuant to chapter 148;

 

(xxxiii) real estate brokers, salespersons, and others regulated pursuant to chapters 82 and 83;

 

(xxxiv) registered nurses regulated pursuant to chapter 148;

 

(xxxv) securities brokers, dealers, agents, and investment advisers regulated pursuant to chapter 80A;

 

(xxxvi) steamfitters regulated pursuant to chapter 326;

 

(xxxvii) teachers and supervisory and support personnel regulated pursuant to chapter 125;

 

(xxxviii) veterinarians regulated pursuant to chapter 156;

 

(xxxix) water conditioning contractors and installers regulated pursuant to chapter 326;

 

(xl) water well contractors regulated pursuant to chapter 103I;


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(xli) water and waste treatment operators regulated pursuant to chapter 115;

 

(xlii) motor carriers regulated pursuant to chapter 221;

 

(xliii) professional firms regulated under chapter 319B;

 

(xliv) real estate appraisers regulated pursuant to chapter 82B;

 

(xlv) residential building contractors, residential remodelers, residential roofers, manufactured home installers, and specialty contractors regulated pursuant to chapter 326;

 

(xlvi) licensed professional counselors regulated pursuant to chapter 148B; or

 

(xlvii) registered massage therapists regulated pursuant to chapter 148;

 

(4) any driver's license required pursuant to chapter 171;

 

(5) any aircraft license required pursuant to chapter 360;

 

(6) any watercraft license required pursuant to chapter 86B;

 

(7) any license, permit, registration, certification, or other approval pertaining to a regulatory or management program related to the protection, conservation, or use of or interference with the resources of land, air, or water, which is required to be obtained from a state agency or instrumentality; and

 

(8) any pollution control rule or standard established by the Pollution Control Agency or any health rule or standard established by the commissioner of health or any licensing rule or standard established by the commissioner of human services.

 

Sec. 2.  [325F.816] MUNICIPAL OR CITY BUSINESS LICENSE; MASSAGE. 

 

An individual who is issued a municipal or city business license to practice massage is prohibited from advertising as a licensed massage therapist unless the individual has received a professional credential from another state; is current in licensure; and remains in good standing under the credentialing state's requirements.

 

Sec. 3.  REPEALER. 

 

Minnesota Rules, part 2500.5000, is repealed."

 

 

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

 

      The report was adopted.

 

 

Atkins from the Committee on Commerce and Labor to which was referred:

 

H. F. No. 1847, A bill for an act relating to insurance; requiring health plans to establish equal out-of-pocket requirements for oral chemotherapy medications and intravenously administered chemotherapy medications; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 62A.

 

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

 

      The report was adopted.


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Thissen from the Committee on Health Care and Human Services Policy and Oversight to which was referred:

 

H. F. No. 2002, A bill for an act relating to human services; direction to commissioner regarding billing and collections for general assistance medical care, medical assistance, and MinnesotaCare.

 

Reported the same back with the following amendments:

 

Page 1, line 12, delete "2010" and insert "2011"

 

Page 1, line 13, delete "2009" and insert "2010"

 

 

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

 

      The report was adopted.

 

 

Mariani from the Committee on K-12 Education Policy and Oversight to which was referred:

 

H. F. No. 2106, A bill for an act relating to education; establishing a five-year pilot program allowing alternative learning centers and charter schools to identify systemic improvement measures to best serve eligible students; appropriating money.

 

Reported the same back with the following amendments:

 

Delete everything after the enacting clause and insert:

 

"Section 1.  Minnesota Statutes 2009 Supplement, section 120B.35, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 3.  State growth target; other state measures.  (a) The state's educational assessment system measuring individual students' educational growth is based on indicators of achievement growth that show an individual student's prior achievement.  Indicators of achievement and prior achievement must be based on highly reliable statewide or districtwide assessments.

 

(b) The commissioner, in consultation with a stakeholder group that includes assessment and evaluation directors and staff and researchers must implement a model that uses a value-added growth indicator and includes criteria for identifying schools and school districts that demonstrate medium and high growth under section 120B.299, subdivisions 8 and 9, and may recommend other value-added measures under section 120B.299, subdivision 3.  The model may be used to advance educators' professional development and replicate programs that succeed in meeting students' diverse learning needs.  Data on individual teachers generated under the model are personnel data under section 13.43.  The model must allow users to:

 

(1) report student growth consistent with this paragraph; and

 

(2) for all student categories, report and compare aggregated and disaggregated state growth data using the nine student categories identified under the federal 2001 No Child Left Behind Act and two student gender categories of male and female, respectively, following appropriate reporting practices to protect nonpublic student data.

 

The commissioner must report separate measures of student growth and proficiency, consistent with this paragraph.


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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

(d) When reporting student performance under section 120B.36, subdivision 1, the commissioner annually, beginning July 1, 2014, must report summary data on school safety and students' engagement and connection at school.  The summary data under this paragraph are separate from and must not be used for any purpose related to measuring or evaluating the performance of classroom teachers.  The commissioner, in consultation with qualified experts on student engagement and connection and classroom teachers, must identify highly reliable variables that generate summary data under this paragraph.  The summary data may be used at school, district, and state levels only.  Any data on individuals received, collected, or created that are used to generate the summary data under this paragraph are nonpublic data under section 13.02, subdivision 9.

 

(e) For purposes of statewide educational accountability, the commissioner must identify and report measures that demonstrate the relative success of school districts, charter schools, and alternative program providers in improving the graduation outcomes of students under this paragraph.  When reporting student performance under section 120B.36, subdivision 1, the commissioner, beginning July 1, 2013, annually must report summary data on the four-year and six-year graduation rates of students who are identified as at risk of not graduating or off track to graduate, including students who are eligible to participate in a program under section 123A.05 or 124D.68, and the relative success that school districts, charter schools, and alternative program providers experience in:

 

(1) identifying at-risk and off-track student populations by grade;

 

(2) providing successful prevention and intervention strategies for at-risk students; and

 

(3) providing successful recuperative and recovery or reenrollment strategies for off-track students.

 

For purposes of this paragraph, a student who is at risk of not graduating is a student in eighth or ninth grade who meets one or more of the following criteria:  first enrolled in an English-language learners program in eighth or ninth grade and may be older than other students enrolled in the same grade; as an eighth grader, is absent from school for at least 20 percent of the days of instruction during the school year, is two or more years older than other students enrolled in the same grade, or fails multiple core academic courses; or as a ninth grader, fails multiple ninth grade core academic courses in English language arts, math, science, or social studies.

 

For purposes of this paragraph, a student who is off track to graduate is a student who meets one or more of the following criteria:  first enrolled in an English-language learners program in high school and is older than other students enrolled in the same grade; is a returning dropout; is 16 or 17 years old and two or more academic years off track to graduate; is 18 years or older and two or more academic years off track to graduate; or is 18 years or older and may graduate within one school year.


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EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective the day following final enactment and applies to data that are collected in the 2012-2013 school year and later and reported annually beginning July 1, 2013, consistent with the recommendations the commissioner receives from recognized and qualified experts on improving differentiated graduation rates, and establishing alternative routes to a standard high school diploma for at-risk and off-track students.

 

Sec. 2.  Minnesota Statutes 2009 Supplement, section 120B.36, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  School performance report cards.  (a) The commissioner shall report student academic performance under section 120B.35, subdivision 2; the percentages of students showing low, medium, and high growth under section 120B.35, subdivision 3, paragraph (b); school safety and student engagement and connection under section 120B.35, subdivision 3, paragraph (d); rigorous coursework under section 120B.35, subdivision 3, paragraph (c); the four-year and six-year graduation rates of at-risk and off-track students and the academic success that school districts, charter schools, and alternative program providers experience in their efforts to improve the graduation outcomes of those students under section 120B.35, subdivision 3, paragraph (e); two separate student-to-teacher ratios that clearly indicate the definition of teacher consistent with sections 122A.06 and 122A.15 for purposes of determining these ratios; staff characteristics excluding salaries; student enrollment demographics; district mobility; and extracurricular activities.  The report also must indicate a school's adequate yearly progress status, and must not set any designations applicable to high- and low-performing schools due solely to adequate yearly progress status.

 

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

 

(c) The commissioner must make available performance report cards by the beginning of each school year.

 

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

 

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

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective the day following final enactment and applies to annual reports beginning July 1, 2013.

 

Sec. 3.  IMPLEMENTING DIFFERENTIATED GRADUATION RATE MEASURES AND EXPLORING ALTERNATIVE ROUTES TO A STANDARD DIPLOMA FOR AT-RISK AND OFF-TRACK STUDENTS. 

 

(a) To implement the requirements of Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.35, subdivision 3, paragraph (e), the commissioner of education must convene a group of recognized and qualified experts on improving differentiated graduation rates and establishing alternative routes to a standard high school diploma for at-risk and off-track students.  The commissioner must assist the group, as requested, to explore and recommend to the commissioner and the legislature (1) research-based measures that demonstrate the academic success of and costs to school districts, charter schools, and alternative program providers in improving the graduation outcomes of at-risk and off-track students, and (2) state and local options for establishing alternative routes to a standard diploma, consistent with Minnesota's statewide accountability system under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 120B, and Minnesota Statutes, sections 123A.05 and 124D.68.  When proposing alternative routes to a standard diploma, the group also must identify highly reliable variables that generate summary data to comply with Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.35, subdivision 3, paragraph (e), including:  who initiates the request for an alternative route; who approves the request for an alternative route; the specific parameters of the alternative route process, including whether a student first must fail a regular, state-mandated exam; and the comparability of the academic and achievement criteria reflected in the alternative route and the standard route for a standard diploma.


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(b) The commissioner must convene the first meeting of this group by September 15, 2010.  Group members must include:  four teachers and administrators from, and two parents of students currently enrolled in state-approved alternative programs selected by the Minnesota Association of Alternative Programs; one representative selected by the Minnesota K-12 Online Learning Alliance; one representative selected by the Metropolitan Federation of Alternative Schools; one representative of the Minnesota Association of Charter Schools; two faculty members selected by the dean of the College of Education at the University of Minnesota with expertise in serving and assessing at-risk and off-track students; two Minnesota State Colleges and Universities faculty members selected by the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities chancellor with expertise in serving and assessing at-risk and off-track students; one currently serving superintendent selected by the Minnesota Association of School Administrators; one currently serving high school principal selected by the Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals; and two public members selected by the commissioner.  The group may seek input from representatives of other interested stakeholders and organizations with expertise to help inform the group's work.  The group must meet at least quarterly.  Group members do not receive compensation or reimbursement of expenses for participating in this group.  The group expires on February 16, 2012.

 

(c) The group, by February 15, 2012, must develop and submit to the commissioner and the Education Policy and Finance Committees of the legislature recommendations and legislation, consistent with this section and Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.35, subdivision 3, paragraph (e), for:

 

(1) measuring and reporting differentiated graduation rates for at-risk and off-track students and the success and costs that school districts, charter schools, and alternative program providers experience in identifying and serving at-risk or off-track student populations; and

 

(2) establishing alternative routes to a standard diploma.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective the day following final enactment and applies to school report cards beginning July 1, 2013."

 

Delete the title and insert:

 

"A bill for an act relating to education; establishing state accountability measures to improve graduation outcomes for students who are at risk of not graduating and students significantly off track to graduate; amending Minnesota Statutes 2009 Supplement, sections 120B.35, subdivision 3; 120B.36, subdivision 1."

 

 

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

 

      The report was adopted.

 

 

Pelowski from the Committee on State and Local Government Operations Reform, Technology and Elections to which was referred:

 

H. F. No. 2557, A bill for an act relating to state government; establishing a position for a state Webmaster; requiring the state chief information officer to develop standards for enhanced public access to state electronic records; amending Minnesota Statutes 2008, sections 16E.04, subdivision 2; 16E.05, by adding a subdivision; Minnesota Statutes 2009 Supplement, section 16E.02, subdivision 1.

 

Reported the same back with the following amendments:

 

Page 1, line 24, after "government" insert "and are consistent with the accessibility standards developed under section 16E.03, subdivision 9"


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Page 2, line 12, delete "16E.02, subdivision 1, paragraph (c)" and insert "16E.05, subdivision 4"

 

Page 3, delete sections 3 and 4 and insert:

 

"Sec. 3.  Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 16E.05, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 4.  Standards for transparency.  The chief information officer shall develop standards to enhance public access to electronic data maintained by state government, consistent with the requirements of chapter 13.  The standards must ensure that:

 

(1) the state information architecture facilitates public access to agency data;

 

(2) publicly available data is managed using an approved state metadata model; and

 

(3) all geospatial data conform to an approved state geocode model.

 

Sec. 4.  TRANSPARENCY STANDARDS REPORT. 

 

By January 15, 2011, the chief information officer shall report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over the Office of Enterprise Technology regarding the development of the standards to enhance public access to data required under Minnesota Statutes, section 16E.05, subdivision 4.  The report must describe the process for development of the standards, including the opportunity provided for public comment, and specify the components of the standards that have been implemented, including a description of the level of public use of the new opportunities for data access under the standards."

 

 

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

 

      The report was adopted.

 

 

Atkins from the Committee on Commerce and Labor to which was referred:

 

H. F. No. 2781, A bill for an act relating to labor and industry; modifying licensing provisions; imposing and modifying certain license fees; amending Minnesota Statutes 2008, sections 326B.133, subdivisions 1, 3, 8, 11, by adding subdivisions; 326B.197; 326B.33, subdivisions 18, 20, 21; 326B.42, by adding subdivisions; 326B.43, subdivision 2; 326B.44; 326B.46, as amended; 326B.47; 326B.475, subdivision 2; 326B.50, by adding subdivisions; 326B.54; 326B.55, as amended if enacted; 326B.56, as amended; 326B.805, subdivision 6; 326B.83, subdivisions 1, 3, 6; 326B.865; 326B.921, subdivisions 2, 4, 7; 326B.922; 326B.978, subdivision 2, by adding a subdivision; 327B.04, subdivision 2; Minnesota Statutes 2009 Supplement, sections 326B.33, subdivision 19; 326B.475, subdivision 4; 326B.49, subdivision 1; 326B.58; 326B.815, subdivision 1; 326B.86, subdivision 1; 326B.94, subdivision 4; 326B.986, subdivision 5; 327B.04, subdivisions 7, 7a, 8; 327B.041; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 326B; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2008, sections 326B.133, subdivisions 9, 10; 326B.37, subdivision 13; 326B.475, subdivisions 5, 6; 326B.56, subdivision 3; 326B.885, subdivisions 3, 4; 326B.976; Minnesota Statutes 2009 Supplement, section 326B.56, subdivision 4; Minnesota Rules, parts 1301.0500; 1301.0900; 1301.1100, subparts 2, 3, 4; 1350.7200, subpart 3; 1350.8000, subpart 2.

 

Reported the same back with the following amendments:


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Delete everything after the enacting clause and insert:

 

"Section 1.  [326B.091] DEFINITIONS. 

 

Subdivision 1.  Applicability.  For purposes of sections 326B.091 to 326B.098, the terms defined in this section have the meanings given them.

 

Subd. 2.  Applicant.  "Applicant" means a person who has submitted to the department an application for a license.

 

Subd. 3.  License.  "License" means any registration, certification, or other form of approval authorized by chapters 326B and 327B to be issued by the commissioner or department as a condition of doing business or conducting a trade, profession, or occupation in Minnesota.  License includes specifically but not exclusively an authorization issued by the commissioner or department:  to perform electrical work, plumbing or water conditioning work, high pressure piping work, or residential building work of a residential contractor, residential remodeler, or residential roofer; to install manufactured housing; to serve as a building official; or to operate a boiler or boat.

 

Subd. 4.  Licensee.  "Licensee" means the person named on the license as the person authorized to do business or conduct the trade, profession, or occupation in Minnesota.

 

Subd. 5.  Notification date.  "Notification date" means the date of the written notification from the department to an applicant that the applicant is qualified to take the examination required for licensure.

 

Subd. 6.  Renewal deadline.  "Renewal deadline," when used with respect to a license, means 30 days before the date that the license expires.

 

Sec. 2.  [326B.092] FEES. 

 

Subdivision 1.  Licenses requiring examination administered by commissioner.  (a) If the applicant for a license must pass an examination administered by the commissioner in order to obtain the license, then the application for the initial license must be accompanied by an application and examination fee of $50, which is separate from the license fee.  The license fee is due after the applicant passes the examination and before the license is issued.

 

(b) If the applicant for a Minnesota license holds a license in another state and is seeking Minnesota licensure without examination based on reciprocity, then the application for the Minnesota license must be accompanied by the application and examination fee of $50, which is separate from the license fee.  If the commissioner approves the application, then the license fee is due before the license is issued.

 

Subd. 2.  Licenses not requiring examination administered by commissioner.  If the applicant for a license is not required to pass an examination in order to obtain the license, or is required to pass an examination that is not administered by the commissioner, then the license fee must accompany the application for the license.  If the application is for a license issued under sections 326B.802 to 326B.885 and is not an application for license renewal, then the contractor recovery fund fee required under section 326B.89, subdivision 3, is due after the department has determined that the applicant meets the qualifications for licensing and before the license is issued.

 

Subd. 3.  Late fee.  The department must receive a complete application for license renewal by the renewal deadline but not more than 90 days before the renewal deadline.  If the department receives a renewal application after the expiration of the license, then the renewal application must be accompanied by a late fee equal to one-half of the license renewal fee; except that, for the purpose of calculating the late fee only, the license renewal fee shall not include any contractor recovery fund fee required by section 326B.89, subdivision 3.


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Subd. 4.  Lapsed licensed fee.  If the department receives a renewal application within two years after expiration of the license, the renewal application must be accompanied by all license renewal fees to cover the period that the license was expired, plus the late fee described in subdivision 3 and the license renewal fee for the current renewal period.

 

Subd. 5.  Insufficient fees.  If the applicant does not include all required fees with the application, then the application will be incomplete and the department will notify the applicant of the amount of the deficiency.

 

Subd. 6.  Fees nonrefundable.  Application and examination fees, license fees, license renewal fees, and late fees are nonrefundable except for:

 

(1) license renewal fees received more than two years after expiration of the license, as described in section 326B.094, subdivision 2;

 

(2) any overpayment of fees; and

 

(3) if the license is not renewed, the contractor recovery fund fee and any additional assessment paid under subdivision 7, paragraph (e).

 

Subd. 7.  License fees and license renewal fees.  (a) The license fee for each license except a renewed license shall be the base license fee plus any applicable board fee, as set forth in this subdivision.  The license renewal fee for each renewed license is the base license fee plus any applicable board fee, continuing education fee, and contractor recovery fund fee and additional assessment, as set forth in this subdivision.

 

(b) For purposes of this section, "license duration" means the number of years for which the license is issued except that:

 

(1) if the initial license is not issued for a whole number of years, the license duration shall be rounded up to the next whole number; and

 

(2) if the department receives an application for license renewal after the renewal deadline, license duration means the number of years for which the renewed license would have been issued if the renewal application had been submitted on time and all other requirements for renewal had been met.

 

(c) The base license fee shall depend on whether the license is classified as an entry level, master, journeyman, or business license, and on the license duration.  The base license fee shall be:

 

License Classification                                                                   License Duration

 

                                                                  1 Year                                   2 Years                                  3 Years

 

Entry level                                               $10                                         $20                                         $30

Journeyman                                            $20                                         $40                                         $60

Master                                                      $40                                         $80                                       $120

Business                                                   $90                                       $180                                       $260

 

(d) If there is a continuing education requirement for renewal of the license, then a continuing education fee must be included in the renewal