MARCH 18, 2005 VOLUME 22, NUMBER 11

INSIDE: CLEAN WATER - A LASTING LEGACY, SCHOOLS’ CORE MISSION, GOPHERS - GO FIGURE, MORE

This Week’s Bill Introductions HF1743-HF1947 ESSION S Weekly Session Weekly is a nonpartisan publication of the Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services offi ce. During the 2005-2006 Legis- lative Session, each issue reports daily House action between Thursdays of each week, lists bill introductions, and provides other information. No fee. ONTENT To subscribe, contact: C S Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services 175 State Offi ce Building HIGHLIGHTS 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. St. Paul, MN 55155-1298 Agriculture • 5 Employment • 8 Local Government • 12 (651) 296-2146 or Business • 5 Energy • 9 Military • 12 1-800-657-3550 Consumers • 5 Family • 9 Recreation • 13 TTY (651) 296-9896 http://www.house.mn/hinfo/subscribesw.asp Crime • 6 Health • 9 Safety • 14 Development • 6 Higher Education • 10 Taxes • 14 Education • 7 Housing • 10 Transportation • 14 Director Barry LaGrave Elections • 8 Human Services • 11 Editor/Assistant Director Lee Ann Schutz BILL INTRODUCTIONS (HF1743-HF1947) • 18-23 Assistant Editor Mike Cook Art & Production Coordinator FEATURES Paul Battaglia FIRST READING: A new direction and resources for clean water • 3 Writers Ruth Dunn, Patty Janovec, CAPITOL CENTENNIAL: The golden gopher • 4 Brett Martin, Matt Wetzel, Nicole Wood SPEAKING OF THE HOUSE: It’s in the cards • 15

Chief Photographer AT ISSUE: What should be the core mission of schools? • 16 Tom Olmscheid NEW MEMBER PROFILES: Lillie and Peterson • 17 Photographers Andrew VonBank, Sarah Stacke Staff Assistants Christy Novak, Laura Noe DEPARTMENTS/RESOURCES

Session Weekly (ISSN 1049-8176) is pub- lished weekly during the legislative session by Minnesota Index: State Aqua • 24 For More Information: • 24 Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services offi ce, 175 State Offi ce Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155-1298. Periodicals postage paid at Minneapolis, Minn. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Session Weekly, Public Information Services offi ce, Minnesota House of Representatives, 175 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155-1298.

On the cover: The post World War II statue, “The Promise of Youth,” frames the Capitol building. Created Printed on recycled paper which is 50% recycled, 30% post-consumer content. by Alonzo Hauser, it is meant to symbolize the youth of a nation looking for the promise of peace. The statue was placed near the Veterans Service Building in 1958.

—Photo by: Sarah Stacke

2 March 18, 2005 IRST READING F★ ★ ★

PHOTO BY TOM OLMSCHEID One of the goals of the Clean Water Legacy Act is to assess the water quality in all of Minnesota lakes within the next 10 years, including this one in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

Among the pass/fail criteria are chemical, physical or biological measures, but the big A lasting legacy picture is not so complicated. New direction and resources for clean water eff orts “Is it swimmable? Can you eat the fi sh out of it?” It can be a tough standard to reach but it’s not a tough standard to understand, Ozment said. BY NICOLE WOOD approved the measure March 16. It now moves The best science indicates that Minnesota innesota spends $1 million a day to the House Agriculture, Environment and could have 10,000 polluted water bodies by the on water quality issues. Yet it’s not Natural Resources Finance Committee. end of the decade, according to PCA Commis- M enough to keep up with the require- A companion bill (SF762), sponsored by sioner Sheryl Corrigan. ments of the federal Clean Water Act, accord- Sen. Dennis R. Frederickson (R-New Ulm), There are already 2,000 water bodies on ing to proponents of a clean water proposal awaits action in the Senate State and Local the state’s impaired waters listing, and only that’s making waves at the Capitol. Government Operations Committee. 14 percent of the lakes and 8 percent of the Cleaning up the state’s surface waters is streams have been assessed so far. going to take more money and better coordi- The Clean Water Act of 1972 Once a water body is deemed impaired, the nation, they say, to prevent the state from be- HF826 aims to protect, restore and preserve next step is to compile a document known as a coming the Land of 10,000 Impaired Lakes. Minnesota’s surface waters and ensure compli- “TMDL report” that determines the pollution Advocates warn that noncompliance with ance with the federal Clean Water Act of 1972. sources and the amount of cleanup needed to the impaired waters provisions pose a triple According to the Environmental Protection restore the watershed, and then make reason- threat of environmental degradation, litiga- Agency (EPA), the federal entity charged with able progress toward restoration. tion and increased federal regulation. Fur- enforcing the act, it is “the cornerstone of surface TMDL is the acronym for Total Maximum thermore, it places economic development water quality protection in the United States.” Daily Load. By EPA defi nition, a TMDL is in a precarious position because there are The responsibility for monitoring surface “a calculation of the maximum amount of a restrictions to development where contami- waters falls mainly on the states. In Min- pollutant that a water body can receive and nated waters exist. nesota, the task is delegated to the Pollution still meet water quality standards, and an HF826, the so-called Clean Water Lega- Control Agency (PCA). Every two years, the allocation of that amount to the pollutant’s cy Act, sponsored by Rep. Dennis Ozment agency is required to submit to the EPA a re- sources.” (R-Rosemount), would establish both a policy port that summarizes the state’s water quality Put quite simply, a TMDL is a fi x-it plan. framework and a funding mechanism to deal information and a listing of those water bodies with the state’s impending water quality woes. that are failing to meet the standards set for First Reading continued on page 4 The House Local Government Committee their designated uses.

March 18, 2005 Session Weekly 3 First Reading continued from page 3 systems. The proposed fees are $36 per year administrative burden on counties.” on residential units (including multi-unit The fee is imposed without regard to a pay- Clean Water oversight and funding dwellings and individual septic systems), with er’s contribution to the water quality problems When the impaired waters issue resurfaced an exemption for certain low-income people, and regardless of a community’s past efforts to in 2003, the Legislature ordered the agency to and a tiered fee on non-residential service clean up waters, said Kari Thurlow, a lobbyist organize a group of people and agencies with a connections of $120, $300 or $600 per year for the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities. special interest in tackling the problem — in- based on discharge. It would be more equitable to try to identify cluding conservation organizations; local, state, The fee would be collected by the public General Fund dollars, she said. federal, and tribal offi cials; farmers; business agency that currently collects sewer fees. The Craig Johnson, a League of Minnesota Cities owners; builders and PCA would collect from the permitted facili- intergovernmental relations representative and a developers — and ties currently under its jurisdiction. Counties G16 member, said the goal was to come up with report back with a would be required to collect the fees from a package that would at least meet enough of the policy framework individual septic system owners and identify criteria of the Legislature and the governor to and fi nancing ideas. by Aug. 15, 2005, a list of all the people served move it forward as a legitimate proposal. The core group of by these systems. “Since none of us really felt it was a viable stakeholders is com- The fees would be deposited in a clean water year to be coming into the Legislature and monly referred to as legacy account in the state treasury. The money expecting you to just magically create new “the G16.” could be used for grants and loans for impaired General Fund revenues out of existing revenue Out of this broad, waters identifi cation and restoration activities, streams, we had to come up with some sugges- diverse coalition wastewater and stormwater treatment projects, tion of how we would recommend that could came recommen- individual sewage treatment system upgrades be done,” he said. dations that form and other preventive measures. Even the bill sponsor said he is “uncom- the backbone of the fortable” with the fee in its current form.

PHOTO BY TOM OLMSCHEID bill: the creation of a The opposition However, he is seeking alternatives rather than Clean Water Coun- It’s not as though opponents to HF826 are delete-all amendments. With Rep. Dennis Ozment watching, cil, fee and account. rallying in the Capitol Rotunda, carrying “It is not fair to those who have spent two Gordon Cumming, ex- Under the bill, an “Mercury Now” and “Phosphorus Forever” years putting the bill together to just delete ecutive director of the 18-member coun- placards. Much of the opposition is a matter their proposal from the bill and provide no Cannon River Water- cil would be cre- of process — the fee, its collection mechanism alternative,” Ozment wrote in an open letter shed Partnership, testi- ated to coordinate and disbursement plan — rather than policy. to House members and staff. “Please bring fies March 14 before your ideas to the table on how to improve the the House Local Gov- the cleanup efforts. Some of those concerns arose during the ernment Committee as Membership would March 14 House Local Government Commit- G16 funding proposal. members hear about include representa- tee hearing. “The goal is to use existing government the Clean Water Legacy tives from state and “County offi cials do not feel that this bill and current regulations at the state and local Act. local government, as clearly defines the nexus between the fee levels to develop methods to clean up all of well as business, agricultural and environmental and the service that will be provided,” said our water. The clean up will take a long time interests. Association of Minnesota Counties Policy but by using collaboration, common sense To pay for the ramped-up water quality Analyst Annalee Garletz. “The recordkeep- and quality science I believe it can be done work, the bill would establish a clean water fee ing required for this fee will really place an effi ciently and with accountability.” on all service connections to sanitary sewer

Golden gophers Capitol motif refl ects striped squirrel sobriquet

Though some say Minneso- ‘gopher bill,’ which gave the state’s railroad ta’s Gopher State nickname companies a vast gift of land,” the account comes from the abundant reads. When railroad lobbyists returned the numbers of the prairie crit- next year seeking $5 million in state capital ters, it seems the Legislature investment, one St. Paul resident turned may have had a hand in his ire into a political cartoon lambasting earning the moniker. the railroad promoters. They are depicted According to Cartoons as gophers pulling a “Gopher Train” full of of Minnesota Politics, a 1976 lawmakers. Minnesota Historical Society publication, Never mind that Minnesota gophers are state lawmakers in 1857 accepted a federal actually ground squirrels. The striped squir- land grant to build railroads in Minnesota by rel sobriquet stuck and gophers earned a tacking it onto a bill designed to weed out the permanent place among the lovely imagery arch-nemesis of the farmer: the pesky gopher. and fi ne art in the Capitol motif. PHOTO BY TOM OLMSCHEID Decorative gophers dance along “Many jokes were made about this (N. WOOD) the third fl oor north railing over- looking the Capitol Rotunda.

4 Session Weekly March 18, 2005 IGHLIGHTS M ARCH 10 - 17, 2005 H★ ★ ★

of corn crops, according to the nonpartisan A foreign-trade zone creates warehousing ★ AGRICULTURE House Research Department. and assembly jobs, Paul Nevanen, director of Proponents of its restricted use have cited the Koochiching County Economic Develop- Curbing herbicides health and environmental concerns. ment Authority, wrote in a letter to the com- It’s banned in Europe and restricted in Wis- “Do you really believe the U.S. EPA, under mittee. The increased trade can help diversify consin, but the House Agriculture and Rural two administrations, one Democrat and one the economy. Development Committee has declined to take Republican, would disregard a real threat to Mike Hanson, chairman of the Koochich- those approaches to regulating the herbicide human health and the environment?” said ing County Board, agreed. “Our economy is atrazine in Minnesota. Jere White, executive director of the Kansas a natural resources-based economy driven by The committee rejected three atrazine Corn Growers Association. “I respectfully the timber and tourism industries,” he said, restriction bills on March 16: suggest the premise behind these bills is se- and is subject to layoffs and decline. • HF1224, sponsored by Rep. Jean Wagenius verely fl awed and should be rejected.” A growing area is the number of trains and (DFL-Mpls), would establish a process for HF1224 has no Senate companion. The rail containers passing through the Port of sampling groundwater and prohibit the Senate companions to the Ellison bills, SF1187, Ranier, he said. Those goods are shipped from application of the herbicide where atrazine sponsored by Sen. Ellen R. Anderson (DFL-St. the Pacifi c Rim to the west coast of Canada, contamination exists; Paul), and SF1048, sponsored by Sen. John then sent by rail to International Falls. • HF1246, sponsored by Rep. Keith Ellison Marty (DFL-Roseville), await action in the A companion bill (SF1257), sponsored by Sen. (DFL-Mpls), would completely ban the sale or Senate Agriculture, Veterans and Gaming Yvonne Prettner Solon (DFL-Duluth), awaits use of atrazine after Jan. 1, 2006; and Committee. action in the Senate Finance Committee. • HF1248, also sponsored by Ellison, would restrict the use of atrazine in several areas of the state beginning Jan. 1, 2006, and then prohibit the sale or use of atrazine on a state- BANKING CONSUMERS wide basis beginning Jan. 1, 2008. It would ★ ★ provide an exemption for research purposes For information on a bill (HF997) spon- Advertising unclaimed property as long as surface and ground waters would sored by Rep. Larry Howes regarding a If you’re one of the more than 1 million Min- be protected. new bank branch for Burns Township, nesotans who have unclaimed property, such Atrazine is typically sprayed on 35 percent go to the Session Weekly EXTRA page at http://www.house.mn/hinfo/swx. as uncashed checks, dormant bank accounts or to 50 percent of Minnesota’s 7 million acres asp. utility deposits, you might not be able to learn about it through the local newspaper. Rep. Lloyd Cybart (R-Apple Valley) is sponsoring HF1398, which would give the ★ BUSINESS Department of Commerce fl exibility in how it notifi es owners of unclaimed property. Foreign-trade zones can help The commerce commissioner could choose A foreign-trade zone can’t help the economy how to best provide public notice, which could if no one knows about it, so a bill that would include using the Internet or other media. provide money to promote Minnesota’s zones Currently, the commissioner is required to might help. publish the names and last known addresses Sponsored by Rep. Dennis Ozment of owners in newspapers. (R-Rosemount), HF1601 aims to do that. The bill would also require cooperatives Heard March 16 by the House Jobs and to notify the owner of abandoned property Economic Opportunity Policy and Finance before donating it to charity. Committee, it was held over for possible inclu- The House Commerce and Financial sion in the committee’s omnibus bill. Institutions Committee approved the bill A foreign-trade zone is a place where ex- and referred it to the House Civil Law and ports are not subject to the normal duties or Elections Committee March 15. An amend- taxes. The zones were created to offset the ment requiring the commissioner to continue customs advantages foreign producers have newspaper advertising in addition to other over American exporters. notifi cation methods was not adopted. The bill would provide $300,000 in fi scal Mark Anfi nson, attorney for the Minnesota year 2006 to get the word out about Min- Newspaper Association, said only 25 percent of nesota’s three foreign-trade zones: Duluth, unclaimed property is returned to its rightful International Falls and Minneapolis. owners. The remaining 75 percent, estimated to PHOTO BY TOM OLMSCHEID “This is a small investment but will pay big be worth $50 million to $70 million, is returned Dr. Tyrone Hayes, professor of Integrative dividends,” Ozment said. The money would to the state, he said. Biology at the University of California-Berkeley, be used to promote the benefi ts of a foreign- presents his fi ndings on atrazine to the House He said newspapers are the most effective way Agriculture and Rural Development Committee trade zone. Any money not used in fi scal year to reach people about unclaimed property. March 15. 2006 could be expended in 2007. Anfi nson suggested imposing a 2 percent to

March 18, 2005 Session Weekly 5 3 percent service fee on each claimed property SuperAmerica stations in Minnesota lose The committee will consider the bill for to fund newspaper advertising costs. an estimated $100,000 a month because of possible inclusion in its omnibus bill. “That’s new money to the state,” he said. drivers who gas and go, according to David A companion bill (SF672), sponsored by “That’s a simple solution.” Blatnik, state government affairs manager Senate President James P. Metzen (DFL-South Sen. William V. Belanger Jr. (R-Blooming- for Marathon Ashland Petroleum, who said St. Paul), awaits action in the Senate Crime ton) is sponsoring a companion bill (SF1360). his company owns approximately 178 of the Prevention and Public Safety Committee. It awaits action in the Senate Commerce 3,000 stations in the state. As gas prices rise, Committee. there is usually an increase in incidents of gas theft, he said. Rep. Mary Murphy (DFL-Hermantown) ★ DEVELOPMENT CRIME pointed out that a 30-day suspension could ★ affect a person’s ability to get to work. Design-build contracts Ellison replied that 30 days is a reasonable State construction projects could be con- Child abusers who murder period of time and that people would have to tracted a different way, under a bill approved Lathen McDonald Sr. had a history of child join a carpool or take a bus. He considered a by the House Governmental Operations and abuse. six-month suspension but decided that was Veterans Affairs Committee March 10. He shook a 5-year-old girl until she fell to too long. HF1460, sponsored by Rep. Michael Beard the fl oor and struck her face. He used a hair- If the legislation passes, Ellison hopes (R-Shakopee), would allow for design-build, a dryer to burn the face of a 1-month-old baby. retailers will post information by pumps to process by which a contract is established with He later killed his 7-month-old son, Lathen let the public know about the law and the a single company to perform both the design McDonald Jr., by hitting him so hard that he consequences of violating it. and construction of a project. It also authorizes lacerated the baby’s liver and caused internal The committee will consider the bill for construction manager at-risk and job order bleeding. possible inclusion in its omnibus bill. It has contracting methods for projects. Prosecutors could not charge him with no Senate companion. “Forty-two other states already do what fi rst-degree murder because, under current we are asking statutory authority to do,” said law, the charge is limited to cases where the Beard. “This is not primarily a money saving defendant later kills the same child he earlier Pirating movies thing, it’s a time and governmental utilization abused, Hilary Caligiuri, representing the Recording a movie in a theatre would saving thing.” Hennepin County Attorney’s Offi ce, told the become a crime under HF695, sponsored by Traditionally, state contracts have been a House Public Safety Policy and Finance Com- Rep. Doug Meslow (R-White Bear Lake). design-bid-build process, in which a contract mittee March 16. “HF695 makes something a crime that I with an architect is established to create the By simply changing the wording of statute think most people assumed already was il- construction documents and then the project from “the child” to “a child,” HF741 would legal,” Meslow told the House Public Safety is bid out. allow a fi rst-degree charge to be applied to of- Policy and Finance Committee March 16. The design-build process, while not the fenders who kill a child and have a past pattern In 21 other states it is illegal to sneak a cheapest, allows the owner and designer to of abuse against any child, said the bill’s spon- camcorder into a theatre and record a movie, become involved early in the process and sor, Rep. Doug Meslow (R-White Bear Lake). but it is legal to do this in Minnesota, said derive the best value out of the project, said Child abusers can now escape the fi rst- Meslow. Bob Debruin, past president of the Soci- degree murder penalty if they “choose a dif- The bill would make it a crime to knowingly ety of American Institute of Architects of ferent child to kill,” said Caligiuri. record a motion picture in a theatre without Minnesota. “Our offi ce believes it’s important to hold the consent of the theatre’s owner or lessee. The bill would also allow a construction repeat child abusers accountable and to give Owners would be permitted to detain suspects manager at-risk, where the constructor has greater protection to children,” she said. in the same way that merchants can detain initial input during the design; it’s faster The committee will consider the bill for people suspected of shoplifting. than the traditional method of design-bid- inclusion in its omnibus bill. It has no Senate “Right now if we catch somebody in the build, added Debruin. By statute, the contract companion. movie theatre with a video camera there’s “shall include a guaranteed maximum price, nothing we can do except ask them to leave,” construction schedule, and workmanship of said Dale Haider, representing the North the construction performed.” Gas and go Central Chapter of the National Association Also, under the bill, job order contracting Pump gas into your car and then intention- of Theatre Owners. is permitted on projects up to $250,000. By ally leave a gas station without paying and The bill would give theatre owners the right statute, job order contracting “means a proj- your driver’s license could be suspended for to call the police and detain suspects just as ect delivery method that requests a limited 30 days under HF1289, sponsored by Rep. other businesses do, he said. “Unfortunately number of bids from a list of qualifi ed con- Keith Ellison (DFL-Mpls). we don’t have those same rights.” tractors, selected from a registry of qualifi ed “If you steal gas, it’s not funny and it’s If people illegally record movies and pirate contractors who have been prescreened and not a prank; it hurts all of us,” Ellison told (sell) them, there is a loss of revenue for the- who have entered into master contracts with the House Public Safety Policy and Finance atres, he said. the (administration) commissioner.” Committee March 15. A fi rst violation would be a misdemeanor, There was no opposition to the bill, al- The bill requires the Department of Public the second a gross misdemeanor and subse- though Rep. Mark Olson (R-Big Lake) raised a Safety to impose a 30-day driver’s license quent offenses would be a felony punishable concern. The bill authorizes the commissioner suspension for anyone convicted of the theft by up to two years in prison and $4,000 in to develop a list of qualifi ed contractors, which of gasoline. fi nes. Olson said could be subjective. 6 Session Weekly March 18, 2005 The bill next goes to the House fl oor. For information on a proposal (HF112), activities. Charter school students would be A Senate companion (SF1335), sponsored sponsored by Rep. Margaret Anderson responsible for the same participation fees that by Sen. Richard J. Cohen (DFL-St. Paul), Kelliher, concerning a Minneapolis de- other students pay. School districts would not awaits action in the Senate State and Local velopment project, go to the Session be required to provide transportation so that Weekly EXTRA page at http://www. Government Operations Committee. house.mn/hinfo/swx.asp. charter school students could participate. “While some progress has been made in es- tablishing voluntary cooperative agreements between charter schools and resident districts, Millions proposed for partnership some resident districts continue to deny access Two bills seeking to position Minnesota as EDUCATION ★ to public charter school students,” said Jay a world leader in medical technology would Martini, executive committee president of the give millions of dollars to the Minnesota Charter student extracurriculars Minnesota Association of Charter Schools. Partnership for Biotechnology and Medical With a 30-day notice, students who attend Dan Pratt, a teacher and athletic director at Genomics. public charter schools would be able to partici- Washburn High School in Minneapolis, said Rep. Randy Demmer (R-Hayfield) is pate in extracurricular activities at their resident what’s diffi cult is putting charter school and sponsoring HF434, which would appropriate public school district under HF1544, sponsored resident students on the same playing fi eld. $15 million to the partnership each year for by Rep. Karen Klinzing (R-Woodbury). For example, Minneapolis has a grade point fi ve years, starting in fi scal year 2006. HF1548, The bill is an opportunity to extend ex- average requirement and some charter schools sponsored by Rep. Paul Kohls (R-Victoria), tracurricular activities to all public school don’t even give grades. Minneapolis also has would make a one-time appropriation of students, Klinzing told the House Education an attendance policy and getting that infor- $15 million in fi scal year 2006 that would be Policy and Reform Committee March 10. mation from charter schools can be diffi cult, available until expended. The extension has already been made for he said. If this bill goes into effect, he said, The Technology, Bioscience and Medical students who are home-schooled and should “The job of athletic director becomes much, Products Division of the House Commerce also be made for students in public charter much more diffi cult to keep all things in focus and Financial Institutions Committee ap- schools, she said. and keep everyone on the same level.” proved both bills March 16 and referred them Public schools would be able to charge The committee approved the bill and re- to the full committee. charter schools for the proportional share ferred it to the House Education Finance Com- Kohls’ bill would also require annual re- of the direct and indirect costs of charter mittee. It does not have a Senate companion. porting on fund spending to the House and students’ participation in extracurricular Senate higher education committees. The bill was amended to include reporting to the Sen- ate Environment, Agriculture and Economic Driving attendance Development Budget Division of the Senate Students who miss too much school might Finance Committee and the House Jobs and not be able to get, retain or renew a driver’s Economic Opportunity Policy and Finance license under HF1717, sponsored by Rep. Tom Committee. Emmer (R-Delano). Dr. Mark S. Paller, assistant vice president “The bill is appropriate, and I’m carrying for research at the University of Minnesota’s it because it encourages our kids not only to Academic Health Center, said the bills would stay in school, but to attend school,” Emmer create job opportunities and help keep the told the House Education Policy and Reform partnership globally competitive. Committee March 14. “We will lose our position if we don’t con- The bill would apply to 16- and 17-year-old tinue to invest,” Paller said. students, who are absent one or more class Rep. Barbara Goodwin (DFL-Columbia periods on seven school days without a lawful Heights) opposed Demmer’s bill, saying there excuse. would be no accountability for the money and Local school boards would decide whether there are other priorities for the $75 million to participate in the program. Individual stu- it would spend over fi ve years. dents could apply for hardship exemptions. “Somebody else is going to lose,” Goodwin Katherine Engler, with the Department of said. Administration Information Policy Analysis Dr. Karen R. Effrem, a pediatrician and Division, said there might be some federal EdAction board member, also spoke in op- data privacy laws that could be obstacles to position to Demmer’s bill. She said the part- the bill. She offered to work with Emmer on nership does not provide for adequate patient the bill’s language. Tom Deans, legal counsel consent for research projects. with the Minnesota School Boards Associa- A companion to Kohls’ bill (SF1309), spon- tion, agreed with her assessment. sored by Sen. Steve Kelley (DFL-Hopkins), PHOTO BY ANDREW VONBANK The committee approved the bill and re- awaits action by the Senate Finance Com- ferred it to the House Civil Law and Elections mittee. Demmer’s bill does not have a Senate Katie Houg, a freshman at TrekNorth High School in Bemidji, testifi es March 10 before the House Committee. There is no Senate companion. companion. Education Policy and Reform Committee in sup- port of a bill that would authorize charter school student participation in school district extracur- ricular activities.

March 18, 2005 Session Weekly 7 for non-campaign related activities. These are Industrialization Centers have a desperate ★ ELECTIONS people’s homes,” Horner said. need for jobs. Rep. Bill Hilty (DFL-Finlayson) success- Rep. Karen Clark (DFL-Mpls) thinks it’s Absentee voters fully offered an amendment requiring the a good match, and is sponsoring HF1515, If a voter has a permanent illness or disabil- candidate to give written authorization to the which would provide $500,000 in each of the ity that keeps them from going to the polls on worker campaigning in multi-unit housing next two fi scal years to the Minnesota OIC Election Day, that person can currently apply complexes. State Council to start and expand health oc- for status as an ongoing absentee voter. The bill was held over for possible inclusion cupation training at the fi ve centers: North Under HF1478, sponsored by Rep. Bill Hilty in the omnibus elections bill. Minneapolis, South Minneapolis, St. Paul, (DFL-Finlayson), any voter could apply for A companion bill (SF359), sponsored by Bemidji and Onamia. Possible jobs include the status. It would continue until the voter’s Sen. Linda Higgins (DFL-Mpls), awaits action nurses, nursing assistants, home health aides, death, the voter requests in writing to have the on the Senate fl oor. phlebotomists and medical coding. status changed, the absentee ballot is returned The bill was heard March 16 by the House as undeliverable, placement of the voter’s reg- Jobs and Economic Opportunity Policy and istration on inactive status or the voter loses Electoral college changes Finance Committee and held over for possible eligibility due to a felony conviction or fi nding Nothing in current state law binds a inclusion in the committee’s omnibus bill. of legal incompetence. member of the Electoral College to vote for a Clients take classes in the centers or in Hilty told the House Civil Law and Elec- particular U.S. president and vice presidential nearby schools. The centers are dedicated tions Committee March 16 that the bill will candidate. primarily to those with low incomes, said accommodate voters who, on very short HF271, however, would align Minnesota William Means, executive director of the notice, might be absent from their home on with 29 other states and the District of Colum- Minnesota OIC State Council. The centers Election Day. bia in making that body’s members account- are nonprofi t organizations that receive state, “This is an increasingly large category,” able to the party to whose name the elector federal and private money. Hilty said. “There are many people involved was elected to represent. The first OIC was founded in 1964 in in sales that are typically on the road during “Usually electoral votes are little more than Philadelphia by Dr. Leon Sullivan, who said, the week.” There are people who work away a rubber stamp. But the closeness of recent “I know I will get my milk and honey in from home, such as truckers and construction elections shows the need to formally bind the heaven. But I want to get some ham and eggs workers, he said. electors,” the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Laura Brod on earth.” The bill was laid over for possible inclusion (R-New Prague), told the House Civil Law “We provide the ham and eggs in the Phil- in the elections omnibus bill. and Elections Committee March 14. “This is lips neighborhood,” said Lee Antell, executive A companion bill (SF1051), sponsored by designed to stop a renegade elector.” director of the American Indian OIC in the Sen. John C. Hottinger (DFL-St. Peter), awaits The proposal calls for the nomination of neighborhood. “We’ve put literally hundreds action on the Senate fl oor. eight alternative members to the Electoral of people to work, dropping hundreds of College. If an elector does not vote for the people off welfare.” appropriate candidate or abstains, the vote A companion bill (SF1618), sponsored by Complex campaigning would be invalidated and an alternate elector Sen. Mee Moua (DFL-St. Paul), awaits action Currently, the only person who can campaign would be chosen. in the Senate Finance Committee. or drop election literature in an apartment Brod said that several states place sanctions complex is the candidate running for offi ce. on electors who cast a “faithless vote.” For Under HF1566, sponsored by Rep. Keith instance, in New Mexico it can be considered a HF1421, sponsored by Rep. Fran Brad- Ellison (DFL-Mpls), campaign workers au- fourth-degree felony, and in some states elec- ley, would provide funding for employ- thorized by the candidate would be able to tors can be hit with a $1,000 civil penalty. ment services for the deaf. For more do so as well. The bill also calls for the electors to speak information, go to the Session Weekly EXTRA page at http://www.house. “People in apartment complexes have just loudly and publicly affi rm their choice of a mn/hinfo/swx.asp. as much right to receive campaign materials candidate in a way that can be heard and not as those in detached houses,” Ellison told the mistaken. House Civil Law and Elections Committee The bill was held over for possible inclusion Money for training March 14. in the omnibus elections bill. Minnesota’s jobs programs provide fi nan- He said that current law protects complex A companion bill (SF289), sponsored by cial help to people between jobs, and gives residents from those seeking to use the pro- Sen. Wesley J. Skoglund (DFL-Mpls), awaits them chances to go to school to learn new posed law to do mischief by allowing man- action on the Senate fl oor. skills. agement to ask for proper identifi cation and What they don’t provide is training to requiring prior notice of a campaign visit. people who have jobs. Jack Horner, a lobbyist for the Minnesota “We’ve been told, time and time again, Multi Housing Association, said the measure EMPLOYMENT ★ when we contact businesses there’s a large opens up all multi-housing, including nurs- demand for training,” said Rick Caligiuri, ing homes, to candidates, which he said is a Health occupation training employment and training director of the broadly defi ned term covering anyone run- The health industry has a desperate need Department of Employment and Economic ning for any public offi ce. for workers, especially nurses and nursing Development. “Our problem is that there is no real ac- assistants. Poor and unemployed people HF1487, sponsored by Rep. Judy Soderstrom countability. Our fear is that anyone can served by the state’s fi ve Opportunities and (R-Mora), would change that. It was heard come in to drop literature, register voters or

8 Session Weekly March 18, 2005 March 16 by the House Jobs and Economic and prepared for use as a fuel for generating has heard various proposals addressing what Opportunity Policy and Finance Committee electricity. proponents say is an archaic view of custody and held over for possible inclusion in the Under the bill, the average price over the issues. committee’s omnibus bill. term of a power purchase agreement with the Les Jobst, a Coon Rapids father of a 5-year- The bill would create a new program that Public Utilities Commission would be $104 old, told the committee that, while he is sup- would allow employers to train employees per megawatt-hour or less. portive of parts of the bill, he is concerned that with state money. The Minnesota Job Skills A companion bill (SF940), sponsored by the needs of the children are not being taken Partnership Board would award grants to Sen. David J. Tomassoni (DFL-Chisholm), into consideration. businesses for training. awaits action in the Senate Jobs, Energy and Legislators need to consider how to em- The training must provide a measurable Community Development Committee. power the children, he said. “Don’t make it increase in job-related skills, according to the about how to empower one parent to consider nonpartisan House Research Department. their child as a fi nancial award. Make it about The board would establish performance mea- each parent showing their child what they can sures and report annually to the Legislature. ★ FAMILY accomplish based on their abilities.” Employers would have to provide matching Rep. Tim Mahoney (DFL-St. Paul) and Rep. funding or in-kind services. Rob Eastlund (R-Isanti) also proposed legisla- Child support changes proposed A companion bill (SF1373), sponsored tion (HF779 and HF1191, respectively). The For the fi rst time in more than two decades, by Sen. Sandra L. Pappas (DFL-St. Paul), signifi cant issues addressed in those bills were the state’s child support laws could see an awaits action in the Senate Jobs, Energy and successfully amended onto Smith’s bill. overhaul. Community Development Committee. Both Eastlund and Mahoney would like the “Our child support guidelines are broke law to favor joint physical custody, which is and they’ve allowed an unfair situation to not addressed under current law. exist,” Rep. Steve Smith (R-Mound), sponsor “We kind of raised the standard for what is of HF1321, told the House Civil Law and Elec- A bill (HF400), sponsored by Rep. expected of parents,” Eastlund said. tions Committee March 16. The measure was Tim Mahoney, would make benefi ts The amendment calls for both parents to approved and referred to the House Jobs and available to school food service work- give the child love, affection, care and guid- Economic Opportunity Policy and Finance ers. For more information, go to the ance. Addressing the state’s diverse popula- Session Weekly EXTRA page at http:// Committee. tion, the measure calls for children of divorce www.house.mn/hinfo/swx.asp. Over the past three years, the Legislature to be raised in their culture, language or languages and religious background. Language that Eastlund supports would make it easier for a father to gain custody of ENERGY the child. The provision states that the court, ★ when deciding custody, “may not use any one factor to the exclusion of all others and Biomass energy may not prefer one parent over the other on A bill to expand the defi nition of farm- account of gender.” grown closed-loop biomass failed to gener- Smith’s bill also addresses the issue of child ate enough energy to pass out of the House support, calling for support to be calculated Regulated Industries Committee March 15. using the parents’ combined income. Rep. Tom Rukavina (DFL-Virginia) is spon- A companion to Smith’s bill (SF630), soring HF1026, which would refl ect changes sponsored by Sen. Thomas M. Neuville made in a power purchase agreement for a (R-Northfi eld), and the companion to Ma- biomass project in northern Minnesota that honey’s bill (SF1408), sponsored by Sen. Sheila has been pending before the Public Utilities M. Kiscaden (IP-Rochester), await action in Commission since 2003. The commission the Senate Judiciary Committee. There is no would be required to approve the changes so companion to Eastlund’s bill. the project can move forward. The bill would expand the farm-grown closed-loop biomass defi nition that projects must meet to fulfi ll the state’s biomass man- HEALTH date by including biomass harvested from ★ designated utility, railroad and road rights- of-way; brush harvested from lands managed Isolation and quarantine in accord with the Department of Natural The House Health Policy and Finance Com- Resources’ best management practices; slash mittee approved a bill (HF1507) March 15 that and timber residuals harvested in compliance would modify provisions for the isolation and with Minnesota Forest Council guidelines; quarantine of people infected or exposed to communicable diseases. The bill was referred to and trees and brush harvested for fi re protec- PHOTO BY ANDREW VONBANK the House Civil Law and Elections Committee. tion, disease, insect control or timber stand Les Jobst, a father from Coon Rapids, testifi es improvement purposes. March 16 before the House Civil Law and Elec- The bill is designed to protect people in Farm-grown closed-loop biomass is bio- tions Committee concerning a bill that, in part, the event of an emergency, including a bio- mass that is intentionally cultivated, harvested would reform Minnesota child support laws. terrorism attack or an outbreak of a disease

March 18, 2005 Session Weekly 9 such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Supporters say more programs are needed, (SARS), said Rep. Jim Abeler (R-Anoka), the in part, because a large number of psycholo- bill’s sponsor. gists, school superintendents and nurses are If an emergency were declared, the health expected to retire in the next few years. commissioner would be able to authorize vac- “One of the key bottlenecks we have in ad- cinations or the dispensing of drugs to protect dressing the nursing shortage is the ability to the health and safety of the public. attract nurses with a doctorate who can then The bill would require a peace offi cer to train the master’s level nurses, who then train enforce an order for isolation or quarantine. students at the baccalaureate and two-year They would be able to use all necessary and college nursing programs,” Opatz said. To lawful means, except deadly force, to appre- have an accredited baccalaureate or master’s hend, hold, transport, quarantine or isolate level nursing program, most, if not all, faculty the person subject to the order. need to be at the doctoral level, he said. The health commissioner, when issuing a Speaking on behalf of the university, and directive to isolate or quarantine without fi rst against the bill, was Martin Sampson, an as- obtaining a written order, would be required sociate political science professor. He said the to specify the incubation or communicability bill does not defi ne an applied doctoral degree. period. “It could be understood as degrees that require Individuals isolated or quarantined who no research. It could be understood as degrees are not represented by counsel would be able that require research as part of the education to request the court to appoint counsel at the of someone who will be a practitioner.” expense of the Health Department or a lo- A companion bill (SF220), sponsored by cal public health board. The counsel would Sen. John C. Hottinger (DFL-St. Peter), is not be required to pursue an appeal if he or being considered for inclusion in the Senate’s she determines there is insuffi cient basis for higher education omnibus bill. PHOTO BY ANDREW VONBANK Oscar Gomez, a sophomore at Bethlehem Acade- proceeding. my in Faribault, testifi es before the House Higher A companion bill (SF1482), sponsored by Education Finance Committee March 16 in sup- Sen. Becky Lourey (DFL-Kerrick), awaits ac- Immigrant tuition port of a bill that would provide in-state tuition tion in the Senate Health and Family Security regulations for all Minnesota students attending Angela Fuentes, a senior at Bethlehem Acad- Committee. colleges and universities in the state. emy in Faribault, wants to attend Rochester Community and Technical College next year are eligible to do so. to begin training to become a veterinarian. “A high school diploma is nice to have, but Reps. Jim Knoblach and Tim Wilkin However, the 18-year-old, who came to it’s not enough,” said Rep. Carlos Mariani have introduced bills dealing with Minnesota from Mexico fi ve years ago, is not (DFL-St. Paul). health saving accounts. For more a permanent resident. information, go to the Session Weekly Similar bills have been enacted in eight EXTRA page at http://www.house. Without citizenship, she and other immi- states and 18 more are considering similar mn/hinfo/swx.asp. grants must pay out-of-state tuition at most laws, Cox said. colleges and universities in the state, which Not everyone was supportive. can add thousands of dollars to the price “The bill breaks the promise that property tag. That may prohibit some students, such taxes and other education funding is to be as Fuentes, from attending a postsecondary ★ HIGHER EDUCATION used for Minnesota’s students — our children, institution. my children,” said Minneapolis resident Dell Doctoral degrees “Help people like me with dreams of a fu- Erickson. “Its primary purpose appears to ture,” she told the House Higher Education Minnesota is one of seven states with just one be to further blur, if not eliminate, the dis- Finance Committee March 16. public doctoral degree awarding institution, tinction between Minnesota and American Fuentes was one of about a dozen people and it is the only one in the Upper Midwest. citizens and foreign nationals, especially of to speak in support of HF566, which will be Under current law, only the University of illegal aliens.” considered for inclusion in the committee’s Minnesota can offer such degrees, while state A companion bill (SF627), sponsored by omnibus bill. universities in the Minnesota State Colleges Sen. Sandra L. Pappas (DFL-St. Paul), might Under the bill, sponsored by Rep. Ray Cox and Universities (MnSCU) system can offer be included in the Senate higher education (R-Northfi eld), students would be eligible for no degree higher than a master’s. omnibus bill. in-state tuition at all public higher education Sponsored by Rep. Joe Opatz (DFL-St. institutions if they meet four criteria: at least Cloud), HF165 would permit applied doctoral two years of attendance at a Minnesota high programs to be offered at state universities. school, graduation from a state high school or “We need to expand in Minnesota where the attainment within the state of an equivalent, HOUSING demand is. The state universities are ideally ★ registration or enrollment at a public higher suited being that they are spread across the education institution and, in the case of a state,” he told the House Higher Education Establishing a negotiation process student without lawful immigration status, Finance Committee March 14. It will be A bill that would require a negotiation the fi ling of an affi davit indicating they have considered for inclusion in the committee’s process before a homeowner can file suit fi led an application to legalize their citizen- omnibus bill. against a contractor for construction defects ship or will at the earliest opportunity they was laid over for further consideration by the

10 Session Weekly March 18, 2005 House Commerce and Financial Institutions Michael Dahl, executive director of the Committee March 15. Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless, then THE CHIEF Sponsored by Rep. Dan Severson (R-Sauk pointed out some frightening anecdotes. Rapids), HF1375 would require a 90-day period When juveniles are on the street, it is likely for the contractor and homeowner to resolve that they will be approached within 48 hours their differences before a suit can be fi led. If an by someone who wants to use them for some agreement cannot be reached during that time, illegal purpose. the homeowner can proceed with a suit. They will resist the fi rst time, he said, but The bill would require a homeowner to not for long. “Needing a warm place and notify the contractor of a claim. The contrac- something to eat makes it an eventuality.” tor would then need to respond in writing A companion bill (SF684), sponsored by within 30 days. The response must include a Sen. D. Scott Dibble (DFL-Mpls), awaits monetary settlement, making of repairs or in- action in the Senate Finance Committee. spection of property. If the contractor rejects the claim or fails to respond the homeowner can sue without further delay. Pam Perri Weaver, executive vice president HUMAN SERVICES of the Builders Association of Minnesota, ★ said the bill would improve communications Grants for alternatives between homeowners and contractors. Programs that provide information, referrals “We want to get these claims resolved,” and services to assist women in carrying their she said. “We don’t want them sitting on the pregnancies to full-term could receive their share table.” of $2.5 million in grant money in fi scal year 2007 Nancy Johnson, a member of Minnesota as part of the Positive Alternatives Act. Home Watch, said a contractor damaged her Rep. Brad Finstad (R-New Ulm) is spon- Columbia Heights home. She opposed the bill, soring HF952, which would make the money PHOTO BY TOM OLMSCHEID saying it doesn’t benefi t homeowners. available only to groups that do not provide, Nathan Latz, 6, points at the voting board as “This is not a bill for homeowners,” Johnson promote or refer abortions. The health com- he joins his father, Rep. Ron Latz, on the House said. “This is a bill designed by the building missioner would be responsible for adminis- fl oor March 14. During the House Higher Edu- cation Finance Committee meeting earlier in industry.” tering and monitoring the grants. A companion bill (SF1287), sponsored the day, Rep. Latz referred to his son as his To be eligible, a program must be offered chief political advisor. by Sen. Linda Scheid (DFL-Brooklyn through a private, nonprofi t corporation, be Park), awaits action in the Senate Judiciary free of charge, have the purpose of assisting Committee. and encouraging women to carry their preg- An electronic information service for nancies to term and ensure none of the money the blind would continue to see fund- is used for abortion counseling. ing under HF1214, sponsored by Rep. A safe place to live Jim Knoblach. For more information, Some organizations oppose the abortion go to the Session Weekly EXTRA page at Tia Frechette, 20, gave birth to her daughter provision, saying the bill funnels money to http://www.house.mn/hinfo/swx.asp. in August 2003. At the time she lived with an groups that do not offer women all options extended family that included her daughter’s for their pregnancy. father, her father and grandmother. “As drafted, this legislation bars any orga- Changing terminology The family had some conflict and her nization that counsels women on all of her The House passed a bill March 10 that daughter’s father left before she eventually legal, medical options from receiving state would change terms in state law like “men- had to also leave. After staying in a series of funding,” said Tina Smith, vice president of tal retardation,” “mentally retarded” and friends’ homes Frechette moved into Elim external affairs for Planned Parenthood. “No “handicapped persons” to terminology more Transitional Housing Inc., which offers af- one in this room would knowingly submit desirable to those with disabilities, such as fordable transitional housing. themselves to a standard of care that gave “disabled persons.” According to the nonpartisan House them only half the truth.” Sponsored by Rep. Joe Opatz (DFL-St. Research Department, transitional housing The House Health Policy and Finance Com- Cloud), HF487 passed 131-0. It now goes programs provide housing designed for inde- mittee amended the bill March 10 to include to the Senate, where Sen. Sheila Kiscaden pendent living to homeless people or families provider services that offer child-care assistance. (IP-Rochester) is the sponsor. at a rental rate of at least 25 percent of family An amendment to include adoption agencies “What the bill does is direct the (Revisor income for a period of up to 24 months. that have been established in Minnesota for at of Statutes) wherever the revisor fi nds these Rep. Nora Slawik (DFL-Maplewood) would least 10 years and do not encourage abortion as terms … and replaces them with more up to like to help more people like Frechette, so a best alternative was not approved. date and respectful terms, what we refer to as she is sponsoring a bill that would provide The committee approved the bill and re- person fi rst language,” Opatz said. $15 million to transitional housing and emer- ferred it to the House Civil Law and Elections The term “handicapped” originates from gency services grants. Committee. the European war when many of the decorated HF1198 was heard March 15 by the House A companion bill (SF917), sponsored by veterans were returning home as amputees Jobs and Economic Opportunity Policy and Sen. Dallas C. Sams (DFL-Staples), awaits ac- and forced to beg in streets. They would Finance Committee and held over for possible tion in the Senate Health and Family Security take their caps off to beg with, so they were inclusion in the committee’s omnibus bill. Committee.

March 18, 2005 Session Weekly 11 notoriously known as the “handicappers,” With the state facing another budget defi cit, A bill (HF1778), sponsored by Rep. Greg Cara Ruff, president of the Minnesota As- removal of the salary cap is something the Blaine, would allow and regulate rental sociation of Centers for Independent Living, state cannot afford, testified Paul Larson, of facilities at Camp Ripley near Little Falls. For more information, go to the previously told a House committee. deputy commissioner of the Department of Session Weekly EXTRA page at http:// “I don’t think anyone in this room, or any of Employee Relations. The governor is against www.house.mn/hinfo/swx.asp. our families, or any of our friends, certainly not the proposal and “evidence says we are retain- our children, deserve to be referred to as a retard ing our employees,” he added. or an idiot, or as handicapped,” Ruff said. Smaller cities and towns can’t compete on There are nearly 400 pages in state law that a state level when bigger ones can offer higher Retired personnel pay would need modifi cation to fall in line with a salaries than smaller counterparts, said Rep. Retired members of the Minnesota National national campaign called “The People First,” Larry Hosch (DFL-St. Joseph). Guard could be paid at a higher rank than that advocates for changes in descriptions of A large portion of the state sales tax rev- when they retired if called back to duty, under disabled persons, Opatz said in committee. enues comes from the seven-county Twin a bill approved by the House Governmental “We shouldn’t refer to someone by some Cities metropolitan area, Erhardt said. “We Operations and Veterans Affairs Committee characteristic, we don’t say to someone who gladly share that to help you out and now we March 16. has cancer, that’s a cancerous person, it’s a need some help in return.” HF1779, sponsored by Rep. Lloyd Cybart person who happens to have the disease of A Senate companion (SF953), sponsored (R-Apple Valley), says the commander-in- cancer,” he added. by Sen. Steve Kelley (DFL-Hopkins), awaits chief or adjutant general may authorize a pay action on the Senate fl oor. increase based on the person’s special skills or experience. “It gives the adjutant general the ability INDUSTRY to compensate them at a level that is com- ★ MILITARY mensurate with experience gathered in the ★ private sector,” said Col. Denny Shields, spe- Rep. Denny McNamara is the sponsor cial assistant to the adjunct general. There’s of a bill (HF1370) that would require Accruing benefi ts licensing of plumbers in communities no specifi c case in mind with the bill, he said; of fewer than 5,000 people. For more St. Louis Park Police Offi cer Paul Barnes it’s more of a result of the staff attempting to information, go to the Session Weekly testifi ed that when he returned home from a solve problems before they happen. EXTRA page at http://www.house. year of active military service with the Army There was no opposition to the bill that next mn/hinfo/swx.asp. Reserve in Iraq, the city wouldn’t give him his goes to the House fl oor. vacation and sick time he had accrued and had A Senate companion (SF1625), sponsored a right to under state and federal law. by Sen. Becky Lourey (DFL-Kerrick), awaits Barnes went through a long fi ght with the ★ LAW action in the Senate Agriculture, Veterans and city, and was recently awarded sick leave and Gaming Committee. A bill (HF1036), sponsored by Rep. vacation time after he went to the city council Marty Seifert, making several changes and his state representative for help, he told regarding the Offi ce of Administrative the House Governmental Operations and Hearings, passed the House by a 132-0 Veterans Affairs Committee March 16. Financial assistance vote on March 10. For more information, HF1575, sponsored by Rep. Laura Brod Families of active National Guard and Re- go to the Session Weekly EXTRA page at (R-New Prague), clarifi es that a state or local serve members could see some help with paying http://www.house.mn/hinfo/swx.asp. public employee ordered into active military their bills under HF229 heard March 10 in the service continues to accumulate sick leave House Taxes Committee. and vacation at the same rate from the time The measure would allow taxpayers to des- the person enters active military service until ignate on their tax returns that $1 or more be paid into a Minnesota military families relief ★ LOCAL GOVERNMENT the date of reinstatement, when the accrued leave would be awarded. This would be done account. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Scott Changing salary limits without regard to limits on accrued vacation Newman (R-Hutchinson), was held over for possible inclusion in the omnibus tax bill. Salary compensation limits for govern- or sick time. The money would go to the Department of ment employees could be removed, under a Brod said she is sponsoring the bill so “sol- Military Affairs, and grants would be made bill approved by the House Governmental diers returning from duty do not have to fi ght to Guard or Reserve members (and their Operations and Veterans Affairs Committee for what already belongs to them and has been families) who have been ordered to active duty March 15. a longstanding ruling since 1941.” The ruling since Sept. 11, 2001, and have a fi nancial need. It now goes to the House fl oor. was also clarifi ed in 1945 by the state attorney The maximum grant would be $2,000 for one Rep. Ron Erhardt (R-Edina) sponsors general, according to the nonpartisan House year. HF995 that would repeal the limit for employ- Research Department. “In many cases, it does create a fi nancial ees of charter cities, counties and towns. He The committee approved the bill without hardship. Not only for the member of the said placing caps on employees’ salaries makes opposition and sent it to the House fl oor. military, it’s for the families,” said Col. Denny it hard to keep quality workers. Minnesota is A companion bill (SF1624), sponsored by Shields of the Minnesota National Guard. the only state with salary caps on local govern- Sen. David Hann (R-Eden Prairie), awaits He said some National Guard family mem- ment employees and can’t compete nationally action in the Senate Agriculture, Veterans and bers receive money from private individuals for workers, he added. Gaming Committee. for food, clothing and some extras, but that Currently, employees are limited to can’t always be counted on. 95 percent of the $120,303 governor’s salary.

12 Session Weekly March 18, 2005 Rep. Joe Mullery (DFL-Mpls) said the need Advocate Matt Norton. He would like to see commercial watercraft and boats that are for the legislation is not likely to go away soon, vehicle forfeiture rather than cash penalties. anchored. but when it does, it would be easy to remove The bill would direct the Department of It specifi es that warnings could be issued the check-off. “It’s pretty simple for us as leg- Natural Resources to establish an off-high- to the watercraft operator for noncompliance islators to come in and take it off,” he said. way vehicle safety and conservation grant during the fi rst year after enactment; tickets If it becomes law, the legislation would take program. The purpose would be to encour- would be issued thereafter. effect for tax year 2005. According to a fi scal age vehicle clubs to participate in safety and Rep. David Dill (DFL-Crane Lake) suc- analysis, putting the check-off on would cost environmental training. cessfully offered an amendment that changed $284,000 the fi rst year. Other provisions of the bill include the the penalty from a misdemeanor to a petty A companion bill (SF946), sponsored by opening of a 55-mile segment of the North misdemeanor. Sen. Steve Dille (R-Dassel), awaits action in Shore State Trail to all-terrain vehicles and Current state law requires readily accessible the Senate Taxes Committee. the ordering of a study of the amount of unre- fl otation devices for everyone on board. It does funded gasoline tax attributable to all-terrain not state that the lifejackets must be worn. vehicle use in the state. Federal law requires that children under A companion bill (SF1442), sponsored by the age of 13 (who are not in the cabin or ★ RECREATION Sen. Thomas M. Bakk (DFL-Cook), awaits below deck) must wear a personal fl otation action in the Senate Environment and Natural device on waters under federal jurisdiction. Familiar terrain Resources Committee. This includes Lake Superior; Canadian border All-terrain vehicle enthusiasts could see waters; the Mississippi and St. Croix rivers; better education opportunities, stronger and Cass, Leech and Winnibigoshish lakes. enforcement measures and another place to ride, under HF1547, sponsored by Rep. Tom Saving lives with lifejackets Hackbarth (R-Cedar). Children under 10 years of age would be The House Environment and Natural required to wear a lifejacket while boating Resources Committee approved the measure on state waters, under a bill the House passed Paying to snowmobile March 16. It now moves to the House Gov- March 14. The vote was 101-31. Driving a snowmobile on a state or grant- ernmental Operations and Veterans Affairs The Senate refused to concur with the House in-aid trail may cost Minnesotans a little Committee. amendments March 17 and requested that a con- cash. The bill would allow conservation and ference committee work out the differences. Under HF1605, sponsored by Rep. Tom peace offi cers to issue civil citations for wet- “The purpose of this bill is to save lives, Hackbarth (R-Cedar), a $30 sticker would lands violations with penalties set at $100 the lives of children,” said Rep. Char Samu- need to be purchased by everyone wanting for the fi rst offense, $500 for the second and elson (R-New Brighton), the House sponsor to sled on the estimated 20,000 miles of state $1,000 for subsequent offenses. of HF590/SF1116*. “And if, through this bill, or grant-in-aid trails. The money would then “There are some violators for whom we could save the life of one child it would be put into an account to help private clubs education won’t do the trick,” said Minnesota defi nitely be worth it.” maintain the trails. Center for Environmental Advocacy Forestry The bill would provide exemptions for Currently, a $15 fee is charged only to out- of-state snowmobilers for a trail sticker. “This would create on ongoing mechanism for the state to work with local clubs to keep the trails,” Doug Franzen, an attorney repre- senting the Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association, told the House Environment and Natural Resources Committee March 10. Clubs now receive state reimbursement for 65 percent of their maintenance costs, with the rest coming from volunteer work. The bill would increase the state’s contribution to 90 percent. “We believe the $30 is suffi cient to meet the expenditures we envision in this bill,” Franzen said. Clubs are struggling to fi nd volunteers so they have to pay people to perform the work, while, at the same time, the costs for grooming machines, gas, maintenance and insurance continue to rise. “We’re tired of selling hot dogs, we’re tired of raffles,” said Harold Brace, association president. “We want this to be paid for by the snowmobiler.”

PHOTO BY TOM OLMSCHEID Brace said Michigan charges $25 and west- During the March 15 House Environment and Natural Resources Committee meeting, Cheryle Young, ern states, such as Idaho, charge $20-$30. He All Terrain Vehicle Association of Minnesota offi ce administrator, holds a photo showing the training recently returned from a snowmobiling trip the association provides for young people. through some northeastern states where all

March 18, 2005 Session Weekly 13 snowmobilers pay $100 per state. “I could re- said Rep. Jean Wagenius (DFL-Mpls). Legisla- was held over for possible inclusion in the House ally see a difference in the trail conditions.” tors who serve both on the commission and Taxes Committee omnibus bill. The bill would also create a trails acquisi- on the environment committee would not be HF919, sponsored by Rep. Ray Cox tion coordinator position in the Department part of the foundation, and there is less citizen (R-Northfi eld), would allow individual and of Natural Resources. That person would be involvement under the bill, she added. corporate taxpayers to direct that at least responsible for acquiring easements for per- “This bill is out here to get some discussion $5 of their taxes be used for one of six areas, manent recreational snowmobile trails. An going,” said Hackbarth. It has a long way to effective for tax years 2005 and 2006. annual appropriation of $500,000 would be go before a fi nal product is made, he added. The six areas, which would be listed on provided for acquisitions. The bill next goes to the House Governmental individual tax forms, are: The approved bill was referred to the House Operations and Veterans Affairs Committee. It • Education, for technology and capital im- Agriculture, Environment and Natural Re- has no Senate companion. provement grants; sources Finance Committee. • Higher education, for assistance to students A companion bill (SF1534), sponsored by based on need; Sen. Thomas M. Bakk (DFL-Cook), awaits SAFETY • Transportation, for local roads and bridges; action in the Senate Environment and Natural ★ • Health care, for public health programs; Resources Committee. • Nursing home assistance, for state reim- Shocking hearts bursement of nursing home costs; and Charlie Butruff of Rochester was tired after • Grants to cities for wastewater treatment. Critical habitat license plates could be a shopping trip in November 2003, so he sat Cox told the committee March 10 that he available for recreational vehicles and in his favorite chair and drifted off to sleep. developed the list from conversations with camping trailers under a bill (HF684), While he was napping, his heart stopped beat- constituents. sponsored by Rep. Tom Hackbarth. For ing. Luckily, his wife realized what was hap- Rep. Tom Rukavina (DFL-Virginia) said the more information, go to the Session pening and called 911. Even luckier, the fi rst Weekly EXTRA page at http://www. bill was innovative, but doesn’t go far enough. house.mn/hinfo/swx.asp. rescue workers who arrived had an automated “We’re in a world of hurt in this state. We have external defi brillator with them and were able to do something. There are problems in this to shock Butruff’s heart back to life. state and we’d better address them,” he said. For more information on a bill (HF275), A defi brillator would be placed in every Rep. Ann Lenczewski (DFL-Bloomington) sponsored by Rep. Al Juhnke, that Minnesota State Patrol vehicle, under HF1156, said she was appreciative of the bill. “I don’t would provide seed money to help sponsored by Rep. Duke Powell (R-Burns- think we’ll bring in much revenue, but I thank Minnesotans “Go Fishing,” go to the ville). The proposal would save lives, he said, Session Weekly EXTRA page at http:// you for bringing the bill forward.” www.house.mn/hinfo/swx.asp. especially in Greater Minnesota where defi - A companion bill (SF1195), sponsored by brillators are not as readily available. Sen. Thomas M. Neuville (R-Northfield), Under the bill, the purchase of the life-saving awaits action in the Senate Taxes Committee. Commission abolishment equipment would be funded by nearly $1 million A bill that would abolish the Legislative from the state’s trunk highway fund. Commission on Minnesota Resources and Defi brillators send an electric shock to a replace it with a new foundation was approved heart that has gone into sudden cardiac arrest TRANSPORTATION by the House Environment and Natural to get it started again, and are most effective ★ Resources Committee March 16. when used as quickly after the incident as pos- HF1467, sponsored by Rep. Tom Hackbarth sible. The machines are reusable and would be There’s the ethanol (R-Cedar), would abolish the commission a valuable life-saving tool in state patrol cars, Gasoline sold in the state must contain at and transfer the responsibilities to a new Powell told the House Public Safety Policy and least 10 percent ethanol, which is derived from entity, the Minnesota Conservation Heritage Finance Committee March 10. corn. Supporters hope that it will eventually Foundation. The proposal is an initiative of the Minne- reduce the reliance on foreign oil and be a The bill is an initiative from the governor sota chapter of the American Heart Associa- boost for farmers. and would provide for long-term environ- tion and not the state patrol, according to O.J. Some stations offer the more potent blend of mental benefi ts, said Mark Holsten, deputy Doyle, a volunteer with the organization. E85 (85 percent ethanol, 15 percent gasoline), commissioner for the Department of Natu- The committee approved the bill and re- but in order for it to gain in popularity, people ral Resources. The commission currently ferred it to the House Transportation Finance have to know where it can be purchased. operates on a two-year fi nancial plan with Committee. That’s sometimes hard, because the approxi- monies from the Environmental and Natural A companion bill (SF1121), sponsored by mately 100 gas stations across the state that Resources Trust Fund. Under the bill, the Sen. Dallas C. Sams (DFL-Staples), awaits sell it don’t always make a point of displaying foundation would operate on a 10-year plan action in the Senate Finance Committee. the fact that it is for sale. and it “provides for the foundation to take HF1612, sponsored by Rep. Rod Hamilton ownership of the trust fund in a way we believe (R-Mountain Lake), would require the Depart- the citizens had meant it to be used,” Holsten ment of Transportation to include a notifi ca- added. TAXES tion on the service signs it places near freeway The bill has stronger legislative audit lan- ★ and interstate exits. The notification for a guage and legislative checks and balances than station with ethanol would be E85. Businesses Designated contributions the current commission has, said John Curry, would not be charged extra for the logo. A bill that would allow taxpayers to direct legislative director for the Minnesota Center The bill was heard March 16 by the House certain portions of their taxes to education, for Environmental Advocacy. Transportation Committee and referred to the transportation, health care or the environment “Two things really bother me about this,” House Transportation Finance Committee. 14 Session Weekly March 18, 2005 participation,” she said. “We feel it is critical A companion bill (SF302), sponsored by for Minnesota to receive good participation Sen. Mike McGinn (R-Eagan), awaits action in the program so we can evaluate whether in the Senate Transportation Committee. this is something the state needs to pursue as a means to help fi nance the roads.” Another provision in the bill would keep Moving to the governor private the data that the department uses when A company that was helping to move the it undertakes a design-build transportation furniture of resettled families for free may project when the short list of qualifi ed con- soon be able to do so again, this time without tractors is announced. This data could include violating the law. scoring methodology and evaluation criteria. HF298/SF75*, sponsored by Rep. Neil W. A companion bill (SF1425), sponsored by Sen. Peterson (R-Bloomington) and Sen. William Julianne E. Ortman (R-Chanhassen), awaits ac- V. Belanger Jr. (R-Bloomington), awaits the tion in the Senate Transportation Committee. signature of Gov. Tim Pawlenty. It was passed 132-0 by the House March 10, and 62-0 by the Senate four days later. The bill allows movers providing a charitable Increase that speed service to operate outside their geographic area On most Twin Cities metropolitan area and exempts them from complying with rates freeways, motorists can cruise along at fi led with the Department of Transportation. 55 mph, sometimes 65 mph. The issue grew out of the work by a Bloom- An exception is a section of Interstate 35E in ington-based company called Two Men and A St. Paul, where the speed limit is 45 mph be- Truck, a small, six-truck moving company. The PHOTO BY ANDREW VONBANK tween downtown and West Seventh Street. franchise has a corporate philosophy of donating Robert Moffi tt, communications director for the Rep. Tim Wilkin (R-Eagan) unsuccess- eight hours of community service work each American Lung Association of Minnesota, testi- fully introduced a bill in 2003 to increase that month. That service was helping to move the fi es March 16 before the House Transportation speed, but it failed to become law. HF1219 sets donated furniture of newly arrived families. Committee in support of a bill that would require the speed limit at 55 mph, unless the Depart- the Department of Transportation to indicate on However, another mover apparently report- ment of Transportation determines that the specifi c service signs those businesses that sell ed them to MnDOT. The caller claimed that by E85 at retail. switch would be unsafe. offering the service for free, the company was He said increasing the speed would creating an unfair disadvantage. Robert Moffi tt, communications director have that stretch of freeway coincide for the American Lung Association of Min- with everything else inside the Interstate nesota, said referral signs in other parts of the 494-694 beltway. country have increased usage. Ethanol burns The family of Bradley Waage would The bill was heard March 16 by the House like to see a bridge named after him. cleaner than regular gas, he said, but only Transportation Committee and referred to the For more information on a bill (HF626), approximately 20 vehicle models on the road House Transportation Finance Committee. sponsored by Rep. Frank Moe, that now can use it. Wilkin said when I-35E was built through St. would do just that, go to the Session There is no Senate companion. Paul in the 1980s, community residents sued Weekly EXTRA page at http://www. house.mn/hinfo/swx.asp. and an environmental impact statement fol- lowed. There were negotiations, and the result Keeping data private was noise walls and a 45 mph speed limit. In mid-May, Twin Cities metropolitan area However, some drivers may be going back commuters will have the option of driving on the agreement. Betsy Parker, director of solo on the Intestate 394 express lanes, but the Offi ce of Government Affairs for MnDOT, Speaking of the House only if they purchase a new MnPASS. said tests show the average speed in the area is To use MnPASS, drivers will need to open a 55 mph. When Rep. Tom Rukavina (DFL-Vir- prepaid account with their credit or debit card Rep. Dan Larson (DFL-Bloomington) said ginia) presented his bill (HF1042) to and then install a small electronic device on the he would oppose the bill because the speed allow video lottery terminals in bars to inside of their windshield which will allow ac- limit was negotiated years ago, and it wouldn’t the Gaming Division of the House Regulated cess to the express lanes at anytime. Orders are be fair to change it. “I drive it every day. It’s an Industries Committee March 16, Rep. Torrey scheduled to be accepted beginning April 11. inconvenience. I’d like to drive faster. I’ve got Westrom (R-Elbow Lake) asked if terminals Sponsored by Rep. Mary Liz Holberg to come down on the side of sympathy with would be available for blind or handicapped (R-Lakeville), and approved by the House Civil the neighborhood,” he said. people. Law and Elections Committee March 14, HF1204 Rep. Frank Hornstein (DFL-Mpls) agreed. After answering that such terminals are would classify the user’s credit card information “It seems the community has sacrifi ced quite probably available, Rukavina continued, “Oh, as private. It now goes to the House fl oor. a lot,” he said. “They went to the (negotiating) and by the way, when we were playing poker Barbara Forsland, data practices compliance table and this is what came out. To go back on the other night, I really didn’t have the fl ush offi cer for the Department of Transportation, an agreement to save a few minutes on a com- I told you I had.” said it was important that system users have mute makes no sense.” Westrom, who is blind, answered, “I know. complete assurance that their name and home If there was a move to change the speed I read your cards when I dealt them.” address would not become public data. limit, an environmental impact statement “We feel it could become a barrier to might be necessary, Parker said.

March 18, 2005 Session Weekly 15 T ISSUE: EXTRA CURRICULARS A ★ ★ ★

and activities director at Henry Sibley High School. “If you take [co-curricular activities] Bill sparks discussion out of the schools you miss an opportunity to educate the whole child.” What should be the core mission of schools? “Co-curricular activities enrich classroom academics,” said Kraft. They are an extension of the classroom and allow students to experi- ence the reality of many lessons they learn in BY RUTH DUNN the bill to start a discussion about the mission the classroom. hat’s a school district to do in the of schools — should schools specifi cally focus “The core missions don’t match,” said Rich 21st Century? With dollars stretched on academics or have a wider focus on the Dippel, activities director at South St. Paul W and resources limited, should a whole child. High School, who used to work in city recre- school district stop trying to do everything Since it began meeting in January, Buesgens ation. The core mission of cities is to provide and focus on academics? Or, should school said the House Education Policy and Reform public services like roads, water, sewer and districts continue to educate the whole child Committee has heard testimony from several police and fi re protection. “The core mission including athletics and the fi ne arts along people who have studied the current educa- of schools is to provide for students and help with academics? tion system. “We have seen data on how the them become strong, young adults.” Committee chair Rep. Mark Buesgens (R-Jor- educational system is serving young men and City recreation departments operate on dan) and Rep. Mindy Greiling (DFL-Roseville) women; about how society itself is changing,” shoestring budgets, he said. Some rural cities posed those questions with the introduction of HF1090 in the House Education Policy and Reform Committee March 10. Buesgens is the chief sponsor and Greiling is a co-sponsor. Although the bill was tabled until next ses- sion, the sponsors hope to keep the discussion alive. They’re asking the legislative auditor to evaluate the fi nancial costs and educational benefi ts of high school sports and fi ne arts activities. Results of the research would “help policy makers decide on the relative importance of sports and fi ne arts activities in light of their impact on students’ educational performance and the reality of increasingly constrained and stretched school revenues,” the bill’s sponsors wrote in a letter to Legisla- PHOTO BY ANDREW VONBANK tive Auditor James Nobles. Jeff ell Tate from Roosevelt High School in Minneapolis, from left, Emma Paskewitz from Southwest The bill would shift responsibility for non- High School in Minneapolis and Keegan Connor and Amanda Nisleit from Woodbury High School curricular athletic and fi ne arts activities from testify March 10 before the House Education Policy and Reform Committee on a bill that would transfer school districts to local governments. The noncurricular athletic and fi ne arts activities for youth from school districts to local governments. Behind them are Rep. Mark Buesgens and Rep. Mindy Greiling, two of the bill’s sponsors. transfer would allow school districts to focus on academics, said Buesgens. Programs would he said. “Those who spoke have alluded to don’t even have them. remain the same, but paychecks to coaches, concerns as to whether or not the [educational] Amanda Nisleit, who plays on the basket- advisors and athletic directors would come system we created almost 100 years ago can ball and volleyball teams at Woodbury High from cities instead of school districts. now serve the needs that we as society and we School, said she’s participated on summer “We’re not proposing eliminating co-cur- as politicians have placed on the system.” non-school teams and the players never got ricular activities, we just want to explore the Buesgens said he passionately believes in the close. “It’s all about the camaraderie of the governance so all kids have the opportuni- benefi t of noncurricular activities for young team,” she said. School teams are very close ties,” said Greiling. “We would never propose men and women. “I just don’t see how one can and share team goals and attitudes. She wor- getting rid of these opportunities for kids.” make the case that the only place for those ries that she’d lose that closeness if school The bill would affect noncurricular (some- lessons to be learned is inside school walls,” teams are moved to city ones and that school times called extra-curricular and co-curricu- he said. “Learning happens all over the place spirit would diminish. lar) activities regulated by the Minnesota State in our daily lives.” A companion bill (SF1381), sponsored by High School League, including sports, debate Co-curricular activities are a huge and vital Sen. Sandra L. Pappas (DFL-St. Paul), awaits and speech. part of his school’s core mission of educating the action in the Senate Education Committee. Buesgens said he and Greiling introduced whole child, said Matt Kraft, associate principal

16 Session Weekly March 18, 2005 EOPLE P ★ ★ ★

Ascending the ladder DISTRICT 55A Lillie moves from city to state government 2002 population: 36,753 Largest city: Maplewood County: Ramsey Top concerns: Education, health care, transportation and jobs BY MATT WETZEL have access to higher education.” After a decade on the city council, Rep. Health care is also a concern. “I would try to Leon Lillie (DFL-North St. Paul) saw an op- make health care available to everyone. How portunity to take his experience to the state we get there, obviously, that’s the sticking “People need decent jobs. I realize level. point,” he said. businesses need to be viable. Quality “I wanted to make Transportation is on the minds of his con- of life is kind of what I’m all about.” sure we kept a strong stituents, also. “The need (for new roads) is — Rep. Leon Lillie voice for the area,” he very great,” he said. said. But again, the key issue is funding. Lillie said with his colleagues on both sides of the aisle. And his campaign that raising the gas tax one-half cent and then “I’m trying to build friendships. I realize by for the House seat was a dedicating the proceeds to roads is an option. working together, hopefully we can keep that family affair. “My wife “I’m comfortable with making the choices,” perspective,” he said. and the rest of my fam- he said. “I think there’s support out there and Lillie is a union man, and he believes jobs Rep. Leon Lillie ily got involved. It was I’m willing to ask.” are important. “People need decent jobs. I a fun thing to do that. Getting out there and If he could have sponsored the fi rst bill of realize businesses need to be viable. Quality being with them,” he said. the session, it would have been the bonding of life is kind of what I’m all about.” A major issue in District 55A, which includes bill. “That was important. Voters are disap- A member of the International Associa- Maplewood and North St. Paul, is education. pointed with us for the work (the Legislature) tion of Machinists, Local 1833, Lillie works “It’s important to the people in my area that did last session.” as a ramp agent for Northwest Airlines at higher education is affordable,” Lillie said. “You Lillie, who defeated former Rep. Scott Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. don’t want to see where the less affl uent won’t Wasiluk in the primary, said he wants to work

Governance with patience DISTRICT 41B Peterson takes on new role to serve familiar constituency 2002 population: 36,523 Largest city: Bloomington County: Hennepin Top concern: Transportation BY LEE ANN SCHUTZ Peterson had very little time to make his Bow ties. decision to run for the House. Six-term rep- Rep. Neil W. Peterson (R-Bloomington) resentative Alice Seagren was appointed com- “I don’t have an agenda. Good wears them for a reason. “You remember me, missioner of education by Gov. Tim Pawlenty governance is important, and I don’t you?” on the last day candidates could fi le to run for think that means not opening your It’s not that he’s try- the Legislature. ing to draw attention “My wife suggested I run, and so did an ac- mouth fi rst, but instead, observe to himself; the ties are quaintance. So I jumped in, and here I am.” what is going on and listen to your more of a personal state- Now that he’s at the Capitol, he’s exercising constituency and instincts.” ment. It’s his way of patience with the process. “I don’t have an — Rep. Neil W. Peterson saying the stereotypical agenda. Good governance is important, and life of a retiree is not for I think that means not opening your mouth local economy. him — he’s living life fi rst, but instead, observe what is going on and His sense is that the people there do not Rep. Neil W. Peterson his way. And that is to listen to your constituency and instincts.” want a casino, nor is he in favor of balancing continue a life of public service. Although his district covers the western the state budget on gambling revenue. Representing a portion of Bloomington is portion of Bloomington, if, on the east side Peterson describes his district, which a continuation of his long years of service to of the city, a casino becomes part of any Mall also includes a portion of Edina, as mature, that constituency. He served three terms as the of America expansion, it would impact his second-ring suburbs with a population that city’s mayor, and four terms as a city councilor. constituents. He explained that the hospitality is older and high income. He sees good con- During some of that time, he steered the city industry, with more than 8,000 hotel rooms necting roads as one of the area’s greatest through the opening of the Mall of America. along Interstate 494, has a huge impact on the concerns.

March 18, 2005 Session Weekly 17 ILL INTRODUCTIONS M ARCH 14 - 17, 2005 B ★ ★ ★ HOUSE FILES 1743 - 1947

Monday, March 14 HF1754—Smith (R) HF1766—Hornstein (DFL) Governmental Operations & Veterans Aff airs Taxes HF1743—Blaine (R) State Patrol retirement fund contribution rates Wind-generated electricity purchase income tax Agriculture & Rural Development increased. deduction provided. Vending machine sales of milk and water exempted from sales tax. HF1755—Smith (R) HF1767—Hornstein (DFL) Governmental Operations & Veterans Aff airs Transportation HF1744—Sykora (R) Public Employees Retirement Association contribu- Toll facilities plan required and non-compete Education Policy & Reform tion rates increased for certain covered employees provisions in toll facility development agreements Teacher alternative compensation provided and and employers. prohibited from restriction development, design, school staff development requirements provided. construction or operation of public transit. HF1756—Smith (R) HF1745—Lesch (DFL) Governmental Operations & Veterans Aff airs HF1768—Hornstein (DFL) Commerce & Financial Institutions Public Employees Retirement Association police Transportation One-week waiting period eliminated from unem- and fi re plan contribution rate modifi cations Counties authorized to submit proposals for toll ployment insurance benefi ts eligibility. proposed. facilities, development agreements made available to the public, restrictions provided, requirements HF1746—Urdahl (R) HF1757—Smith (R) imposed and number of facility development Agriculture, Environment & Governmental Operations & Veterans Aff airs agreements and collection of tolls limited. Natural Resources Finance State employee retirement contribution rates Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at the Univer- increased. HF1769—Hornstein (DFL) sity of Minnesota funding provided and money Education Policy & Reform appropriated. HF1758—Smith (R) No Child Left Behind Act and other student test- Governmental Operations & Veterans Aff airs ing laws evaluated by the Offi ce of Educational HF1747—Poppe (DFL) Public Employees Retirement Association augmen- Accountability. Agriculture & Rural Development tation rates modifi ed for covered members. Agriculture best management practices loans HF1770—Hornstein (DFL) limits modifi ed. HF1759—Meslow (R) Regulated Industries Education Policy & Reform Social and economic costs of gambling study and HF1748—Hoppe (R) Early childhood development screening expanded, report required and money appropriated. Governmental Operations & Veterans Aff airs school readiness kindergarten assessment initiative State employee grievance appeal procedures modi- established and money appropriated. HF1771—Westrom (R) fi ed and correctional employee medical examina- Transportation Finance tion provision eliminated relating to working past HF1760—Tingelstad (R) Greater Minnesota elderly and disabled transpor- mandatory retirement age. Civil Law & Elections tation pilot project established where transit is Traffi cking in persons crimes specifi ed, forfeiture limited or nonexistent, report required and money HF1749—Zellers (R) of property provided, sex traffi cking included in appropriated. Taxes the promoting of prostitution crime and forfeiture Income tax check-off provided to fund benefi ts for proceeds distribution formula modifi ed. HF1772—Hornstein (DFL) survivors of law enforcement offi cers and fi refi ght- Governmental Operations & Veterans Aff airs ers and to provide for maintenance of memorials, HF1761—Kahn (DFL) Minneapolis Teachers Retirement Fund Association advisory council established and report required. Governmental Operations & Veterans Aff airs service credit purchase authorized. Active military personnel allowed to suspend Min- HF1750—Solberg (DFL) nesotaCare enrollment without a lapse in coverage HF1773—Hornstein (DFL) Civil Law & Elections and MinnesotaCare eligibility determinations and Education Finance Town election voting system exemption provided premium payments modifi ed for persons in active Student achievement grant program established, for ballot question on changing the town election military service. school sites assisted in training parents and com- to coincide with the county general election. munity leaders in holding the school district ac- HF1762—Marquart (DFL) countable for high academic standards and money HF1751—Newman (R) Regulated Industries appropriated. Education Policy & Reform Detroit Lakes; on-sale liquor license authorized. Career and technical levy modifi ed and money HF1774—Hornstein (DFL) appropriated. HF1763—Hilstrom (DFL) Taxes Public Safety Policy & Finance Carsharing group membership income tax credit HF1752—Smith (R) Methamphetamine treatment grants provided and provided. Public Safety Policy & Finance money appropriated. Child neglect and endangerment offense expanded HF1775—McNamara (R) to include a penalty for leaving a child unattended HF1764—Cybart (R) Environment & Natural Resources in a car. Governmental Operations & Veterans Aff airs Hunting and fi shing license fees adjusted to refl ect Hepatitis C educational materials made available changes in the Consumer Price Index. HF1753—Wardlow (R) through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Governmental Operations & Veterans Aff airs HF1776—Abeler (R) Correctional employee retirement contribution HF1765—Cybart (R) Health Policy & Finance rates increased. Health Policy & Finance Professional counselors licensing transition period May 2005 designated as “Hepatitis C Awareness provided. and Education Month” in Minnesota.

18 Session Weekly March 18, 2005 HF1777—Seifert (R) HF1791—Peterson, A. (DFL) HF1806—Clark (DFL) Governmental Operations & Veterans Aff airs Agriculture, Environment & Jobs & Economic Opportunity Policy & Finance State-owned vehicles study required, proposal Natural Resources Finance Foodshelf program funding provided and money required to outsource certain functions related to Sustainable agriculture grants funding provided appropriated. vehicles and money appropriated. and money appropriated. HF1807—Nelson, P. (R) HF1778—Blaine (R) HF1792—Hausman (DFL) Taxes Governmental Operations & Veterans Aff airs Commerce & Financial Institutions Capital equipment sales tax exemption made an Camp Ripley facility rental authorized. Antibacterial soap sales generally prohibited. up front exemption in two phases.

HF1779—Cybart (R) HF1793—Urdahl (R) HF1808—Eken (DFL) Governmental Operations & Veterans Aff airs Taxes Governmental Operations & Veterans Aff airs Retired National Guard personnel ordered to active Postsecondary tuition and fee expenses income tax Bridges Medical Services in Ada; employees added duty pay and allowances provided. deduction provided. to Public Employees Retirement Association priva- tization coverage. HF1780—Bradley (R) HF1794—Dill (DFL) Taxes Transportation HF1809—Wilkin (R) General fund income tax contribution check-off Orr; 30 mph speed limit established for trains. Commerce & Financial Institutions provided. Insurance agency terminations, coverages, fees, HF1795—Otremba (DFL) forms, disclosures, reports, information security HF1781—Hornstein (DFL) Education Policy & Reform and premiums regulated. Regulated Industries Irradiated food in schools formal policy Renewable development fund grants eligibility required. HF1810—Holberg (R) regulated. Civil Law & Elections HF1796—Larson (DFL) Comprehensive incident-based reporting system HF1782—Ruth (R) Local Government law enforcement data access and classifi cation Transportation Metropolitan Airports Commission meetings pro- provided. Personalized veterans license plates authorized. hibited from being held within an airport security screening perimeter. HF1811—Penas (R) HF1783—Bradley (R) Education Finance Jobs & Economic Opportunity Policy & Finance HF1797—Otremba (DFL) Telecommunications/Internet access equity aid Child-care assistance modifi e d by l i m it i ng abs enc e Taxes provided and money appropriated. days. Property tax class rate reduced for certain property bordering public waters. HF1812—Abeler (R) HF1784—Demmer (R) Regulated Industries Taxes HF1798—Peterson, A. (DFL) Racetrack and horsepersons’ organizations agree- Streets added to municipal improvements that Regulated Industries ments provided and simulcasting and card club can be subsequently reimbursed for earlier costs Utilities required to meet certain renewable energy operation restrictions modifi ed. incurred. standards. HF1813—Huntley (DFL) HF1785—Emmer (R) HF1799—Wardlow (R) Jobs & Economic Opportunity Policy & Finance Civil Law & Elections Governmental Operations & Veterans Aff airs Group residential housing supplemental rate Election terms clarifi ed; registration procedures, Volunteer fi refi ghter statewide retirement plan task expanded. requirements, and election judge duties modifi ed; force established and money appropriated. delivery of ballots provided; absentee ballot boards HF1814—Huntley (DFL) provided in certain counties and canary ballots HF1800—Howes (R) Higher Education Finance modifi ed. Education Policy & Reform Higher education programs for underserved stu- School year start prohibited before Labor Day. dents funding provided and money appropriated. HF1786—Sertich (DFL) Health Policy & Finance HF1801—Hackbarth (R) HF1815—Lanning (R) MinnesotaCare covered health services modifi ed Regulated Industries Public Safety Policy & Finance and limited benefi ts for certain single adults and Lawful gambling defi nitions amended and technical Crime victim services funding provided and money households without children repealed. and conforming changes provided. appropriated.

HF1787—Sertich (DFL) HF1802—DeLaForest (R) HF1816—Emmer (R) Commerce & Financial Institutions Governmental Operations & Veterans Aff airs Health Policy & Finance Health plan companies required to fi le reports State labor agreements, arbitration awards, Mental health services coverage extended and including director and employee compensation compensation plans and salary increases ratifi ed. children’s mental health and civil commitment costs. provisions modifi ed. HF1803—Sertich (DFL) HF1788—Sertich (DFL) Higher Education Finance HF1817—Westerberg (R) Education Finance State higher education grant program application Regulated Industries School levies authorized for the difference between deadline extended. Lottery gaming machines and games operation pro- the maximum certifi ed levy and the maximum levy vided at a gaming facility, license and fee provided quoted by the commissioner of education. HF1804—Sertich (DFL) and gaming transaction fee imposed. Jobs & Economic Opportunity Policy & Finance HF1789—Abrams (R) Child-care license fees temporarily suspended. Taxes Marriage penalty relief federal tax conformity HF1805—Clark (DFL) provided. Commerce & Financial Institutions Businesses that possess personal data required HF1790—Dorn (DFL) to notify persons whose information has been Taxes disclosed to unauthorized persons. Mankato local sales tax expiration date modifi ed.

March 18, 2005 Session Weekly 19 Wednesday, March 16 HF1830—Mullery (DFL) HF1843—Beard (R) Commerce & Financial Institutions Transportation HF1818—Olson (R) Minority job training and wage increase initiative Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport safety Transportation required. zones and land use restrictions defi ned for runway Transportation providers not receiving subsidies 17-35. exempted from various taxes, transit bus restric- HF1831—Ruth (R) tion on use of freeway and expressway shoulders Commerce & Financial Institutions HF1844—Klinzing (R) eliminated and Metropolitan Council required to Small business growth acceleration program Transportation allow transit providers to use its bus stops. established and money appropriated. St. Paul to Stillwater transportation corridor bus rapid transit study required. HF1819—Wagenius (DFL) HF1832—Davids (R) Environment & Natural Resources Transportation HF1845—Johnson, J. (R) Aquaculture license requirements imposed. High-occupancy vehicle lanes access extended to Civil Law & Elections vehicles fueled regularly with E85 fuels. Attorney fee awards reasonableness factor provided. HF1820—Eastlund (R) Governmental Operations & Veterans Aff airs HF1833—Davids (R) HF1846—Nelson, M. (DFL) Cambridge State Hospital cemetery named the Agriculture, Environment & Taxes Garden of Remembrance. Natural Resources Finance Brooklyn Park economic development tax Ethanol-derived hydrogen fuel research grant increment fi nancing district duration extended. HF1821—Jaros (DFL) provided and money appropriated. Higher Education Finance HF1847—Powell (R) Immigration History Research Center grant-match- HF1834—Hackbarth (R) Health Policy & Finance ing funds provided to the University of Minnesota Environment & Natural Resources Medical assistance special transportation services and money appropriated. Game and fi sh heritage fund established, sales tax coverage criteria specifi ed, special transportation portion dedicated to the fund and constitutional reimbursement rates increased, prohibition on HF1822—Carlson (DFL) amendment proposed. brokers to manage services extended and review of Higher Education Finance special transportation services required. State higher education grant surpluses distributed HF1835—Erickson (R) equally to the University of Minnesota and the Education Finance HF1848—Peppin (R) Minnesota State Colleges and Universities and Advanced placement and international bacca- Public Safety Policy & Finance money appropriated. laureate exam fees funding provided and money Neglecting a vulnerable adult criminal penalties appropriated. provided. HF1823—Eken (DFL) Taxes HF1836—Ellison (DFL) HF1849—Cornish (R) Income tax rates modifi ed, credit provided for Taxes Public Safety Policy & Finance nursing home residents and money appropriated. Lead hazard reduction property tax valuation Fugitive Apprehension Unit authorized to seize exclusion provided. property under the forfeiture law and limitations HF1824—Hamilton (R) on unit’s participation provided. Commerce & Financial Institutions HF1837—Paymar (DFL) Financial institution investment authority and annual Local Government HF1850—Abeler (R) reporting requirements regulated, obsolete references Civil rights or human rights departments authorized Health Policy & Finance removed, residential mortgage originators regulated for cities of the fi rst class and enforcement powers Healthy Minnesotans bio-monitoring program and insurance license renewals provided. provided for housing discrimination cases. established, reports required and money appropriated. HF1825—Beard (R) HF1838—Blaine (R) Transportation Transportation HF1851—Jaros (DFL) Ten-ton vehicle loading authorized under certain Local governments authorized to permit low-speed Taxes circumstances, and 7-ton vehicle loading authorized neighborhood electric vehicles to be operated on Mortgage interest income tax deduction limited. during spring weight restrictions under certain residential roadways. circumstances. HF1852—Klinzing (R) HF1839—Ruth (R) Education Finance HF1826—Mullery (DFL) Environment & Natural Resources Teacher content-based professional development Taxes Water use prohibition on once-through use permits grant provided to the Minnesota Humanities De minimus tax exemption provided for provision modifi ed. Commission and money appropriated. specifi ed goods. HF1840—Abeler (R) HF1853—Severson (R) HF1827—Mullery (DFL) Health Policy & Finance Transportation Taxes Physician assistants physician review modifi ed and Mud fl aps on trucks and trailers regulated. Local government aid additional city aid base telephone information contained on prescriptions provided for certain cities, city aid appropriation requirement eliminated. HF1854—Kahn (DFL) limit increased and aid required to be used for Public Safety Policy & Finance certain purposes. HF1841—Penas (R) Ticket scalping prohibition repealed. Agriculture, Environment & HF1828—Samuelson (R) Natural Resources Finance HF1855—Simpson (R) Health Policy & Finance Turf grass research in northern climates continuing Environment & Natural Resources Counties required to process certain medical research grant provided and money appropriated. Shoreland and lake comprehensive management assistance applications within specifi ed timelines. provided. HF1842—Beard (R) HF1829—Mullery (DFL) Environment & Natural Resources HF1856—Tingelstad (R) Commerce & Financial Institutions Scott County land sale wetland development Education Policy & Reform Nontraditional career programs for women grants restriction clarifi ed. Law enforcement teachers required to be licensed provided and money appropriated. as peace offi cers.

20 Session Weekly March 18, 2005 HF1857—Urdahl (R) HF1870—Mullery (DFL) HF1883—Severson (R) Agriculture & Rural Development Public Safety Policy & Finance Transportation Finance Licensed food handler violation penalties application Criminal penalties imposed for selling drugs in Federal-aid highway funds distribution provided modifi ed. public places. to state and local bodies.

HF1858—Sykora (R) HF1871—Mullery (DFL) HF1884—Hamilton (R) Taxes Public Safety Policy & Finance Education Finance Tuition organization contribution income tax Controlled substance criminal offenders geographic Independent School District No. 177, Windom, credit provided. restrictions policies established and increased sen- account transfer authorized. tences provided for offenders who commit further HF1859—Wilkin (R) drug sale crimes in restricted area. HF1885—Marquart (DFL) Commerce & Financial Institutions Health Policy & Finance Workers’ Compensation Advisory Council HF1872—Slawik (DFL) Clay County nursing facility rate increase provided. recommendations adopted. Civil Law & Elections Legislative and budget proposal data preliminary HF1886—Ellison (DFL) HF1860—Abeler (R) draft defi nition clarifi ed. Public Safety Policy & Finance Education Finance Property crime dollar threshold amounts study School district pilot program authorized to spend HF1873—Powell (R) committee established. compensatory revenue at school sites with low Health Policy & Finance test scores. MinnesotaCare provisions modifi ed to align with HF1887—Simpson (R) practice. Taxes HF1861—Abeler (R) Prefabricated homes subjected to the sales tax. Health Policy & Finance HF1874—Peppin (R) Health care best practices guidelines modifi ed Governmental Operations & Veterans Aff airs HF1888—Entenza (DFL) and quality improvement investment program Armory boards eligibility extended to military Civil Law & Elections established. personnel beyond offi cers. Confi dential and private data government disposal requirements provided. HF1862—Abeler (R) HF1875—Bradley (R) Health Policy & Finance Jobs & Economic Opportunity Policy & Finance Health care provider expenditure reporting require- Human services agency technical amendments ments modifi ed, separate procedure established for provided relating to children and family services, Thursday, March 17 proc e du re s over $ 5 m i l l ion, c er t a i n me d ic a l refer r a l s health care and continuing care programs. HF1889—Wilkin (R) restricted and money appropriated. Jobs & Economic Opportunity Policy & Finance HF1876—Huntley (DFL) Child protection, child welfare, child-care and child HF1863—Abeler (R) Health Policy & Finance and family support provisions implemented. Health Policy & Finance Nursing home license surcharge reduced and Electronic medical record system loan program fund cigarette tax increased. HF1890—Brod (R) established, bonds issued and money appropriated. Commerce & Financial Institutions HF1877—Seifert (R) Manufactured and industrialized/modular home HF1864—Abeler (R) Governmental Operations & Veterans Aff airs sales licensure provided. Health Policy & Finance State government competitive bidding provisions Coordinated statewide health improvement ac- modifi ed. HF1891—Sailer (DFL) tion plan provided, health plans required to issue Civil Law & Elections coverage to all applicants and charge community HF1878—Finstad (R) Fathers’ adoption registry timely registration rates, income tax deduction provided, coverage Education Finance provision clarifi ed. maintenance required and money appropriated. Independent School District No. 836, Butterfi eld, fund transfer authorized. HF1892—Thissen (DFL) HF1865—Abeler (R) Health Policy & Finance Health Policy & Finance HF1879—Finstad (R) HIV prevention and health care access program Dental licensure provisions modifi ed and fees Civil Law & Elections established and money appropriated. established. Campaign finance reporting requirements modifi ed, inactivity redefi ned, assumption of HF1893—Simpson (R) HF1866—Lenczewski (DFL) liabilities required and public subsidy distribution Commerce & Financial Institutions Taxes requirements modifi ed. Tobacco product sales and deliveries regulated, Foreign operating corporation, royalties sub- penalties imposed and remedies provided. traction and deemed dividend deduction tax HF1880—Johnson, J. (R) defi nitions modifi ed. Public Safety Policy & Finance HF1894—Clark (DFL) Local correctional fees provided. Jobs & Economic Opportunity Policy & Finance HF1867—Lenczewski (DFL) Unsubsidized employment hours require- Taxes HF1881—Powell (R) ment decreased for job training and education Bloomington fi scal disparities repayment extended Health Policy & Finance opportunities. by eight additional years. Ambulance service provisions and fi rst responder and emergency medical technician requirements HF1895—Loeffl er (DFL) HF1868—Mullery (DFL) modifi ed and emergency suspension of certain Agriculture & Rural Development Health Policy & Finance requirements provided. Shade tree definition expanded relating to MinnesotaCare eligibility requirements modifi ed metropolitan area disease control and money for persons with continuation coverage. HF1882—Abeler (R) appropriated. Health Policy & Finance HF1869—Mullery (DFL) Alcohol and drug counselor licensure transi- HF1896—Westrom (R) Public Safety Policy & Finance tion period modifi ed and temporary permit fee Transportation Cockfi ghting, dogfi ghting and other domestic increased. Recreational vehicle combinations redefi ned to in- animal fighting criminal penalties imposed; clude certain combinations hauling horse trailers and procedures established for disposition and care of related vehicles, maximum gross weights increased on animals; hearings provided and admissibility of non-interstate highways and permits required. certain evidence clarifi ed. March 18, 2005 Session Weekly 21 HF1897—Ellison (DFL) HF1911—Thao (DFL) HF1925—Dean (R) Jobs & Economic Opportunity Policy & Finance Governmental Operations & Veterans Aff airs Health Policy & Finance Minneapolis; North Minneapolis summer youth Translation services state contracts preference given Human services licensing provisions modifi ed. employment funding provided and money to native speakers. appropriated. HF1926—Knoblach (R) HF1912—Larson (DFL) Public Safety Policy & Finance HF1898—Finstad (R) Civil Law & Elections Burglary crimes expanded. Health Policy & Finance Subscriber data classifi ed for government entity Pharmacy benefi ts managers certifi cate of author- electronic newsletters and electronic municipal HF1927—Solberg (DFL) ity required, powers and duties to state agencies utility billing. Education Finance granted, data access authorized, disclosures re- School district refunding bonds made eligible for quired and responsibilities provided for pharmacy HF1913—Samuelson (R) taconite production tax revenue payments. benefi ts managers. Commerce & Financial Institutions Flavored cigarettes, cigars and smokeless tobacco HF1928—Nelson, P. (R) HF1899—Lanning (R) sales prohibited. Governmental Operations & Veterans Aff airs Taxes Rush City correctional employee retirement plan State general levy shares fi xed for noncommercial HF1914—Clark (DFL) service credit purchases authorized. seasonal recreational property and commercial- Commerce & Financial Institutions industrial property. Failure to pay a discharged employee within 24 HF1929—Klinzing (R) hours penalty increased, failure to pay benefi ts Governmental Operations & Veterans Aff airs HF1900—Lanning (R) or wage supplements penalty modifi ed and viola- Construction code inspectors competency and Taxes tion of migrant worker payment requirements certifi cation criteria required, and continuing Limited market value extended for two additional increased. education provided. years. HF1915—Zellers (R) HF1930—Seifert (R) HF1901—Slawik (DFL) Health Policy & Finance Governmental Operations & Veterans Aff airs Education Policy & Reform Maple Grove hospital construction moratorium State agency real property leasing conditions Early care and education programs coordination exemption provided. specifi ed. provided. HF1916—Meslow (R) HF1931—Heidgerken (R) HF1902—Lesch (DFL) Public Safety Policy & Finance Civil Law & Elections Taxes Crime victim service programs and battered Ski area operators and skiers responsibilities and Housing opportunity area tax abatement program women’s shelters funding provided and money rights and liabilities between skiers defi ned, legal provided. appropriated. actions for injuries resulting from the inherent dangers and risks of skiing prohibited. HF1903—Poppe (DFL) HF1917—Tingelstad (R) Taxes Local Government HF1932—Severson (R) Mower County local sales tax authorized. Local government investment of funds in certain Education Finance securities authorized. I nde pendent S chool D i s t r ic t No. 74 8, S a r tel l, ga r a ge HF1904—Hackbarth (R) lease levy extended. Agriculture, Environment & HF1918—Finstad (R) Natural Resources Finance Health Policy & Finance HF1933—Cornish (R) Watercraft license fees increased and revenue dedi- Physical therapist assistant, aide, and student Environment & Natural Resources cated to public access on public waters. defi nitions provided; license provisions modifi ed Game and fi sh license and stamp issuing fees and penalties provided. modifi ed. HF1905—Thissen (DFL) Taxes HF1919—Sailer (DFL) HF1934—Wardlow (R) Pre-kindergarten scholarship granting organiza- Environment & Natural Resources Governmental Operations & Veterans Aff airs tion contribution income tax credit authorized. Beltrami County tax-forfeited land sale Supplemental pension and deferred compensation authorized. plan exceptions clarifi ed. HF1906—Simon (DFL) Taxes HF1920—Abrams (R) HF1935—Abeler (R) Marriage penalty relief income tax federal conformity Regulated Industries Health Policy & Finance provided. Minneapolis; Guthrie Theater on-sale liquor license Audiologist hearing instrument dispenser authorized. certifi cation requirement eliminated. HF1907—Ruth (R) Taxes HF1921—Wilkin (R) HF1936—Fritz (DFL) Motor fuel tax rates increased. Health Policy & Finance Governmental Operations & Veterans Aff airs Medical treatment of minors consent provisions Minnesota State Retirement System service credit HF1908—Vandeveer (R) modifi ed, parental access to minor’s records autho- transfer authorized. Taxes rized and minor consent agreements provided. Low-income apartment property tax class created. HF1937—McNamara (R) HF1922—Charron (R) Agriculture & Rural Development HF1909—Hackbarth (R) Governmental Operations & Veterans Aff airs Plant pest, nursery stock and wildflower Environment & Natural Resources Minnesota Computers for School authorized to provisions modifi ed. Heritage enhancement and clean water funds and acquire surplus property for the state. councils established, sales tax percentage dedicated HF1938—Johnson, S. (DFL) and constitutional amendment proposed. HF1923—Ellison (DFL) Regulated Industries Health Policy & Finance Public Utilities Commission authority to assess HF1910—Peppin (R) Lead Poisoning Prevention Act modifi ed. utilities for revenues to develop an electronic fi ling Education Policy & Reform and retrieval system authorized. Independent School District No. 728, Elk River, HF1924—Ellison (DFL) election authorized to form two separate school Taxes districts. Paint excise tax provided.

22 Session Weekly March 18, 2005 HF1939—Solberg (DFL) HF1942—Koenen (DFL) HF1945—Charron (R) Local Government Agriculture & Rural Development Education Policy & Reform Group health insurance arrangement of local Clara City rail container load-out facility study Charter school sponsor duty to monitor and governments to provide the same coverage to each required. evaluate fi scal and student performance clarifi ed, participating governmental unit permitted. voluntary termination of charter school contract HF1943—Davnie (DFL) authorized and charter school evaluation study HF1940—Knoblach (R) Commerce & Financial Institutions required. Transportation C on su mer c re d it re por t s e c u r it y f re e z e aut hor i z e d, Aviation planning chapter in state transportation identity theft and Social Security number protec- HF1946—Peterson, S. (DFL) plan required and aviation planning advisory tions, credit monitoring, personal record destruc- Education Finance council created. tion and civil and criminal penalties provided. School finance system provided and money appropriated. HF1941—Brod (R) HF1944—Johnson, R. (DFL) Transportation Education Finance HF1947—Peterson, S. (DFL) Kids First license plate issuance authorized and St. Peter; school district usage of health and Education Policy & Reform money appropriated. safety revenue for an energy recovery system Desegregation/integration plan learning authorized. opportunities clarifi ed.

Minnesota’s representation in Washington, D.C. U.S. Representatives First District 1809 Plymouth Road S. 1111 Highway 25 North 320 Fourth St. S.W. Gil Gutknecht (R) Suite 300 Suite 204 Centre Point Mall 425 Cannon House Offi ce Building Minnetonka, MN 55305 Buffalo, MN 55313 Willmar, MN 56201 Washington, D.C. 20515 (952) 738-8200 (763) 684-1600 (320) 235-1061 (202) 225-2472 Fax: (952) 738-9362 Fax: (763) 684-1730 Fax: (320) 235-2651 Fax: (202) 225-3246 E-mail:[email protected] 22 Wilson Ave. N.E., Suite 104 SW/WC 1420 East College Drive Suite 108 Web site: www.house.gov/ramstad P.O. Box 6010 Marshall, MN 56258 1530 Greenview Drive S.W. St. Cloud, MN 56304 (507) 537-2299 Rochester, MN 55902 Fourth District (320) 259-0099 Fax: (507) 537-2298 Fax: (320) 259-0786 (507) 252-9841 Betty McCollum (DFL) Access to e-mail through Web site 1-800-862-8632 in MN 1029 Longworth House Offi ce Building 14669 Fitzgerald Ave. N., Suite 100 Web site: http://collinpeterson.house.gov Fax: (507) 252-9915 Washington, D.C. 20515 Hugo, MN 55038-9367 109 E. Second St. (202) 225-6631 (651) 653-5933 Eighth District Fax: (202) 225-1968 Fairmont, MN 56031 Fax: (651) 653-1549 James L. Oberstar (DFL) (507) 238-2835 165 Western Ave. N., Suite 17 E-mail: 2365 Rayburn House Offi ce Fax: (507) 238-1405 St. Paul, MN 55102 [email protected] Building E-mail: [email protected] (651) 224-9191 Web site: http:// Washington, D.C. 20515 Web site: http://www.gil.house.gov Fax: (651) 224-3056 markkennedy.house.gov (202) 225-6211 Fax: (202) 225-0699 Web site: www.mccollum.house.gov or www.house.gov/markkennedy Second District Access to e-mail through Web site: 231 Federal Building John Kline (R) www.house.gov/writerep/ Seventh District Duluth, MN 55802 1429 Longworth House Offi ce Collin Peterson (DFL) (218) 727-7474 Building Fifth District 2159 Rayburn House Offi ce Building Fax: (218) 727-8270 Washington, D.C. 20515 Martin Olav Sabo (DFL) Washington, D.C. 20515 TDD: (218) 727-7474 (202) 225-2165 (202) 225-2271 2336 Rayburn House Offi ce Building Chisholm City Hall Fax: (202) 225-1593 Fax: (202) 225-2595 Washington, D.C. 20515 316 Lake St. 101 W. Burnsville Pkwy. (202) 225-4755 Minn. Wheat Growers Bldg. Chisholm, MN 55719 Suite 201 Fax: (202) 225-4886 2603 Wheat Drive (218) 254-5761 Burnsville, MN 55337 286 Commerce at the Crossings Red Lake Falls, MN 56750 Fax: (218) 254-5132 (218) 253-4356 (952) 808-1213 250 Second Ave. S. Brainerd City Hall Fax: (218) 253-4373 Fax: (952) 808-1261 Minneapolis, MN 55401 501 Laurel St. Web site: www.house.gov/kline (612) 664-8000 100 N. First St. Brainerd, MN 56401 Access to e-mail through Web site Fax: (612) 664-8004 Montevideo, MN 56265 (218) 828-4400 E-mail: [email protected] (320) 269-8888 Fax: (218) 828-1412 Third District Web site: http://sabo.house.gov 230 E. Third St. 38625 14th Ave., Suite 300B Jim Ramstad (R) P.O. Box 50 North Branch, MN 55056 103 Cannon House Offi ce Building Sixth District Redwood Falls, MN 56283 (651) 277-1234 Washington, D.C. 20515 Mark Kennedy (R) (507) 637-2270 Fax: (651) 277-1235 (202) 225-2871 1415 Longworth House Offi ce Building Fax: (202) 225-6351 Washington, D.C. 20515 714 Lake Ave., Suite 107 Web site: www.oberstar.house.gov (202) 225-2331 Detroit Lakes, MN 56501 Access to e-mail through Web site. Fax: (202) 225-6475 (218) 847-5056 Fax: (218) 847-5109

March 18, 2005 Session Weekly 23 MINNESOTA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES PUBLIC INFORMATION SERVICES 175 STATE OFFICE BUILDING ST. P AUL, MN 55155-1298

SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE: S TEVE SVIGGUM MAJORITY LEADER: E RIK PAULSEN MINORITY LEADER: M ATT ENTENZA

INNESOTA M INDEX FOR MORE INFORMATION

For general information, call: State Aqua House Public Information Services offi ce (651) 296-2146 or Number of lakes in state larger than 10 acres ...... 11,842 1-800-657-3550 Depth, in feet, of deepest natural lake in state, Lake Saganaga in Cook County ...... 240 Acreage of Red Lake (both Upper and Lower) ...... 288,800 To subscribe to Session Weekly online: In square miles ...... 451 http://www.house.mn/hinfo/subscribesw.asp Acreage of Lake Mille Lacs ...... 132,516 Leech Lake acreage ...... 111,527 To obtain a copy of a bill, call: Number of natural rivers and streams in state ...... 6,564 Chief Clerk’s Offi ce (651) 296-2314 Miles of natural rivers and streams, as approximate ...... 69,200 Length of Mississippi River through state, in miles ...... 680 To fi nd out about bill introductions or Minnesota River, in miles ...... 370 the status of a specifi c bill, call: As of Feb. 11, 2005, Adopt-a-River cleanups reported for 2004 ...... 134 House Index Offi ce Pounds of trash removed from state waters ...... 121,716 (651) 296-6646 Dates of National River Cleanup Week ...... May 14-22 Millions of acres of wetlands in the state in 1850 ...... 18.6 For an after hours recorded message Millions in 2003 ...... 9.3 giving committee meeting times and Total surface water area in state, in millions of acres, including wetlands ...... 13.1 agendas, call: Thirty-year average for annual precipitation in the Twin Cities metropolitan Committee Hotline area, in inches ...... 29.4 (651) 296-9283 Inches in International Falls ...... 23.9 The House of Representatives can be found Percent of pollutants found in stormwater runoff coming from the fi rst inch on the Web at: http://www.house.mn of precipitation ...... 90 Percent of state’s annual stormwater pollution as a result of the fi rst large Teletypewriter for the hearing impaired. spring snow melt ...... 65 To ask questions or leave messages, call: Gallons of water used, on average, per minute of showering ...... 4 TTY Line (651) 296-9896 or Year the Safe Water Drinking Act was passed by Congress to set health and 1-800-657-3550 safety standards for public drinking water ...... 1974 Minnesotans, in millions, served by public water systems ...... 3 Check your local listings to watch televi- Number of public water supply systems statewide, as approximate ...... 8,300 sion coverage of House committees and Approximate number of non-community systems, which provide drinking water fl oor sessions. in places like factories, schools and restaurants ...... 7,300 Number of community systems, which provide drinking water to people Senate Information in their place of residence ...... 965 (651) 296-0504 Of those, number that are municipal systems ...... 720 1-888-234-1112 Community water systems that use surface water drawn from lakes or rivers ...... 23 Senate Index Tests conducted in 2003 by the Department of Health for pesticides and (651) 296-5560 industrial contaminants in community water systems ...... 19,389 Systems exceeding drinking water standards for the contaminants ...... 0 This document can be made available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities by calling Sources: 2005-06 Legislative Manual, Offi ce of the Minnesota Secretary of State; Department (651) 296-2146 voice, (651) 296-9896 TTY, or of Natural Resources; Department of Health; Board of Water and Soil Resources. (800) 657-3550 toll free voice and TTY.