MARCH 11, 2005 VOLUME 22, NUMBER 10

INSIDE: A BETTING CROWD, CAPTURE THE FLAG, CAPPING DAMAGES, MORE

This Week’s Bill Introductions HF1549-HF1742 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 Environment • 9 Local Government • 11 (651) 296-2146 or Banking • 5 Government • 10 Recreation • 13 1-800-657-3550 Children • 5 Health • 10 Taxes • 13 TTY (651) 296-9896 http://www.house.mn/hinfo/subscribesw.asp Consumers • 6 Higher Education • 10 Transportation • 14 Crime • 6 Housing • 10 Veterans • 14 Education • 7 Industry • 11 Director Barry LaGrave Elections • 8 Law • 11 Editor/Assistant Director Lee Ann Schutz BILL INTRODUCTIONS (HF1549-HF1742) • 19-23 Assistant Editor Mike Cook FEATURES Art & Production Coordinator Paul Battaglia FIRST READING: Attracting a betting crowd • 3

Writers CAPITOL CENTENNIAL: Civil War battle cries echo the halls of the Capitol • 4 Ruth Dunn, Patty Janovec, Brett Martin, Matt Wetzel, AT ISSUE: Capping malpractice damages • 15 Nicole Wood AT ISSUE: Easing veterans into civilian life • 16 Chief Photographer Tom Olmscheid NEW MEMBER PROFILES: Ruud, Welti • 17 Photographers SPEAKING OF THE HOUSE: Dance, social studies —What’s your major? • 18 Andrew VonBank, Sarah Stacke Staff Assistants Christy Novak, Laura Noe DEPARTMENTS/RESOURCES

Session Weekly (ISSN 1049-8176) is pub- Minnesota State Agencies • 18 For More Information: • 24 lished weekly during the legislative session by Minnesota Index: Seeing the sites • 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 Clarifi cation paid at Minneapolis, Minn. A March 4 Session Weekly Highlight about a POSTMASTER: Send address report to the House Transportation Finance changes to Session Weekly, Public Committee from the Association of Minnesota Information Services offi ce, Minnesota House of Counties stated the proposal to improve roads Representatives, 175 State Office Building, and transit would not raise taxes. The article 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., should have stated that it would not raise St. Paul, MN 55155-1298. property taxes.

Printed on recycled paper which is 50% recycled, On the cover: John Hanson, a historic site interpreter at the Oliver Kelley Farm in Elk River, portrays 30% post-consumer content. an 1860s farmer as he holds a rooster during the March 7 History Matters rally, sponsored by the Minnesota Historical Society, in the Rotunda.

—Photo by: Tom Olmscheid

2 March 11, 2005 IRST READING F★ ★ ★

Top activities, as percent, Attracting a betting crowd for travelers in Minnesota Gambling facilities benefi t tourism statewide Scenic touring 46 Visiting friends/family 38 Shopping 38 Fishing 32 BY BRETT MARTIN Casinos are a top state attraction, second Visiting state/national parks 25 f you think that people visit Minnesota only to the Mall of America, Kelly said. Camping 22 only to shop and fi sh, odds are you don’t American Indian tribes spend nearly I know how gambling impacts tourism. $30 million in annual advertising and visitor Attending fairs/festivals 20 Gambling is good for Minnesota tourism, promotion to lure guests to their casinos, Sightseeing of city sites 19 according to representatives of gaming facil- nearly 10 times more than Explore Minnesota Visiting historical sites 15 ities who say casinos and horse racing attract Tourism, the state’s tourism offi ce, spends. Casino gambling 14 millions of visitors to the state each year. “Indian casinos are part of the Minne- “Tribal casinos make an important contri- sota travel product,” John Edman, director of Hiking 14 bution to tourism, especially in rural areas of Explore Minnesota, told Session Weekly. Museum/concerts/theater 13

Minnesota,” Marsha Kelly, communications Explore Minnesota does not directly pro- Data refl ects spring and summer travel consultant with the Minnesota Indian Gam- mote gaming, but it does promote the cultural Source: Explore Minnesota Tourism ing Association, recently told the Tourism Di- heritage of American Indians. vision of the House Commerce and Financial In the city of Red Wing, with a population Institutions Committee. The casino draw slightly more than 16,000, Treasure Island The estimated number of state visitors each Tourism is a key component of Minnesota’s Resort & Casino is responsible for up to half year ranges from 24.5 million to 28.5 million, economy, generating $9.2 billion annually. of the city’s 1.25 million to 2 million annual and Kelly said that about 15 percent of those While the lakes, malls, parks and scenic views visitors. visitors go to a casino. According to the as- attract millions of visitors, casinos also play “The direct fi nancial impact of these visitors is sociation, out-of-state casino visitors spend a vital roll in the lucrative industry, and, by estimated at $59.9 million. The chamber believes $191 million in Minnesota each year. extension, in the state’s economy. that one-third of this amount, or $20 million, can be connected directly to Treasure Island,” Pierre Menard, board chair of the Red Wing Area Chamber of Commerce, told the tourism division. “Gaming has had a profound impact on tourism in the Red Wing area.” About 25 percent of overnight guests and nearly 30 percent of day visitors to Red Wing are from out of state, said Stephanie Fox, public relations manager for the resort and casino. “Treasure Island employs over 1,500 people with an annual payroll of nearly $45 million. This is possible because of the successful tour- ism industry the casino has worked so hard to promote,” Fox said. The tourism industry in Red Wing now employs 2,200 people with an annual payroll of $59.4 million, Menard said. In northern Minnesota, casino visitors are literally crossing the country’s border to come to Minnesota. Steve StandingCloud, PHOTO BY TOM OLMSCHEID enterprise administrator for the Lake Superior Red Lake Tribal Secretary Judy Roy discusses the possible eff ects of a casino partnership with the Band of Chippewa in Grand Portage, said the state and interested tribes during a March 4 news conference in the governor’s reception room. Gov. Grand Portage Lodge & Casino attracts more Tim Pawlenty was also joined at the announcement by White Earth Tribal Chairwoman Erma Vizenor, left, and Leech Lake Tribal Chairman George Goggleye, third from left, tribal council members from than 800,000 Canadians each year. each of the tribes, bill sponsors, labor and urban American Indian leaders. Pawlenty’s proposal would provide a gaming partnership between the state and three northern Minnesota tribes. First Reading continued on page 4

March 11, 2005 Session Weekly 3 First Reading continued from page 3 them come trainers, groomers Economic impact of Indian gaming since 1990: and owners. Whether they come “They spend money,” StandingCloud said. 30,000 jobs (14,000 direct, 16,000 indirect) for one weekend, such as the na- “They spend money at the border, and they $2.8 billion paid in wages and benefi ts tional Claiming Crown hosted continue south.” at Canterbury Park, or they $1.9 billion paid to Minnesota vendors for goods and services He said that 80 percent of visitors who come stable for the entire summer $810 million paid in state/federal taxes to the casino are from Thunder Bay, Canada, meet, there is a defi nite impact which is 45 miles away. $600 million in capital construction on the hospitality industry and $298 million in out-of-state Minnesota tourism promotion Minnesota’s economy,” King Off to the races said. “The impact of the horse $159 million paid to local governments While casinos tend to receive most of the industry is felt in a very real way Source: Minnesota Indian Gaming Association attention when it comes to gambling, there’s all across the state.” another segment of the gaming industry that to race and show at Canterbury,” King said. Offerman and King both said the track also appeals to tourists. Citing a 2004 University of Minnesota anal- needs to increase its purse size to attract bet- “We bring a lot of tourism dollars in,” said ysis of the impact of horses on Minnesota’s ter quality horses. The average purse last year Carin Offerman, a board member of Canter- economy, King said horses generate nearly was $130,000 per race day and approximately bury Park in Shakopee. “Having a racetrack is $1 billion of economic activity in the state $10 million for the summer. More than an attraction that brings people to the state.” each year, producing work for horse breeders, 1 million people visited the facility. Kay King, executive director for the Min- trainers, veterinarians and farmers. “The signifi cant increase in purses and the nesota Thoroughbred Association, agrees, “The analysis found the best way to increase addition of a major show horse venue will help saying horses benefi t tourism. the value of the horse industry in a state is to grow and develop Minnesota’s horse industry “More than 1,400 horses from over 20 states and attract more horses from outside Minnesota come to Canterbury Park each year. Along with First Reading continued on page 18

Capture the fl ag Civil War battle cries echo the halls of the Capitol

The memories and wounds dead. But they held off a Confederate advance Minnesota officials declined, hence of the Civil War shaped the that was threatening to cut the Union line the need for a security guard when the Minnesotans who built in two and eventually move the war theater fl ag made a rare public appearance at the the State Capitol. It was northward. Capitol March 7. the great conflict of the Pvt. Marshall Sherman, a painter The fl ag, which was displayed in a glass era, and the fi rst chance from St. Paul, captured the battle fl ag on case, rests on a special form to prevent for the nascent state to July 3, 1863, during what became known as the wool bunting fabric from becoming participate in the destiny Pickett’s Charge. stressed. of the nation. Today, the fl ag is in the possession of the The words “28th Va. Inf’y” are em- Just 40 years had passed between the Minnesota Historical Society, having rebuffed broidered in white thread across the red end of the war and the completion of the requests by Virginia state offi cials and a Civil background of the “Southern Cross.” The Capitol. So it is fitting that the Capitol War enactment group to return the fl ag. 13 white stars on a blue background rep- motif is steeped in Civil resent the 11 Confederate War paintings, statues and states plus Kentucky and memorabilia. Missouri who attempted but Although 140 years have failed to secede. Stains and passed since the end of the tears are clearly visible. war, one dispute still lin- According to the Get- gers: the fate of the Confed- tysburg National Military erate battle fl ag of the 28th Park, the 82 percent casu- Virginia Infantry that was alty rate experienced by captured by the First Min- the First Minnesota those nesota Volunteer Infantry three days in July 1863 was Regiment at Gettysburg, never equaled by any other Penn. Union regiment during the In July 1863, the First Civil War. The fl ag should Minnesota was waging a stay in Minnesota, the First dramatic battle against the Minnesota re-enactment Confederacy during a turn- group and others have ar- ing point in the war, the gued, to honor the soldiers PHOTO BY TOM OLMSCHEID Battle of Gettysburg. who fought and died at Shawn Ewing, portraying a young George Washington, counts the stars as he and his Though outnumbered, brother, Dylan, portraying Davy Crockett, take a closer look at a Confederate fl ag on Gettysburg. they staged a charge that left display outside the House Chamber March 7. The boys are the stepsons of Rep. Mark (N. WOOD) 215 of the 262 Minnesotans Olson and came to the Capitol in costume as part of History Matters Day.

4 Session Weekly March 11, 2005 IGHLIGHTS M ARCH 3 - 10, 2005 H★ ★ ★

an annual progress report. Senate Commerce Committee. ★ AGRICULTURE A companion bill (SF969), sponsored by Minnesota law does not permit locating Sen. Jim Vickerman (DFL-Tracy), awaits a new branch in a township, so a bank that Jump to the pump action in the Senate Jobs, Energy and wants to do so must receive an exemption In September 2004, Gov. Tim Pawlenty Community Development Committee. from the Legislature, something that is done signed an executive order designed to move an average of once every two years. state agencies away from using gasoline in “This is the standard course for putting a state vehicles and toward fuels such as ethanol, bank in a township that does not have a bank,” biodiesel and hydrogen. ★ BANKING Howes said. HF560, sponsored by Rep. Rod Hamilton Even with approval from the Legislature, (R-Mountain Lake), would turn the so-called All the way to the bank the bank would still be required to follow SmartFleet initiative into state law. Burns Township in the northwest corner of Department of Commerce procedures for ap- The House Agriculture and Rural Devel- Anoka County is one step closer to having a proval of a new branch. The Burns Township opment Committee approved the measure bank branch in its community. Board would also need to approve it. March 8. It now moves to the House fl oor. Rep. Larry Howes (R-Walker) is sponsoring The bill would establish a goal of using HF997, which would allow Pine River State 25 percent less gasoline in state vehicles by Bank, which has its main offi ce in Pine River, 2010 and 50 percent less gasoline by 2015; to establish a branch in Burns Township. ★ CHILDREN petroleum-based diesel fuel consumption The House Commerce and Financial Insti- would be reduced 10 percent by 2010 and tutions Committee approved the bill March 8 Child-care reimbursement rates 25 percent by 2015. and referred it to the House fl oor. A compan- Reimbursement rates for the state’s child- HF560 aims to set an aggressive, yet ion bill (SF985), sponsored by Sen. Carrie L. care sliding fee program were frozen in 2003. obtainable, goal for fl eet management, Ruud (R-Breezy Point), awaits action in the While child-care providers in the Hamilton said, and it would “provide Twin Cities metropolitan area were not more certainty” to the governor’s SUICIDE PREVENTION STRATEGY generally affected, it certainly wrought executive order. havoc with the providers in Greater Min- Under the bill, a SmartFleet commit- nesota according to testimony received tee, consisting of representatives from by the House Jobs and Economic Oppor- the Pollution Control Agency; Admin- tunity Policy and Finance Committee on istration, Agriculture, and Commerce March 9. departments; as well as any other Four bills trying to address the prob- department wishing to participate, lems were heard, and all were held over would provide “information, guidance, for possible inclusion in the committee’s sample policies and procedures, and omnibus bill. technical and planning assistance.” According to John Molinaro, vice The bill also calls for boosting fl eet president at the West Central Initiative, fuel effi ciency and reducing the reliance a nonprofi t agency in Fergus Falls, a 2004 on state vehicles by increasing Internet study shows that in the 22 rural coun- availability of state goods and services. ties closest to the metropolitan area, the Rep. Al Juhnke (DFL-Willmar) average child-care center lost $22.50 per said he surveyed state agencies a cou- month per child in state reimbursement. ple of years ago and discovered that The average facility in the Twin Cities 54 percent of travel management metropolitan area made $20 per month vehicles were E85-capable (meaning per child. they were manufactured to run on an That’s because there is far less com- 85 percent ethanol/15 percent gasoline petition in Greater Minnesota, and fewer blend) yet only 16 percent of the fuel put choices, so most centers have to charge through them was actually E85. the same rate, even when the state freezes “So you can buy the cars but if you’re reimbursements. not stopping at the station and fueling According to Tammy Anderson, ex- we’ve got a problem,” he said. “It’s one ecutive director at Child’s Corner Child thing again to say we’re doing this but, Care Center, her program lost $28,000 as we can see, it’s not being done and PHOTO BY SARAH STACKE in 2003 because reimbursement rates just because we say so doesn’t mean it Sammy Stoppelmoor, 16, of Blue Earth, participates in a went from $28 to $21 per child. Many will be done.” March 8 rally for Minnesota’s Yellow Ribbon Suicide Preven- of her clients have credit issues, so she Juhnke successfully offered an tion Program at the State Capitol. Students taped together is looking at approximately $10,000 amendment that would “keep the pres- signed petition forms and hung them from the balcony. The petitions ask Gov. Tim Pawlenty to direct resources in uncollected fees, with little hope of sure on” by requiring the SmartFleet to implement a National Suicide Prevention Strategy and recovery. committee to submit to the Legislature provide accessible and aff ordable health services. Rep. Bud Nornes, (R-Fergus Falls)

March 11, 2005 Session Weekly 5 who is Anderson’s father, offered three bills Accessing a computer without authoriza- beyond the statutory maximum prison sentence. to help. tion to send illegal e-mails would be a gross If the crime is a gross misdemeanor, then the of- • HF522 would return reimbursement rates misdemeanor on the fi rst offense and a felony fender would face a three-year felony sentence. If of child-care providers to what they were on the second offense. the crime is a misdemeanor, the sentence would before the freeze, which was enacted The bill would also grant the attorney be increased to a gross misdemeanor. July 1, 2003. This applies only to those general or e-mail service provider the right to Most prisoners now are released for the fi nal who had their rates cut. A companion bill sue a person who violates the terms of the bill, one-third of their sentences because “that’s (SF873), sponsored by Sen. Cal Larson, (R- provided the suit is started within one year of how we do it in Minnesota,” Lesch said. Fergus Falls), awaits action in the Senate the offense. “Benny was my life,” said his mother, Finance Committee. A companion bill (SF927), sponsored by Maggie. “I can’t say enough about protecting • HF1056 would provide for a half-day reim- Sen. Dan Sparks (DFL-Austin), awaits action kids.” She stressed the importance of keeping bursement rate for children who come in in the Senate Jobs, Energy and Community “seasoned violent killers” in prison so they after school and stay until their parents Development Committee. can’t hurt anyone else. fi nish work. When the rates were frozen, Jim Lym, co-leader of the Minnesota Hope counties switched to hourly rates for those Chapter of Parents of Murdered Children, also children. Reimbursement went from $10 spoke in favor of the bill. He said that one of to between $1 and $2, Anderson said. A CRIME the people convicted of killing his son nearly companion bill (SF1119), sponsored by ★ 10 years ago may be eligible to get out of prison Larson, awaits action in the Senate Finance in a couple of years. A bill for Ben Committee. The committee will consider the bill for Ben Doran of St. Paul was beaten to death • HF374 would reduce license fees paid by inclusion in its omnibus bill. two years ago by members of a gang who child-care centers by 25 percent. A com- A companion bill (SF1139), sponsored by mistook the 15-year-old youth for someone panion bill (SF826), also sponsored by Sen. Ellen R. Anderson (DFL-St. Paul), awaits else. Larson, awaits action in the Senate Finance action in the Senate Crime Prevention and The death of Doran was the inspiration for Committee. Public Safety Committee. HF988, its sponsor, Rep. John Lesch (DFL-St. Sponsored by Rep. Morrie Lanning Paul), told the House Public Safety Policy and (R-Moorhead), HF1195 would reimburse Finance Committee March 3. Lesch calls the providers who had their reimbursement rates bill “Benny’s Law.” Name change cut. There is no Senate companion. “The worst crime in Minnesota is not just John Eastham, a Ramsey County deputy murder, it’s the murder of an innocent child,” sheriff, was transporting prisoners last fall he said. when he overheard their conversation, which CONSUMERS The bill boosts penalties for gang members led to the discovery that one of the prisoners ★ who kill children less than 18 years of age. If a had been able to legally change his name while child is the victim of a felony crime committed jailed. Spammers beware by a gang member, then the sentence for the This disturbed Eastham because the pris- Those that send spam e-mail messages convicted offender would be extended fi ve years oner was serving time for burglary and was could face criminal and civil penalties, under a bill sponsored by Rep. Joe Atkins (DFL-Inver Grove Heights). HF1318 would prohibit e-mail messages that are false, misleading or deceptive sent to or from a computer in Minnesota. “We are all bombarded with spam on a daily basis,” At- kins told the House Commerce and Financial Institutions Committee March 9. He said the bill is similar to federal statutes and would not affect “appropriate” e-mails. The committee approved the bill and re- ferred it to the House Civil Law and Elections Committee. The bill would make sending multiple illegal messages a misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail and a $3,000 fi ne. Under the bill, a person would be committing a gross misdemeanor if convicted of sending multiple e-mail messages using 20 or more e-mail or online accounts, 10 or more domain names or sending more than 250 spam messages within 24 hours, 2,500 within 30 days or 25,000 PHOTO BY ANDREW VONBANK within a year. Causing losses of $500 or more Jim Lym, left, co-leader of the Minnesota Hope Chapter of Parents of Murdered Children, and Maggie Doran, right, whose son, Ben,was murdered by gang members, testify before the House Public to victims through spam e-mails would also Safety Policy and Finance Committee March 3 in support of a bill that would toughen penalties for be a gross misdemeanor. gang members who kill children.

6 Session Weekly March 11, 2005 also a registered sex offender. He discovered is used by scammers to raid bank accounts and there’s no law to prevent such a person from set up credit card accounts, she said. ★ EDUCATION legally changing names and nothing to require “The bill makes it a crime to set out the offi cials be notifi ed of the change. “I found it bait even if they don’t make a catch,” said Classroom contributions disheartening that they be allowed to change Caligiuri. It’s important to stop these crimes A process similar to one that helps candi- their name and basically be their own moni- at the source, she explained, because once a dates fund their campaigns may give a fi nan- tor and have to report themselves for having scam has succeeded a victim’s identify has cial boost to classroom teachers. a name change afterwards,” he said. been lost, a good name is ruined and it can Taxpayers can contribute to political candi- Eastham contacted Rep. Lloyd Cybart be diffi cult to repair the damage. dates and receive refunds through the state’s (R-Apple Valley) and the result is HF1200 The committee will consider the bill for political contribution fund. Rep. Karen Klinz- and HF1201 were combined, by amendment, possible inclusion in its omnibus bill. ing (R-Woodbury) has come up with a similar into one bill. A companion bill (SF336), sponsored by program to fund contributions to classroom The bill authorizes courts to do a search of Sen. Steve Kelley (DFL-Hopkins), awaits teachers through HF967. national records through the FBI by submit- action in the Senate Finance Committee. “My rationale is there are lots of unique ting a set of fi ngerprints to determine if there classroom needs and lots of innovative ideas is a criminal history when a person applies coming from classroom teachers for which for a name change, Cybart told the House Sex off ender changes there’s no specifi c funding stream,” Klinzing Public Safety Policy and Finance Committee told the House Education Finance Committee The governor’s proposal to establish life March 9. March 9. sentences for certain sex offender crimes was ap- If a name change is granted for an applicant Under the bill, a taxpayer can claim a proved by the House Governmental Operations with a criminal history, the court and applicant refund for fi nancial contributions made to a and Veterans Affairs Committee March 3. must submit the name change to the Bureau of classroom teacher. The maximum refund for Sponsored by Rep. Kurt Zellers (R-Maple Criminal Apprehension. Failure to do so would a single taxpayer could not exceed $50 and for Grove), HF1406 would create a sex offender result in a gross misdemeanor penalty. a married couple fi ling jointly, the maximum review board and a sex offender policy board, Rep. Mary Murphy (DFL-Hermantown) would $100. Contributors would need to fi ll change registration and community notifi ca- asked if this bill would affect people changing out a form, attach a receipt and send it to the tion, and allow the Department of Human their names through marriage. Cybart replied state to receive a refund. Services to access certain databases, including that his bill did not include name changes Contributions could be made to any li- the sex offender registry. because of marriage since they’re not done censed teacher in a public or accredited private Similar to HF1, also sponsored by Zellers, through courts. school and could be spent on supplies, books, HF1406 differs on which penalty applies to what The committee will consider the bill for computer software or hardware, fi eld trips or conduct, according to the nonpartisan House possible inclusion in its omnibus bill. other materials used in the classroom. Research Department. Also, HF1 contains sen- There is no Senate companion. Classroom teachers would be responsible for tencing guidelines that the U.S. Supreme Court keeping records of receipts and expenditures. has since ruled could create complications in Preliminary estimates indicate the program sentencing guidelines for states. could cost between $10 million to $30 million to The bill is a “quantum leap forward” in Phishing could be a crime set up the fund and operate it, said Klinzing. making “Minnesota the very, very best in sex There’s a kind of phishing in Minnesota “A lot of our solutions we have at the Legisla- offender management,” said Eric Lipman, that has nothing to do with walleyes. ture this year are a result of people and families state sex offender policy coordinator. Phishing is a new technique used by Internet seeing not enough money for the schools,” said The review board would oversee the re- scam artists and it’s legal under current state Rep. Mindy Greiling (DFL-Roseville). All the lease of inmates, and the policy board would law, Rep. Steve Simon (DFL-St. Louis Park), proposed good solutions will limit what’s avail- develop standards for the treatment and sponsor of HF243, told the House Public Safety able to add to the general education formula, supervision of sex offenders. Policy and Finance Committee March 9. she said. Rep. Phyllis Kahn (DFL-Mpls) offered an Phishing occurs when scam artists send Equity is also a concern, said Greiling, unsuccessful amendment that would have e-mails that look like they’re from a trusted because some classrooms might receive a lot required the retention of biological evidence fi nancial institution such as a bank, mortgage of contributions while others might not. used to secure a conviction in a criminal case company or credit card issuer. Readers of Rep. John Dorn (DFL-Mankato) expressed for as long as the “person remains incarcer- the e-mail are asked to update their account concern there could be a lack of account- ated, on probation or parole, civilly commit- information by clicking on a link that takes ability with teachers being solely responsible ted, or subject to registration as a sex offender them to a Web site, which also looks authentic, for the funds. For example, Dorn’s campaign in connection with the case.” said Simon. treasurer handles the money that is received The bill now goes to the House Civil Law The bill makes phishing a crime punish- from the political contribution fund. and Elections Committee. able by up to fi ve years imprisonment and a The committee approved the bill and re- A Senate companion (SF1325), sponsored $10,000 fi ne. ferred it to the House Civil Law and Elections by Sen. Dave Kleis (R-St. Cloud), awaits action “Phishing is the fastest growing form of Committee. in the Senate Crime Prevention and Public identify theft on the Internet,” according to A companion bill (SF1153), sponsored by Safety Committee. Hilary Caligiuri, representing the Hennepin Sen. Steve Kelley (DFL-Hopkins), awaits ac- County Attorney’s Office. An estimated tion in the Senate Judiciary Committee. 57 million Americans receive phishing e-mails If you have Internet access, visit the a year, and 3 percent to 5 percent of them will Legislature’s Web page at: respond and give out personal information that http://www.leg.mn

March 11, 2005 Session Weekly 7 Measuring academic growth (DFL-Willmar) sponsored the legislation, most buy Tylenol® or ibuprofen without parent’s Public school districts would be able to of which is effective March 8, 2005, and applies permission,” she said. “Students should be participate in a voluntary pilot project of to taxes payable in 2005. able to do the same in school.” value-added assessment to measure individ- HF248*/SF485/CH8 “I understand the issue of convenience ual student academic growth, under HF1587 but we should also look at safety,” said Linda sponsored by Committee Chair Rep. Mark Sandvig, a lobbyist for the School Nurse Orga- Buesgens (R-Jordan). Pain relief nization of Minnesota. She said school nurses The bill is an initiative from the Minnesota Secondary students would be able to pos- aren’t just pill dispensers. When children come Department of Education, Buesgens told the sess and properly use nonprescription drugs in for medication, nurses can monitor their House Education Policy and Reform Com- in school without going to the nurse’s offi ce situation and ask questions. “Medicine is not mittee March 8. under HF615, sponsored by Rep. Karen Klinz- always the best way to deal with pain,” she said. Value-added assessment allows educators ing (R-Woodbury). But if students don’t come to the nurse, there’s to measure individual student’s growth in “It’s legal outside of school, it’s only inside of no opportunity for teachable moments. academic achievement from one school year school we’re saying these kids are not respon- The committee approved the bill and sent to the next by tracking student’s scores on sible enough to take medication,” Klinzing, a it to the House fl oor. annual standardized tests. high school teacher, told the House Education A companion bill (SF232), sponsored by “This is a no brainer. We all agree value Policy and Reform Committee March 3. Sen. Mady Reiter (R-Shoreview), awaits action added is the way to go,” said Rep. Mindy Under the bill, if parents or guardians pro- by the full Senate. Greiling (DFL-Roseville). vide annual written authorization, their chil- The pilot project would be funded by a dren would be able to take over-the-counter For information on HF 1086, sponsored $300,000 appropriation from the state for drugs on their own. The school district could by Rep. Duke Powell, which would 2006 and $1.6 million in fi scal year 2007. revoke this privilege if a student abuses it. allow school districts to raise money Rural, urban and suburban public schools Casey Hoshaw, a junior at Centennial High through two new levies, go the Session and charter schools would be able to apply to School, said when pain suddenly strikes, stu- Weekly EXTRA page at http://www. the Department of Education to participate dents must wait for a break in the class period house.mn/hinfo/swx.asp. in the program. to ask the teacher for permission to go to the Value-added assessment would be used nurse’s offi ce to get medicine. This can result ★ ELECTIONS in addition to assessments now in place to in missed class time, getting pain relief too determine schools’ Adequate Yearly Progress late to do any good and even having students HF865, sponsored by Rep. Mark Olson, as part of the national No Child Left Behind go home because they’re not feeling well. would speed up the process of updat- legislation, according to Dr. Patricia Olson, According to Hoshaw, it can be inconve- ing precinct fi nder databases when assistant commissioner of the Office of precinct boundaries change. For more nient and even embarrassing to have to go to information, go to the Session Weekly Accountability and Improvement of the De- the school nurse’s offi ce for medicine. “Any EXTRA page at http://www.house. partment of Education. 17-year-old could walk into a drug store and mn/hinfo/swx.asp. The committee approved the bill and referred it to the House Education Finance Committee. It has no Senate companion.

Prinsburg receives approval Prinsburg School District 815 Signed will be able to use voter-approved by levy referendum money to pay off the a debt to a neighboring school governor ★ ★ ★ district, under a new law signed March 7 by Gov. Tim Pawlenty. Funds will also be used to provide special edu- cation services for school district residents who attend a private religious school in the district. Prinsburg owes about $280,000 to the neighboring MACCRAY School District for tuition of Prinsburg residents who attended the district through an informal arrangement a few years ago. Prinsburg has no students and is one of only two remaining common school districts in the state. Because of its unique situation, state approval was required for levy recertifi cation PHOTO BY ANDREW VONBANK and authority. Centennial High School juniors Casey Hoshaw, left, and Nina Coon, right, testify March 3 before the Rep. Al Juhnke (DFL-Willmar) and House Education Policy and Reform Committee in support of a bill that would authorize secondary Senate Majority Leader Dean E. Johnson students to possess nonprescription pain relief in school.

8 Session Weekly March 11, 2005 ★ ENVIRONMENT Bombs, bullets and biodiversity It’s not every day a person snuggles a black bear and walks away unscathed. The House Environment and Natural Resources Com- mittee members and staff had the rare op- portunity to do so March 4 at Camp Ripley near Little Falls. What they discovered is an environmental program fl ourishing in a most unlikely place: a military training base. With 53,000 acres, the largest stretch of undeveloped shoreline along the entire Mississippi River, and no public roads criss- crossing the landscape, wildlife abounds at Camp Ripley. The committee encountered a red-shouldered hawk, a bald eagle, many wild turkeys, at least two-dozen deer and three bears during the brief visit. Although it would seem incongruous for a landscape to support bombs, bullets and biodiversity, Post Commander Col. Richard Weaver said some Department of Defense installations have approximately 10 times more wildlife than civilian-owned parcels. “Wildlife would rather be bombed than strip-malled,” he said. The camp’s environmental program started in 1986, in part to comply with the Endangered Species Act and other federal laws, explained Bill Brown, the program’s natural/cultural resources specialist. “Of course that sounds good but nobody knew what that meant,” he said. The fi rst step, he said, was developing an accurate inventory of the plant and animal species on the base. The inventory served as the foundation for

PHOTOS BY ANDREW VONBANK Members of the House Environment and Natural Resources Committee and school children from Perham observe scientists from the Department of Natural Resources bear project as they check the condition of a bear sow and two of her cubs March 4.

several studies of the connection between bears within its boundaries. military activities and wildlife. Once a year, DNR biologists conduct a den One of those ongoing studies is the Camp survey while the bears are hibernating. They Ripley Bear Project. tranquilize them and then take blood samples, “When I fi rst started here, it was nothing for body measurements and adjust the collars. bears to be going into tents and vehicles,” said As part of the camp’s community mission, Environmental Supervisor Marty Skoglund. students and civic groups are often allowed The black bears were deemed a nuisance, he said, to trek along for the den visit. The lucky ones but after further review they found they didn’t get to hold a bear cub. have a bear problem; they had a people problem: “The bear project is what has really gotten us Don’t feed the bears, the soldiers learned. rolling with the community,” Skoglund said. The camp’s environmental department Lawmakers and staff left the range with a Rep. Greg Blaine examines a bear’s teeth during teamed up with the Department of Natural special place in their hearts for Bear 2087: 41 a black bear den visit at Camp Ripley. The camp, Resources and bear monitoring continues to pounds, 14 months old, surprisingly odor free which is near Little Falls, is in Blaine’s district. this day. The camp currently has eight collared and snuggly soft while sedated.

March 11, 2005 Session Weekly 9 performed under the 1981 law, which provides enrollment growth, as provided in law, and ★ GOVERNMENT that an abortion may not be performed on a a $66.5 million base increase. Included in minor unless parents are given 48 hours notice the appeal is an assumption that tuition Renaming a building or the minor is given permission from a court will be increased 4.4 percent, an estimated A bipartisan group of House members for that abortion, a judicial bypass. $62 million. would like to see the State Offi ce Building The reports would be used to compile sta- Students told the committee of expecting named after a longtime employee. tistics to be published annually. to graduate with debt exceeding $20,000, even HF858, sponsored by Rep. Lynn Wardlow “This bill does what should have been though they work 30-40 hours per week. (R-Eagan), would rename the structure the done in 1981; put into legislation the tracking “In addition to working multiple jobs and Edward A. Burdick State Office Building. devises necessary to provide the Legislature living on ramen noodles and mac and cheese, Of the legislation’s other 28 sponsors, 14 are the ability to oversee a bill,” Smith said. “Sec- our students are forced to defi cit spend in Republican and 14 are DFL. ondly, it is in the best interest of the parents hopes of brighter days ahead,” said Brad The bill was approved March 8 by the House and their minor daughters.” Krasaway, state chair of the Minnesota State Governmental Operations and Veterans Information that would be reported in- University Student Association. Affairs Committee and referred to the House cludes the age and race of the female, the Bill co-sponsor Rep. Gene Pelowski, Jr. State Government Finance Committee. county where the woman resides, where the (DFL-Winona) said part of the problem goes “Whose name is more germane to this abortion was performed, where the judicial back to 2003, when higher education ap- building than Ed Burdick?” asked Wardlow. bypass was obtained and the process used to propriations were reduced by “hundreds of Although not opposed to the bill, Rep. inform the woman of the judicial bypass. millions” of dollars to help balance the state’s Phyllis Kahn (DFL-Mpls) asked committee Rep. Keith Ellison (DFL-Mpls) questioned budget. members to refl ect on the number of state Smith about the intent of the bill. “What is “We let the students carry a signifi cant part buildings that are named after prominent the objective to this data collection bill? Do of the budget reduction in ’03-’04 and now in infl uential women. The fact is there are none you believe that judges are granting judicial ’05,” he said. “I think it’s time that we took at in the Capitol Complex, and only two plaques bypasses in incidents where they should not? least that burden off their backs.” devoted to women, she said. Is that what is driving this bill?” A companion bill (SF707), sponsored Kahn sponsors HF694 that would name Smith said that he wouldn’t speculate on by Sen. John C. Hottinger (DFL-St. Peter), the building after former Rep. Coya Knutson, whether that is happening. “I think we should awaits action by the Higher Education Budget who was the fi rst female Minnesotan to serve have the numbers so that we can tell as a Leg- Division of the Senate Finance Committee. in Congress (1955-58). Rep. Karen Clark islature,” he said. (DFL-Mpls) is sponsoring HF1541 to rename A companion bill (SF328), sponsored by the building after Paul Wellstone, and Rep. Sen. Thomas M. Neuville (R-Northfield), Tim Wilkin (R-Eagan) is sponsoring HF26 awaits action in the Senate Health and Family ★ HOUSING to rename it after Ronald Reagan. All await a Security Committee. committee hearing. Buyer beware “This is the peoples’ house,” said Rep. Buyers would know if property they are Marty Seifert (R-Marshall). The building purchasing has been used as a place to create should be named after a person, like Burdick, HIGHER EDUCATION methamphetamine, under an amendment to instead of a politician, he added. ★ HF572 approved by the House Civil Law and First hired as a page in 1941, Burdick served Tuition freeze Elections Committee March 7. as chief clerk in the House from 1967 until Students in the Minnesota State Colleges The bill, sponsored by Rep. Jeff Johnson (R- retiring before the current session began. He and Universities (MnSCU) system would not Plymouth), clamps down on the sale of certain served under 16 different speakers. see an increase in their tuition during the next over-the-counter cold medications contain- A companion bill (SF1283), sponsored by biennium, under a bill sponsored by Rep. Jim ing the essential ingredients needed to make Sen. Chris Gerlach (R-Apple Valley), awaits Abeler (R-Anoka). methamphetamine. But with the amendment, action in the Senate State and Local Govern- Held over for consideration in the Higher the bill now spells out requirements for clean ment Operations Committee. Education Finance Committee’s omnibus bill, up of lab sites prior to being reoccupied and HF670 would appropriate $20.7 million in fi s- disclosure to any future purchaser of the cal year 2006 and $42.2 million in fi scal year property. 2007 to hold tuition at the current level. ★ HEALTH Under the provision, a seller must disclose, “Paying for school is a burden, and in in writing, to the buyer if the property has Abortion numbers could be tracked some cases it’s a burden that (students) can been used as a clandestine drug lab, whether A bill that would track the number of abor- no longer handle,” Abeler said at the March there has been an order for cleanup and if the tions performed under the parental notifi ca- 7 meeting. “We believe in a strong higher ed cleanup has been successfully completed. tion/judicial bypass law was approved by the system and so everybody who wants to have Contractors are put on notice that cleanup House Civil Law and Elections Committee a chance can get there.” work would need to be done to meet Depart- March 7. It now moves to the House Public The bill would only take effect if 2006-07 ment of Health guidelines. Verifi cation of Safety Policy and Finance Committee. biennial appropriations exceed current base cleanup would then be provided to the prop- Sponsored by Rep. Steve Smith (R-Mound), funding by $197.3 million — the amount erty owner and the “applicable authority” HF226 would require physicians and facilities requested by the system — and tuition in within fi ve days from the completion of the to file statistical reports with the Minne- the biennium is not increased above 2004-05 remediation. sota Department of Health on abortions levels. Once cleaned, a map and legal description MnSCU’s request includes $130.9 million for of the property would be provided to the

10 Session Weekly March 11, 2005 county recorder or registrar of titles. After patents, could come product develop- road,” Erickson said, adding the wording Additionally, each local community health ment, clinical trials, funding from the federal to reduce speed does not provide a lot of services administrator would keep certain Food and Drug Administration, then sales direction. information on fi le and make it available to and marketing of the products. Sgt. Curtis S. Mowers, a trooper from the the public, including location of the property Four research projects underway now are Brainerd area, said police accept a certain and the name of the owner, the extent of the heart disease, prostate cancer, Alzheimer’s amount of risk with their job, but this is contamination and status of the removal. disease and obesity. The goal is to diagnose something the Legislature could control. Rep. Keith Ellison (DFL-Mpls) said that the disease sooner, even prevent them and “It’s really close to all of our hearts. When he would like to see some disclosure require- save money on treatment. there’s something that can be done to help ment for renters who may be concerned about Demmer’s bill has no Senate companion. make us safe, we feel this is very important,” occupying a place that had previously been A companion bill to Kohls’ bill (SF1309), Mowers said. used as a meth lab. Johnson said he would be sponsored by Sen. Steve Kelley (DFL- A companion bill (SF1388), sponsored by willing to consider the proposal. Hopkins), awaits action by the Senate Finance Sen. Mike McGinn (R-Eagan), awaits action The bill now moves to the House Commerce Committee. in the Senate Transportation Committee. and Financial Institutions Committee. A companion bill (SF423), sponsored by Sen. Julie A. Rosen (R-Fairmont), awaits action in the Senate Jobs, Energy and Com- LAW LOCAL GOVERNMENT munity Development Committee. ★ ★ Make the shoulders safer Buried electric lines A bill that could make the shoulders of Local governments would be able to enter Minnesota’s highways safer for law offi cers into agreements with private electric or com- ★ INDUSTRY dealing with stopped vehicles was approved munications companies to bury distribution by the House Transportation Committee lines under a bill approved by the House Local Genomics may be funded March 8 and sent to the House fl oor. Government Committee March 9. Two bills, if combined, would provide more HF1164, sponsored than $100 million for a collaborative venture by Rep. Paul Gazelka between the Mayo Clinic and University of (R-Brainerd), would require SOUNDING OFF Minnesota, were approved March 8 by the motorists approaching a House Jobs and Economic Opportunity Policy parked emergency vehicle and Finance Committee. with lights fl ashing to take HF434, sponsored by Rep. Randy Demmer precautions. (R-Hayfi eld), would provide $15 million to Under the bill, motorists the partnership in each of the next fi ve years. would be required to slow HF1548, sponsored by Rep. Paul Kohls (R-Vic- to a speed of 10 mph below toria), would provide $18 million to the project the speed limit. Motorists in fi scal 2006 and $15 million in fi scal 2007. would also be required Both bills were referred to the House Com- to pull over into the next merce and Financial Institutions Committee. lane if possible. Violators The project calls for extensive research in would be guilty of a petty biology and medical genomics, which could misdemeanor, and could be create new industries, expand the state tax fi ned more than $100. “It’ll base and position the state as a world leader take their foot from the in biotechnology and medical genomics. The gas pedal and move it over money would go toward operating expenses. to the brake pedal,” said “All 50 states in the union are working very, Capt. Brian Erickson of the very hard to try to take advantage of the grow- Minnesota State Patrol. ing opportunities in this fi eld,” Demmer said. The bill is an attempt to Medical genomics pinpoints the normal and improve the “Ted Foss Move abnormal functions of individual genes and uses Over Law,” which requires the information to diagnose and treat diseases. passing motorists to move It’s medicine tailored to each individual. a lane over and reduce their Demmer said the funding could create speed, but it doesn’t say by thousands of jobs. The economic impact could how much. That bill was be hundreds of millions of dollars. passed after the 2000 death The research facility could attract grants of Minnesota State Trooper from the National Institutes of Health, which Ted Foss, during a traffi c would create jobs. Depending on how success- stop near Lewiston. PHOTO BY SARAH STACKE ful the research is, it could lead to licenses “People do not move over Justin Barlow and Jenny Williams, juniors at Minnesota North and patents, according to Dr. Eric Wieben, when there is an emergency Star Academy, clap during the March 8 Rally for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. The rally was organized to encourage and vehicle at the side of the director of Mayo Genomics Research Center support legislative issues concerning deafness. at the Mayo Clinic.

March 11, 2005 Session Weekly 11 Sponsor of HF732, Rep. Doug Meslow Research Department, a state mandate is “a No new jail for Wabasha (R-White Bear Lake), said the bill would give state law or rule that affects local government Wabasha County may not be able to build municipalities the authority to do so under structure, operation, services, programs or a new jail outside the county seat because the the condition that “all of the residents of the fi nancing and imposes a cost on local govern- bill authorizing it to do so failed in the House property affected agree to the plan and agree ment, decreases revenue without decreasing Local Government Committee March 9. to pay for it.” required programs or services, makes local HF1287, sponsored by Rep. Andy Welti “Unlike a lot of the newer communities and government or its offi cials liable for failing to (DFL-Plainview), would permit the county newer subdivisions where everything is placed comply with a law or rule, restricts the abil- to build a jail and criminal justice center to underground now, they see a beautiful street ity of local government to operate or obtain replace the current jail located in Wabasha. and sidewalk and at the end they still have funding, or increases or decreases program, The bill would have allowed the county to do some unsightly overhead cables,” said Mark service, or funding levels in implementing or so without local approval. Sather, city manager of White Bear Lake. interpreting federal law.” The bill is “an effort to effect the best A group of homeowners approached the The bill, which has no Senate companion, possible price for land or the availability of city about burying some electric lines with next moves to the House Governmental Op- services to accommodate a new facility,” said the cooperation of a local utility, Sather said, erations and Veterans Affairs Committee. County Commissioner David Harms. The but a city attorney said current laws might best deal for the taxpayers is what the board prohibit the city from being able to work with is trying to accomplish, he added. the utility company to bury the lines. By law, each county is to have the sheriff’s There was no opposition to the bill and it Help for Taylors Falls offi ce and a suffi cient jail at the county seat. next goes to the House fl oor. Interstate Park is a popular tourist destina- “It is not just law enforcement and jail inmates A companion bill (SF527), sponsored by tion in Minnesota; known for camping, rock who must have easy and frequent access to the Sen. Mady Reiter (R-Shoreview), awaits action climbing, hiking and kayaking. court, but also social services, court administra- in the Senate Jobs, Energy and Community It’s wholly within the city of Taylors Falls, tion, probation, the county attorney. … If we Development Committee. for which the locals take great pride, according move some of those branches to a new criminal to Vice Mayor Ross Rivard. However, with all justice center and keep others here in the county that fun comes a few problems, and that’s why seat, we will be creating a horribly ineffi cient the police department and volunteer fi re de- system,” Wabasha District Court Judge Terry Don’t touch my mandate partment are kept busy by calls to the park. Walters said in a written statement. The House Local Government Committee They need some help, so Rep. Peter Nelson “It is essential to have the jail as near the approved a bill March 7 that would establish (R-Lindstrom) is sponsoring HF1146, which courtroom as possible,” Wabasha Mayor Peter procedures for local governments to opt out would give a city an extra $25,000 a year in Klas said while testifying against the bill. of state mandates. local government aid if its population is at “This is fraught with diffi culties … there “I call this the ‘Don’t touch my mandate’ least 1,000, 14 percent of the city’s land is a is something here that legislation is not go- list,” said Rep. Mark Olson (R-Big Lake), the state park and the city provides rescue services ing to solve,” said Rep. Paul Marquart (DFL- sponsor of HF1172. at the park. Taylors Falls is the only city that Dilworth). Under the bill, counties, towns, school dis- qualifi es for this aid under those conditions. A Senate companion (SF1299), sponsored tricts and cities could present the Legislature The bill was heard March 9 in the Property by Sen. Sheila M. Kiscaden (IP-Rochester), with a resolution requesting to opt out of state and Local Tax Division of the House Taxes awaits action by the Senate Crime Prevention mandates, and the legislative bodies would Committee and held for possible inclusion in and Public Safety Committee. have to adopt rules ensuring that those resolu- the division’s report to the full committee. tions are given priority status and presented Taylors Falls has historically provided basic in a timely manner. services for the park, and the state has pur- Minors in bars The bill is intended to foster “institution chased water and sewer services. “The state Current law allows minors to play music but to institution communication” and solve the and the city have mutually benefi ted from not wash dishes in bars without approval from issue of “unfunded mandates,” that Olson said this for years,” Rivard said. “Taylors Falls has the Department of Labor. A bill sponsored by he continually hears about from local units of its own responsibilities.” Rep. Tom Rukavina (DFL-Virginia) would government. Between 1998 and 2002, there were an aver- change that. Opponents say entities could be released age of 277 police calls per year to the park, and HF12 would amend the Child Labor Stan- from mandates such as special education 30 for fi re or rescue services, he said. dards Act to regulate the employment of services, transportation, health, and safety Rep. Tom Rukavina (DFL-Virginia) pointed minors in establishments that serve alcohol. standards or, potentially, the state’s public out that there are parks in northern Minne- It would generally prohibit minors from employee bargaining law. sota where local governments are responsible working in rooms in establishments, such as Local governments may not opt out of for emergency services, but Nelson said the bars and restaurants, where liquor is served or property tax laws, under the bill. situation in Taylors Falls is more pronounced. consumed, but allow them to work in an area It could also create a “patchwork” of laws “This would be a fee to the state of Minnesota where no alcohol is consumed or sold. depending on the region in which cities are able for providing services,” he said. “I would appreciate common sense support to opt out, said Brad Lehto, legislative director A companion bill (SF1097), sponsored by of this bill,” Rukavina said. for Minnesota American Federation of Labor- Sen. Sean R. Nienow (R-Cambridge), awaits Exceptions would be made for minors at Congress of Industrial Organizations. action in the Senate Taxes Committee. least 16 years of age to bus tables, wash dishes, This is “a recipe for fragmented government,” wait on tables or provide musical entertain- said Rep. Michael Paymar (DFL-St. Paul). ment in areas where alcohol is incidental to According to the nonpartisan House food service.

12 Session Weekly March 11, 2005 The bill would regulate the employment Houseboat hot tubs The bill would also provide tax benefi ts of of minors in establishments where liquor is If you swim in a hot tub or whirlpool on a $2 million in fi scal year 2006 for businesses served or consumed the same way Depart- rental houseboat, you could be swimming at in technology and health science zones. ment of Labor rules do now. However, the your own risk, under a bill that would exempt Rep. Barbara Goodwin (DFL-Columbia exceptions in the bill would apply to minors hot water pools on rental houseboats from Heights) opposed the bills, saying they who are at least 16 years of age, while the cur- public pool requirements. amount to corporate welfare. rent law applies to 17 year olds. Rep. David Dill (DFL-Crane Lake) is Rep. Laura Brod (R-New Prague) is also Before approving the bill and referring it sponsoring HF423 to help houseboat owners, sponsoring a bill to provide tax credits or to the House fl oor, the House Commerce and including 125 in his district, who rent out exemptions for biotechnology and health Financial Institutions Committee amended it their boats. Dill said the owners shouldn’t be sciences industry zones. HF1127 would al- March 8 to also exempt minors who perform responsible for making sure the houseboat low businesses to receive tax benefi ts totaling hosting services. pools meet public pool requirements since $2 million in 2006 by applying for tax credit Rep. Tina Liebling (DFL-Rochester) unsuc- the boats are rented. certifi cates issued by the commissioner of cessfully tried to introduce an amendment to “They have no control over what happens employment and economic development. prohibit minors from working in any establish- on the houseboat,” Dill said. The Senate companion for Kohls’ bill ment that allows smoking. Rukavina said he Under current law, a hot water pool on a (SF1348), sponsored by Sen. Steve Kelley did not want the tobacco issue attached to his rental houseboat is considered a public pool (DFL-Hopkins), and the companion for bill. The amendment was ruled out of order and subject to review and inspection under Brod’s bill (SF1024), sponsored by Sen. Julie because it did not meet the 24-hour rule. the Minnesota Pool Code. Dill’s bill would A. Rosen (R-Fairmont), await action in the A companion bill (SF187), sponsored by have no fi scal impact. Senate Taxes Committee. Peppin’s bill does Sen. David J. Tomassoni (DFL-Chisholm), The House Health Policy and Finance Com- not have a Senate companion. awaits action in the Senate Jobs, Energy and mittee amended the bill March 3 to require Community Development Committee. a notice be placed near the pool that would read, in part, “NOTICE: This spa is exempt from state and local sanitary requirements Growing pains that prevent disease transmission. USE AT In 2003, approximately 40 people living just RECREATION YOUR OWN RISK.” The committee approved outside the city of Wells in Faribault County ★ the bill and referred it to the House fl oor. approached city offi cials asking that their area be annexed. No lifeguards A companion bill (SF520), sponsored by Sen. Thomas M. Bakk (DFL-Cook), awaits They had issues with their septic systems Adults who swim in zero-depth entry public action on the Senate fl oor. and wanted be part of the city’s system. The pools may be doing so at their own risk. city said, “Welcome aboard,” to the people, Sponsored by Rep. Sandra Peterson (DFL- but then in 2004, they said goodbye to $93,000 New Hope), HF604 would exempt these pools, in local government aid. when used by people 18 years of age or older, ★ TAXES That was because their population went from lifeguard presence requirements. from just under 2,500 to approximately 2,540. The House Health Policy and Finance Com- Business incentives proposed Cities with a population of under 2,500 re- mittee approved the bill March 3 and referred Companies could benefi t from new tax incen- ceive local government aid according to one it to the House Civil Law and Elections Com- tives under a trio of bills approved March 9 by formula, and cities with a population of 2,500 mittee. It was approved and referred back to the House Commerce and Financial Institu- or greater receive the aid under an entirely dif- the Health Policy and Finance Committee. tions Committee. All were referred to the House ferent formula. So when Wells gained people, A zero-depth entry pool is one with a slope Taxes Committee. it lost money. that begins at grade level, and gradually deepens “This is an economic development initiative,” Under HF835, sponsored by Rep. Tony Cor- in a uniform slope to a depth of 3 feet or more. said Rep. Paul Kohls (R-Victoria). “One of my nish (R-Good Thunder), cities would lose that The gradual slope makes it easier for some priorities is creating good jobs in Minnesota.” aid gradually, instead of all at once. The bill people to get in and out of the pool. The bill Kohls is sponsoring HF1356, which would was heard March 9 in the Property and Local would allow health clubs to hold aqua-aerobic increase the research and development credit Tax Division of the House Taxes Committee classes for adults in zero-depth pools without rate to 5 percent across the board through and held for possible inclusion in the division’s being required to have a lifeguard present. gradual increases over the next three years. report to the full committee. Regular pools are currently exempt from Current law sets the credit rate at 5 percent Under the bill, in the fi rst year after reach- the lifeguard requirement when used by for the fi rst $2 million of research expenses ing a population of 2,500, the city would still adults. and 2.5 percent after that. receive 80 percent of its local government aid “If this bill passes, zero-depth pools would Firms want to add high-paying research and under the small city formula and 20 percent still have to meet license requirements,” Pe- development jobs in Minnesota, and the bill under the large city formula. terson said. would encourage that investment, he said. The split would be 60-40 in years two through The bill would have no fi scal impact, add Rep. Joyce Peppin (R-Rogers) is sponsor- fi ve, then a city would receive 100 percent of no additional regulatory responsibilities to ing HF1357, which she said would make the its local government aid under the large city the state or local government, and not affect tax credit even more competitive. Her bill formula. the need for inspections. would increase the tax credit to 6 percent of Rep. Ron Abrams (R-Minnetonka) said A companion bill (SF284), sponsored by research expenditures, effective for taxable the bill is fair. “When you do something new, Sen. David Gaither (R-Plymouth), awaits years beginning after Dec. 31, 2004. there are sometimes things that develop that action on the Senate fl oor. “The benefi ts outweigh the costs,” Peppin we haven’t thought through. This actually said. March 11, 2005 Session Weekly 13 improves things quite a bit,” he said. soring HF1354, which would reduce some party vendor to create software and transfer There is no cost to the state because the total driver’s license fees, but add a $5 surcharge the data from the dealer’s computer to the aid to cities is already established. The bill to them until June 30, 2007, and $10 after state’s computer,” Schlander said. “This bill is would take effect with the 2006 payments. that. Filing fees with deputy registrars for any a good bill. It really represents modernization A companion bill (SF1312), sponsored application other than a registration renewal of the system. Dealers benefi t because they get by Sen. Julie A. Rosen (R-Fairmont), awaits would go from $7 to $8.50 until June 30, 2007, satisfi ed customers,” she said. action in the Senate Taxes Committee. and to $13 after that. Rep. Melissa Hortman (DFL-Brooklyn The bill was approved March 9 by the House Park) agreed. “This is part of the great bu- Transportation Committee and referred to the reaucracy that could move faster. This is the House Transportation Finance Committee. short line to the DMV,” she said. Some nasty mold The fee for a Class D license, the con- A companion bill (SF1056), sponsored by In 2000, Nancy Johnson of Columbia ventional driver’s license, would drop from Sen. Mee Moua (DFL-St. Paul), awaits action Heights was having some work done on her $18.50 to $15. Fees for a learner’s permit and in the Senate Transportation Committee. home and the windows were accidentally left a provisional license would decrease from open during a fi ve-hour rainstorm. $9.50 to $6, fees for a duplicate license would Because of the incident, the house became be reduced from $8.50 to $5 and the fee for infested with mold that had to be removed. a state identifi cation card would be lowered VETERANS The Johnsons had to fi nd somewhere else to from $12.50 to $9. ★ live during, what turned out to be, an eight- Fees for some commercial licenses would Preserving disabled veterans land month renovation. also drop. The fee for the Class A license would The Disabled Veteran’s Rest Camp on Big In 2001, they applied for a property tax go from $37.50 to $34 and the fee for a Class Marine Lake in Washington County would be rebate, because the house had been uninhabit- C license would go from $22.50 to $19. excluded from certain zoning controls, under able for eight months. They were turned down The fee for a Class B commercial license a bill approved by the House Local Govern- by both the Anoka County assessor and the would go from $20.50 to $26, however. ment Committee March 7. Anoka County Board. A companion bill (SF1240), sponsored by HF34, sponsored by Rep. Ray Vandeveer Flooding, fi re damage and other obvious Sen. Julianne E. Ortman (R-Chanhassen), (R-Forest Lake), would also require the camp problems are listed, they were told, but not awaits action in the Senate Transportation to continue developing and promoting camp mold contamination. However, some counties Committee. features for disabled veterans, and would ex- do allow a rebate for mold contamination. clude the camp from property taxes effective Rep. Barbara Goodwin (DFL-Columbia 2005. Heights) is sponsoring HF420, which would There was no opposition to the bill, which add mold contamination to the list of problems Goodbye to 10-day tags next moves to the House Taxes Committee. eligible for a property tax rebate. Homeown- When you buy a new vehicle, you usually The Disabled American Veterans organiza- ers would have to apply with both the county get everything but the license plates. Instead, tion, in a written letter to the committee, said assessor and the county board. The size of the you get a 10-day (or longer) tag, which allows there have been numerous attempts by the rebate would depend on how long the affected you to drive the vehicle until the state sends Washington County Park Commission and party was unable to live in their home. you your license plates and registration. the Washington County Board of Commis- The bill was heard March 9 in the Property Members of the Minnesota Automobile sioners to acquire the land and make it part and Local Tax Division of the House Taxes Dealers Association want to give their cus- of the Big Marine Park Reserve. Committee and held for possible inclusion in tomers the new plates and stickers, without The proposal “ensures that (the camp) is the division’s report to the full committee. having to wait. A bill approved by the House going to be there for the next 100 years,” said A companion bill (SF1081), sponsored by Transportation Committee March 9 would Donald Drigans, camp board treasurer. Sen. Lawrence J. Pogemiller (DFL-Mpls), accomplish that. It now goes to the House “We’ve been working with the veterans,” awaits action in the Senate Taxes Committee. fl oor. and things are going fairly well on issues that Sponsored by Rep. Dan Severson (R-Sauk need to be addressed, said Myra Peterson, Rapids), HF1134 would allow the Depart- chair of the Washington County Board. ment of Public Safety to distribute license Concerns have been raised about how the plates and stickers to automobile dealerships. county would be able to purchase the land TRANSPORTATION Dealers would then issue the plates and stick- ★ if the camp wanted to sell the land in the ers to customers at the time of purchase. The future, she said. Under the bill, Washington Transaction costs information would then be electronically County would have a right of fi rst refusal for Deputy registrars say that e-commerce is transmitted to the state. A deputy registrar the camp. allowing them to do more work than ever would also review the transaction electroni- A companion bill (SF467), sponsored by before, and more effi ciently, but to continue cally before issuing the registration. Sen. Michele Bachmann (R-Stillwater), awaits to do so they’re going to need some help. The charge to customers in other states for action in the Senate Judiciary Committee. “We’re able to enter information immedi- the service has been around $20, said Alyssa ately. We’re able to do the work that was done Schlander, director of government affairs for by the department (of transportation),” said the association. She doesn’t yet know what it Moving? Gary Spooner, president of the Minnesota will cost here. Distribution of the plates by Please help save postage costs by Deputy Registrars Association. “In order to dealers would be optional. People could still keeping us informed of address do this, we’re looking for an increase in fees get their new plates directly from the state. changes. Call (651) 296-2146 or to cover our costs.” “Dealers are willing to contract with a third (800) 657-3550. Rep. Connie Ruth (R-Owatonna) is spon- 14 Session Weekly March 11, 2005 T ISSUE: MALPRACTICE A ★ ★ ★

ply raise prices to cope with climbing liability insurance costs,” Finstad said in a prepared Capping damages statement. Three bills seek to lower medical malpractice insurance costs The average per bed premium expense for liability insurance is estimated to have increased by $400 since 1999, according to the Long-Term Care Imperative. Therefore, BY BRETT MARTIN insurance, he said, adding that doctors now a typical 100-bed facility has experienced an Relief could be on the way for health care meet to discuss insurance rather than medical estimated increase of nearly $40,000 in total providers, nursing homes and private ambu- issues. premium expenses since 1999. lance services that are experiencing skyrock- “It truly is a crisis,” he said. “We just want The bill would require nursing homes to eting medical malpractice insurance costs. to be able to practice.” hold certain insurance in order to benefi t from The House Health Policy and Finance Com- Rep. Thomas Huntley (DFL-Duluth) op- the cap. The cap would not apply if a nursing mittee heard three bills March 8-9 that would posed the bill, saying legislators don’t know home caused harm intentionally or through set caps on malpractice claims and limit tort the extent of a person’s gross negligence. liability. pain and suffering “Our goal is to “The evidence is very clear that caps do caused by medical mal- “I will never, ever have what I had change the regulatory work,” said Rep. Matt Dean (R-Dellwood). practice and therefore before. Victims of malpractice never environment in Min- He said 30 states already have legislation that shouldn’t limit dam- nesota so that health addresses rising medical malpractice costs. ages. Instead, courts plan on being victims of malpractice.” care remains accessible Dean is sponsoring HF1464, which would should continue to de- — Linda McDougal now and in the future,” enact limits on the damage recoverable, and cide damage amounts, Finstad said. attorney fees charged, in medical malpractice he said. Both bills were claims. “I don’t know why we think we’re smarter amended to require the commissioner of com- Total damages for non-economic loss and than a jury to make these decisions,” Huntley merce to provide to the Legislature an annual punitive damages would both be capped at said. report on the status of medical malpractice $250,000. The bill would prohibit disclosing One such victim of malpractice is Linda Mc- insurance in Minnesota. the limits to juries. All punitive damages Dougal. In May 2002, after a routine mammo- A bill sponsored by Rep. Duke Powell would be paid to the Minnesota Compre- gram, she was told she had breast cancer. After (R-Burnsville) would limit the tort liability of hensive Health Association. Private nonprofi t undergoing a double mastectomy, she learned private ambulance services to the same limits hospitals would not be liable for punitive her doctor had made a mistake. To make mat- that apply to local government ambulances. damages. ters worse, she ended up with an infection that Those limits are $300,000 per claim, The bill would accomplish three criti- required several more surgeries. $1 million per incident and zero for punitive cal objectives, Dean said. It would improve “I will never, ever have what I had before,” damages. health care, improve access to health care and McDougal said. “Victims of malpractice Brian Holmer, director for Great Plains decrease health care costs. never plan on being victims of malpractice.” EMS, said if the bill becomes law, it could save The committee amended the bill to However, she did not say if a suit was fi led. him up to $20,000 a year in insurance costs. remove the best practices She said legislators Huntley also opposed this bill, saying if guidelines and narrow should focus on eliminat- victims can’t collect enough money to cover the scope of the bill to “Our goal is to change the regula- ing medical errors rather their expenses and needs, such as medical and emergency health care than setting caps. home care, then the state will get stuck with workers, obstetricians and tory environment in Minnesota so Rep. Brad Finstad the tab. gynecologists. that health care remains accessible (R-New Ulm) is sponsor- All three bills were approved and referred Dr. Gary Gosewisch, now and in the future.” ing similar legislation for to the House Civil Law and Elections Com- a partner at Emergency — Rep. Brad Finstad long-term care provid- mittee. A companion for Powell’s bill (SF713), Physicians Profession- ers. HF1465 would limit sponsored by Sen. Geoff Michel (R-Edina), al Association, said his non-economic damages awaits action in the Senate Health and Fam- group is no longer able to buy malpractice that could be awarded against a provider to ily Security Committee. Dean’s and Finstad’s insurance in the United States, so he buys it $300,000 per claim and $1 million for all bills do not have Senate companions. through an offshore organization. One or two claims arising from a single occurrence. malpractice suits can end a doctor’s career and “Because of fixed reimbursement rates, cause an insurance company to stop offering nursing homes do not have the ability to sim-

March 11, 2005 Session Weekly 15 T ISSUE: VETERANS A ★ ★ ★

things that I wanted to do was make Minnesota a better place for veterans,” said Severson. By tap- Benefi ting veterans ping into a workforce that is already educated, Bills seek to ease transition back to civilian life experienced and has a real desire to contribute to their local community you could have “a tremendous workforce,” he added. When Severson retired as an Air Force pilot BY PATTY JANOVEC One of the areas the group is working on is to four years ago, he was given a list of veteran- innesotans might see camoufl age identify the top 10 job shortages in the state by friendly states at his weeklong transition as- painted military tractor trailers going category, and giving veterans the opportunity sistance seminar. Minnesota ranked near the Mbetween Fort Snelling in St. Paul and to fi ll those occupations. Examples include bottom. Camp Ripley near Little Falls, but what they nurses, truck drivers, emergency medical tech- Many times a soldier hasn’t been off a may not suspect is that the driver, once back nicians and middle management positions. military base in nearly 20 years, and transition in civilian clothes, is not authorized to drive Rep. Dan Severson (R-Sauk Rapids) said assistance helps them mold into civilian life, a similar size commercial vehicle. he is working with the group on formulating explained Severson. “Other states invite veterans to come back and legislation that would create incentives to they actually recruit veterans that have skills in entice veterans to fi ll those jobs. certain areas,” including tractor-trailer drivers, In the nursing fi eld, there are people who Veterans’ legislation said Randall Tesdahl, senior veterans employ- are well-trained Navy corpsmen, medics in In conjunction with an informal military ment representative with the Department of the Army, and Air Force medical technicians working group, Rep. Dan Severson (R-Sauk Employment and Economic Development. “that are saving lives on the battlefi eld … but Rapids) has introduced a number of bills that Tesdahl is part of an informal military work- when they come back to the state and go to a would help state veterans. He said there has been no opposition to any of the bills. ing group trying to address “road blocks” veter- local college or the University of Minnesota • HF685 would eliminate the veteran’s pref- ans face as they transition back to civilian life. to a nursing program, they start at day one,” erence restriction that says preference for state The group includes representatives from explained Tesdahl. employment cannot be used for those who the department’s Workforce Center, Minne- The group has been working with the Min- receive or are eligible for veteran’s pension. It sota State Colleges and Universities system, nesota Board of Nursing to inform soldiers of the awaits action on the House fl oor. Severson said the components of the bill the Department of Public Safety and House opportunities and exemptions for licensing. would tell soldiers looking for state employ- members. “When I came into the Legislature, one of the ment that “we recognize your contribution to our country and to this state and we are willing to make an exception for your case and give you some extra credit.” A companion bill (SF1268), sponsored by Sen. Michelle L. Fischbach (R-Paynesville), awaits action by the full Senate. • HF1240 would designate May as “Hire a Veteran Month” and awaits action on the House fl oor. The measure instructs the governor, each year, to “issue a proclamation honoring this observance, urging Minnesota state and lo- cal government departments, agencies, and boards, as well as private employers, to give fair and appropriate consideration to hiring military veterans.” A Senate companion (SF1254), sponsored by Sen. Betsy L. Wergin (R-Princeton), awaits action by the full Senate. • HF1053 would allow the public safety com- missioner to issue a waiver for a road test for a veteran trying to obtain a commercial driver’s license. Severson said 48 other states recog- nize a veteran’s military license for operating certain types of vehicles. The bill awaits action by the House Trans- PHOTO BY TOM OLMSCHEID portation Committee. Jeff erson Hobbs and his wife, Jennifer, leave the National Guard Armory in Anoka after a homecom- A companion bill (SF1095), sponsored by ing reception March 9. Hobbs is a member of Battery E, 151st Field Artillery that returned home after Fischbach, awaits action in the Senate Trans- spending more than a year in Iraq. This was the third deployment in eight years for the group. They portation Committee. were previously in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Kosovo.

16 Session Weekly March 11, 2005 EOPLE P ★ ★ ★

Finding common ground DISTRICT 42A Ruud wants to connect constituents to government 2002 population: 36,923 Largest city: Eden Prairie County: Hennepin Top concern: Education

BY RUTH DUNN with children in the public schools; and as the Vividly colored children’s artwork spouse of a small business owner. She kept “My district contains three brightens the stark white walls of Rep. Maria waiting for an adult to stand up and run for outstanding school districts but Ruud’s offi ce in the State Offi ce Building. offi ce and then realized, “I was the adult. If It’s a mini art gallery of not me, then who?” Still she said the decision people are really worried about dete- original works created to seek offi ce was “a huge step and scary.” rioration in light of budget cuts and by children who live in Ruud (pronounced “rood”) ran on a cam- resulting increases in class sizes and her district. paign theme of “fi nding common ground” decreases in class off erings.” After Ruud (DFL- — a phrase that resonated with constituents in — Rep. Maria Ruud Minnetonka) was elec- her traditionally Republican suburban district ted, she invited schools of Minnetonka and Eden Prairie where many connections through her father, a Croatian- to select artwork for are social moderates. American. display. Increased support for public education She’s an avid runner who hits the pavement Rep. Maria Ruud Not only do students turned out to be the prime common ground. at least fi ve days a week, often with her teenage feel good that their art was selected, but Ruud, “My district contains three outstanding son. “It’s a good time for us to talk,” she said. a passionate supporter of the arts, gets a boost school districts but people are really worried Ruud sponsors regular coffee parties to every time she enters her offi ce. “How can you about deterioration in light of budget cuts and keep in touch with people in her district. How not smile when you look at these?” Ruud asks resulting increases in class sizes and decreases will she judge her success? “If people in my as she gestures to the walls. in class offerings,” she said. She serves on district feel more connected to government It was “seeing the human costs of bad policy” the House Education Policy and Reform and and more engaged in the process and if I help that prompted Ruud to run for the House. She Regulated Industries committees. facilitate that.” saw those human costs as a nurse practitioner The youngest of seven children, Ruud working with people in poverty; as a mother grew up in Bloomington, but has Iron Range

Turning a new page DISTRICT 30B Youngest lawmaker setting a path 2002 population: 37,084 Largest city: Rochester Counties: Olmsted, Wabasha Top concerns: Aff ordability of health care BY PATTY JANOVEC think translated well to public service.” and education At age 24, Rep. Andy Welti (DFL-Plainview) Participating in 4-H also helped with his said he didn’t expect to already be a legislator. speaking and leadership skills, both extremely Welti has invited two teachers from He says it’s an advantage being the youngest important as a legislator. “Your ability to know lawmaker. “I have a lot how to compromise and … communicate well every school, and farmers from of support,” and with with others so you can achieve an end result,” around the district to engage in that comes increased and fi nding common ground is important, he discussions. He expects to sponsor attention and many leg- added. legislation on key issues from the islators are offering to He’s using those skills in the House com- mentor him, he said. mittees on which he serves: Agriculture and meetings. Welti was a participant Rural Development, Environment and Natu- making a difference and making effective in the page program in ral Resources and Governmental Operations policy.” high school. “I remember and Veterans Affairs. Welti says he has started something unique Rep. Andy Welti being up here for that He knows about the issues he faces on the in his district to get his constituents more week long program and thinking how, someday, agriculture committee because he grew up on involved the process. “I have an education I wanted to be here in a legislative seat because dairy farm. “I can relate to the issues when we think tank, and an agriculture think tank,” I really enjoyed the debate.” He just thought it are discussing them.” he said. He invited two teachers from every would be more like at age 28 or 29. What he enjoys most about the job so far school, and farmers from around the district Serving as a page and participating in his local is, “Being able to respond to the constituents to engage in discussions. He said he expects 4-H program, Welti said he “developed a strong and knowing that I have voted in a way that to sponsor legislation on key issues from the appreciation for community service, which I my constituents wanted me to vote. You’re meetings. March 11, 2005 Session Weekly 17 First Reading continued from page 4 Tourism ad money makes money increase the purses for racing and invest in a A nearly 800 percent return on an investment part of the marketing eff ort would focus on small show horse infrastructure,” she said. makes good business sense, Rep. Paul Gazelka resorts. The money at stake is signifi cant. On av- (R-Brainerd) told the Tourism Division of the “If we don’t watch how they take care of mom erage, each horse produces $6,002 in total House Commerce and Financial Institutions and pop resorts, we’ll be looking for a new job in economic impact, King said. Minnesota has Committee March 3. two years,” said Rep. Larry Howes (R-Walker), the 155,000 horses, ranking ninth in the nation Every $1 invested in tourism marketing returns division chair. an estimated $4.60 in state and local taxes, $20.40 Following division approval, the full committee in the number of horses. in wages and $53 in gross sales, according to approved the bill March 9 and referred it to the Canterbury Park, which currently offers Explore Minnesota Tourism. House Jobs and Economic Opportunity Policy and poker and other casino card games, is advocat- “If we spend more, we’re going to get back Finance Committee. A companion bill (SF1141), ing for slot and video gaming, which would more,” Gazelka said. “It benefi ts business, and it sponsored by Sen. Carrie L. Ruud (R-Breezy Point), make it a racino. Also on the park’s wish list can benefi t the state.” awaits action in the Senate Finance Committee. Gazelka is sponsoring HF1002, which seeks to Maureen Scallen, director of government rela- is a world-class equestrian center that would boost tourism by appropriating $14.5 million in tions for the Greater Minneapolis Convention and include two indoor arenas, three outdoor each year of the 2006-07 biennium to market Min- Visitors Association, said she’s frustrated to see arenas, a cross-country jumping course and nesota tourism. The bill would make $6 million of other states with larger tourism budgets advertise new stalls specifi cally for show horse events. A those funds each year contingent upon matching in Minnesota. She cited a billboard along a busy 250-room hotel and conference center is also money from private entities that have partnered Minnesota highway advertising the Wisconsin with Explore Minnesota. Dells. part of the proposal. The base budget for Explore Minnesota is cur- If the $14.5 million annual budget were approved, The racino would be privately fi nanced and rently slated at approximately $8.6 million each Minnesota would be on par with South Dakota’s not require state bonding or subsidies. fi scal year. tourism budget, but still behind Wisconsin. “Our proposal is really a Minnesota If the additional money were appropriated, proposal,” Offerman said.

PEAKING OF THE HOUSE S ★ ★ ★

As he presented a bill (HF670) that Rep. Joe Opatz (DFL-St. Cloud), who held When talking about choices students would appropriate an additional the gavel. make when deciding a major, Rep. Dean $62.9 million for the Minnesota State “It’s no wonder I like you so well,” said Urdahl (R-Grove City) complimented Colleges and Universities system in the next Abeler. his college counselors. biennium and institute a tuition freeze, With laughter fi lling the room, Rep. Ron “I’m just glad that St. Cloud State had some Rep. Jim Abeler (R-Anoka) said the bill was Latz (DFL-St. Louis Park), an attorney by good advisors when I was trying to decide if I needed, in part, because the state is short in profession, quickly spoke, “Mr. Chair, sounds wanted to be a dance major or social studies,” areas such as nurses, doctors and lawyers. like libel.” he said with a chuckle. “Well, maybe not lawyers,” Abeler said with Said Abeler: “He would know.” “The market would have taken care of that,” a smile. “Sorry Mr. Chair, just a cheap shot.” said Rep. Ron Latz (DFL-St. Louis Park). “I’m not a lawyer,” responded a laughing

Minnesota State Agencies (Area code 651) Administration ...... 296-8261 Health ...... 215-5800 Driver and Vehicle Services ...... 296-6911 Agriculture ...... 297-2200 Housing Finance ...... 296-7608 Fire Marshal ...... 215-0500 Toll-Free ...... 1-800-967-2474 Toll-Free ...... 1-800-657-3769 Alcohol and Gambling Commerce ...... 296-4026 Human Rights ...... 296-5663 Enforcement Division ...... 296-6979 Corrections ...... 642-0200 Toll-Free ...... 1-800-657-3704 State Patrol ...... 282-6871 Education ...... 582-8200 Human Services ...... 297-3933 Div. of Homeland Security and Employment and Labor and Industry ...... 284-5000 Emergency Management ...... 296-0466 Economic Development ...... 296-3711 Toll-Free ...... 1-800-342-5354 Revenue Toll-Free ...... 1-888-GET-JOBS Military Aff airs ...... 268-8925 Income Tax Helpline ...... 296-3781 Employee Relations ...... 297-1184 Natural Resources ...... 296-6157 Transportation ...... 296-3000 Job Information Hotline ...... 296-2616 Toll-Free ...... 1-888-646-6367 Toll-Free ...... 1-800-657-3774 Explore Minnesota Tourism ...... 296-5029 Pollution Control Agency ...... 296-6300 Veterans Aff airs ...... 296-2562 Toll-Free ...... 1-800-657-3700 Toll-Free ...... 1-800-657-3864 Finance ...... 296-5900 Public Safety ...... 282-6565

18 Session Weekly March 11, 2005 ILL INTRODUCTIONS M ARCH 7 - 10, 2005 B ★ ★ ★ HOUSE FILES 1549 - 1742

Monday, March 7 HF1562—Ellison (DFL) HF1575—Brod (R) Public Safety Policy & Finance Governmental Operations & Veterans Aff airs HF1549—Ruth (R) Hunting licensees reviewed to determine whether Public offi cer and employee vacation and sick leave Transportation they are ineligible to possess a fi rearm and govern- accumulation clarifi ed while on military leave and Public safety commissioner’s authority to deny mental offi cials notifi ed where applicable. payments of accumulated leave authorized. limited driver’s licenses clarifi ed. HF1563—Vandeveer (R) HF1576—Erickson (R) HF1550—Ruth (R) Education Finance Education Policy & Reform Transportation Basic general education revenue amounts uni- Alternative teacher training program established Motor bicycle rental business regulation provisions form increase provided and uniform school levy for qualifi ed professionals. repealed. authorized. HF1577—Erickson (R) HF1551—Holberg (R) HF1564—Erhardt (R) Education Finance Education Policy & Reform Agriculture, Environment & Equalized debt service levy tax base modifi ed. Student survey notice requirements provided. Natural Resources Finance Diseased shade trees removal and replacement HF1578—Liebling (DFL) HF1552—Magnus (R) funding provided, bonds issued and money Civil Law & Elections Education Finance appropriated. Human Services Department authorized to collect Transportation sparsity formula modifi ed and spousal maintenance. money appropriated. HF1565—Paymar (DFL) Regulated Industries HF1579—Westrom (R) HF1553—Sykora (R) Renewable development account expenditures and Regulated Industries Taxes nuclear fuel storage facilities legislative approval Telecommunications standard provider contracts Income tax credit authorized for contributions to authority granted. authorized. scholarship granting organizations. HF1566—Ellison (DFL) HF1580—Westrom (R) HF1554—Opatz (DFL) Civil Law & Elections Regulated Industries Higher Education Finance Campaign workers allowed to access multiple unit Telecommunications combined per number fee Nursing low-income loan repayment program dwellings unaccompanied by a candidate. provided. established to expand the supply of trained nurses and money appropriated. HF1567—Ellison (DFL) HF1581—Smith (R) Civil Law & Elections Environment & Natural Resources HF1555—Powell (R) Primary election moved from September to June. Hennepin County tax-forfeited land conveyance Governmental Operations & Veterans Aff airs authorized. Minnesota Emergency Health Powers Act and HF1568—Meslow (R) authority of out-of-state license holders modifi ed. Public Safety Policy & Finance HF1582—Meslow (R) State identifi cation cards and driver’s licenses Taxes HF1556—Huntley (DFL) assessment fee authorized to fund the Minnesota W h ite B e a r L a ke c it y pay ment s re qu i re d a nd mone y Health Policy & Finance Financial Crimes Task Force and regional districts appropriated. Medical education funding provisions modifi ed. organization provided. HF1583—Meslow (R) HF1557—Hilty (DFL) HF1569—Sertich (DFL) Commerce & Financial Institutions Health Policy & Finance Jobs & Economic Opportunity Policy & Finance Membership travel contracts regulated. Carlton County nursing facility rate increase pro- Community action grants funding provided and vided and money appropriated. money appropriated. HF1584—Mullery (DFL) Taxes HF1558—Hilty (DFL) HF1570—Huntley (DFL) Limited market value provisions extended for fi ve Governmental Operations & Veterans Aff airs Regulated Industries additional years for certain property, different value Minnesota State Retirement System service credit Hospital revenue provided from the operation maximum increases provided and certain property purchase authorized. of gaming machines in licensed hospitals under exempted from the limitation. contracts with the state lottery. HF1559—Urdahl (R) HF1585—Olson (R) Health Policy & Finance HF1571—Emmer (R) Commerce & Financial Institutions Meeker County nursing facilities placed into geo- Civil Law & Elections Manufactured home park exclusions provided graphic group II. Settlement offer effect provided on the recovery of relating to seasonal agricultural operations. costs and disbursements. HF1560—Heidgerken (R) HF1586—Lanning (R) Agriculture & Rural Development HF1572—Meslow (R) Higher Education Finance Rural economic development base funding level es- Education Finance State higher education grant program regulated. tablished including ethanol producer payments. Special education delivery and funding task force established. HF1587—Buesgens (R) HF1561—Peterson, A. (DFL) Education Policy & Reform Regulated Industries HF1573—Krinkie (R) Value-added student growth assessment program Wind power usage goal established at 20 percent Transportation provided and money appropriated. by 2020 and wind energy conversion system loan Metropolitan area access ramp meters deactivated. guarantee program established. HF1588—Scalze (DFL) HF1574—Samuelson (R) Taxes Health Policy & Finance Cigarette and tobacco taxes increased, health care Home care services reimbursement rates provider tax repealed and portion of tax increases increased. dedicated to health care access fund.

March 11, 2005 Session Weekly 19 HF1589—Scalze (DFL) HF1602—Smith (R) HF1615—Smith (R) Health Policy & Finance Public Safety Policy & Finance Governmental Operations & Veterans Aff airs Prescription drug bulk purchasing program Upward durational departure sentencing proce- Minneapolis Teachers Retirement Fund Associa- established. dures established; Blakely hearings provided; and tion coordinated program consolidated with the notice, jury determinations beyond a reasonable Teachers Retirement Association, bonds issued HF1590—Magnus (R) doubt and court fi ndings required. and money appropriated. Transportation Finance Bonding bills required to fund transportation pur- HF1603—Slawik (DFL) HF1616—DeLaForest (R) poses including local streets and highways, motor Governmental Operations & Veterans Aff airs Civil Law & Elections vehicle sales tax revenue dedicated, motor fuel tax Maplewood Firefi ghters Relief Association autho- Marriage dissolution grounds modifi ed and waiting increased, bonds issued, money appropriated and rized to transfer assets to the Oakdale Firefi ghters period provided for certain dissolutions. constitutional amendment proposed. Relief Association to cover service credits earned by certain individuals. HF1617—Finstad (R) HF1591—Larson (DFL) Agriculture, Environment & Local Government HF1604—Hoppe (R) Natural Resources Finance Metropolitan Airports Commission eliminated Transportation Redwood County waste-to-energy and material and duties transferred to the Department of Carver County auditor appointment as a deputy recycling facility funding provided, bonds issued Transportation. motor vehicle registrar authorized. and money appropriated.

HF1592—Westrom (R) HF1605—Hackbarth (R) HF1618—Thissen (DFL) Regulated Industries Environment & Natural Resources Civil Law & Elections Public Utilities Commission authorized to develop Snowmobile state trail sticker provisions modi- Eminent domain attorney fee requirements and pro- incentives for community-based generation proj- fied, trail maintenance costs payment pro- visions modifi ed for taking for public purposes. ects, renewable energy price incentives provided vided, easement acquisition provided and money and interconnection studies required. appropriated. HF1619—Dean (R) Health Policy & Finance HF1593—Emmer (R) HF1606—Smith (R) Health Care Administrative Simplifi cation Act of Civil Law & Elections Public Safety Policy & Finance 1994 modifi ed and other health care administrative Candidates not agreeing to spending limits required Interstate offender data collection law repealed. and fi ling requirements modifi ed. to make a specifi ed payment to the state elections campaign fund. HF1607—Smith (R) HF1620—Koenen (DFL) Public Safety Policy & Finance Agriculture & Rural Development HF1594—Eken (DFL) Advisory council on interstate adult offender su- Noninvasive fl oat i ng of hor s e s’ te e t h e xc lude d f rom Health Policy & Finance pervision appointments authorized. the defi nition of veterinary medicine practice. Respiratory therapy practice recognized in emergency situations. HF1608—Cox (R) HF1621—Koenen (DFL) Regulated Industries Commerce & Financial Institutions HF1595—Emmer (R) District court authorized to hear appeals of lesser Auctioneer license numbering requirements Local Government utility fi nes. modifi ed. Hennepin and Wright county boards authorized to initiate a process for the change of boundaries HF1609—Lesch (DFL) HF1622—Davids (R) by resolution. Public Safety Policy & Finance Environment & Natural Resources Presumptive stayed sentence imposed for fi rst- Beaver Creek Valley State Park special deer hunt HF1596—Emmer (R) time fourth- and fi fth-degree controlled substance required. Civil Law & Elections possessors, expungement of records authorized, Polling place regulations modifi ed. terms of imprisonment modified and money HF1623—Davids (R) appropriated. Commerce & Financial Institutions HF1597—Sertich (DFL) Dresbach Visitor Information Center hours Education Finance HF1610—Goodwin (DFL) expanded. All-day kindergarten levy authorized. Health Policy & Finance Patient’s consent required to transmit medical HF1624—Davids (R) HF1598—Sertich (DFL) records out of the country. Taxes Education Finance Preston tax increment fi nancing district authorized Alternative facilities bonding program HF1611—Lanning (R) to capture the state general tax. qualifi cations modifi ed. Taxes Affordable housing contribution tax credit HF1625—Davids (R) HF1599—Rukavina (DFL) provided. Commerce & Financial Institutions Education Finance Commerce commissioner directed to communicate School districts authorized to levy for employee HF1612—Hamilton (R) to federal authorities this state’s desire for federal health care premium increases. Transportation law changes to facilitate the use of long-term care Department of Transportation required to indicate insurance with a long-term care partnership HF1600—Solberg (DFL) on specifi c service signs those businesses that sell program. Education Finance E85 at retail. School districts authorized to levy for school bus HF1626—Davids (R) purchases. HF1613—Lesch (DFL) Environment & Natural Resources Taxes Beaver Creek Valley State Park camping facilities HF1601—Ozment (R) St. Paul Housing and Redevelopment Authority availability required during spring turkey hunting Jobs & Economic Opportunity Policy & Finance authorized to establish tax increment fi nancing and fall fi rearm deer hunting seasons. Foreign trade promotion funding provided and subdistricts. money appropriated. HF1627—Atkins (DFL) HF1614—Olson (R) Health Policy & Finance Regulated Industries Dakota County developmental disabilities facility Net energy billing provisions extended to electricity downsizing authorized. generated from livestock manure.

20 Session Weekly March 11, 2005 Wednesday March 9 HF1640—Magnus (R) HF1653—Johnson, R. (DFL) Jobs & Economic Opportunity Policy & Finance Agriculture, Environment & HF1628—Seifert (R) Job opportunity building zones and biotechnol- Natural Resources Finance State Government Finance ogy and health sciences industry zone provisions Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture State surplus property sales proceeds distribution modifi ed. information exchange program funding provided provisions modifi ed. and money appropriated. HF1641—Olson (R) HF1629—Seifert (R) Local Government HF1654—Johnson, R. (DFL) State Government Finance Personal rapid transit local bonding authorized. Environment & Natural Resources Legislative public information publications and Bridge or culvert replacement provisions modifi ed media productions revenue solicitation required, HF1642—Finstad (R) relating to drainage repairs. donations accepted, fees authorized and money Health Policy & Finance appropriated. Rural pharmacy planning and transition grant pro- HF1655—Kohls (R) gram established, rural loan forgiveness program Civil Law & Elections HF1630—Thissen (DFL) modifi ed and money appropriated. Corporation definition expanded relating to Taxes campaign fi nance. Homestead exemption increased relating to debtor HF1643—Sieben (DFL) creditor relations. Commerce & Financial Institutions HF1656—Solberg (DFL) Student information sale to credit card marketers Education Policy & Reform HF1631—Sykora (R) by higher education institutions prohibited. Regional education districts provided. Health Policy & Finance Medical Assistance for needy persons $20 gen- HF1644—Knoblach (R) HF1657—Mullery (DFL) eral income disregard authorized in certain Commerce & Financial Institutions Taxes circumstances. Real estate appraiser oversight, licensing and Health insurance premium income tax deduction certifi cation provisions modifi ed. provided. HF1632—Larson (DFL) Local Government HF1645—Simpson (R) HF1658—Mullery (DFL) Metropolitan Council and Metropolitan Airports Regulated Industries Commerce & Financial Institutions Commission required to submit proposed budgets Electric transmission lines state permitting process Auto insurance discrimination prohibited based to legislative committees. length reduced, automatic cost recovery provided on geographic location within the metropolitan for certain facilities and easement payment op- area. HF1633—Larson (DFL) tions provided. Local Government HF1659—Mullery (DFL) Metropolitan Airports Commission and Metro- HF1646—Ruud (DFL) Commerce & Financial Institutions politan Council transition to fi scal year budgets Education Policy & Reform Driver’s license suspension as a result of mailed provided, and legislative approval of budgets School districts required to comply with the schools demands for proof of insurance authority repealed, required. interoperability framework specifi cations and remedial measures for victims provided and money school data sharing working group established. appropriated. HF1634—Clark (DFL) Jobs & Economic Opportunity Policy & Finance HF1647—Charron (R) HF1660—Krinkie (R) Hennepin County; New Chance program funding Transportation Finance Taxes provided and money appropriated. Trunk Highway 5 safety improvements funding Truth in taxation provisions modifi ed, taxpayer provided, bonds issued and money appropriated. satisfaction survey provided and public hear- HF1635—Huntley (DFL) ings and newspaper advertisement requirements Health Policy & Finance HF1648—Abeler (R) eliminated. Individuals and small employers authorized to pur- Governmental Operations & Veterans Aff airs chase state health coverage at their own expense and Teachers Retirement Association service credit HF1661—Olson (R) MinnesotaCare coverage authorized at full cost. purchase authorized. Education Policy & Reform Character development education promoted in HF1636—Hornstein (DFL) HF1649—Hosch (DFL) schools. Governmental Operations & Veterans Aff airs Education Finance Minnesota State Retirement System allowable Independent School District No. 750, Rocori, fund HF1662—Sailer (DFL) service defi nition modifi ed to include time on transfer authorized. Higher Education Finance strike. University of Minnesota student outreach funding HF1650—Ruth (R) provided and money appropriated. HF1637—Liebling (DFL) Commerce & Financial Institutions Governmental Operations & Veterans Aff airs Cosmetology regulatory oversight transfer provid- HF1663—Bernardy (DFL) Legislative fi scal notes required for nonbinding ed, regulatory provisions modifi ed and conforming Education Finance resolutions. changes provided. Special diet breakfast and lunch pilot program established for paying additional costs of special HF1638—Peppin (R) HF1651—Seifert (R) diets based on religious beliefs of students and Transportation Finance Jobs & Economic Opportunity Policy & Finance money appropriated. I-94 and Hennepin County Highway 101 inter- Minnesota Inventors Congress grants provided and change construction funding provided and money money appropriated. appropriated. HF1652—Peterson, S. (DFL) Thursday, March 10 Education Policy & Reform HF1639—Hoppe (R) HF1664—Buesgens (R) Learning year record system modifi ed from a pupil Regulated Industries Regulated Industries unit basis to a credit unit basis. Basic services regulation of telephone companies Lottery gaming machines provided, contracting provided. for placement of machines authorized, horse rac- ing purse payments established, tax on machines and card club revenue imposed and blackjack and other card games authorized.

March 11, 2005 Session Weekly 21 HF1665—Hackbarth (R) HF1679—Westrom (R) HF1692—Peterson, N. (R) Agriculture, Environment & Taxes Governmental Operations & Veterans Aff airs Natural Resources Finance Property tax refund schedule for homeowners and State Board of Investment compensation plans Metropolitan Regional Parks System funding renters modifi e d a nd perc ent a ge of re nt c on s t it ut i ng regulated. provided and money appropriated. property taxes reduced. HF1693—Thao (DFL) HF1666—Severson (R) HF1680—Meslow (R) Public Safety Policy & Finance Education Finance Education Policy & Reform St. Paul Police; Asian Gang Task Force funding Independent School District No. 738, Holdingford, Licensed student support services student access provided and money appropriated. fund transfer authorized. provided. HF1694—Thao (DFL) HF1667—Beard (R) HF1681—Penas (R) Jobs & Economic Opportunity Policy & Finance Transportation Environment & Natural Resources St. Paul; Asian community center funding provided, 10-ton vehicle loading authorized under certain Off-highway vehicle forest classifi cation require- bonds issued and money appropriated. circumstances and 7-ton vehicle loading allowed ments modifi ed. during spring weight restrictions. HF1695—Sykora (R) HF1682—Eastlund (R) Higher Education Finance HF1668—Lesch (DFL) Regulated Industries Regent candidate recommendation method Health Policy & Finance On-farm qualified biogas recovery facility modifi ed. Clinical drug or biological product trial registration defi nition expanded. and civil penalties provided. HF1696—Sieben (DFL) HF1683—Solberg (DFL) Health Policy & Finance HF1669—Wilkin (R) Environment & Natural Resources Prescription drug discount program established Commerce & Financial Institutions Lakeshore acquisition with county environmental and money appropriated. Insurance fees, rate fi lings, policy renewals and trust fund resources authorized. alterations and data collection regulated. HF1697—Dill (DFL) HF1684—Gazelka (R) Higher Education Finance HF1670—Abrams (R) Taxes Mineral research funds transferred to the University Local Government Baxter city sales and use tax and bond issuance of Minnesota for core sampling at the Tower-Soudan Municipal planning requirements modifi ed for authorized. mine complex and money appropriated. certain nonconformities relating to fl oodplains. HF1685—Moe (DFL) HF1698—Pelowski (DFL) HF1671—Abrams (R) Education Finance Taxes Transportation Finance Early childhood family education program Winona; port authority tax increment fi nancing Motor vehicle sales tax proceeds allocation modifi ed, funding restored. district duration extended. highway and transit bonds issued, money appropri- ated and constitutional amendment proposed. HF1686—Moe (DFL) HF1699—Cox (R) Education Policy & Reform Health Policy & Finance HF1672—Abrams (R) Hazardous traffi c condition pupil transportation Scott County intermediate care facility for per- Transportation zone establishment locally controlled process sons with mental retardation licensing change Van-only handicapped parking spaces limited to defi ned and levy authorized. authorized. parking for handicapped-enabled vans and penalty imposed. HF1687—Moe (DFL) HF1700—Cox (R) Education Finance Public Safety Policy & Finance HF1673—Lanning (R) Transportation aid for school districts providing Motor vehicle hit-and-run offense petty State Government Finance full day, every day kindergarten authorized. misdemeanor penalty imposed. Legislators’ forum money appropriated. HF1688—Nelson, P. (R) HF1701—Cox (R) HF1674—Abeler (R) Environment & Natural Resources Transportation Higher Education Finance Clean Water Legacy Act created; authority, direc- Driver’s license renewal provisions modifi ed to Deaf individuals tuition assistance provided. tion, and funding to achieve and maintain water include passing specifi ed examinations. quality standards provided; conformity with HF1675—Seifert (R) federal Clean Water Act provided and money HF1702—Smith (R) Commerce & Financial Institutions appropriated. Transportation Barbershop registration fee exception provided. Railroad company prohibited from obstructing HF1689—Simpson (R) treatment of railroad worker injured on the job HF1676—Finstad (R) Environment & Natural Resources or from disciplining or threatening to discipline Education Finance Muzzleloader hunting with optical scopes injured employee for requesting treatment or Capital levy amount increased in certain authorized. fi rst aid. instances. HF1690—Abrams (R) HF1703—Smith (R) HF1677—Cornish (R) Taxes Public Safety Policy & Finance Environment & Natural Resources Taxable estate defi nition modifi ed, exemption Railroad and employees prohibited from obstruct- Snowmobile state trail sticker procedures modifi ed, amount increased and Minnesota qualifi ed termi- ing treatment of a railroad worker injured on the fees established and deposited, electronic licensing nable interest property elections allowed. job or from disciplining or threatening to discipline system commission provided, account created and the employee injured for requesting treatment or money appropriated. HF1691—Westrom (R) fi rst aid. Taxes HF1678—Westrom (R) Biomass electric generation facility property tax HF1704—Demmer (R) Taxes exemption construction date requirement and sales Education Finance Property tax refund schedule for homeowners and tax exemption duration extended. Limited English profi ciency aid increased by in- renters modifi ed and percentage of rent constituting cluding pupils with less than seven years of average property taxes reduced. daily memberships.

22 Session Weekly March 11, 2005 HF1705—Smith (R) HF1718—Demmer (R) HF1731—Lanning (R) Civil Law & Elections Education Policy & Reform Taxes Marriage dissolution, child custody, child support, School boards prohibited from contracting to limit Historic structure rehabilitation expenditure maintenance, and property division style and form superintendent authority to assign teachers and income tax credit provided. changes provided; child support and pension dis- administrators. tribution provisions modifi ed; data classifi ed and HF1732—Blaine (R) procedures and enforcement clarifi ed. HF1719—Klinzing (R) Agriculture & Rural Development Education Policy & Reform Agricultural loan provisions modifi ed, livestock HF1706—Smith (R) High school reform measures provided including equipment pilot loan program established, livestock Governmental Operations & Veterans Aff airs educational planning and assessment program, and zoning requirements modifi ed, town road repairs Volunteer Firefi ghter Relief Association working a college-level examination program; basic skills funding provided and money appropriated. group recommendations implemented relating to tests replaced with comprehensive assessments and fi refi ghter retirement fi nancing and benefi ts. money appropriated. HF1733—Kahn (DFL) Health Policy & Finance HF1707—Abeler (R) HF1720—Holberg (R) Adverse Health Care Events Reporting Act expanded Regulated Industries Civil Law & Elections to include facility-acquired infection rates. Anoka; Main Street Stage Theatre wine license Sexual abuse personal injury civil action limitation expanded to include malt liquor. period modifi ed. HF1734—Kahn (DFL) Health Policy & Finance HF1708—Krinkie (R) HF1721—Paulsen (R) Stem cell research state policy established and Transportation Governmental Operations & Veterans Aff airs criminal penalties imposed. Counties authorized to contract with commissioner Public employer reimbursement modified for of transportation to maintain trunk highways. compensation paid to fi refi ghters and peace offi cers HF1735—Erhardt (R) and claim evaluation panel established. Transportation Finance HF1709—Lesch (DFL) Metropolitan area sales tax imposed with the Public Safety Policy & Finance HF1722—Mullery (DFL) proceeds dedicated to transportation and transit Sex offenders prohibited from living near schools Commerce & Financial Institutions improvements, allocation of revenues for the and other predatory offenders except under State contract bidding prohibited for certain em- motor vehicle sales tax provided and money specifi ed conditions. ployers and safety and health plans required for all appropriated. construction projects. HF1710—Beard (R) HF1736—Dill (DFL) Jobs & Economic Opportunity Policy & Finance HF1723—Mullery (DFL) Environment & Natural Resources Broadband telecommunications revolving loan Public Safety Policy & Finance St. Louis County tax-forfeited land sales fund established. Falsely reporting crime and providing false in- authorized. formation to law enforcement criminal penalties HF1711—Beard (R) imposed. HF1737—Rukavina (DFL) Environment & Natural Resources Commerce & Financial Institutions Radioactive waste or material transport fee HF1724—Mullery (DFL) Employee invention agreements regulated. imposed. Public Safety Policy & Finance Sex offender mandatory life sentences provided HF1738—Murphy (DFL) HF1712—Beard (R) for specifi ed offenses, indeterminate sentences Governmental Operations & Veterans Aff airs Public Safety Policy & Finance provided for repeat offenders, sixth degree criminal Higher education individual retirement account Scott County; Community Corrections Act subsidy sexual conduct crime established and sentencing plan members permitted up to fi ve years to elect funding provided and money appropriated. guidelines modifi ed. between defi ned benefi t and defi ned contribution plan coverage. HF1713—Krinkie (R) HF1725—Mullery (DFL) Taxes Public Safety Policy & Finance HF1739—Peterson, S. (DFL) Solar energy sales tax exemption sunset removed. Violent offenders required to consent to on-demand Education Finance searches as a condition of probation, supervised Limited English profi ciency programs funding HF1714—Kahn (DFL) release or parole. restored. State Government Finance Coya Knutson memorial funding provided for HF1726—Blaine (R) HF1740—Seifert (R) the Capitol grounds and in the city of Oklee and Agriculture & Rural Development Health Policy & Finance money appropriated. Pesticide application record retention requirement Abortion criminal penalty eliminated. eliminated. HF1715—Ellison (DFL) HF1741—Thao (DFL) Public Safety Policy & Finance HF1727—Beard (R) Jobs & Economic Opportunity Policy & Finance Expungement eligibility expanded to include Regulated Industries Group residential housing supplemental rate certain criminal proceedings not resolved in Off-sale wine licenses authorized for supermarkets. modifi ed for certain specifi ed facilities. petitioner’s favor. HF1728—Beard (R) HF1742—Mullery (DFL) HF1716—Hamilton (R) Regulated Industries Environment & Natural Resources Health Policy & Finance Basic services regulation of telephone companies Hunting licensees reviewed to determine whether Jackson County nursing facility reimbursement provided. they are ineligible to possess a firearm and rate increased. governmental offi cials notifi ed where applicable. HF1729—Nornes (R) HF1717—Emmer (R) Environment & Natural Resources Education Policy & Reform Electronic computer product waste recycling Minors under age 18 required to attend school as provided. To fi nd out who represents a requirement for possessing a driver’s permit or you at the Capitol . . . license. HF1730—Beard (R) Call House Public Information Transportation Finance Services at (651) 296-2146 House resolution memorializing the president and Congress to support Amtrak funding. or 1-800-657-3550

March 11, 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 Seeing the sites For general information, call: House Public Information Services offi ce Billions generated for state economy by travel and tourism annually ...... $9.2 (651) 296-2146 or Billions in state and local tax revenue from tourism annually ...... $1.1 1-800-657-3550 For each dollar invested in tourism marketing, return on investment in new state and local taxes ...... $4.60 To subscribe to Session Weekly online: In wages ...... $20.40 http://www.house.mn/hinfo/subscribesw.asp In gross sales ...... $53 Millions, as estimate, tourism generates in gross receipts/sales per day To obtain a copy of a bill, call: Chief Clerk’s Offi ce in Minnesota ...... $25 (651) 296-2314 Estimated number of travelers in Minnesota in 2003, in millions ...... 28.6 Percent of travel that is for pleasure ...... 85 To fi nd out about bill introductions or Median number of night stays for pleasure trips ...... 3 the status of a specifi c bill, call: Percent of travel occurring between April and August ...... 55 House Index Offi ce Percent between September and November ...... 26 (651) 296-6646 Jobs, as approximate, in state that were in leisure and hospitality industry in 2003 ...... 233,000 For an after hours recorded message In 1993 ...... 199,700 giving committee meeting times and Expected industry growth between 2002 and 2012, as percent ...... 19 agendas, call: Number of scenic byways in the state ...... 22 Committee Hotline (651) 296-9283 Year Itasca State Park was established ...... 1891 Feet above sea level in the park where the Mississippi River begins ...... 1,475 The House of Representatives can be found Estimated number of lakes in the Brainerd Lakes Area ...... 500 on the Web at: http://www.house.mn Miles of Lake of the Woods shoreline, as estimate ...... 65,000 Islands in the lake ...... 14,582 Teletypewriter for the hearing impaired. Miles of canoe routes, as estimate, within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness ....1,500 To ask questions or leave messages, call: Estimated number of annual visitors to the area ...... 200,000 TTY Line (651) 296-9896 or Weight, in pounds, of “Willie the Walleye” that greets visitors in Baudette ...... 9,500 1-800-657-3550 Number of freighters, as approximate, that drop anchor in Duluth’s harbor each year ...... 1,100 Check your local listings to watch televi- Weight, in tons, of Duluth’s Aerial Lift Bridge center span ...... 1,000 sion coverage of House committees and Height, in feet, of cliff that Split Rock Lighthouse was built atop in 1910 ...... 130 fl oor sessions. Nesting species of birds in the Superior National Forest ...... 155 Senate Information Length, in miles, of the North Shore Scenic Drive from Duluth to Grand Portage ...... 150 (651) 296-0504 1-888-234-1112 Miles of snowmobile trails, as estimate, on the Iron Range ...... 3,000 Approximate miles of bike trails the state has developed along former railroad beds ...... 450 Senate Index Year Vikings allegedly inscribed a rock displayed at the Kensington Runestone Museum .....1362 (651) 296-5560

Sources: 2006-07 biennial operating budget background, Minnesota Department of Finance; This document can be made available in alternative Stepping Stones, Department of Natural Resources; Explore Minnesota 2005 Travel Guide, formats to individuals with disabilities by calling Minnesota’s Boundary Waters and Tourism Works for Minnesota: Tourism and the Economy (651) 296-2146 voice, (651) 296-9896 TTY, or 2005; Explore Minnesota Offi ce of Tourism; Duluth Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. (800) 657-3550 toll free voice and TTY.