Welti: Session summary
06/06/2007
Dear Friends,
The attached newsletter highlights the legislation passed during this
session. It includes descriptions of key components in the major
omnibus finance bills, even those the Governor vetoed. Also, I listed
some miscellaneous bills that you may have heard about during the
session. Overall, I believe the session was very productive and many
good pieces of legislation were debated and passed.
People have asked me if I believe there will be a special session? At
this time, I do not believe we will be called in for a special session.
I look forward to seeing many of you at events throughout the summer.
Please take time to relax and enjoy the beautiful summer weather.
Enjoy your summer,
Andy
If you would like to receive my Email Newsletter, email your name and
mailing address and request that I sign you up!
Andy Welti
Minnesota State Representative
District 30B
387 State Office Building
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55155-1298
651-296-4378
888-858-4753
The 2007 Legislative Session adjourned at midnight on Monday, May 21st –
our constitutional deadline. This is the first time since 1999 that the legislature
adjourned on time during a budget year. All legislators worked diligently from
January through May to develop a solid state budget that addresses the critical
needs across the state.
Many of the omnibus budget bills passed with support from both Democrats and
Republicans. The Democrats worked to make the bills fair both geographically and
politically, and many bills from both sides of the aisle were incorporated into the final
packages. This legislation will continue to move Minnesota into the position of a progressive
and forward looking state that addresses the priorities and critical needs of the present,
and prepares for the challenges of the future.
This session saw a renewed focus on the core issues facing Minnesotans. When the dust
settled and the negotiations concluded, we enacted reasonable and fiscally responsible budgets.
The accomplishments of this year's session are reflective of the input we received from
residents throughout the state. Significant health care reform initiatives to control costs
for the 93 percent of Minnesotans who currently have insurance; expanded access to health
care for 37,000 children and 20,000 adults; important consumer protections including
restrictions against predatory lending; major investments in programs that will help veterans
and active military members who have made enormous sacrifices to serve our country;
a historic renewable energy standard; goals for limiting greenhouse gas emissions and
meeting energy efficiency/conservation standards; and a comprehensive public safety
initiative, which includes the hiring of more police officers were passed and signed into law.
In addition, in the area of education, the Legislature focused upon our early childhood
education programs, closing the achievement gap, and funding areas within the budgets
that had been neglected for years. We built a solid foundation that includes a blueprint
for building future progress. Highlights include stabilization of K-12 funding, an increase
in special education funding, restoring funding to early childhood programs, making
progress towards funding voluntary statewide all-day kindergarten, and investments in
higher education to end years of double-digit tuition increases.
Enclosed is a handout that reviews in more detail the legislation that you may have heard
about during the 2007 session and the action taken. The attached summary does not cover
every bill or budget item so, if you have any questions about these or any other issues,
please don't hesitate to contact me. I will be happy to provide you with additional information.
2007 LEGISLATIVE SESSION SUMMARY
TAXES/CREDITS/AIDS/BUDGET
(All tax items below were vetoed by the Governor)
Closed corporate loopholes: Closed tax loopholes used by Minnesota corporations
to shelter income through phony overseas corporations to avoid paying their fair share of taxes.
Tax compliance: Tax compliance efforts increased to ensure that individuals and
businesses pay the taxes they already owe.
Property tax refund: Expanded Property Tax Refund (PTR) program.
An additional $32 million will be provided directly to eligible homeowners.
Property tax relief: Increased local government aid by $70 million; county program aid
by $13 million; and reinstated at $5 million township LGA, which was eliminated in 2001.
These will help hold down property tax increases. A property tax relief package that
would have provided greater relief to 90% of Minnesotans was vetoed.
Homestead agricultural property rate reduction: Class rate on the first tier
reduced from 0.55 to 0.50 percent.
· Tuition and related expenses deduction: For tax years 2006 and 2007 allow low-
and middle-income taxpayers to deduct up to $4,000 of higher education tuition
and related expenses.
· Classroom teacher expenses deduction: For tax years 2006 and 2007 extend the
$250 deduction for K-12 educators of the amount paid for books and supplies for their classrooms.
K-12 AND EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
Total new E-12 funding: $794 million.
Special education: $329 million to help reduce the cross-subsidy, which will free
up money for general education needs.
Basic funding formula: The formula will increase in fiscal year 2008 to $5,075 per pupil;
and in 2009 to $5,124.
All-day kindergarten: $32.54 million for a down payment on statewide,
voluntary all-day kindergarten to help close the achievement gap.
Early childhood programs: Restoration of budget cuts from previous years for ECFE,
Head Start, and School Readiness to get kids ready for kindergarten.
Safe school levy: The levy was increased $3 to help keep students safe at school.
Permitted uses of the levy expanded to include voluntary opt-in suicide prevention tools,
licensed school counselors, school nurses, school social workers, school psychologists,
and alcohol and chemical dependency counselors.
Gifted and talented: Increased Gifted and Talented funding from $9 per pupil unit to
$12 per pupil unit for FY 2008 and later. For 2008-09, this results in an increase
of $5,407,000.
World languages: $500,000 appropriated to create a pilot program to award five
world languages grants to school districts and sites to develop and implement world
languages programs, and enhance existing programs.
· Bullying: School boards must expand their current bullying policies to addresses
"cyber-bullying"—the use of electronic means, such as cell phones, text messaging,
and the Internet to intimidate students.
· Library funding: Libraries across the state supported by providing an increase of
34.7% over the next two years to make up for years of neglect.
HIGHER EDUCATION
Tuition: A halt to years of double-digit increases. Tuition increases held to about 4% per year.
Financial Aid: $57 million increase in financial aid through a combination of $2.2 million
in new money, formula changes, increased living and miscellaneous expense allowances,
lower assigned family responsibility share, and other modifications.
University of Minnesota: $174 million increase in funding (14%). Also, $5 million
for matching scholarships to reduce tuition.
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities: $150 million increase (12%) for
MnSCU campuses. Also, $6.7 million in one-time funding for technology enhancements.
Achieve Scholarship Program: A new scholarship program is created for students
who take and receive at least a grade of C in college preparatory coursework,
and whose families have an adjusted gross income of less than $75,000.
Textbook pricing: New initiatives to address the financial burden that textbook
prices and requirements place on students.
· Mayo/UofM Genomics Partnership: Funded at $25 million during this biennium
and critical ongoing funding is appropriated in the next biennium.
HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Comprehensive statewide health care reform: Funding for several initiatives,
such as payment reform, electronic medical records, and improved reporting of
uncompensated care, which will help lower health care costs for the 93 percent
of Minnesotans who currently have insurance.
Expanded health care access: Reduced or eliminated barriers to coverage
for children, which will result in approximately 37,000 children and 20,000 adults
receiving health care.
Nursing homes: A 2 percent rate increase for long-term care facilities in both
fiscal years 2008 and 2009. Phased-in rebasing of rates. Rebasing is particularly
important for nursing facilities located in rural areas currently experiencing financial
hardship.
Targeted case management: $33 million in one-time money to offset federal
cuts to "Target Case Management" services.
Homeless/runaway youth: $1 million for efforts to help homeless
and runaway youth.
Family homelessness prevention: $7.5 million in new funding for flexible
grants to counties and nonprofit organizations to help families or youth who
are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness.
Mental health: The MA, GAMC, and MinnesotaCare benefit set is expanded
to include more comprehensive mental health services.
Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Act: Established a universal newborn
hearing screening program, which will help to promote health child development.
Critical access dental care: Increased funding for critical access dental providers.
Continuing care for older Minnesotans: The Senior Nutrition Program; Senior
Companion Program; Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP); and Foster Grandparent
program provided increased resources to continue their vital missions. The Senior
Nutrition Program (Senior Dining and Meals on Wheels) provides nutritionally balanced
meals and social contact for more than 88,000 older adults.
· Freedom to Breath Act: Effective October 1, 2007 smoking is banned in indoor places
of employment including bars, restaurants, and in public transportation.
· School employee health insurance pool: Created a statewide health insurance
pool for all school district employees. (Vetoed by the Governor)
· MCHA: Lifetime benefit increased to $5,000,000 to help people with chronic debilitating
health problems.
· Medicinal marijuana: Use of marijuana for medical purposes was not legalized.
· Health care visitation: Upon admission to a health care facility, a patient must
be given the opportunity to designate a person who is not related who will have the
status of the patient's next of kin with respect to visitation and making health
care decisions.
· Physical therapy: No modifications to existing law governing direct access to
physical therapists.
· Radon control: The Department of Labor and Industry directed to adopt rules
for radon control as part of the State Building Code for all new residential buildings.
Exposure to elevated levels of radon can cause health problems in humans.
PUBLIC SAFETY
COPS: Grants to law enforcement to hire new peace officers and to provide overtime pay.
Gangs: Increased resources provided to the Gang and Drug Task Forces.
Internet solicitation of children: New felony level Internet crimes created for soliciting
a child to engage in sexual conduct; communicating with a child in a sexually explicit
manner; or distributing sexually explicit material to a child.
Law enforcement assistance: Grants made available to local law enforcement agencies
to make squad car camera technology upgrades or acquisitions, and to purchase defibrillators.
Reimbursements to local governments for peace officer training costs provided.
Forensic scientists: 15 new BCA forensic scientists who will analyze evidence.
This will assist local law enforcement agencies in their criminal investigations.
Employer retaliation: Employers must allow victims of a violent crime, their spouse
or immediate family members reasonable time off from work to attend criminal proceedings
related to the victim's case.
Judicial branch: 10 new judges due to increasing caseloads.
Polygraph exams/sexual assault: Law enforcement and prosecutors prohibited from
requiring victims of sexual assault to take a polygraph exam as a condition of proceeding
with the investigation, charging, or prosecution of the offense.
Criminal sexual conduct: Third and fourth degree criminal sexual conduct crimes
expanded to include violations that occur before, during or after receiving services from
a massage therapist or other person performing bodywork for hire.
Domestic abuse/termination of lease: A tenant who is a victim of domestic abuse
and fears further imminent abuse if the tenant remains in the leased premises may
terminate the lease with written notice and a copy of an "order for protection" or a
"no contact order."
Predatory offender registration: Persons convicted of strangulation now required
to register under the predatory offender registration law.
Expungement of criminal records: Judges not granted more authority to seal
criminal records of people they believe have been rehabilitated.
Photo cop: The use of automated cameras to ticket red-light runners was
not authorized.
Victims' services: Enhanced resources to several crime victims programs:
battered women shelters; domestic violence programs; sexual assault services;
abused children's programs; general crime victims' services; crime victim reparations;
and VINE--an automated telephone service that provides crime victims, criminal justice
professionals and citizens up-to-date information about offenders’ custody status,
criminal charges, detention location and scheduled release date. Also, immediate and
long-term emotional support and practical help provided to the families and friends
of individuals who have died by homicide, suicide, or accident.
Juvenile offenders: A number of prevention initiatives are focused on the problem
of juvenile crime: a "children at risk" initiative was funded to provide services to children
under the age of ten who are involved or are at highest risk of becoming involved in the
juvenile justice system and who are at highest risk of future serious or violent crime,
substance abuse, school failure, teen pregnancy, or welfare dependency. Other "youth
intervention programs" were funded to provide advocacy, education, counseling,
mentoring, and referral services to youth and their families experiencing personal,
familial, school, legal, or chemical problems with the goal of resolving the present
problems and preventing the occurrence of the problems in the future.
Pandemic flu: Emergency preparedness efforts continue.
Short-term offenders: Increased reimbursement to counties for housing
short-term offenders.
Burglary: Tightened the second-degree burglary statute to cover the entering
of a government building, religious establishment, historic property, or school building
without consent and with intent to commit a crime.
911: Increased funding for improvements to the 911 emergency response system.
Re-entry services: To lower recidivism rates, increased funding was provided for
the expansion of reentry services for offenders, including chemical and mental health
referrals, skill training, job-seeking services, etc.
Scrap metal dealers: In response to an increase in copper thefts from construction
sites, utility companies, etc., regulations designed to curb such theft were created.
Also, a new felony level crime was created for tampering with energy transmission
or telecommunications equipment.
TRANSPORTATION
· Omnibus Transportation Budget Bill: (Vetoed by the Governor). A significant
transportation/transit package to address years of neglect and under funding was
vetoed. It would have given Minnesotans safer roads, combated congestion,
created jobs, and assisted with property tax relief.
· Cell phone use while driving restrictions: Not enacted.
· Primary seat belt law: Not enacted.
· New child safety seat/booster seat requirements: Not enacted.
AG/ENVIRONMENT/ENERGY
Renewable energy standard: Adopted strictest renewable energy
standard in the nation. Utilities are required to generate a set percentage of power
from renewable fuel sources: smaller power companies 20% by the year 2020 and
25% by 2025; Xcel 25% by 2016 and 30% by 2020.
25 by 25 renewable energy goal: A state goal was established that no later than
January 1, 2025, the state's agricultural, forestry, and working land should provide from
renewable resources not less than 25 percent of the total energy consumed in this state
while continuing to produce safe, abundant, and affordable food, feed, and fiber.
NextGen Bio Energy Initiative: Created the NextGen BioEnergy board and appropriated
$3 million for projects to keep Minnesota at the leading edge of next generation renewable
energy technology.
Renewable energy projects: Funds were provided to develop, implement and
expand wind, hydrogen, plasma torch and biomass energy projects. The projects are
focused on developing cutting edge energy technology in Minnesota.
· Global warming mitigation: Goal established to reduce statewide greenhouse gas
emissions to a level at least 15 percent below 2005 emission levels by 2015, to a level
at least 30 percent below 2005 emission levels by 2025, and to a level at least 80 percent
below 2005 emission levels by 2050.
· Greenhouse gas study: The Center for Transportation Studies at the University of Minnesota
will conduct a study to assess public policy options for reducing the volume of greenhouse
gases emitted from the transportation sector in Minnesota.
· Energy conservation and efficiency: Established goals for yearly energy conservation
by utilities based on consumer energy savings programs. Sets a statewide goal for certified
energy efficient buildings by 2010.
· E-85: $3 million for grants to help gas stations install E-85 pumps.
Groundwater contamination: The Commissioner of Health will develop health risk
limits for various toxic chemicals (perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctane sulfonate)
suspected of being present in groundwater in some areas near 3M plants; and study
the need to develop health risk limits for other perfluorochemicals.
E-waste: To share in the responsibility of proper disposal of computers, monitors,
TVs and other electronics, manufacturers are required to assist in the collection and
recycling of 60% of the weight of the products they sold in Minnesota in the preceding
year by creating a recycling program or contracting with other private or public entities
to collect and recycle e-waste.
Mercury reduction: Additional restrictions on the sale/possession of mercury-containing
products adopted. The sale of mercury-containing products such as thermostats,
switches, relays, barometers, over-the-counter pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, toiletries,
and fragrances is banned. Fluorescent lamps must be recycled at a lamp recycling facility
or at a facility that gathers them for recycling. Schools can't purchase, store or use
mercury, or an instrument of measurement that contains mercury.
Outdoors/arts & cultural heritage constitutional amendment: Passed the House
and Senate and it emerged from a conference committee. This will be taken up for a
final vote early in the 2008 session. The chance of this ending up on the ballot is
looking good.
Clean Water Legacy: Efforts focused on providing funding to complete testing
and develop cleanup plans (TMDLs) for the state's most polluted waters. $2 million
is also appropriated for grants to implement county Individual Sewage System programs,
with up to $60,000 available for properties that are an imminent threat to public
health or safety.
Dishwasher detergent: Effective July 1, 2010 the sale of dishwasher detergent that
contains more than 0.5 percent phosphorus is banned because phosphorus that runs
into lakes encourages algae growth causing scum to form and harming water quality.
Trail Funding: Statewide trails receive $3 million in funding, helping to restore past cuts.
Invasive Species: Funding for programs to address the continuing threat of aquatic
and terrestrial invasive species, including $500,000 for a zebra mussel control pilot program.
Additionally, the DNR was given the authority to restrict firewood use on state lands
in order to prevent the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer.
Wetland Conservation Act: Over $2 million appropriated for implementation of the
Wetland Conservation Act. Revised and clarified wetland replacement requirements,
particularly for agricultural activities.
Venison/Milk Food shelf Programs: Monies provided from out of state and bonus
deer licenses, and voluntary contributions, will be used to fund venison processing
for charitable food programs. $1 million appropriated to supply statewide food shelves
with Minnesota-produced milk.
Crossbow deer hunting: Authorized the taking of deer by crossbow during the
normal firearms season with a valid firearms deer license.
Dairy Enhancement Program: Over $2 million appropriated to continue development
and enhancement programs within the dairy industry. Continued funding for dairy
business planning grants.
Animal Husbandry: A working group is established to make recommendations on
how to most effectively regulate teeth floating, animal chiropractory/massage and
other animal husbandry practices.
Sustainable Agriculture Grants: $320,000 for grants to educate farmers and
implement sustainable agriculture practices throughout Minnesota.
Cellulosic ethanol equipment grants: Vetoed
Water Quality Grants for Small Feedlots: Funding provided to continue improving
water quality on Minnesota's feedlots.
Minnesota Grown Program: Expanded effort to promote Minnesota's home grown
products marked with the "Minnesota Grown" label.
Aquaculture licenses: Required the DNR to make recommendations to the
Legislature on the issue of aquaculture licensing by January 15, 2008.
Dock-size public meetings: DNR required to hold two public meetings in
"lake country" to discuss the implementation plans of an 8-foot limit on dock width.
VETERANS SERVICES/MILITARY AFFAIRS
· Veterans outreach/county veterans service offices: Significant investments
were made in programs to aid returning military personnel, veterans, and their
families, including grants to counties to enhance benefits, programs, and services,
with a priority given to programs that provide the most effective outreach to veterans;
reintegrate combat veterans into society; and reduce homelessness among veterans.
· State soldier assistance program: $2 million increase in funding for the State
Soldier's Assistance Program which, among other things, provides cash assistance
in the form of shelter payments (rent and mortgage), utilities, health insurance,
and personal needs grants to veterans who are unable to work as a result of a
temporary disability. The State Soldier's Assistance Program also provides
assistance with dental and optical needs for veterans and their dependents who
meet strict income and asset guidelines.
· Vets' hotline: Crisis hotline established for veterans who need emergency suicide
prevention help and/or guidance in obtaining psychological services.
· Depleted uranium: Veterans returning from the first Gulf War and Iraq are concerned
about the use of depleted uranium in shell casings. Efforts will be made to identify
service members and veterans who may have been exposed to depleted uranium
and to provide them with information regarding depleted uranium testing services.
· Campus veterans assistance: Increased the number of campus representatives
serving the needs of students who are veterans at Minnesota's higher education
institutions.
· War survivors' benefits: Higher educational assistance extended to spouses of
soldiers killed in action.
· GI Bill: The Minnesota GI Bill Program is established to provide postsecondary
educational assistance to eligible Minnesota veterans and to the children and spouses
of deceased and severely disabled Minnesota veterans. The GI Bill will be used for
eligible undergraduate recipients after the federal Pell Grant, state grant program,
and the federal military or veterans' education benefits are applied to the student's
cost of attendance. It is a "last dollar" benefit. Recipients may receive up to $1,000
per semester subject to a $10,000 lifetime cap.
· World War II Veterans Memorial: Assistance provided to WWII vets to attend
the dedication of the of the Minnesota WWII memorial
· Service contracts: Eligible service members permitted to cancel cell phone
contracts, rental contracts, club contracts, membership travel contracts or other
service contracts without a penalty if their active duty order or redeployment order
prevents them from utilizing the services of the contract.
· Cold weather rule: A form of the "cold weather rule" adopted for eligible service
members and their families to help prevent utility shutoffs.
· Veterans service organizations: $500,000 increase in funding for grants to
veterans service organizations such as Disabled American Veterans, Military Order
of the Purple Heart, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Vietnam Veterans of America.
· Honor guards: $200,000 appropriated to provide honor guards at the funerals
of deceased veterans.
· "Support Our Troops" license plates: Minnesotans have purchased more than
13,000 "Support Our Troops" plates since they became available in December 2005,
contributing over $420,000 to programs that assist military families and veterans.
This year the legislature clarified existing law so that more service members are
eligible for benefits through this program.
· Hunting and fishing: Residents who have served at any time during the preceding
24 months as a member of the National Guard, or as a reserve component or active
duty member of the U.S armed forces and have been discharged from active service
are eligible to take small game and fish without a license, provided the resident
possesses official military discharge papers. The DNR commissioner is also directed
to issue a free deer license to those same individuals. In addition, spouses of
residents who are on active military duty may obtain resident hunting and fishing licenses.
· MinnesotaCare: Members of the military and their families who qualify for
MinnesotaCare within 24 months following the end of the member's tour of active duty
will receive premium free coverage for up to one year.
· Firearms licenses: An existing law – which continues a person’s state-issued
occupational or professional license or certificate of registration while the person
is mobilized for military service – was clarified to make clear that the law also applies
to licenses and certificates for occupations requiring training in firearms and use of force.
· Rest camp: $1,000,000 appropriated for capital improvements to a disabled veterans
rest camp to provide increased capacity, amenities, access, and safety for Minnesota veterans.
· State contracts: Special consideration given to veterans and members of the
National Guard and other military reserves in the awarding of state contracts.
· Hardship property tax deferral: A county, city or town, at its discretion, may defer
the payment of special assessments for any homestead property of a National Guard
or reserve member who is called into active service if payment of the tax would create a hardship.
· Property tax exemption: The homestead of a disabled military veteran is exempt from
the property tax, with the amount of exemption based on the level of disability.
To qualify there must be a minimum disability rating of 70 percent.
· Heroes Earned Retirement Opportunities Act: For tax years 2006 and 2007
allowed tax-exempt combat pay to be used as a basis for making IRA contributions
· Military Service Combat Zone Credit: Doubled from $59 to $120.
· National Guard tax exemption: National Guard members given income tax exemption
for out-of-state military service pay.
· Property tax rate reduction: Tax rate for VFWs, American Legions, and other
service organizations reduced.
MISCELLANEOUS
Government streamlining: Department of Employee Relations abolished.
Car buyers' bill of rights: Greater disclosure to buyers about the cost of
add-on products such as antitheft devices and rustproofing, and about the
impact purchasing those items would have on a person's monthly loan payment.
Dealers also required to tell buyers if their credit report was used in connection
with the transaction, and about their right to obtain a free copy of their credit report.
In addition, dealers cannot market a vehicle as "certified" if the odometer has been
tampered with; the title has been branded, or the vehicle has sustained significant damage.
· Predatory lending: Crackdown on predatory mortgage lending practices that have led
to home foreclosures. Mortgage brokers required to act in the borrower's best interest
and in the utmost good faith toward borrowers: No "churning" (refinancing a loan that
does not actually benefit the borrower); no "negative amortization" (loans that permit
the borrower to pay less than the monthly interest so that the size of the loan actually
increases over time); clear disclosure of total monthly payment, including taxes and insurance;
verification of a borrower's ability to repay the loan; no penalties for prepayment of subprime
loans. People are given the right to sue if they have been the victims of predatory lending
practices. Criminal penalties of up to two years can be imposed for engaging in mortgage fraud,
with stiffer sanctions for victimizing borrowers who are vulnerable due to their age,
physical condition or mental capacity.
· Mortgage application protection: Credit reporting agencies prohibited from selling
or giving mortgage companies information about a person, including the fact that the
person has applied for a mortgage with another lender. Credit reporting agencies
used to sell a mortgage applicant's contact information to other mortgage lenders
who then would try to solicit the applicant's business away from the first lender--
sometimes in unscrupulous ways.
· Credit/Debit Card Security Act: Retailers and other businesses prohibited from
keeping the secure information stored on a credit or debit card’s magnetic strip in
their computer databases after a transaction is completed. The magnetic strips on
payment cards contain sensitive information such as the customer’s name, account
number, PIN, card expiration date, and security code data, which can be used to engage
in identity theft.
· Gift certificates/gift cards: Expiration dates and service fees, including dormancy fees,
prohibited on most gift certificates and gift cards.
· Ticket scalping: Legalized.
· Auto insurance verification program: The random auto insurance sampling program
that was previously suspended by the Legislature is now permanently repealed.
· Wine sales in grocery stores: Not enacted.
· Vikings stadium: No action.
· Amusement rides: Oversight of amusement park rides strengthened: annual inspections
of amusement rides by certified inspectors; daily inspections by the ride operator or
certified inspector; increased insurance requirements for ride owners; stronger accident
reporting requirements.
· Restroom Access Act: A retail establishment must make its restroom available to a
customer suffering from Crohn's disease or any other medical condition that requires
immediate access to a restroom facility if, among other criteria, a public restroom is
not immediately accessible to the customer.
· Genocide in Darfur: A process was established for the Minnesota State Board of
Investment to divest its holdings in companies doing business with the government of Sudan.
· American flag: No retailer can sell an American flag unless the flag was manufactured
in the United States.
· Good faith insurance requirement: Not enacted.
· Window safety: The commissioner of Labor and Industry directed to adopt rules regarding
the installation of "Window Fall Prevention Devices," such as safety screens, to prevent
children from falling out of windows.
· Public broadcasting: Grants to public television stations and MPR to assist with the
conversion to a digital signal.