BRIEFLY
The Minnesota Senate Week in Review
May 5, 1995

Bonding bill approved
     A $37.8 million emergency capital budget bill was assembled
and approved Weds., May 3, by the Finance Committee, chaired by
Sen. Gene Merriam (DFL-Coon Rapids).  The measure, to be
introduce as a committee bill, was sent to the Senate floor.
     Merriam presented a draft of the capital budget proposal,
authorizing the sale of $12.8 million in bonds for capital
projects.  He said the projects contained in the proposal are
either emergency needs or respond to "windows of opportunity" for
particular projects.
     The proposal includes an allocation of $5.2 million to the
Dept. of Natural Resources for acquisition of the land around
Eagle Creek in Scott County.  Merriam said the land acquisition
proposal will preserve the last remaining natural trout stream in
the seven-county Metropolitan Area.
     Among the other projects provided in the measure is a $3
million appropriation to the Dept. of Transportation for repair
of the Wabasha Street bridge in St. Paul and another $2 million
for renovation of office space in the State Capitol.  Additional
bond allocations, ranging in size from just over $100,000 to
$700,000, are provided to complete projects authorized in
previous capital budget bills.
     The total appropriations in the bill grew in size as members
considered a number of amendments to the proposal.
     Sen. Thomas Neuville (IR-Northfield) offered an amendment to
awarded a $9.7 million maximum effort school loan to the Big Lake
School District.  Sen. Mark Ourada (IR-Buffalo), in presenting
the request, said the district's loan request has been presented
to the Legislature in each of the last three years.
     Even though the district has built the school that was
proposed when their loan request was first submitted, Ourada said
the need for the loan remains.  Joined by Big Lake school
officials, he explained that a balloon payment on the short-term
loan used to finance the construction of a new school will be due
this fall.  The maximum effort allocation, Ourada said, would
permit the district to repay the short-term loans while
refinancing the new school.
     Merriam said he said the proposal raised two issues.  The
first issue was whether the request requires legislative action. 
The second issue, he said, is whether the members should feel
encumbered by recommendations made in previous years.  The
committee agreed with Ourada's arguments and adopted the Neuville
amendment.
     The members also adopted another maximum effort loan
request, presented by Sen. Tracy Beckman (DFL-Bricelyn).  The
amendment authorizes a $6.9 million loan to the Kelliher School
District for the construction of a new school.
     The appropriation to the Dept. of Transportation included
$500,000 for bridge work in addition to the Wabasha Bridge
project, and Sen. Keith Langseth (DFL-Glyndon) proposed
increasing that amount to $5 million.  He said the funding would
help the department respond to additional bridge repair projects,
and his motion was adopted.
     Sen. Cal Larson (IR-Fergus Falls) sponsored an amendment to
provide the City of Parkers Prairie with a $1 million grant.  The
funds will be used to replace the buildings damaged by a propane
gas explosion earlier this year.  The amendment was approved.
     An amendment, providing $900,000 for the purchase of land
adjacent to the Metropolitan State University campus in St. Paul,
was offered by Sen. Randy Kelly (DFL-St. Paul) and also approved.
     Sen. LeRoy Stumpf (DFL-Thief River Falls) presented an
amendment, removing one parcel from the Eagle Creek land
acquisition proposal and reducing the total allocation to $2
million.  Officials from the City of Savage testified in favor of
the proposal, arguing that the public acquisition will remove
land from the tax rolls.  Sen. Terry Johnston, author of the
original proposal, opposed the amendment, saying it would go
against a compromise that was reached by all the concerned
parties.  The amendment was rejected.
     A number of other amendments, clarifying provisions
contained in the 1994 capital budget bill, were also adopted
before the measure was approved.
     In other business, the members approved a bill providing for
increases in the state's tort liability limits.  S.F. 230,
authored by Kelly, raises the amount an individual can receive
from a claim against the state or a local unit of governments to
$300,000.  The maximum award for any number of claims stemming
from a single incident is set at $750,000 after Jan. 1, 1996, and
that limit is increased to $1 million on Jan. 1, 2000.  The
measure now goes to the Senate floor.
     A bill creating the Metropolitan Livable Communities Fund
was amended and approved.  Under S.F. 1019, presented by Sen. Ted
Mondale (DFL-St. Louis Park), the fund is created by reallocating
the levy authority held by the Metropolitan Mosquito Control
Commission.  The funds generated through that reallocated levy
will be used to support development of low-income housing in the
Metro Area.
     The panel adopted an amendment, offered by Sen. Dennis
Frederickson (IR-New Ulm), establishing an Economic Vitality and
Housing Initiative.  Under the initiative, the Housing Finance
Agency will provide funds for affordable housing projects that
are linked to local communities' economic development efforts in
both the Metro Area and in Greater Minnesota.  The measure now
goes to the floor.
     Frederickson also presented S.F. 875, increasing the amount
of bonds that may be sold by the Public Finance Authority from
$350 million to $450 million.  He also offered an amendment
excluding bonds sold to finance refunds on previous-sold bonds
from the limit.  The amendment was adopted and the bill was
approved.  The measure was sent to the floor.
     S.F. 1562, authored by Sen. Roy Terwilliger (IR-Edina), was
also approved by the committee.  Under the measure, once the sale
of state bonds is authorized, those bonds must be sold within
seven years.  If they are not sold within that period of time,
the authorization expires.

U of M Regents chosen
     The Senate met in a joint session with the House of
Representatives to vote on candidates for four six-year seats on
the University of Minnesota Board of Regents. Warren Larson of
Bagley and Patricia Brandt Spence of Willmar were chosen for the
two at-large positions at the Weds., May 3, session.
     Incumbent and Board Chair Jean Keffler was selected for the
Fifth Congressional District seat. Jessica Phillips, a student at
the University of Minnesota-Morris, was chosen for the Student
At-large seat on the board.
     Both Keffler and Phillips were nominated by the Senate and
House Education Committees earlier in the week. The joint
committee had nominated Spence and Richard McNamara of Edina for
the two at-large positions.
     Spence received the most votes with 121 out of 200. Larson
received 102 votes and McNamara received 100.

Committee Capsule

Crime Prevention
Parkers Prairie emergency
     Members of the Crime Prevention Finance Division met Tues.,
May 2, to consider an emergency bonding request for Parkers
Prairie. The city suffered millions of dollars in damages from an
explosion caused by vandalism and is seeking state help to
replace some of the city's buildings.
     Sen. Cal Larson (IR-Fergus Falls), carrying the request in
S.F. 1676, outlined some of the city's needs, including
replacement of the fire hall, the city hall, and possibly the
water tower. A total of 13 buildings have been razed since the
Apr. 2 incident. All of the city's fire equipment and trucks were
destroyed. No one was injured in the blast.
     Gary Anderson, mayor of Parkers Prairie, described the
incident as overwhelming for the city of 900 residents. He said
that despite help from neighboring communities and other cities
across the country, the city cannot rebuild itself on its own.
     John Molinaro of the West Central Initiative Organization,
which is helping the businesses rebuild with low-interest loans,
also testified at the meeting. Molinaro said the city's insurance
was not enough to cover replacement of the buildings; mainly
because of their age, coverage was for the buildings' market
value only. The fire equipment also was "grossly under-insured"
because much of it was used or rebuilt, he said.
     Judy Rude of the Dept. of Public Safety Emergency Management
Division said the city also does not qualify for federal disaster
assistance. The definitions of disaster have changed, she said,
and the community needs to show it has exhausted state resources
as well as its own.
     Molinaro said if the state would help the city through
emergency bonding the total would be $1.2 million, which includes
$310,000 for the fire hall replacement, $40,000 for land
acquisition, $250,000 for the water tower, and $540,000 for the
city hall.
     Larson said the request is unique but reminded the division
that the state helped two high schools after they had suffered
severe damage from vandals.
     After minimal discussion, the division passed the request to
the full Finance Committee for consideration with the bonding
bill.

Education
Regents nominated
     Four candidates were nominated for positions on the Board of
Regents of the University of Minnesota at a joint meeting of the
Senate and House Education Committees, Mon. evening, May 1.  The
recommendations will be placed before legislators when they meet
in joint session May 3.
     Jean Keffeler, the current chair of the Board of Regents and
the only incumbent seeking reappointment to the board, won the
committee's nomination for the Fifth Congressional District seat. 
Members selected Keffler on the first ballot over Michael Vekich.
     Jessica Phillips, a student at the University of Minnesota-
Morris, was nominated by the committee for the Student At-Large
seat on the board.  Cecil Smith, a student at the Minneapolis
campus, was also considered.
     Two other At-Large positions were open and the members
nominated Richard McNamara of Edina and Patricia Brandt Spence of
Willmar for those posts.  McNamara won the nomination on the
first ballot while Spence received the second endorsement on the
fourth ballot.
     Also considered for the At-Large seats were Warren Larson of
Bagley, Emily Staples Tuttle from Wayzata and Bilone Whiting
Young of St. Paul.

Finance
MinnesotaCare bill amended
     A $270 million appropriation was added, but the penalties
for not carrying health insurance were removed, when the Finance
Committee took up a MinnesotaCare program bill on Thurs. evening,
Apr. 27.
     The committee, chaired by Sen. Gene Merriam (DFL-Coon
Rapids), also recommended the confirmation of Laura King as
Commissioner of Finance and approved two bills, both of which
require state agencies to refund license fees if the licenses are
not issued within six weeks.
     S.F. 845, presented to the members by its authors, Sen.
Linda Berglin (DFL-Mpls.) and Sen. Sheila Kiscaden (IR-
Rochester), modifies a number of provisions of the MinnesotaCare
program.  The measure expands the eligibility requirements, to
include individuals from households without children and who are
below 150 percent of the federal poverty level.
     The bill also establishes a prescription drug benefits
program for low-income Medicare beneficiaries and a program to
help senior citizens receive reasonably-priced prescriptions.  As
an incentive to get insurance, the bill allows the Dept. of
Health to issue a $100 fine to individuals for failing to buy
health insurance.  The proposal also raises the fine to $200 in
FY 1998 and $400 in FY 1999.
     The members adopted an amendment, offered by Sen. Pat Piper
(DFL-Austin), to appropriate $89.9 million in FY 1996 and $156.2
million for FY 1997 from the Health Care Access Fund (HCAF) to
the Dept. of Human Services for MinnesotaCare.  Another $13.9
million is allocated over the biennium to the Dept. of Health
from the HCAF and a special revenue fund to support integrated
service networks.
     The amendment also includes biennial appropriations of $4.7
million to the University of Minnesota for rural and primary care
physician programs, $2.7 million to the Dept. of Revenue to
monitor the provider tax, $1.7 million to the Higher Education
Coordinating Board for a loan forgiveness program.
     Sen. Roy Terwilliger (IR-Edina) presented an amendment
reducing the eligibility level for households without children to
125 percent of the poverty level.  He maintained that expanding
the eligibility may force MinnesotaCare into a deficit over the
next biennium. "The law requires the program stay in the black,"
he said, "It is irresponsible to raise the expectations of those
who would qualify when the funds may not be there."
     But Sen. Tracy Beckman (DFL-Bricelyn) raised a concern that
the amendment could have an impact on other funds in the state
budget.  "Couldn't the costs for caring for those individuals
show up elsewhere in the budget if they end up on Medical
Assistance?" he asked.  The committee rejected the amendment.
     Another amendment, also offered by Terwilliger, eliminates
the penalty on individuals who can afford, but do not buy, health
insurance.  He argued that the state should not be requiring
people to buy insurance.  But both Berglin and Kiscaden
disagreed.  "We're trying to make the world a more responsible
one by encouraging [those who could be penalized] to do the right
thing," said Berglin.  "If we are saying that a person has a
right to health insurance," Kiscaden added, "then we are also
saying they have a responsibility to obtain insurance."  On a
roll call vote, the amendment was adopted, 9-7.
     Members also adopted an amendment, offered by Sen. Phil
Riveness (DFL-Bloomington), requiring third party regulators to
itemize the charges being billed.  He said the amendment will
provide information that companies were not otherwise receiving. 
But Berglin opposed the provision, saying it would add
administrative costs.
     S.F. 845 was approved and sent to the Senate floor.
     For the second time this session, the committee recommended
the Senate confirm the appointment of Laura King as Commissioner
of Finance.
     King's appointment was reconsidered earlier in the week as
the panel discussed an adjustment to the revenue forecast for the
coming biennium.  On Apr. 11, the governor announced an $91
million upward adjustment in the forecast.  Members had
questioned King about the cause for that adjustment and how
information on that adjustment was released.
     Merriam apologized to King for "some intemperate remarks"
and King, in turn, told the committee "had I to do it over again,
I would do several things differently."  She said that she
remains "absolutely" committed to maintaining the accuracy and
quality of the forecast and budget figures.  "I intend to
continue to carry out my responsibilities in good faith," she
said.  Sen. Dean Johnson (IR-Willmar) moved the committee
recommend King be confirmed as commissioner, and the members
voted to place the recommendation before the full Senate.
     Members also approved two measures requiring applicants for
state licenses to receive a refund of their fees if those
licenses are not issued within six weeks.
     Under S.F. 537, the Dept. of Public Safety has six weeks to
issue driver's licenses.  S.F. 538, requires other state agencies
to issue their licenses within six weeks.  Sen. Steve Murphy
(DFL-Red Wing), author of both measures, said they are the
state's money-back guarantee to its residents.
     The members adopted two amendments to S.F. 538, offered by
Sen. Phil Riveness (DFL-Bloomington).  The first exempts licenses
that are processed according to a timetable prescribed in law. 
The second amendment exempts licenses that require an inspection
of an open body of water before approval.
     A third amendment to S.F. 538, represented by Sen. Steven
Morse (DFL-Dakota), was also adopted.  In the amendment, an
agency issuing a refund must still issue a license.  Both
measures were approved and sent to the Senate floor.
     Several other bills were approved and sent to the Senate
floor.  The committee amended and approved S.F. 579, a measure
providing for additional regulation of small charitable
organizations.  The panel adopted an amendment, sponsored by Sen.
Randy Kelly (DFL-St. Paul), appropriating $150,000 in FY 1996 and
FY 1997 to the Office of the Attorney General, which is
responsible for oversight of charitable organizations.
     H. F. 1037, sponsored by Sen. Don Betzold (DFL-Fridley),
gives the Dept. of Health the authority to adopt rules on the
maintenance, design and installation of public swimming pools. 
The bill also allows the department to prepare rules on fee
collections.  Sen. Terry Johnston (IR-Prior Lake) presented an
amendment permitting the department to collect fees every two
years instead of on an annual basis.  The amendment was adopted
and the bill was approved.
     Amendments to the state's Data Practices Act, contained in
S.F. 1279, were presented to the committee by Sen. Harold "Skip"
Finn (DFL-Cass Lake).  The members, on a motion by Sen. Tracy
Beckman (DFL-Bricelyn), removed provisions requiring
appropriations and approved the bill.
     Two other environmental bills were given the committee's
approval.  S.F. 462, authored by Sen. Janet Johnson (DFL-North
Branch), provides a cost-sharing program for the clean-up of
motor vehicle salvage yards.  The bill also requires the
Pollution Control Agency to collect and dispose of mercury
switches taken from motor vehicles.
     S.F. 1362, sponsored by Sen. Bob Lessard (DFL-Int'l. Falls)
and presented to the committee by Morse, enacts the
recommendations of the Forestry Generic Environmental Impact
Statement Roundtable.  The sustainable agriculture programs in
the bill, said Morse, are funded by appropriations provided in
the previously-adopted environmental and natural resources
omnibus funding bill.

Workers comp bill approved
     A proposal modifying the state's workers compensation
program was amended and approved, Fri., Apr. 28, by the Finance
Committee, chaired by Sen. Gene Merriam (DFL-Coon Rapids).  The
measure, S.F. 1020, was sent to the Senate floor.
     The workers compensation proposal "will end a lot of the
debate that has saturated us for a decade," said Sen. Steven
Novak (DFL-New Brighton), the bill's author.  He said the measure
provides litigation reform, eliminates the two-tier compensation
system, and strengthens fraud prevention.  The measure also
begins compressing the costs of workers compensation, "but we're
not doing it exclusively in benefits," Novak said.
     Sen. Don Samuelson (DFL-Brainerd) offered an amendment
adding appropriations to the measure.  The amendment includes
biennial allocations of $2.18 million from a special compensation
fund to the Dept. of Commerce.  Novak said the appropriation will
be used to support a system of prior approval managed by the
department.
     Another $300,000 for the biennium is earmarked to support a
Small Business Workers Compensation Safety Pilot Project.  An
additional appropriation of $210,000 is given to the Attorney
General's Office for fraud prevention activities and $200,000 is
awarded for a Small Business Injury and Illness Prevention Survey
to be conducted by the University of Minnesota.  The Dept. of
Labor and Industry also receives a $287,000 appropriation to
support its responsibilities under the bill.  The amendment was
adopted and S.F. 1020 was approved.
     A second bill authored by Novak was laid over for further
discussion.  S.F. 1186 modifies the eligibility requirements for
programs managed by the Housing Finance Agency.  The bill changes
the age limits for participation in the family homeless
prevention and assistance program.
     The bill also adjusts the income level required for
participation in the rental housing program.  Families will be
eligible for the program if their income is 80 percent of the
state median income level.  Under the new requirement, Tonja Orr
of the Housing Finance Agency said about 13,000 families will be
eligible for the program.  Novak said the allocations to support
the program are included in a previously-adopted community
development omnibus bill.
     While S.F. 1186 does not include any additional
appropriations for the program, Merriam raised concerns about the
costs associated with the change.  "These are the kinds of
changes that drive social services costs," he said.  The measure
was set aside until the fiscal impacts could be determined.
     A proposal exempting late-model automobiles from the
Metropolitan Area auto emissions testing program was amended and
adopted.  H.F. 2, sponsored by Sen. James Metzen (DFL-South St.
Paul), exempts vehicles for up to five years after their model
year from the emissions testing program.  Metzen said the bill
will exempt more than 400,000 Metro Area vehicles from the
testing requirement when the measure takes effect on Aug. 1. 
"Some would like to eliminate the program all together," said
Metzen, "but I think this is a reasonable compromise."
     Sen. Steven Morse (DFL-Dakota) offered two amendments to the
bill that the committee adopted.  The first amendment calls on
the Pollution Control Agency to ensure that by July 1, 1998, the
Metro Area is in compliance with the Clean Air Act. The amendment
also requires the agency to recommend if the emissions program
should continue once compliance is achieved. The second amendment
clarifies that a vehicle need not be inspected until its
registration five years after the vehicles' model year.
     H.F. 2 was approved and sent to the Senate floor.
     Also approved was S.F. 1089, authored by Sen. Arlene
Lesewski (IR-Marshall), exempting certain highways, freeways and
expressways from noise limits.  The measure also requires the
Dept. of Transportation to conduct a noise abatement study,
contingent on the availability of funds, and allows the fines
handed out for speeding in a construction zone to be deposited in
the trunk highway fund.  Sen. Pat Piper (DFL-Austin) sponsored an
amendment allowing the fines to continue to be placed in the
general fund.  The amendment was adopted and the bill was
approved.  S.F. 1089 was sent to the floor for further
consideration.
     Sen. John Marty (DFL-Roseville) presented S.F. 339 to the
committee.  The measure requires the Board of Ethical Practices
to provide advisory opinions to local governments on their
conformance to the state's ethics laws.  After discussing the
financial impact of the proposal, the bill was approved and sent
to the floor.

Several bills advance
     The Finance Committee, chaired by Sen. Gene Merriam (DFL-
Coon Rapids), approved several bills at its Sat., Apr. 29
meeting. The first of two bills carried by Sen. Ted Mondale (DFL-
St.Louis Park), S.F. 467, was approved and re-referred to the
Taxes and Tax Laws Committee. The measure provides for
coordination and consolidation of public safety radio
communications system.
     "This  will create an infrastructure, a shared backbone
system that will enable communities to talk to one another,"
Mondale said. With increasing demand, and just 90 channels left
in the Twin Cities, he added "this is really the last chance we
have here to do this."
     Sen. Carl Kroening (DFL-Mpls.) objected to the bill, saying,
"we just don't need this system." Kroening added that a common
communication system for local authorities would be not only
unnecessary, but also expensive. The bill authorizes temporary
funding through the use of 911 emergency telephone service fees,
a total of $293,000 for FY 1996.
     S.F. 1314, a bill that modifies provisions relating to the
voluntary investigation and cleanup of contaminated sites, was
approved by members and sent to the full Senate. Also authored by
Mondale, the pilot project encourages businesses to voluntarily
review their practices and implement necessary changes before the
Pollution Control Board becomes involved in a clean-up project.
"This bill sets up a bridge between the agency (PCA) and the
regulated community," Mondale said. 
     Gordon Weber, a representative from the PCA testified in
support of the measure. He told members that since the project is
completely voluntary, the agency doesn't know how many businesses
will participate. Mondale said, "most want to comply, but it's
complicated, especially for small and medium sized businesses."
     S.F. 1122, a bill that establishes a program for funding
response actions to address environmental contamination from
drycleaning facilities, was approved by the committee. Authored
by Sen. Bob Lessard (DFL-Int'l. Falls), the measure does not
apply to a number of businesses including coin-operated
drycleaning outlets, facilities on military bases, uniform
services or linen supply operations, penal institutions, or
facilities on the national priorities list established under the
Federal Superfund Act.
     Lessard outlined the fee schedule contained in the bill. An
owner or operator of a facility with up to four employees is
required to pay $500 to the commissioner of revenue, those with
five to 10 employees must pay $1000, and facilities with more
than 10 employees are required to pay $1500. Lessard pointed out
that individuals or entities that sell drycleaning solvents are
also required to pay fees of $3.50 for each gallon of
perchloroethylene sold, and 70 cents for each gallon of
hydrocarbon-based drycleaning solvent sold.
     An amendment offered by Merriam, appropriating $29,000 from
the general fund to cover administrative costs, was adopted. The
bill now goes to the floor.
     Sen. Sheila Kiscaden (IR-Rochester) presented H.F. 1246, a
bill that requires child care for school age children, operated
by someone other than a school, be licensed. An amendment
appropriating $60,000 for 1996, and $50,000 for 1997 was adopted
before the committee approved the measure and sent it to the full
Senate.
     Sen. Deanna Wiener (DFL-Eagan) presented S.F. 877, a bill
that clarifies laws relating to building codes and zoning laws.
"The purpose of the bill is the establishment of a special
revenue fund in statute," Wiener said. "This is so we can have
consistent enforcement and interpretation through-out the state."
     Merriam expressed concerns about setting fees in statute,
but Wiener told members that the measure allows for a review
every two years. "We still have some flexibility," Wiener added.
     S.F. 255, a bill that regulates elevator mechanics, was
approved and re-referred to the Rules Committee. Sen. Paula
Hansen (DFL-Ham Lake), the bill's author, told members that
inspectors pay $1000 in fees, yet receive no services for that
money.
     A bill that extends the sunset date on the farmer-lender
mediation act, S.F. 429, authored by Sen. Steven Morse (DFL-
Dakota) was approved and sent to the full Senate, as was S.F.
1551, Sen. Janet Johnson's (DFL-North Branch) bill concerning
agriculture resource development grants.
     Other bills approved and sent to the floor include S.F. 217,
authored by Sen. Richard Cohen (DFL-St. Paul). The measure
clarifies child support payments. Amended onto Cohen's bill was
Sen. Ember Reichgott Junge's (DFL-New Hope) measure, S.F. 604, a
bill related to supervised visitation facilities.
     Two bills authored by Sen. Phil Riveness (DFL-Bloomington),
S.F. 503, a bill related to the accounts receivable project, and
S.F. 1246, a government reform bill, were okayed by members and
sent to the full Senate. 
     A number of other bills were also sent to the Senate floor.
S.F. 900, authored by Sen. Pat Piper (DFL-Austin), changes
licensing requirements for foster care, adds provisions for drop-
in child care programs adds provisions for the Minnesota Family
Preservation Act and expands eligibility for Indian child welfare
grants.  S.F. 512, authored by Sen. Allan Spear (DFL-Mpls.),
makes a number of changes to the Vulnerable Adults Reporting Act. 
S.F. 1103, authored by Sen. Jane Ranum (DFL-Mpls.), folds a
number of existing programs into a new Children, Families and
Learning Department. S.F. 1136, sponsored by  Sen. Don Betzold
(DFL-Fridley), a Dept. of Human Services technical bill makes a
variety of changes to laws dealing with mental health services,
paternity and child support.  
     S.F. 1406, carried by Sen. Roy Terwilliger (IR-Edina), is
the compensation council salary recommendations bill. S.F. 871,
carried by Sen. John Hottinger (DFL-Mankato), revisees the
procedures for the adoption and review of state agency rules.
H.F. 617, sponsored by Sen. Leroy Stumpf (DFL-Thief River Falls),
is one of the omnibus pension bills and relates primarily to
higher education pension plans. H.F. 493, authored by Sen.
Lawrence Pogemiller (DFL-Mpls.), is another omnibus pension plan
bill and relates to various public employee pension plans.  H.F.
446, sponsored by Sen. Dallas Sams (DFL-Staples), provides for
licensure for acupuncture practitioners by the Board of Medical
Practice.

Metropolitan and Local Government
Metropolitan Council confirmations
     Members of the Metropolitan and Local Government Committee
met Thurs. evening, Apr. 27, to confirm Metropolitan Council
appointees. The 17 names submitted by the governor include
Charles Arnason, Terrence Flower, David Hartley, Martha Head,
Kevin Howe, Curtis Johnson, Carol Kummer, Patrick Leung, Esther
Newcome, Neil Peterson, Roger Scherer, Bill Schreiber, Julius
Smith, Mary Smith, Stephen Wellington, Jr., Barbara Butts
Williams, and Diane Wolfson.
     Johnson, the new chair of the Met Council commented briefly
on the goals and challenges the group faces under the new
reorganization. "Now, more than ever, it's important for us to
work effectively and smoothly with a lot of different agencies
and communities, to build relationships and work together,"
Johnson said. "You have our commitment to do so," he said.
     Sen. Carol Flynn (DFL-Mpls.) asked how the reorganization
has effected the Met Council's operation thus far. "It's working
very, very well," Johnson answered, "better than I would have
expected."
     Appointee Bill Schreiber responded to Committee chair Jim
Vickerman's (DFL-Tracy) question concerning the direction of the
Met Council. Schreiber said that "excellent progress" has been
made, especially in environmental areas. "There is a new
direction which didn't exist two years ago, a cooperative
direction."
     In the area of transit, however, Schreiber acknowledged "we
have a ways to go." Appointee Mary Smith added that phase I of
the transit redesign program has been completed, and that phase
II is just about to begin.
     Vickerman expressed concern about giving approval to the
five gubernatorial appointments who were absent from the meeting.
"This is a very important position," Vickerman said, "and I don't
want to send a message that indicates it's not."
     Sen. Carol Flynn (DFL-Mpls.) agreed with Vickerman. "I think
they owe us an hour of their time to seek our support," she said.
     After lengthy discussion, members agreed to confirm all of
the appointments, on the condition that those not present contact
Vickerman. In the event that appointees fail to comply with the
condition, their names will not be presented to the full Senate
for confirmation.

Taxes and Tax Laws
Metro livability bill okayed
     A compromise metro livability bill gained the approval of
the Taxes and Tax Laws Committee at a hearing Fri., Apr. 28.  The
panel, chaired by Sen. Douglas Johnson (DFL-Cook), also advanced
several additional bills.
     The metro livability bill, S.F. 1019, authored by Sen. Ted
Mondale (DFL-St. Louis Park), is the product of negotiations
between various local governments and state agencies to meet
regional housing and job needs.  Mondale said the bill, agreed to
by more than 30 Metro Area mayors provides a mechanism of the
state and local governments to work together to clean up polluted
lands in developed areas, fund innovative alternative development
projects and provide for the creation of affordable and life
cycle housing throughout the Metro Area.  Sen. Edward Oliver (IR-
Deephaven), helped present the bill and offered an amendment--
the Metropolitan Anti-poverty Plan--that had been contained in a
separate bill.  Johnson, though, said that the amendment might
upset the budget process already in progress.  Accordingly,
Oliver withdrew the amendment.
     St. Paul Mayor Norm Coleman and Hennepin County Commissioner
Mike Opat spoke in favor of the bill.  Coleman said that although
"30 mayors have come to agreement, unless we get a partnership
with the state, it is not enough.  We have a window of
opportunity and this bill is the best vehicle."
     Opposition to the bill arose because the funding for the
programs comes from appropriation cuts to the Metropolitan
Mosquito Control Board.  Members of the board argued against the
decrease in funding because of the threat to public health posed
by mosquitoes.  Opponents argued that services would have to be
cut if funding is decreased.
     The measure was approved and re-referred to the Committee on
Finance.
     In other action, Senators failed to give approval to a bill
raising the cigarette tax.  S.F. 1080, authored by Sen. Sheila
Kiscaden (IR-Rochester), raises the cigarette tax by 25 cents per
pack and dedicates most of the increase to the Health Care Access
Fund.  At the same time, the bill lowers the health care provider
tax from 2 percent to 1 percent.  Members adopted an amendment
specifying that after July 1, 1999, the provider tax would again
be set at 2 percent.  Debate on the bill centered on the argument
that the bill represented an increase in taxes.  Supporters of
the bill argued that the bill was revenue neutral in that no new
revenues were raised under the measure.  However, the bill failed
to gain approval on a voice vote.
     Four additional bills gained committee approval and were
advanced to the full Senate.  S.F. 1393, authored by Sen.
Lawrence Pogemiller (DFL-Mpls.), is the annual public finance
bill.  The measure provides the conditions and requirements for
the issuance of debt and the use of the proceeds.  Much of the
debate on the bill centered on a provision authorizing the use of
capital improvement bonds for indoor ice arenas.  Opponents
argued that the state faces more pressing needs for scarce
resources.  Proponents countered that there was increasing
pressure to build more ice sheets because of actions taken by the
Legislature over the course of previous sessions.  An amendment
to require a referendum before issuing bonds for ice arenas was
adopted.
     S.F. 1425, authored by Sen. Dallas Sams (DFL-Staples),
provides for assessment of platted land located in a home rule
charter or a statutory city that has a population of less than
5,000.  S.F. 1303, carried by Sen. Phil Riveness (DFL-
Bloomington), authorizes the formation of nonprofit corporations
for the purpose of owning low and moderate income housing
developments.  S.F. 1451, sponsored by Sen. Linda Berglin (DFL-
Mpls.), authorizes the city of Minneapolis to establish three
additional special service districts within the city.
     Three bills were heard but laid over.  S.F. 277, carried by
Sen. Steven Novak (DFL-New Brighton), provides for the
equalization of tax bases for governmental units throughout the
Metropolitan Area.  S.F. 211, carried by Sen. Janet Johnson (DFL-
North Branch), provides a reduced class rate for certain
commercial-industrial property.  S.F. 1419, sponsored by Novak,
modifies the sales factor for leases of mobile equipment that is
used in more than one state. 

Taxes and Tax Laws
Bills advance to floor
     Members of the Taxes and Tax Laws Committee, chaired by Sen.
Douglas J. Johnson (DFL-Cook), convened and forwarded several
bills to the floor Weds., May 3.  
     One such bill was S.F. 277, authored by Sen. Steven Novak
(DFL-New Brighton).  The bill changes the Metropolitan Revenue
Distribution Act contribution net tax formula to raise the
contribution value of market values over $150,000.  The amount is
then redistributed among the metro municipalities.  Novak
explained that it "narrows the gap and reduces disparities
between communities" in the Twin Cities.  The proposal, which
will benefit 83 percent of the Metropolitan Area, does not
mandate increased property taxes.  Al Hinkenberg, mayor of
Blaine, supported the bill and explained that there is a growing
mismatch between resource growth and problem growth - such as
crime and poverty - in the suburbs.  The bill addresses the need
for better regional planning, he said.
     Sen. Edward Oliver (IR-Deephaven) opposed the bill, stating
that it will have the effect of driving low-income residents out
of middle- upper-class areas.  The increase in taxes in these
areas will force residents to move to areas with lower property
taxes, he explained.  The bill has serious policy implications,
Oliver said.  Glen Dorfman of the Minnesota Association of
Realtors, seconded Oliver's concerns, stating that the bill will
hasten the exodus of poorer people in certain suburbs.  The bill
gained approval on a voice vote.
     Novak offered another bill that was approved.  S.F. 1419
changes the sales factor formula in movable property (such as
airplanes) to require that the receipts from leases of the
property be assigned to Minnesota "pro rata according to the
portion of use in the state."  The bill codifies language adopted
by the Multistate Tax Commission.  By assigning receipts to the
location of the services, a more consistent apportionment is
reached, Novak said.  Currently, he explained, the factor formula
is based on where the equipment is located.  The bill simplifies
and makes a more fair and sustainable formula, said Novak.  The
proposal derives from the experience of companies such, as
Northwest Airlines, that lease airplanes to smaller lines, Novak
continued.  The state will see a revenue gain of $5.5 million
annually due to the additional taxable income of financial
institutions, he added.
     At the meeting, discussion continued on Novak's property tax
proposal.  S.F. 1505 changes property class rates to a seven-
class system by keeping residential homestead rates static but
adjusting farm homestead, rental residential, commercial and
industrial property rates upward.  A basic tax rate is
established for each taxing jurisdiction, which is set equal to
the percentage share that each authority's local tax rate
represents of the total local tax rate within each unique taxing
jursidiction (UTJ) for 1995 taxes.  Novak reminded members that
currently a 140 percent differential exists between class rates
and effective rates.  This dramatic problem would be reformed by
the proposal, said Novak.  He continued, noting that reforming
the system to effective rates would result in a $880 million tax
cut per year.
     In other action, the committee sent H.F. 1567 to the floor.
The bill, sponsored by Sen. Lawrence Pogemiller (DFL-Mpls.),
establishes investment restrictions for local governments.  The
bill reorganizes and recodifies current language and tightens
investment powers regarding derivatives.  Pogemiller explained
that the impetus for the bill is the recent difficulties and
bankruptcy of Orange County due to risky investments.  Larger,
more sophisticated investors are still permitted to make these
investments, he noted, while requirements for public investors
and disclosure of gains and losses serves to provide stop-gaps.
     Pogemiller offered an amendment specifying the oversight
process and repurchase agreements required of cities and
counties.  Peter McLaughlin, Hennepin County Commissioner, said
that the provision does not expand current authority and provides
the county with additional returns from sound investment
practices.  The amendment was adopted.
     Earlier in the meeting, the committee sent S.F. 467 to the
floor.  Addressing the need for units of local governments to
communicate, the bill funds a public safety radio system in the
Twin Cities area.  Sen. Ted Mondale (DFL-St. Louis Park), author
of the bill, explained that existing channels are at full
capacity and local governments need to pool together for better
information-sharing.  The proposals authorizes the Metropolitan
Council to issue revenue bonds for the first phase of the plan,
levies funds from participating governments, and requires $3
million in general obligation funds.  
     Sen. Richard Cohen (DFL-St. Paul) received approval of his
bill relating to tax exemptions.  The bill, S.F. 10, exempts
cottages on federal lands from local property taxes. 

Thursday, April 27
Rules resolution approved
     Senators approved changes to the Permanent Rules of the
Senate during the afternoon floor session, Thurs., Apr. 27.
Members debated 16 amendments before the final passage of the
resolution.
     Sen. Ember Reichgott Junge (DFL-New Hope) presented the
Senate resolution, outlining the changes dealing with Senate
committees, bills and resolutions, and the conduct of Senators
and staff.
     Among the proposals is a new rule specifying that a bill
prepared by a department or agency must be given its first
reading three weeks before committee deadline in odd numbered
years and two weeks before deadline in even years. Reichgott
Junge outlined additional changes, including provisions limiting
committee chair terms to two consecutive Senate terms beginning
in the 80th Legislative Session, requiring adjournment of
committees by 11 p.m. unless suspended by a two-thirds vote of
members, and reorganizing a section of the rules dealing with
ethical conduct of Senators and lobbyists.
     Changes made to a section dealing with appointment of
committees received considerable debate. The proposal specifies
that the Chair of the Committee on Rules and Administration may
add members to or delete members from standing committees after
consultation and advice from the minority leader.
     Several attempts to remove or otherwise alter the new
language were rejected by the full Senate. Sen. David Knutson
(IR-Burnsville) offered an amendment deleting the provision
altogether but the amendment failed on a 25-36 vote.
     Two other amendments failed as well. One, offered by Sen.
Martha Robertson (IR-Minnetonka), would have made committee
assignments temporary during the interim. Another, offered by
Sen. Sheila Kiscaden (IR-Rochester), would have required the
notification of affected members if committee assignments are
changed.
     Sen. Linda Berglin (DFL-Mpls.), successfully offered an
amendment specifying that a fiscal note must travel along with a
bill.
     Sen. Dean Johnson (IR-Willmar), attempted to change the date
when the provision limiting the term of a committee chair goes
into effect to next session. Reichgott Junge successfully amended
the Johnson amendment to make the provision effective after the
78th Legislature.
     Sen. Roy Terwilliger (IR-Edina) attempted to amend the
resolution by requiring a three-fifths vote of the full Senate if
a bill, amendment or committee report provides for an income tax
or sales tax increase; however, Sen. Jane Krentz (DFL-May
Township), who was presiding over the Senate, ruled that the
amendment was out of order.

Friday, April 28    
Insurance bill approved
     The Senate unanimously approved S.F. 440, the insurance
omnibus bill, Fri., Apr. 28. Chief author, Sen. John Hottinger
(DFL-Mankato) summarized the measure for members, highlighting
certain provisions. Besides authorizing the sale of policies that
combine long term care benefits and life insurance policies, the
bill requires subscriber groups to comply with cancellation
requirements, while setting a maximum liability period of 120
days for the insurer, regardless of notice. Additionally,
insurers and HMO's are required to provide coverage for newborns
under a grandparent's policy, if the baby is dependent upon the
grandparent.
     Sen. Pat Piper (DFL-Austin) offered an amendment that
requires insurers to cover bone marrow transplants (BMT) in
patients with breast cancer. The controversial amendment passed,
54-11, but only after lengthy debate concerning the treatment's
efficacy, as well as the procedure's inherent risks.
     Sen. Sheila Kiscaden (IR-Rochester) opposed the amendment
saying that to require payment for a treatment that carries
significant risks, high costs, and questionable results is
irresponsible. "Let's wait until we have completed the studies,"
said Kiscaden, referring to clinical trials currently conducted
by the National Cancer Institute.
     "These women and their families can't wait," Piper said,
"they don't have time in their favor."
     Piper also pointed out that a Hennepin County Court recently
ruled in favor of a patient who brought suit against an insurer
for payment of BMT. She told members that in light of the recent
ruling, a "no" vote would incur unnecessary costs in terms of
human suffering, time, and money.
     An amendment that raises the lifetime benefit paid out by
the Minnesota Comprehensive Health Association to $1.5 million,
offered by Sen. Steve Murphy (DFL-Red Wing), was adopted, and
members granted final passage to S.F. 440.
     Sen. Ember Reichgott Junge (DFL-New Hope) presented S.F.
1052, a bill aimed at reducing domestic abuse. Reichgott Junge
told members that the goal of the measure is to get swift help to
families needing treatment. 
     The bill includes a provision that allows minors, who are
victims of abuse, to petition on their own behalf for an order of
protection. Reichgott Junge offered an amendment that further
broadened the scope of those allowed to petition, to include a
family or household member, a guardian or other representative.
     Sen. Thomas Neuville (IR-Northfield) objected to the move,
saying that it would set a precedent of allowing minors to bring
actions against their parents.
     Reichgott Junge argued that violence against a minor should
carry the same consequences as does violence against an adult.
"We're trying to make it a little easier for these very scared
and vulnerable victims to get help." 
     The amendment failed on a roll call vote, 33-33, prompting
Reichgott Junge to lay the bill on the table.

Wetlands protection bill
     The Senate passed a bill revising the 1991 Wetlands
Conservation Act at the Fri., Apr. 28, session.  Sponsored by
Sen. LeRoy Stumpf (DFL-Thief River Falls), S.F. 483 provides
greater flexibility to local units of government by giving
counties enforcement power over wetlands regulations, expanding
exemptions from wetland replacement plans, and increasing the
total area of wetlands that triggers regulatory action.
     Stumpf pointed to the "tremendously unworkable nature" of
the 1991 Act as the impetus for the bill.  The existing system is
overly restrictive, duplicative and not coordinated, said Stumpf. 
In addition to the mass of red tape and regulations, he said,
private citizens have incurred huge costs for compliance and
litigation, as well as loss of property value.  The bill provides
"local flexibility while preserving the philosophy of the
Wetlands Conservation Act," he continued.
     An amendment, presented by Stumpf, provides for more
restrictive standards for drainage systems, sets a minimum
replacement requirement for transportation projects at a 1 to 1
ratio, and redefines agricultural land.  It also eliminates the
de minimis exemption (triggering regulatory action) for type 4
and 5 wetlands.  The amendment includes more local participation
and finds middle ground between regulation and practicality,
Stumpf said.  The amendment was adopted.
     Sen. Gene Merriam (DFL-Coon Rapids) opposed the bill by
offering an amendment returning the bill to the version approved
by the Environment and Natural Resources Committee.  The version
balances local decision-making and agency oversight, he said. 
Merriam explained that the amendment represents a thoughtful
compromise that reduces administration for smaller projects while
retaining protection in critical wetland areas of the state. 
Supporting the amendment, Sen. Steven Morse (DFL-Dakota) said
that the Stumpf version exempts small areas near wetlands and
opens them up for destruction.  This would turn the Wetlands
Conservation Act into the "Wetlands Construction Act," Morse
argued, and encouraged members to retain protection by approving
Merriam's amendment.
     Opposing the amendment, Sen. Charles Berg (DFL-Chokio) said
that the current legislation and the Merriam amendment are
"totally unworkable" and support a ridiculous bureaucracy. 
Citizens want local control and decision-making in wetlands, Berg
stated.  After extensive discussion, Merriam's amendment failed
by a tie vote of 33-33.
     Another amendment was offered by Sen. Harold "Skip" Finn
(DFL-Cass Lake).  The proposal provides continued protection for
type 1 wetlands and expands the definition to prohibit the
draining and filling of the wetlands.  Contesting the amendment,
Sen. Steve Dille (IR-Dassel) explained that type 1 wetlands are
little more than seasonal pools, and that Finn's amendment is an
example of "regulatory overkill."  The amendment gained approval
by a vote of 34-32.  

Monday, May 1
Commissions bill okayed 
     A bill that abolishes eight legislative commissions was
granted final passage at the Mon., May 1, floor session.
     Acting on Special Orders, the Senators passed S.F. 1290,
sponsored by Sen. Roger Moe (DFL-Erskine). The measure eliminates
the Legislative Commission on Children, Youth and their Families,
the Legislative Water Commission, the Legislative Commission on
the Economic Status of Women, the Legislative Commission on Child
Protection, the Legislative Commission on Health Care Access, the
Legislative Commission on Long-term Health Care, the Legislative
Commission on Waste Management, and the Legislative Tax Study
Commission. The bill transfers functions of the Legislative
Commission on Minnesota Resources to the Office of Strategic and
Long-range Planning. 
     Moe said that the Legislative Coordinating Commission (LCC),
the agency that oversees the commissions, was originally
established to perform tasks that would not make sense for the
House and Senate to do separately, and the bill restores it to
that function.  He said that the Legislature must do its share of
cost-cutting along with other government agencies. "We are asking
others to downsize, and I believe we also have to look at
ourselves," Moe said.
     As originally written, the bill would have also eliminated
the Legislative Commission to Review Administrative Rules. The
Senators, however approved an author's amendment retaining that
commission. 
     Several other members presented amendments, each of which
would retain one of the commissions. The amendments, however,
failed to gain approval, and the measure was passed on a 56-10
vote.
     The Senate also voted unanimously to grant final passage to
a bill that expands the scope of the patterned sex offender
sentencing law. S.F. 882, carried by Sen. Jane Ranum (DFL-Mpls.),
requires training for judges, prosecutors, peace officers, and
sex offender assessors on sentencing laws applicable to repeat
and patterned sex offenders. It makes several other changes,
including expanding the interference with privacy crime to
include persons who intrude on the privacy of occupants of hotel
sleeping rooms and tanning booths, and increasing penalties for
committing the crime of indecent exposure in the presence of a
child under the age of 16.  
      Members approved an amendment, offered by Ranum, that makes
it a gross misdemeanor for a person who has been committed as a
sexual psychopathic personality, a sexually dangerous person, or
as mentally ill and dangerous to escape from the facility to
which they were committed.  The bill was then passed on a 59-0
vote.
     S.F. 537 was also granted final passage. The measure,
sponsored by Sen. Steve Murphy (DFL-Red Wing), requires the
refund of license fees to applicants who do not receive their
licenses within six weeks. The bill also requests an evaluation
of the new driver's license system by the Legislative Audit
Commission.  Murphy said the bill grew out of the frustration
surrounding the new system, which has left 40,000 Minnesotans
waiting for licenses. He said that when the Legislature granted
original approval for the system, the Division of Driver and
Vehicle Services said that the system would have a 10-day
turnaround time. Instead, Murphy said, the wait in many cases is
six months. The bill was passed, 54-7.
      Members also voted to pass another bill relating to license
processing. S.F. 538, also sponsored by Murphy, applies the
refund requirement to other types of licenses if the licenses are
not issued within six weeks. The bill was approved on a 60-0
vote.
     In other business, S.F. 399, a bill providing for forfeiture
of snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, and motorboats for DWI-
related offenses, was also granted final passage. The bill,
sponsored by Sen. David Knutson (IR-Burnsville), passed on a 38-
22 vote.  
     The Senate also passed S.F. 1127, a bill authorizing the
sale of public access site on Lake Minnetonka. The bill, authored
by Sen. Gen Olson (IR-Minnetrista), was approved on a 60-0 vote.
S.F. 1451, authorizing the city of Minneapolis to establish three
new special service districts, was also granted final passage on
a 59-0 vote.

Primary election maintained
     A bill maintaining Minnesota's presidential primary and
moving the state's primary election into June won approval of the
full Senate during the Mon. afternoon, May 1, floor session.
     S.F. 115, sponsored by Sen. Carol Flynn (DFL-Mpls.),
modifies the endorsement process for the state's constitutional
officers.  Under the proposal, candidates for one of the state's
constitutional offices must demonstrate they have a certain level
of support within their party in order to appear on the ballot. 
     To appear on the ballot, candidates must have received at
least 20 percent of the votes on any ballot during the endorsing
convention.  Candidates may also appear on the ballot if they
file a petition that has been signed by a number of voters equal
to at least one percent of the total number of votes cast in the
last state primary.
     The bill also changes the name of the primary election to
the "state party nominating election" and allows a candidate
endorsed by a major party to have the word "endorsed" by their
name on the ballot, unless they request it not appear. 
Candidates also have one day, instead of the three days now in
law, after the final filing date to withdraw their name from a
primary election ballot.
     In its original form, the bill repeals the state
presidential primary but Flynn offered an amendment removing the
provision and setting the primary for the third Tuesday in June. 
That amendment sparked a lengthy debate on the merits of a
presidential primary.  Opponents of the amendment argued the
primary is a costly enterprise that has no impact on the major
parties' delegation selection.  Sen. John Marty (DFL-Roseville)
called the primary "a mandate on local governments."  
     Sen. Gene Merriam (DFL-Coon Rapids), questioned whether the
primary was a good use of taxpayer dollars.  "If we're going to
use taxpayers' dollars, let's make it count [in the delegate
selection process]," he said.
     But proponents of the presidential primary responded it does
involve the voters in the process.  Sen. Douglas Johnson (DFL-
Cook) said the state parties are working to make the presidential
primary a binding one.  "Minnesotans have a right to be
participants in that process," he said.
     Describing his own experiences in national elections, Sen.
Ted Mondale (DFL-St. Louis Park) argued the presidential primary
does matter to candidates.  "For someone to say it is meaningless
doesn't understand the process," he said, "There's momentum to be
gained in these primaries.  People do care how it comes out."
     By a 39-27 margin, the Senate adopted the portion of the
amendment maintaining the presidential primary.  On a voice vote,
members also adopted moving the primary to the third Tuesday in
June.
     A number of other efforts were made to amend the bill but
none were successful.  Marty proposed setting the presidential
primary on the first Tuesday in August, but his amendment was
rejected, 22-40.
     Sen. Roy Terwilliger (IR-Edina) proposed removing the
sections of the bill that set the requirements for a candidate to
appear on a nominating election ballot.  His amendment was
defeated, 18-45.  Terwilliger's proposal to retain the name of
the election as a primary election, rather than as the "state
party nominating election", failed on a 26-26 vote.
     Also rejected by an 18-45 margin was an amendment, sponsored
by Sen. Cal Larson (IR-Fergus Falls), calling for a repeal of the
party caucus system.  Sen. Sheila Kiscaden (IR-Rochester) offered
an amendment to remove provisions that allow candidates on the
primary ballot to have the word "endorsed" next to their name. 
The amendment was defeated, 21-44.
     S.F. 115 was given final passage by a 50-16 margin.

MinnesotaCare bill tabled
     With an amendment to prohibit elective abortions under the
state's health plan pending, the Senate's consideration of a bill
modifying the MinnesotaCare program was ended late Mon.
afternoon, May 1, when the measure was tabled.
     S.F. 845, sponsored by Sen. Linda Berglin (DFL-Mpls.),
modifies many provisions of the MinnesotaCare program.  Under the
proposal, the eligibility requirements are expanded to include
individuals from households without children and who are below
150 percent of the federal poverty level. 
     The bill also creates a prescription drug benefits program
for low-income Medicare beneficiaries and a program to help
senior citizens receive reasonably-priced prescriptions.  The
measure also removes the requirement that universal coverage will
be achieved by July 1, 1997 and modifies the definition of
universal coverage.  Changes in the requirements on health plan
companies are also included.
     An amendment prohibiting elective abortion as a covered
medical expense under the MinnesotaCare program was presented by
Sen. Thomas Neuville (IR-Northfield).  Berglin offered an
amendment to the Neuville proposal that prohibits the use of
state funds for payment of the procedures.  The Senate narrowly
defeated the Berglin amendment, 32-34.
     With the Neuville amendment pending, the author moved to
table the bill and the Senate approved the motion.  That action
ended nearly four hours of debate.  Over the course of that
debate, more than 25 amendments were placed before the members
for consideration.
     Earlier in the debate, Neuville authored an amendment that
removes elective abortions from the definition of "appropriate
and necessary care" under health plans.  The procedure would be
permitted, Neuville explained, but not paid for by insurance.  A
provision of the amendment forbids courts from selectively
striking portions of the amendments.  This measure, he explained,
makes sure "courts are not setting our policy."  
     Strongly opposed to the amendment, Sen. Deanna Weiner (DFL-
Eagan) said that it "treads in dangerous waters".  We are tying
the hands of physicians who may want to prescribe medications
such as the morning after pill, and not allowing flexibility, she
offered.  The amendment was attached to the bill.
     Among additional amendments was a proposal presented by
Berglin, allowing that no holder of a health insurance plan be
required to purchase a plan that offers elective abortion
coverage.  The amendment was adopted on a voice vote.
     Several other amendments, sponsored by the bill's chief
author, were approved.  Among them was a proposals permitting
reimbursement for treatment by marriage and family therapists if
those services are part of a managed care program.  Another
amendment defines the average manufacturer's price in order to
determine the discount levels that will be used under the
prescription drug programs.
     An amendment allowing the Dept. of Health to issue a fine on
individuals who are uninsured was offered by Sen. Edward Oliver
(IR-Deephaven).  The proposal institutes a $100 penalty on
individuals whose income is 275 percent above the federal poverty
line but who are not enrolled in a health plan starting Jan. 1,
1997.  Under the amendment, the penalty increases to $200 in 1998
and $400 in 1999.
     Oliver said the fines will provide an incentive for
uninsured individuals to obtain medical coverage. "If someone is
voluntarily uninsured and they are injured, we all are going to
pay for their medical care," Oliver said.  He said the provision
had been a part of the bill until it was removed in the Finance
Committee.
     Berglin said the proposal is extends the intent of the
MinnesotaCare program to those who do not need subsidies to pay
for health care insurance.  "If we say we will subsidize people
up to a certain level," she said, "it is reasonable to say to
those above that level that they should have health care
coverage."
     But the amendment ran into considerable opposition.  Sen.
Phil Riveness (DFL-Bloomington) said the amendment adds to the
bureaucracy of the Dept. of Health, creating a group responsible
for pursuing "scofflaws" who do not carry insurance.  "I don't
know anyone, of reasonable intelligence, who will not enroll in a
health plan.," he said.
     Sen. Roy Terwilliger (IR-Edina) joined in the opposition. 
"No other state does this," he said, "We are giving insurance
companies a mandated place in the market."  "If we start here,
are we going to require people to have life insurance or flood
insurance?" Sen. Dennis Frederickson (IR-New Ulm) said.  The
amendment is an example of "intrusive, big-brother government,"
he said, "and I don't think that's a path we want to go down."
     The Oliver amendment was defeated on a 21-42 roll call vote.
     Sen. Sheila Kiscaden (IR-Rochester) presented an amendment
providing exceptions to the retrospective review and approval
process.  Under the amendment, major health care providers will
not need to go through the review and approval process when
commit their resources for equipment purchases, the maintenance
or remodeling of facilities, or to support activities that do not
relate health care service delivery.  The amendment was adopted.
     Riveness offered an amendment to equalize the 2 percent
provider tax paid by pharmacies and health care providers. 
Currently, the tax becomes counted as part of the providers'
gross receipts; therefore, Riveness explained, providers are
taxed twice on the amount.  Berglin opposed the amendment, saying
that this revenue source should not be jeopardized.  Questions
were also raised about a possible conflict with federal
regulations.  The amendment failed by a vote of 33-32.
     Another defeated amendment was offered by Terwilliger that
keeps MinnesotaCare eligibility for single persons with no
children at 125 percent of the poverty level.  In the bill, the
level is raised to 150 percent.  Terwilliger pleaded with the
members to consider cost projections and federal uncertainty by
adopting the amendment.  The change represents $134 million in
savings, he explained, and would give the fund a $106 million
surplus.  Berglin opposed the measure, saying that people at the
150 percent level cannot afford insurance and MinnesotaCare will
encourage them to participate in the workforce.  It is
"irresponsible" to impose a freeloader penalty while not
providing affordable insurance to the poor, she said.  The
amendment failed by a 28-37 margin.

Tuesday, May 2
Children's department approved
     At the Tues., May 2, floor session of the Senate, members
approved a bill that combines a variety of programs dealing with
children and families and creates the Children, Families and
Learning Department.
     Calling it a "government restructuring plan whose time has
come," author Sen. Jane Ranum (DFL-Mpls.) outlined the goals of
S.F. 1103, the bill carrying the provisions creating the new
department.
     Ranum said currently the state provides fragmented services
for children and families that channel money to the bureaucracy
instead of to the children. The new department focuses resources
and energy into an integrated, seamless system to better help
kids in need, from infants through high school, Ranum said.
     She explained that the new agency would be half the size of
the five agencies from which programs are transferred, or 590
employees with a $2.9 billion budget for FY 97. No new funds are
appropriated; costs are either transferred from current agencies
or absorbed by the affected departments.
     The new agency will be phased in over the next year, with
the Department of Education abolished Sept. 30, 1995. Programs
from other agencies will be transferred by July 1, 1996.
     Senators spent considerable time discussing an amendment,
offered by Ranum, that adds 16 programs dealing with children and
families that had been contained in the original bill but removed
in subsequent committee hearings.
     Sen. Don Samuelson (DFL-Brainard) objected to the amendment
and then moved to separate four provisions from the amendment for
further discussion. Sen. Linda Berglin (DFL-Mpls.) also opposed
the inclusion of the additional programs, specifically provisions
relating to the children's mental health program.
     The entire amendment was eventually adopted after three
votes on the separate provisions.
     Sen. Charles Berg (DFL-Chokio) failed in an attempt to amend
the bill by removing the state's Head Start Program from the
umbrella of the Children, Families and Learning Department. Berg
said he feared the successful program would get "buried in
bureaucracy." But Ranum said the program had been added to the
department at the urging of Head Start representatives.
     The Senate approved the bill 48-15.
     The Senate also approved a bill, carried by Sen. Harold
"Skip" Finn (DFL-Cass Lake), dealing with data practices,
financial assistance data, child abuse victim videotapes, and
health data.
     Several amendments were added to the omnibus data privacy
bill, S.F. 1279, including one successfully offered by Sen. David
Knutson (IR-Burnsville). The amendment makes information related
to legislative or budget proposals of any state agency under the
direct control of the governor protected, nonpublic data. The
bill only covered proposals of the state administration,
specifically the Governor's Office and the Dept. of Finance. The
amendment specifies that the data can be released "if disclosure
would aid the administration [or agency] in considering and
preparing its proposals."
     Finn opposed the amendment saying he didn't think "the
bureaucracy should be denied that scrutiny."
     Two amendments dealing with student data and what data are
available from schools also were considered. Sen. Linda Runbeck
(IR-Circle Pines) offered one amendment that would have made
information on students private, including any information
contained in a school directory. Several Senators opposed the
provision. Sen. Kevin Chandler (DFL-White Bear Lake) said he
supported the goal of the amendment but he could see ridiculous
results if schools are not given flexibility to determine how
best to use student information. He specifically noted the use of
programs during sporting events or the high school year book
would be prohibited under the Runbeck amendment. Runbeck withdrew
the amendment.
     Sen. Leonard Price (DFL-Woodbury) attempted to amend the
bill with a provision that would make student addresses and
telephone numbers private unless the student or student's parents
gives consent to use the information in a public directory. The
amendment failed on a 29-36 vote.

Government reform bill okayed
     In an effort to stream line government, the Senate granted
final passage to S.F. 1246, the omnibus government reform bill,
during an afternoon floor session Tues., May 2. "This is an
attempt to make state government more user friendly," said chief
author, Sen. Phil Riveness (DFL-Bloomington). He told members
that the measure will "change the culture of state government,
and improve customer service."
     The bill, which Riveness said was the result of a bi-
partisan effort of the Government Operations Committee, abolishes
more than 400 annual reports written by the agencies for the
legislature, repeals 457 rules, eliminates and reorganizes a
number of agencies, and establishes a citizen advocacy program
within the Dept. of Administration. Additionally, S.F. 1246
requires government units to respond to applications for land-use
permits within 60 days and clarifies statutory waiver
requirements with respect to the housing finance agency for the
civil service pilot project. "The purpose of all this is to put
the citizens first," Riveness said.
     An amendment to abolish several legislative commissions,
offered by Riveness, was adopted. Riveness told members that the
amendment consists of Sen. Roger Moe's (DFL-Erskine) initiative
to improve productivity, by trimming costs and commissions.
     A second Riveness amendment, to establish the Dept. of
Children, Families and Learning, prompted debate among members.
     Sen. Linda Berglin (DFL-Mpls.) objected to folding the
department's establishment into the omnibus government reform
package. "This should be done on it's own, as a separate bill,"
Berglin said. Sen. Jane Ranum (DFL-Mpls.) countered, saying that
the incorporation of S.F. 1103 as an amendment to S.F. 1246 "is
completely appropriate--they're both about restructuring
government."
     Sen. Charles Berg (DFL-Chokio) objected to the amendment
saying that it was not germane. "If this bill is about stream-
lining government, then why are we creating a whole new
department here?" he asked. However Sen. Allen Spear (DFL-Mpls.),
President of the Senate, ruled the amendment germane.
     Sen. Gary Laidig (IR-Stillwater) also opposed the creation
of the department. "I'm afraid this bill has gotten so wide it's
going to collapse under it's own weight," he added. Nonetheless,
the amendment was adopted, 30-9.
     An amendment that establishes a pilot project to review and
improve the state's civil service system, was approved by
Senators. Riveness said that the project's intent is to ensure
the continuation of merit-based principles, while removing rules
and procedures that cause unnecessary inefficiencies in the state
human resources system. "It's important to establish incentives
for employees to act in a way that ensures the best service to
the public," Riveness said.
     Sen. Dean Johnson (IR-Willmar) raised concerns about the
scope of the bill's reorganization plan, and cautioned members
about its far reaching provisions. "Do we fully understand that
this bill abolishes the Dept. of Natural Resources? That it
eliminates certain responsibilities of the Departments of
Agriculture and Transportation?" he asked. Johnson told members
that the bill represents a "major, major change in the way state
government operates."

Waste management bill passed
     The latter portion of the Tues., May 2, floor session was
devoted to discussion of amendments to the Waste Management Act
and to debate over a bill aimed at curbing militia activity in
Minnesota.
     S.F. 462, authored by Sen. Janet Johnson (DFL-North Branch),
makes primarily technical changes to the state's waste management
statutes.  However, amendments offered to the bill sparked
considerable debate.  An amendment, offered by Sen. Kevin
Chandler (DFL-White Bear Lake), specifies that it is a deceptive
trade practice to make false environmental marketing claims. 
Opponents of the amendment argued that the amendment adds more
responsibilities to the Attorney General's Office without
providing additional funding.  Chandler countered that the
Attorney General's Office already is charged with investigating
similar cases and that the office supports the amendment.  Sen.
Linda Runbeck (IR-Circle Pines), said that the amendment places
an unfair burden on businesses.  Chandler successfully argued
that the businesses who make truthful environmental claims are
the entities most damaged by the deceptive practices of
competitors.  The amendment was adopted on a 35-25 roll call
vote.
     Another amendment, offered by Chandler, also touched off
debate.  The amendment prohibits the disposal of corrugated
cardboard in landfills.  Opponents of the amendment argued that
no other recyclable product is prohibited from disposal in
landfills and that an exception should not be made for cardboard. 
Chandler countered that the market demand is very high for
recycling cardboard and that the prohibition would help satisfy
the demand.  Johnson spoke against the amendment, urging members
to "let market forces" work in recycling corrugated paper
products.  The amendment failed on a voice vote.  The bill was
then granted final passage on a vote of 59-0.
     Members also granted preliminary approval to a bill making a
number of changes to the criminal statutes.  S.F. 1564, authored
by Sen. Ellen Anderson (DFL-St. Paul), amends the definitions of
manslaughter in the first degree, manslaughter in the second
degree and receiving profits from prostitution.  The measure also
requires reports on gunshot wounds. In addition, the bill expands
the definition of electronic incapacitation device and increases
the penalty for its unauthorized use.  The bill also authorizes
the use of drivers' license photographs to investigate or
prosecute crimes, authorizes sentencing courts to order the
payment of restitution to victim assistance programs and adds a
fine provision to the terroristic threats crime.
     Debate on the measure centered on an amendment, offered by
Sen. Richard Cohen (DFL-St. Paul), that makes it a gross
misdemeanor to teach or demonstrate to any other person how to
use or make any firearm, explosive or incendiary device knowing
or having reason to know that it will be unlawfully used in a
civil disorder.  Cohen said the amendment is aimed at curbing
paramilitary groups' activities.  Some members questioned the
proposal because it has not gone through the committee process. 
Cohen responded that the amendment is a response to the tragedy
in Oklahoma City and, because the bombing occurred after the
deadlines for committee work, offering the proposal as an
amendment was the only avenue available.  Members approved the
amendment on a roll call vote of 53-0.  The bill was then given
preliminary approval on a voice vote.

Wednesday, May 3
Dove season shot down
     The Senate passed the omnibus game and fish bill during the
Wed., May 3, floor session, but not before a provision
designating the mourning dove as a game bird was voted out the
measure.
     S.F. 621, authored by Sen. Bob Lessard (DFL-Int'l. Falls),
makes changes to a variety of the state's fish and game
regulations. Included in the bill are provisions establishing a
hunting heritage week, and requiring a plan for a firearms safety
program.  The measure modifies other hunting requirements,
expands the requirement for possession of a trout and salmon
stamp, and changes the statewide length limit for northern pike. 
The measure, after some debate, won approval on a 58-0 vote.
     It was the provision naming the mourning dove as a game bird
that generated the most discussion and attracted several
amendments.  Sen. Charles Berg (DFL-Chokio) offered an amendment
authorizing a two-year mourning dove hunting season in the
southern and western portions of the state.  The amendment also
called upon the Dept. of Natural Resources (DNR) to report on the
temporary season and recommend if the season should be allowed to
continue.
     Berg said Minnesota and Iowa were the only two states west
of the Mississippi River that do not have a dove hunting season. 
The amendment, Berg said, "seems like a reasonable compromise"
between proponents and opponents of the season because it sets up
a two-year experiment and requires the DNR to report on the
temporary season.
     Sen. Pat Pariseau (IR-Farmington) said the Berg amendment
represents "a serious attempt" to determine if a season should be
established.  "Wild game is a fine kind of food," she said, "We
should take a serious look at whether this season is reasonable."
     Sen. Allan Spear (DFL-Mpls.) said the proposal to establish
a mourning dove hunting season was "a familiar ritual," noting
that measure was the 17th proposal calling for a mourning dove
season that has been considered by the Legislature since 1946. 
"There is no need to have an experiment on the hunting of
mourning doves," he said, "Either you want to shoot those little
songbirds or you don't want to shoot little songbirds."
     Spear said the state has "a lot of game bird species" and
that another one was not needed.  He said that only about one
ounce of meat would come from each dove and that it would be "a
little like trying to eat a robin or a parakeet."  "Let's get rid
of this continual ritual of trying to establish a mourning dove
season," he urged.  The Senate rejected Berg's amendment by an
18-37 margin.
     The discussion on the mourning dove season reached its peak
when Sen. Steve Murphy (DFL-Red Wing) offered an amendment to
remove the provision from the bill.  Berg, speaking in opposition
to the amendment, said, "Why should deny hunters the opportunity
to hunt the bird of choice?"  But Murphy said the "bird of
choice" in Minnesota among hunters hardly would be the mourning
dove.  "Of all the people that I hunt with, the birds of choice
have always been waterfowl," he said.  Murphy's amendment was
approved, 38-20.
     Two other amendments, both offered by Sen. Harold "Skip"
Finn (DFL-Cass Lake), were added to the bill.  The first
amendment clarifies the requirements for the disposition of
seized property, other than boats or other sports craft, after a
conviction has been handed down for violation of game and fish
laws.  The second amendment requires that a provision, repealing
the restrictions placed on Minnesota anglers who fish in Ontario,
may not be superseded by any other action of the Legislature.

Floor Action
Bills granted final passage on Special Orders afternoon April 27,
1995
S.F. 1180-Berg: Makes numerous changes to laws relating to off-
highway motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, reciprocal agreements,
migratory game birds, fish house identification, fish taken in
Canada, exotic species, powers of enforcement officers and
collector snowmobiles and provides for regulation of shooting
ranges. 50-14

Bills granted final passage on Special Orders April 28, 1995
S.F. 440-Hottinger: Omnibus insurance bill, regulates coverages,
notice provisions, enforcement provisions, fees, licensees and
makes technical changes. 61-0
H.F. 787-Stumpf: Makes changes to laws regulating wetland
protection and management. 46-20
S.F. 1052-Reichgott Junge: Conforms domestic abuse definitions,
includes persons with significant relationships, allows minors to
petiition on their own behalf for orders for protection, modifies
petition requirements and clarifies portions of the assault in
the fifth degree statute which concern domestic assault. Laid on
the table.

Bills granted final passage on Special Orders May 1, 1995
S.F. 537-Murphy: Requires the refund of license fees to
applicants who do not receive drivers licenses, duplicate drivers
licenses, permits, or Minnesota identification cards within six
weeks and requests a Legislative Audit Commission evaluation of
the dirvers license and identification card program.  54-7
S.F. 538-Murphy: Reuqires the refund of license fees to
applicants if licenses are not issued within six weeks. 60-0
S.F. 399-Knutson: Provides for forfeiture of snowmobiles, all-
terrain vehicles and motorboats for designated, DWI-related
offenses and extends the vehicle forfeiture law by expanding the
definition of prior conviction to include other types of
vehicles. 
S.F. 882-Ranum: Expands the scope of the patterned sex offender
sentencing law, requires training for judges, prosecutors, peace
officers and sex offender assessors on sentencing laws applicable
to repeat and patterned sex offenders, and expands the
interference with privacy crime to include persons who intrude on
the privacy of occupants of hotel sleeping rooms and tanning
booths. 59-0
S.F. 1127-Olson: Authorizes the public sale of state land in
Hennepin County. 60-0
S.F. 1451-Berglin: Authorizes the city of Minneapolis to
establish three additional specical service districts within the
city. 59-0
S.F. 1290-Moe: Abolishes several legislative commissions under
the jurisdiction of the Legislative Coordinating Commission. 
56-10
S.F. 115-Flynn: Changes the name of the state partisan primary to
the state party nominating election, moves the state party
nominating election and primary from September to June and
repeals the presidential primary election. 50-16
S.F. 865-Berglin: MinnesotaCare bill. Expands provisions of
health care, establishes requirements for integrated service
networks, modifies requirements for health plan companies,
establishes the standard health coverage, repeals the regulated
all-payer option and establishes a drug purchasing benefit
program for senior citizens.  Laid on the table.

Bills granted preliminary passage on General Orders May 2, 1995
H.F. 1678-Stumpf: Allows an outlet fee to be charged for use of
an established drainage system in Red Lake County as an outlet
for drainage originating in Polk County.
S.F. 877-Wiener: Changes and clarifies laws relating to the
building code and zoning law and amends the interstate compact on
industrialized/modular buildings.
S.F. 1362-Lessard: Provides for the coordination of efforts of
public and private sectors in the sustainable management, use,
development and protection of Minnesota's forest resources and
establishes a forest resources council and regional forest
resource committees. 
H.F. 1371-Metzen: Makes changes to laws relating to securities by
regulating disclosure of payment received for directing order
flow.
S.F. 1079-Frederickson: Reduces 1995 appropriations to various
state government agencies and departments and makes deficiency
appropriations to other government agencies and departments.
S.F. 1503-Stevens: Requires fireworks display operators to be
certified by the state fire marshal and sets fees. 
S.F. 979-Johnston:  Regulates hazardous material transporters,
requires fingerprints of motor carrier managers for criminal
background checks, makes technical changes related to calculating
proportional mileage under the international registration plan,
specifies violations that may result in suspension or revocation
of permits and provides for disposition of fees collected for
hazardous material registration, licensing and permitting.  
S.F. 1122-Lessard: Establishes a program for funding response
actions to address environmental contamination from drycleaning
facilities.
S.F. 1173-Chandler: Regulates the sale of local exchange service 
territory. 
S.F. 1564-Anderson:  Makes numerous changes to criminal laws and
changes a variety of definitions and provides that it is a gross
misdemeanor to teach or demonstrate to any other person how to
use or make any firearm, explosive, or incendiary device knowing
or having reason to know that it will be unlawfully employed for
use in, or in furtherance of, a civil disorder.

Conference committee reports adopted and repassed May 2, 1995
S.F. 308-Marty:  Authorizes special registration plates for
persons subject to an impoundment order and clarifies the
definition of prior license revocation.  58-0


Bills granted final passage on Special Orders May 2, 1995
H.F. 1207-Murphy: Increases the maximum length of combinations of
vehicles from 65-70 feet.  54-3
S.F. 1310-Frederickson: Provides for the development of a long-
range expenditure plan for state expenditures. 56-0
H.F. 617-Stumpf: Makes changes in laws relating to various public
pension plans, makes various individual and small group pension
accommodations and makes various pension plan adminsitrative
changes. 57-0
S.F. 1303-Riveness: Authorizes the formation of nonprofit
corporations for the purpose owning low and moderate income
housing developments. 58-1
H.F. 358-Johnson, J.B.: Clarifies that the Public Utilities
Commission may extend the deadline for rate suspension period by
20 days when necessary to first make final determination on
another, previously filed rate case, allows exemption from rate
regulation for a small electric utility franchise, and allows a
longer review time for granting petition for rehearing by the
Public Utilities Commission. 63-0
H.F. 1256-Johnson, J.B.: Adops federal energy standards for air
conditions, certain gas-burning equipment, lamps, showerheads,
and faucets. 64-0
H.F. 1246-Kiscaden: Requires child care for school age children
not operated by a school to be licensed and changes the
definition of toddler and preschooler for family day care
programs serving siblings.  59-3
H.F. 265-Berg: Makes technical amendments to eliminate references
to telracing facilities, regulates testing facilities for the
testing of gambling devices, regulates bingo and lawful purpose
expenditures, regulates credit and sales to delinquent
organizations and provides for contributions to compulsive
gambling programs. 64-0
S.F. 1136-Betzold: Department of Human Services technical bill.
Brings child support laws into conformity with federal law. 58-0
S.F. 1078-Frederickson:  Changes accounting procedures, changes
the dollar threshold for approval of gifts to the state, changes
procedures for collection of debt by the state, and changes
terminology for the petroleum tank release cleanup account. 62-0
S.F. 1103-Ranum: Establishes the Dept. of Children, Families and
Learning and makes related changes. 48-15
S.F. 1279-Finn: Provides for the classification of and access to
government data, clarifies data provisions, provides for survival
of actions under the Data Practices Act, provides for the
classification and release of booking photographs, conforms
provisions dealing with financial assistance data and limits the
release of copies of videotapes of child abuse victims. 58-3
S.F. 1246-Riveness: Abolishes 400 obsolete reports, abolishes
obsolete rules, Requires legislative review of agency
reorganization efforts, clarifies statutory waiver requirements
with respect to the Housing Finance Agency for the civil service
pilot project, establishes the Office of Citizen Advocate in the
Dept. of Administration, establishes a task force to recommend a
governmental structure for environmental and natural resource
functions and services, requires establishment of an employee
participation committee before agency restructuring and abolishes
the Dept. of Natural Resources, the Board of Water and Soil
Resources, the Office of Environmental Assistance, the Pollution
Control Agency, the Environmental Quality Board, the Harmful
Substances Compensation Board, the Petroleum Tank Response Board
and the Transportation Regulation Board. 41-24
S.F. 462-Johnson, J.B.: Waste Management Act amendments. 59-0

Bills granted final passage on the Senate Calendar May 3, 1995
H.F. 1678-Stumpf: Allows an outlet fee to be charged for use of
an established drainage system in Red Lake County as an outlet
for drainage originating in Polk County. 56-0
S.F. 877-Wiener: Changes and clarifies laws relating to the
building code and zoning law and amends the interstate compact on
industrialized/modular buildings. 64-1
S.F. 1362-Lessard: Provides for the coordination of efforts of
public and private sectors in the sustainable management, use,
development and protection of Minnesota's forest resources and
establishes a forest resources council and regional forest
resource committees.  61-0
H.F. 1371-Metzen: Makes changes to laws relating to securities by
regulating disclosure of payment received for directing order
flow. 57-1
S.F. 1079-Frederickson: Reduces 1995 appropriations to various
state government agencies and departments and makes deficiency
appropriations to other government agencies and departments. 63-0
S.F. 1503-Stevens: Requires fireworks display operators to be
certified by the state fire marshal and sets fees. 60-0
S.F. 979-Johnston:  Regulates hazardous material transporters,
requires fingerprints of motor carrier managers for criminal
background checks, makes technical changes related to calculating
proportional mileage under the international registration plan,
specifies violations that may result in suspension or revocation
of permits and provides for disposition of fees collected for
hazardous material registration, licensing and permitting. 64-0 
S.F. 1122-Lessard: Establishes a program for funding response
actions to address environmental contamination from drycleaning
facilities. 65-0
S.F. 1173-Chandler: Regulates the sale of local exchange service 
territory. 56-4 

Bills granted concurrence and repassage May 3, 1995
S.F. 752-Novak: Allows for alternative regulation of telephone
companies for a limited period and authorizes rulemaking to
promote fair and reasonable competition for local exchange
service. 62-0
S.F. 1051-Frederickson: Requires providers of cellular telephone
services to include in billings a notice regarding 911 calls. 61-
2

Bills final passage on Special Orders May 3, 1995
S.F. 621-Lessard: Establishes Hunting Heritage week, designates
mourning doves aas game birds and mute swans as unprotected
birds, clarifies terms of short-term angling licenses, removes
requirements relating to fish taken in Canada, changes the date
by which fish houses and dark houses must be removed from the ice
and authorizes the use of floating turtle traps. 
H.F. 1037-Betzold: Technical Dept. of Health bill, provides
rulemaking authority, modifies enforcemtn and fee provisions and
modifies the hearing instrument dispenser trainee period. 57-0
S.F. 1551-Johnson, J.B.: Provides loans and incentive for
agricultural energy resources development for family farms and
cooperatives. 55-0
S.F. 1393-Pogemiller: Provides the conditions and requirements
for issuance of debt and use of the proceeds, authorizes use of
capital improvement bonds for indoor ice arenas, authorizes home
rule charter cities to issue tax anticipation certificates, and
provides for the issuance of temporary obligations and modifies
issuance procedures. 54-2
S.F. 1543-Pogemiller: Changes procedures for allocating bonding
authority and changes provisions relating housing programs and
plans. 56-0
S.F. 429-Morse: Extends the sunset date for the Farmer-Lender
Mediation Act two years and provides for a study of expansion of
the mediation program. 47-6
S.F. 255-Hanson: Regulates persons who may do elevator work. 48-9
S.F. 734-Chandler: Regulates the 911 emergency telephone system,
imposes requirements on private switch telephone service and
imposes a civil penalty. 47-11
S.F. 801-Berglin: Recodifies and modifies statutes relating to
lead abatement. 58-0

Bills granted final passage on the Senate Calendar May 4, 1995
S.F. 1564-Anderson:  Makes numerous changes to criminal laws and
changes a variety of definitions and provides that it is a gross
misdemeanor to teach or demonstrate to any other person how to
use or make any firearm, explosive, or incendiary device knowing
or having reason to know that it will be unlawfully employed for
use in, or in furtherance of, a civil disorder. 44-0

Bills granted preliminary passage on General Orders morning
session May 4, 1995
S.F. 871-Hottinger: Revises the procedures for the adoption and
review of agency rules. Progressed for purposes of amendment.
S.F. 1365-Solon: Modifies the definition of the term fireworks
and preempts local regulation of fireworks.
H.F. 628-Kiscaden: Creates a presumption of refusal or neglect of
parental duties in certain termination of parental rights cases.
Progressed for purposes of amendment.
H.F. 1101-Frederickson: Makes miscellaneous technical corrections
to water laws, provides for delegation of permit authority,
provides  for minimal impact permits and provides for removal of
hazardous dams. 
H.F. 2-Metzen: Provides that an emissions test need not be done
until a vehicle is five years old, changes the inspection fee and
provides a contingent expiration date for the inspection program.

Compiled by:
 Senate Publications
 Room G95, State Office Building
 St. Paul, MN 55155
 (612)296-0259
 TDD 296-0250

***Rough edit of May 5, 1995***