Briefly for the week of February 9--Rough edit


Stadium referendum discussed
     An evening meeting of the Ethics and Campaign Reform Committee was held Tues., Feb
6, to discuss a bill providing for a referendum on the issue of constructing a new baseball stadium
in the Metropolitan Area.  The bill, S.F. 2464, authored by Sen. Jerry Janezich (DFL-Chisholm)
provides for the question to be submitted to voters in the Metropolitan Area at the regular state
election in November 1996.  Under the bill, the ballot question asks  "Shall the legislature provide
by law for the construction of a stadium in the Metropolitan Area to be financed by
a)contributions from the team using the stadium; b) private sources; and c) taxes imposed on
those who use or benefit from the stadium, and limited to hotel and motel lodging, liquor and a
surcharge on admissions to the stadium? "
      The committee, chaired by Sen. John Marty (DFL-Roseville),  heard testimony from Jerry
Bell, president of the Minnesota Twins.  Bell outlined several challenges that the Twins face,
including the fact that the team has no collective bargaining agreement and no revenue sharing
agreement.  Bell also said that the Twins receive only a modest broadcast revenue, no parking
revenue, no suite revenue, limited concession revenue and no stadium signage revenue.  Of most
importance, said Bell, the Metrodome offers only a limited number of quality seats. 
     Bell said that the Metrodome was not built with baseball revenue in mind.  Because of the
rectangular shape of the Metrodome, many infield seats are lost, Bell said.   He added that if the
Twins draw less than an 80 percent average attendance at the end of 1997, they are permitted to
give notice to end the lease. 
     Henry Savelkoul, chair of the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission, said  that an
estimated cost figure for a new ballpark is $200 to $230 million.  The figure includes a covering
($40 to $50 million) and air conditioning ($8 to $10 million).  
     Marty said that the teams extort public funds with threats of moving.  Sen. Dean Johnson
(R-Willmar) responded that there is no talk of threats.  "Never once did the Twin say they'll leave
if no new stadium is built," said Johnson.  "But we wouldn't be here tonight if we didn't feel that
this was necessary," said Marty.
     Sen. Roger D. Moe (DFL-Erskine) said that owning a sports team is no different than
owning any other business.  "From what I can tell, the owners have to see the financial rupture
they're facing.  They can only lose money for so long and then they have to sell the team.  This is
a reasonable way to approach the problem -- it is basically a financial issue," said Moe.
     John Berglund, representing the Minnesota Licensed Beverage Association and the
Minnesota Motel Association testified that the groups he represents are opposed to the proposed
method of funding and to the referendum.  Sen. Lawrence Pogemiller (DFL-Mpls.) point out that
the bill provides for a non-binding resolution.  There is no financial obligation generated from the
bill, said Pogemiller.  The bill was approved and re-referred to the Tax and Tax Laws Committee.

Prescription drug bill advances
     A bill that gives the commissioner of administration authority to negotiate contract prices
for all prescription drugs sold in Minnesota won approval in the Commerce and Consumer
Protection Committee Weds., Feb. 7.  S.F. 410, the "Prescription Drug Fair Competition Act," 
establishes a state drug formulary, or a listing of drugs of proven safety and cost-effectiveness, to
be used in negotiating prices.  The bill specifies the contract price be based on either the average
manufacturers price minus 15 percent, the best competitive price, or a negotiated price, whichever
is lowest.
     Bill sponsor, Sen. John Marty (DFL-Roseville), told the committee he is "frustrated trying
to put down arguments not related to the bill," such as the claim it limits access to drugs.  He said
the measure expands an existing state program.
     Sen. Deanna Wiener (DFL-Eagan), told Marty the "bill has the right intent, but this is the
wrong way to go about it." She said she doesn't support the measure because it increases drug
costs. Sen. Kevin Chandler (DFL-White Bear Lake), said the measure lowers drug prices, adding
"that's why the drug companies are fighting this bill."  Sen. Sam Solon (DFL-Duluth) said there is
general agreement that some people in America can't afford drugs, and while "no one knows for
sure what the bill will do, I don't think we have any choice but to act favorably."  The bill was
sent to the Finance Committee on a 9 to 6 roll call vote.
     The committee, chaired by Sen. Leonard Price (DFL-Woodbury),  acted on an omnibus
insurance bill. S.F. 1980, sponsored by Sen. John Hottinger (DFL-Mankato), changes the
regulation of insurance licensing, underwriting, marketing, and claims settlement practices.  It
includes changes to the replacement of an existing annuity or life insurance contract, and it limits
the applicability of the requirement that life insurance policies provide alternative pay-out options
on those policies with a death benefit of $15,000 or more. The bill was approved and sent to the
Senate floor.
     The committee also sent S.F. 2116, an omnibus liquor bill, to the full Senate.  Author
Solon noted the measure eliminates a requirement that a manufacturer or wholesaler licensee must
be a citizen of the United States or a resident alien, saying "you don't have to be an American to
be an entrepreneur."  He said the measure includes regulations for malt liquor furnished for
sampling, and provides additional liquor licenses to Wadena, Thief River Falls, and West St. Paul. 
An amendment offered by Wiener added five licenses to Eagan.  She said the city needs additional
licenses to accommodate a new retail development.  Sen. Cal Larsen (R-Fergus Falls) said local
city councils, rather than the state, should issue liquor licenses.  Solon said the suggestion has a
lot of merit and the committee should consider the idea. 

Feedlot amendment prevails
     A bill to establish the Minnesota Dairy Producers Board, S.F. 2675, was approved by the
Agriculture and Rural Development Committee Weds., Feb 7. But before members approved Sen.
Dallas Sams' (DFL-Staples) proposal, it  was amended with Sen. Steve Dille's (R-Dassel)
provision that requires the Pollution Control Agency and the commissioner of agriculture to
provide information and technical assistance to counties developing feedlot ordinances.
     Sen. Charles Berg (DFL-Chokio) voiced strong objections to the amendment and told
members that livestock producers statewide oppose the change.
     Sams said that the amendment provides some state oversight of feedlot issues and that its
intent is to provide information.
     Other provisions contained in the bill govern the appointment of board members,  terms
and per diem regulations. Additionally, the board must conduct quarterly surveys of dairy
producers to identify problems related to milk pricing and recommend solutions to those
problems. Furthermore, the board must determine dairy production costs in each county and act
as an advocate for dairy producers. The committee, chaired by Sen. Roger D. Moe (DFL-Erskine), approved the bill and re-referred it to the Governmental Operations and Veterans
Committee.
Committee update

Agriculture and Rural Development
LLC discussion begins
     A bill that allows a family farm to do business as a limited liability company was brought
before the Agriculture and Rural Development Committee Mon. afternoon, Feb. 5. Carried by
Sen. Charles Berg (DFL-Chokio), the bill specifies that at least 75 percent of the limited liability
company's  shareholders are farmers residing in Minnesota and at least 30 percent of those
farmers must be actively engaged in livestock production.
      Berg told members that farmers were carved out of the original legislation that gave other
businesses the go ahead to operate as a  limited liability company.  "Everybody except farmers
were included in the original bill governing limited liability companies," Berg said. "If everyone
else in the state can operate as a LLC,  farmers should be able to do so too."
     The committee, chaired by Sen. Roger Moe (DFL-Erskine), listened to testimony in
support of the measure. Several lobbyists spoke in favor of the measure including Allen Gerber; of
the Minnesota Association of Cooperatives, John Apitz from the Farm Credit Services Bureau,
Duane Pearson from the Minnesota Farm Bureau, Tom Cochrane from the Minnesota Agri-Growth Council, Jerry Schoenfeld from Greater State Advisors and Bruce Kleven, representing
Minnesota wheat and barley growers. Witnesses said that an LLC is cheaper to form and dissolve
than a corporation, plus provides significant tax advantages and flexibility.
     Opposition testimony will be heard at a later meeting. 

LLC's fails
     The Agriculture and Rural Development Committee voted 6-5 to defeat a bill that gives
family farms an LLC option Mon. evening, Feb. 5.  The committee, chaired by Sen. Roger D.
Moe (DFL-Erskine), listened to numerous farmers and representatives speak in opposition to the
measure.
     David Frederickson, from the Minnesota Farmers Union, voiced strong objections to Sen.
Charles Berg's (DFL-Chokio) bill. "Our long-standing opposition to changes in the corporate
farm law remains firm," Frederickson told members. He specifically objected  to a provision that
changes the definition of "farmer."  Frederickson also agrued against a provision to transfer the
attorney general's authority to enforce violations to the corporate farm act to the commissioner of
agriculture.
       Lynn Hayes from the Farmers' Legal Action group testified against the measure.
"Allowing LLC's will create yet another business entity that will compete directly with family
farmers," Hayes said. "The bill does serious, serious damage to the family farm."  
     Also speaking against the measure were several concerned farmers from around the state,
including Eunice Biel, John Gorman, Dwight Ault, Rodney Skalbeck, John Conzemius, Leander
Wagner, Stephanie Henricksen, Ellwood Lips and Merle Lundeen.

Research bills gain
     In addition to acting on the dairy bill and the feedlot amendment, members of Agriculture
and Rural Development Committee, chaired by Sen. Roger D. Moe (DFL-Erskine), acted on
several addition bills at the Tues., Feb. 7, hearing.  Two bills appropriating money for research
were also approved and re-referred to the Environmental and Natural Resources Finance Division.
S.F. 2694, authored by Sen. Dean Johnson (R-Willmar), requests $2.3 million for research and
development of best management practices for the production of alfalfa, development of alfalfa
varieties that possess optimal energy and protein-value characteristics and the development of
value-added alfalfa products. S.F. 2623, sponsored by Sen. Leroy Stumpf (DFL-Thief River
Falls), appropriates $80,000 for a grant to the University of Minnesota for funding research and
development on  turf grasses.
     Also re-referred to the Environment and Natural Resources Finance Division were S.F.
2586, Stumpf's bill that appropriates $75,000 for a grant to the beaver damage control joint
powers board and S.F. 2696, Berg's measure that authorizes compensation to farmers for crops
damaged by deer or geese.
     S.F. 1271, a bill that broadens the definition of  "eligible persons" entitled to
reimbursement for costs related to agricultural chemical response clean ups, was approved and re-referred to the Finance Committee. Dille's measure expands the definition to include persons who
are not a responsible party or owner of real property and voluntarily take corrective action to an
incident.
     A bill carried by Sen. Bob Lessard (DFL-Int'l. Falls), S.F. 2760, was also approved by
members and sent to the full Senate. The measure provides an exception to the restriction on alien
ownership of agricultural land for production of timber and forestry products. Lessard told the
committee that the Blandon Paper Company is now owned by a Canadian firm.

Commerce and Consumer Protection
Committee approves new board
     The Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee, chaired by Sen. Leonard Price
(DFL-Woodbury),  Mon., Feb. 5, approved the creation of a state auto theft prevention board.
     S.F. 1903 sponsor Sen. Phil Riveness (DFL-Bloomington), said the board is modeled after
a successful Michigan initiative, and funded through a one dollar a year auto insurance surcharge.
     He said the seven-member board would be appointed by the governor, and would develop
and sponsor plans and strategies to combat auto theft, improve the administration of related laws,
and distribute money for theft prevention activities.  Riveness said 14,000 cars are stolen yearly in
Minnesota, costing $45 million in loses and repairs.
     Sen. Ellen Anderson (DFL-St. Paul), said she is concerned about the funding source.  She
said metro motorists already pay the highest insurance rates in the state, and "I really can't see
putting one more fee on consumers."  Riveness said the cost in comprehensive insurance
attributable to auto theft fell $34 a year in Michigan under the program. The bill was approved
and sent to the Governmental Operations and Veterans Committee.
     The committee approved, on a close voice vote, a measure that regulates pawnbrokers.
Price, S.F. 2472 sponsor, said it establishes statewide guidelines, but does not impose licensing or
pre-empt tougher local ordinances. He said the proposal sets maximum interest rates, gives
criteria for licensing, and restricts where new pawn shops can locate.
     Sen. Kevin Chandler (DFL-White Bear Lake), asked if the legislation is designed to
abolish pawnshops, adding they serve a useful purpose to those who can't get credit at financial
institutions.  Price said the bill is designed to set a "reasonable balance, a fair rate."  He called it
"protection for both sides."
     Several witnesses, including three metro police officials, a representative from the
Bloomington city attorney's office, and a pawn shop owner, expressed concerns about the effect
of the bill on their communities. Bloomington police lieutenant Ronald Whitehead said the
proposal "establishes a statutory norm across the state that causes some problems for us." Price
said an amendment he offered, that was accepted previously, insures that municipalities maintain
regulatory control. 
     The committee defeated a motion by Anderson to move the bill out without
recommendation.  It was approved and sent to the Judiciary Committee.
     The committee also approved S.F. 2624, which stipulates that, unless specifically stated, 
there is no coverage under a homeowners' insurance policy for losses or damages related to day
care operations.  Sponsor Sen. Deanna Wiener (DFL-Eagan), said the clarification is needed
because "there is a real fear from day care providers that their insurance will be canceled." The bill
was sent to the Senate floor. 

Crime Prevention
EMS and ER bill advances
     A bill that stiffens penalties for assaults on emergency medical personnel and hospital
emergency room staff was approved by the Crime Prevention Committee Thurs., Feb. 1. The
measure, S.F. 1968, authored by Sen. Tracy Beckman (DFL-Bricelyn), increases the penalty from
a gross misdemeanor to a two-year felony.
     Several witnesses testified in support of the bill. Dr. Mark Berg, from North Memorial
Hospital, told members that attacks on emergency room staff are increasing steadily. Angry
companions of violent crime victims have assaulted Berg on two separate occasions. "Their intent
was to seek out an ER person and harm that person," Berg said. "Their motive was retribution."
     Joani Kapischke, an R.N. at Hennepin County Medical Center and president of the
Greater Twin Cities Emergency Nurses Association told members that often there are no
consequences for the crimes. According to Kapischke, the county attorney is reluctant to
prosecute gross misdemeanors. "Often there is no prosecution if the assailant has no prior
record," she said. "We hope to establish consequences for these actions."
     Hennepin County paramedic John Brooks, who has been attacked several times, said "we
go out there thinking that we're going to help, and when we arrive, we get something else."
     The committee, chaired by Sen. Allan Spear (DFL-Mpls.), approved the measure and sent
it to the full Senate.
     Three other bills were approved by members and referred to the floor. S.F. 1824, carried
by Sen. Gary Laidig (R-Stillwater), suspends the driver's license of an individual who has been
charged with fleeing a police officer. The suspension remains in effect until the person has been
adjudicated. The bill allows for a limited license to be issued, but only on the recommendation of
the court.
     Lieutenant Jay Swanson, from the Minnesota State Patrol told members that high speed
chases are among the most dangerous duties faced by law officials. "Our goal is to stop some of
these pursuits before they begin," Swanson said. "This bill helps us do that."
     S.F. 2089, carried by Sen. Ellen Anderson (DFL-St. Paul), allows non-CCA peace officers
to detain a probationer. Retention of an individual on conditional release requires the written
order of the court services director or the designee of a county probation agency, under the bill.
     A bill authored by Spear, S.F. 2385, incorporates all the non-funding recommendations of
the Legislative Auditor's 1996 report on probation services.
     S.F. 2143, Sen. Don Betzold's (DFL-Fridley) bill to authorize forfeiture of a motor
vehicle as part of a criminal sentence, was laid over.

Prison industry bill advances
     A bill that authorizes the creation of a private council to manage correctional work
programs, S.F. 1613, was approved by the Crime Prevention Committee Mon., Feb. 5. The
measure,  authored by Sen. Thomas Neuville (R-Northfield), proceeds to the Governmental
Operations and Veterans Committee.
     Under the bill, the new council, to be known as MinnPride, is required to develop a five-year business plan for the state's prison industries. Working in conjunction with MinnCor to
develop the plan, the measure gives MinnPride authority to review all records kept by MinnCor,
correctional facilities and MinnCor personnel. The bill also gives MinnPride authorization to
conduct voluntary confidential interviews with all inmate and noninmate employees of MinnCor.
Furthermore, the executive officers of the boards of MinnPride and MinnCor are required to
report the five-year plan to the governor and the majority and minority leaders of the Legislature
by Feb. 1, 1997.
     Other provisions included in S.F. 1613 require that by the end of its first year, MinnPride
must match the number of inmates employed by  MinnCor as of  January 15, 1996. Additionally,
MinnPride must offer employment to noninmate MinnCor employees at their previous MinnCor
salaries, provide security and  maintenance of facilities and equipment at its own expense and
operate without a state subsidy.
     Neuville told members that MinnPride is modeled after Florida's prison industries
program. He said that the Florida program shows a "higher degree of work ethic," and operates
without state funding. "We believe we can run a prison industry program without a state subsidy,"
Neuville said.
     Steve Hunter from AFSCME opposed the measure. "Most of the savings realized come
through reductions in AFSCME salaries," he testified.
     Also re-referred to the Governmental Operations and Veterans Committee was S.F. 1833,
carried by Sen. Linda Runbeck (R-Circle Pines). "This is a logical step in support of  the
governor's zero tolerance policy for sexual harassment in state government," Runbeck said. The
bill provides for immediate discharge of a state employee who has been convicted of first through
fifth degree sexual assault. The committee adopted an amendment clarifying that the discharge
does not bar the individual from future state employment.
     The committee, chaired by Sen. Allan Spear (DFL-Mpls.), approved two other bills. S.F.
2134, Sen. Don Betzold's (DFL-Fridley) bill that expands the criminal penalty for fleeing a peace
officer to include vehicle forfeiture, was sent to the Senate floor.
     S.F. 2573, sponsored by Sen. Randy Kelly (DFL-St. Paul), raises the time limit for
offenders participating in the Challenge Incarceration Program from 36 months to 60 months.
Members re-referred the measure to the Crime Prevention Finance Division. 

Family conference bill gains
     Members of the Crime Prevention Committee cleared several bills from a lengthy agenda
at the first of two hearings held Weds., Feb. 7.  The panel, chaired by Sen. Allan Spear (DFL-Mpls.), advanced four bills to the Senate floor and one measure to the Crime Prevention Finance
Division.
     The bill sent to the division involves authorizing a pilot family group conference program. 
S.F. 1961, authored by Sen. James Metzen (DFL-South St. Paul), said that the bill is designed to
provide a forum where individuals accused of having committed crimes meet with victims, family
members of the victims, their own family members, law enforcement officials and members of the
community as an alternative to prosecution.  Dakota County officials have initiated the project
and, under the bill, the pilot program is established in the First Judicial District and involves the
county, cities and school districts in setting up the program.  According to officials from Dakota
County, the bill allows an alternative diversionary program and is aimed primarily at juveniles. The
measure also requires the commissioner of corrections to report on the effectiveness of the pilot
program.  The measure was endorsed by the panel and re-referred to the Crime Finance Division.
     S.F. 2275, authored by Sen. Ember Reichgott Junge (DFL-New Hope), also gained
committee approval.  The bill requires a victim's account of domestic assault or harassment to be
considered in determining an arrested person's release.  In addition, the bill requires that victims
and law enforcement agencies known to be involved in the case  be notified before the arrested
person is released.  The measure also provides for notice to local battered women's programs or
sexual assault programs if the victim requests that they be notified of the person's release.
     Two measures sponsored by Sen. Jane Krentz (DFL-May Township) were also heard. 
S.F. 1796 specifies that it is a felony to discharge a firearm inside a public transit vehicle or
facility.  Krentz said that currently it is a felony to discharge a firearm at a transit vehicle, but not
inside the vehicle.  The measure specifies a three-year/$6,000 penalty if the bus is unoccupied and
a five-year/$10,000 penalty if the bus is occupied.  S.F. 1938 authorizes an additional 24 hours of
detention of a juvenile in adult facilities located outside metropolitan areas if conditions of
distance to be traveled or other ground transportation do not allow for court appearances within
24 hours or if the facility is located where conditions of safety exist, such as adverse life-threatening weather, that do not allow for safe travel.
     A bill, authored by Sen. Janet Johnson (DFL-North Branch), expanding the scope of the
juvenile court's delinquency jurisdiction to include misdemeanor-level offenses was considerably
altered by the committee.  Rather than undo legislation enacted last year that decriminalized many
juvenile offenses, the panel adopted an amendment that includes "contempt of court" as an
offense.  A Chisago County probation officer said the language is needed  to provide additional
leverage when dealing with juveniles who do not comply with court orders.
     All four bills were approved and sent to the Senate floor.

Gun locking device bill advances
     A bill that requires guns to be stored unloaded and locked was approved by the Crime
Prevention Committee, Weds. evening, Feb. 7.
     Sponsored by Sen. Jane Ranum (DFL-Mpls.), S.F. 2328 specifies that in cases where
persons under 18 years of age are present, gun owners must keep firearms inaccessible. The
measure specifies that trigger locks,  barrel locks,  cylinder locks, gun vaults,  locked cabinets,
locked boxes or any other appropriate locked container are acceptable devices for locking guns.
     "This bill will reduce the number of preventable guns deaths," Ranum said. She told
members that the number of deaths associated with firearms among children and adolescents is
growing. "The teenage suicide rate is particularly alarming," she said, "and frequently guns are the
cause of these tragedies."
     Several witnesses testified in favor of the measure. Cheryl Matis, whose son was killed in
a gun accident last year, told Senators that the lock up requirement does not ban guns, but does
require owners to be accountable for the safe-keeping of their firearms. "It's saying you must be
responsible."
     Matis said that although  parents may know that children are safe in their own homes, "but
are they safe in the homes of their friends, neighbors and relatives?" she asked.
     Numerous high school students from around the state  also expressed support for the bill.
"If locking up a gun can save just one life, then it's not too much of an inconvenience," said St.
Cloud student Heather Miller.
     Joe Olson, a law professor from Hamline University, spoke against the measure. "We
should be encouraging education, not locking up guns," he said. "The bill is anti-self defense --
it's as if you were to put a lock on your parachute's D-ring." 
     St. Louis Park attorney David Gross also opposed the bill. Gross told members that the
bill does not address criminal behavior. Socio-economic issues are the root of the problem, not
guns, he said. "Furthermore, this deprives Minnesotans of the ability to defend themselves," Gross
added, a right that persons living in dangerous neighborhoods might well want to exercise.
     Concerns about balancing public safety and individual rights were expressed by some
Senators. Sen. Warren Limmer (R-Maple Grove), who is a member of Matis' church and attended
her son's funeral, said that although he was deeply sorry for her loss, he had concerns about what
the state should and should not be requiring of citizens in their private homes. This sentiment was
echoed by Sen. Thomas Neuville (R-Northfield). "There are some things government just can't
do," Neuville said.
     Addressing the safety matter, Sen. Richard Cohen (DFL-St. Paul) said that individuals can
secure their firearms in their own homes, but have no control over what happens outside of their
homes. "How do you check what may be irresponsible behavior of others?" Cohen asked. The bill
now goes to the full Senate.
     Also approved and sent to the floor was S.F. 1918, a bill carried by Sen. William Belanger
(R-Bloomington). The measure requests funds for community-based grant programs  targeted at
juveniles and children, aged eight to 13. An amendment, proposed by Sen. Tracy Beckman (DFL-Bricelyn), that appropriates $393,000 for a collaborative project to be established at the Willmar
regional treatment center for at-risk juveniles, was adopted.
      S.F.2714, authored by Sen. Roy Terwilliger (R-Edina), was also approved and sent to the
floor. The measure specifies that an assailant is guilty of manslaughter in the first degree if death
results from the assailant's action.
     A bill that makes it a crime to obtain cellular telephone service through cellular
counterfeiting, S.F. 2170, was approved and sent to the full Senate. Carried by Sen. Don Betzold
(DFL-Fridley), the measure also classifies telephone cloning paraphernalia as contraband. 
     Members approved S.F. 2118, carried by Sen. Dallas Sams' (DFL-Staples), and
recommended that it be placed on the consent calendar. The bill  allows safe house programs to
be developed and operated by licensed child care providers or foster care providers.
 
Education
Division approves board changes
     The Education Committee's Higher Education Division amended and approved a bill
Thurs., Feb. 1, that revamps the University of Minnesota Board of Regents and Minnesota State
Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) Board of Trustees.
     The measure outlines the appointment process and makeup of the boards, and specifies the
training, evaluation, and terms of the members. The division accepted an amendment offered by
bill sponsor and Division Chair Sen. LeRoy Stumpf (DFL-Thief River Falls), that removes a
provision for an at-large board member.
     The author of the House version of the bill, Rep. Tony Kinkel (DFL-Park Rapids),
testified on behalf of the measure.  He said it reduces the membership of each board's candidate
advisory councils from 24 to 14, and reduces board terms from six years to four.  "It's  "getting
tough to get people to stay around for six years," he told the division.
     Sen. Roger D. `Sen. Cal Larson (R-Fergus Falls) called the bill "micro-managing," and
added "they should be able to do this without us putting it into the statutes."
     The division accepted amendments offered by Sen. Deanna Wiener (DFL-Eagan), deleting
sections covering board member training and performance evaluations;  and by Sen. Leonard
Price (DFL-Woodbury), removing a provision covering board member recruitment criteria.  
     The division approved, on a split vote, an amendment offered by Sen. Thomas Neuville
(R-Northfield), increasing the number of candidate advisory council members appointed by the
minority leaders of each chamber.  Neuville said the change would help de-politicize the process.
Price disagreed, saying the change would make the councils more partisan, not less. The bill, as
amended, was sent to the Governmental Operations and Veterans Committee.
     The division also began work on S.F. 2143., which stipulates MnSCU is not a state
agency under the jurisdiction of the Department of Administration, and removes the University of
Minnesota from the requirement of using the designer selection board and from certain reporting
requirements.  Sponsor Steve Murphy, (DFL-Red Wing), said the legislation reduces the
bureaucratic burden on administrators and lets them focus on education.  The proposal, he said, 
"gives administrators the ability to do get things done, gives them the responsibility by reducing
mandates.".  
     The division accepted an amendment to the bill that Murphy said puts it in the same from
as a companion bill in the other chamber, and laid the bill over for future consideration. 
     Division members received a financial aid update from the Minnesota Higher Education
Services Office (HESO).  Phil Lewenstein, director of communications, HESO, estimated the
state will spend $92 million of the $93.1 million for state grants available in fiscal year 1996.  He
said HESO expects no significant surplus or deficit for the 1996-97 biennium.

Record release mandated
     Members of the Education Funding Division considered a laundry list of suggested
provisions as they worked through 15 bills at a Thurs., Feb. 1 evening session. All bills approved
will be rolled into the omnibus education bill.
     A bill authored by Sen. Jane Krentz (DFL-May Township), S.F. 1795, forces private
schools to transfer records when a student transfers. Public schools are already subject to record
transfer laws. Dale Swenson, representing the Minnesota Elementary School Principals
Association, said the bill protects student records from private school administrators who hold
them awaiting unpaid tuition. Senators approved the bill on a divided voice vote, but Sen. Martha
Robertson (R-Minnetonka) reserved the right to bring it up for later reconsideration. Robertson
said she believes the bill poses serious data privacy problems.
     The state provides funds to help private schools buy books; Senators agreed the schools
should be able to use this money for items such as CD-ROMs, too. S.F. 2395, authored by Sen.
Gen Olson (R-Minnetrista), updates 20-year-old language which outlines how private schools
may use state funds. Another approved Olson bill, S.F. 1934, aims to keep "school-to-work"
organizations running after budget cuts. The bill creates a board representing 11 organizations
such as Future Leaders of America, Delta Upsilon Chi and the Health Occupations Student
Association. Olson says the organizations hope to attract state funding and grants to expand
membership and services, particularly in urban areas.
     Teachers may provide Assurance of Mastery tutoring outside "regular classrooms" under
S.F. 1923, which Senators also approved. Sen. Linda Runbeck (R-Circle Pines) sponsored the bill
on behalf of two Centennial teachers, who told the committee some children who need reading
and math help get too distracted by other classroom activities. 
     Senators rejected a bill from Sen. Jane Ranum (DFL-Mpls.), S.F. 2386, that creates an
adopt-a-classroom program and lays out procedure for districts to form an endowed chair.
Committee Chair Lawrence Pogemiller (DFL-Mpls.) said the idea shouldn't be encoded into law. 
Also rejected were S.F. 2402, authored by Sen. Harold "Skip" Finn (DFL-Cass Lake), granting
automatic licenses to community education directors with six-year degrees; and S.F. 2509,
authored by Sen. Terry Johnston (R-Prior Lake), allowing districts to sign long-term leases to
house contracted programs. 
     Members approved two fund transfers: S.F. 2477, sponsored by Sen. Kevin Chandler
(DFL-White Bear Lake) for the White Bear Lake school district; and S.F. 2286, sponsored by
Finn for Nevis school district. Senators also voted to include the following in the omnibus bill:
S.F. 2243, sponsored by Sen. Roger Moe (DFL-Erskine), adjusting referndum money for the Park
Rapids school district; S.F. 2329, sponsored by Sen. Jerry Janezich (DFL-Chisholm), allowing the
Hibbing school district to spend health and safety money on a high school renovation; S.F. 2008,
authored by Sen. Dean Johnson (R-Willmar), authorizing an enhanced pairing program for
Danube, Renville, Sacred Heart and Belleview schools; and  S.F. 2263, authored by Sen. Janet
Johnson (DFL-North Branch), allowing the North Branch school district a lease levy for an
administrative building.

Reform measures felled
     Seeking what Division Chair Lawrence Pogemiller (DFL-Mpls.) terms a "minimalist"
session, the Education Funding Division rejected vouchers and several other education reform
proposals Fri., Feb. 2.
     The voucher bill carried by Sen. Gen Olson (R-Minnestrista), S.F. 1851, fell on a divided
voice vote amidst a marathon seven-hour session. S.F. 1851 was, however, one of 17 bills
rejected by the division. Twelve bills were approved for inclusion in the omnibus bill.
     Pogemiller said he likes the concept of providing tuition money to parents, but that
Olson's bill doesn't take the "right approach."
     The committee rejected several bills sponsored by Pogemiller, including S.F. 2359, a
"discussion" bill funding lower class sizes; S.F. 2354, requiring school districts by the year 2000
to reserve 5 percent of their general funds for staff development; and S.F. 2355, adding ability to
work in an ethnically diverse environment to graduation requirements.
     Senators voted down S.F. 2352, sponsored by Sen. Janet Johnson (DFL-North Branch)
on behalf of Schools for Equity in Education (SEE). The bill increases secondary pupil weighting
during the next biennium, thereby protecting schools from funding cuts. Also voted down was
S.F. 2090, Sen. Jane Ranum's (DFL-Mpls.) bill to fund all-day kindergarten for low-income
children. So were S.F. 2057, authored by Sen. Gene Merriam (DFL-Coon Rapids) and S.F. 2370,
authored by Sen. Sandra Pappas (DFL-St. Paul), both of which send education funds to school
site councils. Sen. Ember Reichgott Junge's (DFL-New Hope) bills to expand charter school law
and create a transportation voucher system were voted down, as was Sen. David Knutson's (R-Burnsville) bill, S.F. 1837, directing the board of education to promote "voluntary" integration
methods. 
     Other casualties at the hearing were S.F. 2099, sponsored by Krentz, removing education
funding caps; S.F. 2339, sponsored by Sen. Steve Novak (DFL-New Brighton), increasing grants
to match district fund-raising; S.F. 2486, sponsored by Sen. Don Betzold (DFL-Fridley),
increasing low-income concentration grants; and S.F. 1528, sponsored by Sen. John Marty (DFL-Roseville), ensuring school administrators consider price when giving contracts for class rings or
senior photos. Division members rejected two bills authored by Sen. Don Kramer (R-Brooklyn
Center), S.F. 2220, waiving teacher licensure requirements for a "one-room schoolhouse"
secondary program, and S.F. 2221, easing requirements on teacher petitions to create charter
schools.
     Senators did, however, like the governor's plan to spend $5 million on after-school
programs in targeted low-income Minneapolis and St. Paul neighborhoods. They approved S.F.
1917, Olson's bill which funds the after-school program grants, and S.F. 1933, another Olson bill,
which  provides $3 million in grants for extended school day or school year programs that
emphasize integration and serve underachieving low-income students.
     The division approved S.F. 1853, sponsored by Knutson, eliminating the penalty on
districts with excess operating levies approved by referenda after July, 1996.  Knutson said
removing the penalty makes levy referenda easier for voters to understand. Currently, he said,
many schools ask for $100 extra per pupil to compensate for the reduction.  "How do you go
before the voters and explain something like that?" he asked. Knutson's S.F. 1836, which was
also approved, requires districts to report to the state on compensatory revenue uses.
     The committee approved two technology bills: S.F. 2282, sponsored by Sen. LeRoy
Stumpf (DFL-Thief River Falls), extending access to private schools to a public
telecommunications network, and S.F. 1973, authored by Sen. Martha Robertson (R-Minnetonka), establishing statewide "clearinghouses" for technology donations to schools.
     Other bills approved for inclusions in the omnibus bill are S.F. 1869, sponsored by Sen.
Kenric Scheevel (R-Preston), providing debt service aid to Preston-Fountain and Harmony
schools; S.F. 2002, sponsored by Olson, clarifying issuance of  licenses for parent education
instructors; S.F. 2487, sponsored by Betzold, allowing Osseo school district to again levy
$800,000 for a program serving at-risk students; S.F. 2083, sponsored by Sen. Dennis
Frederickson (R-New Ulm), restructuring special education revenue payments; and an as-yet
unnumbered Pogemiller bill clarifying the transition method to new teacher licenses. Senators
approved two bills sponsored by Pappas: S.F. 1294, ensuring that 90 percent of per-pupil revenue
follows a student to an Area Learning Center, and S.F. 2248, requiring a study of how to fully
fund adult basic education. Rather than approving S.F. 2582 and S.F. 2444, both authored by Sen
Don. Samuelson (DFL-Brainerd), division members agreed to draft language in the omnibus bill
to relieve financial pressures on the Pequot Lakes school district.

Crime program considered
     A bill providing for a program in which college students monitor juvenile offenders was
approved by the full Education Committee at a brief meeting Mon., Feb. 5.
     S.F. 2137, authored by Sen. Jane Ranum (DFL-Mpls.), creates two two-year pilot
programs in which college students assist probation officers in monitoring the youth. The older
students are paid to monitor the child for compliance with probation conditions. They  also act as
mentors and role models. The bill is modeled after a similar, successful program in Missouri,
Ranum said. "Minnesota does not fare well in the area of tracking kids as they come out of a
residential program," she said.
     Sen. Martha Robertson (R-Minnetonka) said she was skeptical whether the state should
"pay students for something that's in their own best interests of learning." But Ranum said, "I
believe it's going to be saving money and we're going to be lowering our our-of-home placement
costs." At the suggestion of Committee Chair Lawrence Pogemiller (DFL-Mpls.), Senators
agreed to let the Crime Prevention Committee deal with the appropriation for the program. The
bill was approved and re-referred to the full Crime Prevention Committee.
     A bill sponsored by Sen. Gene Merriam (DFL-Coon Rapids), S.F. 2019, was approved
and recommended for the consent calendar. The bill amends a bonding provision passed two years
ago by allowing magnet schools to spend state bond funds to design, equip or furnish buildings.
     Changes to the appointment process for the University of Minnesota's Board of Regents
and Minnesota State College and Universities Board of Trustees are laid out in S.F. 25177,
sponsored by Sen. LeRoy Stumpf (DFL-Thief River Falls). Stumpf's bill reduces the members on
the advisory council which suggests appointments from 24 to 14, and shortens their terms from
six years to four years. "Twenty four members was a little too large to create a workable board,"
said Stumpf. After being amended by the committee, the bill specifies that seven members of the
the regents advisory council be appointed by the Senate and seven by the House of
Representations. Because the governor may veto appointments to the MnSCU advisory council,
he appoints two of its members under the bill, and the House and Senate each appoint five
members.
     
Omnibus draft presented
     The Education Finance Division got its first glance at a draft of the 1996 omnibus
education bill Mon., Feb. 5, and immediately began reviewing a flurry of proposed amendments.
     The bill, S.F. 1884, is sponsored by Committee Chair Lawrence Pogemiller (DFL-Mpls.).
Major components of the bill include: allowing school boards to raise referenda levies due to
inflation; repealing the levy reduction for referenda passed after July, 1996; requiring 90 percent
of per-pupil funding to follow an Area Learning Center student; allocating $5 million in grants for
after-school programs in inner-city neighborhoods; and creating a statewide "clearinghouse" to
facilitate technology donations to public schools. "This should look familiar," Pogemiller said, as
division members reviewed the draft.
     An amendment suggested by the Department of Children, Families and Learning provides
funding to tribal schools for special education students who transfer in partway through the year.
"If the kids were in a public school system, this money would be available," said Bruce Johnson,
department commissioner. Johnson said he is working with the Department of Revenue to find
funds for the provision, which costs at most $2.6 million through FY 1999.
     An amendment suggested by the School Bus Safety Advisory Committee clarifies that bike
and pedestrian safety need only be taught to K-5 students, not secondary students. Another
amendment, offered by Sen. Sandra Pappas (DFL-St. Paul), allows school buses to transport
anyone on their regular route if space is available. Current law allows ridership only to students
and persons age 62 or older. 
     The Board of Teaching also offered an amendment, allowing the board to waive a basic
skills exam for teachers who have problems testing, but have demonstrated reading and writing
competency. Sen. Jerry Janezich (DFL-Chisholm) offered an amendment relieving penalties for
districts which have not settled teachers' contracts before deadline. Sen. LeRoy Stumpf (DFL-Thief River Falls) offered an amendment allowing non-public schools to log onto a public
telecommunications network being developed by the state. An amendment from Sen. Jane Ranum
(DFL-Mpls.)  allows left-over family collaborative funds to be spent this year. 
     Senators did not vote on the amendments or the omnibus bill.

Spending target lowered
     The governor suggests the Education Funding Division spend $52 million this session, but
Chair Lawrence Pogemiller (DFL-Mpls.) said Tues., Feb. 6, that the division's spending target
will likely be closer to $37 million.
     Senators reviewed but did not vote on the governor's supplemental budget
recommendations, which are  contained in S.F. 2212, authored by Sen. Dennis Frederickson (R-New Ulm).
     Litigation related to the state's desegregation policies will cost $298,000 in 1996 and
$433,000 next year, according to the bill. Department officials also say miscommunication last
session underfunded development of graduation standards, which were meant to be fudned at
$3.46 million. The bill also funds a pilot voucher program, which the division has already voted
down.
     The bill provides an additional $113,000 in 1996 and $239,000 in 1997 for programs at
the Center for Arts Education. David O'Fallon, the center's executive director, said the center has
endured numerous spending cuts to compensate for rising salaries negotiated in statewide
contracts for residential schools. "We've reached the point now where it is very difficult to
maintain the quality of programming," he said. A similar situation faces the Academies at
Faribault, which seek $692,000 of additional funding this year and next.
     The bill supplements funding for secondary disabled vocational programs by $53,000 in
1996 and $723,000 in 1997. Another $643,000 is directed into debt service equalization.
According to Bruce Johnson, commissioner of the Department of Children, Families and
Learning, more districts were able to pass bond referenda last November than the department
expected. The increase avoids pro-rating money paid to school districts with outstanding bonds.
     Another provision of S.F. 2212 provides that a student will receive per-pupil funds tied to
AFDC according to AFDC concentration in his or her district of residence. Students using open
enrollment to attend a less-concentrated school district will carry their full AFDC funding with
them; students attending a more-concentrated district will bring less money. Tom Melcher of the
Department of Children, Families and Learning said the measure may provide an incentive for
wealthier districts to keep their borders open to transferring students.
     Senators also reviewed the governor's proposal to create a $500 million "cash flow" fund
schools may borrow from to avoid short-term interest costs. But Committee Chair Lawrence
Pogemiller (DFL-Mpls.) said he prefers to spend this year's revenue surplus paying back the
property tax recognition shift. "I think there's been a general feeling we are going to buy back the
shift and pay back our loans," said Pogemiller.
     Sen. Martha Robertson (R-Minnetonka) said, however, that buying down too much of the
referenda shift could damage districts with large excess levies. She suggests giving schools a year
to plan for the change, which could cause some districts to go into statutory debt. But Pogemiller 
said those districts got an influx of cash when the shift began. "This is now the reverse of that
windfall," he said.
     Senators also voted not include several sections of departmental bill S.F. 1894 into the
omnibus bill. The bill is carried by Sen. Kenric Scheevel (R-Preston). Sections rejected would
have mandated that referenda revenue and cooperation aid follow students to charter schools or
alternative attendance programs, and delayed the sunset of laws mandating the length of the
school year. 

Division eases education regulations
     A bill supporters say cuts red tape, decentralizes authority,  and makes Minnesota's
colleges and universities more accountable to taxpayers and responsive to students' needs won
approval from the Education Committee Higher Education Division Tues., Feb. 7.  S.F. 2143
sponsor Sen. Steve Murphy, (DFL-Red Wing), said the legislation  "gives administrators the
ability to do get things done, gives them the responsibility by reducing mandates." 
     The bill specifies that the Minnesota State Colleges and University System (MnSCU) is
not a state agency under the jurisdiction of the Department of Administration, and removes the
University of Minnesota from the requirement of using the designer selection board.. The bill also
eases restrictions on high-technology purchases, allows college presidents to close campuses for
emergencies and eliminates requirements for academic advisor certification.
     The committee, chaired by Sen. LeRoy Stumpf  (DFL-Thief River Falls),  accepted an
amendment, offered by Sen. Deanna Wiener (DFL-Eagan), to delete a provision she said delays
the conversion to a semester system.  An amendment, authored by Sen. Leonard Price (DFL-Woodbury) to reinstate language requiring schools to keep students enrolled while they undergo
chemical dependency treatment won approval. The division accepted a proposal, from Sen. Cal
Larson (R-Fergus Falls), reinstating language requiring administrators to report to the Legislature
on all out-of-court settlements.   
     Richard Copeland, owner of a construction and trucking company, testified against a
provision concerning procedures for purchasing goods and services he said would overturn
contracting requirements with minority firms. He urged members not to "go back to the status
quo of excluding people of color and women."  The division decided to "clean up" the language
before the bill is sent to the floor.
     The bill was approved and sent back to the full Education Committee.

Division okays on-line learning
     The Education Committee Higher Education Division met Weds. evening, Feb. 7, to
consider two bills held over from the day's earlier meeting. 
     S.F. 1034 directs the University of Minnesota and Minnesota State Colleges and
Universities (MnSCU) to enter into a joint project to offer courses via computer.  Bill author,
Sen. Deanna Wiener (DFL-Eagan), said the project uses multimedia and the internet to reach a
"wide audience of students we're missing presently."  
     The bill includes grants to encourage faculty to develop technology-based courses to meet
"distance learning needs" and calls on the campuses to develop marketing and distribution
strategies.  The measure appropriates $500,000 to each institution, and requires them to attract
private and federal money to support the project.  Wiener said she sees the system as a "cost-saving, ready to meet the challenges of higher education and create a revenue stream."
     Sen. Roger D. Moe, (DFL-Erskine), agreed higher education has to "sell itself, treat itself
as a commodity."  He added,  "It can not expect any more of the state's resources." 
     Chair  LeRoy Stumpf, (DFL Thief River Falls), said acceptance of on-line learning is
growing and "we have to get on the bandwagon." The bill was approved and sent to the full
Education Committee for consideration.
     Members also approved a measure, authored by Sen. Cal Larsen, (R-Fergus Falls), that
updates regulations governing trade schools.  Leslie Mercer, interm director, Higher Education
Services Office, said the bill adds "administrative" to the type of fraud that can be used to deny a
license to a private career school.  She said the bill also clarifies language on student refunds, and
closes a regulation loophole used by some private, for-profit schools.  The bill was referred to the
full Education Committee.

Environment and Natural Resources
Several bills heard
The Environment and Natural Resources Committee heard a number of bills on a variety of issues
at a Fri., Feb. 2, meeting.  The first bill considered, S.F. 2088, allows a meat processor in Greater
Minnesota to incinerate cardboard.  Rodney Massey of the Pollution Control Agency (PCA)
explained that the meat processor usually sells the cardboard to a recycler, but wanted permission
to burn the cardboard if the recycling market fell.  The measure, sponsored by Sen. Arlene
Lesewski (R-Marshall), was approved and sent to the Senate floor.
     The committee also considered amendments to an environmental improvement pilot
project established last year.  Under the pilot project, regulated pollution generating facilities can
voluntarily audit themselves for permit violations, and propose remedies if violations are found
without fear of being penalized.  The PCA found that few facilities are participating in the project
because the results of the audits must be published and businesses didn't want to disclose
proprietary secrets.  S.F. 2306, authored by Sen. Ted Mondale (DFL-St. Louis Park), removes
the publication requirement and also adds penalties for knowingly making false statements in audit
reports.  The bill was advanced to the full Senate.
     Next, Sen. Paula Hanson (DFL-Ham Lake) presented her bill, S.F. 2400, to the
committee.  The bill authorizes a study of landowner compensation issues arising from wetland
preservation regulations.  The bill requires inclusion of property rights groups representatives on a
"wetland heritage advisory committee."  Sen. Gene Merriam (DFL-Coon Rapids) successfully
moved to amend the bill to include representatives of taxpayer groups on the study committee. 
Hanson explained that the Board of Water and Soil Resources intended to request $30,000 to
fund the study and moved to re-refer the bill to the Finance Committee.  The motion was adopted.
     The committee returned to its discussion of S.F. 1978.  The measure, authored by Sen.
Dallas Sams (DFL-Staples), originally authorized the Dept. of Natural Resources (DNR)
commissioner to enter into a reciprocal agreement with North Dakota to allow nonresident
hunters under age 16 to hunt small game with a Minnesota resident license.  Sams offered an
amendment extending the reciprocity to all states.  The amendment was adopted and the bill sent
to the floor.
     Committee Chair Bob Lessard (DFL-Int'l. Falls) presented the omnibus forestry bill, S.F.
2384.  One provision allows the open burning of raw, untreated wood by commercial enterprises. 
Sen. Gary Laidig (R-Stillwater) explained that it "simply gives to businesses the same burning
authority that individuals have."  Sen. Phil Riveness (DFL-Richfield) expressed concern that a
business may have a much larger volume to burn than an individual and yet "wouldn't need to get
PCA commentary."  Compromise language offered by Sen. Dennis Frederickson (R-New Ulm)
permits open burning, with PCA approval, when there is not a "feasible or prudent alternative." 
Frederickson's amendment was accepted.
     Lessard offered an amendment that replaced two provisions in the bill.  Merriam objected
to one provision allowing the DNR commissioner to adopt state forest campground rules and
making violations of those rules a misdemeanor.  "We're giving them the enforcement authority
and letting them decide what the rules are," said Merriam.  The committee consented to
Merriam's motion striking that provision.  The other provision of Lessard's amendment changes
the basis of limits on auctions of state timber from value in dollars to volume in cords.  The
amendment was adopted and the bill sent to the floor.
     The panel continued its discussion from an earlier meeting of the Project XL bill, S.F.
1956, carried by Sen. Steve Dille (R-Dassel).  The discussion began with PCA Commissioner
Charles Williams describing Project XL as "the new wave of the future."  Williams described the
relationship between industry and environmental regulators as frequently confrontational and said,
"somebody needs to blink first.  We're blinking."
     Lisa Thorvig, also of the PCA, reported on negotiations with environmental groups in
soliciting their support of the legislation.  Thorvig said the environmental groups have conditioned
their support on the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the PCA and the Federal
Environmental Protection Agency that  establishes a "stakeholder consensus process" and
prohibits the issuance of a Project XL permit that would result in "increased biocumulative
chemicals."  Thorvig said a consensus of the stakeholders is not required to issue a permit.  The
bill was forwarded to the Senate floor.


Emergency deer feeding discussed
A bill appropriating $1.25 million to feed white-tailed deer in danger of starvation  because of
severe winter weather was heard by the Environment and Natural Resources Finance Division at a
Tues., Feb. 6, meeting.  The bill's sponsor, Sen. Douglas Johnson (DFL-Cook), said the amount
was based on previous emergency feeding measures.
     Most of the discussion on the bill centered on the source of the appropriation.  John
Kvasnicka, president of the Minn. Deer Hunters Association, said he thought the money should
come from the state's general fund instead of the game and fish fund because of property and
sales tax payments made by deer hunters.  Sen. Leonard Price (DFL-Woodbury) asked,"What
would be the reaction by the deer hunters to a surcharge on the 1996 license fee?" "Unfavorable,"
replied Kvasnicka.
     Earlier the division heard a report on the effectiveness of a similar emergency deer feeding
operation in 1989.  Dave Schad of the Dept. of Natural Resources (DNR) compared the results of
feeding efforts between forested areas and agricultural areas.  Because of greater difficulty getting
food to deer populations in forested areas, only 9 percent of the deer population in those areas
received food, Schad explained.  This resulted in a 3 percent larger herd during the following
hunting season than there would have been without a feeding operation, he added.  DNR
calculations determined it cost $81.50 for every deer added to the population the following year.
     In contrast, Schad explained, feeding operations in agricultural areas were easier and three
times more effective than forest feedings.  Calculating in the value of staff time and other
resources, the DNR spent $26.20 on each deer saved in farm areas, Schad reported.  Schad's
bottom line recommendation was to concentrate future emergency feeding efforts in agricultural
areas.
     Using a value of $1,000 for each of the 20,000 saved deer, Sen. Charles Berg (DFL-Chokio) calculated a $20 million return on the million dollars spent in the 1989 effort.  "Twenty
to one is a pretty good return on any program," Berg said.
     The bill was laid over for further discussion.

Hunting bill approved
     The Environment and Natural Resources Committee, chaired by Sen. Bob Lessard (DFL-Int'l. Falls), completed their work on the 1996 omnibus game and fish bill and acted on several
other bills at a Tues., Feb. 6, meeting.  The game bill, sponsored by Sen. Janet Johnson (DFL-North Branch), makes several changes to the state's hunting laws.  Notable changes include the
repeal of the special muzzle loading firearm deer hunting season, additional blaze orange
requirements for small game hunters, and authorization for under 16 year old nonresidents to hunt
small game with a resident license.  Another provision in the bill, broadening the prohibition on
casting light rays to illuminate wild animals, was removed.  Sen. Gene Merriam (DFL-Coon
Rapids) said the provision presumed intent to kill when that may not always be the case.  The bill
was sent to the Senate floor.
     The panel also approved S.F. 2296, sponsored by Sen. Pat Piper (DFL-Austin).  The bill
esablishes the "Blazing Star" trail for hiking and biking between Albert Lea and Austin.
     Sen. Mark Ourada (R-Buffalo) presented two other bills for the committee's
consideration.  The first, S.F. 1464, allows the Lake Pulaski improvement district to lower the
lake level in the fall in preparation for spring-time snow melt.  The other, S.F. 1587, allows the
sale of tax-forfeited land in Sherburne County. Both bills were approved and sent to the Senate
floor.

 Deer feeding bill advances
     The Environment and Natural Resources Finance Division completed its action on S.F.
2596, a bill appropriating money for emergency deer feeding operations, at a Weds., Feb. 7,
meeting.
     Tim Bremicker of the Dept. of Natural Resources (DNR) advised the division that feeding
efforts in the northern part of the state are not cost effective, and recommended against a
statewide feeding program.  Sen. Charles Berg (DFL-Chokio) compared exclusion of the northern
part of the state to a farmer neglecting his livestock.  "He'd get thrown in the slammer," said
Berg.
     Sen. Harold "Skip" Finn (DFL-Cass Lake) said he didn't like the framing of the debate. 
"The question should be, is this a good use of the public dollar?"
     Sen. Bob Lessard (DFL-Int'l. Falls) offered an amendment designating the sources of the
funding. Under the amendment, $500,000 comes from the general fund and $500,000 comes from
the Game and Fish fund.  In addition, fifty cents of every resident deer hunting license fee would
be dedicated to funding emergency deer feeding operations.  Sen. Leonard Price (DFL-Woodbury) offered an amendment to Lessard's amendment putting a $1 surcharge on deer
hunting licenses in lieu of the general fund appropriation.  Price's amendment failed, but Lessard's
was adopted.
     Sen. Gene Merriam (DFL-Coon Rapids) offered an amendment requiring a study of the
effectiveness of feeding.  The amendment was adopted and the bill sent to the full Environment
and Natural Resources Committee.
     The division also heard a variety of other bills.  Sen. Gary Laidig (R-Stillwater) presented
S.F. 2376, a DNR bill involving the sale and use of state lands.  An amendment concerning
inadvertant trespasses and improvements on state land was added and the bill forwarded to the
full committee.
     S.F. 2114, authored by Division Chair Steven Morse (DFL-Dakota), makes changes in the
Reinvest in Minnesota (RIM) program.  The bills allows prioritizing of land purchases to complete
wetland restoration projects.  The measure advanced to the full committee.
     Also discussed was S.F. 1635, sponsored by Sen. Janet Johnson (DFL-North Branch). 
The bill is a response to federal efforts seeking fair and just applications of environmental
regulations.  The bill was laid over to work out technical amendments.   

Ethics and Campaign Reform
Mail ballot bills approved
     A bill expanding the use of mail ballots for city, county and state elections in communities
with fewer than 1,000 voters was heard at the Thurs. Feb. 1, meeting of the Ethics and Campaign
Reform Committee.  S.F. 2283, authored by Sen. LeRoy Stumpf (DFL-Thief River Falls)
provides that any statutory of home rule charter city or town having fewer than 1000 registered
votes on June 1 of an election year and not located in a metropolitan county may provide balloting
by mail at any city, county or state election with no polling place other than the office of the
auditor or clerk.
     Stumpf described the absentee ballot process as cumbersome compared with the lifestyle
improvements we have in today's society.  The bill, Stumpf said, is a small step in opening up the
participatory process.  The bill will extend the current of limit of 400 registered voters for a town
to 1,000. "It's a great privilege to vote," said Dick Day (R-Owatonna).  "Turnout means more
than simply filling out a sheet and putting it in the mail."  The bill was approved and sent to the
Senate floor.
     The committee, chaired by Sen. John Marty (DFL-Roseville), also discussed a related bill,
S.F. 247, authored by Sen. Lawrence Pogemiller (DFL-Mpls.).  The bill requires certain special
primaries and elections to be conducted by mail.  Pogemiller said that the bill is a way to deal with
low turnout.  Democracy works better the more people vote said Pogemiller.  The bill presents a
choice for the governor with respect to special elections; hold the election during the November
election cycle or hold the election by mail, Pogemiller said.
     Sen. Pat Pariseau (R-Farmington) said  "I'm struck by the number of bills that have come
through this committee dealing with convenience.  Convenience doesn't rise to the top of the list
in reasons to do something.  To make something convenient can also reduce the meaning.  The
phrase  get out and vote' becomes much less significant."  The bill was approved and sent to the
Senate floor.
     S.F. 1895, a bill involving elections that was initially discussed in a previous hearing, was
again brought up for debate.  S.F. 1895 requires the return of public subsidy by candidates who
violate the Fair Campaign Practices Act and requires candidates to agree to conduct truthful and
issue-oriented campaigns as a condition of receiving a public subsidy.  Sen. Ember Reichgott
Junge (DFL-New Hope), the author of the bill, offered an amendment to delete the more
controversial portion of the bill; a section requiring a pledge to conduct truthful campaigns.  
The amendment was adopted.  Sen. Gary Laidig (R-Stillwater) offered an amendment to reinsert
language in the Minnesota statute prohibiting principle campaign committees from making
independent expenditures.  Laidig withdrew the amendment and the bill was approved as
amended.       

Recall bill approved
     The Ethics and Campaign Reform Committee began its Tues., Feb 6, meeting by returning
to S.F. 153, a bill to provide recall of public officials.  Sen. Ember Reichgott Junge (DFL-New
Hope), author of the bill, said that since the bill had been approved by the committee at an earlier
date, it was her intention to move it along in order to continue the process.  Sen. Gary Laidig (R-Stillwater) offered an amendment to broaden the reason for recall to include political reasons. 
Laidig's amendment removes malfeasance or nonfeasance in the performance of duties of the
office and lowers the number of eligible voters needed for the petition for recall to 20 percent of
the number who voted for all candidates for office in the most recent general election.  The
amendment failed.  The bill was approved and re-referred to the Rules and Administration
Committee.
     Marty presented S.F. 2720, a bill to permit simultaneous candidacy for nomination by
major and minor parties with their consent.  The bill requires consents in writing from the state
chair of the parties whose nomination is sought, requires that a candidate who seeks the
simultaneous nomination of a major political party and one or more minor political parties and
fails to be nominated at the state primary for the major political party forfeit the nomination of the
minor political parties, and requires that a candidate only be listed on the ballot once.      
     Cam Gordon of the Green Party of Minnesota and  Steven Gerencser of the New Party
both testified in support of the bill.  Gerencser discussed the concept of fusion, an electoral
strategy theat enables two or more political parties to coalesce around an individual candidate by
nominating the candidate for the same office in the same general election.  Members approved the
bill to sent to the Senate floor.  
     Marty also presented S.F. 2527, a bill exempting campaign material related to ballot
questions and certain other campaign materials from disclaimer requirements.  Marty said that the
bill narrows exemptions while still preserving most of the current law.  The bill was approved and
passed to the Senate floor.
Family Services
Two bills advance
     A bill that establishes a county store demonstration project for the purpose of selling
surplus equipment  was approved by the Family Services Committee Tues., Feb. 6. Authored by
Sen. Don Betzold (DFL-Fridley), S.F. 2449 allows Hennepin County to require AFDC recipients
and persons in the corrections system to participate in the program. "Being able to train AFDC
recipients in retail sales is a very beneficial aspect of the program," testified Hennepin County
representative, William Brumfield. The committee, chaired by Sen. Pat Piper (DFL-Austin)
approved the measure and sent it to the floor.
     S.F. 1885, a Dept. of Human Services bill, carried by Sen. David Knutson (R-Burnsville)
was approved and re-referred to the Judiciary Committee. Knutson told members that the bill's
purpose is to comply with the Federal Multiethnic Placement Act. "We are  out of compliance
with the Minnesota Heritage Act," Knutson said.
     The measure removes the requirement for 30-day and subsequent six month reviews of the
placement of a child in a home of a different race or ethic background. It also adds a provision
that insures a person, whose claim for foster care payments was denied or not acted upon
promptly,  a state agency hearing. Furthermore, a claimant has the right to appeal the claim under
the statute governing state agency hearings, rather than the community social services rule.
     Dr. David Sanders, director of Children and Family Services for Hennepin County and
Ann Alstrom, from the county attorney's office spoke in support of the bill.
     Lester Collins and Elvira Barnes-Wycough from the Council on Black Minnesotans
expressed concerns about the bill's urgency. "We have not had adequate time to take this to the
community, nor to digest it ourselves," Collins said. Knutson pledged to work with the council to
ameliorate its concerns before the bill's next hearing. 

Gaming Regulation
Casino compacts continue
Two bills intended to put limits on Native-American operated casinos were heard in the Gaming
Regulation Committee Tues., Feb. 6.  One bill, S.F. 1974, authorizes the operation of "nonprofit"
casinos by counties where Indian casinos are located.  The other, S.F. 1975,  would terminate
tribal-state gaming compacts in three years.
     Sen. Dan Stevens (R-Mora), chief author of S.F. 1974, cited statistics showing that crime
rates have increased twice as fast in counties hosting tribal casinos than in other counties of the
state.  The workload of law enforcement authorities has increased without the benefit of increased
revenues, Stevens said.  William Skelnik, a life-long resident of the Lake Mille Lacs area,
explained that the tribal governments are using the profits from their casino operations to buy area
properties such as resorts, banks and gas stations.  "These properties are put in trust and are no
longer taxed," Skelnik said.  "As a result, property values are going down and property taxes are
going up," he added.
     To address these problems, Stevens' bill allows counties to increase their revenues by
operating their own casinos as long as the profits are used only for property tax relief.      Committee Chair Charles Berg (DFL-Chokio) called upon state lottery director George Anderson
to comment on the legality of such an operation.  Anderson cited court decisions requiring non-Indian gambling operations to be operated by state lotteries, and thus, county operated casinos
would be illegal.  No action was taken on the bill so that operational details could be worked out
to comply with the law.
     The other bill, S.F. 1975, also presented by Stevens, terminates all tribal-state gaming
compacts on Jan. 1, 1999.  Sen. Allan Spear (DFL-Mpls.) advised the committee that it would be
subject to legal challenges if enacted.  "How do you unilaterally renegotiate a contract," asked
Spear.  "It's a violation of contract law and a violation of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act
(IGRA)," Spear added.  He further suggested that Congress be lobbied to amend IGRA.  The bill
failed on a tie vote.
     The committee also considered S.F. 2502, authored by Sen. Phil Riveness (DFL-Bloomington).  The bill broadens the lawful purpose expenditure provision to allow veterans
groups to use gambling proceeds to pay taxes and other expenses.  The bill received unanimous
approval and was sent to the floor.

Canterbury card club bill okayed
     S.F. 2052, a bill allowing the establishment of a card playing club at Canterbury Park, was
approved by the Gaming Regulation Committee Weds., Feb. 7.  Sen. Jerry Janezich (DFL-Chisholm), sponsor of the measure, brought the bill up after a previous hearing was abruptly
ended by Committee Chair Charles Berg (DFL-Chokio).  Berg attempted to amend his bill
allowing video slot machines at Canterbury, S.F. 2038, into the card club bill.  That motion failed
on a roll call vote.  Berg gavelled the meeting to an end immediately after announcing the vote. 
Sen. Allan Spear (DFL-Mpls.) asked to see a show of hands on the motion to adjourn.  The
motion to adjourn failed.  Janezich moved to recommend passage of the bill and send it to the
Taxes and Tax Laws Committee.  The motion was approved.
     Earlier, the committee heard three bills designed to discourage the use of public assistance
benefits at gambling establishments.  All the bills, S.F. 2611 by Sen. Dallas Sams (DFL-Staples),
S.F. 2380 by Sen. Arlene Lesewski (R-Marshall),  and S.F. 2351 by Berg, would disable
electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards at gambling establishments. Berg and Lesewski's  bills also
prohibit cashing welfare checks at gaming houses and impose reductions on future benefits for
violations.  Spear questioned the logistics of disabling the EBT cards and asked, "how much
authority does the human services commissioner have over ATMs on (Indian) reservations?" 
Barb Anderson, of the Dept. of Human Services, responded that the commissioner does have the
authority and it's simply a matter of reprogramming the transaction processor.  She also
recommended putting endorsements on the back of benefit checks to prohibit cashing them at
casinos, and advised the committee that reducing benefits is against federal regulations.  The panel
delayed taking action after learning that the companion to S.F. 2351 met the deadline in the other
body.
     The committee also acted on two other bills.  The first, S.F. 1788, carried by Sen. Don
Kramer (R-Brooklyn Center), requires the printing of the value and taxability of on-line game
prizes on lottery tickets. The other, S.F. 2218, is the Public Safety Department Gambling Control
Division's housekeeping bill.  An amendment, offered by Berg, increasing the percent of gross
receipts that could be used for allowable expenses, was not adopted.  Both bills were approved
and sent to the Senate floor.
     The committee also discussed S.F. 2377, sponsored by Sen. Gary Laidig (R-Stillwater). 
Laidig's bill proposes the establishment of a single gaming casino in a first-class city and
dedication of the net revenues to statewide property tax relief.  The panel took no action.

Governmental Operations and Veterans Committee
Elevator regulations added 
     A bill that requires electrical or mechanical elevator work to be done by registered
individuals or persons supervised on-site by a registered mechanic was approved by the
Governmental Operations and Veteran's Committee Fri., Feb. 2.  S.F.1945,  sponsored by Sen.
Paula Hanson (DFL-Ham Lake), requires the commissioner of  administration to establish
qualifying criteria for elevator contractors and issue licenses based on the applicant's
qualifications. Additionally,  a person or business must obtain a permit from the Dept. of
Administration or an authorized municipality to work on an elevator. Members approved the bill
and sent it to the full Senate.
     Also sent to the floor, was S.F. 2419, a bill that authorizes a plaque honoring women
veterans to be placed on the Capitol grounds. Sen. Pat Piper (DFL-Austin), the measure's author,
told the committee that recognition of women veterans is long over-due.
     Two housekeeping bills, S.F. 2219, sponsored by Chair James Metzen (DFL-South St.
Paul) and S.F. 2418, carried by Sen. Phil Riveness (DFL-Bloomington) were also approved by
members. S.F. 2219, the Dept. of Administration's housekeeping measure, includes a provision
that a state agency may not undertake capital improvements without legislative authority. An
amendment that requires 60 percent of the solid waste generated by state offices and operations
be recycled was adopted and the bill was sent to the floor. 
     S.F. 2418, the legislative auditor's housekeeping bill, was also approved, but re-referred
to the Judiciary Committee. 

Several bills advance
     The Governmental Operations and Veterans Committee, chaired by Sen. James Metzen
(DFL-South St. Paul), took up several bills Tues., Feb. 6.
     S.F. 2422, authored by Sen. Dennis Frederickson (R-New Ulm), was approved and re-referred to the Finance Committee. "This bill is an effort to put some policy sense into statewide
telecommunication issues," Frederickson said. The measure increases the second-year
appropriation to the Government Information Access Council from $100,000 to $400,000. It also
changes the council's name to the Council on the Minnesota Information Society.
     S.F. 1902, carried by Sen. Sandra Pappas (DFL-St. Paul), a bill that affects the Council on
Affairs of Spanish-Speaking People, the Council on Asian-Pacific Minnesotans, the Council on
Black Minnesotans and the Indian Affairs Council was sent to the full Senate. The measure
changes the name of the Council on Affairs of Spanish-Speaking People. Under the bill, "Spanish-Speaking" is replaced with "Chicano/Latino." Additionally, S.F. 1902 enlarges the council
membership from seven to 11.
     The bill also eliminates  a list of specific countries that must be represented on the Council
on Asian-Pacific Minnesotans. Instead, the proposal requires that the 23 members must represent
the broad nature of the Asian-Pacific community. 
     An amendment that makes all four councils subject to sunset provisions was adopted by
the committee. Several Senators objected to the provision, including Sen. Roy Terwilliger (R-Edina), Sen. John Hottinger (DFL-Mankato) and Sen. Steven Morse (DFL-Dakota).  "These
councils are always under the gun," Morse said. "The message we send is: we're not so sure that
this is a worthwhile effort."
     But Sen. Deanna Wiener (DFL-Eagan) spoke in favor of the amendment, as did Sen.
Lawrence Pogemiller (DFL-Mpls.) "This issue of sunsets has been raised to an exaggerated
level," Pogemiller said. "Sunset provisions have nothing to do with whether these councils are
credible or not."
     Another amendment, offered by Sen. Linda Runbeck (R-Circle Pines), adds a provision
that encourages adaptation efforts by recent Asian and Pacific immigrants and promotes ESL
study. The amendment was adopted and the measure was sent to the Floor.
     Also approved and sent to the full Senate were S.F. 2529, Sen. Tracy Beckman's (DFL-Bricelyn)  measure that grants the United South Central School District a waiver from the law
covering school board elections; S.F. 1766, Morse's bill that allows state employees under section
457 of the Internal Revenue Code access to annuity contracts qualified under section 403(b) and
S.F. 2183, Sen. Steven Murphy's (DFL-Red Wing) bill that allows state employees to donate
accrued vacation leave to the sick leave accounts of other employees. 
     S.F. 2426, carried by Sen. Ted Mondale (DFL-St. Louis Park), establishing statewide
universal public access to telecommunication and information services, was laid on the table. 
     
Salary adjustments approved
     A bill that adjusts salaries for state agency heads, judges and constitutional officers was
approved by the Governmental Operations and Veterans Committee Weds., Feb. 7. Authored by
Sen. Roy Terwilliger (R-Edina), S.F. 1827 incorporates salary modifications recommended by the
Legislative Compensation Council. S.F. 499, carried by Sen. John Hottinger (DFL-Mankato),
which raises the salaries of administrative law judges and workers compensation judges, was
rolled into Terwilliger's measure.
     Terwilliger told members that the Legislature has not adjusted salary ranges since 1987,
and that commissioners' salaries have been frozen since 1990. Modifications are necessary to
attract first-rate candidates to the public sector, he said. "These changes bring the salaries of
agency heads and judges into line with those salaries paid in the private sector," Terwilliger said,
"and this will make the state a little bit more competitive."
     The bill collapses three salary ranges into two groups and ties those two ranges to a
percentage of the governor's salary. Under the measure, salaries for commissioners from Group I
may not exceed 85 percent of the governor's salary; Group II commissioners' salaries are limited
to 75 percent of the governor's pay. 
     The bill also increases the salary of an administrative law judge  and a workers comp judge
to 90 percent of the salary paid to a district court judge. "This is an over-due and necessary
increase for judges who try some of the most difficult and complex cases in the state," Hottinger
said.
     Sen. Phil Riveness (DFL-Bloomington) objected to language that entitles the governor to
a pay raise. "This just doesn't seem reasonable," Riveness said. "Our salaries are frozen and yet
we entertain a three percent increase for the governor." He told the committee that of the nation's
salaries for governors,  Minnesota ranks number four. "It isn't warranted," Riveness continued,
"and I think we ought to find a way to take it out of the bill."
     Before approving the measure and re-referring it to the Finance Committee, Senators
adopted an amendment to raise the salary of the state lottery director to 85 percent of the
governor's salary.
     Also re-referred to the Finance Committee was S.F. 2284, carried by Sen. Dean Johnson
(R-Willmar), and S.F. 2494, sponsored by Sen. Sandra Pappas (DFL-St. Paul). Johnson's bill
gives the adjutant general authority to make bonus payments to eligible members of the National
Guard for reenlisting. Pappas' measure appropriates $330,000 for purchasing options for land
acquisitions.
     The committee, chaired by Sen. James Metzen (DFL-South St. Paul), approved three
other measures and recommended that they be placed on the Consent Calendar. S.F. 2564, carried
by Sen. Don Samuelson (DFL-Brainerd), designates Camp Ripley as the "State of Minnesota
Education and Training Center" and encourages state agencies to use it for meetings not normally
held at the agency's usual business location. Sen. Don Betzold's (DFL-Fridley) bill, S.F. 2406,
authorizes the adjutant general to appoint two National Guard officers above the grade of major
to the Minnesota State Armory Building Commission. Metzen's  S.F. 2584 eliminates the
Veterans' Homes Board of Director's quarterly report to the governor.

Health Care
Bills advance
     Health Care Committee members approved a bill establishing a probable cause hearing
before an administrative law judge for any contested case where a physician has been accursed of
sexual misconduct.  Sen. Gene Merriam presented S.F. 2332 to the committee at a Thurs., Feb 1,
meeting.  The bill, said Merriam, makes more data from the hearing public and allows the victim
to obtain a description of the actions taken by  the Board of Medical Practices with regard to the
complaint.  Merriam said the bill provides more incentive for individuals who have been the
victims of sexual misconduct on the part of medical professionals to come forward.  The bill was
approved by the committee and sent to the Senate floor.
     A bill requiring a Medical Assistance vendor to provide all recipients of services a billing
statement was also approved.  S.F. 1939 is aimed at requiring the provider to give information to
the consumer, said author Sen. Don Kramer (R-Brooklyn Center).  Required information includes 
a decription of the services, the date they were rendered, the charge, the amount billed to the
Department of Human Services, and any amount submitted for third-party payment.  The bill was
approved and sent to the Senate floor.
     Sen. Don Samuelson (DFL-Brainerd) presented a bill to modify the nursing facility
spending limits adopted in 1995.  S.F. 1855 modifies the method for adjusting nursing home rates
from year to year by using the prior reporting year's per diem spendup limit instead of the prior
reporting year's allowable operating cost as the base for calculating annual inflationary increases. 
Sen. Linda Berglin, chair of the committee, explained "spend up" as a situation in which an
organization "incurred a cost during the 21 month period before reimbursement, and the cost is
higher than that of the previous recording period." The reimbursement rate is bumped into a
higher cost factor because of inflation.  The bill was approved and re-referred to the Health Care
and Family Services Finance Division.  
     Berglin's bill, S.F. 2317, clarifies the group residential housing (GRH) rate exception for a
facilty that was licensed as a boarding care home, certified as an intermediate care facility and
licensed as a residential program for adult mentally ill persons.  The bill was approved by the
committee and referred to the Senate floor.
     Members resumed discussion on the status of S.F.1874, a bill authored by Berglin, 
requiring a claims administrator to notify an enrollee within ten business days when there is
disagreement with the determination of a utilization review organization. S.F. 1874 was
recommended to pass and sent to the Senate floor.
     The committee also approved S.F. 2020, authored by Berglin,  requesting the
commissioners of health and human services to seek a federal waiver to eliminate the three day
hospital requirement needed before Medicare reimbusement can be received for skilled nursing
facility coverage, allow for Medicare reimbursement for respiratory therapists who provide
services in skilled nursing facilities or in the home, eliminate the assessments for resident that are
expected to stay in a subacute unit of a skilled nursing facility for 30 days or less, allowing the
state to commingle Medicare and alternative care grant funds, and permit nursing homes to meet
the federal financial requirements through self-insurance mechanisms. 
     The remaining portion of the hearing was dedicated to testimony on S.F. 2025, the
governor's health care bill, authored by Sen. Sheila Kiscaden (R-Rochester).  In presenting the
bill, Kiscaden said that the her intention "is to continue working on the bill based on the testimony
received today."  The bill was laid over.   
       
Birth defects registry bill heard
     Sen. Linda Berglin (DFL-Mpls.), chair of the Health Care Committee, began a Tues, Feb.
6, meeting by presenting a bill to establish a birth defects registry.  S.F. 659 requires the
commissioner of health to develop a statewide birth defects registry system providing for the
collection, analysis and dissemination of birth defects information.  Dr. Elizabeth Ross from the
Department of Neurology at the University of Minnesota, testified on behalf of the bill.   "A birth
defects surveillance program will help the state tremendously by counting and monitoring birth
defects," said Ross.  "Without an effective surveillance program, mass clusters of birth defects go
unnoticed."   Members approved the bill and re-referred it to the Health Care and Family Services
Finance Division.
     The committee began discussion of S.F. 1982, a bill sponsored by Sen. Steve Dille (R-Dassel), regarding veterinarian practices.  Roland Olson, direct of the Board of Veterinary
Medicine testified that the statute related to this field has not been revised since 1986.  Several
technical amendments were discussed.  Dr. Phillip Nelson spoke in opposition to the bill.  Nelson
said he was concerned about a section on privacy rights.  Berglin said that the bill would be sent
to Judiciary where Nelson may want to further address those concerns.  The bill was approved
and re-referred to the Judiciary Committee. 
     Berglin presented S.F. 1662, mandating the posting of signs warning of the risk of alcohol
use during pregnancy at all alcohol points of sale in the state.  Sen. Don Samuelson (DFL-Brainerd) offered an amendment to create temporary holding areas for self-contained recreational
camping vehicles created by and adjacent to motor sports facilities.  The amendment and bill were
approved and sent to the Health Care and Family Services Finance Division.
     An issue raised by a constituent was addressed in S.F. 2312, authored by Sen. Sheila
Kiscaden (R-Rochester).  S.F. 2312 permits the administrator of a hospital to serve as the
administrator for a hospital attached nursing home and another nursing home located within a
mile, so long as the total nursing home beds do not exceed 152 and the hospital administrator is
licensed under Minnesota Statutes.  The bill was designed to accommodate St. Elizabeth Health
Care Center in Wabash, MN.  The bill was approved and sent to the Senate floor.
     Sen. Dallas Sams (DFL-Staples) presented S.F. 2272, a bill to prohibit providers and
health plan companies from restricting a person's right to provide health services or procedures to
another provider or health plan company unless the person is an employee.  The bill extends the
sunset date for the prohibition on exclusive relationships.  It was approved by the committee and
sent to the Senate floor.
     A bill to expand the Medical Assistance personal needs allowance for institutionalized
persons to include up to $250 per month for court-ordered child support was approved and re-referred to the Health Care and Family Services Finance Division.  The bill allows the amount of
court ordered child support to be passed through as a personal needs allowance.  An amendment
was offered by the bill's author, Sen. Don Samuelson (DFL-Brainerd), making the allowance
retroactive to Jan. 1, 1996.  The amendment was approved
     Preliminary discussion began on S.F. 2244 and S.F. 2245, bills to clarify ICF rates and
repeal ICF rate penalties.  The bills were laid over.

ICF bills gain
     Several bills modifying intermediate care facility (ICF) rates were discussed at the Tues.,
Feb. 6, evening meeting of the Health Care Committee.  The measures were before the panel,
chaired by Sen. Linda Berglin (DFL-Mpls.), because of legislation enacted last year that divides
ICFs/MR into eight classes and then, within each class, establishes rate limits for "high cost"
facilities in two ways. According to a staff memorandum, the first method of establishing rate
limits provides that facilities with a "cost per service unit limit" at or above the median have their
inflationary increases limited to the consumer price index plus three percent. The second method
provides that facilities that are between one-half and one standard deviation about the mean
receive a two percent payment reduction and facilities that are at or above one standard deviation
above the mean receive a three percent reduction.  In addition, the cost per service unit limits are
determined using client case mix assessment scores. The bills before the committee were a result
of rate determinations that provided reductions.
     S.F. 2244, authored by Sen. Don Samuelson (DFL-Brainerd), exempts facilities from the
reductions if the facility converted from A to B licensure status since the 1990 rate year and
prohibits the use of case mix assessments to determine facility rates until the assessment
methodology has been approved under the Administrative Procedure Act.  S.F. 2074, authored by
Sen. Don Betzold (DFL-Fridley), makes adjustments for  ICFs/MR with crisis services units by
providing another method of calculating maintenance cost limits and specifying that the rate
reductions must be determined after excluding costs related to the crisis services.  The measure
also exempts facilities if the facility converts from A to B licensure status and suspends the use of
case mix assessments.  Both measures were advanced to the Health Care and Family Services
Finance Division.  A third measure, S.F. 2245, sponsored by Samuelson, repeals the ICF rate
penalty.  The bill was laid over.
     In other action, the panel advanced two additional bills to the Health Care and Family
Services Finance Division.  S.F. 2021, authored by Berglin, directs the commissioner of human
services to conduct a study to determine if disabled children of color are denied in-home services
from county social service systems more frequently than other disabled children with similar
needs.  S.F. 1855, sponsored by Samuelson, modifies Rule 50 relating to nursing facility
reimbursement rates.


Mandates review bill okayed
     A bill to establish a process for reviewing proposed health coverage mandates before the
Legislature acts on them was approved by the Health Care Committee without opposition.  The
bill, S.F. 2311, sponsored by Sen. Sheila Kiscaden (R-Rochester), was approved at a hearing
Wed., Feb. 7.  The purpose of the bill is to give the Legislature better information on the overall
impact of a mandate on health care costs, quality and access.  Several organizations supported the
legislation including the HMO Council, the Minnesota Hospital and Health Care Partnership, the
Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and the Minnesota Health Care Commission, all of which had
representatives at the hearing, prepared to testify on behalf of the bill.
     S.F. 2264, a bill presented last week to the committee by Sen. Don Samuelson (DFL-Brainerd) was again laid over.   The bill authorizes counties to implement county-based
demonstration projects. Although several technical amendments were adopted by the committee,
debate continues over direct contracting authorization for counties.
      Sen. Jim Vickerman (DFL-Tracy) continued presentation of S.F. 2307, offering an
amendment with language to acknowledge work produced by the developmental disabilities
working group on cost-effective quality improvements. The amendment provides a framework for
the delivery of services to Minnesotans with mental retardation and related developmental
disabilities by refining and expanding on the goals, plans and recommendations of the working
group.  The amendment was adopted.  
     Bruce Nelson of the Association of Resident Resources in Minnesota asked the committee
to approve the bill to allow the group to move ahead with discussions regarding long-term care
needs for cost savings and return with recommendations. The bill was approved and re-referred to
the Government Operations and Veterans Committee.
     S.F. 2025, sponsoped by Kiscaden, is a departmental bill that makes a variety of technical
changes and includes several modifications of the state governing Medical Assistance (MA) claims
against estates.  There are changes to MA, General Assistance Medical Care (GAMC) and
MinnesotaCare found within the bill.  Also included are new standards for services for persons
with disabilities, modifications to the changes in TEFRA and personal care services adopted in
1995, and a proposal to maximize Medicare billings.  Kiscaden offered an amendment and one
related to provisions worked out with DHS and home care providers.  Health Care Committee
Chair Linda Berglin (DFL-Mpls.) distributed several amendments for future consideration.

Jobs, Energy and Community Development
Koch Refinery bill advanced
     Members of the Jobs, Energy and Community Development Committee devoted the
Thurs., Feb. 1, hearing to testimony and discussion of S.F. 1147.  The bill, authored by
Committee Chair Steven Novak (DFL-New Brighton), provides a tax exemption for Koch
Refinery's planned electric cogeneration plant.  According to Novak the bill is designed to
encourage the construction by allowing for a market value exclusion for electric power generation
facilities based on facility efficiency.  The meeting was devoted to hearing testimony against the
measure and discussing amendments.  Members had heard proponent testimony at an earlier
meeting. 
     The panel adopted an amendment specifying the method to be used in calculating the
efficiency of a facility.  Under the amendment, the efficiency is calculated as the sum of the useful
electrical power output; plus the useful thermal energy output; plus the fuel energy of the useful
chemical products;  plus the useful mechanical energy output, all divided by the total energy input
to the facility expressed as a percentage.  The bill was approved and re-referred to the Committee
on Taxes and Tax Laws.

Prairie Island bill okayed
     The controversial subject of dry cask storage of nuclear waste dominated the Tues., Feb.
6, meeting of the Jobs, Energy and Community Development Committee.  At issue was a bill, S.F.
2495, making changes in the laws enacted in 1994 relating to dry cask storage at NSP's Prairie
Island facility.  Sen. Steven Novak (DFL-New Brighton), committee chair and chief author of the
bill, said the measure is the result of a negotiated agreement reached between NSP and the
Mdewakanton Tribal Council at Prairie Island.  Under the bill, the tribe is slated to receive land
and compensation while NSP is allowed to stop the alternative site selection process.  The original
legislation required NSP to find an additional site for dry cask storage of nuclear waste.
     Novak said that the bill also provides for a $4 million annual contribution to the Dept. of
Public Service for a renewable energy development account.  In addition, the bill eliminates the
limitation of waste storage combining spent fuel rods in the pool at Prairie Island and in dry casks.
The bill also specifies that pool storage is not permanent storage under Minnesota law.  The
measure also exempts the storage facility and the dry casks from real and personal property taxes. 
Novak said that under the agreement between NSP and the tribal council, the savings in taxes are
expected to go to the Prairie Island community. 
     Proponents of the measure included representatives from the tribal council at Prairie
Island, NSP and citizens groups involved in the alternative site selection.  Allan Chiles, treasurer
of the tribal council, said "Our number one priority was securing land to provide more options for
our people.  The new land and compensation will allow us to diversify our economic base and
provide for our people's future. We believe this is the best deal we can make and if this bill is
stalled, our community will lose again."
     Individuals involved in the site selection process also urged support of the bill. Bruce
Halstead, citizens site advisor, said the compromise recognizes the legitimate rights and concerns
of the Prairie Island Community and others involved in the siting process.
     Opposition to the bill was voiced by several environmental organizations. Craig Johnson,
of Clean Water Action, said though his group supports compensation for the tribe, the group does
not support the bill. George Crocker of the North American Water Office said that legislation is
not needed for NSP to assess the need for re-racking pent fuel rods and that his group does not
support removing legislative authorization from the law.
     Sen. Janet Johnson (DFL-North Branch) spoke against the portion of the bill dealing with
re-racking.  Johnson, Sen. Dennis Frederickson (R-New Ulm) and Sen. Ellen Anderson (DFL-St.
Paul), argued that it is a public policy issue and an inappropriate subject for negotiation between
NSP and the tribal council. Johnson moved to delete the section of the bill dealing with limitation
of waste storage combining the spent rods in the pool and in dry casks.  The amendment was
defeated on a 5-8 roll call vote.  The bill was then approved and re-referred to the Environment
and Natural Resources Committee on a 7-6 roll call vote.  

Bonding requests advance
     Several bills requesting bonding for a variety of community development projects got a
favorable response from members of the Jobs, Energy and Community Development Committee
at a Tues., Feb. 6, evening hearing.  The panel, chaired by Sen. Steven Novak (DFL-New
Brighton), advanced eight bills to the Jobs, Energy and Community Development Finance
Division.
     Minneapolis Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton and Minneapolis Councilmember Alice Rainville
spoke on behalf of a bill authorizing $35 million for expansion of the Minneapolis Convention
Center.  According to Sen. Allan Spear (DFL-Mpls.), chief author of S.F. 2609, the funds will be
used for site acquisition, street and utilities relocation, preliminary design and administration prior
to the construction of the expansion.  Sayles Belton said that the convention center must be
enlarged in order for the city to remain competitive in luring large conventions to the state. 
Sayles Belton also emphasized the benefits derived by the state through increased tourism and tax
revenues brought in by conventions held in Minneapolis.
     St. Paul Mayor Norm Coleman also appeared before the committee to support two bills. 
S.F. 2368, authored by Sen. Randy Kelly (DFL-St. Paul), appropriates $3.8 million to be used for
a grant to the city of St. Paul for the Phalen corridor job creation initiative.  The initiative is a
redevelopment program to transform a 12 acre site into an industrial park for manufacturing and
industrial employment.  Coleman said the funding is key to revitalizing the urban core and creating
living wage jobs in the city.  S.F. 2367, also sponsored by Kelly, coordinates the economic
development activities of the St. Paul Port Authority with the city of St. Paul's employment and
job development programs.
     S.F. 2314, authored by Sen. Harold "Skip" Finn (DFL-Cass Lake), authorizes $4.5 million
to construct the Battle Point historic site on the eastern shore of Leech Lake.  According to Finn,
the interpretive center marks the site of the country's final battle between American Indians and
the U.S. Army in 1898.  S.F. 2314, also carried by Finn, authorizes $5.5 million to construct the
Headwaters Science Center in the city of Bemidji.  S.F. 2510, sponsored by Sen. William
Belanger (R-Bloomington), authorizes $1.25 million for construction of a ski jump in the
Highland Hills/Bush Lake ski area.
     S.F. 2504, authored by Sen. Phil Riveness (DFL-Bloomington), modifies limitations on the
use of economic recovery grants. Under the bill, grants may be made to attract out-of-state
business or to retain existing business in the state if the grants are used for workforce training.  In
addition, the bill prohibits grants to businesses involved solely in retail sales and requires that
businesses receiving the grants must pay employees at least 175 percent of the minimum wage.
     Members also acted on two additional bills.  S.F. 2484, authored by Sen. Don Betzold
(DFL-Fridley), authorizes the Brooklyn Park Economic Development Authority to establish a
distressed housing district.  The measure was approved and re-referred to the Taxes and Tax
Laws Committee.  S.F. 1920, authored by Sen. Linda Runbeck (R-Circle Pines), clarifies
definitions in sections of the OSHA law dealing with safety programs and makes other technical
changes.  The bill was approved and advanced to the full Senate.

Utility merger bill gains
     The Jobs, Energy and Community Development Committee, chaired by Sen. Steven
Novak (DFL-New Brighton), devoted the entire Weds., Feb. 7, meeting to discussion of a bill
regulating utility company mergers. 
     Sen. John Hottinger (DFL-Mankato), chief author of the measure, said "S.F. 2337 is a
consumer bill that applies directly to the proposed NSP merger with a Wisconsin utility
company." According to Hottinger, the bill requires the companies to provide the Public Utilities
Commission with adequate information regarding service levels available to retail customers. The
information includes data relating to the number, cause, and duration of outages and the number
and type of personnel assigned to deal with each outage, industry maintenance standards for
major equipments and the company's scheduled maintenance, the minimum number of employees
needed for maintenance, major unscheduled repairs and a report on customer complaints and the
utility's response.   
     Hottinger said that the information is to be among the factors the PUC is to consider when
determining rules related to standards of practice for electric public utilities and in determining
rates.  In addition, the bill specifies that for the purpose of considering a merger application,
"public interest" includes the interests of the employees of a public utility proposing a merger. 
The measure also specifies that the PUC require the utility to agree to binding commitments to
maintain a minimum level of investments and staffing before approving the merger.  Finally, the
bill prohibits a public utility from entering a binding agreement to sell a power plant, service
center, or headquarters building, until six months after notifying its employees of its intent to sell.
     Proponents of the measure included Bernie Brommer, president, MN AFL-CIO and Tom
Koehler, representing IBEW-Local 160.  Both said that the bill is necessary to help restore the
relationship between NSP and its employees.  However, Jerry Larsen, representing NSP, argued
that the bill was unnecessary because NSP already has much of the required information readily
available.
     Sen. Janet Johnson (DFL-North Branch) offered an amendment outlining additional
conditions for the PUC to consider when making a determination on a proposed merger.  Johnson
said that she was concerned that the merger not have adverse effects on existing and developing
competition.  The amendment failed to gain approval.  Sen. Douglas Johnson (DFL-Cook) moved
to have the bill lie over; the motion also failed.  The bill was approved on a divided voice vote and
sent to the Senate floor.

Judiciary
Six bill advance
     The Judiciary Committee, chaired by Sen. Randy Kelly (DFL-St. Paul), met the evening of
Thurs., Feb. 1, and approved six bills. The meeting began with discussion of S.F. 2148, a bill
sponsored by Sen. Steve Murphy (DFL-Red Wing).  The bill states that members of a team of
science advisors are not liable for the contents of their assessment or reports or for any actions or
consequence of their research.  Jim Peppe, of the Public Utilities Commission, testified that he had
been advised by internal legal council at the commission that a bill such as S.F. 2148 was
necessary to prevent lawsuits. The bill was approved and sent to the Senate floor.  
     Three bills were approved and recommended for the Consent Calender.  S.F. 1798,
authored by Sen. Don Betzold (DFL-Fridley),  limits the scope of an instruction to the Revisor of
Statutes.  S.F. 2084, sponsored by Sen. Ember Reichgott Junge (DFL-New Hope.), establishes an
evidentiary privilege for persons who preside at alternative dispute resolutions.  S.F. 2067,
authored by Sen. David Knutson (R-Burnsville),  eliminates a requirement that certain documents
be acknowledged during marriage dissolutions.
     S.F. 1810 was approved and re-referred to the Crime Prevention Committee.  The bill,
sponsored by Sen. Linda Berglin (DFL-Mpls.), clarifies provision relating to the authority of a
peace or health officer to transport intoxicated persons to a treatment facility under the
Commitment Act.  If the person is believed to be chemically dependent or is intoxicated by
alcohol or controlled substances in public, the peace or health officer may take the person into
custody and transport the person to a treatment facility, said Berglin.  Alternatively, if the person
is intoxicated or chemically dependent and is not in danger of causing self-harm or harm to
anyone else, the person may be transported home.   
     The committee also debated S.F. 1888, authored by Sen. Sheila Kiscaden (R-Rochester). 
S.F. 1888 is a bill related to human services issues.  The main provisions of the bill include
requirements for notification of placement or adoption of a child to the other birth parent,
required background checks for adoption, permission for court-ordered grandparent visitation
with an adopted child and defining when adoption record should become public. The bill was
approved and re-referred to the Family Services Committee.

Statute of limitations extended
     The Judiciary Committee met Mon., Feb. 5, to consider S.F. 2198.  The bill, authored by
Sen. Warren Limmer (R-Maple Grove), extends the statute of limitations to enable  individuals
who were damaged by the use of blood products containing HIV to bring suit against the
manufacturer of the blood products.  Limmer said that the extention is requested to allow a group
of people that would otherwise be denied legal recourse.
     Win Borden, representing the American Blood Resources Association, testified against the
bill saying S.F. 2198 is unneeded, unconstitutional and against public policy.  "There are no cases
in which a plaintiff has been barred from claims because of existing statute of limitations," said
Borden.  He said there is a minimum of six years from which time a plaintiff can file suit and the
six years begin when a plaintiff knows that there has been contact with a defective product.  The
bill, said Borden, violates the constitution because it is special legislation forcing one group, and
not others, to pay damages.  "The bill only applies to defendants with deep pockets," said Borden. 
Individuals who acquired HIV through blood products or plasma derivatives are able to sue, but
those that received the infection through blood transfusions do not have similar cause of action,
he said..    
     Debate centered around broadening the focus of the bill by extending responsibility for
damages to the National Hemophilia Foundation as well as anyone involved in the chain of
distribution of the product.  Sen. Martha Robertson (R-Minnetonka) said she felt less and less
comfortable with the bill the more it was opened up to encompass more groups.  An amendment,
offered by Sen. Ember Riechgott Junge (DFL-New Hope) removeds exemptions for anyone who
knew about the negligence.
      Robertson said she felt the the original intent of the bill had been thwarted and that it was
becoming "a bill drafted for lawyers."  "Anyone can be sued under the last amendment," said
Robertson.  Members deleted the Reichgott Junge amendment.  The bill was adopted by the
committee and sent to the Senate floor.
       Discussion turned to S.F. 2119, authored by Sen. Carol Flynn (DFL-Mpls.) authorizing a
third consecutive term for the chief judge of the Fourth Judicial District.  Committee Chair Allan
Spear (DFL-Mpls.) said that he has problems making exemptions for specific districts and
suggested examining the policy of term limits for chief judges.  
     Robin McGee of the National Conference of Black Lawyers testified before the
committee, stating her concerns that the bill will deny the appearance of fairness an unbiasness as
well as the integrity of the judicial system.  
     An amendment offered by Spear to allow three two-year terms for judges was approved
and S.F. 2119 was advanced to the Senate floor.  

Civil law bills advance
     Members of Judiciary Committee, chaired by Sen. Randy Kelly (DFL-St. Paul), met for an
evening hearing Tues., Feb. 6.  Members took action on a total of six bills.  S.F. 2478, authored
by Sen. John Hottinger (DFL-Mankato), modifies and expands the provisions for sanctions in civil
actions.  S.F. 1948, carried by Sen. Don Betzold (DFL-Fridley), regulates reductions in monthly
payments to 20 percent of the payment for overpayment of support or maintenance until the
overpayment is recovered.  S.F. 1702, carried by Sen. Allan Spear (DFL-Mpls.), provides limits
on liability of private corrections treatment facilities that receive patients under court or
administrative order.  S.F. 2310, authored by Sen. Dallas Sams (DFL-Staples), provides for
exemption from liability for roads designated as "rustic roads."  All four measures were advanced
to the Senate floor.
     S.F. 2514, authored by Hottinger, clarifies the financial responsibility for hearings on the
use of neuroleptic medications.  The measure was approved and recommended for placement on
the Consent Calendar.
     S.F. 1792, carried by Sen. Paula Hanson (DFL-Ham Lake), authorizes a parent to name a
"designated parent" to care for their children in the event they are incapacitated.  The bill details
the powers and duties of a designated parent and prescribes a recommended legal form.  The
measure also provides for designation on a driver's license or Minnesota identification card
indicating that the person has appointed an individual to serve as a "designated" parent.  The
measure was re-referred to the Transportation and Public Transit Committee.

Omnibus data privacy bill approved
     The omnibus data privacy bill, S.F. 2410 was presented by Sen. Jane Ranum ( DFL-
Mpls.) to the Judiciary Committee, Weds., Feb.7.  The omnibus bill contains several technical
provisions to help improve patient identification systems and work with the Health Data Institute. 
The bill contains provisions to make property information from pawnshop law enforcement data
available to the public while maintaining the privacy of individuals involved, and compliance with
federal requirement regarding motor vehicle registration.  Current welfare data statutes are
amended under the bill to facilitate matching Department of Children, Families and Learning
student data with public assistance data.  Members approved the bill and forwarded it to the full
Senate. 
     The committee approved, without much debate, three bills including, S.F. 2418, a bill
authored by Sen. Phil Riveness (DFL-Bloomington) requiring the legislative auditor to protect
data classified by law as not public from unlawful disclosure.   S.F. 1966, authored by Ranum,
removes a sunset provision that grants authority to health care providers to release health records
for research purposes without obtaining patient consent.  S.F. 1803, a bill sponsored by Sen.
Steven Novak (DFL-New Brighton) extends municiple tort claims protections to non-profit
firefighting corporations.
     Sen. John Marty (DFL-Roseville) presented S.F. 1906, a bill eliminating the requirement
that charges filed with the commissioner of human rights be verified.  Marty offered an
amendment to prohibit admission of evidence regarding the complainant's sexual conduct with
individuals other than the alleged perpetrator more than one year prior to the alleged sexual
harassment.  The amendment was withdrawn after debate among members and the bill was
advanced to the Senate floor.
     A bill adding provisions for child support enforcement was presented by Sen. Dan Stevens
(R-Mora).  The bill modifies language related to child support programs; requires the commission
of human services to present a proposal to comply with and implement child support reform
provisions of federal welfare reform legislation; requires the commissioner to develop a plan
under which cases may be transferred between jurisdictions without additional filing or service of
process; and submit a plan under which child support arrearages will create a lien upon an
obligor's person and real property.  The bill was approved and sent to the Senate floor.
     S.F. 2454 authored by Sen. Ted Mondale (DFL-St. Louis Park) regulates the use and
dissemination of personally identifiable information on consumers of computer information
services.  The bill specifies that an information service may require consumers to supply only a
limited amount of information including the consumers name, home telephone number, home
address and electronic address.  Disclosure of personally identifiable information concerning any
consumer is prohibited, under the bill.  The bill was approved and sent to the Senate floor.
     
Violence prevention pilot approved
     Members of the Judiciary Committee, chaired by Sen. Randy Kelly (DFL- St. Paul) held
an evening hearing Weds., Feb. 7 and advanced a bill providing for a pilot project coordinating
community violence prevention programs for African American children.  Representatives from
The Council on Black Minnesotans testified on behalf of the S.F. 2124, a bill sponsored by Sen.
Roy Terwilliger (R-Edina), that establishes the council as responsible for planning, designing and
implementing the Martin Luther King nonviolent institutional child development pilot program.  A
section of the bill stating that any information received by law enforcement agencies, schools,
mortuaries, medical examiners, physicians and social service agencies was privileged and not
required to be disclosed to a law enforcement agency or testified to in court sparked committee
debate.
     Representatives from the Council on Black Minnesotans said that children are suffering
from grief, loss and other emotions and need the counseling and support of individuals who are
not required to pass along information.  The counselors need to be able to maintain confidentiality
so victims can talk without placing themselves at risk, said the representatives.  Sen. Jane Krentz
(DFL-May Township) said that the provision may help the council solve more crimes.  "Anything
that gives these kids some hope is worth a try," said Krentz.  Sen. Don Betzold (DFL-Fridley)
said that he was not comfortable giving this type of shield to someone.  "Law enforcement is
going to hate this bill," said Betzold.  The bill was approved and re-referred to the Crime
Prevention Committee.
     The Crime Prevention Committee will also hear S.F. 2472, a bill authored by Sen.
Leonard Price (DFL-Woodbury) and approved by the Judiciary Committee.  Members heard
testimony from Brent Waddell of Legal Aid in support of Price's bill to regulate pawnbroker
transactions.  Waddell said that regulation of the industry is currently left to local ordinances
which vary greatly throughout the state.  S.F. 2472 mandates a standardized minimum level of
regulation state-wide while still permitting cities to be more restrictive if they desire.  
     S.F. 2668, a bill authored by Sen. Carol Flynn (DFL-Mpls.), was approved and sent to the
Senate floor.  S.F. 2668 provides a state cause of action for individuals who are the subject of a
Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP lawsuit).  Flynn said that the bill corrects
a loophole by which an individual could get around federal requirements.  

Metropolitan and Local Government
Special service districts expanded
     Cities have an easier path when creating special service districts under a bill approved by
the Metropolitan and Local Government Committee Thurs., Feb. 1.
     S.F. 2049, authored by Sen. Ted Mondale (DFL-St. Louis Park), removes the requirement
that cities appear before the Legislature to activate a special service district. Property owners
within a special service district agree to pay an extra tax for services beyond those usually
provided by the city.
     Senators said removing legislative oversight makes sense. "I don't recall us ever saying no
to a special service district," said Sen. John Hottinger (DFL-Mankato).
     Another provision of S.F. 2049 expands the use of special service districts to housing
needs. Mondale said the measure allows residents of low-income housing to, in effect, tax
themselves to improve common areas of a building or apartment complex. Housing residents must 
petition to create a district, and 35 percent of residents may veto the idea. The committee, chaired
by Sen. Jom Vickerman (DFL-Tracy), re-referred the bill to the Taxes and Tax Laws Committee.
     Another Mondale-sponsored bill, S.F. 2365, contains a number of provisions affecting the
Metropolitan Council. The bill provides unlimited levy authority to the council to purchase land
that may be needed for future road expansion. When the project is ready to begin, the Department
of Transportation purchases the land from the Metropolitan Council , replenishing the "right-of-way" fund. Under the bill, the council may use eminent domain if necessary to set a purchase price
for the land.
     The bill also allows the council to purchase land slated for a new runway at the
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. 
     Mondale says allowing the Metropolitan Council to purchase land for public use before
it's developed will save taxpayers millions of dollars. But Lisa Lee, a citizen concerned with
Metropolitan Council issues, opposed the expanded levy authority. She told Senators current law
allows the right-of-way fund to be used for projects not related to roads. "It could be just some
sort of cash cow for all different expeditions," she said.
     The bill, which was re-referred to the Taxes and Tax Laws Committee,  also redirects
$200,000 from the right-of-way fund to townships that want to draft long-term growth
management plans.
     The committee also recommended passage of several other bills. S.F. 1663, sponsored by
Sen. John Hottinger (DFL-Mankato), provides a $60,000 grant to the Humphrey Institute of
Public Affairs to conduct interactive television seminars on public policy issues. The bill was
forwarded to the Finance Committee. S.F. 2128, authored by Sen. Gene Merriam (DFL-Coon
Rapids), was sent to the Environment and Natural Resources Committee. It directs $15.5 million
in state bond funds to Metro Area regional parks.  Mondale's bill S.F. 2324, adding an
unclassified Hennepin County deputy sheriff, was sent to the floor. S.F. 2194, authored by Sen.
Carol Flynn (DFL-Mpls.), was also sent to the floor. The bill outlines a Met Council cost
allocation system for wastewater services. 

Annexation bill tabled
     The Metropolitan and Local Government Committee voted to table a controversial
annexation bill Mon., Feb. 5, effectively killing it for the session.
     The bill, S.F. 2646, was introduced by Committee Chair Jim Vickerman (DFL-Tracy).
Vickerman said he saw the measure as a compromise between cities and towns on the issue of
annexation. The bill reinstates voter referenda before a portion of a township can be annexed into
a neighboring city. If voters reject the annexation, the matter is not taken up by the municipal
board which now makes annexation decisions. The bill does, however, allow a city to annex land
within 15 months if the Pollution Control Agency has ordered the city to provide sewer services
to the land. 
     Vickerman said while he had drafted what he believed to be a reasonable proposal, he
knew the bill addressed a "very emotional" topic. "This is not a compromise proposal," said Sen.
John Hottinger (DFL-Mankato). Hottinger said he and Vickerman had some common ground on
annexation issues, but the bill did not reflect this.
     Troy Gilchrist, legal counsel for the Association of Townships, supported S.F. 2646. "It's
a good first step in resolving many issues," he said. Gilchrist was pleased that the bill allows
affected residents, as determined by the Municipal Board, to vote whether the annexation should
take place. "It revives a right that should not have been taken away," he said.
     Opponents said the bill allows a few residents to block annexation proceedings that are in
the best interests of environmental protection, orderly growth and the public as a whole. "Urban
development should take place in cities," said Chuck Canfield, mayor of Rochester. "There has
been no bill that we oppose more than this bill," said Diane Koebele, representing the Coalition of
Greater Minnesota Cities. 
     Sen. Linda Runbeck (R-Circle Pines) moved to table the bill, saying she was disappointed
that it did not represent a better compromise. Senators approved the motion eight to seven.
     Senators approved S.F. 2597, a bill creating a council on intergovernmental relations.
Administrative support for the council will be provided by the Government Board of Innovation
and Cooperation. Sen. James Metzen (DFL-South St. Paul), the bill's author, said the council is
one way to move toward streamlining government. "We've got to start doing this -- sitting across
the table and doing things a little smarter," he said. The bill was re-referred to the Government
Operations and Veterans Committee.

Bill creates housing council
     Sen. Ted Mondale (DFL-St. Louis Park) said everyone's happy with the compromise
created by his bill S.F. 2387. The bill, which creates a council to manage public housing, was one
of seven bills approved Weds., Feb. 7, by the Metropolitan and Local Government Committee,
chaired by Sen. Jim Vickerman (DFL-Tracy)
     S.F. 2387 helps implement the $118 million settlement in a public housing lawsuit,
Mondale said. The joint powers board created by the bill will act as a housing and redevelopment
authority to rehabilitate, construct, purchase and manage rental housing units financed with
federal assistance. "This is a very bipartisan project," said Sen. Martha Robertson (R-Minnetonka), who moved the bill. The committee approved the bill and re-referred it to the Taxes
and Tax Laws Committee.
     A bill sponsored by Sen. Ember Reichgott Junge (DFL-New Hope), S.F. 2073, was
approved and sent to the floor. The bill requires local governments to consider whether a public
works project is necessary and cost-effective before ordering it. Reichgott Junge said the bill is
meant to address the concerns of a group of New Hope residents who worried that cities may be
lead astray by consulting engineers who recommend projects, then bid to perform the work.
     Two bills were approved and re-referred to the Taxes and Tax Laws Committee: S.F.
2261, authored by Sen. Janet Johnson (DFL-North Branch), allowing sanitary districts to maintain
and repair a road by agreement with the agency formerly responsible for the road; and  S.F. 2451,
authored by Sen. Steven Novak (DFL-New Brighton), allowing the Metropolitan Airports
Commission to bond for facilities improvements against projected revenue.
     S.F. 2255, authored by Sen. Don Betzold (DFL-Fridley), was approved and referred to
the Ethics and Campaign Reform Committee. The bill allows city councils to appoint a temporary
council member or mayor if the officeholder is ill or absent for 90 days. S.F. 2258, authored by
Sen. Sam Solon (DFL-Duluth), allows the city of Duluth to spend public money on private
property to abate the flow of storm water into sanitary sewers. The bill was approved and sent to
the floor. S.F. 2223, authored by Sen. Lawrence Pogemiller (DFL-Mpls.), allows the city of
Minneapolis to negotiate contracts with stage hands. The bill was approved and recommended for
the Consent Calendar.
 
Businesses support tax reform
     Businesses shoulder too much of Minnesota's property tax burden, a group of business
owners told the Property Tax Subcommittee of the Taxes and Tax Laws Committee at a Tues.,
Feb. 6 meeting. 
     Most of the owners testified on behalf of S.F. 2498, authored by Sen. Ted Mondale (DFL-St. Louis Park), and S.F. 2455, authored by Sen. William Belanger (R-Bloomington), both of
which require that non-school property tax increases be levied against market value, rather than
tax capacity. Belanger said S.F. 2455, which also provides property tax relief, costs about $300
million annually and could be paid for from the state's projected $824 million revenue surplus.
     Steve Johnson, former owner of three clothing stores, said that higher rates cause
businesses to subsidize government service with their property taxes. He likened the situation to
selling shoes: if you offer shoes at less than cost, demand for them will rapidly increase. Johnson
believes homeowners demand greater services because they know that local businesses will pay a
large share of the cost. "The Minnesota Miracle has turned into the Minnesota nightmare,"
Johnson said.
     Russ Hagen., owner of Minnetonka's Data Recognition, said as both a homeowner and a
business owner, he feels class rates are unfair. "Would I like to pay more on my home? No, but I
should," said Hagen.
     Dan Salomone of the Minnesota Taxpayers Association objected to the class rates that
cause businesses, homes, apartments and cabins to be taxed differently. He said Minnesota has the
nation's widest disparity in class rates. He supported the idea of levying new taxes on market
value, saying that, "this incremental change on the margin is perhaps the only way to reform our
class rates."
     Carlton resident Vern Dittberner testified on S.F. 2474, Sen. John Hottinger's (DFL-Mankato) property tax reform bill.  Dittberner said property taxes are much too high in
Minnesota. "It's getting to the point where you're moving people out of their homes," he told the
committee. He said the subcommittee should get rid of value-based levies altogether, and charge
for services used instead.
     The subcommittee did not vote on any of the bills.

Carbon tax suggested
     Sen. Steve Morse (DFL-Dakota) wants Minnesota to tax pollution, not job creation. The
Sales and Income Tax Subcommittee of the Taxes and Tax Laws committee examined Morse's
bill creating a carbon tax at its first meeting Weds., Feb. 7.
     Subcommittee Chair Sandra Pappas (DFL-St. Paul) said the hearing was conducted for
"informational purposes only." No vote was taken. 
     Morse said the carbon tax created by his bill S.F. 2721 makes sense because it taxes
unwanted behavior, rather than desired activities such as creating jobs or owning a home. "It
gives us a double benefit -- environment and economy," said Morse.
     The Economic Efficiency and Pollution Reduction Act, or EEPRA, imposes a $50 per ton
carbon tax on all fuels and electricity consumed in Minnesota. A typical household pays about
$220 per year for the tax, Morse said. The expected $1.5 billion in annual revenue under the bill is
used to reduce property taxes by $750 million and employer and employee payroll taxes by $750
million. The bill includes a tax on nuclear energy, although its production does not involve carbon.
     Businesses must also pay the tax, but its cost is rebated dollar-for-dollar above 1 percent
of the businesses gross profits.
     "This bill is intended to change behavior," said David Morris of the Institute for Local Self
Reliance, testifying on behalf of the carbon tax. "Polluters should pay their costs," said Diane
Jensen of Clean Water Action, a group which also support the bill.
     Sen. Gen Olson (R-Minnetrista) said the bill was likely to hurt businesses that need a lot of
energy to produce goods. "You're taxing the resource-based industries we've been working hard
to get and sustain in northern Minnesota," she said. Bill Blazar of Minnesota Chamber of
Commerce also object to the bill. "Our fear is those who pay won't get the opportunity to have
the rebate," he said.
     The subcommittee approved four bills and referred them to the full Taxes and Tax Laws
Committee. S.F. 2007, authored by Sen. Terry Johnston (R-Prior Lake), repeals a Scott County
admission tax formerly charged at Valley Fair, Canterbury Downs and the Renaissance Festival.
The tax had fulfilled its purpose by collecting $3 million to pay for a bridge project, Johnston said.
S.F. 2176, authored by Sen. Don Samuelson (DFL-Brainerd), allows Little Falls to impose a 1
percent restaurant tax to fund tourism promotion. S.F. 2250, authored by Sen. Dallas Sams (DFL-Staples), extends the sales tax exemption for used machinery. S.F. 2437, authored by Sen. John
Hottinger (DFL-Mankato), provides a $500-$1,000 tax credit for gifts to institutions of higher
education. Sen. Douglas Johnson (DFL-Cook), who chairs the full Taxes and Tax Laws
Committee, warned that bills costing money will have to compete for a slim budget.

Transportation and Public Transit
Committee moves to abolish board
     The Transportation and Public Transit Committee is considering how to dismantle the
Transportation Regulation Board (TRB).
     The shut down results from a 1994 federal law that restricts states' ability to regulate
certain economic aspects of the trucking industry, but retains their power over non-economic
matters such as safety and insurance.
     Last year, the Legislature directed the TRB to recommend which of it's duties and
functions should be eliminated or transferred to another government body, and ordered the board
abolished as of July 1. The board reported it's findings to the committee Fri., Feb. 2.
     Board member and former state Senator Lyle Mehrkens said a simplified system for
freight carriers should be established in the Department of Transportation, with existing statutes
on collective rate-making retained.  He said the board opposes deregulation of passenger and
household goods carriers.  The board itself would be downsized and become part the Department
of  Public Safety.
     The committee heard additional and sometimes conflicting testimony. Sarah Janecek, who
headed a study of the TRB's rail functions, told the committee the railroads and shippers want
duties pertaining to them transferred to MnDOT, but the unions prefer maintaining a separate
agency.  Maureen Scallen, who directed the passenger service part of the board's study, said total
deregulation will create "chaos for the industry and, more importantly, the public."  Joe Beaten
with the Minnesota Charter Bus Association told the committee his group favors some regulation,
but complete regulation will "destroy regular route service."
     Dennis Lazenberry with the Department of Public Safety told members the department is
"not now prepared" to take over any duties from the board. Bill Schreiber, DOT office of
intergovernmental policy director, said there has been some confusion as to the extent of
MnDOT's role with the Legislature on the issue.  He said the department favors deregulation of
passenger and household carriers, and is preparing legislation. Sen. Jim Vickerman (DFL-Tracy),
said he is concerned about the potential impact of deregulation on consumers, and he may offer
amendments to the department bill.
     Committee Chair Carol Flynn (DFL-Mpls.), said she is disappointed with the lack of
consensus on how to phase out the Transportation Regulation Board.  Noting the July 1
expiration date, she said "someone needs to be scolded for this. It's the last minute in a process
that was pretty generous." Flynn said her office is trying to bring the involved parties together to
reach agreement.

Division considers telecommuting
     Minnesota employers would be encouraged to have their employees work from home
during bad weather, under a bill approved Tues., Feb. 6, by the Transportation and Public Transit
Finance Division.
     S.F. 2446 directs the Department of Administration to establish criteria for declaring a
"telecommuting day," using factors such as weather, road conditions, and the potential for
economic loss and personal injury.
     The bill appropriates $200,000 for the Department of Transportation to study and report
to the Legislature ways to promote telecommuting and telecommunications.  Sponsor Sen. Janet
Johnson (DFL-North Branch), said the measure lets representatives of groups with a stake in new
technologies, such as government, education, health care, industry, and labor, "draw up a
blueprint" for the coordination of telecommunication systems. Committee Chair Keith Langseth
(DFL-Glyndon ) said the proposal comes from hearings the committee held during the interm.
Sen. Terry Johnston (R-Prior Lake) questioned the cost of the study.  The bill was approved on a
split voice vote.
     The division aproved S.F. 2466, which exempts first hauls of unprocessed or raw farm
products or unfinished forest products that are overweight by less than ten percent from a
requirement that a vehicle found to be overweight by more than four percent be re-registered at a
higher weight limit.  Sen. Bob Lessard (DFL-Int'l. Falls), sponsor of the measure,  said the bill
addresses a concern in northern Minnesota.  Jerry Berchem, president of the Association of
Contract Loggers, testified loads sometimes exceed the 80,000 pound limit on highways because
first haul weights are difficult to estimate. He said drivers are fined $1,000 a truck for violations, 
and "we'd like to see a little flexibility in the law."
     The division acted favorably on two motorcycle related bills.  S.F. 2270, sponsored by
Langseth, increases funding to the Minnesota Motorcycle Riders Association by $25,000 a year
for the purchase of training motorcycles.  Association representative Robert Illingworth told the
division the additional money, raised from motorcyclists, "strengthens our nationwide award-winning safety program."  S.F. 1865, authored by Johnston, allows motorcycle owners who are
Vietnam War veterans to purchase special license plates for $10.
     The four bills approved by the division were sent to the Transportation and Public Transit
Committe.

Toll road process changed
     The commissioner of the Department of Transportation would be required to hold
hearings before accepting or rejecting a toll road development agreement, under a bill approved
by the Transportation and Public Transit Committee Weds., Feb 7.
     Sponsor, Sen. Jane Ranum (DFL-Mpls.), said the public hearings would be held in each
municipality or county the road goes through, and  "it  is very important the hearing be held
before any agreement is reached." The bill was sent to the full Senate. 
     S.F. 2331, also authored by Ranum,  was approved and sent to the floor. It specifies that
rules adopted by the board of managers of a watershed district requiring a permit to engage in any
activity apply to the Department of Transportation.  
     Ranum told the committee the language puts into law a process that MnDOT had been
following up to 1995.   She passed out to members a copy of a resolution from the Minnesota
Association of Watershed Districts asking that MnDOT be required to apply for permits for
roadway construction and road improvement projects, so the district and the public can review a
project  
     John Sandahl, representing the Department of Transportation, said MnDOT was advised
by the attorney general's office it didn't not have to apply for permits. He said all projects require
municipal approval, so there is "no overwhelming reason to require the department to get permits
from districts."
     The committee, chaired by Sen. Carol Flynn (DFL-Mpls.), sent to the Consent Calendar
S.F. 2320.  Sponsor Sen. David Knutson, (R-Burnsville), said the bill changes the classifications
for two types of driver's licenses, but does not affect fees or classifications. The committee
approved and sent to the floor S.F. 1164, sponsored by Sen. Keith Langseth, (DFL-Glynden). The
measure  allows the Department of Health Disease and Control Division to use unmarked state
vehicles, and increases the maximum lump sum utility adjustment amount allowed for relocating a
utility facility.
     The committee approved S.F. 2209, sponsored by Sen. Paula Hanson (DFL-Ham Lake). 
The measure exempts a new type of motorized bicycle from parts of the motor vehicle code, and
removes the vehicle registration tax exemption for representatives of foreign powers.  A bill that 
delays until July 1, 1998 the prohibition against the use of substances containing lead to be used
for marking roads and bridges was approved.  S.F.2104, authored by Sen. Dan Stevens (R-Mora),
was sent to the Environment and Natural Resources Committee.


Floor action
Recall bill sidetracked
     A bill allowing Minnesotans to vote on a constitutional amendment that sets a procedure
allowing the recall of  public officials was sidetracked by the  Senate Mon., Feb. 5, after extensive
debate.  The bill, S.F. 153, authored by Sen. Ember Reichgott Junge (DFL-New Hope), places the
question on the ballot for the 1996 general election.  Under the bill, once the ballot question is
passed, public officials will be subject to recall for malfeasance or nonfeasance in the performance
of the duties of the office.  According to Reichgott Junge, 16 other states have recall procedures.
     Reichgott Junge emphasized "Recall will never replace our duty to discipline ourselves."
Reichgott Junge added, "There will be a broader impact making elected officials more
accountable and responsible.  We are providing a powerful new tool for voters but at the same
time, guarding against the misuse of recall."  
     Early in the debate, Reichgott Junge offered an amendment to include "serious ethical
misconduct" as a category of  behavior that makes a public official subject to recall.  Sen. Gary
Laidig (R-Stillwater), argued against the amendment and said that the amendment was so
substantial the bill should be returned to committee for further discussion.  Reichgott Junge
countered that the issue had been the subject of spirited debate in committee and that the
amendment was an attempt to address issues raised in committee.  Sen. Martha Robertson (R-Minnetonka) asked for guidelines in the definition of "serious ethical misconduct." Reichgott
Junge said that laws develop over time; the point here is to have a third party determine the facts
of a case.  Sen. Carl Kroening (DFL-Mpls.) also questioned the definition of serious ethical
misconduct.  "We don't know what it is and we don't know what it will be in the future,"
Kroening said.  Sen. Pat Pariseau (R-Farmington) also quesitoned the definition and said, "If we
were to ask all 67 Senators for the definition we would probably get at least 67 different
definitions.  Majority Leader Roger D. Moe (DFL-Mpls.) spoke in favor of the amendment, " The
amendment attempts to address the concerns of members that the bill was too tightly drawn yet
still  provide safeguards against misuse of the recall mechanism, Moe said. Sen. Thomas Neuville
(R-Northfield) argued that having the court make a determination destroys the significance of
gathering signatures on the petition for recall.  Laidig then moved that the bill be sent back to
committee.  Members approved the Laidig motion on a vote of 34-29.  
     In other action, Senators granted final passage to two measures on the Consent Calendar
and seven bills on the Senate Calendar.  S.F. 2121, authored by Neuville, designates the Czech
Heritage Highway.  S.F. 1946, carried by Sen. Don Samuelson (DFL-Brainerd), designates a
POW/MIA Memorial Highway, a Veterans Memberial Highway and the John Riley Memorial
Drive.  Both measures was granted final passage on the Consent Calendar.
     S.F. 1936, carried by Sen. Jerry Janezich (DFL-Chisholm), provides that lottery retailers
may sell tickets at more than one location.  S.F. 1815, carried by Sen. Deanna Weiner (DFL-Eagan), regulates the underwriting of life and health coverages for victims of domestic abuse. S.F.
1040, carried by Samuelson, regulates the sale of long-term care insurance.  S.F. 1909, sponsored
by Sen. Kenric Scheevel (IR-Preston), designates a portion of Highway 52 in Fillmore County as
the "Amish Buggy Byway."  
     S.F. 1797, authored by Sen. Don Betzold (DFL-Fridley), provides that some driver's
license suspensions are not effective until 14 days after notice has been mailed to the licensee. 
S.F. 2166, carried by Sen. Steven Morse (DFL-Dakota), permits up to a 40 year term for specific
bonds. S.F. 1984, authored by Sen. Tracy Beckman (DFL-Bricelyn), modifies and adds to the list
of canoe and boating routes.

Brief floor sessions held
     As committee agendas lengthened and the pace quickened in anticipation of the first
committee deadline, Senators held brief floor sessions to process committee reports and move
bills along in the process.  Members met Weds., Feb. 7 and Thurs., Feb. 8, for relatively short
floor sessions.
     At the Thurs., Feb. 8, session, Senators also acted upon bills on the various calendars. 
Two bills were granted final passage on the Senate Calendar.  H.F. 2079, carried by Sen. Pat
Pariseau (R-Farmington), permits the city of New Market to incur debt not subject to the general
debt limit.  H.F. 2308, sponsored by Sen. Don Kramer (R-Brooklyn Center), provides a condition
on participation in the state employee combined charitable campaign.  A third bill, S.F. 1919,
making technical changes to laws governing reemployment insurance was moved back to the
General Orders Calendar for purposes of amendment.
     Four measures were granted final passage on the Consent Calendar.  S.F. 2012, authored
by Sen. Tracy Beckman (DFL-Bricelyn), designates a portion of trunk highway No. 15 as
Veterans Memorial Highway.  S.F. 1793, carried by Sen Paula Hanson (DFL-Ham Lake), allows
display of single original license plates from 1911, 1944, 1945 or 1946.  S.F. 1798, authored by
Sen. Don Betzold (DFL-Fridley), limits the scope of an instruction to the Revisor of Statutes. 
S.F. 2019, carried by Sen. Gene Merriam (DFL-Coon Rapids), clarifies approved costs for a
magnet school facility.
     Three measures gained preliminary passage on the General Orders Calendar.  S.F. 1872,
authored by Sen. Linda Berglin (DFL-Mpls.), requires peace officers to undergo training in
community policing techniques. S.F. 1879, also carried by Berglin, combines the alternative care
program and the home and community based services waiver for the elderly program. H.F. 2150,
sponsored by Sen. Gary Laidig (R-Stillwater), authorizes the city of Stillwater to issue one
additional on-sale liquor license.

Preview- Meetings for the week of February 12 -16

Monday, February 12

Environment and Natural Resources Finance Division
Chair: Sen. Steven Morse
8 a.m. Room 123 Capitol
Agenda: To be announced.

Health Care and Family Services Finance Division
Chair: Sen. Don Samuelson
8:30 a.m.  Room 112 Capitol
Agenda: S.F. 1662-Berglin: Pregnancy alcohol consumption warning signs.  S.F. 1881-Berglin:
Relating to MA, limiting burial expense exclusion.  S.F. 1951-Samuelson: Nursing home Medical
Assistance alternative payments.

The Senate will meet at 10 a.m.

Agriculture and Rural Development Committee
Chair: Sen. Roger D. Moe
12 noon  Room 107 Capitol
Agenda: S.F. 2612-Sams: Establishing a grant program for information and technology services
to dairy farmers.  Confirmations: Rural Finance Authority, Board of Animal Health.

Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee
Chair: Sen. Leonard Price
12 noon Room 112 Capitol
Agenda: To be announced.

Judiciary Committee
Chair: Sen. Randy Kelly
12 noon Room 15 Capitol
Agenda: To be announced.

Crime Prevention Committee
Chair: Sen. Allan Spear
2 p.m.  Room 15 Capitol
Agenda: S.F. 1613-Neuville: Prison industry.  S.F. 1810-Berglin: Community chemical abuse
intervention.  S.F. 2254-Betzold: Expungement and sealing of arrest and conviction records.

Metropolitan and Local Government Committee
Chair: Sen. Jim Vickerman
2 p.m. Room 107 Capitol
Agenda: H.F. 2532-Kroening: Appointment of employees of Minneapolis Park and Recreation
Board. H.F. 2401-Lessard: Exemption from bidding requirements on sale of Itasca County
Medical Center. S.F. 2204-Riveness: Clarifying noise mitigation spending requirements. S.F.
2321-Kroening: Authorizing state bonds for the multi-jurisdictional reinvestment program plan.
Confirmation of Richard Packer, Metropolitan Council.

Tuesday, February 13

Gaming Regulation Committee
Chair: Sen. Charles Berg
8 a.m. Room 107 Capitol
Agenda: To be announced.

Governmental Operations and Veterans Committee
Chair: Sen. James Metzen
8 a.m. Room 15 Capitol
Agenda: To be announced.

Transportation and Public Transit Committee
Chair: Sen. Carol Flynn
8 a.m.  Room 112 Capitol
Agenda: House Files that met committee deadlines will be heard.

Health Care Committee
Chair: Sen. Linda Berglin
10 a.m. Room 15 Capitol
Agenda:  H.F. 2203-Kiscaden:  Governor's DHS Health Care bill. H.F. 2247-Betzold:  Lien
appeal rates - DHS.  H.F. 1313-Betzold:  Mortuary Science.  H.F. 227-Piper:  Board of Medical
Practice.  H.F. 1960-Johnson, J.B.: Study Alternative Care.

Jobs, Energy and Community Development Committee
Chair: Sen. Steven Novak
10 a.m. Room 107 Capitol
Agenda: S.F. 2040-Kelly: Exempting premium gasoline from oxgenation requirement.

Crime Prevention Finance Division
Chair: Sen. Tracy Beckman
12 noon Room 112 Capitol
Agenda: Board of Public Defense 1996 supplemental funding request.  Joint Legal Services
access and funding committee report.  Capital budget request from Department of Corrections.

Environment and Natural Resources Finance Division
Chair: Sen. Steven Morse
12 noon Room 123 Capitol
Agenda: To be announced.

Environment and Natural Resources Committee
Chair: Sen. Bob Lessard
2 p.m. Room 107 Capitol
Agenda: S.F. 2208-Frederickson: Watershed district revenue. S.F. 1890-Frederickson:  Air
quality wastewater treatment. H.F. 2276-Frederickson: BOWSR Authority. H.F. 2332-Laidig:
Modifying permit requirements relating to water. S.F. 2252-Morse: Clarifying powers of PCA
Board. S.F. 2010-Novak: Petrofund.

Legislative Audit Commission
Chair: Rep. Ann H. Rest
4 p.m.  Room 123 Capitol
Agenda: Program Evaluation Division's report on state and local government spending.

Taxes and Tax Laws Subcommittee on Property Tax
Chair: Sen. John Hottinger
4 p.m.  Room 15 Capitol
Agenda:  S.F. 1841-Johnson D.J.: Housing replacement districts.  S.F. 1977-Janezich: Range
fiscal disparities.  S.F. 1979-Stevens: Exempting lease-purchase agreements for the acquisition of
personal property from net debt limitations.  S.F. 2115-Johnson, D.J.: Duluth special service
districts.  S.F. 2207-Stumpf: Reducing residential nonhomestead property class rates.  S.F. 2398-Kelly: Reducing redemption period for tax delinquent properties.  S.F. 2549 -Larson: Limiting
market value increases.  S.F. 2618-Knutson: Reducing seasonal recreation property class rates. 
S.F. 2621-Sams: Redefining seasonal recreational residential property  S.F. 2625-Novak:
Reducing seasonal recreational residential property class rates.  S.F. 2626-Runbeck: Minnesota
Constitutional amendment allowing seasonal recreational residential owners certain voting
privileges.  S.F. 2627-Metzen: Exempting noncommercial seasonal recreation residential property
from referendum levies.  S.F. 2629-Pogemiller: Changing the date by which all school district
referenda levies have to be done on the basis of market value. S.F. 2630-Mondale: Changing the
class rate for certain property bordering public waters.

Education Committee 
Co-chairs: Sen. Lawrence Pogemiller and Sen. LeRoy Stumpf 
6 p.m. Room 107 Capitol
Agenda: S.F. 2143-Murphy: Mandate reduction.  S.F. 2636-Larson: Trade school regulation.   

Wednesday, February 14

Gaming Regulation Committee
Chair: Sen. Charles Berg
8 a.m. Room 107 Capitol
Agenda: To be announced.

Governmental Operations and Veterans Committee
Chair: Sen. James Metzen
8 a.m. Room 15 Capitol
Agenda: Agenda to be announced.

Transportation and Public Transit Committee
Chair: Sen. Carol Flynn
8 a.m.  Room 112 Capitol
Agenda: House Files that met committee deadline will be heard.

Health Care Committee
Chair: Sen. Linda Berglin
10 a.m. Room 15 Capitol
Agenda: H.F. 2510-Riveness:  Telemedicine demonstration. H.F. 2111-Kiscaden: 
MDH Housekeeping bill.  H.F. 2314-Kiscaden:  Intractable pain.  H.F. 2013-Piper: 
Screening certain MA recipients.  H.F. 2310-Sams: Adds two members to EMSR
Board.  H.F. 2008-Betzold: Childbirth and postpartum care.

Jobs, Energy and Community Development Committee
Chair: Sen. Steven Novak
10 a.m. Room 107 Capitol
Agenda: S.F. 2238-Novak: Clarifying mandate for certain utilities to generate electric
power using biomass fuel.  S.F. 2397-Novak: Provisions regarding minimum wage. 
S.F. 1997-Hottinger: Requiring private businesses with state financial assistance pay
poverty level wage. S.F. 2196-Anderson: Permitting mortgagee to provide resident
caretaker for a premises.

The Senate will meet at 12 noon.

Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee
Chair: Sen. Leonard Price
12 noon Room 112 Capitol
Agenda: S.F. 1915-Oliver: Department of Commerce revisions.  S.F. 2037-Metzen:
Financial Institutions.  

Judiciary Committee
Chair: Sen. Randy Kelly
12 noon Room 15 Capitol
Agenda: To be announced. 

Metropolitan and Local Government Committee
Chair: Sen. Jim Vickerman
2 p.m. Room 107 Capitol
Agenda: S.F. 2288-Chmielewski: Sawyer Township recreational levy. S.F. 2339-Marty:
Prohibiting free parking at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. S.F. 2482-Krentz:
Local government performance aid program. S.F. 1987-Morse: Sewer system loan
program.

Finance Capital Budget Subcommittee
Chair: Sen. Phil Riveness
4 p.m.  Room 123 Capitol
Agenda: Continue overview of capital budget requests.

Taxes and Tax Laws Subcommittee on Income and Sales Tax
Chair: Sen. Sandra Pappas
4 p.m.  Room 15 Capitol
Agenda: S.F. 977-Mondale: Reducing pull-tab and tipboard tax.  S.F. 1839-Betzold:
Motor vehicle sales tax, foster children exemption.  S.F. 1863-Reichgott Junge: Use tax
payable with income tax return. S.F. 2168-Hottinger: Authorizing spending proceeds of
local sales tax for Mankato Airport.  S.F. 2358-Pappas: Revenue recapture act,
authorizing libraries as claimants.  S.F. 2362-Johnson, J.B.: Wind energy sales tax,
permanent exemption.  S.F. 2508-Belanger: Governor's bill.  S.F. 2570-Novak: Extending
wind energy.

Thursday, February 15

The Senate will meet at 8 a.m.

Higher Education Division
Chair: Sen. LeRoy Stumpf
10 a.m. Room 112 Capitol
Agenda: Capital budget allocations for MnSCU and the U of M.  

Jobs, Energy and Community Development Committee
Chair: Sen. Steven Novak
10 a.m. Room 107 Capitol
Agenda:   S.F. 2262-Johnson, J.B.: Telecommunication changing intrastate
telecommunication carrier or local telephone company.   S.F. 2438-Anderson: Governing
school conference and activities leave. S.F. 2471-Janezich: Mandatory arbitration for
charitable hospital employers
and employees. S.F. 2576-Anderson: Port authorities to use certain provisions - uniform
municipal contracting law.  S.F. 2678-Janezich: Modifying allocation of workforce
investment funds.  S.F. 2056-Novak: Changing classification of director of tourism. S.F.
1845-Novak: Manufactured homes - park owners to recover possession of land.

Metropolitan and Local Government Committee
Chair: Sen. Jim Vickerman
2 p.m. Room 107 Capitol
Agenda: To be announced.

Environment and Natural Resources Finance Division
Chair: Sen. Steven Morse
4 p.m. Room 123 Capitol
Agenda: To be announced

Finance Capital Budget Subcommittee
Chair: Sen. Phil Riveness
4 p.m.  Room 123 Capitol
Agenda: Finish overview of capital budget requests.

Governmental Operations and Veterans Committee
Chair: Sen. James Metzen
6 p.m.  Room 107 Capitol   
Agenda: Pension bills.

Friday, February 16

Governmental Operations and Veterans Committee
Chair: Sen. James Metzen
8 a.m. Room 15 Capitol
Agenda: To be announced.

Transportation and Public Transit Finance Division
Chair: Sen. Keith Langseth
8 a.m.  Room 112 Capitol
Agenda: House Files.

Transportation and Public Transit Committee
Chair: Sen. Carol Flynn
9 a.m. Following Finance Division meeting.  Room 112 Capitol
Agenda: To be announced.

Saturday, February 17

Health Care and Family Services Finance Division
Chair: Sen. Don Samuelson
9:30 a.m.  Room 123 Capitol
Agenda: Budget allocations.


***Compiled by the Senate Publications 02/08/96*****