reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 114C - 116I — Environmental Protection › Chapter 116D — Environmental Policy › Section 116D.03 — Action By State Agencies.

116D.03 ACTION BY STATE AGENCIES.
Subdivision 1.
Requirement.
The legislature authorizes and directs that, to the fullest extent practicable the policies, rules and public laws of the state shall be interpreted and administered in accordance with the policies set forth in sections 116D.01 to 116D.06.
Subd. 2.
Duties.
All departments and agencies of the state government shall:
(1) on a continuous basis, seek to strengthen relationships between state, regional, local and federal-state environmental planning, development and management programs;
(2) utilize a systematic, interdisciplinary approach that will insure the integrated use of the natural and social sciences and the environmental arts in planning and in decision making which may have an impact on the environment; as an aid in accomplishing this purpose there shall be established advisory councils or other forums for consultation with persons in appropriate fields of specialization so as to ensure that the latest and most authoritative findings will be considered in administrative and regulatory decision making as quickly and as amply as possible;
(3) identify and develop methods and procedures that will ensure that environmental amenities and values, whether quantified or not, will be given at least equal consideration in decision making along with economic and technical considerations;
(4) study, develop, and describe appropriate alternatives to recommended courses of action in any proposal which involves unresolved conflicts concerning alternative uses of available resources;
(5) recognize the worldwide and long range character of environmental problems and, where consistent with the policy of the state, lend appropriate support to initiatives, resolutions, and programs designed to maximize interstate, national and international cooperation in anticipating and preventing a decline in the quality of the world environment;
(6) make available to the federal government, counties, municipalities, institutions and individuals, information useful in restoring, maintaining, and enhancing the quality of the environment, and in meeting the policies of the state as set forth in Laws 1973, chapter 412;
(7) initiate the gathering and utilization of ecological information in the planning and development of resource oriented projects; and
(8) undertake, contract for or fund such research as is needed in order to determine and clarify effects by known or suspected pollutants which may be detrimental to human health or to the environment, as well as to evaluate the feasibility, safety and environmental effects of various methods of dealing with pollutants.
History:
1973 c 412 s 3; 1985 c 248 s 70; 1986 c 444
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 114C - 116I — Environmental Protection › Chapter 116D — Environmental Policy › Section 116D.045 — Environmental Impact Statements; Costs.

116D.045 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENTS; COSTS.
Subdivision 1.
Assessment.
The board must by rule adopt procedures to:
(1) assess the proposer of a specific action for the responsible governmental unit's reasonable costs of preparing, reviewing, and distributing the environmental impact statement. The costs must be determined by the responsible governmental unit according to the rules adopted by the board; and
(2) authorize a responsible governmental unit to allow a proposer of a specific action to prepare a draft environmental impact statement according to section 116D.04, subdivision 2a, paragraph (k).
Subd. 2.
Modification.
In the event of a disagreement between the proposer of the action and the responsible governmental unit over the cost of an environmental impact statement, the responsible governmental unit shall consult with the board, which may modify the cost or determine that the cost assessed by the responsible governmental unit is reasonable.
Subd. 3.
Use of assessment.
As necessary, the responsible governmental unit shall assess the project proposer for reasonable costs that the responsible governmental unit incurs in preparing, reviewing, and distributing the environmental impact statement and the proposer shall pay the assessed cost to the responsible governmental unit. Money received under this subdivision by a responsible governmental unit may be retained by the unit for the same purposes. Money received by a state agency must be credited to a special account and is appropriated to the agency to cover the assessed costs incurred.
Subd. 4.
Partial cost to be paid.
No responsible governmental unit shall commence the preparation of an environmental impact statement until at least one-half of the assessed cost of the environmental impact statement is paid pursuant to subdivision 3. Other laws notwithstanding, no state agency may issue any permits for the construction or operation of a project for which an environmental impact statement is prepared until the assessed cost for the environmental impact statement has been paid in full.
Subd. 5.
[Repealed, 1988 c 501 s 9]
History:
1976 c 344 s 3; 1988 c 501 s 5-8; 1990 c 594 art 1 s 55; 2011 c 4 s 9,10; 2017 c 93 art 2 s 140
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 114C - 116I — Environmental Protection › Chapter 116D — Environmental Policy › Section 116D.06 — Effect Of Existing Obligations.

116D.06 EFFECT OF EXISTING OBLIGATIONS.
Subdivision 1.
Specific statutory obligations.
Nothing in sections 116D.03 to 116D.045 shall in any way affect the specific statutory obligations of any state agency to:
(1) comply with criteria or standards of environmental quality;
(2) coordinate or consult with any federal or state agency; or
(3) act or refrain from acting contingent upon the recommendations or certification of any other state agency or federal agency.
Subd. 2.
Supplementary.
The policies and goals set forth in sections 116D.01 to 116D.06 are supplementary to those set forth in existing authorizations of state agencies.
History:
1973 c 412 s 6; 1984 c 655 art 1 s 21
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 114C - 116I — Environmental Protection › Chapter 116D — Environmental Policy › Section 116D.11 — Report Preparation.

116D.11 REPORT PREPARATION.
Subdivision 1.
Agency responsibility.
Each department or agency of the state, as designated by the governor, shall assist in the preparation of the strategy report. Each designated department or agency shall prepare a preliminary strategy report relating to those programs or policies over which the department or agency has jurisdiction. Each preliminary strategy report shall:
(1) describe concisely the existing policies and programs of the department or agency as they relate to the issues listed in section 116D.10, clause (1);
(2) describe concisely and evaluate the long-term objectives of the department or agency as they relate to the issues listed in section 116D.10, clause (1);
(3) identify and make proposals about the development of department or agency financial management budgets as they relate to the issues listed in section 116D.10, clause (1);
(4) describe concisely the strategy and procedure of the department or agency to recruit, select, and train personnel to carry out department or agency goals and functions as they relate to the issues listed in section 116D.10, clause (1);
(5) identify and make proposals to eliminate duplicative and unnecessary programs or systems, including encouraging departments and agencies to share systems or programs that have sufficient capacity to perform the functions needed as they relate to the issues listed in section 116D.10, clause (1); and
(6) establish two-year quantitative goals for policy implementation.
Subd. 2.
Primary responsibility.
The Environmental Quality Board shall have the primary responsibility for preparing the energy and environmental strategy report of the state, as required by section 116D.10. The board shall assemble all preliminary reports prepared pursuant to subdivision 1 under a timetable established by the board and shall use the preliminary reports in the preparation of the draft energy and environmental strategy report of the state. Each department or agency designated by the governor to prepare a preliminary strategy report shall submit a copy of the preliminary strategy report to the governor and to the board at the same time.
Subd. 3.
Report to governor.
On or before October 1 of each odd-numbered year, the Environmental Quality Board shall transmit to the governor a draft of the written report on the energy and environmental strategy of the state. The governor may change the report and may request additional information or data from any department or agency of the state responsible for issues listed in section 116D.10, clause (1). Any such requested additional information or data shall be prepared and submitted promptly to the governor.
Subd. 4.
[Repealed, 1997 c 7 art 2 s 67]
History:
1991 c 303 s 7
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 114C - 116I — Environmental Protection › Chapter 116F — Solid Waste Recycling › Section 116F.01 — Statement Of Policy.

116F.01 STATEMENT OF POLICY.
(a) The legislature seeks to encourage both the reduction of the amount and type of material entering the solid waste stream and the reuse and recycling of materials. Solid waste represents discarded material and energy resources, and it also represents an economic burden to the people of the state. The recycling of solid waste materials is one alternative for the conservation of material and energy resources, but it is also in the public interest to reduce the amount of materials requiring recycling or disposal.
(b) The legislature also seeks to encourage the design and implementation of regional programs for materials conservation which take into account the variations in solid waste generation throughout the state.
History:
1973 c 748 s 1
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 114C - 116I — Environmental Protection › Chapter 116F — Solid Waste Recycling › Section 116F.02 — Definitions.

116F.02 DEFINITIONS.
Subdivision 1.
Scope.
As used in sections 116F.01 to 116F.08, the terms defined in this section have the meanings given to them.
Subd. 2.
Agency.
"Agency" means the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
Subd. 3.
[Repealed, 1980 c 564 art 13 s 2]
Subd. 4.
[Repealed, 1980 c 564 art 13 s 2]
Subd. 5.
[Repealed, 1980 c 564 art 13 s 2]
Subd. 6.
Resource recovery system.
"Resource recovery system" means any system used for (a) the recovery of materials or energy from solid waste, or for (b) the collection, transportation, separation, sorting, processing or storage of solid materials which aids in the recovery of materials or energy from solid waste.
Subd. 7.
Solid waste generation.
"Solid waste generation" means that a solid material in its final configuration has fulfilled the purpose for which it was created, cannot be reused in its final configuration, and must be disposed of or recycled into a new or different product.
History:
1973 c 123 art 5 s 7; 1973 c 748 s 2
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 114C - 116I — Environmental Protection › Chapter 116F — Solid Waste Recycling › Section 116F.05 — Powers And Duties.

116F.05 POWERS AND DUTIES.
Subdivision 1.
State powers.
In administering and enforcing sections 116F.01 to 116F.08, the agency may:
(1) initiate and conduct public education programs which encourage the conservation of solid materials, the reduction of solid waste generation, and the reduction of environmental impact of solid waste;
(2) encourage the development of markets for reusable or recyclable solid materials;
(3) conduct studies of the environmental, resource and economic impact, and of the relative advisability or preference of use, of various material components which enter the solid waste stream;
(4) develop recommendations to encourage redesign and the standardization of material composition and configuration, in order to facilitate material reuse or recyclability;
(5) assist in the planning and development of resource recovery systems; and
(6) encourage the extension of the useful lives of products, and the reduction of both solid waste generation and solid waste management costs.
Subd. 2.
[Repealed, 1980 c 564 art 13 s 2]
Subd. 3.
Limitation.
In exercising its powers under this section, the agency shall seek those alternatives which maximize the conservation of energy and materials while minimizing the environmental impact and the cost to the people of the state. Consideration shall be given to economic factors, including but not limited to, effects on the labor force.
History:
1973 c 748 s 5
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 114C - 116I — Environmental Protection › Chapter 116F — Solid Waste Recycling › Section 116F.08 — Penalties.

116F.08 PENALTIES.
Any person, corporation, partnership, firm, association, political subdivision or body corporate and politic which violates any provision of sections 116F.01 to 116F.06, or any rule promulgated thereunder, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor; and each day that a violation occurs or continues may be deemed a separate offense. In addition, the agency may revoke the grant of any grantee violating the provisions of sections 116F.01 to 116F.06, or may seek other equitable or legal relief.
History:
1973 c 748 s 8; 1976 c 2 s 54; 1976 c 239 s 25; 1985 c 248 s 70
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 114C - 116I — Environmental Protection › Chapter 116F — Solid Waste Recycling › Section 116F.30 — Conservation Of Biomass Fuel And Firewood.

116F.30 CONSERVATION OF BIOMASS FUEL AND FIREWOOD.
In any instance where trees or portions of trees usable as firewood are removed from property under the control of a public utility, pipeline company, railroad, state agency or department, or a political subdivision, that portion of the tree material that is six inches or larger in diameter shall not be destroyed by open burning or deposited in a landfill without first having been offered for use to the public, subject to the approval of the landowner or landowners involved. This section shall not apply to tree material removed in a program of sanitation or disease control, as defined in Minnesota Statutes 1979 Supplement, section 18.023.
History:
1980 c 614 s 185
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 114C - 116I — Environmental Protection › Chapter 116G — Critical Areas › Section 116G.02 — Policy.

116G.02 POLICY.
The legislature finds that the development of certain areas of the state possessing important historic, cultural, or esthetic values, or natural systems which perform functions of greater than local significance, could result in irreversible damage to these resources, decrease their value and utility for public purposes, or unreasonably endanger life and property. The legislature therefore determines that the state should identify these areas of critical concern and assist and cooperate with local units of government in the preparation of plans and regulations for the wise use of these areas.
History:
1973 c 752 s 2
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 114C - 116I — Environmental Protection › Chapter 116G — Critical Areas › Section 116G.04 — Rules.

116G.04 RULES.
The board shall adopt such rules pursuant to chapter 14, as are necessary for the administration of sections 116G.01 to 116G.14.
History:
1973 c 752 s 4; 1975 c 271 s 6; 1982 c 424 s 130; 1985 c 248 s 70
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 114C - 116I — Environmental Protection › Chapter 116G — Critical Areas › Section 116G.05 — Selection Criteria For Areas Of Critical Concern.

116G.05 SELECTION CRITERIA FOR AREAS OF CRITICAL CONCERN.
The board shall, in the manner provided in chapter 14, prepare criteria for the selection of areas of critical concern which have the following characteristics:
(1) An area significantly affected by, or having a significant effect upon, an existing or proposed major government development which is intended to serve substantial numbers of persons beyond the vicinity in which the development is located and which tends to generate substantial development or urbanization.
(2) An area containing or having a significant impact upon historical, natural, scientific, or cultural resources of regional or statewide importance.
History:
1973 c 752 s 5; 1975 c 271 s 6; 1982 c 424 s 130
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 114C - 116I — Environmental Protection › Chapter 116G — Critical Areas › Section 116G.08 — Exceptions.

116G.08 EXCEPTIONS.
(a) If, in the opinion of the board, the local unit of government is making a conscientious attempt to develop plans and regulations for the protection of a designated area or areas of critical concern within its jurisdiction, but the scope of the project is of a magnitude that precludes the completion, review, and adoption of the plans and regulations within the time limits established in section 116G.07, the board may grant an appropriate extension of time.
(b) If the board determines that a designated area or areas of critical concern is of a size and complexity that precludes the development of plans and regulations by a local unit of government or a regional development commission, or that the development of plans and regulations requires the assistance of the state, the board shall direct the appropriate state agency or agencies to assist the local unit of government and the regional development commission in preparing the plans and regulations in accordance with a time schedule established by the board.
History:
1973 c 752 s 8; 1975 c 271 s 6
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 114C - 116I — Environmental Protection › Chapter 116G — Critical Areas › Section 116G.09 — Failure To Prepare And Submit Plans And Regulations.

116G.09 FAILURE TO PREPARE AND SUBMIT PLANS AND REGULATIONS.
Subdivision 1.
Board to adopt plans and rules.
Except as otherwise provided in section 116G.08, if any local unit of government fails to prepare plans and regulations that are acceptable to the board within one year of the order designating an area or areas of critical concern within its jurisdiction, the board shall prepare and, after conducting a public hearing in the manner provided in chapter 14 at a location convenient to those persons affected by such plans and regulations, adopt such plans and rules applicable to that government's portion of the area of critical concern as may be necessary to effect the purposes of sections 116G.01 to 116G.14. If such plans and rules are adopted, they shall apply and be effective as if adopted by the local unit of government. Notice of any proposed order issued under this section shall be given to all units of government having jurisdiction over the area of critical concern.
Subd. 2.
Local ordinance.
Plans and rules adopted by the board under this section shall be administered by the local unit of government as if they were part of the local ordinance.
Subd. 3.
Subsequent submission.
At any time after the preparation and adoption of plans and rules by the board, a local unit of government may submit plans and regulations pursuant to section 116G.07 which, if approved by the board as therein provided, supersede any plans and rules adopted under this section.
Subd. 4.
Enforcement.
If the board determines that the administration of the local plans and regulations are inadequate to protect the state or regional interest, the board may institute appropriate judicial proceedings to compel proper enforcement of the plans and regulations.
History:
1973 c 752 s 9; 1975 c 271 s 6; 1982 c 424 s 130; 1985 c 248 s 70
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 114C - 116I — Environmental Protection › Chapter 116G — Critical Areas › Section 116G.10 — Updating And Reevaluating Plans And Regulations.

116G.10 UPDATING AND REEVALUATING PLANS AND REGULATIONS.
Subdivision 1.
Permissive resubmission.
If a local unit of government finds it necessary or desirable to amend or rescind plans and regulations that have been approved by the board, it shall resubmit its plans and regulations, together with any recommended changes thereto, for review and approval by the board.
Subd. 2.
Required resubmission.
Two years from the initial date of the board's approval of the plans and regulations of a local unit of government, or from the date of a review conducted under the provisions of subdivision 1, the local unit of government shall resubmit its plans and regulations, together with any recommended changes thereto, for review and approval by the board.
Subd. 3.
Manner of approval.
Approval of amendments or rescission shall become effective only upon approval thereof by the board in the same manner as for approval of the original plans and regulations as provided in section 116G.07.
History:
1973 c 752 s 10; 1975 c 271 s 6
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 114C - 116I — Environmental Protection › Chapter 116G — Critical Areas › Section 116G.11 — Suspending Development.

116G.11 SUSPENDING DEVELOPMENT.
Except as provided in section 116G.12, upon the designation of an area of critical concern, no local unit of government or state agency shall grant a development permit affecting any portion of the area except as otherwise specified in the order designating the area.
History:
1973 c 752 s 11
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 114C - 116I — Environmental Protection › Chapter 116G — Critical Areas › Section 116G.12 — Development Permits.

116G.12 DEVELOPMENT PERMITS.
Subdivision 1.
Applicability.
If an area of critical concern has been designated by the governor pursuant to section 116G.06, a local unit of government shall grant a development permit only in accordance with the provisions of this section.
Subd. 2.
Restrictions on granting permit.
If no plans and regulations for the area of critical concern have been adopted under the provisions of section 116G.07, the local unit of government shall grant a development permit only if:
(1) the development is specifically permitted by the order designating the area of critical concern or is essential to protect the public health, safety, or welfare because of an existing emergency; and
(2) a local ordinance has been in effect immediately prior to the designation of the area of critical concern and a development permit would have been granted thereunder.
Subd. 3.
Restrictions on development.
If plans and regulations for an area of critical concern have become effective under the provisions of section 116G.07, the local unit of government shall permit development only in accordance with those plans and regulations.
Subd. 4.
Notifying board.
The local unit of government shall notify the board of:
(1) any application for a development permit in any area of critical concern for which no plans or regulations have become effective under the provisions of section 116G.07; or
(2) any application for a special development permit in any area of critical concern for which plans and regulations have become effective under the provisions of section 116G.07.
History:
1973 c 752 s 12; 1975 c 271 s 6
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 114C - 116I — Environmental Protection › Chapter 116G — Critical Areas › Section 116G.13 — Protecting Landowners' Rights.

116G.13 PROTECTING LANDOWNERS' RIGHTS.
Subdivision 1.
Generally.
Nothing in sections 116G.01 to 116G.14 authorizes any governmental agency to adopt a rule or issue any order that is unduly restrictive or constitutes a taking of real or personal property in violation of the constitution of this state or of the United States.
Subd. 2.
No limitation of rights.
Neither the designation of an area of critical concern nor the adoption of any rules for such an area shall in any way limit or modify the rights of any person to complete any development that has been authorized by registration and recordation of a subdivision pursuant to state laws, or by a building permit or other authorization to commence development on which there has been reliance and a change of position, and which registration or recordation was accomplished, or which permit or authorization was issued prior to the date of notice for public hearing as provided by section 116G.06. If a developer has by action in reliance on prior rules obtained vested or other legal rights that in law would have prevented a local government from changing those rules in a way adverse to the developer's interests, nothing in sections 116G.01 to 116G.14 authorizes any governmental agency to abridge those rights.
History:
1973 c 752 s 13; 1985 c 248 s 70; 1986 c 444
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 114C - 116I — Environmental Protection › Chapter 116G — Critical Areas › Section 116G.14 — Planning Grants.

116G.14 PLANNING GRANTS.
The board shall prepare guidelines for disbursing funds to local units of government or regional development commissions for as much as 100 percent but not less than 50 percent of the nonfederal cost of preparing and adopting plans and rules for areas of critical concern pursuant to section 116G.07, for a period not to exceed five years from the date the legislature or regional development commissions approve the designation of an area of critical concern.
History:
1973 c 752 s 14; 1975 c 271 s 6; 1985 c 248 s 70
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 116J - 116O — Economic Development And Planning › Chapter 116J — Employment And Economic Development › Section 116J.01 — Department Of Employment And Economic Development.

116J.01 DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
Subdivision 1.
Appointment.
The Department of Employment and Economic Development is supervised and controlled by the commissioner of employment and economic development, who is appointed by the governor and serves under section 15.06.
Subd. 2.
Confidential secretary.
The commissioner may appoint a confidential secretary in the unclassified service.
Subd. 3.
[Repealed, 1993 c 163 art 1 s 35]
Subd. 4.
[Repealed, 2004 c 171 s 20]
Subd. 5.
Departmental organization.
(a) The commissioner shall organize the department as provided in section 15.06.
(b) The commissioner may establish divisions and offices within the department. The commissioner may employ four deputy commissioners in the unclassified service.
(c) The commissioner shall:
(1) employ assistants and other officers, employees, and agents that the commissioner considers necessary to discharge the functions of the commissioner's office;
(2) define the duties of the officers, employees, and agents, and delegate to them any of the commissioner's powers, duties, and responsibilities, subject to the commissioner's control and under conditions prescribed by the commissioner.
(d) The commissioner shall ensure that there are at least three employment and economic development officers in state offices in nonmetropolitan areas of the state who will work with local units of government on developing local employment and economic development.
Subd. 6.
Unclassified positions.
(a) The commissioner may establish positions in the unclassified service in accordance with section 43A.08. The commissioner may appoint and define the duties of other subordinate officers and employees as the commissioner deems necessary to discharge the functions of the department.
(b) The commissioner may establish the position of director of the state job training office in the unclassified service.
History:
1981 c 356 s 64; 1983 c 289 s 40-42; 1984 c 558 art 4 s 3; 1Sp1985 c 14 art 9 s 39; 1987 c 312 art 1 s 14; 1989 c 335 art 1 s 136,137; 1990 c 571 s 42; 1990 c 589 art 1 s 2; 1991 c 261 s 1; 1993 c 163 art 1 s 12; 1994 c 483 s 1; 1996 c 369 s 2,3; 1997 c 200 art 1 s 50; 2001 c 175 s 52; 2001 c 200 s 1,2; 1Sp2003 c 4 s 1; 2004 c 171 s 3; 2004 c 206 s 8,9,52; 2007 c 13 art 2 s 15
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 116J - 116O — Economic Development And Planning › Chapter 116J — Employment And Economic Development › Section 116J.011 — Mission.

116J.011 MISSION.
The mission of the Department of Employment and Economic Development is to facilitate an economic environment that produces net new job growth in excess of the national average while improving the quality of the state workforce. These actions will support the economic success of Minnesota individuals, businesses, and communities by providing opportunities for growth. It is part of the department's mission that within the department's resources the commissioner shall endeavor to:
(1) prevent the waste or unnecessary spending of public money;
(2) use innovative fiscal and human resource practices to manage the state's resources and operate the department as efficiently as possible;
(3) coordinate the department's activities wherever appropriate with the activities of other governmental agencies;
(4) use technology where appropriate to increase agency productivity, improve customer service, increase public access to information about government, and increase public participation in the business of government;
(5) utilize constructive and cooperative labor-management practices to the extent otherwise required by chapters 43A and 179A;
(6) report to the legislature on the performance of agency operations and the accomplishment of agency goals in the agency's biennial budget according to section 16A.10, subdivision 1; and
(7) recommend to the legislature appropriate changes in law necessary to carry out the mission and improve the performance of the department.
History:
1993 c 163 art 1 s 13; 1995 c 248 art 11 s 8; 1998 c 366 s 55; 2003 c 128 art 13 s 5; 1Sp2003 c 4 s 1; 2004 c 206 s 10
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 116J - 116O — Economic Development And Planning › Chapter 116J — Employment And Economic Development › Section 116J.0124 — Plain Language In Written Materials.

116J.0124 PLAIN LANGUAGE IN WRITTEN MATERIALS.
(a) To the extent reasonable and consistent with the goals of providing easily understandable and readable materials and complying with federal and state laws governing the programs, all written materials relating to services and determinations of eligibility for or amounts of benefits that will be given to applicants for or recipients of assistance under a program administered or supervised by the commissioner of employment and economic development must be understandable to a person of average intelligence and education.
(b) All written materials relating to determinations of eligibility for or amounts of benefits that will be given to applicants for or recipients of assistance under programs administered or supervised by the commissioner of employment and economic development must be developed to satisfy the plain language requirements of the Plain Language Contract Act under sections 325G.29 to 325G.36. Materials may be submitted to the attorney general for review and certification. Regardless of section 325G.35, subdivision 1, the attorney general shall review submitted materials to determine whether they comply with the requirements of section 325G.31. The remedies available pursuant to sections 8.31 and 325G.33 to 325G.36 do not apply to these materials. Failure to comply with this section does not provide a basis for suspending the implementation or operation of other laws governing programs administered by the commissioner.
(c) The requirements of this section apply to all materials modified or developed by the commissioner on or after July 1, 1988. The requirements of this section do not apply to materials that must be submitted to a federal agency for approval, to the extent that application of the requirements prevents federal approval.
(d) Nothing in this section may be construed to prohibit a lawsuit brought to require the commissioner to comply with this section.
History:
1988 c 689 art 2 s 220; 1994 c 483 s 1; 1995 c 259 art 1 s 41; 1996 c 339 s 4; 1997 c 7 art 1 s 104; 2001 c 175 s 52; 2004 c 206 s 52; 2009 c 86 art 1 s 89
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 116J - 116O — Economic Development And Planning › Chapter 116J — Employment And Economic Development › Section 116J.0125 — Annual Report To Legislature.

116J.0125 ANNUAL REPORT TO LEGISLATURE.
The commissioner shall provide to the legislature no later than January 15 of each year a report of department programs and services. The report must include:
(1) a description of the department's programs and services;
(2) the number of clients served by each program or service;
(3) an evaluation of each program or service; and
(4) recommendations for changes or improvements to the programs or services.
History:
1996 c 339 s 5; 2004 c 206 s 52
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 116J - 116O — Economic Development And Planning › Chapter 116J — Employment And Economic Development › Section 116J.013 — Cost-of-living Study; Annual Report.

116J.013 COST-OF-LIVING STUDY; ANNUAL REPORT.
(a) The commissioner shall conduct an annual cost-of-living study in Minnesota. The study shall include:
(1) a calculation of the statewide basic needs cost of living, adjusted for family size;
(2) a calculation of the basic needs cost of living, adjusted for family size, for each county;
(3) an analysis of statewide and county cost-of-living data, employment data, and job vacancy data; and
(4) recommendations to aid in the assessment of employment and economic development planning needs throughout the state.
(b) The commissioner shall report on the cost-of-living study and recommendations by February 1 of each year to the governor and to the chairs of the standing committees of the house of representatives and the senate having jurisdiction over employment and economic development issues.
History:
2013 c 85 art 3 s 1
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 116J - 116O — Economic Development And Planning › Chapter 116J — Employment And Economic Development › Section 116J.014 — Cooperation With Other State Agencies.

116J.014 COOPERATION WITH OTHER STATE AGENCIES.
To effectively coordinate job training and placement services with future job needs of the state the commissioner shall maintain close liaison, coordination and cooperation with the commissioner of any other state agency involved in employment issues affecting the state.
History:
1977 c 430 s 13; 1981 c 356 s 186; 1983 c 289 s 115 subd 1; 1987 c 312 art 1 s 26 subd 2; 1Sp2003 c 4 s 1; 2004 c 206 s 41,52
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 116J - 116O — Economic Development And Planning › Chapter 116J — Employment And Economic Development › Section 116J.015 — Legislative Review; Expiration Of Report Mandates.

116J.015 LEGISLATIVE REVIEW; EXPIRATION OF REPORT MANDATES.
The commissioner shall submit to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over employment and economic development by February 15 of each year, beginning February 15, 2024, the following:
(1) a list of all reports required from the commissioner of employment and economic development to the legislature that are mandated by statute and the enabling legislation does not include a date for the submission of a final report;
(2) a discussion regarding the usefulness of continuation for each report; and
(3) any additional information the commissioner considers appropriate regarding whether the reporting requirement should be set to expire by the legislature.
History:
2023 c 33 s 1; 2023 c 73 s 1
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 116J - 116O — Economic Development And Planning › Chapter 116J — Employment And Economic Development › Section 116J.03 — Definitions.

116J.03 DEFINITIONS.
Subdivision 1.
Scope.
As used in this chapter, the terms defined in this section have the meaning given them.
Subd. 2.
Commissioner.
"Commissioner" means the commissioner of employment and economic development.
Subd. 3.
Department.
"Department" means the Department of Employment and Economic Development.
History:
1981 c 356 s 66,248; 1983 c 289 s 43; 1987 c 312 art 1 s 15; 1Sp2003 c 4 s 1
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 116J - 116O — Economic Development And Planning › Chapter 116J — Employment And Economic Development › Section 116J.4011 — Labor Market Information Data Production Requirement.

116J.4011 LABOR MARKET INFORMATION DATA PRODUCTION REQUIREMENT.
(a) As part of the commissioner's obligation under section 116J.401, the commissioner must, in collaboration with the Office of Higher Education and local workforce councils, produce and publish labor market analysis describing the alignment between employer requirements and workforce qualifications.
(b) The analysis must include a description of job trends that supports career choice and job seeking including:
(1) measures of current job growth, projected future job growth, and current job vacancies;
(2) a breakdown of these measures, whenever feasible, by industry, occupation, statewide and substate region, by educational requirement, state employee retirement trends, and by racial trends;
(3) a description of industry- or occupation-based credentials and minimum educational standards necessary for successful employment in each area; and
(4) a designation of areas of opportunity based on high growth, high vacancy, and high pay conditions.
(c) The analysis must include a description of workforce supply and quality, including:
(1) a description of the current educational attainment of the workforce and its distribution across industries, occupations, and regions;
(2) the number and distribution of recent graduates of and current enrollees in postsecondary institutions by academic concentration or major and by credential type; and
(3) the completion rate, employment outcome, and average debt for recent postsecondary graduates by program of study, institution type, and credential.
(d) The analysis must be reviewed on a regular basis by representatives from the business and postsecondary sectors, and any feedback should be incorporated into data collection and presentation where feasible. This feedback may also include surveys of employers on their skill, credential, and other workforce requirements when necessary.
(e) Analysis, data, and reports required by this section must be easily accessible, easily readable, and prominently presented on the Department of Employment and Economic Development website and websites of workforce centers. Information on job vacancies and areas of potential employment opportunities should link to educational or credential requirements, appropriate training or educational offerings, prevailing wages, and other indicators of market conditions deemed important to career choosers and job seekers.
History:
2013 c 85 art 3 s 2
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 116J - 116O — Economic Development And Planning › Chapter 116J — Employment And Economic Development › Section 116J.403 — Rules.

116J.403 RULES.
No money made available to the commissioner for the Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Program shall be spent for community development and related planning programs until the commissioner adopts rules prescribing standards and procedures to govern the expenditure. The rules must be adopted under the Administrative Procedure Act in chapter 14 and must conform with all terms and conditions imposed on the commissioner when the money is made available.
History:
1984 c 558 art 4 s 6; 1984 c 640 s 32; 1986 c 444; 1996 c 305 art 2 s 26
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 116J - 116O — Economic Development And Planning › Chapter 116J — Employment And Economic Development › Section 116J.407 — Dairy Modernization.

116J.407 DAIRY MODERNIZATION.
Subdivision 1.
Generally.
The commissioner shall make funds available to eligible regional or statewide development organizations defined under section 116J.8731 to be used for the purposes of this section.
Subd. 2.
Eligible expenditures.
Money may be used for loans for the acquisition, construction, or improvement of buildings or facilities, or the acquisition of equipment, for dairy animal housing, confinement, animal feeding, milk production, and waste management, including the following, if related to dairy animals:
(1) free-stall barns;
(2) fences;
(3) watering facilities;
(4) feed storage and handling equipment;
(5) milking parlors;
(6) robotic equipment;
(7) scales;
(8) milk storage and cooling facilities;
(9) bulk tanks;
(10) manure pumping and storage facilities;
(11) digesters;
(12) equipment used to produce energy;
(13) capital investment in pasture; and
(14) on-farm processing facilities.
Subd. 3.
Application process.
The commissioner of agriculture and the commissioner of employment and economic development shall establish a process by which an eligible dairy producer may make application for assistance under this section to the county in which the producer is located. The application must require the producer and county to provide information regarding the producer's existing business, the intended use of the requested funds, and other information the commissioners find necessary to evaluate the feasibility, likely success, and economic return of the project, and to ensure that money can be provided consistent with other state and federal laws.
History:
2004 c 254 s 24
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 116J - 116O — Economic Development And Planning › Chapter 116J — Employment And Economic Development › Section 116J.391 — Coordination Of Broadband Infrastructure Development.

116J.391 COORDINATION OF BROADBAND INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT.
Subdivision 1.
Definitions.
(a) For the purposes of this section, the following terms have the meanings given them.
(b) "Broadband" or "broadband service" has the meaning given in section 116J.39, subdivision 1, paragraph (b).
(c) "Broadband conduit" means a conduit, pipe, innerduct, or microduct for fiber optic or other cables that support broadband and wireless facilities for broadband service.
(d) "Local unit of government" has the meaning given in section 116G.03, subdivision 3.
(e) "Office" means the Office of Broadband Development established in section 116J.39.
Subd. 2.
Broadband infrastructure development.
(a) The office shall, in collaboration with the Department of Transportation and private entities, encourage and coordinate "dig once" efforts for the planning, relocation, installation, or improvement of broadband conduit within the right-of-way in conjunction with any current or planned construction, including, but not limited to, trunk highways and bridges. To the extent necessary, the office shall, in collaboration with the Department of Transportation, evaluate engineering and design standards, procedures and criteria for contracts or lease agreements with private entities, and pricing requirements, and provide for allocation of risk, costs, and any revenue generated.
(b) The office shall, in collaboration with other state departments and agencies as the office deems necessary, develop a strategy to facilitate the timely and efficient deployment of broadband conduit or other broadband facilities on state-owned lands and buildings.
(c) To the extent practicable, the office shall encourage and assist local units of government to adopt and implement policies similar to those under paragraphs (a) and (b) for construction or other improvements to county state-aid highways, municipal state-aid roads, and any other rights-of-way under the local unit of government's jurisdiction, and to other lands or buildings owned by the local unit of government.
(d) Special consideration must be paid to projects under this subdivision that will likely improve access to broadband by rural or underserved communities.
Subd. 3.
Reporting.
As part of its annual report under section 116J.39, subdivision 5, the office shall report on activities taken under this section, including, but not limited to, the number of current and planned projects using the "dig once" approach, any gains in broadband speed or access associated with the project, and any costs or cost savings to the state, private entity, or end user of broadband services.
Subd. 4.
No right of action.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the state of Minnesota; its departments, agencies, or entities; its officers, employees, or agents; or any other person.
History:
2013 c 85 art 3 s 14
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 116J - 116O — Economic Development And Planning › Chapter 116J — Employment And Economic Development › Section 116J.394 — Definitions.

116J.394 DEFINITIONS.
(a) For the purposes of sections 116J.394 to 116J.398, the following terms have the meanings given them.
(b) "Broadband" or "broadband service" has the meaning given in section 116J.39, subdivision 1, paragraph (b).
(c) "Broadband infrastructure" means networks of deployed telecommunications equipment and technologies necessary to provide high-speed Internet access and other advanced telecommunications services for end users.
(d) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of employment and economic development.
(e) "Last-mile infrastructure" means broadband infrastructure that serves as the final leg connecting the broadband service provider's network to the end-use customer's on-premises telecommunications equipment.
(f) "Middle-mile infrastructure" means broadband infrastructure that links a broadband service provider's core network infrastructure to last-mile infrastructure.
(g) "Political subdivision" means any county, city, town, school district, special district or other political subdivision, or public corporation.
(h) "Underserved areas" means areas of Minnesota in which households or businesses lack access to wire-line broadband service at speeds of at least 100 megabits per second download and at least 20 megabits per second upload.
(i) "Unserved areas" means areas of Minnesota in which households or businesses lack access to wire-line broadband service, as defined in section 116J.39.
History:
2014 c 312 art 3 s 2; 1Sp2015 c 1 art 2 s 1; 2016 c 189 art 5 s 2
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 116J - 116O — Economic Development And Planning › Chapter 116J — Employment And Economic Development › Section 116J.3952 — Lower Population Density Grant Program.

116J.3952 LOWER POPULATION DENSITY GRANT PROGRAM.
Subdivision 1.
Establishment.
A lower population density grant program is established in the Department of Employment and Economic Development. The purpose of the lower population density grant program is to provide broadband service to unserved and underserved areas of the state where a 50 percent match formula is not adequate to make a business case for the extension of broadband facilities.
Subd. 2.
Grants.
Grants awarded under this section may fund up to 75 percent of the total cost of a project and must otherwise adhere to section 116J.395, subdivisions 1 to 6 and subdivision 7, paragraph (b).
History:
2023 c 43 art 3 s 4
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 116J - 116O — Economic Development And Planning › Chapter 116J — Employment And Economic Development › Section 116J.396 — Border-to-border Broadband Fund.

116J.396 BORDER-TO-BORDER BROADBAND FUND.
Subdivision 1.
Account established.
The border-to-border broadband fund account is established as a separate account in the special revenue fund in the state treasury. The commissioner shall credit to the account appropriations and transfers to the account. Earnings, such as interest, dividends, and any other earnings arising from assets of the account, must be credited to the account. Funds remaining in the account at the end of a fiscal year are not canceled to the general fund, but remain in the account until expended. The commissioner shall manage the account.
Subd. 2.
Expenditures.
Money in the account may be used only:
(1) for grant awards made under sections 116J.395 to 116J.3952, including costs incurred by the Department of Employment and Economic Development to administer that section;
(2) to supplement revenues raised by bonds sold by local units of government for broadband infrastructure development; or
(3) to contract for the collection of broadband deployment data from providers and the creation of maps showing the availability of broadband service.
Subd. 3.
Appropriation.
Money in the account is appropriated to the commissioner for the purposes of subdivision 2.
History:
2014 c 312 art 3 s 4; 2022 c 95 art 5 s 2; 2023 c 43 art 3 s 5