Bill Text: MN SF943 | 2011-2012 | 87th Legislature | Engrossed

NOTE: There are more recent revisions of this legislation. Read Latest Draft

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Bill Title: Omnibus game and fish bill

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 2-0)

Status: (Vetoed) 2011-05-27 - Governor veto [SF943 Detail]

Download: Minnesota-2011-SF943-Engrossed.html

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A bill for an act

relating to game and fish; modifying aquaculture provisions; modifying
compensation and assistance provisions for crop damage by elk; modifying
requirements for fish and wildlife management plans; modifying provisions
for taking, possessing, and transporting wild animals; modifying penalty and
license provisions; modifying duties of the Board of Water and Soil Resources;
limiting landowner liability for state walk-in access program; requiring
rulemaking; providing criminal penalties;amending Minnesota Statutes 2010,
sections 3.7371; 16C.055, subdivision 2; 17.4982, subdivisions 8, 12, 13, by
adding a subdivision; 17.4991, subdivision 3; 17.4992, subdivision 4; 17.4994;
84.942, subdivision 1; 84.95, subdivision 2; 84D.11, subdivision 2a; 97A.015,
subdivisions 24, 45, 49, 52, 55; 97A.028, subdivision 3; 97A.075, subdivision
6; 97A.101, subdivision 3; 97A.311, subdivision 5; 97A.321, subdivision 1;
97A.331, by adding a subdivision; 97A.405, subdivision 2; 97A.415, subdivision
2; 97A.425, subdivision 3; 97A.433, by adding a subdivision; 97A.435,
subdivision 1; 97A.445, subdivision 1a; 97A.465, subdivision 5; 97A.475,
subdivision 7; 97A.505, subdivision 2; 97A.545, subdivision 5; 97B.022,
subdivision 2; 97B.041; 97B.055, subdivision 3; 97B.075; 97B.106, subdivision
1; 97B.211, subdivision 1; 97B.425; 97B.515, by adding a subdivision; 97B.645,
subdivision 9; 97B.711, by adding a subdivision; 97B.803; 97C.005, subdivision
3; 97C.081, subdivisions 3, 4, by adding a subdivision; 97C.087, subdivision
2; 97C.205; 97C.211, subdivision 5; 97C.341; 103B.101, subdivision 9;
604A.24; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 17;
97B; 348; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 84.942, subdivisions 2,
3, 4; 97A.015, subdivisions 26b, 27b, 27c; 97A.435, subdivision 5; 97C.081,
subdivision 2.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

    Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 3.7371, is amended to read:
3.7371 COMPENSATION FOR CROP OR FENCE DAMAGE CAUSED BY
ELK.
    Subdivision 1. Authorization. Notwithstanding section 3.736, subdivision 3,
paragraph (e), or any other law, a person who owns an agricultural crop or pasture shall
be compensated by the commissioner of agriculture for an agricultural crop, or fence
surrounding the crop or pasture, that is damaged or destroyed by elk as provided in this
section.
    Subd. 2. Claim form. The crop or pasture owner must prepare a claim on forms
provided by the commissioner and available at the county extension agent's office. The
claim form must be filed with the commissioner. A claim form may not be filed for crop
damage or destruction that occurs before June 3, 1987.
    Subd. 3. Compensation. The crop owner is entitled to the target price or the
market price, whichever is greater, of the damaged or destroyed crop plus adjustments
for yield loss determined according to agricultural stabilization and conservation service
programs for individual farms, adjusted annually, as determined by the commissioner,
upon recommendation of the county extension agent for the owner's county. Verification
of fence damage or destruction by elk may be provided by submitting photographs or
other evidence and documentation together with a statement from an independent witness
using forms prescribed by the commissioner. The commissioner, upon recommendation
of the agent, shall determine whether the crop damage or destruction or damage to or
destruction of a fence surrounding a crop or pasture is caused by elk and, if so, the amount
of the crop or fence that is damaged or destroyed. In any fiscal year, a crop an owner
may not be compensated for a damaged or destroyed crop or fence surrounding a crop
or pasture that is less than $100 in value and may be compensated up to $20,000, as
determined under this section, if normal harvest procedures for the area are followed. In
any fiscal year, the commissioner may provide compensation for claims filed under this
section up to the amount expressly appropriated for this purpose.
    Subd. 4. Insurance deduction. Payments authorized by this section must be
reduced by amounts received by the owner as proceeds from an insurance policy covering
crop losses or damage to or destruction of a fence surrounding a crop or pasture, or from
any other source for the same purpose including, but not limited to, a federal program.
    Subd. 5. Decision on claims; opening land to hunting. If the commissioner finds
that the crop or pasture owner has shown that the damage or destruction of the owner's
crop or damage to or destruction of a fence surrounding a crop or pasture was caused more
probably than not by elk, the commissioner shall pay compensation as provided in this
section and the rules of the commissioner. Total compensation to all claimants shall not
exceed the amount of funds appropriated for Laws 1987, chapter 373. A crop owner who
receives compensation under this section may, by written permission, permit hunting
on the land at the landowner's discretion.
    Subd. 6. Denial of claim; appeal. (a) If the commissioner denies compensation
claimed by a crop or pasture owner under this section, the commissioner shall issue a
written decision based upon the available evidence including a statement of the facts upon
which the decision is based and the conclusions on the material issues of the claim. A
copy of the decision must be mailed to the crop or pasture owner.
(b) A decision denying compensation claimed under this section is not subject to the
contested case review procedures of chapter 14, but a crop or pasture owner may have
the claim reviewed in a trial de novo in a court in the county where the loss occurred.
The decision of the court may be appealed as in other civil cases. Review in court may
be obtained by filing a petition for review with the administrator of the court within 60
days following receipt of a decision under this section. Upon the filing of a petition, the
administrator shall mail a copy to the commissioner and set a time for hearing within
90 days after the filing.
    Subd. 7. Rules. The commissioner shall adopt rules and may adopt emergency
rules and amend rules to carry out this section. The commissioner may use the expedited
rulemaking process in section 14.389 to adopt and amend rules authorized in this section.
The rules must include:
(1) methods of valuation of crops damaged or destroyed;
(2) criteria for determination of the cause of the crop damage or destruction;
(3) notice requirements by the owner of the damaged or destroyed crop; and
(4) compensation rates for fence damage or destruction that shall include a minimum
claim of $75.00 per incident and a maximum of $1,800 per claimant per fiscal year; and
(5) any other matters determined necessary by the commissioner to carry out this
section.

    Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 16C.055, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
    Subd. 2. Restriction. After July 1, 2002, an agency may not enter into a contract or
otherwise agree with a nongovernmental entity to receive total nonmonetary consideration
valued at more than $100,000 annually in exchange for the agency providing nonmonetary
consideration, unless such an agreement is specifically authorized by law. This subdivision
does not apply to the State Lottery or private aquaculture businesses involved in state
stocking contracts.

    Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 17.4982, subdivision 8, is amended to read:
    Subd. 8. Containment facility. "Containment facility" means a licensed facility for
salmonids or, catfish, or species on the viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS) susceptible
list published by the United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health
Inspection Services, that complies with clauses (1), (3), and (4), or clauses (2), (3), and (4):
(1) disinfects its effluent to the standards in section 17.4991 before the effluent is
discharged to public waters;
(2) does not discharge to public waters or to waters of the state directly connected to
public waters;
(3) raises aquatic life that is prohibited from being released into the wild and must be
kept in a facility approved by the commissioner unless processed for food consumption;
(4) contains aquatic life requiring a fish health inspection prior to transportation.

    Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 17.4982, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:
    Subd. 10a. Fish collector. "Fish collector" means an individual who has been
certified under section 17.4989 to oversee the collection of fish samples from a facility or
a water body for disease testing by a certified laboratory.

    Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 17.4982, subdivision 12, is amended to read:
    Subd. 12. Fish health inspection. (a) "Fish health inspection" means an on-site,
statistically based sampling, collection, and testing of fish in accordance with processes
in the Fish Health Blue Book for all lots of fish in a facility or the Diagnostic Manual
for Aquatic Animal Diseases, published by the International Office of Epizootics (OIE)
to test for causative pathogens. The samples for inspection must be collected by a fish
health inspector or a fish collector in cooperation with the producer. Testing of samples
must be done by an approved laboratory.
(b) The inspection for viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS), infectious pancreatic
necrosis (IPN), and infectious hematopoietic necrosis (IHN) in salmonids and for VHS in
nonsalmonids must include at least a minimum viral testing of ovarian fluids at the 95
percent confidence level of detecting two percent incidence of disease (ovarian fluids must
be sampled for certification of viral hemorrhagic septicemia and infectious hematopoietic
necrosis). Bacterial diseases must be sampled at the 95 percent confidence level with a
five percent incidence of disease. The inspection must be performed by a fish health
inspector in cooperation with the producer with subsequent examination of the collected
tissues and fluids for the detection of certifiable diseases.
(c) The inspection for certifiable diseases for wild fish must follow the guidelines of
the Fish Health Blue Book or the Diagnostic Manual for Aquatic Animal Diseases.

    Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 17.4982, subdivision 13, is amended to read:
    Subd. 13. Fish health inspector. "Fish health inspector" means an individual
certified as a fish health inspector or an aquatic animal health inspector by the American
Fisheries Society or state, federal, or provincial resource management agency, except
that a certification may not be made by an inspector who has a conflict of interest in
connection with the outcome of the certification.

    Sec. 7. [17.4989] FISH SAMPLE COLLECTING.
    Subdivision 1. Training. Fish collector training may be offered by any organization
or agency that has had its class and practicum syllabus approved by the commissioner.
The class and practicum must include the following components:
(1) accurate identification of licensed water bodies listed according to section
17.4984 and ensuring that collection is taking place at the correct site;
(2) identification of fish internal organs;
(3) fish dissection and sample preparation as identified by the Department of Natural
Resources based on specific testing requirements or as outlined in the Fish Health
Blue Book or the Diagnostic Manual for Aquatic Animal Diseases, published by the
International Office of Epizootics (OIE);
(4) recording and reporting data;
(5) sample preparation and shipping;
(6) a field collection site test to demonstrate mastery of the necessary skills, overseen
by a certified fish health inspector; and
(7) a certificate of successful completion signed by a certified fish health inspector
on a form provided by the commissioner.
    Subd. 2. Certification time period. Fish collector certification is valid for five years
and is not transferable. A person may renew certification only by successfully completing
certification training. Certification shall be revoked if the certified person is convicted
of violating any of the statutes or rules governing testing for aquatic species diseases.
Certification may be suspended during an investigation associated with misconduct or
violations of fish health testing and collection. The commissioner shall notify the person
that certification is being revoked or suspended.
    Subd. 3. Conflict of interest. A fish collector may not oversee the collection of fish
from a facility or a water body when the collector has a conflict of interest in connection
with the outcome of the testing.

    Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 17.4991, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
    Subd. 3. Fish health inspection. (a) An aquatic farm propagating trout, salmon,
or salmonids, catfish, or species on the viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS) susceptible
list published by the United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health
Inspection Services, and having an effluent discharge from the aquatic farm into public
waters must have a fish health inspection conducted at least once every 12 months by a
certified fish health inspector. Testing must be conducted according to approved laboratory
methods of the Fish Health Blue Book or the Diagnostic Manual for Aquatic Animal
Diseases, published by the International Office of Epizootics (OIE).
(b) An aquatic farm propagating any species on the VHS susceptible list and having
an effluent discharge from the aquatic farm into public waters must test for VHS virus
using the guidelines of the Fish Health Blue Book or the Diagnostic Manual for Aquatic
Animal Diseases. The commissioner may, by written order published in the State Register,
prescribe alternative testing time periods and methods from those prescribed in the Fish
Health Blue Book or the OIE Diagnostic Manual if the commissioner determines that
biosecurity measures will not be compromised. These alternatives are not subject to the
rulemaking provisions of chapter 14 and section 14.386 does not apply. The commissioner
must provide reasonable notice to affected parties of any changes in testing requirements.
(c) Results of fish health inspections must be provided to the commissioner for all
fish that remain in the state. All data used to prepare and issue a fish health certificate must
be maintained for three years by the issuing fish health inspector, approved laboratory, or
accredited veterinarian.
(d) A health inspection fee must be charged based on each lot of fish sampled. The
fee by check or money order payable to the Department of Natural Resources must be
prepaid or paid at the time a bill or notice is received from the commissioner that the
inspection and processing of samples is completed.
(c) (e) Upon receipt of payment and completion of inspection, the commissioner
shall notify the operator and issue a fish health certificate. The certification must be made
according to the Fish Health Blue Book or the Diagnostic Manual for Aquatic Animal
Diseases by a person certified as a fish health inspector.
(d) (f) All aquatic life in transit or held at transfer stations within the state may
be inspected by the commissioner. This inspection may include the collection of stock
for purposes of pathological analysis. Sample size necessary for analysis will follow
guidelines listed in the Fish Health Blue Book.
(e) (g) Salmonids and, catfish, or species on the VHS susceptible list must have a
fish health inspection before being transported from a containment facility, unless the
fish are being transported directly to an outlet for processing or other food purposes or
unless the commissioner determines that an inspection is not needed. A fish health
inspection conducted for this purpose need only be done on the lot or lots of fish that will
be transported. The commissioner must conduct a fish health inspection requested for this
purpose within five working days of receiving written notice. Salmonids and catfish may
be immediately transported from a containment facility to another containment facility
once a sample has been obtained for a health inspection or once the five-day notice
period has expired.

    Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 17.4992, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
    Subd. 4. Sale of eggs by the state. The commissioner may offer for sale or barter
as eggs or fry up to two percent of from the department's annual game fish egg harvest.
Additional eggs or fry may be sold if they are surplus to this state's program needs.

    Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 17.4994, is amended to read:
17.4994 SUCKER EGGS.
Sucker eggs may be taken from public waters with a sucker egg license endorsement,
which authorizes sucker eggs to be taken at a rate of one quart of eggs for each 1-1/2 acres
of licensed surface waters except that for intensive culture systems, sucker eggs may be
taken at a rate of two quarts per 1,000 muskellunge fry being reared for the fee prescribed
in section 97A.475, subdivision 29. The Taking of sucker eggs from public waters is
subject to chapter 97C and may be supervised by the commissioner. The commissioner
may limit the amount of sucker eggs that a person with a sucker egg license endorsement
may take based on the number of sucker eggs taken historically by the licensee, new
requests for eggs, and the condition of the spawning runs at those historical streams and
rivers that have produced previous annual quotas.

    Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 84.942, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
    Subdivision 1. Preparation. The commissioner of natural resources shall prepare
a comprehensive fish and wildlife management plan plans designed to accomplish the
policy of section 84.941. The comprehensive fish and wildlife management plan shall
include a strategic plan as outlined in subdivision 2. The strategic plan must be completed
by July 1, 1986. The management plan must also include the long-range and operational
plans as described in subdivisions 3 and 4. The management plan must be completed by
July 1, 1988.

    Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 84.95, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
    Subd. 2. Purposes and expenditures. Money from the reinvest in Minnesota
resources fund may only be spent for the following fish and wildlife conservation
enhancement purposes:
(1) development and implementation of the comprehensive fish and wildlife
management plan plans under section 84.942;
(2) implementation of the reinvest in Minnesota reserve program established by
section 103F.515;
(3) soil and water conservation practices to improve water quality, reduce soil
erosion and crop surpluses;
(4) enhancement or restoration of fish and wildlife habitat on lakes, streams,
wetlands, and public and private forest lands;
(5) acquisition and development of public access sites and recreation easements to
lakes, streams, and rivers for fish and wildlife oriented recreation;
(6) matching funds with government agencies, federally recognized Indian tribes and
bands, and the private sector for acquisition and improvement of fish and wildlife habitat;
(7) research and surveys of fish and wildlife species and habitat;
(8) enforcement of natural resource laws and rules;
(9) information and education;
(10) implementing the aspen recycling program under section 88.80 and for other
forest wildlife management projects; and
(11) necessary support services to carry out these purposes.

    Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 84D.11, subdivision 2a, is amended to read:
    Subd. 2a. Harvest of bait from infested waters. The commissioner may issue a
permit to allow the harvest of bait:
    (1) from waters that are designated as infested waters, except those designated
because they contain prohibited invasive species of fish or certifiable diseases of fish as
defined in section 17.4982, subdivision 6; and
    (2) from infested waters as allowed under section 97C.341, paragraph (c).
    The permit shall include conditions necessary to avoid spreading aquatic invasive
species. Before receiving a permit, a person annually must satisfactorily complete aquatic
invasive species-related training provided by the commissioner.
EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment.

    Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 97A.015, subdivision 24, is amended to read:
    Subd. 24. Game birds. "Game birds" means migratory waterfowl, ring-necked
pheasant, ruffed grouse, sharp-tailed grouse, Canada spruce grouse, prairie chickens, gray
partridge, bobwhite quail, wild turkeys, coots, gallinules, sora and Virginia rails, mourning
dove, sandhill crane, American woodcock, and common snipe.

    Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 97A.015, subdivision 45, is amended to read:
    Subd. 45. Small game. "Small game" means game birds, gray squirrel, fox squirrel,
cottontail rabbit, snowshoe hare, jack rabbit, raccoon, lynx, bobcat, gray wolf, red fox
and gray fox, fisher, pine marten, opossum, badger, cougar, wolverine, muskrat, mink,
otter, and beaver.

    Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 97A.015, subdivision 49, is amended to read:
    Subd. 49. Undressed bird. "Undressed bird" means:
(1) a bird, excluding migratory waterfowl, pheasant, Hungarian partridge, turkey, or
grouse ducks, with feet and a fully feathered head wing intact;
(2) a migratory waterfowl, excluding geese, duck with a fully feathered wing and
head attached; or
(3) a pheasant, Hungarian partridge, or wild turkey, or grouse with one leg and foot
or the fully feathered head or wing intact; or
(4) a goose with a fully feathered wing attached.

    Sec. 17. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 97A.015, subdivision 52, is amended to read:
    Subd. 52. Unprotected birds. "Unprotected birds" means English sparrow,
blackbird, starling, magpie, cormorant, common pigeon, Eurasian collared dove, chukar
partridge, quail other than bobwhite quail, and mute swan.

    Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 97A.015, subdivision 55, is amended to read:
    Subd. 55. Wild animals. "Wild animals" means all living creatures, whether dead or
alive, not human, wild by nature, endowed with sensation and power of voluntary motion,
and includes mammals, birds, fish, amphibians, reptiles, crustaceans, and mollusks.
EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment.

    Sec. 19. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 97A.028, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
    Subd. 3. Emergency deterrent materials assistance. (a) For the purposes of
this subdivision, "cooperative damage management agreement" means an agreement
between a landowner or tenant and the commissioner that establishes a program for
addressing the problem of destruction of the landowner's or tenant's specialty crops or
stored forage crops by wild animals, or destruction of agricultural crops by flightless
Canada geese, or destruction of agricultural crops or pasture by elk within the native elk
range, as determined by the commissioner.
    (b) A landowner or tenant may apply to the commissioner for emergency deterrent
materials assistance in controlling destruction of the landowner's or tenant's specialty
crops or stored forage crops by wild animals, or destruction of agricultural crops by
flightless Canada geese, or destruction of agricultural crops or pasture by elk within the
native elk range, as determined by the commissioner. Subject to the availability of money
appropriated for this purpose, the commissioner shall provide suitable deterrent materials
when the commissioner determines that:
    (1) immediate action is necessary to prevent significant damage from continuing; and
    (2) a cooperative damage management agreement cannot be implemented
immediately.
    (c) A person may receive emergency deterrent materials assistance under this
subdivision more than once, but the cumulative total value of deterrent materials provided
to a person, or for use on a parcel, may not exceed $3,000 $5,000 for specialty crops,
$750 $1,500 for protecting stored forage crops other than silage or grain, $3,000 for stored
silage or grain, or $500 $1,000 for agricultural crops damaged by flightless Canada geese.
The value of deterrent materials provided to a person to help protect stored forage crops,
agricultural crops, or pasture from damage by elk may not exceed $5,000. If a person is a
co-owner or cotenant with respect to the specialty crops for which the deterrent materials
are provided, the deterrent materials are deemed to be "provided" to the person for the
purposes of this paragraph.
    (d) As a condition of receiving emergency deterrent materials assistance under this
subdivision, a landowner or tenant shall enter into a cooperative damage management
agreement with the commissioner. Deterrent materials provided by the commissioner may
include repellents, fencing materials, or other materials recommended in the agreement
to alleviate the damage problem. If requested by a landowner or tenant, any fencing
materials provided must be capable of providing long-term protection of specialty crops.
A landowner or tenant who receives emergency deterrent materials assistance under
this subdivision shall comply with the terms of the cooperative damage management
agreement.

    Sec. 20. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 97A.075, subdivision 6, is amended to read:
    Subd. 6. Walleye stamp. (a) Revenue from walleye stamps must be credited to the
walleye stamp account. Money in the account must be used only for stocking walleye
walleyes purchased from the private sector in waters of the state and related activities.
    (b) Money in the account may not be used for costs unless they are directly related to
a specific body of water under paragraph (a), or for costs associated with supplies and
equipment to implement walleye stocking activities under paragraph (a).

    Sec. 21. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 97A.101, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
    Subd. 3. Fishing may not be restricted. Seasons or methods of taking fish other
than minnows may not be restricted under this section.

    Sec. 22. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 97A.311, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
    Subd. 5. Refunds. (a) The commissioner may issue a refund on a license, not
including any issuing fees paid under section 97A.485, subdivision 6, if the request is
received within 90 days of the original license purchase and:
    (1) the licensee dies before the opening of the licensed season. The original license
and a copy of the death certificate must be provided to the commissioner;
    (2) the licensee is unable to participate in the licensed activity because the licensee is
called to active military duty or military leave is canceled during the entire open season of
the licensed activity. The original license and a copy of the military orders or notice of
cancellation of leave must be provided to the commissioner; or
    (3) the licensee purchased two licenses for the same license season in error.; or
(4) the licensee was not legally required to purchase the license to participate
in the activity.
    (b) This subdivision does not apply to lifetime licenses.

    Sec. 23. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 97A.321, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
    Subdivision 1. Owner responsibility; penalty amount. The owner of a dog that
pursues but does not kill or mortally wound a big game animal is subject to a civil penalty
of $100 for each violation. The owner of a dog that kills or mortally wounds a big game
animal is subject to a civil penalty of $500 for each violation.

    Sec. 24. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 97A.331, is amended by adding a
subdivision to read:
    Subd. 4a. Hunting big game while under revocation. Notwithstanding section
97A.421, subdivision 7, a person who takes big game during the time the person is
prohibited from obtaining a license to take big game under section 97A.421 is guilty
of a gross misdemeanor.

    Sec. 25. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 97A.405, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
    Subd. 2. Personal possession. (a) A person acting under a license or traveling from
an area where a licensed activity was performed must have in personal possession either:
(1) the proper license, if the license has been issued to and received by the person; or (2)
the proper license identification number or stamp validation, if the license has been sold to
the person by electronic means but the actual license has not been issued and received.
    (b) If possession of a license or a license identification number is required, a person
must exhibit, as requested by a conservation officer or peace officer, either: (1) the proper
license if the license has been issued to and received by the person; or (2) the proper
license identification number or stamp validation and a valid state driver's license, state
identification card, or other form of identification provided by the commissioner, if the
license has been sold to the person by electronic means but the actual license has not been
issued and received. A person charged with violating the license possession requirement
shall not be convicted if the person produces in court or the office of the arresting officer,
the actual license previously issued to that person, which was valid at the time of arrest,
or satisfactory proof that at the time of the arrest the person was validly licensed. Upon
request of a conservation officer or peace officer, a licensee shall write the licensee's name
in the presence of the officer to determine the identity of the licensee.
    (c) If the actual license has been issued and received, a receipt for license fees, a
copy of a license, or evidence showing the issuance of a license, including the license
identification number or stamp validation, does not entitle a licensee to exercise the rights
or privileges conferred by a license.
    (d) A license issued electronically and not immediately provided to the licensee
shall be mailed to the licensee within 30 days of purchase of the license. A pictorial
migratory waterfowl, pheasant, trout and salmon, or walleye stamp shall be provided to
the licensee after purchase of a stamp validation only if the licensee pays an additional $2
fee that covers the costs of producing and mailing a pictorial stamp. A pictorial turkey
stamp may be purchased for a $2 fee. that covers the costs of producing and mailing the
pictorial stamp. Notwithstanding section 16A.1283, the commissioner may, by written
order published in the State Register, establish fees for providing the pictorial stamps.
The fees must be set in an amount that does not recover significantly more or less than
the cost of producing and mailing the stamps. The fees are not subject to the rulemaking
provisions of chapter 14, and section 14.386 does not apply.

    Sec. 26. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 97A.415, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
    Subd. 2. Transfer prohibited. A person may not lend, transfer, borrow, or solicit
a license or permit, license identification number, application for a license or permit,
coupon, tag, or seal, or use a license, permit, license identification number, coupon, tag,
or seal not issued to the person unless otherwise expressly authorized. A person may
transfer a license, as prescribed by the commissioner, for use by a person with a severe
disability or critical illness who is participating in a hunting or fishing program sponsored
by a nonprofit organization.

    Sec. 27. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 97A.425, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
    Subd. 3. Reports. Except for persons licensed to mount specimens of wild
animals, an annual report covering the preceding license year must be submitted to the
commissioner by March 15. The commissioner may require other reports for statistical
purposes. The reports must be on forms supplied or approved by the commissioner.

    Sec. 28. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 97A.433, is amended by adding a
subdivision to read:
    Subd. 5. Mandatory separate selection. The commissioner must conduct
a separate selection for 20 percent of the elk licenses to be issued each year. Only
individuals who have applied at least ten times for an elk license and who have never
received a license are eligible for this separate selection.

    Sec. 29. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 97A.435, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
    Subdivision 1. Number of licenses to be issued License issuance. The
commissioner shall include in a rule setting the dates for a turkey season the number of
licenses to be issued rules setting turkey seasons the methods for issuing licenses for
those seasons.

    Sec. 30. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 97A.445, subdivision 1a, is amended to read:
    Subd. 1a. Angling in a state park. (a) A resident may take fish by angling without
an angling license:
(1) when shore fishing or wading on state-owned land within a state park.; or
(2) when angling from a boat or float, this subdivision applies only to those or
through the ice on water bodies completely encompassed within the statutory boundary of
the state park.
(b) The exemption from an angling license does not apply to waters where a trout
stamp is required.

    Sec. 31. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 97A.465, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
    Subd. 5. Preference to service members. (a) For purposes of this subdivision:
(1) "qualified service member or veteran" means a Minnesota resident who:
(i) is currently serving, or has served at any time during the past 24 months, in active
service as a member of the United States armed forces, including the National Guard or
other military reserves;
(ii) has received a Purple Heart medal for qualifying military service, as shown by
official military records; or
(iii) has a service-connected disability rated at 100 percent as defined by the United
States Department of Veterans Affairs; and
(2) "active service" means service defined under section 190.05, subdivision 5b or 5c.
(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, chapter 97B or 97C, or
administrative rules, the commissioner may shall give first preference to qualified service
members or veterans in any drawing or lottery involving the selection of applicants for
hunting or fishing licenses, permits, and special permits. This subdivision does not
apply to licenses or permits for taking moose, elk, or prairie chickens. Actions of the
commissioner under this subdivision are not rules under the Administrative Procedure Act
and section 14.386 does not apply.

    Sec. 32. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 97A.475, subdivision 7, is amended to read:
    Subd. 7. Nonresident fishing. (a) Fees for the following licenses, to be issued
to nonresidents, are:
    (1) to take fish by angling, $37.50;
    (2) to take fish by angling limited to seven consecutive days selected by the licensee,
$26.50;
    (3) to take fish by angling for a 72-hour period selected by the licensee, $22;
    (4) to take fish by angling for a combined license for a family for one or both parents
and dependent children under the age of 16, $50.50;
    (5) to take fish by angling for a 24-hour period selected by the licensee, $8.50;
    (6) to take fish by angling for a combined license for a married couple, limited to 14
consecutive days selected by one of the licensees, $38.50; and
(7) to take fish by spearing from a dark house, $37.50.
    (b) A $2 surcharge shall be added to all nonresident fishing licenses, except licenses
issued under paragraph (a), clause (5), and licenses purchased at the resident fee by
nonresidents under age 16 under section 97A.451, subdivision 5, paragraph (b). An
additional commission may not be assessed on this surcharge.

    Sec. 33. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 97A.505, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
    Subd. 2. Possession of unlawful animals brought into state prohibited. (a) A
person may not possess a wild animal that has been unlawfully taken, bought, sold, or
possessed outside the state, or unlawfully shipped into the state.
(b) When entering the state from Canada, a person who possesses fish that were
unlawfully taken or possessed under paragraph (a) may be charged in the same manner as
for possessing fish that were unlawfully taken or possessed in the state.

    Sec. 34. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 97A.545, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
    Subd. 5. Birds must be in undressed condition; exceptions. (a) Except as
provided in paragraph (b), a person may ship or otherwise transport game birds in an
undressed condition only.
(b) Paragraph (a) does not apply if the birds being shipped or otherwise transported:
(1) were taken on a shooting preserve and are marked or identified in accordance
with section 97A.121, subdivision 5;
(2) were taken, dressed, and lawfully shipped or otherwise transported in another
state; or
(3) are migratory game birds that were lawfully tagged and packed by a federally
permitted migratory bird preservation facility.; or
(4) are doves shipped or transported in accordance with federal law.

    Sec. 35. [97B.0215] PARENT OR GUARDIAN RESPONSIBILITY; VIOLATION.
A parent or legal guardian of a minor may not knowingly direct, allow, or permit
the minor to hunt without the required license, permit, training, or certification, or in
violation of the game and fish laws.

    Sec. 36. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 97B.022, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
    Subd. 2. Apprentice hunter validation requirements. A resident born after
December 31, 1979, who is age 12 or older over and who does not possess a hunter
education firearms safety certificate may be issued an apprentice hunter validation. An
apprentice hunter validation is valid for only one may be purchased two license year years
in a lifetime and used to obtain hunting licenses during the same license year that the
validation is purchased. An individual in possession of an apprentice hunter validation
may hunt small game and, deer, and bear only when accompanied by an adult licensed to
hunt in Minnesota whose license was not obtained using an apprentice hunter validation.
An apprentice hunter validation holder must obtain all required licenses and stamps.

    Sec. 37. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 97B.041, is amended to read:
97B.041 POSSESSION OF FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION RESTRICTED
IN DEER ZONES.
    (a) A person may not possess a firearm or ammunition outdoors during the period
beginning the fifth day before the open firearms season and ending the second day after
the close of the season within an area where deer may be taken by a firearm, except:
    (1) during the open season and in an area where big game may be taken, a firearm
and ammunition authorized for taking big game in that area may be used to take big game
in that area if the person has a valid big game license in possession;
    (2) an unloaded firearm that is in a case or in a closed trunk of a motor vehicle;
    (3) a shotgun and shells containing No. 4 buckshot or smaller diameter lead shot
or steel shot;
    (4) a handgun or rifle capable of firing only rimfire cartridges of .17 and .22 caliber,
including .22 magnum caliber cartridges;
    (5) handguns possessed by a person authorized to carry a handgun under sections
624.714 and 624.715 for the purpose authorized; and
    (6) on a target range operated under a permit from the commissioner.
    (b) This section does not apply during an open firearms season in an area where deer
may be taken only by muzzleloader, except that muzzleloading firearms lawful for the
taking of deer may be possessed only by persons with a valid license to take deer by
muzzleloader during that the muzzleloader season. A person with a valid license to take
deer by hunting during the muzzleloader season may not possess a firearm other than:
(1) a muzzleloader that is legal for taking deer under section 97B.031, subdivision
1; and
(2) a handgun, as provided in paragraph (a), clause (4) or (5).

    Sec. 38. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 97B.055, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
    Subd. 3. Hunting from vehicle by disabled hunters. (a) The commissioner may
issue a special permit, without a fee, to discharge a firearm or bow and arrow from a
stationary motor vehicle to a person who obtains the required licenses and who has a
permanent physical disability that is more substantial than discomfort from walking. The
permit recipient must be:
(1) unable to step from a vehicle without aid of a wheelchair, crutches, braces, or
other mechanical support or prosthetic device; or
(2) unable to walk any distance because of a permanent lung, heart, or other internal
disease that requires the person to use supplemental oxygen to assist breathing.
(b) The permanent physical disability must be established by medical evidence
verified in writing by a licensed physician or, chiropractor, or certified nurse practitioner
or certified physician assistant acting under the direction of a licensed physician. The
commissioner may request additional information from the physician or chiropractor
if needed to verify the applicant's eligibility for the permit. Notwithstanding section
97A.418 , the commissioner may, in consultation with appropriate advocacy groups,
establish reasonable minimum standards for permits to be issued under this section. In
addition to providing the medical evidence of a permanent disability, the applicant must
possess a valid disability parking certificate authorized by section 169.345 or license
plates issued under section 168.021.
(c) A person issued a special permit under this subdivision and hunting deer may
take a deer of either sex, except in those antlerless permit areas and seasons where no
antlerless permits are offered. This subdivision does not authorize another member of a
party to take an antlerless deer under section 97B.301, subdivision 3.
(d) A permit issued under this subdivision is valid for five years.
(e) The commissioner may deny, modify, suspend, or revoke a permit issued under
this section for cause, including a violation of the game and fish laws or rules.
(f) A person who knowingly makes a false application or assists another in making a
false application for a permit under this section is guilty of a misdemeanor. A physician,
certified nurse practitioner, certified physician assistant, or chiropractor who fraudulently
certifies to the commissioner that a person is permanently disabled as described in this
section is guilty of a misdemeanor.
(g) Notwithstanding paragraph (d), the commissioner may issue a permit valid for
the entire life of the applicant if the commissioner determines that there is no chance
that an applicant will become ineligible for a permit under this section and the applicant
requests a lifetime permit.

    Sec. 39. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 97B.075, is amended to read:
97B.075 HUNTING RESTRICTED BETWEEN EVENING AND MORNING.
    (a) A person may not take protected wild animals, except raccoon and fox, with
a firearm between the evening and morning times established by commissioner's rule,
except as provided in this section.
    (b) Big game may be taken from one-half hour before sunrise until one-half hour
after sunset.
    (c) Except as otherwise prescribed by the commissioner on or before the Saturday
nearest October 8, waterfowl may be taken from one-half hour before sunrise until sunset
during the entire season prescribed by the commissioner. On the opening day of the duck
season, shooting hours for migratory game birds, except woodcock, begin at 9:00 a.m.

    Sec. 40. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 97B.106, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
    Subdivision 1. Qualifications for crossbow permits. (a) The commissioner may
issue a special permit, without a fee, to take big game, small game, or rough fish with a
crossbow to a person that is unable to hunt or take rough fish by archery because of a
permanent or temporary physical disability. A crossbow permit issued under this section
also allows the permittee to use a bow with a mechanical device that draws, releases, or
holds the bow at full draw as provided in section 97B.035, subdivision 1, paragraph (a).
    (b) To qualify for a crossbow permit under this section, a temporary disability
must render the person unable to hunt or fish by archery for a minimum of two years
after application for the permit is made. The permanent or temporary disability must
be established by medical evidence, and the inability to hunt or fish by archery for the
required period of time must be verified in writing by (1) a licensed physician or a certified
nurse practitioner or certified physician assistant acting under the direction of a licensed
physician; or (2) a licensed chiropractor. A person who has received a special permit
under this section because of a permanent disability is eligible for subsequent special
permits without providing medical evidence and verification of the disability.
    (c) The person must obtain the appropriate license.

    Sec. 41. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 97B.211, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
    Subdivision 1. Possession of firearms prohibited. (a) A person may not take deer
by archery while in possession of a firearm.
(b) Paragraph (a) does not apply to a person carrying a handgun in compliance
with section 624.714.

    Sec. 42. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 97B.425, is amended to read:
97B.425 BAITING BEARS.
    Notwithstanding section 609.68, a person may place bait to take bear and must
display a tag at each site where bait is placed and register the sites. The commissioner
shall prescribe the method of tagging and registering the sites. The tag displayed at each
site where bait is placed must contain identification information: (1) the licensee's name
and address; (2) the licensee's driver's license number; or (3) the "MDNR#" license
identification number issued to the licensee for a licensed bear hunter or a licensed bear
outfitter. A person must have the license identification number of the person with the bear
license in their possession or be a licensed bear outfitter while attending a bear bait station.
To attract bear a person may not use a bait with:
    (1) a carcass from a mammal, if the carcass contains more than 25 percent of the
intact carcass;
    (2) meat from mammals, if the meat contains bones;
    (3) bones of mammals;
    (4) solid waste containing bottles, cans, plastic, paper, or metal;
    (5) materials that are not readily biodegradable; or
    (6) any part of a swine, except cured pork.

    Sec. 43. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 97B.515, is amended by adding a
subdivision to read:
    Subd. 4. Taking elk causing damage or nuisance. The commissioner may
authorize licensed hunters to take elk that are causing damage or nuisance from August
15 to March 1 under rules prescribed by the commissioner. The commissioner may issue
licenses to hunters impartially selected from a list of elk hunt applicants who indicated on
their application that they would be interested and available to respond to an elk damage
or nuisance situation. Notwithstanding section 97A.433, subdivision 2, clause (2), a
person receiving a license to hunt elk under this subdivision does not lose eligibility
for future elk hunts.

    Sec. 44. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 97B.645, subdivision 9, is amended to read:
    Subd. 9. Open season. There shall be no open season for gray wolves for five years
until after the gray wolf is delisted under the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973.
After that time, the commissioner may prescribe open seasons and restrictions for taking
gray wolves but must provide opportunity for public comment.

    Sec. 45. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 97B.711, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:
    Subd. 4. Shooting grouse prohibited near motor vehicle. A person in the vicinity
of a motor vehicle may not discharge a firearm or an arrow from a bow at a grouse, or
at a decoy of a grouse placed by an enforcement officer, unless the person is at least ten
feet from the vehicle. This subdivision does not apply to a person with a disability permit
issued under section 97B.055, subdivision 3.

    Sec. 46. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 97B.803, is amended to read:
97B.803 MIGRATORY WATERFOWL SEASONS AND LIMITS.
(a) The commissioner shall prescribe seasons, limits, and areas for taking migratory
waterfowl in accordance with federal law.
(b) The regular duck season may not open before the Saturday closest to October 1.

    Sec. 47. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 97C.005, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
    Subd. 3. Seasons, limits, and other rules. The commissioner may, in accordance
with the procedures in subdivision 2, paragraphs (c) and (e), or by rule under chapter 14,
establish open seasons, limits, methods, and other requirements for taking fish on special
management waters. The commissioner may, by written order published in the State
Register, amend daily, possession, or size limits to make midseason adjustments based
on available harvest, angling pressure, and population data to manage the fisheries in the
1837 Ceded Territory in compliance with the court orders in Mille Lacs Band of Chippewa
v. Minnesota, 119 S. Ct. 1187 (1999). The midseason adjustments in daily, possession, or
size limits are not subject to the rulemaking provisions of chapter 14 and section 14.386
does not apply. Before the written order is effective, the commissioner shall attempt to
notify persons or groups of persons affected by the written order by public announcement,
posting, and other appropriate means as determined by the commissioner.
EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment.

    Sec. 48. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 97C.081, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
    Subd. 3. Contests requiring a permit. (a) Unless subdivision 3a applies, a person
must have a permit from the commissioner to conduct a fishing contest that does not meet
the criteria in subdivision 2. if:
(1) there are more than 25 boats for open water contests, more than 150 participants
for ice fishing contests, or more than 100 participants for shore fishing contests;
(2) entry fees are more than $25 per person; or
(3) the contest is limited to trout species.
(b) The commissioner shall charge a fee for the permit that recovers the costs of
issuing the permit and of monitoring the activities allowed by the permit. Notwithstanding
section 16A.1283, the commissioner may, by written order published in the State Register,
establish contest permit fees. The fees are not subject to the rulemaking provisions of
chapter 14 and section 14.386 does not apply.
    (b) (c) The commissioner may require the applicant to furnish evidence of financial
responsibility in the form of a surety bond or bank letter of credit in the amount of $25,000
if entry fees are over $25 per person, or total prizes are valued at more than $25,000, and
if the applicant has either:
    (1) not previously conducted a fishing contest requiring a permit under this
subdivision; or
    (2) ever failed to make required prize awards in a fishing contest conducted by
the applicant, the commissioner may require the applicant to furnish the commissioner
evidence of financial responsibility in the form of a surety bond or bank letter of credit in
the amount of $25,000.
    (c) (d) The permit fee for any individual contest may not exceed the following
amounts:
    (1) $60 for an open water contest not exceeding 50 boats and without off-site
weigh-in;
    (2) $200 for an open water contest with more than 50 boats and without off-site
weigh-in;
    (3) $250 for an open water contest not exceeding 50 boats with off-site weigh-in;
    (4) $500 for an open water contest with more than 50 boats with off-site weigh-in; or
    (5) $120 for an ice fishing contest with more than 150 participants.

    Sec. 49. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 97C.081, is amended by adding a
subdivision to read:
    Subd. 3a. Contests without a permit. A person may conduct a fishing contest
without a permit from the commissioner if:
(1) the contest is not limited to specifically named waters;
(2) all the contest participants are age 18 years or under;
(3) the contest is limited to rough fish; or
(4) the total prize value is $500 or less.

    Sec. 50. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 97C.081, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
    Subd. 4. Restrictions. (a) The commissioner may by rule establish restrictions on
fishing contests to protect fish and fish habitat, to restrict activities during high use periods,
to restrict activities that affect research or management work, to restrict the number of
boats, and for the safety of contest participants.
(b) By March 1, 2011, the commissioner shall develop a best practices certification
program for fishing contest organizers to ensure the proper handling and release of fish.
(c) Fishing tournament organizers shall take preventive measures to reduce the
spread of invasive species, as defined in section 84D.01, subdivision 9a.

    Sec. 51. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 97C.087, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
    Subd. 2. Application for tag. Application for special fish management tags must
be accompanied by a $5, nonrefundable application fee for each tag. A person may not
make more than one tag application each calendar year. If a person makes more than one
application, the person is ineligible for a special fish management tag for that season
calendar year after determination by the commissioner, without a hearing.

    Sec. 52. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 97C.205, is amended to read:
97C.205 TRANSPORTING AND STOCKING FISH.
    (a) Except on the water body where taken, a person may not transport a live fish in a
quantity of water sufficient to keep the fish alive, unless the fish:
    (1) is being transported under an aquaculture license as authorized under sections
17.4985 and 17.4986;
    (2) is being transported for a fishing contest weigh-in under section 97C.081;
    (3) is a minnow being transported under section 97C.505 or 97C.515;
    (4) is being transported by a commercial fishing license holder under section
97C.821 ; or
    (5) is being transported as otherwise authorized in this section or as prescribed for
certifiable diseases under sections 17.46 to 17.4999.
    (b) The commissioner may adopt rules to allow and regulate:
    (1) the transportation of fish and fish eggs; and
    (2) the stocking of waters with fish or fish eggs.
    (c) The commissioner must allow the possession of fish on special management or
experimental waters to be prepared as a meal on the ice or on the shore of that water
body if the fish:
    (1) were lawfully taken;
    (2) have been packaged by a licensed fish packer; and
    (3) do not otherwise exceed the statewide possession limits.
    (d) The commissioner shall prescribe rules designed to encourage local sporting
organizations to propagate game fish by using rearing ponds. The rules must:
    (1) prescribe methods to acquire brood stock for the ponds by seining public waters;
    (2) allow the sporting organizations to own and use seines and other necessary
equipment; and
    (3) prescribe methods for stocking the fish in public waters that give priority to the
needs of the community where the fish are reared and the desires of the organization
operating the rearing pond.
    (e) A person age 16 or under may, for purposes of display in a home aquarium,
transport largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, rock bass, black crappie, white
crappie, bluegill pumpkinseed, green sunfish, orange spotted sunfish, and black, yellow,
and brown bullheads taken by angling, except as otherwise ordered by the commissioner
upon documentation of an emergency fish disease in Minnesota waters, as defined in
section 17.4982, subdivision 9. No more than four of each species may be transported at
any one time, and any individual fish can be no longer than ten inches in total length. The
commissioner may, by written order published in the State Register, prohibit transportation
of live fish under this paragraph to help prevent spread of an emergency fish disease
documented to occur in Minnesota waters. The order is exempt from the rulemaking
provisions of chapter 14 and section 14.386 does not apply.

    Sec. 53. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 97C.211, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
    Subd. 5. Price of walleye game fish fry and eggs. (a) The commissioner may not
sell walleye game fish fry or eggs for less than fair market value, defined as the average
price charged by private walleye fry wholesalers located in Minnesota the cost associated
with the production of eggs or fry.
(b) For every 86 pounds of walleye fingerlings contracted to sell to the state,
one quart of eggs or fry equivalent may be offered to purchase or barter with private
aquaculture vendors.

    Sec. 54. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 97C.341, is amended to read:
97C.341 CERTAIN AQUATIC LIFE PROHIBITED FOR BAIT.
(a) A person may not use live minnows imported from outside of the state, game
fish, goldfish, or carp for bait. The commissioner may, by written order published in
the State Register, authorize use of game fish eggs as bait and prescribe restrictions on
their use. The order is exempt from the rulemaking provisions of chapter 14 and section
14.386 does not apply.
(b) A person may not import or possess live, frozen, or processed bait from known
waters where viral hemorrhagic septicemia has been identified as being present, except as
provided in paragraph (c). For purposes of this paragraph, "bait" includes fish, aquatic
worms, amphibians, invertebrates, and insects used for angling taking wild animals in
waters of the state.
    (c) Cisco and rainbow smelt taken under rules adopted by the commissioner may
be used as:
    (1) fresh or frozen bait only on Lake Superior; or
    (2) bait that has been processed to inactivate viral hemorrhagic septicemia in a
manner prescribed by rules adopted by the commissioner.
EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment.

    Sec. 55. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 103B.101, subdivision 9, is amended to read:
    Subd. 9. Powers and duties. In addition to the powers and duties prescribed
elsewhere, the board shall:
(1) coordinate the water and soil resources planning and implementation activities of
counties, soil and water conservation districts, watershed districts, watershed management
organizations, and any other local units of government through its various authorities for
approval of local plans, administration of state grants, contracts and easements, and by
other means as may be appropriate;
(2) facilitate communication and coordination among state agencies in cooperation
with the Environmental Quality Board, and between state and local units of government,
in order to make the expertise and resources of state agencies involved in water and soil
resources management available to the local units of government to the greatest extent
possible;
(3) coordinate state and local interests with respect to the study in southwestern
Minnesota under United States Code, title 16, section 1009;
(4) develop information and education programs designed to increase awareness
of local water and soil resources problems and awareness of opportunities for local
government involvement in preventing or solving them;
(5) provide a forum for the discussion of local issues and opportunities relating
to water and soil resources management;
(6) adopt an annual budget and work program that integrate the various functions
and responsibilities assigned to it by law; and
(7) report to the governor and the legislature by October 15 of each even-numbered
year with an assessment of board programs and recommendations for any program
changes and board membership changes necessary to improve state and local efforts
in water and soil resources management.
The board may accept grants, gifts, donations, or contributions in money, services,
materials, or otherwise from the United States, a state agency, or other source to achieve
an authorized or delegated purpose. The board may enter into a contract or agreement
necessary or appropriate to accomplish the transfer. The board may conduct or participate
in local, state, or federal programs or projects that have as one purpose or effect the
preservation or enhancement of water and soil resources and may enter into and administer
agreements with local governments or landowners or their designated agents as part
of those programs or projects. The board may receive and expend money to acquire
conservation easements, as defined in chapter 84C, on behalf of the state and federal
government consistent with the Camp Ripley's Army Compatible Use Buffer Project.
Any money received is hereby deposited in an account in a fund other than the
general fund and appropriated and dedicated for the purpose for which it is granted.

    Sec. 56. [348.125] COYOTE CONFLICT MANAGEMENT OPTION.
A county or town board may, by resolution, offer a bounty for the taking of coyotes
(Canis latrans) by all legal methods. The resolution may be made applicable to the whole
or any part of the county or town. The bounty must apply during the months specified in
the resolution and be in an amount determined by the board.
EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment.

    Sec. 57. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 604A.24, is amended to read:
604A.24 LIABILITY; LEASED LAND, WATER-FILLED MINE PITS;
MUNICIPAL POWER AGENCY LAND.
Unless otherwise agreed in writing, sections 604A.22 and 604A.23 also apply to
the duties and liability of an owner of the following land:
(1) land leased to the state or any political subdivision for recreational purpose; or
(2) idled or abandoned, water-filled mine pits whose pit walls may slump or cave,
and to which water the public has access from a water access site operated by a public
entity; or
(3) land of which a municipal power agency is an owner and that is used for
recreational trail purposes, and other land of a municipal power agency which is within
300 feet of such land if the entry onto such land was from land that is dedicated for
recreational purposes or recreational trail use; or
(4) land leased to the state or otherwise subject to an agreement or contract for
purposes of a state-sponsored walk-in access program.

    Sec. 58. RULEMAKING.
(a) The commissioner of natural resources shall amend Minnesota Rules, parts
6242.0900, subpart 1, and 6242.1000, subpart 1, to allow an option for game farm
licensees to use approved report and sales receipt formats.
(b) The commissioner may use the good cause exemption under Minnesota Statutes,
section 14.388, subdivision 1, clause (3), to adopt rules under this section, and Minnesota
Statutes, section 14.386, does not apply except as provided under Minnesota Statutes,
section 14.388.

    Sec. 59. SHALLOW LAKES MANAGEMENT REPORT.
By January 1, 2012, the commissioner of natural resources shall submit a report to
the senate and house of representatives committees and divisions with jurisdiction over
natural resources policy that includes:
(1) a summary of the science and ecology of shallow lakes;
(2) a summary of the significance of shallow lakes to continental and state waterfowl
populations and Minnesota's waterfowl heritage;
(3) examples and documented results of previous temporary water-level management
activities;
(4) a list of current statutes and rules applicable to shallow lakes including, but not
limited to, water-level management of shallow lakes; and
(5) a list of any changes to statute necessary that would allow the commissioner of
natural resources, through shallow lake management, to better achieve the state's wildlife
habitat and clean water goals and address the threats of invasive species.

    Sec. 60. REPEALER.
Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 84.942, subdivisions 2, 3, and 4; 97A.015,
subdivisions 26b, 27b, and 27c; 97A.435, subdivision 5; and 97C.081, subdivision 2, are
repealed.