Read Up on New Laws Taking Effect Friday

Editor's note: The following was provided by the House Public Information Services. By early July, summaries of all laws passed by the 2011 Legislature during its regular session will be available on that site. 

All but one of the major appropriation bills that would have taken effect July 1 were vetoed by the governor. However, several bills passed during the 2011 legislative session will take effect on that date.

Agriculture funding law includes final ethanol payments 

More than $13.7 million in expected final ethanol producer payments will be distributed over the next year, ending a 1980s program to incentivize farmers to grow corn for biofuel, according to a new law. The new law also authorizes funding for research and innovation for switching from corn to cellulosic materials, such as perennial plants, in order to produce bioenergy.It is the only major appropriation bill to receive the governor’s approval during the regular session.  

The new law will allocate nearly $79 million during the next two years to fund the Department of Agriculture, the Board of Animal Health and the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute.

 Grant programs are funded to develop and market locally grown products for retail sale. Annual cost-share payments will also be available to those who seek certification status as an organic farmer.

Policy changes in the law include allowing farmers to bury concrete and rebar from a former structure in their land. The solid waste burial must be recorded within 90 days with the county and show the boundary of the burial location.

School bus transportation changes made

The education commissioner must develop and maintain a list of school bus safety training instruction materials. This is part of a new law that will make it easier for students who attend area learning centers and those requiring lift buses on field trips to get to school or participate in activities. 

Non-residents required to purchase state trail pass

A new state trail pass will be required for non-residents who want to ride off-road vehicles on state trails. The annual $20 pass must be visible while riding. Three-year passes will be available for $30. Fees collected will go into the off-road vehicle account for trail maintenance costs.

The law also allows the Department of Natural Resources to set fees for all-terrain vehicle environmental and safety education and training according to actual program costs, rather than the previously prescribed $15 fee. As of July 1, children ages 12-17 can operate a Class 1 ATV, but any single passenger must be the person’s parent or legal guardian. 

Synthetic marijuana banned

It will be a gross misdemeanor to sell synthetic marijuana and a person in possession of such a substance will be guilty of a misdemeanor. Synthetic marijuana, also known as K2 or Spice, is a mix of common herbs sprayed with synthetic chemicals that mimic the effects of marijuana. It is sold in head shops and in stores as incense or potpourri. There is no minimum age to purchase the product.
 Rep. John Kriesel (R-Cottage Grove), who sponsors the law with Sen. Dan Hall (R-Burnsville), said the product has been known to cause serious health problems, including seizures. In the first 11 months of 2010 there were more than 2,500 calls nationwide to poison control centers because of synthetic marijuana use. It has been banned in 17 countries and 11 other states.

Ignition interlock required for some drunk drivers 

With the goal of keeping people who drink and drive off state roadways, a new law requires use of an ignition interlock device in some instances. It also provides a way for people with a B-Card license to get the restriction removed.  

Click to read a story on the law written by Minnetonka Patch editor Katelynn Metz.