1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to eminent domain; providing for discharge of a portion of an easement 
1.3 	acquired by condemnation; amending Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 117.225.
1.4 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.5 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 117.225, is amended to read:
1.6 	117.225 EASEMENT DISCHARGE.
1.7 	Whenever claiming that an easement or portion of an easement acquired by 
1.8 	condemnation is not being used for the purposes for which it was acquired, the underlying 
1.9 	fee owner may apply to the district court of the county in which the land is situated for an 
1.10 	order discharging the easement or portion of the easement, upon such terms as are just and 
1.11 	equitable. Due notice of said application shall be given to all interested parties. Provided, 
1.12 	however, This section shall not apply to easements or portions of easements acquired by 
1.13 	condemnation by a public service corporation now or hereafter doing business in the state 
1.14 	of Minnesota for any purpose other than construction or expansion of:
1.15 	(1) a high-voltage transmission line of 100 kilovolts or more, including ancillary 
1.16 	substations; or
1.17 	(2) a natural gas, petroleum, or petroleum products pipeline, including ancillary 
1.18 	compressor stations or pumping stations.
1.19 	For purposes of this section, "pipeline" does not include a natural gas distribution 
1.20 	line transporting gas to an end user.