1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to natural resources; providing for new electronic license system; making 
1.3 	conforming changes;amending Minnesota Statutes 2022, sections 14.386; 84.027, 
1.4 	subdivision 15; 84.0874; 84.152, subdivision 3; 84.788, subdivision 11; 84.798, 
1.5 	subdivision 10; 84.8035, subdivision 1; 84.82, subdivisions 2a, 11; 84.8205; 84.83, 
1.6 	subdivision 2; 84.922, subdivision 12; 85.41, subdivisions 1, 4; 85.45, subdivision 
1.7 	1; 85.46, subdivision 3; 86B.415, subdivision 11; 97A.015, subdivision 3a, by 
1.8 	adding a subdivision; 97A.215, by adding a subdivision; 97A.255, subdivision 5; 
1.9 	97A.405, subdivisions 3, 4, 4a; 97A.420, as amended; 97A.445, by adding a 
1.10 	subdivision; 97A.473, subdivisions 1, 3, 4, 5, 5a; 97A.474, subdivision 3; 97A.481; 
1.11 	97A.485, subdivision 6; 97A.535, subdivisions 1, 2, 2a, 4; 97A.551, subdivision 
1.12 	6; 97B.303; 97B.401; 97B.603; 97B.716, subdivision 2; 97B.721; 97C.087; 
1.13 	97C.301, subdivision 2a; 97C.355, subdivision 2; Minnesota Statutes 2023 
1.14 	Supplement, sections 84.83, subdivision 3; 97A.405, subdivision 2; repealing 
1.15 	Minnesota Statutes 2022, sections 97A.015, subdivision 27a; 97A.485, subdivision 
1.16 	13.
1.17 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.18 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 14.386, is amended to read:
1.19 	14.386 PROCEDURE FOR ADOPTING EXEMPT RULES; DURATION.
1.20 	(a) A rule adopted, amended, or repealed by an agency, under a statute enacted after 
1.21 	January 1, 1997, authorizing or requiring rules to be adopted but excluded from the 
1.22 	rulemaking provisions of chapter 14 or from the definition of a rule, has the force and effect 
1.23 	of law only if:
1.24 	(1) the revisor of statutes approves the form of the rule by certificate;
1.25 	(2) the person authorized to adopt the rule on behalf of the agency signs an order adopting 
1.26 	the rule;
2.1 	(3) the Office of Administrative Hearings approves the rule as to its legality within 14 
2.2 	days after the agency submits it for approval and files four paper copies or an electronic 
2.3 	copy of the adopted rule with the revisor's certificate in the Office of the Secretary of State; 
2.4 	and
2.5 	(4) a copy is published by the agency in the State Register.
2.6 	The secretary of state shall forward one copy of the rule to the governor.
2.7 	A statute enacted after January 1, 1997, authorizing or requiring rules to be adopted but 
2.8 	excluded from the rulemaking provisions of chapter 14 or from the definition of a rule does 
2.9 	not excuse compliance with this section unless it makes specific reference to this section.
2.10 	(b) A rule adopted under this section is effective for a period of two years from the date 
2.11 	of publication of the rule in the State Register. The authority for the rule expires at the end 
2.12 	of this two-year period.
2.13 	(c) The chief administrative law judge shall adopt rules relating to the rule approval 
2.14 	duties imposed by this section and section 14.388, including rules establishing standards 
2.15 	for review.
2.16 	(d) This section does not apply to:
2.17 	(1) any group or rule listed in section 14.03, subdivisions 1 and 3, except as otherwise 
2.18 	provided by law;
2.19 	(2) game and fish rules of the commissioner of natural resources adopted under section 
2.20 	84.027, subdivision 13, or sections 97A.0451 to 97A.0459;
2.21 	(3) experimental and special management waters designated by the commissioner of 
2.22 	natural resources under sections 97C.001 and 97C.005;
2.23 	(4) game refuges designated by the commissioner of natural resources under section 
2.24 	97A.085; or
2.25 	(5) transaction fees established by the commissioner of natural resources for electronic 
2.26 	or telephone sales of licenses, stamps, permits, registrations, or transfers under section 
2.27 	84.027, subdivision 15, paragraph (a), clause (3) (2).
2.28 	(e) If a statute provides that a rule is exempt from chapter 14, and section 14.386 does 
2.29 	not apply to the rule, the rule has the force of law unless the context of the statute delegating 
2.30 	the rulemaking authority makes clear that the rule does not have force of law.

3.1 	Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 84.027, subdivision 15, is amended to read:
3.2 		Subd. 15.Electronic transactions. (a) The commissioner may receive an application 
3.3 	for, sell, and issue any license, stamp, permit, pass, sticker, gift card, safety training 
3.4 	certification, registration, or transfer under the jurisdiction of the commissioner by electronic 
3.5 	means, including by telephone. Notwithstanding section 97A.472, electronic and telephone 
3.6 	transactions may be made outside of the state. The commissioner may:
3.7 	(1) provide for the electronic transfer of funds generated by electronic transactions, 
3.8 	including by telephone;
3.9 	(2) assign an identification number to an applicant who purchases a hunting or fishing 
3.10 	license or recreational vehicle registration by electronic means, to serve as temporary 
3.11 	authorization to engage in the activity requiring a license or registration until the license or 
3.12 	registration is received or expires;
3.13 	(3) (2) charge and permit agents to charge a fee of individuals who make electronic 
3.14 	transactions and transactions by telephone or Internet, including issuing fees and an additional 
3.15 	transaction fee not to exceed $3.50;
3.16 	(4) (3) charge and permit agents to charge a convenience fee not to exceed three percent 
3.17 	of the cost of the license to individuals who use electronic bank cards for payment. An 
3.18 	electronic licensing system agent charging a fee of individuals making an electronic bank 
3.19 	card transaction in person must post a sign informing individuals of the fee. The sign must 
3.20 	be near the point of payment, clearly visible, include the amount of the fee, and state: 
3.21 	"License agents are allowed by state law to charge a fee not to exceed three percent of the 
3.22 	cost of state licenses to persons who use electronic bank cards for payment. The fee is not 
3.23 	required by state law.";
3.24 	(5) (4) establish, by written order, an electronic licensing system commission to be paid 
3.25 	by revenues generated from all sales made through the electronic licensing system. The 
3.26 	commissioner shall establish the commission in a manner that neither significantly 
3.27 	overrecovers nor underrecovers costs involved in providing the electronic licensing system; 
3.28 	and
3.29 	(6) (5) adopt rules to administer the provisions of this subdivision.
3.30 	(b) The fees established under paragraph (a), clauses (2) and (3) and (4), and the 
3.31 	commission established under paragraph (a), clause (5) (4), are not subject to the rulemaking 
3.32 	procedures of chapter 14 and section 14.386 does not apply.
4.1 	(c) Money received from fees and commissions collected under this subdivision, including 
4.2 	interest earned, is annually appropriated from the game and fish fund and the natural 
4.3 	resources fund to the commissioner for the cost of electronic licensing.
4.4 	(d) Game and fish licenses under chapters 97A, 97B, and 97C shall be available by 
4.5 	electronic transaction, regardless of whether all or any part of the biennial appropriation 
4.6 	law for the department has been enacted. If, by July 1 of an odd-numbered year, legislation 
4.7 	has not been enacted to appropriate money to the commissioner of management and budget 
4.8 	for central accounting, procurement, payroll, and human resources functions, amounts 
4.9 	necessary to operate those functions for the purpose of this paragraph are appropriated from 
4.10 	the general fund to the commissioner of management and budget. As necessary, the 
4.11 	commissioner may transfer a portion of this appropriation to other state agencies to support 
4.12 	carrying out these functions. Any subsequent appropriation to the commissioner of 
4.13 	management and budget for a biennium in which this section is applicable supersedes and 
4.14 	replaces the funding authorized in this paragraph.

4.15 	Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 84.0874, is amended to read:
4.16 	84.0874 ELECTRONIC LICENSING SYSTEM DATA.
4.17 	(a) The following data created, collected, stored, or maintained by the department for 
4.18 	purposes of obtaining a noncommercial game and fish license, cross-country-ski pass, horse 
4.19 	pass, or snowmobile trail sticker pass; registering a recreational motor vehicle; or any other 
4.20 	electronic licensing transaction are private data on individuals as defined in section 13.02, 
4.21 	subdivision 12: name, addresses, driver's license number, and date of birth. The data may 
4.22 	be disclosed for law enforcement purposes. The data, other than the driver's license number, 
4.23 	may be disclosed to a government entity and for natural resources management purposes, 
4.24 	including recruitment, retention, and training certification and verification.
4.25 	(b) Private data on individuals under paragraph (a) may be disclosed as follows:
4.26 	(1) for use by any government agency, including a court or law enforcement agency, in 
4.27 	carrying out its functions, or any private person or entity acting on behalf of a federal, state, 
4.28 	or local agency in carrying out its functions;
4.29 	(2) for use in connection with matters of vehicle or operator safety and theft, emissions, 
4.30 	product alterations, recalls or advisories, and performance monitoring;
4.31 	(3) for use in the normal course of business by a legitimate business or its agents, 
4.32 	employees, or contractors, in order to verify the accuracy of personal information submitted 
4.33 	by an individual. If the information as submitted is not correct or is no longer correct, correct 
5.1 	information may be obtained only for the purpose of preventing fraud by, pursuing legal 
5.2 	remedies against, or recovering on a debt or security interest against the individual. If the 
5.3 	person requesting access is acting as the agent of a lienholder, the requester must submit 
5.4 	proof of a contract with the lienholder;
5.5 	(4) for use in connection with any civil, criminal, administrative, or arbitration 
5.6 	proceedings in any federal, state, or local court or agency or before any self-regulatory body, 
5.7 	including service of process, investigation in anticipation of litigation, and the execution or 
5.8 	enforcement of judgments and orders, or pursuant to an order of a federal, state, or local 
5.9 	court, provided that the requester provides a copy of the court order;
5.10 	(5) for use by any insurer or insurance support organization, or by a self-insured entity, 
5.11 	or its agents, employees, or contractors, in connection with claims investigation activities 
5.12 	or antifraud activities. If the person requesting access is an agent of an insurance company, 
5.13 	the requester must provide the insurance company's name;
5.14 	(6) for use in providing notice to the owners of towed or impounded recreational vehicles 
5.15 	or watercraft. The person requesting access must provide the name, address, and telephone 
5.16 	number of the entity that requested that the recreational vehicle or watercraft be towed;
5.17 	(7) for use by any licensed private investigative agency or licensed security service for 
5.18 	any purpose permitted under this section, provided that the person provides a copy of a 
5.19 	valid license; or
5.20 	(8) where the use is related to the physical safety or security of operators, vehicles, 
5.21 	pedestrians, or property.
5.22 	The commissioner must not disclose data under this paragraph if the commissioner concludes 
5.23 	that the requester is likely to use the data for an improper purpose or other purpose not 
5.24 	authorized by this paragraph.

5.25 	Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 84.152, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
5.26 		Subd. 3.Application. (a) An application for a wild rice dealer's license must be made 
5.27 	under a written oath. The form of application for a wild rice dealer's license application 
5.28 	must include:
5.29 	(1) the amount of wild rice, whether raw or processed, bought or sold by the applicant 
5.30 	during the preceding calendar year;
5.31 	(2) the amount of wild rice the applicant estimates will be bought or sold under the 
5.32 	license; and
6.1 	(3) other pertinent information required by the commissioner.
6.2 	(b) The license fee must be paid in advance, based on the applicant's estimate. A license 
6.3 	may not be issued for a fee based on a lesser amount of wild rice than was bought or sold 
6.4 	by the applicant during the preceding calendar year.

6.5 	Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 84.788, subdivision 11, is amended to read:
6.6 		Subd. 11.Refunds. The commissioner may issue a refund on a registration, not including 
6.7 	any issuing fees paid under subdivision 3, paragraph (e), or section 84.027, subdivision 15, 
6.8 	paragraph (a), clause (3) (2), if the refund request is received within 12 months of the original 
6.9 	registration and:
6.10 	(1) the off-highway motorcycle was registered incorrectly by the commissioner or the 
6.11 	deputy registrar; or
6.12 	(2) the off-highway motorcycle was registered twice, once by the dealer and once by 
6.13 	the customer.

6.14 	Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 84.798, subdivision 10, is amended to read:
6.15 		Subd. 10.Refunds. The commissioner may issue a refund on a registration, not including 
6.16 	any issuing fees paid under subdivision 3, paragraph (b), or section 84.027, subdivision 15, 
6.17 	paragraph (a), clause (3) (2), if the refund request is received within 60 days of the original 
6.18 	registration, the registration is not used or transferred, and:
6.19 	(1) the off-road vehicle was registered incorrectly; or
6.20 	(2) the off-road vehicle was registered twice, once by the dealer and once by the customer.

6.21 	Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 84.8035, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
6.22 		Subdivision 1.Pass required; fee. (a) Except as provided under paragraph (c), a person 
6.23 	may not operate an off-road vehicle on a state or grant-in-aid off-road vehicle trail or use 
6.24 	area unless the vehicle displays an off-road vehicle state trail pass sticker issued according 
6.25 	to this section. The pass must be viewable available to be viewed by a peace officer, a 
6.26 	conservation officer, or an employee designated under section 84.0835.
6.27 	(b) The commissioner of natural resources shall issue a pass upon application and payment 
6.28 	of the fee. Fees collected under this section, except for the issuing fee for licensing agents, 
6.29 	shall be deposited in the state treasury and credited to the off-road vehicle account in the 
6.30 	natural resources fund and, except for the electronic licensing system commission established 
6.31 	by the commissioner under section 84.027, subdivision 15, must be used for grants-in-aid 
7.1 	to counties and municipalities for off-road vehicle organizations to construct and maintain 
7.2 	off-road vehicle trails and use areas.
7.3 	(c) An off-road vehicle state trail pass is not required for:
7.4 	(1) an off-road vehicle that is owned and used by the United States, another state, or a 
7.5 	political subdivision thereof that is exempt from registration under section 84.798, subdivision 
7.6 	2;
7.7 	(2) a person operating an off-road vehicle only on the portion of a trail that is owned by 
7.8 	the person or the person's spouse, child, or parent; or
7.9 	(3) a person operating an off-road vehicle that is registered according to section 84.798.
7.10 	(d) The fee for an annual nonresident off-road vehicle state trail pass is $20. The 
7.11 	nonresident pass is valid from January 1 through December 31. The fee for a nonresident 
7.12 	three-year pass is $30.
7.13 	(e) The fee for a resident off-road vehicle state trail pass is $20. The resident pass is 
7.14 	valid for 30 consecutive days after the date of issuance.

7.15 	Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 84.82, subdivision 2a, is amended to read:
7.16 		Subd. 2a.Nontrail use registration. A snowmobile may be registered for nontrail use. 
7.17 	A snowmobile registered under this subdivision may not be operated on a state or grant-in-aid 
7.18 	snowmobile trail. The fee for a nontrail use registration of a snowmobile with an engine 
7.19 	displacement that is greater than 125 cubic centimeters is $45 for three years. A nontrail 
7.20 	use registration is not transferable. In addition to other penalties prescribed by law, the 
7.21 	penalty for violation of this subdivision is immediate revocation of the nontrail use 
7.22 	registration. The commissioner shall ensure that the registration sticker provided for limited 
7.23 	nontrail use is of a different color and is distinguishable from other snowmobile registration 
7.24 	and state trail stickers provided.

7.25 	Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 84.82, subdivision 11, is amended to read:
7.26 		Subd. 11.Refunds. The commissioner may issue a refund on a registration, not including 
7.27 	any issuing fees paid under subdivision 2, paragraph (e), or section 84.027, subdivision 15, 
7.28 	paragraph (a), clause (3) (2), if the refund request is received within 60 days of the original 
7.29 	registration, the registration is not used or transferred, and:
7.30 	(1) the snowmobile was registered incorrectly; or
7.31 	(2) the snowmobile was registered twice, once by the dealer and once by the customer.

8.1 	Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 84.8205, is amended to read:
8.2 	84.8205 SNOWMOBILE STATE TRAIL STICKER PASS.
8.3 		Subdivision 1.Sticker Pass required; fee. (a) A snowmobile that is not registered in 
8.4 	the state under section 84.82, subdivision 3, paragraph (a), or that is registered by a 
8.5 	manufacturer or dealer under section 84.82, subdivision 3, paragraph (b) or (c), may not be 
8.6 	operated on a state or grant-in-aid snowmobile trail unless a snowmobile state trail sticker 
8.7 	is affixed to the snowmobile pass is available for inspection by a peace officer, a conservation 
8.8 	officer, or an employee designated under section 84.0835.
8.9 	(b) The commissioner of natural resources shall issue a sticker pass upon application 
8.10 	and payment of a fee. The fee is:
8.11 	(1) $50 for a one-year snowmobile state trail sticker pass purchased by an individual; 
8.12 	and
8.13 	(2) $15 for a one-year snowmobile state trail sticker pass purchased by a dealer or 
8.14 	manufacturer.
8.15 	(c) In addition to other penalties prescribed by law, an individual in violation of this 
8.16 	subdivision must purchase an annual state trail sticker pass for a fee of $70. The sticker
8.17 	pass is valid from November 1 through June 30. Fees collected under this section, except 
8.18 	for the issuing fee for licensing agents, shall be deposited in the state treasury and credited 
8.19 	to the snowmobile trails and enforcement account in the natural resources fund and, except 
8.20 	for the electronic licensing system commission established by the commissioner under 
8.21 	section 84.027, subdivision 15, must be used for grants-in-aid, trail maintenance, grooming, 
8.22 	and easement acquisition.
8.23 	(d) A state trail sticker pass is not required under this section for:
8.24 	(1) a snowmobile that is owned and used by the United States, an Indian tribal 
8.25 	government, another state, or a political subdivision thereof that is exempt from registration 
8.26 	under section 84.82, subdivision 6;
8.27 	(2) a collector snowmobile that is operated as provided in a special permit issued for the 
8.28 	collector snowmobile under section 84.82, subdivision 7a;
8.29 	(3) a person operating a snowmobile only on the portion of a trail that is owned by the 
8.30 	person or the person's spouse, child, or parent; or
8.31 	(4) a snowmobile while being used to groom a state or grant-in-aid trail.
9.1 		Subd. 2.Placement of sticker. The state trail sticker shall be permanently affixed to 
9.2 	either:
9.3 	(1) the forward half of the snowmobile directly above or below the headlight of the 
9.4 	snowmobile;
9.5 	(2) above the expiration year on the top portion of the snowmobile registration validation 
9.6 	decal; or
9.7 	(3) the lower right corner of a registration plate issued to a dealer or manufacturer under 
9.8 	section 84.82, subdivision 3.
9.9 		Subd. 3.License agents. The commissioner may appoint agents to issue and sell state 
9.10 	trail stickers passes. The commissioner may revoke the appointment of an agent at any time. 
9.11 	The commissioner may adopt additional rules as provided in section 97A.485, subdivision 
9.12 	11. An agent shall observe all rules adopted by the commissioner for accounting and handling 
9.13 	of stickers passes pursuant to section 97A.485, subdivision 11. An agent shall promptly 
9.14 	deposit and remit all money received from the sale of the stickers passes, exclusive of the 
9.15 	issuing fee, to the commissioner.
9.16 		Subd. 4.Issuing stickers passes. The commissioner and agents shall issue and sell 
9.17 	snowmobile state trail stickers passes.
9.18 		Subd. 5.Agent's fee. In addition to the fee for a sticker pass, an issuing fee of $1 per 
9.19 	sticker pass shall be charged. The issuing fee may be retained by the seller of the sticker
9.20 	pass. Issuing fees for stickers passes issued by the commissioner shall be deposited in the 
9.21 	snowmobile trails and enforcement account in the natural resources fund and retained for 
9.22 	the operation of the electronic licensing system.
9.23 		Subd. 6.Duplicate state trail stickers passes. The commissioner and agents shall issue 
9.24 	a duplicate sticker pass to persons whose sticker pass is lost or destroyed using the process 
9.25 	established under section 97A.405, subdivision 3, and rules promulgated thereunder. The 
9.26 	fee for a duplicate state trail sticker pass is $2, with an issuing fee of 50 cents.

9.27 	Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 84.83, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
9.28 		Subd. 2.Money deposited in account. Fees from the registration of snowmobiles and 
9.29 	from the issuance of snowmobile state trail stickers passes and the unrefunded gasoline tax 
9.30 	attributable to snowmobile use pursuant to section 296A.18 shall be deposited in the state 
9.31 	treasury and credited to the snowmobile trails and enforcement account.

10.1 	Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2023 Supplement, section 84.83, subdivision 3, is amended 
10.2 	to read:
10.3 		Subd. 3.Purposes; allocation. (a) The money deposited in the account and interest 
10.4 	earned on that money may be expended only as appropriated by law for the following 
10.5 	purposes:
10.6 	(1) for a grant-in-aid program to counties and municipalities for construction and 
10.7 	maintenance of snowmobile trails that are determined by the commissioner to be part of 
10.8 	the state's grant-in-aid system, including maintenance of trails on lands and waters of 
10.9 	Voyageurs National Park; on Lake of the Woods; on Rainy Lake; on the following lakes in 
10.10 	St. Louis County: Burntside, Crane, Little Long, Mud, Pelican, Shagawa, and Vermilion; 
10.11 	and on the following lakes in Cook County: Devil Track and Hungry Jack. The commissioner 
10.12 	may establish a performance-based funding formula for annual grants-in-aid. The procedures 
10.13 	and criteria for grants-in-aid are not subject to the rulemaking provisions of chapter 14, and 
10.14 	section 14.386 does not apply. In administering the performance-based grants-in-aid, the 
10.15 	commissioner must:
10.16 	(i) determine annual grant amounts based on a funding formula that includes consideration 
10.17 	of historical costs, snowfall, use, and tourism;
10.18 	(ii) make grant payments based on:
10.19 	(A) successful completion of performance benchmarks;
10.20 	(B) reimbursement of eligible expenditures; or
10.21 	(C) a combination of subitems (A) and (B); and
10.22 	(iii) assess penalties to nonperforming grant-in-aid recipients, which may include 
10.23 	withholding grant payments or making the grantee or trail system ineligible for future 
10.24 	grant-in-aid funding;
10.25 	(2) to acquire, develop, and maintain state recreational snowmobile trails;
10.26 	(3) for snowmobile safety programs; and
10.27 	(4) to administer and enforce sections 84.81 to 84.9011 and appropriated grants to local 
10.28 	law enforcement agencies.
10.29 	(b) No less than 60 percent of revenue collected from snowmobile registration and 
10.30 	snowmobile state trail sticker pass fees must be expended for grants-in-aid to develop, 
10.31 	maintain, and groom trails and acquire easements.

11.1 	Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 84.922, subdivision 12, is amended to read:
11.2 		Subd. 12.Refunds. The commissioner may issue a refund on a registration, not including 
11.3 	any issuing fees paid under subdivision 2, paragraph (e), or section 84.027, subdivision 15, 
11.4 	paragraph (a), clause (3) (2), if the refund request is received within 60 days of the original 
11.5 	registration, the registration is not used or transferred, and:
11.6 	(1) the vehicle was registered incorrectly; or
11.7 	(2) the vehicle was registered twice, once by the dealer and once by the customer.

11.8 	Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 85.41, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
11.9 		Subdivision 1.Pass in possession. While skiing on cross-country-ski trails, a person 
11.10 	age 16 or over shall carry in immediate possession a valid, signed cross-country-ski pass. 
11.11 	A landowner who grants an easement for a grant-in-aid ski trail is not required to have a 
11.12 	pass when skiing on the landowner's property.

11.13 	Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 85.41, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
11.14 		Subd. 4.Issuance. The commissioner and agents shall issue and sell cross-country-ski 
11.15 	passes. The pass shall be with the skier and available for inspection by any peace or 
11.16 	conservation officer. The pass shall include the applicant's signature and other information 
11.17 	deemed necessary by the commissioner.

11.18 	Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 85.45, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
11.19 		Subdivision 1.Skiing without pass. No person may ski on a cross-country-ski trail 
11.20 	without a valid, signed cross-country-ski pass. Any person who violates this subdivision is 
11.21 	guilty of a petty misdemeanor.

11.22 	Sec. 17. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 85.46, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
11.23 		Subd. 3.Issuance. The commissioner of natural resources and agents shall issue and 
11.24 	sell horse passes. The pass shall include the applicant's signature and other information 
11.25 	deemed necessary by the commissioner. To be valid, a daily or annual pass must be signed 
11.26 	by issued to the person riding, leading, or driving the horse, and a commercial annual pass 
11.27 	must be signed by issued to the owner of the commercial riding facility.

12.1 	Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 86B.415, subdivision 11, is amended to read:
12.2 		Subd. 11.Refunds. The commissioner may issue a refund on a license or title, not 
12.3 	including any issuing fees paid under subdivision 8 or section 84.027, subdivision 15, 
12.4 	paragraph (a), clause (3) (2), or 86B.870, subdivision 1, paragraph (b), if the refund request 
12.5 	is received within 60 days of the original license or title, the license or title is not used or 
12.6 	transferred, and:
12.7 	(1) the watercraft was licensed or titled incorrectly;
12.8 	(2) the customer was incorrectly charged a title fee; or
12.9 	(3) the watercraft was licensed or titled twice, once by the dealer and once by the 
12.10 	customer.

12.11 	Sec. 19. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97A.015, subdivision 3a, is amended to read:
12.12 		Subd. 3a.Bonus permit. "Bonus permit" means a license to take and tag deer by archery 
12.13 	or firearms, in addition to deer authorized to be taken under regular firearms or archery 
12.14 	licenses, or a license issued under section 97A.441, subdivision 7.

12.15 	Sec. 20. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97A.015, is amended by adding a subdivision 
12.16 	to read:
12.17 		Subd. 53a.Validation. "Validation" means the documentation process for taking a 
12.18 	specific species under a license for that species, which can be completed electronically or 
12.19 	on the corresponding paper license, permit, or endorsement to include information specified 
12.20 	by the commissioner.

12.21 	Sec. 21. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97A.215, is amended by adding a subdivision 
12.22 	to read:
12.23 		Subd. 4.Electronic devices. During an inspection under subdivision 3, if a person uses 
12.24 	an electronic device to display a document to a conservation officer or peace officer:
12.25 	(1) the officer is immune from liability for any damage to the device, unless the officer 
12.26 	does not exercise due care in handling the device; and
12.27 	(2) it does not constitute consent for the officer to access other contents on the device.

13.1 	Sec. 22. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97A.255, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
13.2 		Subd. 5.Joint and several liability. When two or more people intentionally aid, advise, 
13.3 	counsel, conspire with, or act in concert with each other to unlawfully take, transport, or 
13.4 	possess wild animals when the restitution value of the wild animals exceeds $500, each 
13.5 	person is jointly and severally liable for the wild animals for purposes of:
13.6 	(1) license seizure, invalidation, and revocation under sections 97A.420 and 97A.421;
13.7 	(2) equipment and property seizure under section 97A.221;
13.8 	(3) boat, motor, and trailer seizure under section 97A.225; and
13.9 	(4) restitution under section 97A.341.

13.10 	Sec. 23. Minnesota Statutes 2023 Supplement, section 97A.405, subdivision 2, is amended 
13.11 	to read:
13.12 		Subd. 2.Personal possession. (a) A person acting under a license or traveling from an 
13.13 	area where a licensed activity was performed must have in personal possession:
13.14 	(1) the proper paper license, if the license has been issued to and received by the person;
13.15 	(2) a driver's license or Minnesota identification card that bears a valid designation of 
13.16 	the proper lifetime license, as provided under section 171.07, subdivision 19;
13.17 	(3) the proper paper license identification number or stamp validation, if the license has 
13.18 	been sold to the person by electronic means but the actual license has not been issued and 
13.19 	received; or
13.20 	(4) electronic or other evidence satisfactory to the commissioner that the person has the 
13.21 	proper paperless license.
13.22 	(b) If possession of a license or a license identification number is required, a person 
13.23 	must exhibit, as requested by a conservation officer or peace officer: (1) the proper paper 
13.24 	license if the license has been issued to and received by the person; (2) a driver's license or 
13.25 	Minnesota identification card that bears a valid designation of the proper lifetime license, 
13.26 	as provided under section 171.07, subdivision 19; (3) the proper paper license identification 
13.27 	number or stamp validation and a valid state driver's license, state identification card, or 
13.28 	other form of identification provided by the commissioner, if the license has been sold to 
13.29 	the person by electronic means but the actual license has not been issued and received; or 
13.30 	(4) electronic or other evidence satisfactory to the commissioner that the person has the 
13.31 	proper paperless license. A person charged with violating the license possession requirement 
13.32 	shall not be convicted if the person produces in court or the office of the arresting officer, 
14.1 	the actual license previously issued to that person, which was valid at the time of arrest, or 
14.2 	satisfactory proof that at the time of the arrest the person was validly licensed. Upon request 
14.3 	of a conservation officer or peace officer, a licensee shall write the licensee's name in the 
14.4 	presence of the officer to determine the identity of the licensee.
14.5 	(c) Except as provided in paragraph (a), clauses (2) and (4), if the actual license has been 
14.6 	issued and received, a receipt for license fees, a copy of a license, or evidence showing the 
14.7 	issuance of a license, including the license identification number or stamp validation, does 
14.8 	not entitle a licensee to exercise the rights or privileges conferred by a license.
14.9 	(d) A paper license issued electronically and not immediately provided to the licensee 
14.10 	shall be mailed to the licensee within 30 days of purchase of the license. A pictorial migratory 
14.11 	waterfowl, pheasant, trout and salmon, or walleye stamp shall be provided to the licensee 
14.12 	after purchase of a stamp validation only if the licensee pays an additional fee that covers 
14.13 	the costs of producing and mailing a pictorial stamp. A pictorial turkey stamp may be 
14.14 	purchased for a fee that covers the costs of producing and mailing the pictorial stamp. 
14.15 	Notwithstanding section 16A.1283, the commissioner may, by written order published in 
14.16 	the State Register, establish fees for providing the pictorial stamps. The fees must be set in 
14.17 	an amount that does not recover significantly more or less than the cost of producing and 
14.18 	mailing the stamps. The fees are not subject to the rulemaking provisions of chapter 14, and 
14.19 	section 14.386 does not apply.

14.20 	Sec. 24. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97A.405, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
14.21 		Subd. 3.Duplicate licenses. The commissioner shall prescribe rules for issuing duplicate 
14.22 	licenses to persons whose licenses are lost or destroyed. A duplicate license may not be 
14.23 	issued unless the applicant takes an oath covering the facts of loss or destruction of the 
14.24 	license.

14.25 	Sec. 25. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97A.405, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
14.26 		Subd. 4.Replacement deer licenses. (a) The commissioner may permit licensed deer 
14.27 	hunters to change zone, license, or season options. The commissioner may issue a 
14.28 	replacement deer license if the applicant submits the original deer license and unused tags 
14.29 	that are being replaced and the applicant pays any increase in cost between the original and 
14.30 	the replacement deer license. A refund of the difference in fees may be issued when a person 
14.31 	changes from a regular deer license to a youth deer license.
14.32 	(b) A replacement deer license may be issued only if the applicant has not used any tag 
14.33 	from harvested a deer under the original deer license or licenses and meets the conditions 
15.1 	of paragraph (c). The original deer license or licenses and all unused tags for the deer licenses 
15.2 	being replaced must be submitted to the issuing agent at the time the replacement deer 
15.3 	license is issued.
15.4 	(c) A replacement deer license may be issued under the following conditions, or as 
15.5 	otherwise prescribed by rule of the commissioner:
15.6 	(1) when the season for the deer license being surrendered has not yet opened; or
15.7 	(2) when the person is changing from a regular deer license to a youth deer license.
15.8 	(d) Notwithstanding section 97A.411, subdivision 3, a replacement deer license is valid 
15.9 	immediately upon issuance if the deer license being surrendered is valid at that time.

15.10 	Sec. 26. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97A.405, subdivision 4a, is amended to read:
15.11 		Subd. 4a.Replacement turkey licenses. (a) The commissioner may permit licensed 
15.12 	turkey hunters to change permit areas, licenses, or time periods within the fall turkey season, 
15.13 	or within the spring turkey season. The commissioner may issue a replacement turkey license 
15.14 	if the applicant submits the original turkey license and unused tags that are being replaced, 
15.15 	and the applicant pays the fee for a replacement license under section 97A.475, subdivision 
15.16 	44.
15.17 	(b) A replacement turkey license may be issued only if the applicant has not used the 
15.18 	tag from harvested a turkey under the original turkey license and meets the requirements 
15.19 	of paragraph (c). The original turkey licenses and all unused tags for the turkey licenses 
15.20 	being replaced must be submitted to the issuing agent at the time the replacement turkey 
15.21 	license is issued.
15.22 	(c) A turkey replacement license may be issued under the following conditions, or as 
15.23 	otherwise prescribed by rule of the commissioner:
15.24 	(1) when the permit area or time period for the turkey license being surrendered has not 
15.25 	yet opened; and
15.26 	(2) licenses are available for the replacement turkey license permit area or time period 
15.27 	for (i) areas that are not lottery areas, (ii) lottery areas that have remaining licenses, or (iii) 
15.28 	the applicant is a youth hunter age 17 or younger.

16.1 	Sec. 27. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97A.420, as amended by Laws 2023, chapter 
16.2 	60, article 4, section 50, is amended to read:
16.3 	97A.420 SEIZURE OR INVALIDATION OF LICENSES.
16.4 		Subdivision 1.Seizure or invalidation. (a) An enforcement officer shall immediately 
16.5 	seize or invalidate the license of a person who unlawfully takes, transports, or possesses 
16.6 	wild animals when the restitution value of the wild animals exceeds $500. Except as provided 
16.7 	in subdivisions 2, 4, and 5, the person may not use or obtain any license to take the same 
16.8 	type of wild animals involved, including a duplicate license, until an action is taken under 
16.9 	subdivision 6. If the license seized or invalidated under this paragraph was for a big game 
16.10 	animal, the license seizure or invalidation applies to all licenses to take big game issued to 
16.11 	the individual. If the license seized or invalidated under this paragraph was for small game 
16.12 	animals, the license seizure or invalidation applies to all licenses to take small game issued 
16.13 	to the individual.
16.14 	(b) In addition to the license seizure or invalidation under paragraph (a), if the restitution 
16.15 	value of the wild animals unlawfully taken, possessed, or transported is $1,000 or more, all 
16.16 	other game and fish licenses held by the person shall be immediately seized or invalidated. 
16.17 	Except as provided in subdivision 2, 4, or 5, the person may not obtain any game or fish 
16.18 	license or permit, including a duplicate license, until an action is taken under subdivision 
16.19 	6.
16.20 	(c) A person may not take wild animals covered by a license seized or invalidated under 
16.21 	this subdivision until an action is taken under subdivision 6.
16.22 	(d) The commissioner must make a means of seizing or invalidating and releasing a 
16.23 	paperless license under this section available to enforcement officers.
16.24 		Subd. 2.Administrative review. (a) At any time after the seizure or invalidation of a 
16.25 	license under subdivision 1 and before revocation under section 97A.421, a person may 
16.26 	request in writing a review of the seizure or invalidation under this section. Upon receiving 
16.27 	the request for review, the commissioner shall review the seizure or invalidation, the evidence 
16.28 	upon which it was based, and other material information brought to the attention of the 
16.29 	commissioner, and determine whether sufficient cause exists to sustain the seizure or 
16.30 	invalidation.
16.31 	(b) Within 15 days after receiving the request for administrative review, the commissioner 
16.32 	shall issue a written report of the review and shall order that the seizure or invalidation be 
16.33 	either sustained or rescinded.
17.1 	(c) The review provided in this subdivision is not subject to the contested case provisions 
17.2 	of the Administrative Procedure Act under chapter 14. The availability of administrative 
17.3 	review does not preclude judicial review under this section.
17.4 		Subd. 3.Judicial review. (a) Within 30 days following the seizure or invalidation of a 
17.5 	license under subdivision 1, a person may petition the court for review. The petition must 
17.6 	be filed with the district court administrator in the county where the incident occurred, 
17.7 	together with proof of service of a copy on the commissioner and the county attorney. A 
17.8 	responsive pleading is not required of the commissioner of natural resources and court fees 
17.9 	may not be charged for the appearance of the representative of the commissioner in the 
17.10 	matter.
17.11 	(b) The petition must be captioned in the name of the person making the petition as 
17.12 	petitioner and the commissioner as respondent. The petition must state specifically the 
17.13 	grounds upon which the petitioner seeks rescission of the license seizure or invalidation.
17.14 	(c) The filing of the petition does not stay the license seizure or invalidation. The judicial 
17.15 	review shall be conducted according to the Rules of Civil Procedure.
17.16 		Subd. 4.Hearing. (a) A hearing under subdivision 3 must be before a district court judge 
17.17 	in the county where the incident occurred giving rise to the license seizure or invalidation. 
17.18 	The hearing must be to the court and may be conducted at the same time as hearings upon 
17.19 	pretrial motions in a related criminal prosecution. The commissioner must be represented 
17.20 	by the county attorney.
17.21 	(b) The hearing must be held at the earliest practicable date and in any event no later 
17.22 	than 60 days following the filing of the petition for review.
17.23 	(c) The scope of the hearing must be limited to the issue of whether there is probable 
17.24 	cause to believe that the person had unlawfully taken, possessed, or transported wild animals 
17.25 	with a restitution value over $500.
17.26 	(d) The court shall order that the license seizure or invalidation be either sustained or 
17.27 	rescinded. Within 14 days following the hearing, the court shall forward a copy of the order 
17.28 	to the commissioner.
17.29 	(e) Any party aggrieved by the decision of the reviewing court may appeal the decision 
17.30 	as provided in the Rules of Civil Appellate Procedure.
17.31 		Subd. 5.Temporary release of commercial licenses. At any time during the period 
17.32 	that a game or fish license is seized or invalidated under subdivision 1, a person possessing 
17.33 	a commercial license issued under the game and fish laws may make a written request to 
18.1 	the commissioner to temporarily release the commercial license. If the commissioner 
18.2 	determines that the public welfare will not be injured, the commissioner may temporarily 
18.3 	reinstate the commercial license upon payment of a temporary reinstatement fee of $1,000 
18.4 	cash or bond in favor of the state for each commercial license to be released. An additional 
18.5 	fee is not required for vehicles licensed under section 97A.475, subdivision 26, clause (2) 
18.6 	or (4). If the license is returned under subdivision 6, paragraph (a), the temporary 
18.7 	reinstatement fee shall be returned to the licensee. If the license is revoked under subdivision 
18.8 	6, paragraph (b), the temporary reinstatement fee shall be deposited in the game and fish 
18.9 	fund and is not refundable.
18.10 		Subd. 6.Return or revocation of licenses upon dismissal or conviction. (a) Upon 
18.11 	acquittal, dismissal, or determination not to charge a person for a violation, the license 
18.12 	seizure or invalidation under subdivision 1 is immediately rescinded and any license seized 
18.13 	or invalidated in connection with the incident must be returned to the licensee or reinstated.
18.14 	(b) Upon conviction of a violation when the restitution value of the wild animals exceeds 
18.15 	$500, revocation of licenses and license privileges must be imposed as provided under 
18.16 	section 97A.421, subdivision 2a.

18.17 	Sec. 28. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97A.445, is amended by adding a subdivision 
18.18 	to read:
18.19 		Subd. 6.License system. In the event of a disruption in the availability of hunting and 
18.20 	angling licenses, the commissioner may publish in the State Register a notice that exempts 
18.21 	residents and nonresidents from requirements to possess a license to take game or fish.

18.22 	Sec. 29. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97A.473, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
18.23 		Subdivision 1.Resident lifetime licenses authorized. (a) The commissioner may issue 
18.24 	a lifetime angling license, a lifetime spearing license, a lifetime angling and spearing license, 
18.25 	a lifetime small-game-hunting license, a lifetime firearm or archery deer-hunting license, 
18.26 	a lifetime sporting license, or a lifetime sporting with spearing option license to a person 
18.27 	who is a resident of the state for at least one year or who is under age 21 and the child of a 
18.28 	person who is a resident of the state for at least one year. The license fees paid for a lifetime 
18.29 	license are nonrefundable.
18.30 	(b) The commissioner may require the holder of a lifetime license issued under this 
18.31 	section to notify the department each year that the license is used, by:
18.32 	(1) telephone or Internet notification, as specified by the commissioner;
19.1 	(2) the purchase of stamps for the license; or
19.2 	(3) registration and tag issuance, in the case of the resident lifetime deer license.

19.3 	Sec. 30. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97A.473, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
19.4 		Subd. 3.Lifetime small-game-hunting license; fee. (a) A resident lifetime 
19.5 	small-game-hunting license authorizes a person to hunt and trap small game, other than 
19.6 	wolves, in the state. The license authorizes those hunting and trapping activities authorized 
19.7 	by the annual resident small-game-hunting license and the trapping license for fur-bearing 
19.8 	animals other than wolves. The license does not include a turkey stamp validation or any 
19.9 	other hunting stamps required by law.
19.10 	(b) The fees for a resident lifetime small-game-hunting license are:
19.11 	(1) age 3 and under, $223;
19.12 	(2) age 4 to age 15, $301;
19.13 	(3) age 16 to age 50, $430; and
19.14 	(4) age 51 and over, $274.

19.15 	Sec. 31. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97A.473, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
19.16 		Subd. 4.Lifetime deer-hunting license; fee. (a) A resident lifetime deer-hunting license 
19.17 	authorizes a person to take deer with firearms or by archery in the state. The license 
19.18 	authorizes those activities authorized by the annual resident firearm deer-hunting license 
19.19 	or the annual resident archery deer-hunting license. The licensee must register and receive 
19.20 	tags review and confirm information each year that the license is used. The tags shall be 
19.21 	issued at no charge to the licensee.
19.22 	(b) The fees for a resident lifetime firearm or archery deer-hunting license are:
19.23 	(1) age 3 and under, $458;
19.24 	(2) age 4 to age 15, $607;
19.25 	(3) age 16 to age 50, $741; and
19.26 	(4) age 51 and over, $528.

19.27 	Sec. 32. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97A.473, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
19.28 		Subd. 5.Lifetime sporting license; fee. (a) A resident lifetime sporting license authorizes 
19.29 	a person to take fish by angling and hunt and trap small game, other than wolves, in the 
20.1 	state. The license authorizes those activities authorized by the annual resident angling and 
20.2 	resident small-game-hunting licenses and the resident trapping license for fur-bearing 
20.3 	animals other than wolves. The license does not include a trout-and-salmon stamp validation, 
20.4 	a turkey stamp validation, a walleye stamp validation, or any other hunting stamps required 
20.5 	by law.
20.6 	(b) The fees for a resident lifetime sporting license are:
20.7 	(1) age 3 and under, $522;
20.8 	(2) age 4 to age 15, $710;
20.9 	(3) age 16 to age 50, $927; and
20.10 	(4) age 51 and over, $603.

20.11 	Sec. 33. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97A.473, subdivision 5a, is amended to read:
20.12 		Subd. 5a.Lifetime sporting with spearing option license; fee. (a) A resident lifetime 
20.13 	sporting with spearing option license authorizes a person to take fish by angling or spearing 
20.14 	and hunt and trap small game, other than wolves, in the state. The license authorizes those 
20.15 	activities authorized by the annual resident angling, spearing, and resident 
20.16 	small-game-hunting licenses and the resident trapping license for fur-bearing animals other 
20.17 	than wolves. The license does not include a trout-and-salmon stamp validation, a turkey 
20.18 	stamp validation, a walleye stamp validation, or any other hunting stamps required by law.
20.19 	(b) The fees for a resident lifetime sporting with spearing option license are:
20.20 	(1) age 3 and under, $612;
20.21 	(2) age 4 to age 15, $833;
20.22 	(3) age 16 to age 50, $1,046; and
20.23 	(4) age 51 and over, $666.

20.24 	Sec. 34. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97A.474, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
20.25 		Subd. 3.Nonresident lifetime small-game-hunting license; fee. (a) A nonresident 
20.26 	lifetime small-game-hunting license authorizes a person to hunt small game in the state. 
20.27 	The license authorizes those hunting activities authorized by the annual nonresident 
20.28 	small-game-hunting license. The license does not include a turkey stamp validation or any 
20.29 	other hunting stamps required by law.
20.30 	(b) The fees for a nonresident lifetime small-game-hunting license are:
21.1 	(1) age 3 and under, $947;
21.2 	(2) age 4 to age 15, $1,280;
21.3 	(3) age 16 to age 50, $1,633; and
21.4 	(4) age 51 and over, $1,083.

21.5 	Sec. 35. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97A.481, is amended to read:
21.6 	97A.481 LICENSE APPLICATIONS; PENALTY.
21.7 	All information required on a license application form must be furnished. The application 
21.8 	must be made in writing and applicant is subject to the penalty prescribed in section 97A.301, 
21.9 	subdivision 1, clause (5).

21.10 	Sec. 36. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97A.485, subdivision 6, is amended to read:
21.11 		Subd. 6.Licenses to be sold and issuing fees. (a) Persons authorized to sell licenses 
21.12 	under this section must issue the following licenses for the license fee and the following 
21.13 	issuing fees:
21.14 	(1) to take deer or bear with firearms and by archery, the issuing fee is $1;
21.15 	(2) Minnesota sporting, the issuing fee is $1;
21.16 	(3) to take small game, to take fish by angling or by spearing, and to trap fur-bearing 
21.17 	animals, the issuing fee is $1;
21.18 	(4) to apply for a limited hunt drawing, the issuing fee is $1 unless the application requires 
21.19 	a license purchase at the time of application and the license purchase requires an application 
21.20 	fee;
21.21 	(5) for a prairie-chicken license, the issuing fee is $1;
21.22 	(6) for a turkey license, the issuing fee is $1;
21.23 	(7) for an elk license, the issuing fee is $1;
21.24 	(8) for a moose license, the issuing fee is $1;
21.25 	(9) for a wolf license, the issuing fee is $1;
21.26 	(10) for a stamp validation that is not issued simultaneously with a license, an issuing 
21.27 	fee of 50 cents may be charged at the discretion of the authorized seller;
21.28 	(11) for stamp validations issued simultaneously with a license, there is no fee;
22.1 	(12) for licenses, seals, tags, or coupons issued without a fee under section 97A.441, 
22.2 	subdivisions 1 to 6a, or 97A.465, there is no fee;
22.3 	(13) for lifetime licenses, there is no fee; and
22.4 	(14) for all other licenses, permits, renewals, or applications or any other transaction 
22.5 	through the electronic licensing system under this chapter or any other chapter when an 
22.6 	issuing fee is not specified, an issuing fee of $1 may be charged at the discretion of the 
22.7 	authorized seller.
22.8 	(b) Only one issuing fee may be collected when selling more than one stamp in the same 
22.9 	transaction after the end of the season for which the stamp was issued.
22.10 	(c) The agent shall keep the issuing fee as a commission for selling the licenses.
22.11 	(d) The commissioner shall collect the issuing fee on licenses sold by the commissioner.
22.12 	(e) A license, except stamps, must state the amount of the issuing fee and that the issuing 
22.13 	fee is kept by the seller as a commission for selling the licenses.
22.14 	(f) For duplicate licenses, including licenses issued without a fee, the issuing fees are:
22.15 	(1) for licenses to take big game, 75 cents; and
22.16 	(2) for other licenses, 50 cents.
22.17 	(g) The commissioner may issue one-day angling licenses in books of ten licenses each 
22.18 	to fishing guides operating charter boats upon receipt of payment of all license fees, excluding 
22.19 	the issuing fee required under this section. Copies of sold and unsold licenses shall be 
22.20 	returned to the commissioner. The commissioner shall refund the charter boat captain for 
22.21 	the license fees of all unsold licenses. Copies of sold licenses shall be maintained by the 
22.22 	commissioner for one year.

22.23 	Sec. 37. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97A.535, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
22.24 		Subdivision 1.Tags Validation required. (a) A person may not possess or transport 
22.25 	deer, bear, elk, or moose taken in the state unless a tag is attached to the carcass in a manner
22.26 	the person has the required license and validation for that animal as prescribed by the 
22.27 	commissioner. The commissioner must prescribe the type of tag that has the license number 
22.28 	of the owner, the year of its issue, and other information prescribed by the commissioner.
22.29 	(b) The tag license must be validated at the site of the kill as prescribed by the 
22.30 	commissioner.
23.1 	(c) Except as otherwise provided in this section, the tag must be attached to the deer, 
23.2 	bear, elk, or moose at the site of the kill before the animal is removed from the site of the 
23.3 	kill.
23.4 	(d) The tag must remain attached to the animal until the animal is processed for storage.
23.5 	(e) A person may move a lawfully taken deer, bear, elk, or moose from the site of the 
23.6 	kill without attaching the validated tag to the animal only while in the act of manually or 
23.7 	mechanically dragging, carrying, or carting the animal across the ground and while possessing 
23.8 	the validated tag on their person. A motor vehicle may be used to drag the animal across 
23.9 	the ground. At all other times, the validated tag must be attached to the deer, bear, elk, or 
23.10 	moose:
23.11 	(1) as otherwise provided in this section; and
23.12 	(2) prior to the animal being placed onto and transported on a motor vehicle, being hung 
23.13 	from a tree or other structure or device, or being brought into a camp or yard or other place 
23.14 	of habitation.

23.15 	Sec. 38. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97A.535, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
23.16 		Subd. 2.Registration required. Deer, bear, elk, and moose must be registered as 
23.17 	prescribed by the commissioner, in addition to the tag required in subdivision 1.

23.18 	Sec. 39. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97A.535, subdivision 2a, is amended to read:
23.19 		Subd. 2a.Quartering deer allowed. A deer that has been tagged validated as required 
23.20 	in subdivision 1 may be quartered at the site of the kill. The animal's head must remain 
23.21 	attached to one of the quarters. The quarters must be presented together for registration 
23.22 	under subdivision 2 and must remain together until the deer is processed for storage.

23.23 	Sec. 40. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97A.535, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
23.24 		Subd. 4.Transporting by person other than licensee. A person other than the licensee 
23.25 	may transport deer, bear, elk, or moose that the licensee has registered as prescribed by the 
23.26 	commissioner. A tag must be attached to the animal and marked in ink The person 
23.27 	transporting the animal must possess documentation with the address, license number, 
23.28 	signature and full legal name of the licensee, and the locations from which and to which 
23.29 	the animal is being transported.

24.1 	Sec. 41. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97A.551, subdivision 6, is amended to read:
24.2 		Subd. 6.Tagging and Registration. The commissioner may, by rule, require persons 
24.3 	taking, possessing, and transporting certain species of fish to tag the fish with a special fish 
24.4 	management tag and may require registration of tagged possess an endorsement for and 
24.5 	register the fish. A person may not possess or transport a fish species taken in the state for 
24.6 	which a special fish-management tag registration is required unless a tag is attached to the 
24.7 	fish is registered or validated in a manner prescribed by the commissioner. The commissioner 
24.8 	shall prescribe the manner of issuance and the type of tag endorsement as authorized under 
24.9 	section 97C.087. The tag must be attached to the fish as prescribed by the commissioner
24.10 	Immediately upon reducing the fish to possession, the licensee must validate the license
24.11 	and the license must remain attached to with the fish until the fish is processed or consumed
24.12 	registered. Species for which a special fish management tag registration is required must 
24.13 	be transported undressed, except as otherwise prescribed by the commissioner.

24.14 	Sec. 42. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97B.303, is amended to read:
24.15 	97B.303 VENISON DONATIONS.
24.16 	An individual who legally takes a deer may donate the deer, for distribution to charitable 
24.17 	food assistance programs, to a meat processor that is licensed under chapter 28A. An 
24.18 	individual donating a deer must supply the processor with the tag licensee's DNR number 
24.19 	under which the deer was taken.

24.20 	Sec. 43. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97B.401, is amended to read:
24.21 	97B.401 BEAR LICENSE REQUIRED; APPLICATION.
24.22 	(a) A person may not take bear without a bear license except as provided in section 
24.23 	97B.415 to protect property.
24.24 	(b) A person may not place bait for bears on or after the Friday nearest August 14 unless 
24.25 	the person has a bear license or is operating under the direction of a person with a valid bear 
24.26 	license.
24.27 	(c) An application for a bear license must be on a form provided made in the manner 
24.28 	prescribed by the commissioner and accompanied by a $4 application fee. A person may 
24.29 	not make more than one application for each season. If a person makes more than one 
24.30 	application, the person is ineligible for a license for that season after determination by the 
24.31 	commissioner, without a hearing.

25.1 	Sec. 44. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97B.603, is amended to read:
25.2 	97B.603 TAKING SMALL GAME BY PARTY.
25.3 	(a) While two or more persons are taking small game as a party and maintaining unaided 
25.4 	visual and vocal contact, a member of the party may take and possess more than one limit 
25.5 	of small game, but the total number of small game taken and possessed by the party may 
25.6 	not exceed the limit of the number of persons in the party that may take and possess small 
25.7 	game.
25.8 	(b) This section does not apply to hunting wolves, migratory game birds, or turkeys, 
25.9 	except that a licensed turkey hunter may assist another licensed turkey hunter and a licensed 
25.10 	wolf hunter may assist another licensed wolf hunter for the same zone and time period as 
25.11 	long as the hunter does not shoot or tag register a turkey or wolf for the other hunter.

25.12 	Sec. 45. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97B.716, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
25.13 		Subd. 2.Tagging and Registration. The commissioner may by rule prescribe 
25.14 	requirements for the tagging and registration of prairie chickens.

25.15 	Sec. 46. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97B.721, is amended to read:
25.16 	97B.721 LICENSE REQUIRED TO TAKE TURKEY; TAGGING AND
25.17 	REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS.
25.18 	(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) or section 97A.405, subdivision 2, a person may 
25.19 	not take a turkey without possessing a turkey license.
25.20 	(b) An unlicensed adult age 18 or older may assist a licensed wild-turkey hunter. The 
25.21 	unlicensed adult may not shoot or possess a firearm or bow while assisting a hunter under 
25.22 	this paragraph and may not charge a fee for the assistance.
25.23 	(c) The commissioner may by rule prescribe requirements for the tagging validation and 
25.24 	registration of turkeys.

25.25 	Sec. 47. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97C.087, is amended to read:
25.26 	97C.087 SPECIAL FISH MANAGEMENT TAGS REGISTRATION.
25.27 		Subdivision 1.Tags to be issued Registration. If the commissioner determines it is 
25.28 	necessary to require that a species of fish be tagged with a special fish management tag
25.29 	registered, the commissioner shall prescribe, by rule, the species to be tagged registered, 
25.30 	tagging registration procedures, and endorsement eligibility requirements.
26.1 		Subd. 2.Application for tag endorsement. Application for a special fish management 
26.2 	tags endorsement must be accompanied by a $5, nonrefundable application fee for each tag
26.3 	endorsement. A person may not make more than one tag endorsement application each 
26.4 	calendar year. If a person makes more than one application, the person is ineligible for a 
26.5 	special fish management tag endorsement for that calendar year after determination by the 
26.6 	commissioner, without a hearing.

26.7 	Sec. 48. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97C.301, subdivision 2a, is amended to read:
26.8 		Subd. 2a.Aquatic invasive species affirmation. (a) A nonresident license to take fish 
26.9 	issued under section 97A.475, subdivision 7, includes aquatic invasive species affirmation 
26.10 	as provided in section 84D.106.
26.11 	(b) The aquatic invasive species affirmation portion of the license must be displayed 
26.12 	with the signed nonresident license to take fish issued under section 97A.475, subdivision 
26.13 	7. The aquatic invasive species affirmation will be provided at the time of purchase of a 
26.14 	new or duplicate nonresident license.
26.15 	(c) If a license is purchased online, the aquatic invasive species affirmation may be 
26.16 	completed electronically as part of the online sales process, and the electronic record of the 
26.17 	license sale is sufficient for documenting the affirmation.
26.18 	(d) Failure to complete the aquatic invasive species affirmation in this subdivision is 
26.19 	subject to the penalty prescribed in section 84D.13, subdivision 5.

26.20 	Sec. 49. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97C.355, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
26.21 		Subd. 2.License required. (a) A person may not place a dark house, fish house, or 
26.22 	shelter, except a portable shelter, on the ice unless the house or shelter:
26.23 	(1) the house or shelter is licensed by the shelter owner; and
26.24 	(2) has the license tag attached to the exterior in a readily visible location, except as 
26.25 	provided in this subdivision the owners' information is displayed according to subdivision 
26.26 	1.
26.27 	(b) The commissioner must issue a tag with a dark house, fish house, or shelter license, 
26.28 	marked with a number to correspond with the license and the year of issue. A dark house, 
26.29 	fish house, or shelter license is not required of a resident on boundary waters where the 
26.30 	adjacent state does not charge a fee for the same activity.

27.1 	Sec. 50. REQUIRED RULEMAKING.
 27.2 	The commissioner of natural resources may use the good cause exemption under 
27.3 	Minnesota Statutes, section 14.388, subdivision 1, clause (3), to adopt rules conforming to 
27.4 	this act. Minnesota Statutes, section 14.386, does not apply to rules adopted under this 
27.5 	section, except as provided under Minnesota Statutes, section 14.388.

27.6 	Sec. 51. REPEALER.
 27.7 	Minnesota Statutes 2022, sections 97A.015, subdivision 27a; and 97A.485, subdivision 
27.8 	13, are repealed.

27.9 	Sec. 52. EFFECTIVE DATE.
 27.10 	Sections 1 to 51 are effective upon full implementation of the replacement electronic 
27.11 	license system.  The commissioner of natural resources must notify the revisor of statutes 
27.12 	when the replacement electronic license system is fully implemented.

APPENDIX 

Repealed Minnesota Statutes: 24-05480 

97A.015 DEFINITIONS.Subd. 27a.License identification number. 
"License identification number" means a verification number issued under the authority of the commissioner in conjunction with the electronic purchase of a license or stamp and valid until the license is received by the purchaser. 

97A.485 ISSUANCE OF LICENSES.Subd. 13.One-day paper fishing licenses. 
The commissioner must allow one-day paper fishing licenses to be sold by fishing guides operating charter boats.