1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to natural resources; modifying due date for certain reports; modifying 
1.3 	provisions for snowmobile registration; modifying state trail provisions; modifying 
1.4 	state park reservation policies; modifying when payment due for timber permits; 
1.5 	expanding use of lands enrolled in walk-in access program; modifying provisions 
1.6 	to issue special permits to use motorized vehicles in wildlife management areas; 
1.7 	modifying requirements for resident licenses; modifying firearm provisions; 
1.8 	establishing blaze orange or blaze pink requirements for ground blinds; authorizing 
1.9 	nonlethal hazing of deer and elk causing damage to crops; allowing angling with 
1.10 	two lines in certain areas; requiring rulemaking;amending Minnesota Statutes 
1.11 	2020, sections 84.027, subdivision 14a; 84.82, subdivision 2, by adding a 
1.12 	subdivision; 84.821, subdivision 2; 84.86, subdivision 1; 85.015, subdivision 10; 
1.13 	90.181, subdivision 2; 97A.015, subdivision 51; 97A.126, as amended; 97A.137, 
1.14 	subdivision 3; 97A.405, subdivision 5; 97B.031, subdivision 1, by adding a 
1.15 	subdivision; 97B.071; 97B.668; 97C.315, subdivision 1; Minnesota Statutes 2021 
1.16 	Supplement, section 85.052, subdivision 6; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2020, 
1.17 	section 97B.318; Minnesota Rules, parts 6100.5000, subparts 3, 4, 5; 6100.5700, 
1.18 	subpart 4.
1.19 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.20 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 84.027, subdivision 14a, is amended to read:
1.21 		Subd. 14a.Permitting efficiency; public notice. (a) It is the goal of the state that 
1.22 	environmental and resource management permits be issued or denied within 90 days for 
1.23 	tier 1 permits or 150 days for tier 2 permits following submission of a permit application. 
1.24 	The commissioner of natural resources shall establish management systems designed to 
1.25 	achieve the goal.
1.26 	(b) The commissioner shall prepare an annual permitting efficiency report that includes 
1.27 	statistics on meeting the goal in paragraph (a) and the criteria for tier 2 by permit categories. 
1.28 	The report is due ~~August~~ October 1 each year. For permit applications that have not met 
1.29 	the goal, the report must state the reasons for not meeting the goal. In stating the reasons 
2.1 	for not meeting the goal, the commissioner shall separately identify delays caused by the 
2.2 	responsiveness of the proposer, lack of staff, scientific or technical disagreements, or the 
2.3 	level of public engagement. The report must specify the number of days from initial 
2.4 	submission of the application to the day of determination that the application is complete. 
2.5 	The report must aggregate the data for the year and assess whether program or system 
2.6 	changes are necessary to achieve the goal. The report must be posted on the department's 
2.7 	website and submitted to the governor and the chairs and ranking minority members of the 
2.8 	house of representatives and senate committees having jurisdiction over natural resources 
2.9 	policy and finance.
2.10 	(c) The commissioner shall allow electronic submission of environmental review and 
2.11 	permit documents to the department.
2.12 	(d) Within 30 business days of application for a permit subject to paragraph (a), the 
2.13 	commissioner of natural resources shall notify the permit applicant, in writing, whether the 
2.14 	application is complete or incomplete. If the commissioner determines that an application 
2.15 	is incomplete, the notice to the applicant must enumerate all deficiencies, citing specific 
2.16 	provisions of the applicable rules and statutes, and advise the applicant on how the 
2.17 	deficiencies can be remedied. If the commissioner determines that the application is complete, 
2.18 	the notice must confirm the application's tier 1 or tier 2 permit status. If the commissioner 
2.19 	believes that a complete application for a tier 2 construction permit cannot be issued within 
2.20 	the 150-day goal, the commissioner must provide notice to the applicant with the 
2.21 	commissioner's notice that the application is complete and, upon request of the applicant, 
2.22 	provide the permit applicant with a schedule estimating when the agency will begin drafting 
2.23 	the permit and issue the public notice of the draft permit. This paragraph does not apply to 
2.24 	an application for a permit that is subject to a grant or loan agreement under chapter 446A.
2.25 	(e) When public notice of a draft individual tier 2 permit is required, the commissioner 
2.26 	must provide the applicant a draft permit for review by the applicant within 30 days after 
2.27 	determining the proposal conforms to all federal and state laws and rules, unless the permit 
2.28 	applicant and the commissioner mutually agree to a different date. The commissioner must 
2.29 	consider all comments submitted by the applicant before issuing the permit.

2.30 	Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 84.82, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
2.31 		Subd. 2.Application, issuance, issuing fee. (a) Application for registration or 
2.32 	reregistration shall be made to the commissioner or an authorized deputy registrar of motor 
2.33 	vehicles in a format prescribed by the commissioner and shall state the legal name and 
2.34 	address of every owner of the snowmobile.
3.1 	(b) A person who purchases a snowmobile from a retail dealer shall make application 
3.2 	for registration to the dealer at the point of sale. The dealer shall issue a dealer temporary 
3.3 	21-day registration permit to each purchaser who applies to the dealer for registration. The 
3.4 	temporary permit must contain the dealer's identification number and phone number. Each 
3.5 	retail dealer shall submit completed registration and fees to the deputy registrar at least once 
3.6 	a week. No fee may be charged by a dealer to a purchaser for providing the temporary 
3.7 	permit.
3.8 	(c) Upon receipt of the application and the appropriate fee, the commissioner or deputy 
3.9 	registrar shall issue to the applicant, or provide to the dealer, an assigned registration number 
3.10 	or a commissioner or deputy registrar temporary 21-day permit. The registration number 
3.11 	must be printed on a registration decal issued by the commissioner or deputy registrar. Once 
3.12 	issued, the registration ~~number~~ decal must be affixed to the snowmobile in a clearly visible 
3.13 	and permanent manner for enforcement purposes ~~as the commissioner of natural resources~~ 
3.14 	~~shall prescribe~~ according to subdivision 3b. A dealer subject to paragraph (b) shall provide 
3.15 	the registration materials or temporary permit to the purchaser within the temporary 21-day 
3.16 	permit period. The registration is not valid unless signed by at least one owner.
3.17 	(d) Each deputy registrar of motor vehicles acting pursuant to section 168.33 shall also 
3.18 	be a deputy registrar of snowmobiles. The commissioner of natural resources in agreement 
3.19 	with the commissioner of public safety may prescribe the accounting and procedural 
3.20 	requirements necessary to ensure efficient handling of registrations and registration fees. 
3.21 	Deputy registrars shall strictly comply with these accounting and procedural requirements.
3.22 	(e) In addition to other fees prescribed by law, an issuing fee of $4.50 is charged for 
3.23 	each snowmobile registration renewal, duplicate or replacement registration card, and 
3.24 	replacement decal, and an issuing fee of $7 is charged for each snowmobile registration and 
3.25 	registration transfer issued by:
3.26 	(1) a registrar or a deputy registrar and must be deposited in the manner provided in 
3.27 	section 168.33, subdivision 2; or
3.28 	(2) the commissioner and must be deposited in the state treasury and credited to the 
3.29 	snowmobile trails and enforcement account in the natural resources fund.

3.30 	Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 84.82, is amended by adding a subdivision to 
3.31 	read:
3.32 		Subd. 3b.Display of registration decal. (a) A person must not operate or transport a 
3.33 	snowmobile in the state or allow another to operate the person's snowmobile in the state 
4.1 	unless the snowmobile has its unexpired registration decal affixed to each side of the 
4.2 	snowmobile and the decal is legible.
4.3 	(b) The registration decal must be affixed:
4.4 	(1) for snowmobiles made after June 30, 1972, in the area provided by the manufacturer 
4.5 	under section 84.821, subdivision 2; and
4.6 	(2) for all other snowmobiles, on each side of the cowling on the upper half of the 
4.7 	snowmobile.
4.8 	(c) When any previously affixed registration decal is destroyed or lost, a duplicate must 
4.9 	be affixed in the same manner as provided in paragraph (b).

4.10 	Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 84.821, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
4.11 		Subd. 2.Area for registration number. All snowmobiles made after June 30, 1972, 
4.12 	and sold in Minnesota, shall be designed and made to provide an area on which to affix the 
4.13 	registration ~~number~~ decal. ~~This area shall be at a location and of dimensions prescribed by~~ 
4.14 	~~rule of the commissioner.~~ A clear area must be provided on each side of the cowling with 
4.15 	a minimum size of 3-1/2 square inches and at least 12 inches from the ground when the 
4.16 	machine is resting on a hard surface.

4.17 	Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 84.86, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
4.18 		Subdivision 1.Required rules, fees, and reports. (a) With a view of achieving maximum 
4.19 	use of snowmobiles consistent with protection of the environment the commissioner of 
4.20 	natural resources shall adopt rules in the manner provided by chapter 14, for the following 
4.21 	purposes:
4.22 	(1) registration of snowmobiles ~~and display of registration numbers.~~;
4.23 	(2) use of snowmobiles insofar as game and fish resources are affected~~.~~;
4.24 	(3) use of snowmobiles on public lands and waters, or on grant-in-aid trails~~.~~;
4.25 	(4) uniform signs to be used by the state, counties, and cities, which are necessary or 
4.26 	desirable to control, direct, or regulate the operation and use of snowmobiles~~.~~;
4.27 	(5) specifications relating to snowmobile mufflers~~.~~; and
4.28 	(6) a comprehensive snowmobile information and safety education and training program~~,~~ 
4.29 	~~including~~ that includes but is not limited to ~~the preparation and dissemination of~~ preparing 
4.30 	and disseminating snowmobile information and safety advice to the public, ~~the~~ training ~~of~~
5.1 	snowmobile operators, and ~~the issuance of~~ issuing snowmobile safety certificates to 
5.2 	snowmobile operators who successfully complete the snowmobile safety education and 
5.3 	training course.
5.4 	(b) For the purpose of administering ~~such~~ the program under paragraph (a), clause (6),
5.5 	and to defray expenses of training and certifying snowmobile operators, the commissioner 
5.6 	shall collect a fee from each person who receives the youth or adult training. The 
5.7 	commissioner shall collect a fee, to include a $1 issuing fee for licensing agents, for issuing 
5.8 	a duplicate snowmobile safety certificate. The commissioner shall establish both fees in a 
5.9 	manner that neither significantly overrecovers nor underrecovers costs, including overhead 
5.10 	costs, involved in providing the services. The fees are not subject to the rulemaking provisions 
5.11 	of chapter 14 and section 14.386 does not apply. The fees may be established by the 
5.12 	commissioner notwithstanding section 16A.1283. The fees, except for the issuing fee for 
5.13 	licensing agents under this subdivision, shall be deposited in the snowmobile trails and 
5.14 	enforcement account in the natural resources fund and the amount thereof, except for the 
5.15 	electronic licensing system commission established by the commissioner under section 
5.16 	84.027, subdivision 15, and issuing fees collected by the commissioner, is appropriated 
5.17 	annually to the Enforcement Division of the Department of Natural Resources for ~~the~~ 
5.18 	~~administration of such~~ administering the programs. In addition to the fee established by the 
5.19 	commissioner, instructors may charge each person any fee paid by the instructor for the 
5.20 	person's online training course and up to the established fee amount for class materials and 
5.21 	expenses. The commissioner shall cooperate with private organizations and associations, 
5.22 	private and public corporations, and local governmental units in furtherance of the program 
5.23 	established under ~~this~~ paragraph (a), clause (6). School districts may cooperate with the 
5.24 	commissioner and volunteer instructors to provide space for the classroom portion of the 
5.25 	training. The commissioner shall consult with the commissioner of public safety in regard 
5.26 	to training program subject matter and performance testing that leads to the certification of 
5.27 	snowmobile operators.
5.28 	~~(7)~~ (c) The operator of any snowmobile involved in an accident resulting in injury 
5.29 	requiring medical attention or hospitalization to or death of any person or total damage to 
5.30 	an extent of $500 or more, shall forward a written report of the accident to the commissioner 
5.31 	on ~~such~~ a form ~~as~~ prescribed by the commissioner ~~shall prescribe~~. If the operator is killed 
5.32 	or is unable to file a report due to incapacitation, any peace officer investigating the accident 
5.33 	shall file the accident report within ten business days.

6.1 	Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 85.015, subdivision 10, is amended to read:
6.2 		Subd. 10.Luce Line Trail, Hennepin, McLeod, and Meeker Counties. (a) The trail 
6.3 	shall originate at Gleason Lake in Plymouth Village, Hennepin County, ~~and shall~~ follow 
6.4 	the route of the Chicago Northwestern Railroad, and include a connection to Greenleaf Lake 
6.5 	State Recreation Area.
6.6 	(b) The trail shall be developed for multiuse wherever feasible. The department shall 
6.7 	cooperate in maintaining its integrity for modes of use consistent with local ordinances.
6.8 	(c) In establishing, developing, maintaining, and operating the trail, the commissioner 
6.9 	shall cooperate with local units of government and private individuals and groups. Before 
6.10 	acquiring any parcel of land for the trail, the commissioner of natural resources shall develop 
6.11 	a management program for the parcel and conduct a public hearing on the proposed 
6.12 	management program in the vicinity of the parcel to be acquired. The management program 
6.13 	of the commissioner shall include but not be limited to the following:
6.14 	~~(a)~~ (1) fencing ~~of~~ portions of the trail where necessary to protect adjoining landowners; 
6.15 	and
6.16 	~~(b) the maintenance of~~ (2) maintaining the trail in a ~~litter free~~ litter-free condition to the 
6.17 	extent practicable.
6.18 	(d) The commissioner shall not acquire any of the right-of-way of the Chicago 
6.19 	Northwestern Railway Company until the abandonment of the line described in this 
6.20 	subdivision has been approved by the Surface Transportation Board or the former Interstate 
6.21 	Commerce Commission. Compensation, in addition to the value of the land, shall include 
6.22 	improvements made by the railroad, including but not limited to, bridges, trestles, public 
6.23 	road crossings, or any portion thereof, it being the desire of the railroad that such 
6.24 	improvements be included in the conveyance. The fair market value of the land and 
6.25 	improvements shall be recommended by two independent appraisers mutually agreed upon 
6.26 	by the parties. The fair market value thus recommended shall be reviewed by a review 
6.27 	appraiser agreed to by the parties, and the fair market value thus determined, and supported 
6.28 	by appraisals, may be the purchase price. The commissioner may exchange lands with 
6.29 	landowners abutting the right-of-way described in this section to eliminate diagonally shaped 
6.30 	separate fields.

7.1 	Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2021 Supplement, section 85.052, subdivision 6, is amended 
7.2 	to read:
7.3 		Subd. 6.State park reservation system. (a) The commissioner may, by written order, 
7.4 	develop reasonable reservation policies for ~~campsites and other~~ using camping, lodging, 
7.5 	and day-use facilities and for tours, educational programs, seminars, events, and rentals. 
7.6 	The policies are exempt from the rulemaking provisions under chapter 14, and section 
7.7 	14.386 does not apply.
7.8 	(b) The revenue collected from the state park reservation fee established under subdivision 
7.9 	5, including interest earned, ~~shall~~ must be deposited in the state park account in the natural 
7.10 	resources fund and is annually appropriated to the commissioner for the cost of operating 
7.11 	the state park reservation and point-of-sale system.

7.12 	Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 90.181, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
7.13 		Subd. 2.Deferred payments. (a) If the amount of the statement is not paid or payment 
7.14 	is not postmarked within 30 days of the statement date ~~thereof, it shall bear~~, the amount 
7.15 	bears interest at the rate determined pursuant to section 16A.124, except that the purchaser 
7.16 	~~shall not be~~ is not required to pay interest that totals $1 or less. If the amount is not paid 
7.17 	within 60 days, the commissioner shall place the account in the hands of the commissioner 
7.18 	of revenue according to chapter 16D, who shall proceed to collect the ~~same~~ amount due. 
7.19 	When deemed in the best interests of the state, the commissioner shall take possession of 
7.20 	the timber for which an amount is due wherever it may be found and sell the ~~same~~ timber
7.21 	informally or at public auction after giving reasonable notice.
7.22 	(b) The proceeds of the sale ~~shall~~ must be applied, first, to the payment of the expenses 
7.23 	of seizure and sale~~;~~ and, second, to the payment of the amount due for the timber, with 
7.24 	interest~~; and~~. The surplus, if any, ~~shall belong~~ belongs to the state~~; and,~~. In case a sufficient 
7.25 	amount is not realized to pay these amounts in full, the balance ~~shall~~ must be collected by 
7.26 	the attorney general. ~~Neither~~ Payment of the amount, ~~nor the~~ recovery of judgment ~~therefor~~
7.27 	for the amount, ~~nor~~ satisfaction of the judgment, ~~nor the~~ or seizure and sale of timber~~, shall~~
7.28 	does not:
7.29 	(1) release the sureties on any security deposit given pursuant to this chapter~~, or~~;
7.30 	(2) preclude the state from afterwards claiming that the timber was cut or removed 
7.31 	contrary to law and recovering damages for the trespass thereby committed~~,~~; or
7.32 	(3) preclude the state from prosecuting the offender criminally.

8.1 	Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 97A.015, subdivision 51, is amended to read:
8.2 		Subd. 51.Unloaded. "Unloaded" means, with reference to a firearm, without ammunition 
8.3 	in the barrels and magazine, if the magazine is in the firearm. A muzzle-loading firearm 
8.4 	~~with~~ is unloaded if:
8.5 	(1) for a flintlock ignition ~~is unloaded if~~, it does not have priming powder in a pan~~. A~~ 
8.6 	~~muzzle-loading firearm with~~;
8.7 	(2) for a percussion ignition ~~is unloaded if~~, it does not have a percussion cap on a nipple~~.~~;
8.8 	(3) for an electronic ignition system, the battery is removed and is disconnected from 
8.9 	the firearm; and
8.10 	(4) for an encapsulated powder charge ignition system, the primer and powder charge 
8.11 	are removed from the firearm.

8.12 	Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 97A.126, as amended by Laws 2021, First 
8.13 	Special Session chapter 6, article 2, section 52, is amended to read:
8.14 	97A.126 WALK-IN ACCESS PROGRAM.
8.15 		Subdivision 1.Establishment. A walk-in access program is established to provide public 
8.16 	access to wildlife habitat on private land for hunting, bird-watching, nature photography, 
8.17 	and similar compatible uses, excluding trapping, as provided under this section. The 
8.18 	commissioner may enter into agreements with other units of government and landowners 
8.19 	to provide private land hunting access.
8.20 		Subd. 2.Use of enrolled lands. (a) From September 1 to May 31, a person must have 
8.21 	a walk-in access ~~hunter~~ validation in possession to hunt, photograph, and watch wildlife on 
8.22 	private lands, including agricultural lands, that are posted as being enrolled in the walk-in 
8.23 	access program.
8.24 	(b) Hunting, bird-watching, nature photography, and similar compatible uses on private 
8.25 	lands that are posted as enrolled in the walk-in access program is allowed from one-half 
8.26 	hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.
8.27 	(c) ~~Hunter~~ Access on private lands that are posted as enrolled in the walk-in access 
8.28 	program is restricted to nonmotorized use, except by ~~hunters~~ persons with disabilities 
8.29 	operating motor vehicles on established trails or field roads who possess a valid permit to 
8.30 	shoot from a stationary vehicle under section 97B.055, subdivision 3.
8.31 	(d) The general provisions for use of wildlife management areas adopted under sections 
8.32 	86A.06 and 97A.137, relating to overnight use, alcoholic beverages, use of motorboats, 
9.1 	firearms and target shooting, hunting stands, abandonment of trash and property, destruction 
9.2 	or removal of property, introduction of plants or animals, and animal trespass, apply to 
9.3 	~~hunters on~~ use of lands enrolled in the walk-in access program.
9.4 	(e) Any use of enrolled lands other than ~~hunting according to~~ use authorized under this 
9.5 	section is prohibited, including:
9.6 	(1) harvesting bait, including minnows, leeches, and other live bait;
9.7 	(2) training dogs or using dogs for activities other than hunting; and
9.8 	(3) constructing or maintaining any building, dock, fence, billboard, sign, hunting blind, 
9.9 	or other structure, unless constructed or maintained by the landowner.
9.10 		Subd. 3.Walk-in-access ~~hunter~~ validation; fee. The fee for a walk-in-access ~~hunter~~
9.11 	validation is $3.

9.12 	Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 97A.137, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
9.13 		Subd. 3.Use of motorized vehicles by ~~disabled hunters~~ people with disabilities. The 
9.14 	commissioner may ~~issue~~ provide an accommodation by issuing a special permit, without a 
9.15 	fee, authorizing a ~~hunter~~ person with a ~~permanent physical~~ disability to use ~~a snowmobile,~~ 
9.16 	~~highway-licensed vehicle, all-terrain vehicle,~~an other power-driven mobility device, as 
9.17 	defined under Code of Federal Regulations, title 28, section 35.104, or a motor boat in 
9.18 	wildlife management areas. To qualify for a permit under this subdivision, the ~~disabled~~
9.19 	person must ~~possess:~~
9.20 	~~(1) the required hunting licenses; and~~
9.21 	~~(2) a permit to shoot from a stationary vehicle under section 97B.055, subdivision 3.~~
9.22 	provide credible assurance to the commissioner that the device or motor boat is used because 
9.23 	of a disability.

9.24 	Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 97A.405, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
9.25 		Subd. 5.Resident licenses. (a) To obtain a resident license, ~~a resident~~ an individual 21 
9.26 	years of age or older must be a resident and:
9.27 	(1) possess a current Minnesota driver's license or a valid application receipt for a driver's 
9.28 	license that is at least 60 days past the issuance date;
9.29 	(2) possess a current identification card issued by the commissioner of public safety or 
9.30 	a valid application receipt for an identification card that is at least 60 days past the issuance 
9.31 	date; ~~or~~
10.1 	(3) present evidence showing proof of residency in cases when clause (1) or (2) would 
10.2 	violate the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993, Public Law 103-141~~.~~; or
10.3 	(4) possess a Tribal identification card as provided in paragraph (b).
10.4 	(b) For purposes of this subdivision, "Tribal identification card" means an unexpired 
10.5 	identification card as provided under section 171.072, paragraphs (b) and (c). The Tribal 
10.6 	identification card:
10.7 	(1) must contain the enrolled Tribal member's Minnesota residence address; and
10.8 	(2) may be used to obtain a resident license under paragraph (a) only if the Tribal member 
10.9 	does not have a current driver's license or state identification card in any state.
10.10 	(c) A person must not have applied for, purchased, or accepted a resident hunting, fishing, 
10.11 	or trapping license issued by another state or foreign country within 60 days before applying 
10.12 	for a resident license under this section.

10.13 	Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 97B.031, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
10.14 		Subdivision 1.Permissible firearms and ammunition; big game and wolves. A person 
10.15 	may take big game and wolves with a firearm only if:
10.16 	(1) ~~the~~ any rifle, shotgun, ~~and~~ or handgun used is a caliber of at least .22 inches and ~~with~~
10.17 	has centerfire ignition;
10.18 	(2) the firearm is loaded only with single projectile ammunition;
10.19 	(3) a projectile used is a caliber of at least .22 inches and has a soft point or is an 
10.20 	expanding bullet type;
10.21 	(4) ~~the~~ any muzzleloader used ~~is incapable of being~~ has the projectile loaded only at the 
10.22 	~~breech~~ muzzle;
10.23 	(5) ~~the~~ any smooth-bore muzzleloader used is a caliber of at least .45 inches; and
10.24 	(6) ~~the~~ any rifled muzzleloader used is a caliber of at least .40 inches.

10.25 	Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 97B.031, is amended by adding a subdivision 
10.26 	to read:
10.27 		Subd. 7.Regular firearms deer season. During the regular firearms deer season, all 
10.28 	legal firearms may be used statewide.

11.1 	Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 97B.071, is amended to read:
11.2 	97B.071 CLOTHING AND GROUND BLIND REQUIREMENTS; BLAZE 
11.3 	ORANGE OR BLAZE PINK.
11.4 	(a) Except as provided in rules adopted under paragraph ~~(c)~~ (d), a person may not hunt 
11.5 	or trap during the open season where deer may be taken by firearms under applicable laws 
11.6 	and ordinances, unless the visible portion of the person's cap and outer clothing above the 
11.7 	waist, excluding sleeves and gloves, is blaze orange or blaze pink. Blaze orange or blaze 
11.8 	pink includes a camouflage pattern of at least 50 percent blaze orange or blaze pink within 
11.9 	each foot square. This section does not apply to migratory-waterfowl hunters on waters of 
11.10 	this state or in a stationary shooting location or to trappers on waters of this state.
11.11 	(b) Except as provided in rules adopted under paragraph (d) and in addition to the 
11.12 	requirements under paragraph (a), during the open season where deer may be taken by 
11.13 	firearms under applicable laws and ordinances, a person in a fabric or synthetic ground 
11.14 	blind on public land must have:
11.15 	(1) a blaze orange or blaze pink safety covering on the top of the blind visible for 360 
11.16 	degrees around the blind; or
11.17 	(2) at least 144 square inches of blaze orange or blaze pink material on each side of the 
11.18 	blind.
11.19 	~~(b)~~ (c) Except as provided in rules adopted under paragraph ~~(c)~~ (d), and in addition to 
11.20 	the ~~requirement~~ requirements in ~~paragraph~~ paragraphs (a) and (b), a person may not take 
11.21 	small game other than turkey, migratory birds, raccoons, and predators, except while trapping, 
11.22 	unless a visible portion of at least one article of the person's clothing above the waist is 
11.23 	blaze orange or blaze pink. This paragraph does not apply to a person when in a stationary 
11.24 	location while hunting deer by archery or when hunting small game by falconry.
11.25 	~~(c)~~ (d) The commissioner may, by rule, prescribe an alternative color in cases where 
11.26 	~~paragraph (a) or (b)~~ paragraphs (a) to (c) would violate the Religious Freedom Restoration 
11.27 	Act of 1993, Public Law 103-141.
11.28 	~~(d)~~ (e) A violation of paragraph ~~(b) shall~~ (c) does not result in a penalty, but is punishable 
11.29 	only by a safety warning.

12.1 	Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 97B.668, is amended to read:
12.2 	97B.668 ~~GAME BIRDS~~ ANIMALS CAUSING DAMAGE.
12.3 		Subdivision 1.Game birds causing damage. Notwithstanding sections 97B.091 and 
12.4 	97B.805, subdivisions 1 and 2, a person or agent of that person on lands and nonpublic 
12.5 	waters owned or operated by the person may nonlethally scare, haze, chase, or harass game 
12.6 	birds that are causing property damage or to protect a disease risk at any time or place that 
12.7 	a hunting season for the game birds is not open. This section does not apply to public waters 
12.8 	as defined under section 103G.005, subdivision 15. This section does not apply to migratory 
12.9 	waterfowl on nests and other federally protected game birds on nests, except ducks and 
12.10 	geese on nests when a permit is obtained under section 97A.401.
12.11 		Subd. 2.Deer and elk causing damage. (a) Notwithstanding section 97B.091, a property 
12.12 	owner, the property owner's immediate family member, or an agent of the property owner 
12.13 	may nonlethally scare, haze, chase, or harass deer or elk that are causing damage to 
12.14 	agricultural crops propagated under generally accepted agricultural practices.
12.15 	(b) Paragraph (a) applies only:
12.16 	(1) in the immediate area of the crop damage; and
12.17 	(2) during the closed season for taking deer or elk.
12.18 	(c) Paragraph (a) does not allow:
12.19 	(1) using poisons;
12.20 	(2) using dogs;
12.21 	(3) conduct that drives a deer or elk to the point of exhaustion;
12.22 	(4) activities requiring a permit under section 97A.401; or
12.23 	(5) causing the death of a deer or elk or actions likely to cause the death of a deer or elk.
12.24 	(d) A property owner or the owner's agent must report the death of any deer or elk to 
12.25 	Division of Fish and Wildlife staff within 24 hours of the death if the death resulted from 
12.26 	actions taken under paragraph (a).

12.27 	Sec. 17. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 97C.315, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
12.28 		Subdivision 1.Lines. An angler may not use more than one line except:
12.29 	(1) two lines may be used to take fish through the ice; ~~and~~
13.1 	(2) the commissioner may, by rule, authorize the use of two lines in areas designated by 
13.2 	the commissioner in Lake Superior~~.~~; and
13.3 	(3) two lines may be used in the Minnesota River downstream of the Granite Falls dam 
13.4 	and in the Mississippi River downstream of St. Anthony Falls.

13.5 	Sec. 18. REQUIRED RULEMAKING.
 13.6 	(a) The commissioner of natural resources must amend Minnesota Rules as follows:
13.7 	(1) part 6100.5000, subpart 1, by striking the last sentence and inserting "The registration 
13.8 	number remains the same if renewed by July 1 following the expiration date.";
13.9 	(2) part 6100.5700, subpart 1, item C, by striking the reference to registration numbers; 
13.10 	and
13.11 	(3) part 6230.0250, subpart 10, item A, subitem (2), by changing the word "hunter" to 
13.12 	"person".
13.13 	(b) The commissioner may use the good-cause exemption under Minnesota Statutes, 
13.14 	section 14.388, subdivision 1, clause (3), to adopt rules under this section, and Minnesota 
13.15 	Statutes, section 14.386, does not apply except as provided under Minnesota Statutes, section 
13.16 	14.388.

13.17 	Sec. 19. REGISTRATION DECAL FORMAT TRANSITION.
 13.18 	Separately displaying registration numbers is not required when a larger-format 
13.19 	registration decal as provided under Minnesota Statutes, section 84.82, subdivision 2, is 
13.20 	displayed according to Minnesota Statutes, section 84.82, subdivision 3b. Snowmobiles 
13.21 	displaying valid but older smaller-format registration decals must display the separate 
13.22 	registration numbers. Persons may obtain duplicate registration decals in the new, larger 
13.23 	format, when available, without being required to display the separate registration numbers.

13.24 	Sec. 20. REPEALER.
 13.25 	(a) Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 97B.318, is repealed.
13.26 	(b) Minnesota Rules, parts 6100.5000, subparts 3, 4, and 5; and 6100.5700, subpart 4,
13.27 	are repealed.

APPENDIX 

Repealed Minnesota Statutes: 22-04831 

97B.318 ARMS USE AREAS AND RESTRICTIONS; REGULAR FIREARMS SEASON.Subdivision 1.Shotgun use area. 
During the regular firearms season in the shotgun use area, only legal shotguns loaded with single-slug shotgun shells, legal muzzle-loading long guns, and legal handguns may be used for taking deer. Legal shotguns include those with rifled barrels. The shotgun use area is that portion of the state lying within the following described boundary: Beginning on the west boundary of the state at the northern boundary of Clay County; thence along the northern boundary of Clay County to State Trunk Highway (STH) 32; thence along STH 32 to STH 34; thence along STH 34 to Interstate Highway 94 (I-94); thence along I-94 to County State-Aid Highway (CSAH) 40, Douglas County; thence along CSAH 40 to CSAH 82, Douglas County; thence along CSAH 82 to CSAH 22, Douglas County; thence along CSAH 22 to CSAH 6, Douglas County; thence along CSAH 6 to CSAH 14, Douglas County; thence along CSAH 14 to STH 29; thence along STH 29 to CSAH 46, Otter Tail County; thence along CSAH 46, Otter Tail County, to CSAH 22, Todd County; thence along CSAH 22 to U.S. Highway 71; thence along U.S. Highway 71 to STH 27; thence along STH 27 to the Mississippi River; thence along the east bank of the Mississippi River to STH 23; thence along STH 23 to STH 95; thence along STH 95 to U.S. Highway 8; thence along U.S. Highway 8 to the eastern boundary of the state; thence along the east, south, and west boundaries of the state to the point of beginning. 

Subd. 2.All legal firearms use area. 
The all legal firearms use area is that part of the state lying outside of the shotgun use area. 

6100.5000SNOWMOBILE REGISTRATION AND DISPLAY OF NUMBERS. Subp. 3.Affixation of number.  
The registration number of the snowmobile, shown on the registration certificate, shall be affixed to the snowmobile and maintained in a clear, legible manner. On all machines made after June 30, 1972, and sold in Minnesota, such registration number shall be affixed in the space provided therefor in accordance with part 6100.5700, subpart 4. On all other machines it shall be affixed on each side of the cowling on the upper half of the machine, as follows. 

[  Image Not Shown  ] 

Subp. 4.Description of decal or number; lost or destroyed number or decal.  
 All letters and numbers shall be of a color which will contrast with the surface to which applied, and shall be at least three inches high and three-eighths inch stroke. When any previously affixed registration number or decal is destroyed or lost, a duplicate shall be affixed in the manner shown above. The registration number shall remain the same if renewed by July 1 following the expiration date. 

Subp. 5.General prohibition.  
No person shall operate or transport, and no person shall permit the operation of, a snowmobile within this state which does not have its registration number and unexpired decal affixed in the form and manner required by this part, unless the owner is exempted from the registration requirements of this state by Minnesota Statutes, section 84.82. 

6100.5700REQUIRED EQUIPMENT. Subp. 4.Snowmobile registration number affixation.  
All snowmobiles made after June 30, 1972, and sold in Minnesota, shall be designed and made to provide an area on which to affix the snowmobile registration number at the following location and of the following dimensions: 

A.
 A clear area shall be provided on each side of the cowling or pan with the minimum size of 3-1/2 inches vertical by 11 inches horizontal. 

B.
 It shall be a minimum of 12 inches from the ground when the machine is resting on a hard surface.