New Minnesota laws that took effect Monday

Dozens of new laws took effect Monday in Minnesota.

While none may be as eye-catching as the THC law that went into effect last month, many are still noteworthy.

Below is a list of some of the state’s newest provisions.

—Fines for off-highway vehicle violations have increased, and new civil penalties have been created for snowmobiles. A first violation will now cost $250 instead of $100, a second offense will cost $500 instead of $200, and third and subsequent penalties have doubled to $1,000.

—Insurers can no longer discriminate against living tissue donors for policies that are effective after or renewed later than Aug. 1, 2022.

—The Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office can now reject clearly fraudulent Uniform Commercial Code lien filings that are meant to harass or intimidate someone. The false liens can be used as harassment or extortion, and are sometimes referred to as “paper terrorism.”

—All National Guard members who served “satisfactorily as determined by the adjutant general” can now get reenlistment and commissioning bonuses. Previous requirements allowed for no more than 12 years of service to be eligible for the bonuses.

—Youth ages 18 through 20 in juvenile court will now have a guardian appointed to help them and protect them from trafficking or abuse, as long as they both agree to it, the court determines it is in the juvenile’s best interest or the reunification with a parent isn’t an option. The guardianship will end when the juvenile turns 21 or the juvenile requests it to end.

—Law enforcement agencies can now release the full criminal history data to cities and counties for applicants who undergo a background check. However, they must still securely maintain that data and notify an applicant why they’ve been denied. Previously, law enforcement could only say whether a background check turned up disqualifying offenses.

—State law enforcement supervisors will transition to a new collective bargaining unit. Those affected include Minnesota State Patrol supervisors, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources enforcement supervisors, and Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension investigative supervisors.

—The Minnesota Code of Military Justice has been updated in several areas. Some of the new provisions include:

• The Minnesota Supreme Court will hear appeals regarding the Code of Military Justice.
• The governor or adjutant general can now request the BCA investigate military offenses.
• Authorizes a court-martial for service members found to be under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance while on duty.
• Adds prohibited activities with recruits or trainees by a person in a position of special trust, nonconsensual distribution of intimate images, unauthorized use of a government computer, and retaliation as code violations.

—Sales representative agreement provisions can no longer include a choice of venue in another state, meaning disputes will have to be settled in Minnesota.

—Those who serve on Hennepin County boards or committees can now receive compensation. Previously, every county except Hennepin County was allowed to have reasonable allowances or per diems for advisory board or committee members.

Several other laws went into effect Monday. Click here to see a more detailed list.