This bill proposes to transfer the responsibility for the Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library from the Department of Education to the Department of Employment and Economic Development. It amends Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 248.07, by adding a new subdivision that outlines the Department's obligation to provide specialized services to individuals with visual and physical disabilities in collaboration with the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled. Additionally, the bill establishes an advisory committee of five members, appointed by the commissioner of employment and economic development, to guide the library's long-range plans and services. The committee will consist of library users and will have the ability to conduct meetings via telephone or electronic means under specific conditions.

Furthermore, the bill includes a provision that allows current advisory committee members appointed by the commissioner of education to serve until the end of their terms, after which new appointments will be made by the commissioner of employment and economic development. It also repeals certain subdivisions of Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 134.31, which previously outlined the responsibilities of the Department of Education regarding the library. These changes aim to enhance the governance and operational efficiency of the Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 248.07, 134.31