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 2024, section 248.07, by adding a new subdivision that outlines the library's services for individuals with visual and physical disabilities, which will be provided under a cooperative plan 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.

Furthermore, the bill includes provisions for the advisory committee to conduct meetings via telephone or electronic means, ensuring that all members can hear each other and that public access to discussions is maintained. It also allows for the continuation of current advisory committee members appointed by the commissioner of education until the end of their terms, with future appointments made by the new commissioner. Lastly, the bill repeals certain subdivisions of Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 134.31, which previously outlined the library's responsibilities under the Department of Education.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 248.07, 134.31