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 new responsibilities of the Department of Employment and Economic Development, including the provision of 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 provide guidance on long-range plans and library services, ensuring that committee members are users of the library.

Furthermore, the bill includes provisions for the advisory committee to conduct meetings via telephone or electronic means, detailing the requirements for participation and public access during such meetings. It also 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. Lastly, the bill repeals certain subdivisions of Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 134.31, which previously outlined the responsibilities of the Department of Education regarding the library.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 248.07, 134.31