These New Laws Took Effect In Minnesota On July 1

An array of new laws took effect in Minnesota on July 1, including a 50-cent fee on some retail delivery orders and a new criminal statute on so-called "deep fakes".

Here's five of the notable new laws in effect for Minnesotans:

New surcharge known as the 'Amazon fee'

A new law adding a 50-cent delivery free to select online orders is expected to generate up to $64 million annually for Minnesota roads and public transit.

Household products, furniture, clothing, and electronics are all subject to the fee when orders exceed $100.

However, items such as food, baby products and medical supplies are exempt. Read more here.

Law addresses 'deep fake' technology used to influence an election

State law criminalizes the use of so-called "deep fake" technology to influence an election, with a new expansion to the law requiring forfeiture of office or nomination by candidates who are found guilty of violating the law.

The new protections against "deep fakes" include an amendment clarifying the timeframe in which a person can commit a violating offense to include 90 days before a political party nominating convention, or after the absentee voting period has begun prior to a presidential primary, state primary, local primary, special primary, or special election.

The provision does not apply to a cable television system or broadcaster, per a news release from Senate DFL Research.

School board appointments

A new provision in state law revises when a special election is required to fill a school board vacancy.

Under the new law, someone can be appointed to fill the seat if the vacancy occurs less than two years prior to the term’s expiration.

"The law further provides that a school board may, but is not required to, fill a vacancy that occurs less than 90 days prior to the expiration of the term via appointment at a regular or special meeting," a news release from the House states.

A special election must be held to fill the seat if a board member is removed for proper cause.

Plain language on driver's license exams

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety will create a new written driver's license exam with "clear, simplified language" under a new state law.

The new written test must be complete by Feb. 1, 2025.

"A new law aims to ensure written driver’s license exams test how well applicants understand the rules of the road rather than their ability to decode complex sentences," the House shared.

Vaccines administered by pharmacists

COVID-19 emergency policies authorized pharmacists to administer vaccinations and expanded access to immunizations statewide.

Now, those authorizations are codified into state law.

"Medical Assistance will also cover vaccines initiated, ordered, or administered by a licensed pharmacist at the same rate as other providers," Senate DFL Research writes.

SOURCE: Bring Me The News