State Senator Michelle FischbachAfter every legislative session there are a new set of laws enacted, or old laws updated, that many people may not even know about. Some are merely technical bills for the state departments, but many affect how you and your family live. The majority of these laws are effective August 1, 2002, however some are effective the day following the Governor’s signature.
I’d like to take a minute to update you on a few consumer laws we passed this session. Below is a crash course to help you and your family get updated on new laws that may affect how you live.
Certain Fireworks Now Available
During the 2002 Legislative session, certain fireworks, including sparklers, snakes, cones, fountains and party poppers are now legal to obtain. This is the first time since 1941 that consumers are allowed to have and use these forms of fireworks in the state of Minnesota. You must be 18 or older to purchase these fireworks and prove this by presenting a photo I.D. upon purchase. They are also restricted to use on private property only. This law went into effect April 30, 2002.
Telemarketing Calls Reduced
Consumers now have the option of cutting out the telemarketing phone calls that interrupt many meals and family time. Minnesotans can now add their names to a “do not call” list maintained by the state, to stop the flood of these phone calls. Telemarketing firms will have to buy the list from the state and will face a fine up to $1,000 for any violations. The new law makes exceptions for nonprofit fundraisers, political parties, businesses that have existing relationships with enrolled customers, and for calls that lead to face-to-face presentations. This will be effective 30 days after the Commissioner of Commerce has established the “Do Not Call List,” which must be completed before January 1, 2003.
Phosphorus Fertilizers Prohibited
A new law prohibits the use of fertilizers containing certain amounts of phosphorus. The new limits will be more than 3 percent for granular or 0.3 pounds per 1,000 square feet for liquid. This bill was passed in an attempt to reduce phosphorus run-off into lakes and streams. Golf courses and agricultural land are exempt. This law will take effect January 1, 2004.
Bread Tax Repealed
After many Minnesota citizens voiced their concerns over the unintentional sales tax on bakery items passed during last year’s session, the tax on bread and bakery items was repealed. The inadvertent tax was passed last year in an attempt to create uniformity in state sales tax laws. This bill goes into effect July 1, 2002.
Window Damage Replacement Treated Equal
Window damage replacement now gets the same treatment by insurers as damage to other automotive parts. Waivers of insurance deductibles, and rebates, gifts, or coupons, to the insured are now probited under law. This law went into effect March 28, 2002.
ATVs Face Restrictions
Off-road travel by All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) are now banned in state forests. ATVs may still use forest roads and trails. Specifically, on forest lands classified as “managed,” a person may operate an ATV on forest roads and trails unless it is posted “closed.” On forest lands classified as “limited,” motorized vehicles are only allowed on trails and roads posed “open,” and on forest lands classified as “closed,” no vehicle use is permitted. The DNR can be contacted to find out what the state forest near you is classified. This law went into effect May 1, 2002
Hunting Licenses
Minnesotans can now purchase a lifetime archery deer hunting license, at the same cost as a firearm license, and an all-season deer license, which permits a hunter to take one buck by firearm or archery during any season state-wide.
Internet Privacy
A new law now allows Internet users to actively control the disclosure of their personal information by Internet Service Providers. The new law also makes it easier to filter out unsolicitated e-mail advertisements. It requires service providers to inform customers when they plan to disclose personal information and indicate what the information would be used for. Advertisements are required to include the letters “ADV” in the subject line for easier removal by the user. This law goes into effect March 2003.
Biodiesel Fuel
Under a new law passed early in this session, all diesel fuel sold in the state must contain at least 2 percent biodiesel fuel. This mandate does not include railroad locomotives, motors located at a nuclear power plant, or off-road taconite mining and logging equipment. This legislation will help the soybean market. To give people a chance to gear up for the change, the mandate will not take effect until 2005 or as soon as the Federal government approves a tax credit.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions on these or any other new laws, or any other concerns you may have. I can be contacted at my office at (651) 296-2084. You can also contact me via e-mail at