August 2010
States Try to Control Plastic Bag Proliferation
Increasing recognition of the problems posed by plastic bags in the environment has prompted efforts to tax or ban them. A high-profile attempt to ban plastic checkout bags in California passed the Assembly in May but failed in the Senate on August 31. An estimated 19 billion plastic bags are distributed annually at retail outlets in California. A detailed article in the Christian Science Monitor described the bill just before it failed, "Reusable Shopping Bags Could be Encouraged by New California Bill." (September 1, 2010)
In 2009 Maine passed legislation requiring a new group to work “towards a viable solution to the checkout bag issue to achieve environmental benefits, maintain financial viability for manufacturers and retailers, and avoid cost impacts for consumers.” In the end the group did not suggest a fee or ban, as described in “Maine Opts for Voluntary Effort to Cut Plastic Bag Use.” (Maine Public Broadcasting Network Capitol Connection, August 26, 2010, as posted on Facebook) The high-profile campaign to help citizens make the change to reusable bags includes a FaceBook page.
It's a complex issue. Are efforts to raise money from bags a sin tax, or a fee to clean up the environment? Are they regressive? Is banning plastic bags effective pollution prevention policy? The policy aspects of bag taxes are discussed in a Tax Analysts Special Report released in July, "A Defense of the District of Columbia's Bag Tax." (State Tax Notes, July 5, 2010) The author feels that the District of Columbia's excise tax on plastic bags deals with the issues of neutrality, transparency, and regressivity, and realizes an important governmental objective.
The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) recently posted an overview of attempts across the country to ban or tax or charge fees for paper and plastic bags, "Paper, Plastics, Reusables: What's Your Bag?" (Legisbrief, Vol, 18, No. 14, March 2010). To look up actual bills on this topic (there are some in Minnesota, too), use the NCSL Energy and Environment Legislative Tracking Database. In addition, a Stateline.org article about the proposed California ban gave a broad overview of activities in many states, "State Weigh Bans on Plastic Grocery Bags." (August 9, 2010)
The issue has come up in Minnesota. Most recently, a 2010 bill to introduce a five-cent excise tax on disposable bags was introduced in the House by Representative Karen Clark (HF3322). The companion Senate bill was introduced by Senator Berglin (SF2338).
If you would like copies of cited materials that are not available online, contact the library at refdesk@lrl.leg.mn.
New & Notable Books and Reports
Many of the items listed below are available electronically. If so, we have provided a
link to the document. However, some of the documents may be very long. You can request to
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Induced Abortions in Minnesota: Report to the Legislature. Minn. Dept. of Health. July 2010. HQ767.5.U6 R45 2009. Minn. Publication 10-0753.
Mandated by: 2003 Minn. Laws Chap. 14 Art. 1 Sec. 7 Subd. 6 (Minn. Stat. 145.4246)http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/chs/abrpt/2009abrpt.pdf
Mandated by: 1998 Minn. Laws Chap. 407 Art. 10 Sec. 5 (Minn. Stat. 145.4134)http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/chs/abrpt/2009abrpt.pdf
Agricultural Statistics. United States Dept. of Agriculture. 2009. Ref HD1751.A43 2009.
This reference book is available for use in the Library or it may be checked out for a short period of time.
Ethanol Plants in Minnesota. Minn. Dept. of Agriculture. July 2010. HD9502.5.A43 E84 2010. Minn. Publication 10-0775.
Upper Midwest Financial Directory. Accuity, Inc.. 2010. Ref HG2441.B35 2010.
This reference book is available for use in the Library or it may be checked out for a short period of time.
Chicago Manual of Style. University of Chicago Press. 2010. Ref Z253 .C57 2010.
This reference book is available for use in the Library or it may be checked out for a short period of time.
Enterprise Information Technology Strategic Summary Report. State of Minnesota Chief Information Officer. June 30, 2010. JK6149.A8 S77 2010. Minn. Publication 10-0754.
Mandated by: 2008 Minn. Laws Chap. 318 Art. 1 Sec. 10 (Minn. Stat. 16E.04 Subd. 2)http://www.state.mn.us/mn/externalDocs/OET/Enterprise_Information_Technology_Strategic
Legislative Report on the Centralization of Information Technology. Minn. Office of Enterprise Technology. July 1, 2010. JK6149.A8 L45 2010. Minn. Publication 10-0755.
Mandated by: 2009 Minn. Laws Chap. 101 Art. 2 Sec. 105http://www.state.mn.us/mn/externalDocs/OET/Enterprise_IT_Analysis_Centraliz
The Report of the Task Force on Violent Interactive Video Games. Pennsylvania Jount State Government Commission. December 2008. GV1469.34.V56 P46 2008.
Hayes, Jeanne. Forensic Testing Turnaround Times in 50 States. Connecticut Office of Legislative Research. February 17, 2010. HV8073 .H39 2010.
Minnesota Crime Information. Minn. Dept. of Public Safety. July 1, 2010. Ref HV7273 .A253 2009. Minn. Publication 10-0761.
Mandated by: Minn. Stat. 299C.18http://www.bca.state.mn.us/CJIS/Documents/Crime2009/2009CrimeBookRev07-10.pdf
This reference book is available for use in the Library or it may be checked out for a short period of time.
Awareness, Attitudes and Impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act Among Minnesota Businesses: A Qualitative and Quantitative Research Study. Minn. Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities; MarketResponse International. April 6, 2010. C10-0025.
Report on the Fast Action Economic Response Team and At-Risk Expansion and Relocation Plan: Positioning Minnesota for Future Business Growth. Minn. Dept. of Employment and Economic Development. June 18, 2010. HC107.M63 I538 2010. Minn. Publication 10-0739.
Mandated by: 2010 Minn. Laws Chap. 347 Art. 1 Sec. 28http://www.positivelyminnesota.com/About_Us/Legislative_Focus/PDFs/At-Risk_Businesses_Report.pdf
Early Care and Education State Budget Actions. NCSL. April 2010. LB1139.25.E37 2010.
Early Childhood Annual Report. Minnesota Early Childhood Advisory Council. June 2010. LB1139.27.M6 M563 2010. Minn. Publication 10-0756.
Mandated by: 2008 Minn. Laws Chap. 363 Art. 2 Sec. 13 Subd. 2 (Minn. Stat. 124D.141)http://education.state.mn.us/mdeprod/groups/EarlyLearning/documents/Report/018004.pdf
Barron's Profiles of American Colleges. Barron's Educational Series, Inc.. 2010. Ref L901.P72 2011.
This reference book is available for use in the Library or it may be checked out for a short period of time.
Expenditure Reduction Plan. University of Minnesota Board of Regents. March 12, 2010. LD3323 .E97 2010. Minn. Publication 10-0732.
Mandated by: 2009 Minn. Laws Chap. 95 Art. 1 Sec. 5 Subd. 2(b)http://archive.leg.state.mn.us/docs/2010/mandated/100732.pdf
Getting Financial Aid. College Entrance Examination Board. 2010. Ref LB2342 .G48 2011.
This reference book is available for use in the Library or it may be checked out for a short period of time.
Student Migration Trends: Minnesota's Net Loss of College-Going High School Graduates. Minnesota's Private Colleges. November 2009. LA230 .S78 2009.
The University District Alliance Demonstration Project Activities and Accomplishments. University of Minnesota Board of Regents. 2010. LC238.3.M56 U55 2010. Minn. Publication 10-0733.
Mandated by: 2009 Minn. Laws Chap. 78 Art. 6 Sec. 8 Subd. 3 (Minn. Stat. 137.701)http://archive.leg.state.mn.us/docs/2010/mandated/100733.pdf
Top American Research Universities. The Center for Measuring University Performance. 2009. Ref LB2331.63 .T67 2009.
This reference book is available for use in the Library or it may be checked out for a short period of time.
Report on the State Administration and Performance on the Common Core Assessments of Knowledge and Skills for Teacher Licensure. Minn. Board of Teaching. June 2010. LB1772.M6 R473 2001/2009. Minn. Publication 10-0661.
Mandated by: 2001 Minn. Laws 1st Spl. Sess. Chap. 6 Art. 2 Sec. 7 Subd. 2(d) (Minn. Stat. 122A.18 Subd. 2(d))http://education.state.mn.us/mdeprod/groups/Communications/documents/Report/017707.pdf
Combined Federal / State Disclosure and Election Directory. Federal Election Commission. April 2010. Ref JK1991.C645 2010.
This reference book is available for use in the Library or it may be checked out for a short period of time.
Electricity Savings Opportunities for Home Electronics and Other Plug-In Devices in Minnesota Homes: A Technical and Behavioral Field Assessment. Energy Center of Wisconsin; Minn. Dept. of Commerce. May 2010. C10-0026.
Fuel Data - Retail Purchases (SmartFleet Committee). Minn. Dept. of Administration. July 26, 2010. TL165 .C35 2010. Minn. Publication 10-0774.
Linking Habitat Restoration to Bioenergy: an East-Central Minnesota Partnership. Minn. Dept. of Natural Resources. June 18, 2010. HD9502.5.B543 U635 2010. Minn. Publication 10-0760.
Mandated by: 2007 Minn. Laws Chap. 57 Art. 2 Sec. 3 Subd. 6http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/aboutdnr/reports/legislative/2010_biomass.pdf
The Smart Grid: An Estimation of the Energy and CO2 Benefits. U.S. Dept. of Energy. January 2010. TK3001 .S63 2010.
Annual Report to the Legislature: The Readiness of State Government to Respond to Discharges of Oil or Hazardous Substances. Minn. Dept. of Public Safety. 2010. T55.3.H3 A55 2009. Minn. Publication 10-0766.
Mandated by: 1991 Minn. Laws Chap. 305 Sec. 8 Subd. 4 (Minn. Stat. 115E.08 Subd. 4)http://archive.leg.state.mn.us/docs/2010/mandated/100766.pdf
Contamination Cleanup Grant Program FY 2010/11 Cycle II Report. Minn. Dept. of Employment and Economic Development. July 2010. HC107.M63 E512 2010/2011 cycle 2. Minn. Publication 10-0758.
Mandated by: Minn. Stat. 116J.555 Subd. 2(b)https://www.positivelyminnesota.com/About_Us/Legislative_Focus/Word_Documents/Contamination_Cleanup_Investig
Fire Safety Account Financial Report. Minn. Dept. of Public Safety. 2010. TH9504.M6 F56 2009. Minn. Publication 10-0767.
Mandated by: 2006 Minn. Laws Chap. 217 Sec. 3 Subd. 3 (Minn. Stat. 299F.012 subd. 3)http://archive.leg.state.mn.us/docs/2010/mandated/100767.pdf
Directory of Minnesota Township Officers. Minn. Association of Townships. Ref JS451.M63 M62x 2010/2011.
This reference book is available for use in the Library or it may be checked out for a short period of time.
Annual Report, Minnesota State Fair. Minn. State Agricultural Society. 2010. S77.A2 2009. Minn. Publication 10-0740.
Mandated by: Minn. Stat. 37.06http://archive.leg.state.mn.us/docs/2010/mandated/100740.pdf
Book of the States. Council of State Governments. 2010. Ref JK2403 .B6 2010.
This reference book is available for use in the Library or it may be checked out for a short period of time.
Shepard, Mark. Executive Branch Transfer Authority (Revised). House Research. July 2010. JK6150 .S53 2010. Minn. Publication 10-0764.
Financial Audit Division: Department of Agriculture Network Security Controls: Information Technology Audit. Office of the Legislative Auditor. July 1, 2010. HJ9865 .A27 no. 10-23. Minn. Publication 10-0745.
Financial Audit Division: Department of Management and Budget Banking and Vendor Controls: Internal Control and Compliance Audit. Office of the Legislative Auditor. July 1, 2010. Minn. Publication 10-0744.
Gehring, Matt. Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Updated). House Research. July 2010. KFM5862.6.A25 M35 2010. Minn. Publication 10-0749.
Shepard, Mark. Short Subjects: State Elected Officials' Compensation (Updated). House Research. July 2010. HN79.M6 S56 2010.
State Directory: Administrative Officials. Council of State Governments. 2010. Ref JK2403 .S75 2010.
This reference book is available for use in the Library or it may be checked out for a short period of time.
State Directory: Elective Officials. Council of State Governments. 2010. Ref JK2403 .S73 2010.
This reference book is available for use in the Library or it may be checked out for a short period of time.
Comprehensive Annual Financial Report Ramsey County, Minnesota. Ramsey County. 2010. HJ9012.M6 R212 2009.
Financial Audit Division: Purchasing Card Program Internal Control and Compliance Audit. Office of the Legislative Auditor. July 23, 2010. HJ9865 .A27 no. 10-25. Minn. Publication 10-0770.
General Obligation Bonds Authorized, Issued and Unissued. Minn. Management & Budget. July 19, 2010. HG4948.M6 G46 2010. Minn. Publication 10-0768.
Mandated by: Minn. Stat. 16A.641 Subd. 2http://archive.leg.state.mn.us/docs/2010/mandated/100849.pdf
Audits Conducted by Independent Organization. Minn. Dept. of Human Services. June 2010. RA413.5.U6 A93 2010. Minn. Publication 10-0757.
Mandated by: 2005 Minn. Laws 1st Spl. Sess. Chap. 4 Art. 8 Sec. 4 Subd. 7 (Minn. Stat. 62Q.37 Subd. 7)http://archive.leg.state.mn.us/docs/2010/mandated/100757.pdf
Directory: Licensed, Certified and Registered Health Care Facilities and Services. Minn. Dept. of Health. March 15, 2010. Ref RA981.M6 D56 2010. Minn. Publication 10-0751.
This reference book is available for use in the Library or it may be checked out for a short period of time.
Mayo Clinic Family Health Book. TimeInc Home Entertainment. 2009. Ref RC81 .M47 2009.
This reference book is available for use in the Library or it may be checked out for a short period of time.
Aves, Lynn et al. Regulation of Health and Human Services Facilities (Revised). House Research. June 2010. RA997.5.M6 C58 2010. Minn. Publication 10-0746.
Gabriel, Leo T. and Richard M. Todd. Gaining a Better Understanding of the Costs of Homeownership Programs: A Case Study and Recommendations for Minnesota's Home Ownership Center. Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. HD7287.82.U62 M6 2010.
Neumann, Anita. Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing (Updated). House Research. June 2010. HF5549.5.D7 2010a. Minn. Publication 10-0747.
Metropolitan Agricultural Preserves Program Status Report: Twin Cities Metropolitan Area. Metropolitan Council. May 2010. KFM5639.A342 A4 2009. Minn. Publication 10-0769.
Mandated by: Minn. Stat. 473H.06 Subd. 5http://www.metrocouncil.org/planning/landuse/AgPreservesReport2009.pdf
Shepard, Mark. Reports Mandated by the 2010 Legislature. House Research. June 2010. H62.M55x 2010. Minn. Publication 10-0750.
State Directory: Legislative Leadership, Committees and Staff. Council of State Governments. 2010. Ref JK2403 .S74 2010.
This reference book is available for use in the Library or it may be checked out for a short period of time.
McCormack, Patrick. Short Subjects: Minnesota's Laws on Tastings and Samples of Alcohol (Updated). House Research. June 2010. HN79.M6 S56 2010.
Morse-Kahn, Deborah. The Historic St. Croix Valley: A Guided Tour. Minnesota Historical Society Press. 2010. F612.S2 M67 2010.
Retirement Incentive Utilization Report. Minn. Management & Budget. June 21, 2010. JK6160.P4 R49 2010. Minn. Publication 10-0734.
Mandated by: 2007 Minn. Laws Chap. 134 Art. 11 Sec. 11 Subd. 5 (Minn. Stat. 356.351 Subd. 5)http://archive.leg.state.mn.us/docs/2010/mandated/100734.pdf
Report to the Legislature: Utility Rates Study as Required by Laws of Minnesota, 2009, Chapter 110. Minn. Public Utilities Commission. June 2010. HD2767.M64 R473 2010. Minn. Publication 10-0762.
Mandated by: 2009 Minn. Laws Chap. 110 Sec. 33http://www.puc.state.mn.us/portal/groups/public/documents/pdf_files/012854.pdf
Minnesota Family Investment Program and the Diversionary Work Program: Characteristics of December 2008 Cases and Eligible Adults. Minn. Dept. of Human Services. July 2010. HV98.M6 M566 2009. Minn. Publication 10-0763.
Hirasuna, Donald P. and Thomas F. Stinson. Minnesota's Earned Income Credit Program: Utilization by Current and Former Welfare Households and the Impact of Policy Parameters. Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. December 2009. HJ4653.C73 H573 2009.
Metropolitan Mosquito Control District: 2009 Operational Review and Plans for 2010. Metropolitan Mosquito Control District. 2010. RA640 .M574 2009/2010. Minn. Publication 10-0716.
Shepard, Mark. Minnesota Public Pensions Funding Principles (Updated). House Research. July 2010. JK6160.P4 S543 2010. Minn. Publication 10-0765.
Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission. 2010. GV416.M6 M48 2009. Minn. Publication 10-0714.
Michael, Joel. Short Subjects: Cigarette and Tobacco Excise Taxes and Fees (Updated). House Research. July 2010. HN79.M6 S56 2010.
Manzi, Nina. Use Tax Collection on Income Tax Returns in Other States (Updated). House Research. June 2010. HJ5715.U6 M46 2010. Minn. Publication 10-0748.
Minnesota Motor Vehicle Crash Facts. Minn. Dept. of Public Safety. 2010. Ref HE5614.3.M5 M5a 2009. Minn. Publication 10-0743.
Mandated by: Minn. Stat. 169.10http://www.dps.state.mn.us/OTS/crashdata/crash_facts.asp
This reference book is available for use in the Library or it may be checked out for a short period of time.
Highway 371 North Improvement Project Supplemental Final Environmental Impact Statement. Minn. Dept. of Transportation. July 2010. TE24.M6 T743 2010a.
Minnesota Department of Transportation Debt Financing Management Policy.. Minn. Dept. of Transportation. July 16, 2010. HE196.5 .M57 2010. Minn. Publication 10-0773.
Mandated by: 2010 Minn. Laws Chap. 350 Sec. 3 (Minn. Stat. 167.60)http://archive.leg.state.mn.us/docs/2010/mandated/100773.pdf