HF1467

This bill proposes transferring responsibility for the Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library from the Department of Education to the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). It amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 248.07, by adding provisions for DEED to oversee specialized services for individuals with visual and physical disabilities in coordination with the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled of the Library of Congress.

Key provisions of the bill include: - The Commissioner of Employment and Economic Development must appoint a five-member advisory committee composed of library users to provide guidance on long-term plans and services. - The advisory committee is allowed to hold meetings via telephone or electronic means under specified conditions, ensuring transparency and accessibility for both members and the public. - Members previously appointed by the Commissioner of Education may continue serving until their term ends, after which DEED will handle appointments. - The bill repeals Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 134.31, subdivisions 4a, 6, and 7, which previously placed the library under the Department of Education.

This transition aims to ensure continued support and accessibility for individuals using the Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library under DEED’s administration.