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).

Key provisions include: 1. Shift in Oversight: The DEED will now oversee specialized library services for individuals with visual or physical disabilities under an existing cooperative agreement with the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled of the Library of Congress.

1. Advisory Committee Formation:

   • The Commissioner of Employment and Economic Development will appoint a five-member advisory committee, consisting of library users, to guide long-term planning and services.
   • The committee will follow Minnesota Statutes Section 15.059.

2. Electronic Meetings Rules:

   • Meetings may be conducted via telephone or electronic means if all participants can hear one another.
   • The public must have access to the discussion and vote outcomes.
   • At least one committee member must be physically present at a designated meeting location.
   • Roll call votes are required.
   • Remote participation must be allowed when feasible, and associated costs may be charged.

3. Transition of Advisory Committee Members:

   • Existing members appointed by the Commissioner of Education may serve out their terms.
   • Future appointments will be made by the Commissioner of Employment and Economic Development.

4. Repeal of Existing Statutes:

   • The bill repeals sections of Minnesota Statutes 134.31 subdivisions 4a, 6, and 7, which previously assigned library oversight to the Department of Education.

Overall, this bill shifts administrative control of this specialized library from education authorities to an economic and employment-focused department while preserving oversight through advisory committees and ensuring continued accessibility.