325F.001 APPLICATION OF LAWS 2005, CHAPTER 56, TERMINOLOGY CHANGES.
State agencies shall use the terminology changes specified in Laws 2005, chapter 56, section
1, when printed material and signage are replaced and new printed material and signage are
obtained. State agencies do not have to replace existing printed material and signage to comply
with Laws 2005, chapter 56, sections 1 and 2. Language changes made according to Laws 2005,
chapter 56, sections 1 and 2, shall not expand or exclude eligibility to services.
History: 2005 c 56 s 3

325F.01 ASBESTOS USED IN BUILDING AND REMODELING.
    Subdivision 1. Ban. No person, corporation, partnership, joint venture, firm or association
shall use, sell, deliver or receive, or contract to use, sell, deliver or receive powdered asbestos,
whether in its powdered form or mixed with any other substance, and to be applied with a pressure
sprayer, or in its molded form if asbestos dust will emanate from it due to handling, mixing or
cutting, for purposes of constructing, remodeling or improving any building structure in this state.
    Subd. 2. Criminal penalty. Any violation of the provisions of subdivision 1 shall constitute
a misdemeanor.
History: 1973 c 742 s 1

325F.015 UNSAFE BLEACHERS.
A person shall not manufacture, sell, distribute, or install bleachers within this state that do
not comply with section 16B.616. For purposes of this section, "person" means an individual,
public or private entity, however organized, or a unit of state or local government.
History: 1999 c 250 art 1 s 93

325F.02 MANUFACTURE, STORAGE, OR SALE OF MATCHES.
    Subdivision 1. Safety matches. No person, association, or corporation shall manufacture,
store, offer for sale, sell, or otherwise dispose of, or distribute, white phosphorus, single-dipped,
strike-anywhere matches of the type popularly known as "parlor matches", or any type of
double-dipped matches, unless the bulb or first dip of such match is composed of a so-called safety
or inert composition, nonignitable on an abrasive surface. No person, association, or corporation
shall manufacture, store, sell, offer for sale, or otherwise dispose of, or distribute, matches which
will ignite in a laboratory oven at a temperature of less than 200 degrees Fahrenheit when
subjected in such laboratory oven to a gradually increasing heat and maintained at the before
stated continuous temperature for a period of not less than eight hours, or blazer or so-called wind
matches, whether of the so-called safety or strike-anywhere type.
    Subd. 2. Brands and trademarks. No person, association, or corporation shall offer for
sale, sell or otherwise dispose of, or distribute, any matches, unless the package or container
in which such matches are packed bears, plainly marked on the outside thereof, the name of
the manufacturer and the brand or trademark under which such matches are sold, disposed of,
or distributed.
    Subd. 3. How kept in retail stores. Not more than one case of each brand of matches of any
type or manufacture shall be opened at any one time in any retail store where matches are sold or
otherwise disposed of; nor shall loose boxes, or paper-wrapped packages, of matches be kept on
shelves or stored in retail stores at a height exceeding five feet from the floor.
    Subd. 4. Storage in warehouses. All matches stored in warehouses, excepting manufacturer's
warehouse at place of manufacture, which contain automatic sprinkler equipment, must be kept
only in properly secured cases, and not piled to a height exceeding ten feet from the floor; nor
be stored within a horizontal distance of ten feet from any boiler, furnace, stove, or other like
heating apparatus, nor within a horizontal distance of 25 feet from any explosive material kept
or stored on the same floor.
    Subd. 5. Boxes, how made. All matches shall be packed in boxes or suitable packages,
containing not more than 700 matches in any one box or package; provided, that when more than
300 matches are packed in any one box or package, the matches shall be arranged in two nearly
equal portions, the heads of the matches in the two portions shall be placed in opposite directions;
and all boxes containing 350 or more matches shall have placed over the matches a center holding
or protecting strip, made of chipboard, not less than 1-1/4 inches wide, which shall be flanged
down to hold the matches in position when the box is nested into the shuck or withdrawn from it.
    Subd. 6. Containers or cases; number of boxes or packages; how marked. All match
boxes or packages shall be packed in strong shipping containers or cases; maximum number of
match boxes or packages contained in any one shipping container or case shall not exceed the
following number:

Number of boxes

Numerical number of matches per box

		1/2	gross 700
		1	gross 500
		2	gross 400
		3	gross 300
		5	gross 200
		12	gross 100
		20	gross Over 50 and under 100
		25	gross Under 50

No shipping container or case constructed of fiberboard, corrugated fiberboard, or wood,
nailed or wire-bound, containing matches, shall have a weight, including its contents, exceeding
75 pounds; and no lock-cornered wood case containing matches shall have a weight, including its
contents, exceeding 85 pounds; nor shall any other article or commodity be packed with matches
in any container or case; and all shipping containers or cases containing strike-anywhere matches
shall have plainly marked on the outside thereof the words "strike-anywhere matches," and all
shipping containers or cases containing "strike on box" matches shall have plainly marked on the
outside thereof the words "strike on box matches."
    Subd. 7. Violations; penalties. Any person, association, or corporation violating any of the
provisions of this section shall be fined, for the first offense, not less than $5 nor more than $25
and for each subsequent violation, not less than $25.
History: (6019-6022) 1913 c 99 s 1-4

325F.03 FLAME RESISTANT PUBLIC ASSEMBLY TENTS.
No person, firm or corporation shall establish, maintain or operate any circus, side show,
carnival, tent show, theater, skating rink, dance hall, or a similar exhibition, production,
engagement or offering or other place of assemblage in or under which ten or more persons
may gather for any lawful purpose in any tent, awning or other fabric enclosure unless such
tent, awning or other fabric enclosure, and all auxiliary tents, curtains, drops, awnings and all
decorative materials, are made from a nonflammable material or are treated and maintained in a
flame resistant condition. This section shall not apply to tents used to conduct committal services
on the grounds of a cemetery, nor to tents, awnings or other fabric enclosures erected and used
within a sound stage, or other similar structural enclosure which is equipped with an overhead
automatic sprinkler system.
History: 1975 c 341 s 1

325F.04 FLAME RESISTANT TENTS AND SLEEPING BAGS.
No person, firm or corporation may sell or offer for sale or manufacture for sale in this state
any tent unless all fabrics or pliable materials in the tent are durably flame resistant. No person,
firm or corporation may sell or offer for sale or manufacture for sale in this state any sleeping bag
unless it meets the standards of the commissioner of public safety for flame resistancy. Tents and
sleeping bags shall be conspicuously labeled as being durably flame resistant.
History: 1975 c 341 s 2

325F.05 RULES.
The commissioner of public safety shall act so as to have effective rules concerning standards
for nonflammable, flame resistant and durably resistant materials and for labeling requirements
by January 1, 1976. In order to comply with sections 325F.03 and 325F.04 all materials and
labels must comply with the rules adopted by the commissioner. The commissioner has general
rulemaking power to otherwise implement sections 325F.03 to 325F.07.
History: 1975 c 341 s 3; 1985 c 248 s 70

325F.06 CIVIL PENALTIES.
Any firm or corporation who violates sections 325F.03 to 325F.05 shall be strictly liable
for any damage which occurs to any person as a result of such violation. In addition, any seller
shall refund the full purchase price of any item sold in violation of section 325F.04 upon return of
the item by the buyer.
History: 1975 c 341 s 4

325F.07 CRIMINAL PENALTY.
Any person, firm or corporation which violates sections 325F.03 to 325F.05 is guilty of
a misdemeanor.
History: 1975 c 341 s 5

325F.08 IMPORTATION, MANUFACTURE, SALE OR DISTRIBUTION OF
HAZARDOUS ARTICLES.
No person, firm, corporation, association or agent or employee thereof shall import,
manufacture, sell, hold for sale or distribute a toy or other article intended for use by a child
which presents an electrical, mechanical or thermal hazard or presents a hazard due to toxic, or
flammable properties or properties able to produce asphyxiation or suffocation.
History: 1973 c 467 s 1

325F.09 DEFINITIONS.
(a) "Child" means any person less than 14 years of age;
(b) A toy presents an electrical hazard if, in normal use or when subjected to reasonably
foreseeable damage or abuse, its design or manufacture may cause personal injury or illness
by electrical shock or electrocution;
(c) A toy presents a mechanical hazard if, in normal use or when subjected to reasonably
foreseeable damage or abuse, its design or manufacture presents an unreasonable risk of personal
injury or illness:
(1) from fracture, fragmentation, or disassembly of the article;
(2) from propulsion of the article or any part or accessory thereof;
(3) from points or other protrusions, surfaces, edges, openings, or closures;
(4) from moving parts;
(5) from lack or insufficiency of controls to reduce or stop motion;
(6) as a result of self-adhering characteristics of the article;
(7) because the article or any part or accessory thereof may be aspirated or ingested;
(8) because of instability;
(9) from stuffing material which is not free of dangerous or harmful substances; or
(10) because of any other aspect of the article's design or manufacture.
(d) A toy presents a thermal hazard if, in normal use or when subjected to reasonably
foreseeable damage or abuse, its design or manufacture presents an unreasonable risk of personal
injury or illness because of heat as from heated parts, substances, or surfaces.
(e) "Toxic" means able to produce personal injury or illness to a person through ingestion,
inhalation, or absorption through any body surface and can apply to any substance other than a
radioactive substance.
(f) "Flammable" means having a flash point up to 80 degrees Fahrenheit as determined by
the Tagliabue Open Cup Tester. The flammability of solids and of the contents of self-pressurized
containers shall be determined by methods generally recognized as applicable to the materials or
containers and established by rules issued by the commissioner.
(g) A toy presents a hazard of asphyxiation or suffocation if, in normal use or when subject
to reasonably foreseeable damage or abuse, its design, manufacture or storage presents a risk of
personal injury or illness from interference with normal breathing.
(h) "Commissioner" means commissioner of commerce.
(i) "Inspector" means an inspector of the Department of Commerce.
History: 1973 c 467 s 2; 1983 c 289 s 109; 1984 c 655 art 1 s 57

325F.10 BANNING OF HAZARDOUS ARTICLES; RULES.
The commissioner shall ban from sale or distribution any toy or other article intended for use
by children that presents any of the hazards set out in section 325F.08.
The commissioner shall adopt the rules necessary to carry out the intent of sections 325F.08
to 325F.18. Rules shall insofar as practicable conform to the rules relating to this subject found as
part 191 in the Code of Federal Regulations, title 21.
History: 1973 c 467 s 3; 1983 c 289 s 114; 1985 c 248 s 70

325F.11 TESTING OF ARTICLES TO DETERMINE AND INSURE COMPLIANCE.
The commissioner or an authorized and qualified employee or inspector, may undertake or
provide for testing of toys and other articles as the commissioner, employee, or inspector deems
necessary to determine their safety and fitness for commerce in this state in compliance with
sections 325F.08 to 325F.18. The commissioner may contract or otherwise arrange with any
testing facility, public or private, for testing and reporting the results. The commissioner may, by
rule, require that any toy or other article within the provisions of sections 325F.08 to 325F.18 be
adequately tested by a reputable testing facility, or the manufacturer or distributor of the article,
and that the certified results of the test be filed with the commissioner before the sale, distribution,
or other movement in commerce within this state of the toys or articles. The commissioner may
by rule provide for penalties for the failure to provide test results.
History: 1973 c 467 s 4; 1983 c 289 s 110; 1986 c 444

325F.12 REPURCHASE OF BANNED ARTICLES.
In the case of any article sold by its manufacturer, distributor, or dealer which has been
banned, whether or not it was banned at the time of its sale, the article shall, in accordance with
rules of the commissioner, be repurchased as follows:
(a) The manufacturer of the article shall repurchase it from the person to whom the
manufacturer sold it, and shall refund that person the purchase price paid for the article. If
the manufacturer requires the return of the article in connection with the repurchase of it, the
manufacturer shall also reimburse the person for any reasonable and necessary expenses incurred
in returning it to the manufacturer.
(b) The distributor of any banned article shall repurchase it from the person to whom the
distributor sold it, and shall refund that person the purchase price paid for the article. If the
distributor requires the return of the article in connection with the repurchase of it in accordance
with this clause, the distributor shall reimburse that person for any reasonable and necessary
expenses incurred in returning it to the distributor.
(c) In the case of any banned article sold at retail by a dealer, if the person who purchased it
from the dealer returns it to the dealer, the dealer shall refund the purchase price paid for it and
reimburse the purchaser for any reasonable and necessary transportation charges incurred in
its return.
History: 1973 c 467 s 5; 1983 c 289 s 114; 1985 c 248 s 70; 1986 c 444

325F.13 BANNED HAZARDOUS TOYS; PROHIBITIONS.
No person shall sell, expose for sale, deliver, give away, possess, or introduce or deliver for
introduction into commerce any hazardous toy or article intended to be used by a child or banned
hazardous toy or article intended to be used by a child.
History: 1973 c 467 s 6; 1986 c 444

325F.14 SEIZURES.
The commissioner shall apply to the district court to seize toys presenting hazards when
no other practical method to control the hazard exists. The attorney general shall represent the
commissioner in the district court.
History: 1973 c 467 s 7; 1983 c 289 s 114

325F.15 COMMISSIONER'S RIGHT OF ACCESS TO PREMISES, RECORDS.
For the purpose of administering the provisions of sections 325F.08 to 325F.18, the
commissioner and inspectors shall have access and entry at reasonable times to any premises in
which toys or other articles within the provisions of sections 325F.08 to 325F.18 are held and
shall have access to all records pertinent to the enforcement of sections 325F.08 to 325F.18.
History: 1973 c 467 s 8; 1983 c 289 s 114

325F.16 PENALTIES.
Any person who violates any of the provisions of sections 325F.08 to 325F.18 shall be
guilty of a misdemeanor.
History: 1973 c 467 s 9

325F.17 CITATION.
Sections 325F.08 to 325F.16 may be cited as the "Safe Toys Act."
History: 1973 c 467 s 10

325F.171 CRIB SAFETY.
    Subdivision 1. Definitions. (a) "Commercial user" means any person who deals in cribs or
who otherwise by one's occupation holds oneself out as having knowledge or skill peculiar to
cribs, or any person who is in the business of remanufacturing, retrofitting, selling, leasing,
subletting, or otherwise placing cribs in the stream of commerce.
(b) "Infant" means any person less than 35 inches tall and less than three years of age.
(c) "Crib" means a bed or containment designed to accommodate an infant.
(d) "Full-size crib" means a full-size crib as defined in Code of Federal Regulations, title 16,
section 1508.3, regarding the requirements for full-size cribs.
(e) "Non-full-size crib" means a non-full-size crib as defined in Code of Federal Regulations,
title 16, section 1509.2, regarding the requirements for non-full-size cribs.
(f) "Place in the stream of commerce" means to sell, offer for sale, give away, offer to
give away, or allow to use.
    Subd. 2. Unsafe cribs prohibited. (a) No commercial user may remanufacture, retrofit,
sell, contract to sell or resell, lease, sublet, or otherwise place any unsafe crib in the stream of
commerce on or after January 1, 2006.
(b) On or after January 1, 2006, no person operating a hotel, motel, or lodging establishment
shall provide any unsafe crib to any guest, either with or without charge, for use during the guest's
stay. For the purposes of this paragraph, "hotel," "motel," and "lodging establishment" have
the meanings given them in section 157.15.
(c) A crib is presumed to be unsafe for purposes of this section if it does not conform to the
standards endorsed or established by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission,
including but not limited to Code of Federal Regulations, title 16, and ASTM International,
as follows:
(1) Code of Federal Regulations, title 16, part 1508, and any regulations adopted to amend or
supplement the regulations;
(2) Code of Federal Regulations, title 16, part 1509, and any regulations adopted to amend or
supplement the regulations;
(3) Code of Federal Regulations, title 16, part 1303, and any regulations adopted to amend or
supplement the regulations;
(4) the following standards and specifications of ASTM International for corner posts of
baby cribs and structural integrity of baby cribs:
(i) ASTM F 966 (corner post standard);
(ii) ASTM F 1169 (structural integrity of full-size baby cribs);
(iii) ASTM F 1822 (non-full-size cribs).
(d) A crib is exempt from the provisions of this section if it is not intended for use by an
infant; and at the time of selling, contracting to resell, leasing, subletting, or otherwise placing the
crib in the stream of commerce, the commercial user attaches a written notice to the crib declaring
that it is not intended to be used for an infant and is unsafe for use by an infant. A commercial user
who complies with this paragraph is not liable for use of the crib contrary to the notice provided.
    Subd. 3. Retrofits. (a) An unsafe crib, as determined under subdivision 2, may be retrofitted
if the retrofit has been approved by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission. A
retrofitted crib may be sold if it is accompanied at the time of sale by a notice stating that it is safe
to use for a child under three years of age. The commercial user is responsible for ensuring that
the notice is present with the retrofitted crib at the time of sale. The notice must include:
(1) a description of the original problem that made the crib unsafe;
(2) a description of the retrofit that explains how the original problem was eliminated and
declares that the crib is now safe to use for a child under three years of age; and
(3) the name and address of the commercial user who accomplished the retrofit certifying
that the work was done along with the name and model number of the crib.
(b) A retrofit is exempt from this section if:
(1) the retrofit is for a crib that requires assembly by the consumer, the approved retrofit is
provided with the product by the commercial user, and the retrofit is accompanied at the time
of sale by instructions explaining how to apply the retrofit; or
(2) the seller of a previously unsold product accomplishes the retrofit prior to sale.
    Subd. 4. Exception. A commercial user does not violate this section if the crib placed in the
stream of commerce by the commercial user was not included on the Consumer Product Safety
Commission's list during the entire 14-day period before this placement.
History: 2005 c 139 s 2

325F.18 DUTY OF MANUFACTURER.
    Subdivision 1. Written disclosure. (a) No manufacturer shall sell any building materials and
no builder shall sell or lease to the initial occupant a housing unit, other than a unit of manufactured
housing, containing urea formaldehyde unless the manufacturer or builder has made the following
written disclosure to any purchaser of the materials or housing unit or lessee of the housing unit:
"IMPORTANT HEALTH NOTICE.
SOME OF THE BUILDING MATERIALS USED IN THIS HOME (OR THESE
BUILDING MATERIALS) EMIT FORMALDEHYDE. EYE, NOSE, AND THROAT
IRRITATION, HEADACHE, NAUSEA AND A VARIETY OF ASTHMA-LIKE SYMPTOMS,
INCLUDING SHORTNESS OF BREATH, HAVE BEEN REPORTED AS A RESULT OF
FORMALDEHYDE EXPOSURE. ELDERLY PERSONS AND YOUNG CHILDREN,
AS WELL AS ANYONE WITH A HISTORY OF ASTHMA, ALLERGIES, OR LUNG
PROBLEMS, MAY BE AT GREATER RISK. RESEARCH IS CONTINUING ON THE
POSSIBLE LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF EXPOSURE TO FORMALDEHYDE.
REDUCED VENTILATION MAY ALLOW FORMALDEHYDE AND OTHER
CONTAMINANTS TO ACCUMULATE IN THE INDOOR AIR. HIGH INDOOR
TEMPERATURES AND HUMIDITY RAISE FORMALDEHYDE LEVELS. WHEN A HOME
IS TO BE LOCATED IN AREAS SUBJECT TO EXTREME SUMMER TEMPERATURES, AN
AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEM CAN BE USED TO CONTROL INDOOR TEMPERATURE
LEVELS. OTHER MEANS OF CONTROLLED MECHANICAL VENTILATION CAN
BE USED TO REDUCE LEVELS OF FORMALDEHYDE AND OTHER INDOOR AIR
CONTAMINANTS.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING THE HEALTH EFFECTS OF
FORMALDEHYDE, CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR OR LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT."
(b) No manufacturer shall sell or lease a manufactured home containing urea formaldehyde
unless the manufacturer has made the written disclosure prescribed in Code of Federal
Regulations, title 24, section 3280.309 (1984).
    Subd. 1a. Building materials defined. For the purposes of this section "building materials"
means any urea formaldehyde-containing material used in the construction, insulation, or
renovation of a housing unit or a nonresidential building, but does not include:
(1) draperies, carpeting, furniture and furnishings not normally permanently affixed to
a housing unit; and
(2) noncellular insulation.
    Subd. 2. How disclosure made. The disclosure required by subdivision 1 shall be made
clearly and conspicuously on the label or written warranty of the materials in a manner designed
to attract the attention of a prospective buyer or user. If the product or housing unit has neither
a label nor a written warranty the disclosure shall be made in a separate writing included with
the product or housing unit.
    Subd. 3. Sales, installation, or use subject to disclosure. No person shall sell for use in a
dwelling place building materials subject to the written disclosure requirement of subdivision 1
unless the seller has provided to the purchaser a copy of the written disclosure provided by the
manufacturer. No person shall for gain install or use in a dwelling place building materials subject
to the written disclosure requirement of subdivision 1 unless the installer or user has provided to
the person on whose behalf the materials are installed or used a copy of the written disclosure
provided by the manufacturer.
    Subd. 4. Liability. The manufacturer of a product that contains urea formaldehyde shall pay
the reasonable cost of repair or relocation if the consumer can document that the product used
in constructing the consumer's residence did not, at the time of manufacture, meet the product
standard established in section 325F.181. The builder of a housing unit shall pay the reasonable
cost of repair or relocation if the consumer can document that the builder used products in the
construction of the housing unit that were subject to the product standard adopted under section
325F.181 but were not certified and labeled under section 325F.181. A manufacturer or builder is
not liable under this subdivision unless the consumer has documented medical records of illness
related to formaldehyde and a statement from a physician that the consumer must vacate the
premises. The party who has received the claim has the right to test the housing unit or products
at reasonable times.
If within 30 days after the presentation of the items set forth above the manufacturer or
builder and the consumer do not agree on a remedy the consumer may bring suit to recover
the reasonable cost of repair or relocation plus reasonable attorneys' fees. Notwithstanding the
remedy under this subdivision, the consumer may bring an action for personal injury, if any, if the
action is commenced within one year from the consumer's receipt of the order of a physician to
vacate the premises due to an illness related to formaldehyde.
    Subd. 5.[Repealed, 1985 c 216 s 7]
    Subd. 6. Violation as fraud, misrepresentation, or deceptive practice. Any person who
is found in violation of subdivisions 1 to 3 shall be deemed in violation of section 325F.69,
subdivision 1 , and the provisions of section 8.31 shall apply.
History: 1980 c 594 s 2; 1981 c 245 s 1; 1985 c 216 s 2-4

325F.181 FORMALDEHYDE PRODUCT STANDARD.
All plywood and particleboard used in newly constructed housing units, including
manufactured homes, or sold to the public for use as building materials, shall comply with the
product standards, certification and labeling requirements, and other provisions in Code of Federal
Regulations, title 24, sections 3280.308 and 3280.406 (1984). After February 1, 1986, all medium
density fiberboard used in newly constructed housing units, including manufactured homes, or sold
to the public for use as building materials, shall comply with the product standard, certification
and labeling requirements, and other provisions for particleboard in Code of Federal Regulations,
title 24, section 3280.308 (1984), notwithstanding the fact that medium density fiberboard is not
specifically covered by that regulation. The product standards prescribed in this section may be
modified by rule by the commissioner of health only as provided in section 144.495.
History: 1985 c 216 s 5

325F.19 HOME INSULATION; CONSUMER PROTECTION; DEFINITIONS.
    Subdivision 1. Scope. For the purposes of sections 325F.19 to 325F.24, the following terms
shall have the meanings here given them.
    Subd. 2. Advertisement. "Advertisement" means any written or verbal statement, illustration
or depiction which appears in the mass media, in brochures, leaflets, or circulars, outdoor
advertising, retail displays, or on vehicles, which is designed to cause the sale of or interest in
the purchase of insulation.
    Subd. 3. Commissioner. "Commissioner" means the commissioner of commerce.
    Subd. 4. Industry members. "Industry members" means producers and suppliers of
materials from which insulation is made who promote the sale or distribution of insulation;
manufacturers of insulation; jobbers, wholesalers and retailers of insulation; contractors and
applicators who sell and install residential insulation; and those engaged in the marketing of
insulation who are, or who purport to act as, agents of manufacturers or suppliers of insulation.
    Subd. 5. Insulation. "Insulation" means any material or assembly of materials used primarily
to provide resistance to heat flow in building structures, including but not limited to mineral
fibrous, mineral cellular, organic fibrous, organic cellular or reflective materials, whether in loose
fill, flexible, semirigid or rigid form.
    Subd. 6. Laboratory qualified to test thermal insulation. "Laboratory qualified to test
thermal insulation" means an approved laboratory classified by the commissioner in consultation
with industry members as passing an appropriate examination of ability to perform tests and
continuing inspection or follow-up service according to specifications for manufacture and
installation, also referred to as "testing laboratory."
    Subd. 7. Presenting a clear and present danger. "Presenting a clear and present danger"
means known to cause physical damage to structure or health hazards to occupants through
continuing direct contact or release of a hazardous substance as defined in section 115B.02.
    Subd. 8. R value. "R value" means the measure of resistance to heat flow through a material
or the reciprocal of the heat flow through a material expressed in British thermal units per hour
per square foot per degree Fahrenheit at 75 degrees Fahrenheit mean temperature.
    Subd. 9. Specifications for manufacture and installation. "Specifications for manufacture
and installation" means those specifications in section 325F.20.
History: 1978 c 786 s 4; 1981 c 356 s 201,202; 1983 c 289 s 115 subd 1; 1993 c 367 s
28; 2004 c 228 art 1 s 55

325F.20 SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE MANUFACTURE, LABELING, AND
INSTALLATION OF INSULATION.
    Subdivision 1. Rulemaking. The commissioner shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 14
regarding quality, information, and product safety specifications for the manufacture, labeling,
installation, and thermographing of insulation. The specifications and any amendments to them
shall conform as far as is practical to federal standards or other standards generally accepted
and in use throughout the United States. The standards, with modifications as may be deemed
necessary, may be adopted by reference. The specifications adopted and any amendments shall be
based on the application of scientific principles, approved tests, and professional judgment.
    Subd. 2. Additional insulation prohibition. In addition to the specifications promulgated
pursuant to subdivision 1, no insulation presenting a clear and present danger by the nature of its
composition at the time of installation shall be used or offered for sale in Minnesota.
    Subd. 3. Required information to consumers. The manufacturer's written instructions
describing the proper methods of application of the insulation and required or recommended
safety measures shall be provided to each intermediate and ultimate consumer of all insulation
sold for use in Minnesota within ten days of when the insulation is sold.
History: 1978 c 786 s 5; 1981 c 356 s 203; 1982 c 424 s 130; 1984 c 640 s 32; 1984 c 654
art 2 s 122; 1996 c 305 art 2 s 58

325F.21 TESTING OF INSULATION.
    Subdivision 1. Testing procedures. Upon the adoption of specifications under section
325F.20, subdivision 1, all insulation used or offered for sale in Minnesota shall be tested in
accordance with testing procedures required under those specifications by a laboratory qualified
to test thermal insulation.
    Subd. 2. Sampling by commissioner. The commissioner shall purchase from time to time
unopened insulation packages which shall be sent to an approved testing laboratory to test for
compliance with the specifications established under section 325F.20, subdivision 1.
History: 1978 c 786 s 6; 1981 c 356 s 204

325F.22 UNFAIR AND DECEPTIVE ADVERTISING PRACTICES.
    Subdivision 1. Violations generally. It shall be considered an unfair and deceptive practice
to violate any of the provisions of this section.
    Subd. 2. Fuel savings. No advertisement for insulation to be used or offered for sale in
Minnesota shall state that a percentage of fuel costs or a certain dollar amount of fuel costs will be
saved unless the statement is accompanied by the following or substantially similar disclaimer in
letters the same size as the claim of savings: "Stated savings are estimates only. Actual savings
may vary depending on type of home, weather conditions, occupant lifestyle, energy prices and
other factors."
    Subd. 3. Prohibited claims. No advertisement for insulation to be used or offered for sale
in Minnesota shall contain any claim which is false or misleading, or for which there exists no
reasonable substantiation at the time the claim is made. Prohibited claims include, but are not
limited to, the following: does not burn, noncombustible, self-extinguishing, nonpoisonous,
nonirritating, vermin-proof, rodent-proof, resists mildewing, will not shrink, will not crack,
permanent, no deterioration, complete coverage, fills all voids, never needs replacing, will
not settle. This prohibition shall not apply if the claim is substantiated by tests identified in
the specifications established under section 325F.20, subdivision 1, or by appropriate testing
procedures of the American Society for Testing and Materials where no test required under
section 325F.20, subdivision 1, applies. Such tests shall be made by a laboratory qualified to test
thermal insulation. When tests are not designed to duplicate actual conditions, substantiated
claims must so state.
    Subd. 4. R value representations. No representation about the thermal resistance value of
insulation shall be made unless the R value is given and has been determined by the tests required
in the specification established under section 325F.20, subdivision 1, or by appropriate testing
procedures of the American Society for Testing and Materials where no test required under
section 325F.20, subdivision 1, applies. Such tests shall be made by an approved laboratory
qualified to test thermal insulation.
History: 1978 c 786 s 7

325F.23 MARKING, LABELING, AND CONSUMER INFORMATION.
    Subdivision 1. Required information on containers and wrappings. The outside of all
containers and wrappings of insulation used or offered for sale in Minnesota shall have the
following information printed legibly thereon in bold type not less than one-eighth inch high:
(a) type (pneumatic or blown, pouring, batt, roll, blanket, board, cellular, or reflective);
(b) R value (to the nearest tenth) per inch at the recommended installation density;
(c) required thickness in inches to obtain four or more commonly used R values and the
corresponding coverage areas in square feet of the insulation in the container or wrapping;
(d) expiration date and expected shelf life of all resins, catalysts, and foaming agents for
all foam insulations, whether in powder, diluted or partially diluted state, on canister, drum,
container, or package. For purposes of this section, "foam insulation" means products having an
organic base or composed of vinyl or plastic material or both, which are manufactured or installed
using a process involving a foaming agent, a resin, a catalyst and an air compressor, including
but not limited to urea-formaldehyde, other urea-based foams, urethane foam, polyurethane
foam, polystyrene foam, and isocyanurate foam.
(e) name and address of the manufacturer of the insulation;
(f) a notation of those current specifications of the United States General Services
Administration, the United States Department of Energy, the United States Department of
Housing and Urban Development, the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, the
Federal Trade Commission and the commissioner with which the insulation complies;
(g) the net weight of the contents of the bag, package, or container.
    Subd. 2. Separate statement. Where insulation is used or offered for sale without the
manufacturer's container, the information required in subdivision 1 shall be provided in a separate
printed statement to the intermediate and ultimate consumers.
History: 1978 c 786 s 8; 1981 c 356 s 205

325F.24 ENFORCEMENT; PENALTIES.
    Subdivision 1. Criminal penalty; liability limited. Violation of section 325F.20, subdivision
2 , or 325F.21, subdivision 2 or 3, shall constitute a misdemeanor, provided that the sole liability
for such violation on insulation sold under the manufacturer's brand or trademark shall be the
manufacturer's, and that an industry member who is not a manufacturer shall be liable under
this subdivision only by having actual knowledge or knowledge fairly implied on the basis of
the objective circumstances that the insulation presents a clear and present danger or has not
been subject to the required testing procedures.
    Subd. 2. Criminal penalty. Violation of section 325F.20, subdivision 3, 325F.22, or 325F.23
shall constitute a misdemeanor.
    Subd. 3. Attorney general enforcement. The provisions of section 325F.22 may be enforced
by the attorney general pursuant to section 8.31. The attorney general may recover costs and
disbursements, including costs of investigation and reasonable attorney's fees. In addition to the
remedies otherwise provided by law, any person injured by a violation of section 325F.20, 325F.22,
or 325F.23 may bring a civil action and recover damages together with costs of investigation and
reasonable attorney's fees, and receive other equitable relief as determined by the court. The court
may as appropriate enter a consent judgment or decree without the finding of illegality.
    Subd. 3a. Rulemaking enforcement by commissioner. Rules promulgated by the
commissioner pursuant to sections 325F.20, subdivision 1, and 325F.21, subdivision 1 may be
enforced by the commissioner pursuant to section 216C.30.
    Subd. 4. Remedies cumulative. Remedies taken under this section shall not exclude other
civil or criminal actions under Minnesota Statutes.
History: 1978 c 786 s 9; Ex1979 c 2 s 38; 1981 c 356 s 206,248; 1986 c 444; 1987 c 312
art 1 s 10

325F.245 LANDSCAPE APPLICATION CONTRACTS.
    Subdivision 1. Definitions. For the purposes of this section, the following terms have the
meanings given them:
(a) "Landscape application" means pesticide applications, fertilizer applications, and other
chemical applications of any kind for grass, turf, shrubs, or ornamental plants.
(b) "Commercial application company" means a person or business that provides landscape
application for hire.
    Subd. 2. Written contract required. (a) A contract for landscape application must be in
writing, and must be signed by both the commercial application company and the property owner
or the owner's agent. The contract must, at a minimum, contain the following information:
(1) the name, address, and phone number of the commercial application company;
(2) the total number of the regularly scheduled landscape applications to be performed
each year;
(3) the cost of each regularly scheduled application and the yearly cost for all landscape
applications; and
(4) the ending date of the contract.
(b) The commercial application company shall provide the property owner with a copy of
the written contract.
    Subd. 3. Ending date. (a) Every contract must contain a stated ending date.
(b) To extend service beyond the stated ending date, the commercial application company
and property owner must enter into a separate written contract. The contract must conform in all
respects to the requirements of this section.
    Subd. 4. Annual notice to property owner. If a contract is for more than one year, then the
commercial application company shall each year provide written notice to the property owner that
the contract remains in effect and that landscape applications will resume according to the terms
of the contract. The written notice must be provided to the property owner at least 15 days prior
to the first landscape application of the year.
    Subd. 5. Cancellation of contract. (a) A contract shall be canceled by the property owner
upon the sale of the property that is the subject of the contract. To cancel the contract, the
property owner shall notify the commercial application company that the property owner is
canceling the contract.
(b) The commercial application company shall provide written notice to the property owner,
in the contract or in another manner, that the contract must be canceled upon the sale of the
property.
(c) A contract between a commercial application company and a property owner may not be
enforced by the commercial application company against any subsequent owner of the property.
    Subd. 6. Exclusions. This section does not apply to:
(1) pesticide, fertilizer, or chemical applications for the purpose of producing agricultural
commodities or any commodity for sale;
(2) pesticide applications around or near the foundation of a building for the purpose of
structural or indoor pest control; or
(3) any single or isolated landscape application where the property owner or its agent
verbally consents to the single or isolated application.
    Subd. 7. Penalties and remedies. A person who violates this section is subject to the
penalties and remedies, including a private right of action, as provided in section 8.31.
History: 1989 c 42 s 1

325F.25 DEFINITIONS.
    Subdivision 1. Words, terms and phrases. Unless the language or context clearly indicates
that a different meaning is intended, the words, terms and phrases defined in this section, for the
purposes of sections 325F.25 to 325F.32, shall be given the meanings subjoined to them.
    Subd. 2. Bedding. "Bedding" means any mattress, upholstered spring, comforter, pad,
cushion, or pillow designed and made for use in sleeping or reclining purposes.
    Subd. 3. Person. "Person" includes individuals, corporations, partnerships, joint stock
companies, or other business associations who are manufacturers or dealers in bedding.
    Subd. 4. New. "New" means any material or article that has not previously been used in the
manufacture of bedding articles, or for any other purpose.
    Subd. 5. Secondhand. The term "secondhand" means any material or article that has been
previously used in the manufacture of bedding or for any other purpose.
    Subd. 6. Shoddy. "Shoddy" means any material that has been spun into yarn, knit or woven
into fabric and subsequently cut up, broken up, or ground up.
History: (3976-1) 1929 c 358 s 1; 1980 c 509 s 124; 1987 c 384 art 2 s 1

325F.26 USE OF SECONDHAND MATERIAL FORBIDDEN IN CERTAIN CASES.
No person shall use, in the making or remaking of any article of bedding, any material
that has been used in any private or public hospital, or any material of any kind that has been
used by or about any person having an infectious or contagious disease, or has formed a part of
any article of bedding which has so been used. This section shall not prevent the renovating of
bedding used in any private or public hospital.
History: (3976-2) 1929 c 358 s 2

325F.27 SALE OF BEDDING.
No person shall sell, offer for sale, consign for sale, or possess with intent to sell, or consign
for sale any bedding used in a private or public hospital or any article of bedding that has been
used by or about any person having an infectious or contagious disease.
History: (3976-3) 1929 c 358 s 3; 1986 c 444

325F.28 MATERIAL MUST BE RENOVATED.
No person shall remake or renovate any article of bedding unless all the material to be used
in such remade or renovated bedding shall first be thoroughly sterilized and disinfected by the
methods set out herein, or by any other approved sterilization method:
(1) Dry heat of a temperature of not less than 160 degrees centigrade temperature for not
less than one hour. (A thermometer for registering the temperature visible from the outside of the
room shall be provided where dry heat is used);
(2) Live steam, with subsequent drying of the material over steam coils with a pressure of
not less than 20 pounds of steam for 20 minutes. (A gauge for registering steam pressure visible
from the outside of the room shall be provided where steam under pressure is used and valved
outlets shall be provided near the bottom and also the top of the room in cases where streaming
steam is used);
(3) Formaldehyde and sulphur concurrently in a moist atmosphere for a period of not less
than ten hours. Formaldehyde gas shall be generated from the use of one pint of formaldehyde
solution, 37 percent to each 1,000 cubic feet of air space, or through the use of any of the high
class commercial fumigators which generate an equivalent quantity of gas. Sulphur shall be
from the burning of three pounds of sulphur for each 1,000 cubic feet of air space. The moist
atmosphere shall be produced by thorough sprinkling of the floor of the room with warm water
just prior to the process of disinfection.
The room shall be provided with a separate air inlet and also an exhaust connection, and
shall be equipped with tight dampers or closure gates which can be operated from the outside of
the room. Rooms for disinfection of bedding materials shall be made gas or steam tight. Shelving
for loose bedding materials shall be of lattice or other open construction.
Solid shelves of a type to prevent passage of gas through the materials shall not be permitted.
History: (3976-4) 1929 c 358 s 4

325F.29 SALES FORBIDDEN; EXCEPTIONS; PENALTIES.
No person shall sell, lease, offer to sell or lease, or deliver or consign for sale or lease, or
possess with intent to sell, lease, deliver, or consign for sale or lease, any bedding made, remade,
or renovated in violation of sections 325F.25 to 325F.32 or any second-hand bedding unless since
last used it has been thoroughly sterilized and disinfected as provided under section 325F.28. A
violation of sections 325F.25 to 325F.32 is a misdemeanor. The penalty provisions of section 8.31
shall apply when any person is found to have violated sections 325F.25 to 325F.32.
History: (3976-7) 1929 c 358 s 7; 1975 c 350 s 1; 1986 c 444

325F.30 SHODDY MATERIAL TO BE LABELED.
No person, as principal or by agents, servants, or employees, shall make or sell, or offer to
sell, deliver, or consign for sale, or possess with intent to sell, deliver, or consign for sale any
bedding made of material that has theretofore been used as a container for or in contact with
any animal or vegetable matter or any material defined as shoddy, unless the bedding shall be
labeled as such, or any material that has theretofore been used unless the same shall have been
cleaned and sterilized.
History: (3976-8) 1929 c 358 s 8; 1986 c 444

325F.31 BEDDING TO BE LABELED.
No person shall make or remake, or sell, offer for sale, consign for sale, or possess with
intent to sell, offer for sale, or consign for sale any article of bedding unless the same is labeled
as follows:
On each article of bedding a label of durable material not less than three by 4-1/2 inches in
size shall be displayed, upon which shall be in plain print, in the English language, a description
of the material used as filling of such article of bedding; and, if such material, or any portion
thereof, shall not have been previously used, the words "manufactured of new material" shall
appear upon the label, together with the name and address of the maker or vendor thereof. If
any of the material used in the making or remaking of such article of bedding shall have been
previously used, the words "manufactured of secondhand material" or "remade of second-hand
material", as the case may be, shall appear upon the label, together with the name and address
of the maker or vendor thereof, and also a description of the material used in the filling of such
article of bedding. On any article of bedding, not remade, but which has been previously used, the
words "secondhand materials used in filling not known" shall appear upon the label, together with
the name and address of the vendor thereof.
The statement required under this section shall be in form as follows:
"OFFICIAL STATEMENT
Materials used in filling ...............
Made by..................................
Vendor ..................................
Address .................................
This article is made in compliance with Minnesota Statutes, sections 325F.25 to 325F.32."
The statement of compliance required in the foregoing official statement shall not be
construed to imply that it is prohibited to state also that the article of bedding is made in
compliance with any act or acts of other states.
The words "manufactured of new material", or "manufactured of secondhand material," or
any article of bedding not remade, "secondhand materials used in filling not known," together
with the description of the material used as filling of an article of bedding, shall be in letters not
less than one-eighth of an inch in height. No term or description likely to mislead shall be used
on any label to describe material used in the filling of any article of bedding. The label shall be
attached to each mattress, pad, or upholstered spring by sewing all four edges of the label.
History: (3976-9) 1929 c 358 s 9; Ex1967 c 1 s 6; 1969 c 421 s 1; 1975 c 350 s 2; 1986 c
444; 1987 c 384 art 2 s 1

325F.32 FEATHERS TO BE RENOVATED.
Feathers used in making, remaking, or renovating new or secondhand bedding shall be
thoroughly cured, sterilized, or disinfected.
History: (3976-10) 1929 c 358 s 10

325F.33 [Repealed, 1Sp1981 c 4 art 1 s 158]

325F.34 TESTIMONY; PRODUCTION OF BOOKS AND DOCUMENTS.
No person shall be excused from attending and testifying or from producing books, papers,
contracts, agreements, and documents in any case or proceedings instituted or brought under
the provisions of sections 325F.25 to 325F.32, or in obedience to a subpoena, in any such case
or proceedings, on the ground or for the reason that the testimony or evidence, documentary
or otherwise, required of the person may tend to criminate or subject the person to a penalty
or forfeiture; but no person shall be prosecuted or subjected to any penalty or forfeiture for
or on account of any transaction, matter, or thing concerning which the person may testify, or
produce evidence, documentary or otherwise, in any such case or proceedings, or in obedience to
a subpoena, in any such case or proceedings.
History: (3976-47) 1939 c 403 s 5; 1941 c 326 s 5; 1Sp1981 c 4 art 1 s 159; 1986 c 444

325F.35 DEFINITIONS.
    Subdivision 1. Words, terms and phrases. Unless the language or context clearly indicates
that a different meaning is intended, the words, terms and phrases defined in this section, for the
purposes of sections 325F.35 to 325F.39, shall be given the meanings subjoined to them.
    Subd. 2. Cotton duck or canvas. "Cotton duck" or "canvas" includes all cotton duck or
canvas, whether single filling, double filling, army roll, or wide duck.
    Subd. 3. Yard. The equivalent of 36 inches in length by 29 inches in width, or 7-1/4 square
feet, of cotton duck or canvas shall constitute a yard.
    Subd. 4. Ounce. An "ounce" shall be 1/16 of a pound avoirdupois.
History: (3966, 3967) 1913 c 169 s 1,2; 1980 c 509 s 24

325F.36 MANUFACTURE AND SALE OF COTTON DUCK OR CANVAS; STAMPS,
BRANDS, AND MARKS.
Any person, company, or corporation who shall manufacture for sale, or who may offer or
expose for sale, any cotton duck or canvas or any article, other than clothing and wearing apparel,
composed or made, in whole or in part, of cotton duck or canvas, shall distinctly and durably
stamp, brand, or mark thereon the true and correct weight of such cotton duck or canvas, by
ounces per yard, together with a description by name of any filler or other preparation placed in or
on the cotton duck or canvas since its manufacture.
History: (3968) 1913 c 167 s 3

325F.37 CERTAIN SALES UNLAWFUL; MISSTATEMENTS FORBIDDEN.
It shall be unlawful for any person or corporation, either individually or in any representative
capacity, to carry for sale, sell, or endeavor to sell any cotton duck or canvas or any articles other
than clothing and wearing apparel, composed or made, in whole or in part, of any cotton duck or
canvas without having marked thereon the true and correct weight of the canvas or cotton duck,
by ounces per yard, together with a description by name of any filler or other preparation placed
in or on the cotton duck or canvas since its manufacture, or to misstate, misrepresent, or conceal
the true weight of the canvas or cotton duck, by ounces per yard, or to misstate, misrepresent,
or conceal the existence of any filler or other preparation placed in or on the cotton duck or
canvas since its manufacture.
History: (3969) 1913 c 167 s 4

325F.38 [Repealed, 2003 c 4 s 1]

325F.39 UNLAWFUL TO DEFACE MARK.
It shall be unlawful for any person to deface, mutilate, obscure, conceal, efface, cancel, or
remove any mark provided for by sections 325F.35 to 325F.39, or cause or permit the same to
be done with intent to mislead, deceive, or to violate any of the provisions of sections 325F.35
to 325F.39.
History: (3971) 1913 c 167 s 6

325F.40 VIOLATIONS; PENALTIES.
Any person, company, or corporation violating any of the provisions of sections 325F.35 to
325F.39 is guilty of a misdemeanor.
History: (3972) 1913 c 167 s 7; 1961 c 561 s 10; 1973 c 151 s 3; 1987 c 329 s 21; 2005
c 10 art 3 s 17

325F.41 TESTIMONY; PRODUCTION OF BOOKS AND DOCUMENTS.
No person shall be excused from attending and testifying or from producing books, papers,
contracts, agreements, and documents in any case or proceedings instituted or brought under the
provisions of section 325F.40, or in obedience to a subpoena, in any such case or proceedings, on
the ground or for the reason that the testimony or evidence, documentary or otherwise, required of
the person may tend to criminate or subject the person to a penalty or forfeiture; but no person shall
be prosecuted or subjected to any penalty or forfeiture for or on account of any transaction, matter,
or thing concerning which the person may testify, or produce evidence, documentary or otherwise,
in any such case or proceedings, or in obedience to a subpoena, in any such case or proceedings.
History: (3976-47) 1939 c 403 s 5; 1941 c 326 s 5; 1986 c 444

325F.42 FRAUD IN THE SALE OF WEARING APPAREL.
    Subdivision 1. Fur constituent part. Articles of wearing apparel of which fur is a constituent
part shall not be sold or offered for sale at retail in the state under any false or deceptive name.
    Subd. 2. False and deceptive name. For the purposes of this section, "false or deceptive
name" means a name which implies that the fur which is a constituent part of the article is of
substantially greater value than the fur which is actually used.
    Subd. 3. Identifying tag attached to garment. The fur which is a constituent part of any
article of wearing apparel sold or offered for sale at retail shall be identified by its true name, and
its trade name, if any, upon a tag or ticket prominently attached or displayed on the garment and
shall be identified further by its true name, and its tradename, if any contained on a sales slip or
invoice delivered to the purchaser at the time of sale.
    Subd. 4. Violations and penalty. Any person who violates any of the provisions of this
section shall be guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
History: 1949 c 203 s 1-4

325F.43 IMITATION INDIAN-MADE GOODS TO BE BRANDED.
All goods, wares, and merchandise known as moccasins, bead work, birchbark baskets,
deerskin work, grass rugs, sweet grass baskets, and other goods which are manufactured or
produced in imitation of genuine American Indian-made goods, wares, or merchandise shall be
branded, labeled, or marked, as hereinafter provided, before being exposed for sale and shall not
be exposed or sold without such brand, label, or mark thereon. For purposes of this section,
Indian-made goods are those made exclusively by persons who are of at least one-quarter Indian
blood or who are listed on the rolls of the United States Bureau of Indian Affairs as Indians.
History: (3976-61) 1937 c 196 s 1; 1973 c 151 s 1

325F.44 BRAND.
The brand, label, or mark required by section 325F.43 shall be the words "not Indian-made"
and shall be placed or attached outside of and on a conspicuous part of the finished article so as to
be plainly visible to the purchasing public, and shall be the size and style known as great primer
Roman capitals. Such brand or mark, if the article will permit, shall be placed upon it, but when
such branding or marking is impossible a label shall be used and attached thereto.
History: (3976-62) 1937 c 196 s 2; 1973 c 151 s 2

325F.45 GOODS NOT TO BE SOLD WITHOUT BRAND.
No person shall sell, offer for sale, or have in possession for the purpose of sale, imitation
goods, wares, or merchandise described in section 325F.43 without the brand, label, or mark
required by sections 325F.43 and 325F.44 being placed thereon or attached thereto, or remove,
conceal, or deface such brand, label, or mark.
History: (3976-63) 1937 c 196 s 3

325F.46 REMEDIES.
    Subdivision 1. Civil remedy. Any person injured by a violation of sections 325F.43 to
325F.45 may bring a civil action and recover damages, together with costs and disbursements,
including reasonable attorney's fees, and receive other equitable relief as determined by the court.
    Subd. 2. Criminal penalty. Any person who knowingly violates the provisions of sections
325F.43 to 325F.45 shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
    Subd. 3. Other remedies. The provisions of this section shall not be construed as restricting
or precluding other remedies at law.
History: 1973 c 151 s 4; 1981 c 267 s 1

325F.47 MISREPRESENTATION OF BLIND-MADE ARTICLES OR PRODUCTS.
    Subdivision 1. Prohibition; interpretation. No person shall sell or offer for sale on either
wholesale or retail levels within the state of Minnesota, any article or product which is said or
represented to have been "blind-made" or with a connotation or an association with blindness
unless such article or product shall have been made, processed, or repaired within the limits of
the following specifications:
(a) Blind labor shall mean such work which has been expended by individuals whose central
visual acuity does not exceed 20/200 in the better eye, with correcting lenses, or whose visual
acuity is greater than 20/200 but with a limitation in the field of vision, such that the widest
diameter of the visual field subtends an angle no greater than 20 degrees as determined by an
eye specialist.
(b) A "blind-made" article or product shall mean that at least 75 percent of the hours of direct
labor expended in the preparation, processing, packaging, or improvement of an article or product,
excluding the supervision, inspection, administration, or shipping, shall have been performed by a
person or persons whose visual acuity falls within the definition of blindness described above.
    Subd. 2. Labeling requirement. Any article or product which is sold or offered for sale in
this state as a blind-made product shall include in its labeling the name of its manufacturer.
    Subd. 3. Criminal penalty. Any person, firm, or agency that willfully violates any provision
of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
History: 1957 c 544 s 1-3

325F.48 PRISON-MADE GOODS ARE SUBJECT TO LAWS OF STATE.
All goods, wares, and merchandise manufactured, produced, or mined, wholly or in part by
convicts or prisoners (except convicts or prisoners on parole or probation), or in any penal or
reformatory institutions, transported into the state and remaining therein for use, consumption,
sale, or storage, shall, upon arrival and delivery in the state, be subject to the operation and effect
of the laws of the state, to the same extent and in the same manner as though such goods, wares,
and merchandise had been manufactured, produced, or mined in the state, and shall not be exempt
therefrom by reason of being introduced in the original package or otherwise.
History: (3976-21) 1935 c 267 s 1

325F.49 [Repealed, 1Sp1981 c 4 art 1 s 191]

325F.50 [Repealed, 1Sp1981 c 4 art 1 s 191]

325F.51 OPERATION OF AIRPORT FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGES.
    Subdivision 1. Posted disclosures. No foreign currency exchange shall be operated at an
airport in this state unless a conspicuously posted and easily legible sign on the premises discloses
(1) the corporate or business name of the operator of the facility; and
(2) the facility's current rates for buying and selling all foreign currencies traded.
    Subd. 2. Remedies. A violation of this section is subject to the remedies provided in section
8.31.
History: 1978 c 590 s 1

325F.52 [Renumbered 325F.73]

325F.53 RETAIL MERCHANDISE; PRICE MARKING.
    Subdivision 1. Requirements. In any store primarily engaged in the sale of grocery products
at retail using an electronic or magnetic scanner to read the price of grocery products presented
for check-out, every canned, bottled, boxed or bagged item of merchandise sold or offered for sale
at retail shall have the selling price in arabic numerals clearly affixed to each item by a stamp,
tag, label or other conspicuous marking device when electronically or magnetically scanned for
check-out unless the price of the item is conspicuously displayed where the item is shelved and
the store provides a means by which the customer may mark individual items. If a grocery product
is canned, bottled, boxed or bagged, but sold in quantities of more than one in the containers in
which the product came from the manufacturer or distributor, the price may be marked on the
outer containers rather than on each individual item.
    Subd. 2. Nonapplication. Subdivision 1 does not apply to:
(a) food items intended to be consumed on or about the retail premises;
(b) grocery products sold by a store primarily engaged in the sale of grocery products at
retail which are under three cubic inches in size, weigh less than three ounces, and are priced
under 30 cents;
(c) grocery products sold by a store primarily engaged in the sale of grocery products offered
for a period of seven days or less on sale in good faith at a price below the price such merchandise
is usually sold for in the store, provided that the sale price is clearly indicated to the consumer by
conspicuous sign or otherwise, located at or near the point of sale of such merchandise;
(d) cigarettes, cigars, tobacco and tobacco products with a retail price of $1 or less;
(e) items actually sold through vending machines; and
(f) any type of grocery product sold by a store primarily engaged in the sale of grocery
products which is not marked in accordance with the uniform products code or any similar
marking system designed to be scanned by electronic or magnetic check-out equipment.
    Subd. 3. Retailer exemptions. In addition to the exemptions allowed in subdivision 2, a
retailer may choose to not individually price mark not more than 25 classes of items or individual
items which classes or items shall be set forth on a list posted in a conspicuous place in the retail
store, and may choose to not individually price mark not more than 25 additional classes of items
or individual items which are advertised or featured at a reduced price.
History: 1978 c 737 s 1

325F.54 PENALTIES.
(a) Knowingly and willfully failing to have a clearly readable price indicated on more than
six individual items of the same commodity shall constitute a petty misdemeanor and each
commodity not priced in compliance with sections 325F.53 to 325F.55 shall constitute a separate
violation. Each day that a violation continues shall also constitute a separate violation;
(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any person may bring an action to enjoin
a violation of sections 325F.53 to 325F.55.
History: 1978 c 737 s 2

325F.55 LOCAL ORDINANCE PREEMPTED.
No subordinate unit of government may adopt or enforce any rule or ordinance requiring
individually marked prices on retail merchandise other than that contained in sections 325F.53
to 325F.55.
History: 1978 c 737 s 3

325F.56 DEFINITIONS.
    Subdivision 1. Scope. For the purposes of sections 325F.56 to 325F.66, the following terms
have the meanings given them.
    Subd. 2. Repairs. "Repairs" means work performed for a total price of more than $100
and less than $7,500, including the price of parts and materials, to restore a malfunctioning,
defective, or worn motor vehicle, appliance, or dwelling place used primarily for personal, family,
or household purposes and not primarily for business or agricultural purposes. "Repairs" do not
include service calls or estimates.
    Subd. 3. Motor vehicle. "Motor vehicle" means a vehicle which is self-propelled.
    Subd. 4. Appliance. "Appliance" means any electrical, mechanical, or thermal device or
machine.
    Subd. 5. Dwelling place. "Dwelling place" means a room, apartment, or structure in which
one or more persons live or any fixture thereof.
    Subd. 6. Shop. "Shop" means an individual, corporation, partnership, or any other form
of business organization which derives income, in whole or part, by engaging in the business
of repairs.
    Subd. 7. Customer. "Customer" means a customer of a shop and the agents of a customer.
    Subd. 8. Written estimate. "Written estimate" means a writing which includes:
(a) the name and address of the shop;
(b) a description of the problem to be repaired as described by the customer and any specific
repair requested by the customer;
(c) the charges for parts or materials listed with reasonable particularity and indicating
whether the parts are new, used, rebuilt, reconditioned, or replated if this information is known by
the shop. If parts, other than window glass, used in the repair are new parts, the estimate must
indicate whether or not those parts are original equipment parts;
(d) a reasonable storage fee, if the shop imposes a fee for storage;
(e) labor charges;
(f) tax;
(g) any delivery charge;
(h) any other charges; and
(i) the total estimated price.
History: 1978 c 710 s 1; 1987 c 64 s 3; 1988 c 444 s 1; 1996 c 384 s 4

325F.57 SERVICE CALLS.
A shop may impose a towing, minimum, or other service charge for making a call at a place
other than the shop. The service charge may be imposed in addition to any charges for making
an estimate or performing repairs, and it may be imposed even though no estimate is made or
repairs performed. Upon the request of the customer, the shop shall inform the customer before
making a service call that a service charge will be imposed and the basis on which the charge
will be calculated.
History: 1978 c 710 s 2

325F.58 ESTIMATES.
    Subdivision 1. Written estimate required; contents. Upon the request of a customer for a
written estimate and prior to the commencement of repairs, a shop shall provide the customer
with a written estimate. The shop shall include in the estimate all the parts and materials and
labor which in the standard practice of the trade or industry would normally be included in the
repairs for which the estimate was requested.
    Subd. 2. Authorized charge. A shop may impose an additional charge for making a written
estimate, and the charge may include charges for disassembly, diagnosis, and reassembly
necessary to make the estimate. However, a shop shall not impose a charge for making an estimate
unless the shop informs the customer that there will be a charge and the basis on which the charge
will be calculated before making the estimate and receives authorization to make the estimate.
    Subd. 3. Notice of other charges. At the time a shop provides a customer with a written
estimate, the shop shall inform the customer that any charge for storage or care, a service call or a
charge for making an estimate shall be in addition to the estimated price for the repairs.
    Subd. 4. Shop duties. At the option of the customer and upon the customer's authorization a
shop which provides a written estimate shall:
(a) if the customer elects and the shop undertakes the repairs, perform the repairs described
in the estimate; or
(b) return the unrepaired motor vehicle, appliance, or dwelling place as close as possible to
its former condition and release the motor vehicle or appliance to the customer upon payment of
any charges for making the estimate or a service call.
    Subd. 5. Limitation. A shop is not required to provide a written estimate for repairs or
service calls it does not agree to perform.
    Subd. 6. Authorized charges. If a shop provides a written estimate of the price of repairs,
it shall not charge more than 110 percent of the total price stated in its estimate for the repairs;
except if a shop after commencing repairs determines that additional work is necessary to
accomplish repairs that are the subject of a written estimate and if the shop did not unreasonably
fail to disclose the possible need for the additional work when the estimate was made, the shop
may charge more than 110 percent of the estimate for the repairs if the shop immediately provides
the customer a revised written estimate pursuant to this section and receives authorization to
continue with the repairs. If continuation of the repairs is not authorized, the shop shall return the
motor vehicle, appliance, or dwelling place as close as possible to its former condition or place it
in a mutually agreed upon condition and shall release the item to the customer upon payment of
charges for repairs actually performed and not in excess of 110 percent of the original estimate.
Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed to authorize repair charges in excess of reasonable
charges for parts and materials and labor.
    Subd. 7. Alternative compliance. The requirement of a written estimate in sections 325F.56
to 325F.66 is fulfilled if a shop orally communicates the contents of a required writing to the
customer prior to commencing repairs and provides the writing to the customer upon completion
of the repairs. If the contents are orally communicated, the shop shall make a notation on the
writing of the date, time, and telephone number called, if any, and the name of the person who
receives the information and orally authorizes the making of the estimated repairs.
    Subd. 8. Additional repairs. If a shop after commencing repairs determines that additional
repairs not previously authorized are necessary, the shop may perform the additional repairs if it
complies with this section. A customer shall have a right to request a written estimate before any
additional repairs are commenced on the motor vehicle, appliance, or dwelling place regardless of
whether the customer requested a written estimate of the price of the original repairs.
History: 1978 c 710 s 3; 1986 c 444; 1988 c 444 s 2

325F.59 REPAIRS.
No shop shall charge for unauthorized repairs. No shop shall perform repairs it knows or
has reason to know are unnecessary to the restoration of a motor vehicle, appliance, or dwelling
place unless the customer authorizes the repairs after the shop informs the customer that they
are unnecessary.
History: 1978 c 710 s 4

325F.60 INVOICE.
    Subdivision 1. Definition; requirements. Notwithstanding the provisions of section
325F.56, subdivision 2, for the purpose of this section "repair" means work of any value
performed under a manufacturer's warranty, a service contract, or an insurance policy; or
any repair work performed for a total value of more than $50, including the price of parts and
materials, to restore a malfunctioning, defective, or worn motor vehicle, appliance, or dwelling
place used primarily for personal, family, or household purposes and not primarily for business or
agricultural purposes. "Repairs" do not include service calls or estimates. Upon completion of
repairs, a shop shall provide the customer with a copy of a dated invoice for the repairs performed.
If the customer receives a repaired motor vehicle or appliance without face to face contact with
the shop, the shop shall mail the invoice to the customer within two business days after the shop
has knowledge of removal of the item. The invoice shall contain the following information:
(a) the date of repair;
(b) the name and address of the shop;
(c) a description of all repairs performed;
(d) an itemization of the charges for parts, materials, labor, tax, delivery, storage or care, and
any other charges assessed against the customer;
(e) a notation specifying which parts, if any, are new, used, rebuilt, reconditioned, or replated
if that information is known by the shop. If parts, other than window glass, used in the repair are
new parts, the invoice must indicate whether or not those parts are original equipment parts;
(f) a statement of any charge for storage or care, a service call or for making an estimate;
(g) a statement of the odometer reading at the time a motor vehicle is presented for repairs;
and
(h) a statement of the symptoms, as described by the customer, for which the repairs were
sought.
    Subd. 2. Estimate as invoice. A written estimate may be used as an invoice if the required
invoice information is written on the face of the estimate.
History: 1978 c 710 s 5; 1981 c 134 s 1; 1987 c 64 s 4; 1988 c 444 s 3

325F.61 RETURN OF PROPERTY.
A shop shall return to a customer, upon reasonable demand, the customer's repaired motor
vehicle or appliance if the customer pays the shop's bill except the proportion of the bill which
represents:
(a) repairs, service calls, or estimates which were performed but not authorized;
(b) charges for service calls or for making estimates which exceed the charges disclosed to
the customer prior to the service call or estimate; or
(c) charges for repairs which exceed 110 percent of charges authorized for repairs by the
customer pursuant to section 325F.58, subdivision 6, plus 110 percent of the sum of the total prices
in written estimates given in connection with repairs. Nothing in this section shall be construed to
authorize repair charges in excess of reasonable charges for parts and materials and labor.
History: 1978 c 710 s 6

325F.62 REQUIRED SHOP PRACTICES.
    Subdivision 1. Return of replaced parts. If a customer makes a request before repairs are
commenced, the shop shall return replaced parts to the customer, except parts which the shop is
required to return to the manufacturer, distributor, or other person under a warranty or exchange
arrangement, is required to retain pursuant to law, or is necessary for pending litigation. The
customer shall be given an opportunity to examine warranty or exchange parts for a period of
five business days after completion of repairs.
    Subd. 2. Record retention, inspection, and copying. When repairs are performed, a shop
shall retain for at least one year the name and address of the customer, any written estimates and
the repair invoice. The records shall be available for reasonable inspection and copying by law
enforcement officials upon reasonable prior notice and during regular business hours. Upon
payment to a shop of any reasonable costs of reproduction, a customer shall have the right to a
copy of documents retained by the shop reflecting any repair transaction to which the customer
was a party.
    Subd. 3. Required notice to be displayed. Each shop shall conspicuously display a sign
that states the following: "Upon a customer's request, this shop is required to provide a written
estimate for repairs costing $100 to $7,500 if the shop agrees to perform the repairs. The
shop's final price cannot exceed its written estimate by more than ten percent without the prior
authorization of the customer. You must request that the estimate be in writing. An oral estimate is
not subject to the above repair cost limitations. If the shop charges a fee for the storage or care
of repaired motor vehicles or appliances, the shop shall conspicuously display a sign that states
the amount assessed for storage or care, when the charge begins to accrue, and the interval of
time between assessments."
History: 1978 c 710 s 7; 1988 c 444 s 4; 1996 c 384 s 5

325F.63 REMEDIES; PENALTIES.
    Subdivision 1. Return of goods to customer. A violation of section 325F.61 shall entitle
the customer to the return of the repaired motor vehicle or appliance without payment of the
unauthorized or excess charges, or to consequential damages, reasonable attorney's fees as
determined by the court, and punitive damages not to exceed three times the total charges.
Acceptance by the shop of the amount offered by the customer shall not be an admission that the
amount offered is the true and correct amount owing and payable.
    Subd. 2. Failure to return parts. If a shop refuses return of a customer's replaced parts in
violation of section 325F.62, subdivision 1 despite a timely request, the shop shall be liable
for the reasonable value of the parts.
    Subd. 3. Violation as fraud, misrepresentation, or deceptive practice. Any violation
of sections 325F.56 to 325F.66 shall be deemed a violation of section 325F.69, subdivision 1,
and the provisions of section 8.31, shall apply.
    Subd. 4. Remedies cumulative. The remedies of this section are to be construed as
cumulative in addition to those provided by the common law and other statutes of this state.
History: 1978 c 710 s 8

325F.64 EXEMPTIONS.
    Subdivision 1. Insurance or service contracts. Sections 325F.57 to 325F.59 and 325F.61 to
325F.66 shall not apply if an insurer or service contract company pays up to 90 percent of the
charge for repairs or pays a charge for repairs above a deductible amount specified in an insurance
agreement or service contract.
    Subd. 2. Free repairs. Sections 325F.57 to 325F.59 and 325F.61 to 325F.66 shall not apply
when repairs are performed free of charge to the customer under warranty.
History: 1978 c 710 s 9; 1981 c 134 s 2

325F.65 PREEMPTION BY STATE.
The provisions of sections 325F.56 to 325F.66 shall be construed to supersede local
ordinances regulating repairs, service calls, and estimates except for more restrictive regulation.
History: 1978 c 710 s 10

325F.66 TITLE.
Sections 325F.56 to 325F.65 may be cited as the Truth in Repairs Act.
History: 1978 c 710 s 11

325F.662 SALE OF USED MOTOR VEHICLES.
    Subdivision 1. Definitions. For the purposes of this section, the following terms have the
meanings given to them.
(a) "Consumer" means the purchaser, other than for purposes of resale, of a used motor
vehicle used primarily for personal, family, or household purposes.
(b) "Dealer" means a motor vehicle dealer or lessor, as defined in section 168.27,
subdivisions 2, 3, and 4 , whether licensed or unlicensed, or the dealer's or lessor's agent, who is
engaged in the business of selling or arranging the sale of used motor vehicles in this state; except
that, the term does not include a bank or financial institution, a business selling a used motor
vehicle to an employee of that business, a lessor selling, either directly or indirectly, a leased used
motor vehicle to that vehicle's lessee or a family member or employee of the lessee, or a licensed
auctioneer selling motor vehicles at an auction if, in the ordinary course of the auctioneer's
business, the sale of motor vehicles is incidental to the sale of other real or personal property.
(c) "Motor vehicle" means a passenger automobile, as defined in section 168.011, subdivision
7 , including pickup trucks and vans.
(d) "Used motor vehicle" means any motor vehicle which has been driven more than the
limited use necessary in moving or road testing a new motor vehicle prior to delivery to a
consumer. The term does not include a new motor vehicle sold by a dealer franchised to sell the
vehicle if the vehicle was driven for demonstration purposes using dealer plates and if, when the
vehicle was sold, it carried a manufacturer's express warranty which provides coverage at least as
broad with respect to covered components and duration as that required by this section.
(e) "Express warranty" means a dealer's written statement, as defined in section 325G.17,
subdivision 5 , provided to a consumer in connection with the sale of a used motor vehicle.
(f) "Buyer's Guide" means the window form required by the Federal Trade Commission's
"Used Motor Vehicle Trade Regulation Rule," Code of Federal Regulations, title 16, section 455.2.
    Subd. 2. Written warranty required. (a) Every used motor vehicle sold by a dealer is
covered by an express warranty which the dealer shall provide to the consumer. At a minimum,
the express warranty applies for the following terms:
(1) if the used motor vehicle has less than 36,000 miles, the warranty must remain in effect
for at least 60 days or 2,500 miles, whichever comes first;
(2) if the used motor vehicle has 36,000 miles or more, but less than 75,000 miles, the
warranty must remain in effect for at least 30 days or 1,000 miles, whichever comes first.
(b) The express warranty must require the dealer, in the event of a malfunction, defect, or
failure in a covered part, to repair or replace the covered part, or at the dealer's election, to accept
return of the used motor vehicle from the consumer and provide a refund to the consumer.
(c) For used motor vehicles with less than 36,000 miles, the dealer's express warranty shall
cover, at minimum, the following parts:
(1) with respect to the engine, all lubricated parts, intake manifolds, engine block, cylinder
head, rotary engine housings, and ring gear;
(2) with respect to the transmission, the automatic transmission case, internal parts, and the
torque converter; or, the manual transmission case, and the internal parts;
(3) with respect to the drive axle, the axle housings and internal parts, axle shafts, drive
shafts and output shafts, and universal joints; but excluding the secondary drive axle on vehicles,
other than passenger vans, mounted on a truck chassis;
(4) with respect to the brakes, the master cylinder, vacuum assist booster, wheel cylinders,
hydraulic lines and fittings, and disc brakes calipers;
(5) with respect to the steering, the steering gear housing and all internal parts, power
steering pump, valve body, piston, and rack;
(6) the water pump;
(7) the externally-mounted mechanical fuel pump;
(8) the radiator;
(9) the alternator, generator, and starter.
(d) For used motor vehicles with 36,000 miles or more, but less than 75,000 miles, the
dealer's express warranty shall cover, at minimum, the following parts:
(1) with respect to the engine, all lubricated parts, intake manifolds, engine block, cylinder
head, rotary engine housings, and ring gear;
(2) with respect to the transmission, the automatic transmission case, internal parts, and the
torque converter; or, the manual transmission case, and internal parts;
(3) with respect to the drive axle, the axle housings and internal parts, axle shafts, drive
shafts and output shafts, and universal joints; but excluding the secondary drive axle on vehicles,
other than passenger vans, mounted on a truck chassis;
(4) with respect to the brakes, the master cylinder, vacuum assist booster, wheel cylinders,
hydraulic lines and fittings, and disc brake calipers;
(5) with respect to the steering, the steering gear housing and all internal parts, power
steering pump, valve body, and piston;
(6) the water pump;
(7) the externally-mounted mechanical fuel pump.
(e)(1) A dealer's obligations under the express warranty remain in effect notwithstanding
the fact that the warranty period has expired, if the consumer promptly notified the dealer of the
malfunction, defect, or failure in the covered part within the specified warranty period and, within
a reasonable time after notification, brings the vehicle or arranges with the dealer to have the
vehicle brought to the dealer for inspection and repair.
(2) If a dealer does not have a repair facility, the dealer shall designate where the vehicle
must be taken for inspection and repair.
(3) In the event the malfunction, defect, or failure in the covered part occurs at a location
which makes it impossible or unreasonable to return the vehicle to the selling dealer, the consumer
may have the repairs completed elsewhere with the consent of the selling dealer, which consent
may not be unreasonably withheld.
(4) Notwithstanding the provisions of this paragraph, a consumer may have nonwarranty
maintenance and nonwarranty repairs performed other than by the selling dealer and without
the selling dealer's consent.
(f) Nothing in this section diminishes the obligations of a manufacturer under an express
warranty issued by the manufacturer. The express warranties created by this section do not
require a dealer to repair or replace a covered part if the repair or replacement is covered by a
manufacturer's new car warranty, or the manufacturer otherwise agrees to repair or replace the part.
(g) The express warranties created by this section do not cover defects or repair problems
which result from collision, abuse, negligence, or lack of adequate maintenance following sale
to the consumer.
(h) The terms of the express warranty, including the duration of the warranty and the parts
covered, must be fully, accurately, and conspicuously disclosed by the dealer on the front of the
Buyers Guide.
    Subd. 3. Exclusions. Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision 2, a dealer is not
required to provide an express warranty for a used motor vehicle:
(1) sold for a total cash sale price of less than $3,000, including the trade-in value of any
vehicle traded in by the consumer, but excluding tax, license fees, registration fees, and finance
charges;
(2) with an engine designed to use diesel fuel;
(3) with a gross weight, as defined in section 168.011, subdivision 16, in excess of 9,000
pounds;
(4) that has been custom-built or modified for show or for racing;
(5) that is eight years of age or older, as calculated from the first day in January of the
designated model year of the vehicle;
(6) that has been produced by a manufacturer which has never manufactured more than
10,000 motor vehicles in any one year;
(7) that has 75,000 miles or more at time of sale;
(8) that has not been manufactured in compliance with applicable federal emission standards
in force at the time of manufacture as provided by the Clean Air Act, United States Code, title
42, sections 7401 through 7642, and regulations adopted pursuant thereto, and safety standards
as provided by the National Traffic and Motor Safety Act, United States Code, title 15, sections
1381 through 1431, and regulations adopted pursuant thereto; or
(9) that has been issued a salvage certificate of title under section 168A.151.
    Subd. 4. Waiver. When purchasing a used motor vehicle, a consumer may waive the express
warranty for a covered part if:
(1) the dealer discloses in a clear and conspicuous typed or printed statement on the front of
the Buyers Guide that the waived part contains a malfunction, defect, or repair problem; and
(2) the consumer circles this typed or printed statement and signs the Buyers Guide next to
the circled statement.
    Subd. 5. Warranty automatic. If a dealer fails to give the express warranty required by this
section, the dealer nevertheless is considered to have given the express warranty as a matter of law.
    Subd. 6. Buyers guide requirements. In selling or offering to sell any used motor vehicle,
and in providing the express warranty required by this section, a dealer shall comply in all
respects with the Federal Trade Commission's "Used Motor Vehicle Trade Regulation Rule,"
Code of Federal Regulations, title 16, part 455.
    Subd. 7. Honoring of express warranties. (a) In accordance with section 325G.19,
subdivision 2 , every express warranty in connection with the sale of a used motor vehicle must be
honored by the dealer according to the terms of the express warranty.
(b) Following repair or replacement of a covered part, the dealer remains responsible under
the express warranty for that covered part for one additional warranty period.
(c) By honoring the terms of the express warranty by repairing or replacing a covered part,
the dealer does not create an additional implied warranty on any portion of the used motor vehicle.
(d) A dealer may limit the duration of implied warranties to the duration of the express
warranty.
    Subd. 8. Refunds. (a) A refund, as provided under subdivision 2, must consist of the full
purchase price of the used motor vehicle and all other charges, including but not limited to
excise tax, registration tax, license fees, and reimbursement for towing expenses incurred by the
consumer as a result of the vehicle being out of service for warranty repair, less a reasonable
allowance for the consumer's use of the vehicle not exceeding ten cents per mile driven or ten
percent of the purchase price, whichever is less. Refunds must include the amount stated by the
dealer as the trade-in value of any vehicle traded in and applied to the purchase price of the used
motor vehicle. Refunds must be made to the consumer and lienholder, if any, as their interests
appear on the records of the registrar of motor vehicles.
(b) The amount of the excise tax to be paid by the dealer to the consumer under paragraph
(a) is the tax paid by the consumer when the vehicle was purchased less an amount equal to the
tax paid multiplied by a fraction, the denominator of which is the purchase price of the vehicle
and the numerator of which is the allowance deducted from the refund for the consumer's use
of the vehicle.
(c) A dealer must give the consumer an itemized statement listing each of the amounts
refunded under this subdivision. If the amount of excise tax refunded is not separately stated, or if
the dealer does not apply for a refund of the tax within one year of the return of the motor vehicle,
the Department of Public Safety may refund the excise tax, as determined under paragraph (b),
directly to the consumer and lienholder, if any, as their interests appear on the records of the
registrar of motor vehicles.
    Subd. 9. Civil remedies. Any dealer who is found to have violated this section is subject
to the penalties and remedies, including a private right of action, as provided in section 8.31. In
addition, a violation of subdivision 7 is also a violation of section 325F.69.
    Subd. 10. Limitation on actions. A private civil action brought by a consumer under this
section must be commenced within one year of the expiration of the express warranty.
    Subd. 11. Remedy nonexclusive. Nothing in this section limits the rights or remedies which
are otherwise available to a consumer under any other law.
History: 1988 c 634 s 12; 1989 c 34 s 1,2; 1990 c 408 s 1; 1994 c 536 s 23

325F.664 NEW MOTOR VEHICLE DAMAGE DISCLOSURES.
    Subdivision 1. Definition. For the purposes of this section, the term "new motor vehicle"
means a motor vehicle as defined in section 80E.03, subdivision 7, including vehicles driven
for demonstration purposes.
    Subd. 2. Disclosure of damage exceeding four percent of retail price. (a) Before the
sale of a new motor vehicle, a dealer must disclose and describe to the buyer, in a clear and
conspicuous written statement and orally in the course of the sales presentation, any damage to
the vehicle of which the dealer had actual knowledge, if the dealer's cost of repairs exceeded four
percent of the manufacturer's suggested retail price, or $500, whichever is greater.
(b) A manufacturer, distributor, or importer must disclose and describe to its franchised
dealers, in a clear and conspicuous written statement, any repaired damage exceeding four percent
of the manufacturer's suggested retail price, or $500, whichever is greater.
(c) Damaged or stolen glass, tires, wheels, bumpers, radios, and in-dash audio components
are excluded from the disclosure requirements of this subdivision if the damaged or stolen parts
are replaced with identical manufacturer's original equipment.
History: 1989 c 188 s 5

325F.6641 DISCLOSURE OF MOTOR VEHICLE DAMAGE.
    Subdivision 1. Damage. (a) If a motor vehicle has sustained damage by collision or other
occurrence which exceeds 70 percent of its actual cash value immediately prior to sustaining
damage, the seller must disclose that fact to the buyer, if the seller has actual knowledge of the
damage. The amount of damage is determined by the retail cost of repairing the vehicle based
on a complete written retail repair estimate or invoice, exclusive of the actual cost incurred to
repair, replace, or reinstall inflatable safety restraints and other vehicle components that must be
replaced due to the deployment of the inflatable safety restraints.
(b) The disclosure required under this subdivision must be made in writing on the application
for title and registration or other transfer document, in a manner prescribed by the registrar of
motor vehicles. The registrar shall revise the certificate of title form, including the assignment
by seller (transferor) and reassignment by licensed dealer sections of the form, the separate
application for title forms, and other transfer documents to accommodate this disclosure. If
the seller is a motor vehicle dealer licensed pursuant to section 168.27, the disclosure required
by this section must be made orally by the dealer to the prospective buyer in the course of the
sales presentation.
(c) Upon transfer and application for title to a vehicle covered by this subdivision, the
registrar shall record the term "rebuilt" on the first Minnesota certificate of title and all subsequent
Minnesota certificates of title used for that vehicle.
    Subd. 2. Form of disclosure. The disclosure required in this section must be made in
substantially the following form: "To the best of my knowledge, this vehicle has ..... has not
..... sustained damage, exclusive of any costs to repair, replace, or reinstall air bags and other
components that were replaced due to deployment of air bags, in excess of 70 percent actual
cash value."
History: 1989 c 188 s 6; 1993 c 93 s 13; 2005 c 94 s 3,4

325F.6642 TITLE BRANDING.
    Subdivision 1. Flood damage. If the application for title and registration indicates that
the vehicle has been classified as a total loss vehicle because of water or flood damage, the
registrar of motor vehicles shall record the term "flood damaged" on the certificate of title and all
subsequent certificates of title issued for that vehicle.
    Subd. 2. Total loss vehicles. Upon transfer and application for title to all total loss vehicles,
the registrar of motor vehicles shall record the term "prior salvage" on the first Minnesota
certificate of title and all subsequent Minnesota certificates of title used for that vehicle.
    Subd. 3. Out-of-state vehicles. (a) Upon transfer and application for title of all repaired
vehicles with out-of-state titles that bear the term "damaged," "salvage," "rebuilt," "reconditioned,"
or any similar term, the registrar of motor vehicles shall record the term "prior salvage" on the first
Minnesota certificate of title and all subsequent Minnesota certificates of title used for that vehicle.
(b) The registrar shall mark "prior salvage" on the first Minnesota certificate of title and all
subsequent certificates of title issued for any vehicle which came into the state unrepaired and for
which a salvage certificate of title was issued.
(c) For vehicles with out-of-state titles which bear the term "flood damaged," the registrar of
motor vehicles shall record the term "flood damaged" on the first Minnesota certificate of title and
all subsequent Minnesota certificates of title issued for that vehicle.
(d) The registrar shall mark "prior salvage" on the first Minnesota certificate of title and all
subsequent certificates of title issued for any vehicle that had a salvage certificate of title issued
at any time in the vehicle's history by any other jurisdiction.
    Subd. 4. Reconstructed vehicles. For vehicles that are reconstructed within the meaning of
section 168A.15, the registrar shall record the term "reconstructed" on the certificate of title and
all subsequent certificates of title.
    Subd. 5. Manner of branding. The designation of "flood damaged," "rebuilt," "prior
salvage," or "reconstructed" on a certificate of title shall be made by the registrar of motor
vehicles in a clear and conspicuous manner, in a color different from all other writing on the
certificate of title.
    Subd. 6. Total loss vehicle; definition. For the purposes of this section, "total loss vehicle"
means a vehicle damaged by collision or other occurrence, for which a salvage certificate of title
has been issued. Total loss vehicle does not include a stolen and recovered vehicle verified by
the insurer who declared the vehicle to be a total loss vehicle unless there is more than minimal
damage to the vehicle as determined by the registrar.
    Subd. 7. Dealer disclosure. If a licensed motor vehicle dealer offers for sale a vehicle
with a branded title, the dealer shall orally disclose the existence of the brand in the course of
the sales presentation.
    Subd. 8. Flood damage; dealer lots. If a motor vehicle, which is part of a licensed motor
vehicle dealer's inventory, has been submerged or flooded above the bottom of the dashboard
while parked on the dealer's lot, the dealer must disclose that fact in writing to any buyer and must
orally disclose that fact in the course of a sales presentation to any prospective buyer. The buyer
must also disclose the existence of the flood damage in writing to any subsequent buyer.
History: 1989 c 188 s 7; 1993 c 93 s 14-18

325F.6643 REMEDIES; PENALTIES.
(a) A person who violates sections 325F.664 to 325F.6642 is subject to the remedies and
penalties, including a private right of action, provided in section 8.31.
(b) A person injured by a violation of sections 325F.664 to 325F.6642 shall recover the actual
damages sustained, together with costs and disbursements, including reasonable attorney fees. In
its discretion, the court may increase the award of damages to an amount not to exceed three times
the actual damages sustained, or $2,500, whichever is greater.
(c) The relief provided in this section is in addition to any remedies otherwise available
under the common law or other statutes of this state.
History: 1989 c 188 s 8

325F.6644 APPLICATION.
Sections 325F.6641 and 325F.6642 do not apply to vehicles that are six years old or older as
calculated from the first day of January of the designated model year or to commercial motor
vehicles with a gross vehicle rating of 16,000 pounds or more or to motorcycles.
History: 1989 c 188 s 9; 1993 c 93 s 19

325F.665 NEW MOTOR VEHICLE WARRANTIES; MANUFACTURER'S DUTY TO
REPAIR, REFUND, OR REPLACE.
    Subdivision 1. Definitions. (a) For the purposes of this section, the terms in paragraphs (b) to
(i) have the meanings given them.
(b) "Consumer" means the purchaser or lessee, other than for purposes of resale or sublease,
of a new motor vehicle used for personal, family, or household purposes at least 40 percent of the
time, and a person to whom the new motor vehicle is transferred for the same purposes during
the duration of an express warranty applicable to the motor vehicle. The term also includes an
ambulance service licensed under chapter 144E that has purchased or leased a new motor vehicle
of the type specified in paragraph (f), and a person to whom the ambulance is transferred for the
same purpose during the duration of any applicable express warranty.
(c) "Manufacturer" means a person engaged in the business of manufacturing, assembling
or distributing motor vehicles, who will, under normal business conditions during the year,
manufacture, assemble or distribute to dealers at least ten new motor vehicles.
(d) "Manufacturer's express warranty" and "warranty" mean the written warranty of the
manufacturer of a new motor vehicle of its condition and fitness for use, including any terms or
conditions precedent to the enforcement of obligations under that warranty.
(e) "Lease" means a contract in the form of a lease or bailment for the use of personal
property by a natural person for a period of time exceeding four months, used for personal, family,
or household purposes at least 40 percent of the time, whether or not the lessee has the option to
purchase or otherwise become the owner of the property at the expiration of the lease.
(f) "Motor vehicle" means (1) a passenger automobile as defined in section 168.011,
subdivision 7 , including pickup trucks and vans, (2) the self-propelled motor vehicle chassis or
van portion of a recreational vehicle as defined in section 168.011, subdivision 25, which is sold
or leased to a consumer in this state, and (3) the self-propelled motor vehicle chassis or van
portion of an ambulance as defined in section 144E.001, subdivision 2.
(g) "Informal dispute settlement mechanism" means an arbitration process or procedure by
which the manufacturer attempts to resolve disputes with consumers regarding motor vehicle
nonconformities and repairs that arise during the vehicle's warranty period.
(h) "Motor vehicle lessor" means a person who holds title to a motor vehicle leased to a
lessee under a written lease agreement or who holds the lessor's rights under such agreement.
(i) "Early termination costs" means expenses and obligations incurred by a motor vehicle
lessor as a result of an early termination of a written lease agreement and surrender of a motor
vehicle to a manufacturer under subdivision 4, including penalties for prepayment of finance
arrangements.
    Subd. 2. Manufacturer's duty to repair. If a new motor vehicle does not conform to all
applicable express warranties, and the consumer reports the nonconformity to the manufacturer,
its agent, or its authorized dealer during the term of the applicable express warranties or during the
period of two years following the date of original delivery of the new motor vehicle to a consumer,
whichever is the earlier date, the manufacturer, its agent, or its authorized dealer shall make the
repairs necessary to conform the vehicle to the applicable express warranties, notwithstanding the
fact that the repairs are made after the expiration of the warranty term or the two-year period.
    Subd. 3. Manufacturer's duty to refund or replace. (a) If the manufacturer, its agents,
or its authorized dealers are unable to conform the new motor vehicle to any applicable express
warranty by repairing or correcting any defect or condition which substantially impairs the use or
market value of the motor vehicle to the consumer after a reasonable number of attempts, the
manufacturer shall either replace the new motor vehicle with a comparable motor vehicle or
accept return of the vehicle from the consumer and refund to the consumer the full purchase
price, including the cost of any options or other modifications arranged, installed, or made by
the manufacturer, its agent, or its authorized dealer within 30 days after the date of original
delivery, and all other charges including, but not limited to, sales or excise tax, license fees and
registration fees, reimbursement for towing and rental vehicle expenses incurred by the consumer
as a result of the vehicle being out of service for warranty repair, less a reasonable allowance
for the consumer's use of the vehicle not exceeding ten cents per mile driven or ten percent of
the purchase price, whichever is less. If the manufacturer offers a replacement vehicle under
this section, the consumer has the option of rejecting the replacement vehicle and requiring the
manufacturer to provide a refund. Refunds must be made to the consumer, and lienholder, if any,
as their interests appear on the records of the registrar of motor vehicles. Refunds shall include the
amount stated by the dealer as the trade-in value of a consumer's used motor vehicle, plus any
additional amount paid by the consumer for the new motor vehicle. A manufacturer must give to
the consumer an itemized statement listing each of the amounts refunded under this section. If the
amount of sales or excise tax refunded is not separately stated, or if the manufacturer does not
apply for a refund of the tax within one year of the return of the motor vehicle, the Department of
Public Safety may refund the tax, as determined under paragraph (h), directly to the consumer and
lienholder, if any, as their interests appear on the records of the registrar of motor vehicles. A
reasonable allowance for use is that amount directly attributable to use by the consumer and any
previous consumer during any period in which the use and market value of the motor vehicle are
not substantially impaired. It is an affirmative defense to any claim under this section (1) that
an alleged nonconformity does not substantially impair the use or market value, or (2) that a
nonconformity is the result of abuse, neglect, or unauthorized modifications or alterations of a
motor vehicle by anyone other than the manufacturer, its agent or its authorized dealer.
(b) It is presumed that a reasonable number of attempts have been undertaken to conform a
new motor vehicle to the applicable express warranties, if (1) the same nonconformity has been
subject to repair four or more times by the manufacturer, its agents, or its authorized dealers
within the applicable express warranty term or during the period of two years following the date
of original delivery of the new motor vehicle to a consumer, whichever is the earlier date, but
the nonconformity continues to exist, or (2) the vehicle is out of service by reason of repair for a
cumulative total of 30 or more business days during the term or during the period, whichever is
the earlier date.
(c) If the nonconformity results in a complete failure of the braking or steering system of the
new motor vehicle and is likely to cause death or serious bodily injury if the vehicle is driven, it is
presumed that a reasonable number of attempts have been undertaken to conform the vehicle to
the applicable express warranties if the nonconformity has been subject to repair at least once by
the manufacturer, its agents, or its authorized dealers within the applicable express warranty term
or during the period of two years following the date of original delivery of the new motor vehicle
to a consumer, whichever is the earlier date, and the nonconformity continues to exist.
(d) The term of an applicable express warranty, the two-year period and the 30-day period
shall be extended by any period of time during which repair services are not available to the
consumer because of a war, invasion, strike, or fire, flood, or other natural disaster.
(e) The presumption contained in paragraph (b) applies against a manufacturer only if the
manufacturer, its agent, or its authorized dealer has received prior written notification from or
on behalf of the consumer at least once and an opportunity to cure the defect alleged. If the
notification is received by the manufacturer's agent or authorized dealer, the agent or dealer must
forward it to the manufacturer by certified mail, return receipt requested.
(f) The expiration of the time periods set forth in paragraph (b) does not bar a consumer
from receiving a refund or replacement vehicle under paragraph (a) if the reasonable number of
attempts to correct the nonconformity causing the substantial impairment occur within three years
following the date of original delivery of the new motor vehicle to a consumer, provided the
consumer first reported the nonconformity to the manufacturer, its agent, or its authorized dealer
during the term of the applicable express warranty.
(g) At the time of purchase or lease, the manufacturer must provide directly to the consumer
a written statement on a separate piece of paper, in 10-point all capital type, in substantially
the following form: "IMPORTANT: IF THIS VEHICLE IS DEFECTIVE, YOU MAY BE
ENTITLED UNDER THE STATE'S LEMON LAW TO REPLACEMENT OF IT OR A
REFUND OF ITS PURCHASE PRICE OR YOUR LEASE PAYMENTS. HOWEVER, TO
BE ENTITLED TO REFUND OR REPLACEMENT, YOU MUST FIRST NOTIFY THE
MANUFACTURER, ITS AGENT, OR ITS AUTHORIZED DEALER OF THE PROBLEM
IN WRITING AND GIVE THEM AN OPPORTUNITY TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. YOU
ALSO HAVE A RIGHT TO SUBMIT YOUR CASE TO THE CONSUMER ARBITRATION
PROGRAM WHICH THE MANUFACTURER MUST OFFER IN MINNESOTA."
(h) The amount of the sales or excise tax to be paid by the manufacturer to the consumer
under paragraph (a) shall be the tax paid by the consumer when the vehicle was purchased less an
amount equal to the tax paid multiplied by a fraction, the denominator of which is the purchase
price of the vehicle and the numerator of which is the allowance deducted from the refund for
the consumer's use of the vehicle.
    Subd. 4. Manufacturer's duty to consumers with leased vehicles. A consumer who leases
a new motor vehicle has the same rights against the manufacturer under this section as a consumer
who purchases a new motor vehicle, except that, if it is determined that the manufacturer must
accept return of the consumer's leased vehicle pursuant to subdivision 3, then the consumer
lessee is not entitled to a replacement vehicle, but is entitled only to a refund as provided in this
subdivision. In such a case, the consumer's leased vehicle shall be returned to the manufacturer and
the consumer's written lease with the motor vehicle lessor must be terminated. The manufacturer
shall then provide the consumer with a full refund of the amount actually paid by the consumer on
the written lease, including all additional charges set forth in subdivision 3, if actually paid by the
consumer, less a reasonable allowance for use by the consumer as set forth in subdivision 3. The
manufacturer shall provide the motor vehicle lessor with a full refund of the vehicle's original
purchase price plus any early termination costs, not to exceed 15 percent of the vehicle's original
purchase price, less the amount actually paid by the consumer on the written lease.
    Subd. 5. Resale or re-lease of returned motor vehicle. (a) If a motor vehicle has been
returned under the provisions of subdivision 3 or a similar statute of another state, whether as
the result of a legal action or as the result of an informal dispute settlement proceeding, it may
not be resold or re-leased in this state unless:
(1) the manufacturer provides the same express warranty it provided to the original
purchaser, except that the term of the warranty need only last for 12,000 miles or 12 months after
the date of resale, whichever is earlier; and
(2) the manufacturer provides the consumer with a written statement on a separate piece
of paper, in 10-point all capital type, in substantially the following form: "IMPORTANT:
THIS VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE MANUFACTURER BECAUSE IT DID
NOT CONFORM TO THE MANUFACTURER'S EXPRESS WARRANTY AND THE
NONCONFORMITY WAS NOT CURED WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME AS PROVIDED
BY MINNESOTA LAW."
The provisions of this section apply to the resold or re-leased motor vehicle for full term of
the warranty required under this subdivision.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a), if a new motor vehicle has been
returned under the provisions of subdivision 3 or a similar statute of another state because of a
nonconformity resulting in a complete failure of the braking or steering system of the motor
vehicle likely to cause death or serious bodily injury if the vehicle was driven, the motor vehicle
may not be resold in this state.
    Subd. 6. Alternative dispute settlement mechanism. (a) Any manufacturer doing business
in this state, entering into franchise agreements for the sale of its motor vehicles in this state, or
offering express warranties on its motor vehicles sold or distributed for sale in this state shall
operate, or participate in, an informal dispute settlement mechanism located in the state of
Minnesota which complies with the provisions of the Code of Federal Regulations, title 16,
part 703, and the requirements of this section. The provisions of subdivision 3 concerning
refunds or replacement do not apply to a consumer who has not first used this mechanism before
commencing a civil action, unless the manufacturer allows a consumer to commence an action
without first using this mechanism.
(b) An informal dispute settlement mechanism provided for by this section shall, at the time
a request for arbitration is made, provide to the consumer and to each person who will arbitrate
the consumer's dispute, information about this section as approved and directed by the attorney
general, in consultation with interested parties. The informal dispute settlement mechanism shall
permit the parties to present or submit any arguments based on this section and shall not prohibit
or discourage the consideration of any such arguments.
(c) If, in an informal dispute settlement mechanism, it is decided that a consumer is entitled
to a replacement vehicle or refund under subdivision 3, then any refund or replacement offered by
the manufacturer or selected by a consumer shall include and itemize all amounts authorized by
subdivision 3. If the amount of excise tax refunded is not separately stated, or if the manufacturer
does not apply for a refund of the tax within one year of the return of the motor vehicle, the
Department of Public Safety may refund the excise tax, as determined under subdivision 3,
paragraph (h), directly to the consumer and lienholder, if any, as their interests appear on the
records of the registrar of motor vehicles.
(d) No documents shall be received by any informal dispute settlement mechanism unless
those documents have been provided to each of the parties in the dispute at or prior to the
mechanism's meeting, with an opportunity for the parties to comment on the documents either in
writing or orally. If a consumer is present during the informal dispute settlement mechanism's
meeting, the consumer may request postponement of the mechanism's meeting to allow sufficient
time to review any documents presented at the time of the meeting which had not been presented
to the consumer prior to the meeting.
(e) The informal dispute settlement mechanism shall allow each party to appear and make an
oral presentation in the state of Minnesota unless the consumer agrees to submit the dispute for
decision on the basis of documents alone or by telephone, or unless the party fails to appear for
an oral presentation after reasonable prior written notice. If the consumer agrees to submit the
dispute for decision on the basis of documents alone, then manufacturer or dealer representatives
may not participate in the discussion or decision of the dispute.
(f) Consumers shall be given an adequate opportunity to contest a manufacturer's assertion
that a nonconformity falls within intended specifications for the vehicle by having the basis of
the manufacturer's claim appraised by a technical expert selected and paid for by the consumer
prior to the informal dispute settlement hearing.
(g) Where there has been a recent attempt by the manufacturer to repair a consumer's vehicle,
but no response has yet been received by the informal dispute mechanism from the consumer as
to whether the repairs were successfully completed, the parties must be given the opportunity to
present any additional information regarding the manufacturer's recent repair attempt before any
final decision is rendered by the informal dispute settlement mechanism. This provision shall not
prejudice a consumer's rights under this section.
(h) If the manufacturer knows that a technical service bulletin directly applies to the specific
mechanical problem being disputed by the consumer, then the manufacturer shall provide the
technical service bulletin to the consumer at reasonable cost. The mechanism shall review any
such technical service bulletins submitted by either party.
(i) A consumer may be charged a fee to participate in an informal dispute settlement
mechanism required by this section, but the fee may not exceed the conciliation court filing fee in
the county where the arbitration is conducted.
(j) Any party to the dispute has the right to be represented by an attorney in an informal
dispute settlement mechanism.
(k) The informal dispute settlement mechanism has all the evidence-gathering powers
granted an arbitrator under section 572.14.
(l) A decision issued in an informal dispute settlement mechanism required by this section
may be in writing and signed.
    Subd. 7. Effect and admissibility of decision by informal dispute settlement mechanism.
The decision issued in an informal dispute settlement mechanism required by this section is
nonbinding on the parties involved, unless otherwise agreed by the parties. Any party, upon
application, may remove the decision to district court for a trial de novo. If the manufacturer is
aggrieved by the decision of the informal dispute settlement mechanism, an application to remove
the decision must be filed in the district court within 30 days after the date the decision is received
by the parties. If the application to remove is not made within 30 days, then the district court
shall, upon application of a party, issue an order confirming the decision. A written decision
issued by an informal dispute settlement mechanism, and any written findings upon which the
decision is based, are admissible as nonbinding evidence in any subsequent legal action and are
not subject to further foundation requirements.
    Subd. 8. Treble damages for bad faith appeal of decision. If the district court finds that
a party has removed a decision of an informal dispute settlement mechanism in bad faith, by
asserting a claim or defense that is frivolous and costly to the other party, or by asserting an
unfounded position solely to delay recovery by the other party, then the court shall award to the
prevailing party three times the actual damages sustained, together with costs and disbursements,
including reasonable attorney's fees.
    Subd. 9. Civil remedy. Any consumer injured by a violation of this section may bring a civil
action to enforce this section and recover costs and disbursements, including reasonable attorney's
fees incurred in the civil action. In addition to the remedies provided herein, the attorney general
may bring an action pursuant to section 8.31 against any manufacturer for violation of this section.
    Subd. 10. Limitation on actions. A civil action brought under this section must be
commenced within three years of the date of original delivery of the new motor vehicle to a
consumer; except that, if the consumer applies to an informal dispute settlement mechanism
within three years of the date of original delivery of a new motor vehicle to a consumer, and if
the consumer is aggrieved by the decision of the informal dispute settlement mechanism, then
any civil action brought under this section must be commenced within six months after the
date of the final decision by the mechanism.
    Subd. 11. Remedy nonexclusive. Nothing in this section limits the rights or remedies which
are otherwise available to a consumer under any other law.
    Subd. 12. Disclosure requirement. In addition to any investigative powers authorized by
law, the attorney general may inspect the records of the informal dispute settlement mechanism
upon reasonable notice, during regular business hours, and may make available to the public
information about the operation of the mechanism, but data on an individual may not be disclosed
without the prior consent of the individual.
    Subd. 13. Dealer liability. Nothing in this section imposes liability on a dealer or creates an
additional cause of action by a consumer against a dealer, except for written express warranties
made by the dealer apart from the manufacturer's warranties. The manufacturer shall not charge
back or require reimbursement by the dealer for any costs, including, but not limited to, any
refunds or vehicle replacements, incurred by the manufacturer arising out of this section, unless
there is evidence that the related repairs had not been carried out by the dealer in a timely manner
or in a manner substantially consistent with the manufacturer's published instructions.
History: 1983 c 108 s 1; 1985 c 284 s 1; 1986 c 422 art 1 s 1; 1986 c 444; 1987 c 52
s 1; 1987 c 268 art 4 s 23; 1989 c 43 s 1; 1990 c 408 s 2,3; 1995 c 49 s 1,2; 1997 c 187 art 3
s 30; 2006 c 212 art 1 s 23; 2006 c 249 s 4

325F.6651 DEFINITIONS.
    Subdivision 1. Application. For the purpose of sections 325F.6651 to 325F.6658, the
following terms have the meanings given them.
    Subd. 2. Farm tractor. "Farm tractor" means any self-propelled vehicle which is designed
primarily for pulling or propelling agricultural machinery and implements and is used principally
in the occupation or business of farming, including an implement of husbandry, as defined in
section 169.01, subdivision 55, that is self-propelled.
    Subd. 3. Consumer. "Consumer" means a purchaser, other than for purposes of resale, of a
new farm tractor, a person to whom the new farm tractor is transferred for the same purposes
during the duration of an express warranty applicable to the farm tractor and any other person
entitled by the terms of the warranty to enforce the terms of the warranty. In the case of an
agricultural vehicle within the warranty period, the sale must be made through an authorized
farm equipment dealer.
    Subd. 4. Manufacturer. "Manufacturer" means a person engaged in the business of
manufacturing, assembling, or distributing farm tractors, who under normal business conditions
during the year, manufactures, assembles, or distributes to dealers at least ten new farm tractors.
    Subd. 5. Manufacturer's express warranty; warranty. "Manufacturer's express warranty"
and "warranty" mean the written warranty of the manufacturer of a new farm tractor of its
condition and fitness for use, including any terms or conditions precedent to the enforcement
of obligations under that warranty.
    Subd. 6. Fair rental value. "Fair rental value" means the rental value calculated in
accordance with the "Tractor and Farm Equipment Trade-In Guide" published by the National
Farm and Power Equipment Dealers Association.
    Subd. 7. Nonconformity. "Nonconformity" means any condition of the farm tractor that
makes it impossible to use for the purpose for which it was intended.
    Subd. 8. Reasonable allowance for prior use. "Reasonable allowance for prior use" shall
mean no less than the fair rental value of the farm tractor and shall be the sum of:
(1) that amount attributable to use by the consumer prior to the consumer's first report of the
nonconformity to the manufacturer or its authorized dealers;
(2) that amount attributable to use by the consumer during any period subsequent to such
report of the reported nonconformity; and
(3) that amount attributable to use by the consumer of the farm tractor provided by the
manufacturer or its authorized dealers while the farm tractor is out of service by reason of repair
of the reported nonconformity.
History: 1986 c 422 art 2 s 1

325F.6652 NOTICE TO CONSUMER.
At the time of purchase the manufacturer must provide directly to the consumer a written
statement on a separate piece of paper, in 10-point all capital type, in substantially the following
form: "IMPORTANT: IF THIS VEHICLE IS DEFECTIVE, YOU MAY BE ENTITLED
UNDER STATE LAW TO REPLACEMENT OF IT OR A REFUND OF ITS PURCHASE
PRICE. HOWEVER, TO BE ENTITLED TO REFUND OR REPLACEMENT, YOU MUST
FIRST NOTIFY THE MANUFACTURER, ITS AGENT, OR ITS AUTHORIZED DEALER
OF THE PROBLEM IN WRITING AND GIVE THEM AN OPPORTUNITY TO REPAIR
THE VEHICLE."
History: 1986 c 422 art 2 s 2

325F.6653 MANUFACTURER'S DUTY TO REPAIR.
If a farm tractor does not conform to applicable express written warranties and the consumer
reports the nonconformity to the manufacturer and its authorized dealer during the term of the
express written warranties or during the period of one year following the date of the original
delivery of the farm tractor to the consumer, whichever is earlier, the manufacturer or its
authorized dealers shall make the repairs necessary to make the farm tractor conform to the
express written warranties, notwithstanding that the repairs are made after the expiration of
the warranty term or the one-year period. For a self-propelled vehicle this section is limited
to warranties on the engine and power train.
History: 1986 c 422 art 2 s 3

325F.6654 MANUFACTURER'S DUTY TO REFUND OR REPLACE.
    Subdivision 1. Duty. (a) If the manufacturer or its authorized dealers are unable to make
the farm tractor conform to any applicable express written warranty by repairing or correcting
any condition which substantially impairs the use or market value of the farm tractor to the
consumer within the time periods and after the number of attempts specified in subdivision 2,
the manufacturer, through its authorized dealer who sold the farm tractor, shall, at the option
of the consumer, replace the farm tractor with a comparable one, charging the consumer only
a reasonable allowance for the consumer's use of the farm tractor, or accept the return of the
farm tractor from the consumer and refund to the consumer the cash purchase price, including
sales tax, license fees, registration fees, and any similar governmental charges, less a reasonable
allowance for prior use. Refunds shall be made to the consumer and lienholder, if any, as their
interests may appear in the county recorder's office. If no replacement or refund is made, the
consumer may bring a civil action to enforce the obligation. No action may be brought unless
the manufacturer has received prior direct written notification from or on behalf of the consumer
and has been offered an opportunity to cure the condition alleged within a reasonable time that
is not to exceed 60 business days.
(b) For a self-propelled vehicle, this section is limited to warranties on the engine and power
train.
    Subd. 2. When duty arises. The replacement or refund obligation specified in subdivision 1
shall arise if the manufacturer or its authorized dealers are unable to make the farm tractor conform
to applicable express written warranties within the express written warranty term or during the
period of one year following the date of the original physical delivery of the farm tractor to the
consumer, whichever is the earlier date, and (1) the same nonconformity has been subject to
repair four or more times by the manufacturer or its authorized dealers, but such nonconformity
continues to exist; or (2) the farm tractor is out of service by reason of repair of the same
nonconformity for a cumulative total of 60 or more business days when the service department of
the authorized dealer in possession of the farm tractor is open for purposes of repair, provided that
days when the consumer has been provided by the manufacturer or its authorized dealers with the
use of another farm tractor which performs the same function shall not be counted.
History: 1986 c 422 art 2 s 4

325F.6655 EXTENSION OF WARRANTY.
The terms of any express written warranty, the one-year period, and the 60-day repair period
shall be extended by any period of time during which repair services or replacement parts are
not available to the consumer because of a war, invasion, or strike, or fire, flood, or other natural
disaster.
History: 1986 c 422 art 2 s 5

325F.6656 ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE SETTLEMENT.
    Subdivision 1. Procedure. If a manufacturer has established, or participates in, an informal
dispute settlement procedure which substantially complies with the provisions of the Code of
Federal Regulations, title 16, part 703, as amended, and the requirements of this section, the
provisions of section 325F.6654 concerning refunds or replacement do not apply to a consumer
who has not first used this procedure.
    Subd. 2. Findings as evidence. The findings and decisions in an informal dispute settlement
procedure shall address and state in writing whether the consumer would be entitled to a refund or
replacement under the presumptions and criteria set out in section 325F.6654, and are admissible
as nonbinding evidence in any legal action and are not subject to further foundation requirements.
    Subd. 3. Replacement or refund. If, in an informal dispute settlement procedure, it is
decided that a consumer is entitled to a replacement vehicle under section 325F.6654, then the
consumer has the option of selecting and receiving either a replacement vehicle or a full refund as
authorized by section 325F.6654. Any refund selected by a consumer shall include all amounts
authorized by section 325F.6654.
    Subd. 4. Requirements. (a) In any informal dispute settlement procedure provided for
by this section:
(1) no documents shall be received by any informal dispute settlement mechanism unless
those documents have been provided to each of the parties in the dispute prior to the mechanism's
meeting, with an opportunity for the parties to comment on the documents in writing, or with oral
presentation at the request of the mechanism;
(2) "nonvoting" manufacturer or dealer representatives shall not attend or participate in the
internal dispute settlement procedures unless the consumer is also present and given a chance to
be heard, or unless the consumer previously consents to the manufacturer or dealer participation
without the consumer's presence and participation;
(3) consumers shall be given an adequate opportunity to contest a manufacturer's assertion
that a nonconformity falls within intended specifications for the vehicle by having the basis of
the manufacturer's claim appraised by a technical expert selected and paid for by the consumer
prior to the informal dispute settlement hearing;
(4) no disputes shall be heard where there has been a recent attempt by the manufacturer
to repair a consumer's vehicle, but no response has yet been received by the informal dispute
mechanism from the consumer as to whether the repairs were successfully completed. This
provision shall not prejudice a consumer's rights under this section nor shall it extend the informal
dispute mechanism's 40-day time limit for deciding disputes, as established by the Code of
Federal Regulations, title 16, part 703; and
(5) the manufacturer shall provide and the informal dispute settlement mechanism shall
consider all information relevant to resolving the dispute, such as the prior dispute records and
information required by the Code of Federal Regulations, title 16, part 703.6, and any relevant
technical service bulletins which may have been issued by the manufacturer or lessor regarding
the motor vehicle being disputed.
(b) A settlement reached under this section is binding on all participating parties.
    Subd. 5. Exhaustion of settlement remedy. No consumer shall be required to first
participate in an informal dispute settlement procedure before filing an action in district court if
the informal dispute settlement procedure does not comply with the requirements of this section,
notwithstanding the procedure's compliance with the Code of Federal Regulations, title 16,
part 703.
    Subd. 6. Civil remedy. Any consumer injured by a violation of this section may bring
a civil action to enforce this section and recover costs and disbursements, including reasonable
attorney's fees.
History: 1986 c 422 art 2 s 6

325F.6657 AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSES.
It shall be an affirmative defense to claim under sections 325F.6651 to 325F.6658 that (1)
an alleged nonconformity does not substantially impair such use and market value, or (2) a
nonconformity is the result of abuse or neglect, or of modifications or alterations of the farm
tractor not authorized by the manufacturer.
History: 1986 c 422 art 2 s 7

325F.6658 LIMITATION ON ACTIONS.
Any action brought under sections 325F.6651 to 325F.6658 shall be commenced within six
months following (1) expiration of the express written warranty term, or (2) one year following
the date of the original delivery of the farm tractor to the customer, whichever is later.
History: 1986 c 422 art 2 s 8

325F.6659 REMEDY NONEXCLUSIVE.
Nothing in this section limits the rights or remedies which are otherwise available to a
consumer under any other law.
History: 1986 c 422 art 2 s 9

325F.666 UNLAWFUL REASSIGNMENT OF CERTAIN MOTOR VEHICLE
CONTRACTS.
    Subdivision 1. Contracts subject to law. This section applies to contracts that transfer a
right or interest in a motor vehicle, including lease contracts, conditional sales contracts, retail
sales installment contracts, and security agreements.
    Subd. 2. Unauthorized transfers. A person who is not a party to a contract referred to in
subdivision 1, and who has not first obtained written authorization from the secured creditor,
lessor, or lienholder, may not do the following acts if that person receives consideration for
so doing:
(1) get control of the motor vehicle and then sell, transfer, assign, or lease it to another
person; or
(2) assist, cause, or arrange the actual or purported sale, transfer, assignment, or lease of
the motor vehicle to another person.
    Subd. 3. Civil remedies. Any person injured by a violation of this section may bring a civil
action to enforce this section and recover any actual damages, costs and disbursements, including
reasonable attorneys fees incurred in the civil action. In addition to the remedies provided in this
section, the attorney general may bring an action pursuant to section 8.31 against any person
for violation of this section.
History: 1991 c 12 s 1

325F.6670 EQUIPMENT REQUIRED AT TIME OF SALE.
(a) No farm equipment dealer or other seller required to collect an excise tax under section
297A.62 may sell a farm tractor as defined in section 325F.6651, subdivision 2, unless, at the time
of sale, the tractor is equipped with safety equipment as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c).
(b) If originally provided by the manufacturer, the farm tractor must have:
(1) power-take-off shields; and
(2) road transport lighting and reflector systems.
(c) Whether or not originally provided by the manufacturer, the farm tractor must have a
slow-moving vehicle sign displayed in accordance with section 169.522.
History: 1991 c 254 art 3 s 24; 2000 c 418 art 1 s 44

325F.67 FALSE STATEMENT IN ADVERTISEMENT.
Any person, firm, corporation, or association who, with intent to sell or in anywise dispose
of merchandise, securities, service, or anything offered by such person, firm, corporation, or
association, directly or indirectly, to the public, for sale or distribution, or with intent to increase
the consumption thereof, or to induce the public in any manner to enter into any obligation
relating thereto, or to acquire title thereto, or any interest therein, makes, publishes, disseminates,
circulates, or places before the public, or causes, directly or indirectly, to be made, published,
disseminated, circulated, or placed before the public, in this state, in a newspaper or other
publication, or in the form of a book, notice, handbill, poster, bill, label, price tag, circular,
pamphlet, program, or letter, or over any radio or television station, or in any other way, an
advertisement of any sort regarding merchandise, securities, service, or anything so offered to
the public, for use, consumption, purchase, or sale, which advertisement contains any material
assertion, representation, or statement of fact which is untrue, deceptive, or misleading, shall,
whether or not pecuniary or other specific damage to any person occurs as a direct result thereof,
be guilty of a misdemeanor, and any such act is declared to be a public nuisance and may
be enjoined as such.
The duty of a strict observance and enforcement of this law and prosecution for any violation
thereof is hereby expressly imposed upon the attorney general, and it shall be the duty of the
county attorney of any county wherein a violation of this section shall have occurred, upon
complaint being made, to prosecute any person violating any of the provisions of this section.
History: (10390, 10391) 1913 c 51 s 1; 1915 c 309 s 1,2; 1953 c 438 s 1; 1967 c 302 s
2; 1986 c 444

325F.675 FRAUD RELATED TO CONSUMER TELEPHONE RECORDS.
    Subdivision 1. Prohibited acts. Whoever:
(1) knowingly procures, attempts to procure, solicits, or conspires with another to procure, a
telephone record of any resident of this state without the authorization of the customer to whom
the record pertains or by fraudulent, deceptive, or false means;
(2) knowingly sells, or attempts to sell, a telephone record of any resident of this state
without the authorization of the customer to whom the record pertains; or
(3) receives a telephone record of any resident of this state knowing that such record has
been obtained without the authorization of the customer to whom the record pertains or by
fraudulent, deceptive, or false means,
is guilty of a violation of this section.
    Subd. 2. Penalties. (a) A violation of this section is a gross misdemeanor punishable by a
sentence of up to one year, a fine of $3,000, or both.
(b) Each subsequent violation is a felony punishable by a sentence of up to five years,
a fine of $5,000, or both.
(c) A violation of this section is subject to a $5,000 civil penalty.
    Subd. 3. Definitions. For purposes of this subdivision:
(1) "Telephone record" means information retained by a telephone company that relates to a
telephone number dialed from the customer's telephone, an incoming call directed to a customer's
telephone, or other data related to calls typically contained on a customer's telephone bill,
including, but not limited to, the time the call started and ended, the duration of the call, the time
of day the call was made, charges applied, and information indicating the location from which or
to which calls were made. For purposes of this section, any information collected and retrieved by
customers using caller ID or other similar technology is not a telephone record.
(2) "Procure" means to obtain by any means, whether electronically, in writing, or in oral
form, with or without consideration.
(3) "Telephone company" means any person or other entity that provides commercial
telephone service to a customer, irrespective of the communications technology used to provide
the service, including, but not limited to, traditional wireline or cable telephone service; cellular,
broadband PCS, or other wireless telephone service; microwave, satellite, or other terrestrial
telephone service; and voice over Internet telephone service.
    Subd. 4. Unfair or deceptive trade practices; consumer protection. Except as otherwise
provided by this section, a violation of this section constitutes an unfair or deceptive trade
practice under section 325D.44.
    Subd. 5. Information security. (a) Telephone companies that maintain telephone records of
a resident of this state shall establish reasonable procedures to protect against unauthorized or
fraudulent disclosure of such records which could result in substantial harm or inconvenience
to a customer.
(b) No private right of action is authorized under this subdivision.
    Subd. 6. Nonapplicability to telephone companies. No provisions of this section shall be
construed to prohibit a telephone company from obtaining, using, disclosing, or permitting access
to any telephone record, either directly or indirectly, through its agents:
(1) unless prohibited by law;
(2) with the lawful consent of the customer or subscriber;
(3) as may be necessarily incident to the rendition of the service, to initiate, render, bill,
and collect customer charges, or to the protection of the rights or property of the provider of
that service, or to protect users of those services and other carriers from fraudulent, abusive, or
unlawful use of, or subscription to, such services;
(4) in connection with the sale or transfer of all or part of a business, or the purchase or
acquisition of a portion or all of a business, or the migration of a customer from one carrier
to another;
(5) to a governmental entity, if the telephone company reasonably believes that an emergency
involving immediate danger of death or serious physical injury to any person justifies disclosure
of the information; or
(6) to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, in connection with a report
submitted under section 227 of the federal Victims of Child Abuse Act of 1990.
    Subd. 7. Enforcement. Violations of this section are enforced under section 8.31.
History: 2006 c 253 s 20

325F.68 DEFINITIONS.
    Subdivision 1. Scope. The following words and terms where used in sections 325F.68 to
325F.70 shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section.
    Subd. 2. Merchandise. "Merchandise" means any objects, wares, goods, commodities,
intangibles, real estate, loans, or services.
    Subd. 3. Person. "Person" means any natural person or a legal representative, partnership,
corporation (domestic and foreign), company, trust, business entity, or association, and any
agent, employee, salesperson, partner, officer, director, member, stockholder, associate, trustee,
or cestui que trust thereof.
    Subd. 4. Sale. "Sale" means any sale, offer for sale, or attempt to sell any merchandise
for any consideration.
    Subd. 5. Going out of business sale. "Going out of business sale" means any sale advertised
or held out to the public as a sale in anticipation of the imminent termination of a business,
including any sale advertised or held out to the public as a "going out of business sale," a "close
out sale," a "loss of lease sale," a "must vacate sale," a "bankruptcy sale," or in any similar terms.
History: 1963 c 842 s 1; 1985 c 148 s 2; 1986 c 444; 1997 c 157 s 60

325F.69 UNLAWFUL PRACTICES.
    Subdivision 1. Fraud, misrepresentation, deceptive practices. The act, use, or employment
by any person of any fraud, false pretense, false promise, misrepresentation, misleading statement
or deceptive practice, with the intent that others rely thereon in connection with the sale of any
merchandise, whether or not any person has in fact been misled, deceived, or damaged thereby,
is enjoinable as provided in section 325F.70.
    Subd. 2. Referral and chain referral selling prohibited. (1) With respect to any sale or
lease the seller or lessor may not give or offer a rebate or discount or otherwise pay or offer to
pay value to the buyer or lessee as an inducement for a sale or lease in consideration of the
buyer's or lessee's giving to the seller or lessor the names of prospective purchasers or lessees, or
otherwise aiding the seller or lessor in making a sale or lease to another person, if the earning of
the rebate, discount or other value is contingent upon the occurrence of an event subsequent to the
time the buyer or lessee agrees to buy or lease.
(2) (a) With respect to any sale or lease, it shall be illegal for any seller or lessor to operate
or attempt to operate any plans or operations for the disposal or distribution of property or
franchise or both whereby a participant gives or agrees to give a valuable consideration for
the chance to receive something of value for inducing one or more additional persons to give
a valuable consideration in order to participate in the plan or operation, or for the chance to
receive something of value when a person induced by the participant induces a new participant to
give such valuable consideration including such plans known as chain referrals, pyramid sales,
or multilevel sales distributorships.
(b) The phrase "something of value" as used in paragraph (a) above, does not mean or
include payment based upon sales made to persons who are not purchasing in order to participate
in the prohibited plan or operation.
(3) If a buyer or lessee is induced by a violation of this subdivision to enter into a sale or lease,
the agreement is unenforceable and the buyer or lessee has the option to rescind the agreement
with the seller or lessor and, upon tendering the property received, or what remains of it, obtain
full or in the case of remains, a proportional restitution of all sums paid, or retain the goods
delivered and the benefit of any services performed without any further obligation to pay for them.
(4) With respect to a sale or lease in violation of this section an assignee of the rights of
the seller or lessor is subject to all claims and defenses of the buyer or lessee against the seller
or lessor arising out of the sale or lease notwithstanding an agreement to the contrary, but the
assignee's liability under this section may not exceed the amount owing to the assignee at the
time the claim or defense is asserted against the assignee. Rights of the buyer or lessee under this
section can only be asserted as a matter of defense to or setoff against a claim by the assignee.
(5) In a sale or lease in violation of this section, the seller or lessor may not take a negotiable
instrument other than a check as evidence of the obligation of the buyer or lessee. A holder is not
in good faith if the holder takes a negotiable instrument with notice that it is issued in violation
of this section.
(6) Any person who violates any provision of this subdivision shall be guilty of a gross
misdemeanor.
    Subd. 3. Advertising media excluded. Sections 325F.68 to 325F.70 shall apply to actions
of the owner, publisher, agent or employee of newspapers, magazines, other printed matter or
radio or television stations or other advertising media used for the publication or dissemination of
an advertisement, only if the owner, publisher, agent, or employee has either knowledge of the
false, misleading or deceptive character of the advertisement or a financial interest in the sale or
distribution of the advertised merchandise.
    Subd. 4. Solicitation of money for merchandise not ordered or services not performed.
The act, use, or employment by any person of any solicitation for payment of money by another
by any statement or invoice, or any writing that could reasonably be interpreted as a statement or
invoice, for merchandise not yet ordered or for services not yet performed and not yet ordered,
whether or not any person has in fact been misled, deceived, or damaged thereby, is enjoinable as
provided in section 325F.70.
    Subd. 5. Prohibited going out of business sales. It is illegal for any person to represent
falsely that a sale is a "going out of business sale." Any representation that a sale is a "going out
of business sale" is presumed to be false and illegal under this subdivision, if at that location or
within a relevant market area:
(1) the sale has been represented to be a "going out of business sale" for a period of more
than 120 days;
(2) the business has increased its inventory for the sale by ordering or purchasing an unusual
amount of merchandise during the sale or during the 90 days before the sale began;
(3) the business, or any of its officers or directors, has advertised any other sale as a "going
out of business sale" during the 120 days before this sale began; or
(4) the sale has continued after a date on which the business has represented, expressly or
by reasonable implication, that the business would terminate.
Any presumption arising under clauses (1) to (4) may be rebutted if the business shows, by
clear and convincing evidence, that the sale was in fact conducted in anticipation of the imminent
termination of the business. This subdivision does not apply to a sale in any statutory or home
rule charter city that by ordinance requires the licensing of persons conducting a "going out of
business sale," nor to public officers acting in the course of their official duties.
    Subd. 6. Deceptive use of financial institution name. No person shall include the name,
trade name, logo, or tagline of a financial institution as defined in section 49.01, subdivision 2, in
a written solicitation for financial services directed to a customer who has obtained a loan from
the financial institution without written permission from the financial institution, unless the
solicitation clearly and conspicuously states that the person is not sponsored by or affiliated with
the financial institution, which shall be identified by name. This statement shall be made in close
proximity to, and in the same or larger font size as, the first and most prominent use or uses of
the name, trade name, logo, or tagline in the solicitation, including on an envelope or through
an envelope window containing the solicitation. For purposes of this section, the term "financial
institution" includes a financial institution's affiliates and subsidiaries. This subdivision shall not
prohibit the use of a financial institution name, trade name, logo, or tagline of a financial institution
if the use of that name is part of a fair and accurate comparison of like products or services.
History: 1963 c 842 s 2; 1969 c 739 s 1; 1969 c 1100 s 1; 1971 c 391 s 1; 1973 c 454 s 1;
1975 c 364 s 3; 1985 c 148 s 3; 1986 c 444; 2004 c 228 art 1 s 56,57; 2005 c 118 s 17

325F.691 UNREASONABLE DELAY IN MORTGAGE LOAN CLOSING.
    Subdivision 1. Prohibited conduct. (a) A lender, as defined in section 47.206, who causes
unreasonable delay in processing a loan application beyond the expiration date of an interest rate
or discount point agreement is liable to the borrower for a penalty in an amount not to exceed the
borrower's actual out-of-pocket damages, including the present value of the increased interest
costs over the normal life of the loan, or specific performance of the agreement. This paragraph
applies to an agreement entered into after July 1, 2004.
(b) For purposes of this section, evidence of unreasonable delay includes, but is not limited to:
(1) failure of the lender to return telephone calls or otherwise respond to the borrower's
inquiries concerning the status of the loan;
(2) the addition by the lender of new requirements for processing or approving the loan that
were not disclosed to the borrower under section 47.206, subdivision 2, clause (3), unless the
requirements result from governmental agency or secondary mortgage market changes, other than
changes in interest rates, that occur after the date of the agreement; or
(3) failure by the lender to take actions necessary to process or approve the loan within a
reasonable period of time, if the borrower provided information requested by the lender in a
timely manner.
    Subd. 2. Additional penalty. In addition to the remedies in subdivision 1 of this section,
a lender is liable to the borrower for $500 for each unreasonable delay in processing a loan
application which causes an interest rate or discount point agreement to expire before closing.
History: 2004 c 203 art 1 s 4

325F.692 FRAUDULENT TELEPHONE SERVICES; BILLING.
    Subdivision 1. Definitions. (a) For the purposes of this section, the following terms have
the meanings given them.
(b) "Information service" means a billed service transmitted exclusively orally via the
telecommunications network that may include provision of information or advice, participation
in trivia or other games, participation in adult conversation or other group bridging services, or
provision of similar billed services. An information service may be accessed by an information
service customer by various methods including, but not limited to, dialing a 1-900 or 1-800
telephone number, or by the customer receiving a collect call from an information service
provider following the customer's 1-800 call.
(c) "Information service customer" means a person who receives information transmitted
from or participates in conversation enabled by an information service provider.
(d) "Information service provider" means a person who provides information services and
directly, or indirectly through a billing agent, either charges information service customers for use
of the information service or includes the costs associated with providing information services in
the charge for a long-distance call.
(e) "Telephone service subscriber" means a person who contracts with a telephone company
for telephone services.
    Subd. 2. Unauthorized information service charges; liability. A telephone service
subscriber is not responsible for information service charges for calls made by minors or
vulnerable adults as defined in section 626.5572, subdivision 21, unless expressly authorized
by the subscriber or spouse.
    Subd. 3. Billing; segregated charges; notice. (a) A telephone company or independent
telephone company, as defined in section 237.01, or any other entity that serves as the billing
agent for information service charges shall, to the extent it has knowledge, list the charges for
information services separately from charges for local and long distance telephone service charges
on each telephone service subscriber's billing statement, regardless of whether an information
service customer initiated a call to access the information service or whether the information
service provider initiated a call to the customer to allow the customer access to the information
service. It is fraud under section 325F.69 to knowingly identify information service charges
as telephone charges. A common carrier is liable for fraud under this subdivision only if it
knowingly participates in the misidentification.
(b) A bill or the portion of a telephone bill for information services must contain the
following language printed in at least ten-point bold type or typewritten in capital letters in a color
or shade that readily contrasts with the background:
"YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO DISPUTE CHARGES FOR INFORMATION SERVICE
CALLS. AS A TELEPHONE SERVICE SUBSCRIBER, YOU ARE NOT LEGALLY
RESPONSIBLE FOR INFORMATION SERVICE CHARGES INCURRED BY MINORS OR
VULNERABLE ADULTS WITHOUT YOUR CONSENT. NEITHER A LONG DISTANCE
COMPANY NOR YOUR LOCAL TELEPHONE COMPANY MAY DISCONNECT YOUR
SERVICE BECAUSE YOU REFUSE TO PAY AN INFORMATION SERVICE CHARGE."
The notice required by this paragraph can be provided in conjunction with other required notices.
    Subd. 4. Fraudulent misrepresentation. It is fraudulent misrepresentation under section
325F.69 for an information service provider or a provider's agent, including an agent or employee
of an entity that provides billing services for an information service provider, to knowingly advise
an information service customer or a telephone service subscriber, either orally or in writing, that:
(1) information service charges not incurred or authorized by a telephone service subscriber
are the responsibility of the subscriber;
(2) parents or guardians of minors or other vulnerable people are responsible for information
service charges incurred by the minors or other vulnerable persons; or
(3) the availability of telephone service for the subscriber may be affected by failure to pay
information service charges not incurred or authorized by the subscriber.
    Subd. 5. Allocation of payment of telephone bills. The telephone service subscriber shall
have the right to direct partial payments of a telephone bill. Unless otherwise directed by the
telephone service subscriber, a telephone company or other billing entity that receives partial
payment of a telephone bill shall allocate the partial payment first to charges for telephone
services, and last to charges for information services.
    Subd. 6. Indemnity. A telephone company or independent telephone company has a right
of indemnity against anyone who has provided it with false information as to the status of
information charges.
    Subd. 7. Involuntary blocking. Anyone who has refused to pay for two months of
information charge bills or one month of charges in excess of $500 may be blocked from access to
information services.
    Subd. 8.[Repealed, 1998 c 345 s 16]
    Subd. 9. Caller responsibility. This section does not affect the legal responsibility of the
person who places an information service call for the charges for the call.
    Subd. 10. Caller codes regulated. Information service providers or their agents and
telephone companies shall not issue calling card identification codes or personal identification
numbers (PIN codes) to consumers over the telephone. This subdivision does not apply to the
issuance of identification codes or personal identification numbers to consumers by a financial
institution as defined in United States Code, title 18, section 20, or an affiliate or subsidiary of a
financial institution.
History: 1994 c 449 s 2; 1995 c 185 s 5; 1995 c 229 art 4 s 15; 1998 c 254 art 1 s 85;
1998 c 345 s 15

325F.693 FRAUDULENT TELEPHONE SERVICES; SLAMMING.
    Subdivision 1. Definitions. (a) For the purposes of this section, a "telephone service
subscriber" means a person who contracts with a telephone company for telephone services or a
telecommunications company for telecommunications services.
(b) The definitions contained in chapter 237 apply to this section.
    Subd. 2. Slamming deemed consumer fraud. (a) It is fraud under section 325F.69 to
request a change in a telephone service subscriber's local exchange or interexchange carrier
without the subscriber's verified consent.
(b) A telephone service subscriber may employ the remedies provided in section 237.66
for violations of paragraph (a). Section 8.31 may also be employed to remedy violations of
paragraph (a).
(c) For the purposes of paragraph (a):
(1) the consent of the telephone service subscriber may be verified utilizing any method that
is consistent with federal law or regulation;
(2) compliance with applicable federal law and regulation, or state law and rule, whichever is
more stringent, is a complete defense to an allegation of consumer fraud under paragraph (a); and
(3) it is the responsibility of the company or carrier requesting a change in a telephone
service subscriber's company or carrier to verify that the subscriber has authorized the change.
A telephone company or telecommunications carrier providing local exchange service who
has been requested by another telephone company or telecommunications carrier to process a
change in a subscriber's carrier is only liable under this section if it knowingly participates in
processing a requested change that is unauthorized.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to change a telephone company's or
telecommunications carrier's obligations under section 237.66.
History: 1997 c 68 s 5

325F.694 FALSE OR MISLEADING COMMERCIAL ELECTRONIC MAIL MESSAGES.
    Subdivision 1. Definitions. (a) The terms used in this section have the meanings given
them in this subdivision.
(b) "Commercial electronic mail message" means an electronic mail message sent through an
Internet service provider's facilities located in this state to a resident of this state for promoting
real property, goods, or services for sale or lease.
(c) "Electronic mail address" means a destination, commonly expressed as a string of
characters, to which electronic mail may be sent or delivered.
(d) "Electronic mail service provider" means a business, nonprofit organization, educational
institution, library, or government entity that provides a set of users the ability to send or receive
electronic mail messages via the Internet.
(e) "Initiate the transmission" refers to the action by the original sender of an electronic mail
message, not to the action by an intervening Internet service provider or electronic mail service
provider that may handle or retransmit the message.
(f) "Internet service provider" means a business or person who provides users authenticated
access to, or presence on, the Internet by means of a switched or dedicated telecommunications
channel upon which the provider provides transit routing of Internet Protocol (IP) packets for
and on behalf of the user.
(g) "Internet domain name" refers to a globally unique, hierarchical reference to an Internet
host or service, assigned through centralized Internet naming authorities, comprising a series of
character strings separated by periods, with the rightmost string specifying the top of the hierarchy.
    Subd. 2. False or misleading messages prohibited. No person may initiate the transmission
of a commercial electronic mail message that:
(1) uses a third party's Internet domain name without permission of the third party, or
otherwise misrepresents any information in identifying the point of origin or the transmission path
of a commercial electronic mail message; or
(2) contains false or misleading information in the subject line.
    Subd. 3. Subject disclosure. The subject line of a commercial electronic mail message
must include "ADV" as the first characters. If the message contains information that consists of
material of a sexual nature that may only be viewed by an individual 18 years of age and older,
the subject line of the message must include "ADV-ADULT" as the first characters.
For purposes of this subdivision, "commercial electronic mail message" does not include a
message:
(1) if the recipient has consented to receive or has solicited electronic mail messages from
the initiator;
(2) from an organization using electronic mail to communicate exclusively with its members;
(3) from an entity which uses electronic mail to communicate exclusively with its employees
or contractors; or
(4) if there is a business or personal relationship between the initiator and the recipient.
For purposes of this subdivision, "business relationship" means a prior or existing
relationship formed between the initiator and the recipient, with or without an exchange of
consideration, on the basis of an inquiry, application, purchase, or use by the recipient of or
regarding products, information, or services offered by the initiator or an affiliate or agent of the
initiator. For purposes of this paragraph, "affiliate" means a person that directly or indirectly
controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with a specified person.
    Subd. 4. Toll-free number. (a) A sender initiating the transmission of a commercial
electronic mail message must establish a toll-free telephone number, a valid sender-operated
return electronic mail address, or another easy-to-use electronic method that the recipient of the
commercial electronic mail message may call or access by electronic mail or other electronic
means to notify the sender not to transmit by electronic mail any further unsolicited commercial
electronic mail messages. The notification process may include the ability for the commercial
electronic mail messages recipient to direct the initiator to transmit or not transmit particular
commercial electronic mail messages based upon products, services, divisions, organizations,
companies, or other selections of the recipient's choice.
(b) A commercial electronic mail message must include a statement informing the recipient
of a toll-free telephone number that the recipient may call, or a valid return address to which the
recipient may write or access by electronic mail or another electronic method established by the
initiator, notifying the sender not to transmit to the recipient any further unsolicited commercial
electronic mail messages to the electronic mail address, or addresses, specified by the recipient,
and explaining the manner in which the recipient may specify what commercial electronic mail
messages the recipient does and does not wish to receive.
    Subd. 5. Blocking receipt or transmission. No electronic mail service provider may be held
liable in an action by a recipient for any act voluntarily taken in good faith to block the receipt or
transmission through its service of any commercial electronic mail message that the electronic
mail service provider reasonably believes is, or will be, sent in violation of this section.
    Subd. 6. Defenses. (a) A person is not liable for a commercial electronic mail message sent
in violation of this section if the person can show by a preponderance of the evidence that the
commercial electronic mail message was not initiated by the person or was initiated in a manner
and form not subject to the control of the person.
(b) In an action under this section it is a defense that the defendant has established and
implemented reasonable practices and procedures to prevent violations of this section.
    Subd. 7. Damages. (a) A person injured by a violation of this section may recover damages
caused by the violation as specified in this subdivision.
(b) An injured person, other than an electronic mail service provider, may recover:
(1) the lesser of $25 for each commercial electronic mail message received that violates
subdivision 2, or $35,000 per day; or
(2) the lesser of $10 for each commercial electronic mail message received that violates
subdivision 3, or $25,000 per day.
(c) An injured electronic mail service provider may recover actual damages or elect, in
lieu of actual damages, to recover:
(1) the lesser of $25 for each commercial electronic mail message received that violates
subdivision 2, or $35,000 per day; or
(2) the lesser of $10 for each commercial electronic mail message received that violates
subdivision 3, or $25,000 per day.
(d) At the request of any party to an action brought under this section, the court may, at its
discretion, conduct all legal proceedings in such a way as to protect the secrecy and security of
the computer, computer network, computer data, computer program, and computer software
involved in order to prevent possible recurrence of the same or a similar act by another person
and to protect any trade secrets of any party.
(e) Costs, disbursements, and reasonable attorney fees may be awarded to a party awarded
damages for a violation of this section. No class action shall be brought under this section.
(f) Except as otherwise provided in this subdivision, the remedies in this subdivision are in
addition to remedies available under section 8.31, 325F.70, or other law.
    Subd. 8. Relationship to federal law. If federal law is enacted that regulates false,
misleading, or unsolicited commercial electronic mail messages but does not preempt state law on
the subject, the federal law supersedes any conflicting provisions of this section.
History: 2002 c 395 art 2 s 1

NOTE: This section, as added by Laws 2002, chapter 395, article 2, section 1, is effective
March 1, 2003, and expires on the effective date of federal legislation that preempts state
regulation of false, misleading, or unsolicited commercial mail messages. Laws 2002, chapter
395, article 2, section 2.

325F.695 CONSUMER PROTECTIONS FOR WIRELESS CUSTOMERS.
    Subdivision 1. Definitions. The definitions in this subdivision apply to this section.
(a) "Contract" means an oral or written agreement of definite duration between a provider
and a customer, detailing the wireless telecommunications services to be provided to the customer
and the terms and conditions for provision of those services.
(b) "Wireless telecommunications services" means commercial mobile radio services as
defined in Code of Federal Regulations, title 47, part 20.
(c) "Provider" means a provider of wireless telecommunications services.
(d) "Substantive change" means a modification to, or addition or deletion of, a term or
condition in a contract that could result in an increase in the charge to the customer under that
contract or that could result in an extension of the term of that contract. "Substantive change"
includes a modification in the provider's administration of an existing contract term or condition.
A price increase that includes only the actual amount of any increase in taxes or fees, which the
government requires the provider to impose upon the customer, is not a substantive change
for purposes of this section.
    Subd. 2. Copy of contract. A provider must provide each customer with a written copy of
the customer's contract between the provider and the customer within 15 days of the date the
contract is entered into. The provider may meet the requirement to provide a written copy of the
contract by providing an electronic copy of the contract at the customer's request. A provider must
maintain verification that the customer accepted the terms of the contract for the duration of
the contract period.
    Subd. 3. Provider-initiated substantive change. A provider must notify the customer in
writing of any proposed substantive change in the contract between the provider and the customer
60 days before the change is proposed to take effect. The change only becomes effective if the
customer opts in to the change by affirmatively accepting the change prior to the proposed
effective date in writing or by oral authorization which is recorded by the provider and maintained
for the duration of the contract period. If the customer does not affirmatively opt in to accept the
proposed substantive change, then the original contract terms shall apply.
    Subd. 4. Customer-initiated change. If the customer proposes to the provider any change
in the terms of an existing contract, the provider must clearly disclose to the customer orally or
electronically any substantive change to the existing contract terms that would result from the
customer's proposed change. The customer's proposed change is only effective if the provider
agrees to the proposed change and the customer agrees to any resulting changes in the contract.
The provider must maintain recorded or electronic verification of the disclosure for the duration
of the contract period.
    Subd. 5. Expiration. This section expires August 1, 2007.
History: 2004 c 261 art 5 s 1

325F.70 REMEDIES.
    Subdivision 1. Injunction. The attorney general or any county attorney may institute a civil
action in the name of the state in the district court for an injunction prohibiting any violation
of sections 325F.68 to 325F.70. The court, upon proper proof that defendant has engaged in a
practice made enjoinable by section 325F.69, may enjoin the future commission of such practice.
It shall be no defense to such an action that the state may have adequate remedies at law.
    Subd. 2. Service of process. Service of process shall be as in any other civil suit, except
that where a defendant in such action is a natural person or firm residing outside the state, or is a
foreign corporation, service of process may also be made by personal service outside the state,
or in the manner provided by section 5.25, or in such manner as the court may direct. Process
is valid if it satisfies the requirements of due process of law, whether or not defendant is doing
business in Minnesota regularly or habitually.
History: 1963 c 842 s 3; 1967 c 302 s 2; 1995 c 128 art 1 s 16

325F.71 SENIOR CITIZENS AND DISABLED PERSONS; ADDITIONAL CIVIL
PENALTY FOR DECEPTIVE ACTS.
    Subdivision 1. Definitions. For the purposes of this section, the following words have
the meanings given them:
(a) "Senior citizen" means a person who is 62 years of age or older.
(b) "Disabled person" means a person who has an impairment of physical or mental function
or emotional status that substantially limits one or more major life activities.
(c) "Major life activities" means functions such as caring for one's self, performing manual
tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working.
    Subd. 2. Supplemental civil penalty. (a) In addition to any liability for a civil penalty
pursuant to sections 325D.43 to 325D.48, regarding deceptive trade practices; 325F.67, regarding
false advertising; and 325F.68 to 325F.70, regarding consumer fraud; a person who engages in
any conduct prohibited by those statutes, and whose conduct is perpetrated against one or more
senior citizens or disabled persons, is liable for an additional civil penalty not to exceed $10,000
for each violation, if one or more of the factors in paragraph (b) are present.
(b) In determining whether to impose a civil penalty pursuant to paragraph (a), and the
amount of the penalty, the court shall consider, in addition to other appropriate factors, the extent
to which one or more of the following factors are present:
(1) whether the defendant knew or should have known that the defendant's conduct was
directed to one or more senior citizens or disabled persons;
(2) whether the defendant's conduct caused senior citizens or disabled persons to suffer: loss
or encumbrance of a primary residence, principal employment, or source of income; substantial
loss of property set aside for retirement or for personal or family care and maintenance; substantial
loss of payments received under a pension or retirement plan or a government benefits program;
or assets essential to the health or welfare of the senior citizen or disabled person;
(3) whether one or more senior citizens or disabled persons are more vulnerable to the
defendant's conduct than other members of the public because of age, poor health or infirmity,
impaired understanding, restricted mobility, or disability, and actually suffered physical,
emotional, or economic damage resulting from the defendant's conduct; or
(4) whether the defendant's conduct caused senior citizens or disabled persons to make
an uncompensated asset transfer that resulted in the person being found ineligible for medical
assistance.
    Subd. 3. Restitution to be given priority. Restitution ordered pursuant to the statutes listed
in subdivision 2 shall be given priority over imposition of civil penalties designated by the court
under this section.
    Subd. 4. Private remedies. A person injured by a violation of this section may bring a
civil action and recover damages, together with costs and disbursements, including costs of
investigation and reasonable attorney's fees, and receive other equitable relief as determined by
the court.
History: 1989 c 294 s 2; 1996 c 451 art 2 s 53; 2005 c 56 s 1

325F.72 DISCLOSURE OF SPECIAL CARE STATUS REQUIRED.
    Subdivision 1. Persons to whom disclosure is required. Housing with services
establishments, as defined in sections 144D.01 to 144D.07, that secure, segregate, or provide a
special program or special unit for residents with a diagnosis of probable Alzheimer's disease or a
related disorder or that advertise, market, or otherwise promote the establishment as providing
specialized care for Alzheimer's disease or a related disorder are considered a "special care unit."
All special care units shall provide a written disclosure to the following:
(1) the commissioner of health, if requested;
(2) the Office of Ombudsman for Older Minnesotans; and
(3) each person seeking placement within a residence, or the person's authorized
representative, before an agreement to provide the care is entered into.
    Subd. 2. Content. Written disclosure shall include, but is not limited to, the following:
(1) a statement of the overall philosophy and how it reflects the special needs of residents
with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias;
(2) the criteria for determining who may reside in the special care unit;
(3) the process used for assessment and establishment of the service plan or agreement,
including how the plan is responsive to changes in the resident's condition;
(4) staffing credentials, job descriptions, and staff duties and availability, including any
training specific to dementia;
(5) physical environment as well as design and security features that specifically address the
needs of residents with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias;
(6) frequency and type of programs and activities for residents of the special care unit;
(7) involvement of families in resident care and availability of family support programs;
(8) fee schedules for additional services to the residents of the special care unit; and
(9) a statement that residents will be given a written notice 30 days prior to changes in
the fee schedule.
    Subd. 3. Duty to update. Substantial changes to disclosures must be reported to the parties
listed in subdivision 1 at the time the change is made.
    Subd. 4. Remedy. The attorney general may seek the remedies set forth in section 8.31 for
repeated and intentional violations of this section. However, no private right of action may be
maintained as provided under section 8.31, subdivision 3a.
History: 1Sp2001 c 9 art 1 s 57; 2002 c 379 art 1 s 113

325F.73 FRAUDULENT SALE OF GOLD AND SILVER; PENALTY.
    Subdivision 1. False stamping of articles of gold or silver. Any person, firm, corporation,
or association, who or which make for sale any article of merchandise made, in whole or in part,
of gold or any alloy of gold, having stamped, branded, engraved or printed thereon, or upon any
card, tag, or label attached thereto, or upon any box, package, or wrapper, in which such article is
encased or enclosed any mark, indicating or designed or intended to indicate, that the gold or
alloy of gold of such article is of a greater degree of fineness than the actual fineness or quality of
such gold or alloy, unless the actual fineness of such gold or alloy, in the case of flatware and
watch cases be not less by more than 3/1000 parts, and, in the case of all other articles, be not less
by more than one-half karat than the fineness indicated by the marks stamped, branded, engraved,
or imprinted upon any part of such article or upon any cards, tags, or labels attached thereto, or
upon any box, package, or wrapper in which such article is encased or enclosed according to
the standards and subject to the qualifications hereinafter set forth, is guilty of a misdemeanor;
provided, that in any test for the ascertainment of the fineness of the gold or its alloy in any such
article, according to the foregoing standards, the part of the gold or its alloy taken for the test
analysis or assay shall be such part or portion as does not contain or have attached thereto any
solder or alloy of inferior fineness used for brazing or uniting the parts of the article; provided,
further, and in addition to the foregoing tests and standards, that the actual fineness of the entire
quantity of gold and of its alloys contained in any article mentioned in this section, except watch
cases and flatware, including all solder or alloy of inferior metal used for brazing or uniting the
parts of the article (all such gold, alloy, and solders being assayed as one piece) shall not be less
by more than one karat than the fineness indicated by the mark stamped, branded, engraved, or
imprinted upon such article, or upon any tag, card, or label attached thereto, or upon any box,
package, cover, or wrapper in which the article is encased or enclosed.
    Subd. 2. Standards; improper stamping; penalties. Any person, firm, corporation, or
association, who or which makes for sale any article of merchandise made, in whole or in part, of
silver or any alloy of silver, and having marked, stamped, branded, engraved, or printed thereon,
or upon any card, tag, or label attached thereto, or upon any box, package, cover, or wrapper in
which the article is encased or enclosed, the words "sterling silver" or "sterling", or any colorable
imitation thereof, unless 925/1,000 of the component parts of the metal appearing or purporting
to be silver, of which such article is manufactured are pure silver, subject to the qualifications
hereinafter set forth, is guilty of a misdemeanor; provided, that in case of all such articles there
shall be allowed divergence of fineness of 4/1,000 parts from this standard.
Any person, firm, corporation, or association, who or which makes for sale any article of
merchandise made, in whole or in part, of silver, or of any alloy of silver, and having marked,
stamped, branded, engraved, or imprinted thereon or upon any card, tag, or label attached thereto,
or upon any box, package, cover, or wrapper in which the article is encased or enclosed, the words
"coin" or "coin silver", or any colorable imitation thereof, unless 900/1,000 of the component
parts of the metal appearing or purporting to be silver, of which such article is manufactured
are pure silver, subject to the qualifications hereinafter set forth, is guilty of a misdemeanor;
provided, that in the case of all such articles there shall be allowed a divergence in fineness
of 4/1,000 parts from this standard.
Any person, firm, corporation, or association, who or which makes for sale any article of
merchandise made, in whole or in part, of silver, or of any alloy of silver, and having stamped,
branded, engraved, or imprinted thereon or upon any tag, card, or label attached thereto, or upon
any box, package, cover, or wrapper, in which the article is encased or enclosed, any mark or
word, other than the word "sterling" or the word "coin", indicating or designed or intended to
indicate that the silver or alloy of silver, in the article, is of greater degree of fineness or quality of
such silver or alloy, unless the actual fineness of silver or alloy of silver of which the article is
composed be not less than 4/1,000 parts than the actual fineness indicated by the mark or word,
other than the word "sterling" or "coin", stamped, branded, engraved, or imprinted upon any part
of the article, or upon any tag, card, or label attached thereto, or upon any box, package, cover, or
wrapper in which the article is encased or enclosed, subject to the qualifications hereinafter set
forth, is guilty of a misdemeanor.
In any test for the ascertainment of the fineness of any such article mentioned in this section,
according to the foregoing standards, the part of the article taken for the test, analysis, or assay,
shall be such part or portion as does not contain or have attached thereto any solder or alloy of
inferior metal used for brazing or uniting the parts of such article. In addition to the foregoing
test and standards that the actual fineness of the entire quantity of metal purporting to be silver
contained in any article mentioned in this section, including all solder or alloy of inferior fineness
used for brazing or uniting the parts of any such article (all such silver alloy or solder being
assayed as one piece) shall not be less by more than 10/1,000 parts than the fineness indicated
according to the foregoing standards by the mark stamped, branded, engraved, or imprinted upon
the article, or upon any card, tag, or label attached thereto, or upon any box, package, cover, or
wrapper in which the article is encased or enclosed.
    Subd. 3. Gold plate; false stamping; penalty. Any person, firm, corporation, or association,
who or which makes for sale any article of merchandise made, in whole or in part, of inferior metal
having deposited or plated thereon or brazed or otherwise affixed thereto a plate, plating, covering,
or sheet of gold or of any alloy of gold, and which article is known in the market as "rolled gold
plate," "gold plate," "gold filled," or "gold electro plate," or by any similar designation, and having
stamped, branded, engraved, or printed thereon, or upon any tag, card, or label attached thereto, or
upon any box, package, cover, or wrapper in which the article is encased or enclosed, any word or
mark usually employed to indicate the fineness of gold, unless the word be accompanied by other
words plainly indicating that the article, or some part thereof, is made of rolled gold plate, or gold
plate, or gold electro plate, or is gold filled, as the case may be, is guilty of a misdemeanor.
    Subd. 4. Silver plate; false stamping; penalty. Any person, firm, corporation, or association,
who or which makes for sale any article of merchandise made, in whole or in part, of inferior
metal having deposited or plated thereon or brazed or otherwise affixed thereto, a plate, plating,
covering, or sheet of silver, or of any alloy of silver, and which article is known in the market
as "silver plate" or "silver electro plate," or by any similar designation, and having stamped,
branded, engraved, or imprinted thereon, or upon any tag, card, or label attached thereto, or
upon any box, package, cover, or wrapper in which the article is encased or enclosed, the word
"sterling," or the word "coin," either alone or in conjunction with any other words or marks,
is guilty of a misdemeanor.
    Subd. 5. Violations; punishment. Every person, firm, corporation, or association guilty of a
violation of subdivisions 1 to 4, and every officer, manager, director, or managing agent of any
such person, firm, corporation, or association directly participating in such violation or consenting
thereto, shall be punished by a fine of not more than $1,000, or by imprisonment for not more
than three months, or by both, at the discretion of the court; provided, that if the person charged
with violation of subdivisions 1 to 4 shall prove that the article concerning which the charge is
made was manufactured prior to the first day of July, 1907, then the charge shall be dismissed.
    Subd. 6. Selling falsely stamped articles; penalty. Every person, firm, corporation, or
association who, with intent to deceive, shall sell any article, falsely branded or marked, contrary
to the provisions of subdivisions 1 to 5, knowing the same to be so falsely marked or branded,
shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
History: (10352-10357) 1907 c 467 s 1-6; 1984 c 628 art 3 s 11; 2004 c 228 art 1 s 72

325F.731 DEFINITIONS.
    Subdivision 1. Terms. For the purposes of Laws 1981, chapter 333, sections 1 to 17, the
following terms have the meanings given them.
    Subd. 2. Precious metal dealer. "Precious metal dealer" means any natural person,
partnership, or corporation, either as principal or agent, engaging in the business of buying
secondhand items containing precious metal, including, but not limited to, jewelry, watches,
eating utensils, candlesticks, and religious and decorative objects.
    Subd. 3. Precious metals. "Precious metals" means silver, gold, and platinum.
    Subd. 4. Item containing precious metal. "Item containing precious metal" means an item
made in whole or in part of metal and containing more than one percent by weight of silver,
gold or platinum.
History: 1981 c 333 s 1

325F.732 LICENSE.
    Subdivision 1. Requirement. Except as provided for in subdivision 2, it is unlawful for a
precious metal dealer to engage in or transact any business as such without having a valid license
as provided in section 325F.733.
    Subd. 2. Scope. The requirements of Laws 1981, chapter 333, sections 1 to 17 do not apply
to the following:
(1) Transactions at occasional "garage" or "yard" sales, or estate sales or farm auctions held
at the decedent's residence, except that precious metal dealers must comply with the requirements
of sections 325F.734 to 325F.742 for these transactions.
(2) Transactions regulated by chapter 80A.
(3) Transactions regulated by the Federal Commodity Futures Commission Act.
(4) Transactions involving the purchase of precious metal grindings, filings, slag, sweeps,
scraps, or dust from an industrial manufacturer, dental lab, dentist, or agent thereof.
(5) Transactions involving the purchase of photographic film, such as lithographic and X-ray
film, or silver residue or flake recovered in lithographic and X-ray film processing.
(6) Transactions involving coins, bullion, or ingots.
(7) Transactions in which the second hand item containing precious metal is exchanged for a
new item containing precious metal and the value of the new item exceeds the value of the
secondhand item, except that a natural person, partnership or corporation who is a precious metal
dealer by engaging in a transaction which is not exempted by this section must comply with the
requirements of sections 325F.734 to 325F.742.
(8) Transactions between precious metal dealers if both dealers are licensed under section
325F.733 or if the seller's business is located outside of the state and the item is shipped from
outside the state to a dealer licensed under section 325F.733.
(9) Transactions in which the buyer of the secondhand item containing precious metal is
engaged primarily in the business of buying and selling antiques, and the items are resold in an
unaltered condition except for repair, and the items are resold at retail, and the buyer paid less
than $2,500 for secondhand items containing precious metals purchased within any period of 12
consecutive months.
History: 1981 c 333 s 2

325F.733 LICENSE; APPLICATION; TERMS AND CONDITIONS.
    Subdivision 1. Application. Any precious metal dealer desiring to engage in or transact
business as such in any county of this state shall file an application for a license for that purpose
with the auditor of the county in which the dealer desires to do business. The application shall
include the applicant's name, date of birth, resident address, and locations of the proposed
principal place of business and branch offices within the county, and other locations within the
county where the applicant intends to hold secondhand precious metals. If the person in charge of
the business or a branch office is someone other than the applicant, the name, date of birth, and
resident address of the person in charge shall be stated with the location or branches indicated. If
the applicant is a corporation or partnership the name, date of birth and resident address of each
officer and general partner shall be stated. Each application shall be kept by the auditor for a
period of no less than three years and shall be available for inspection only by employees of the
county auditor, the county attorney, the attorney general, or by a peace officer.
    Subd. 2. Fee. Each applicant shall pay to the treasurer of the county a license fee in an
amount determined by the board of county commissioners of the county to be necessary to cover
the expenses of administering this licensing function.
    Subd. 3. Business locations. A precious metal dealer license shall authorize the precious
metal dealer to transact business only at the location or locations designated in the license.
    Subd. 4. Term. A precious metal dealer license shall be valid for a period of one year from
the date of its issuance.
    Subd. 5. Branch offices. Each branch office shall be operated under the same name as
the principal office.
    Subd. 6. Posting of license. Every precious metal dealer shall prominently post the dealer's
license in a conspicuous location at the dealer's principal place of business and a copy of the
license in a conspicuous location at each branch office.
    Subd. 7. Posting of prices; weighing. Every precious metal dealer shall prominently post in
a conspicuous place and in letters exceeding one inch in height the minimum prices per ounce
or pennyweight that are currently being paid by the dealer for precious metals and a warning
notice that unless otherwise informed, the prices offered are based on the meltdown value of the
precious metal, rather than the value of the item in its existing form. Precious metal items shall be
weighed in plain sight of the prospective seller on scales approved by the Division of Weights and
Measures of the Department of Commerce in accordance with sections 239.011 and 239.09.
    Subd. 8. Public record of licenses. The county auditor shall keep a record of the licenses in
a book provided for that purpose. The book shall contain the same information as required on the
application for the license; provided, that the applicant's resident address and date of birth shall
not be recorded. The book shall be open for public inspection.
History: 1981 c 333 s 3; 1986 c 444; 1991 c 198 s 11; 1Sp2001 c 4 art 6 s 77

325F.734 IDENTIFICATION OF SELLERS.
Every precious metal dealer shall require a seller of secondhand items containing precious
metals to present to the dealer at the time of the transaction an identification card of the seller
containing a picture of the seller and the seller's address.
History: 1981 c 333 s 4; 1986 c 444

325F.735 RECORDS REQUIRED.
Every precious metal dealer shall keep a book at the dealer's business location in which shall
be clearly written in ink, in the English language, at the time of each transaction, or as close
thereto as possible, the following information:
(1) an accurate description of every secondhand item containing precious metals bought,
including the type of item, number of items, brand name of item, if any, engraving or other
identifying features of the item, if any, and a description of any gems attached;
(2) the amount of money paid;
(3) the date of the transaction; and
(4) from the identification card containing a picture of the seller, the type of card presented
and the serial number of the card, if any, and the name and address of the person selling the item.
The book, as well as the item in the possession of the dealer, shall at all reasonable times be open
to inspection by any police officer of the city wherein the business is located or the sheriff or any
deputy sheriff of the county wherein the business is located.
History: 1981 c 333 s 5; 1986 c 444

325F.736 REQUIRED HOLDING PERIOD.
Every precious metal dealer shall keep in possession at the dealer's business location or
other location within the licensing county from the time of the transaction or as close thereto as
possible, for a period of no less than 14 days, every secondhand item containing precious metal
purchased by the dealer unless the item is purchased or consigned from another dealer licensed
under section 325F.733. The item shall not be altered at the time of sale and shall remain unaltered
during the required holding period.
History: 1981 c 333 s 6; 1986 c 444

325F.737 ADDITIONAL HOLDING PERIOD.
The sheriff or a designee may by written notification require a precious metal dealer
licensed in the sheriff's county not to sell or alter a secondhand item containing precious metal
if the sheriff or designee has probable cause that the item is stolen. The item shall not be sold,
altered, or removed from the licensed premises until authorized to be released in writing by the
sheriff or a designee.
The chief of police or a designee may also exercise this same authority for licensed
businesses, within the chief's jurisdiction.
History: 1981 c 333 s 7; 1986 c 444

325F.738 TRADING.
It is unlawful to trade or barter in a manner intended to avoid identification and recording of
transactions under sections 325F.734 and 325F.735 and payment under section 325F.741.
History: 1981 c 333 s 8

325F.739 CERTAIN PURCHASES PROHIBITED.
It is unlawful for a precious metal dealer to purchase a secondhand item containing precious
metals from a person under 18 years of age unless the person is accompanied by the person's
parent or guardian who is identified and whose identity is recorded in accordance with sections
325F.734 and 325F.735.
History: 1981 c 333 s 9; 1986 c 444

325F.741 PAYMENT BY CHECK.
Payment by a precious metal dealer for the purchase of a secondhand item containing
precious metal shall be made only by a check, draft, or other negotiable or nonnegotiable
instrument or order of withdrawal which is drawn against funds held by a financial institution.
History: 1981 c 333 s 10

325F.742 GOVERNMENTAL SUBDIVISIONS MAY REGULATE.
The provisions of Laws 1981, chapter 333, sections 1 to 17 shall not be construed as
prohibiting, or in any way limiting, or interfering with the right of any governmental subdivision
of the state to regulate or license precious metal dealers within its jurisdiction in a manner more
restrictive than Laws 1981, chapter 333, sections 1 to 17; provided, that transactions described
in section 325F.732, subdivision 2, shall not be regulated in a manner inconsistent with Laws
1981, chapter 333, sections 1 to 17.
History: 1981 c 333 s 11

325F.743 CRIMINAL PENALTY.
Any person who violates any provision of Laws 1981, chapter 333, sections 1 to 17 is guilty
of a felony and may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than three years or to payment
of a fine of not more than $40,000, or both.
History: 1981 c 333 s 12; 1984 c 628 art 3 s 11

325F.744 CIVIL PENALTY.
The attorney general or any county attorney may institute a civil action in the name of the
state in the district court to revoke, deny or suspend for a period of time the license on the ground
that the licensee has violated a provision of Laws 1981, chapter 333, sections 1 to 17. For this
purpose, the attorney general or county attorney shall be invested with the additional powers
contained in section 8.31. It is no defense to the action that the state has adequate remedies at law.
History: 1981 c 333 s 13

325F.75 ADVERTISING RESTRICTIONS; SCOPE; PENALTIES.
    Subdivision 1. Restrictions. Except as provided in this section, where a plumbing license is
required under section 326.40, no person offering plumbing services may do any of the following
unless the person employs a licensed master plumber or the person is a licensed master or
journeyman plumber:
(1) advertise as a plumbing contractor, master plumber, journeyman plumber, or plumber;
(2) append the person's name to, or in connection with, the title "plumbing contractor,"
"master plumber," "journeyman plumber," or "plumber";
(3) append the person's name to any other words that tend to represent the person as a
plumbing contractor, master plumber, journeyman plumber, or plumber.
A person who advertises as a master plumber shall include in the advertisement the number
of the person's license as a master plumber. A person who advertises as a journeyman plumber
must include in the advertisement the person's master or journeyman plumber license number. A
person who advertises as a plumbing contractor shall include in the advertisement the license
number of the master plumber employed by the plumbing contractor.
A vehicle used to conduct plumbing business must prominently display on its exterior the
license number of the master plumber or journeyman plumber performing plumbing services.
    Subd. 2. Scope. (a) This section applies to a person advertising plumbing services if that
person engages in or works at the business of plumbing or offers plumbing services in a city of
5,000 or more population.
(b) This section also applies to a person advertising plumbing services who engages in or
works at the business of plumbing or offers plumbing services in a city of less than 5,000 in
population that by ordinance requires licensing to do business as a master or journeyman plumber.
    Subd. 3. Penalties. (a) A person who is found guilty of violating subdivision 1 is subject to a
fine not to exceed $200 for the first offense.
(b) A person who is found guilty of violating subdivision 1 is subject to a fine not to exceed
$1,000 for the second offense.
(c) A person who is found guilty of violating subdivision 1 is subject to a fine not to exceed
$1,000 or imprisonment not to exceed 30 days, or both, for the third and subsequent offenses.
History: 1985 c 142 s 1; 1986 c 444; 1987 c 279 s 1; 1987 c 329 s 21

325F.755 PRIZE NOTICES AND SOLICITATIONS.
    Subdivision 1. Definitions. For purposes of this section, the following terms in this
subdivision have the meanings given them.
(a) "Prize" means a gift, award, or other item or service of value that is offered or awarded to
a participant in a real or purported contest, competition, sweepstakes, puzzle, drawing, scheme,
plan, or other selection process.
(b) "Retail value" of a prize means:
(1) a price at which the sponsor can substantiate that a substantial number of the prizes have
been sold to the public in Minnesota in the preceding year; or
(2) if the sponsor is unable to satisfy the requirement in clause (1), then no more than 1.5
times the amount the sponsor paid for the prize in a bona fide purchase from an unaffiliated seller.
(c) "Sponsor" means a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, sole
proprietorship, or natural person that requires a person in Minnesota to pay the sponsor money as
a condition of awarding the person a prize, or as a condition of allowing the person to receive,
use, compete for, or obtain information about a prize, or that creates the reasonable impression
that such a payment is required.
    Subd. 2. Disclosures required. (a) No sponsor shall require a person in Minnesota to pay the
sponsor money as a condition of awarding the person a prize, or as a condition of allowing the
person to receive, use, compete for, or obtain information about a prize, nor shall a sponsor use any
solicitation that creates the reasonable impression that a payment is required, unless the person has
first received a written prize notice containing the information required in paragraphs (b) and (c).
(b) A written prize notice must contain each of the following:
(1) the true name or names of the sponsor and the address of the sponsor's actual principal
place of business;
(2) the retail value of each prize the person receiving the notice has been selected to receive
or may be eligible to receive;
(3) a statement of the person's odds of receiving each prize identified in the notice;
(4) any requirement that the person pay shipping or handling fees or any other charges to
obtain or use a prize, including the nature and amount of the charges;
(5) if receipt of the prize is subject to a restriction, a statement that a restriction applies,
and a description of the restriction;
(6) any limitations on eligibility; and
(7) if a sponsor represents that the person is a "winner," is a "finalist," has been "specially
selected," is in "first place," or is otherwise among a limited group of persons with an enhanced
likelihood of receiving a prize, the written prize notice must contain a statement of the maximum
number of persons in the group or purported group with this enhanced likelihood of receiving a
prize.
(c) The information required by paragraph (b) must be presented in the following form:
(1) the retail value and the statement of odds required under paragraph (b), clauses (2) and
(3), must be stated in immediate proximity to each identification of a prize on the written notice,
and must be in the same size and boldness of type as the reference to the prize;
(2) the statement of odds must include, for each prize, the total number of prizes to be
given away and the total number of written prize notices to be distributed. The number of prizes
and written prize notices must be stated in Arabic numerals. The statement of odds must be in
the following form:
"....... (number of prizes) out of ....... notices distributed.";
(3) if a person is required to pay shipping or handling fees or any other charges to obtain a
prize, to be eligible to obtain a prize, or participate in a contest, the following statement must
appear in immediate proximity to each listing of the prize in the written prize notice, in not less
than ten-point boldface type: "YOU MUST PAY $....... TO RECEIVE THIS ITEM" or "YOU
MUST PAY $....... TO COMPETE FOR THIS ITEM," whichever is applicable; and
(4) a statement required under paragraph (b), clause (7), must appear in immediate proximity
to each representation that the person is among a group of persons with an enhanced likelihood of
receiving a prize, and must be in the same size and boldness of type as the representation.
    Subd. 3. Prize award required. A sponsor who represents to a person that the person has
been awarded a prize shall, not later than 30 days after making the representation, provide the
person with the prize, or with a voucher, certificate, or other document giving the person the
unconditional right to receive the prize, or shall provide the person with either of the following
items selected by the person:
(1) any other prize listed in the written prize notice that is available and that is of equal
or greater value; or
(2) the retail value of the prize, as stated in the written notice, in the form of cash, a money
order, or a certified check.
    Subd. 4. Advertising media exempt. Nothing in this section creates liability for acts by
the publisher, owner, agent, or employee of a newspaper, periodical, radio station, television
station, cable television system, or other advertising medium arising out of the publication or
dissemination of a solicitation, notice, or promotion governed by this section, unless the publisher,
owner, agent, or employee had knowledge that the solicitation, notice, or promotion violated the
requirements of this section, or had a financial interest in the solicitation, notice, or promotion.
    Subd. 5. Exemptions. This section does not apply to solicitations or representations, in
connection with (1) the sale or purchase of books, recordings, videocassettes, periodicals, and
similar goods through a membership group or club which is regulated by the Federal Trade
Commission pursuant to Code of Federal Regulations, title 16, part 425.1, concerning use of
negative option plans by sellers in commerce; (2) the sale or purchase of goods ordered through
a contractual plan or arrangement such as a continuity plan, subscription arrangement, or a
single sale or purchase series arrangement under which the seller ships goods to a consumer
who has consented in advance to receive the goods and after the receipt of the goods is given
the opportunity to examine the goods and to receive a full refund of charges for the goods upon
return of the goods undamaged; or (3) sales by a catalog seller. For purposes of this section
"catalog seller" shall mean any entity (and its subsidiaries) or person at least 50 percent of whose
annual revenues are derived from the sale of products sold in connection with the distribution of
catalogs of at least 24 pages, which contain written descriptions or illustrations and sale prices for
each item of merchandise and which are distributed in more than one state with a total annual
distribution of at least 250,000.
    Subd. 6. Exemptions for regulated activities. This section does not apply to advertising
permitted and regulated under chapter 82A, concerning membership camping practices;
advertising permitted and regulated under chapter 83, concerning subdivided lands and interests
in subdivided lands; pari-mutuel betting on horse racing permitted and regulated under chapter
240; lawful gambling permitted and regulated under chapter 349; or the state lottery created
and regulated under chapter 349A.
    Subd. 7. Violations. (a) Nothing in this section shall be construed to permit an activity
otherwise prohibited by law.
(b) A violation of this section is also a violation of sections 325F.68 to 325F.71 and is
subject to section 8.31.
(c) Whoever intentionally violates this section may be fined not more than $10,000 or
imprisoned for not more than two years, or both. It is evidence of intent if the violation occurs
after the Office of the Attorney General has notified a person by certified mail that the person is
in violation of this section.
(d) A person suffering pecuniary loss because of an intentional violation of this section may
bring an action in any court of competent jurisdiction and shall recover costs, reasonable attorney
fees, and the greater of: (1) $500; or (2) twice the amount of the pecuniary loss.
(e) The relief provided in this section is in addition to remedies or penalties otherwise
available against the same conduct under common law or other statutes of this state.
History: 1993 c 178 s 1; 1994 c 465 art 1 s 38

325F.76 DEFINITIONS.
    Subdivision 1. Terms. For the purposes of sections 325F.76 to 325F.78, the terms defined in
this section have the meanings given them.
    Subd. 2. Chewing tobacco. "Chewing tobacco" means loose tobacco or a flat compressed
cake of tobacco that is inserted into the mouth.
    Subd. 3. Distribute. "Distribute" means to give products to the general public at no cost or at
nominal cost for product promotional purposes.
    Subd. 4. Package. "Package" means a pack, box, or container of any kind in which a
smokeless tobacco product is offered for sale, sold, or otherwise distributed.
    Subd. 5. Person. "Person" means any individual, partnership, corporation, or other business
or legal entity.
    Subd. 6. Smokeless tobacco. "Smokeless tobacco" means chewing tobacco or tobacco snuff.
    Subd. 7. Tobacco snuff. "Tobacco snuff" means a small amount of shredded, powdered,
or pulverized tobacco that may be inhaled through the nostrils, chewed, or held in the mouth
of an individual user.
History: 1986 c 352 s 1

325F.77 PROMOTIONAL DISTRIBUTION.
    Subdivision 1.[Repealed, 1987 c 399 s 5]
    Subd. 2.[Repealed, 1987 c 399 s 5]
    Subd. 3. Legislative intent. Because the state prohibits both the use of tobacco products
by minors and the furnishing of tobacco products to minors, and because the enforcement of
an age-related restriction on the promotional distribution of tobacco products is impractical
and ineffective, it is the intent of the legislature to control the distribution of these products
and discourage illegal activity by prohibiting all promotional distribution, except as allowed
in this section.
    Subd. 4. Prohibition. No person shall distribute smokeless tobacco products or cigarettes,
cigars, pipe tobacco, or other tobacco products suitable for smoking, except that single serving
samples of tobacco may be distributed in tobacco stores.
History: 1986 c 352 s 2; 1987 c 399 s 3,4

325F.78 REMEDIES.
The attorney general may institute a civil action in the name of the state of Minnesota in
the district court for an injunction prohibiting any violation of section 325F.77. The court, upon
notice to the defendant of not less than five days, and upon proof that defendant has engaged in
the practice prohibited by section 325F.77, may enjoin the future commission of the practice.
The court may impose a civil penalty in an amount not to exceed $5,000 for each violation.
The attorney general may recover costs and disbursements, including costs of investigation and
reasonable attorneys fees.
History: 1986 c 352 s 3

325F.781 REQUIREMENTS; TOBACCO PRODUCT DELIVERY SALES.
    Subdivision 1. Definitions. (a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have the
meanings given, unless the language or context clearly provides otherwise.
(b) "Consumer" means an individual who purchases, receives, or possesses tobacco products
for personal consumption and not for resale.
(c) "Delivery sale" means:
(1) a sale of tobacco products to a consumer in this state when:
(i) the purchaser submits the order for the sale by means of a telephonic or other method of
voice transmission, the mail or any other delivery service, or the Internet or other online service; or
(ii) the tobacco products are delivered by use of the mail or other delivery service; or
(2) a sale of tobacco products that satisfies the criteria in clause (1), item (i), regardless of
whether the seller is located inside or outside of the state.
A sale of tobacco products to an individual in this state must be treated as a sale to a
consumer, unless the individual is licensed as a distributor or retailer of tobacco products.
(d) "Delivery service" means a person, including the United States Postal Service, that is
engaged in the commercial delivery of letters, packages, or other containers.
(e) "Distributor" means a person, whether located inside or outside of this state, other than
a retailer, who sells or distributes tobacco products in the state. Distributor does not include a
tobacco products manufacturer, export warehouse proprietor, or importer with a valid permit under
United States Code, title 26, section 5712 (1997), if the person sells or distributes tobacco products
in this state only to distributors who hold valid and current licenses under the laws of a state, or to
an export warehouse proprietor or another manufacturer. Distributor does not include a common
or contract carrier that is transporting tobacco products under a proper bill of lading or freight bill
that states the quantity, source, and destination of tobacco products, or a person who ships tobacco
products through this state by common or contract carrier under a bill of lading or freight bill.
(f) "Retailer" means a person, whether located inside or outside this state, who sells or
distributes tobacco products to a consumer in this state.
(g) "Tobacco products" means:
(1) cigarettes, as defined in section 297F.01, subdivision 3; and
(2) smokeless tobacco as defined in section 325F.76.
    Subd. 2. Requirements for accepting order for delivery sale. (a) This subdivision applies
to acceptance of an order for a delivery sale of tobacco products.
(b) When accepting the first order for a delivery sale from a consumer, the tobacco retailer
shall obtain the following information from the person placing the order:
(1) a copy of a valid government-issued document that provides the person's name, current
address, photograph, and date of birth; and
(2) an original written statement signed by the person documenting that the person:
(i) is of legal age to purchase tobacco products in the state;
(ii) has made a choice whether to receive mailings from a tobacco retailer;
(iii) understands that providing false information may be a violation of law; and
(iv) understands that it is a violation of law to purchase tobacco products for subsequent
resale or for delivery to persons who are under the legal age to purchase tobacco products.
(c) If an order is made as a result of advertisement over the Internet, the tobacco retailer
shall request the e-mail address of the purchaser and shall receive payment by credit card or
check prior to shipping.
(d) Prior to shipping the tobacco products, the tobacco retailer shall verify the information
provided under paragraph (b) against a commercially available database. Any such database or
databases may also include age and identity information from other government or validated
commercial sources, if that additional information is regularly used by government and businesses
for the purpose of identity verification and authentication, and if the additional information is
used only to supplement and not to replace the government-issued identification data in the
age and identity verification process.
    Subd. 3. Requirements for shipping a delivery sale. (a) This subdivision applies to a
tobacco retailer shipping tobacco products pursuant to a delivery sale.
(b) The tobacco retailer shall clearly mark the outside of the package of tobacco products to
be shipped "tobacco products - adult signature required" and to show the name of the tobacco
retailer.
(c) The tobacco retailer shall utilize a delivery service that imposes the following
requirements:
(1) an adult must sign for the delivery; and
(2) the person signing for the delivery must show valid government-issued identification that
contains a photograph of the person signing for the delivery and indicates that the person signing
for the delivery is of legal age to purchase tobacco products and resides at the delivery address.
(d) The retailer must provide delivery instructions that clearly indicate the requirements of
this subdivision and must declare that state law requires compliance with the requirements.
(e) No criminal penalty may be imposed on a person for a violation of this section other than
a violation described in paragraph (f) or (g). Whenever it appears to the commissioner that any
person has engaged in any act or practice constituting a violation of this section, and the violation
is not within two years of any previous violation of this section, the commissioner shall issue and
cause to be served upon the person an order requiring the person to cease and desist from violating
this section. The order must give reasonable notice of the rights of the person to request a hearing
and must state the reason for the entry of the order. Unless otherwise agreed between the parties,
a hearing shall be held not later than seven days after the request for the hearing is received by
the commissioner after which and within 20 days after the receipt of the administrative law
judge's report and subsequent exceptions and argument, the commissioner shall issue an order
vacating the cease and desist order, modifying it, or making it permanent as the facts require. If
no hearing is requested within 30 days of the service of the order, the order becomes final and
remains in effect until modified or vacated by the commissioner. All hearings shall be conducted
in accordance with the provisions of chapter 14. If the person to whom a cease and desist order
is issued fails to appear at the hearing after being duly notified, the person shall be deemed in
default, and the proceeding may be determined against the person upon consideration of the cease
and desist order, the allegations of which may be deemed to be true.
(f) Any person who violates this section within two years of a violation for which a cease
and desist order was issued under paragraph (e), is guilty of a misdemeanor.
(g) Any person who commits a third or subsequent violation of this section, including a
violation for which a cease and desist order was issued under paragraph (c), within any subsequent
two-year period is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
    Subd. 4. Common carriers. This section may not be construed as imposing liability upon
any common carrier, or officers or employees of the common carrier, when acting within the
scope of business of the common carrier.
    Subd. 5. Registration requirement. Prior to making delivery sales or shipping tobacco
products in connection with any sales, an out-of-state retailer must meet the requirements of
section 297F.031.
    Subd. 6. Collection of taxes. (a) Prior to shipping any tobacco products to a purchaser in this
state, the out-of-state retailer shall comply with all requirements of chapter 297F and shall ensure
that all state excise taxes and fees that apply to such tobacco products have been collected and
paid to the state and that all related state excise tax stamps or other indicators of state excise tax
payment have been properly affixed to those tobacco products.
(b) In addition to any penalties under chapter 297F, a distributor who fails to pay any tax
due according to paragraph (a) shall pay, in addition to any other penalty, a penalty of 50 percent
of the tax due but unpaid.
    Subd. 7. Application of state laws. All state laws that apply to in-state tobacco product
retailers shall apply to Internet and mail-order sellers that sell into this state.
    Subd. 8. Forfeiture. Any tobacco product sold or attempted to be sold in a delivery sale
that does not meet the requirements of this section is deemed to be contraband and is subject to
forfeiture in the same manner as and in accordance with the provisions of section 297F.21.
    Subd. 9. Civil penalties. A tobacco retailer or distributor who violates this section or rules
adopted under this section is subject to the following fines:
(1) for the first violation, a fine of not more than $1,000; and
(2) for the second and any subsequent violation, a fine of not more than $5,000.
    Subd. 10. Enforcement. The attorney general may bring an action to enforce this section
and may seek injunctive relief, including a preliminary or final injunction, and fines, penalties,
and equitable relief and may seek to prevent or restrain actions in violation of this section by any
person or any person controlling such person. In addition, a violation of this section is a violation
of the Unlawful Trade Practices Act, sections 325D.09 to 325D.16.
History: 1Sp2005 c 3 art 6 s 20

325F.783 AUTO GLASS REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT.
(a) No person who provides retail auto glass products or services paid for in whole or in part,
directly or indirectly, by an insurer regarding an insurance claim may:
(1) waive, forgive, or pay all or any part of an applicable insurance deductible; or
(2) as an inducement to the sale of goods or services to an insured, advertise or give any
rebate, gift, prize, bonus, coupon, credit, referral fee, trade-in or trade-in payment, advertising or
other fee or payment, or any other tangible thing or item of monetary value, directly or indirectly,
to an insured or any other person not in the employ of the seller.
(b) The attorney general may pursue the penalties and remedies available to the attorney
general under section 8.31 against any person who violates this section.
History: 2000 c 342 s 3; 2002 c 283 s 2

325F.784 PRESCRIPTION DRUG DISCOUNTS.
    Subdivision 1. Regulation. A person shall not sell, market, promote, advertise, or otherwise
distribute any card or other purchasing mechanism or device that is not insurance that purports to
offer discounts or access to discounts from pharmacies for prescription drug purchases when:
(1) the card or other purchasing mechanism or device does not expressly state in bold and
prominent type, prominently placed, that the discounts are not insurance;
(2) the discounts are not specifically authorized by an individual and separate contract with
each pharmacy listed in conjunction with the card or other purchasing mechanism or device; or
(3) the discounts or access to discounts offered, or the range of discounts or access to the
range of discounts offered, are misleading, deceptive, or fraudulent.
    Subd. 2. Enforcement. (a) The attorney general, or an individual or other person, may
maintain an action to enjoin any act in violation of this section and for the recovery of damages.
(b) An action for violation of this section may be brought:
(1) in the county where the plaintiff resides;
(2) in the county where the plaintiff conducts business; or
(3) in the county where the card or other purchasing mechanism or device was sold,
marketed, promoted, advertised, or otherwise distributed.
(c)(1) If the court finds that the defendant has violated any of the provisions of this section,
the court shall enjoin the defendant from continuing the acts that are in violation of this section.
(2) It is not necessary, except to recover for actual damages under clause (3), item (ii),
that actual damages to the plaintiff be alleged or proved in order to maintain an action under
this section.
(3) In addition to injunctive relief, the plaintiff in the action may recover from the defendant:
(i) $100 per card or other purchasing mechanism or device sold, marketed, promoted,
advertised, or otherwise distributed within this state, or $10,000, whichever is greater;
(ii) three times the amount of the actual damages, if any, sustained;
(iii) reasonable attorney fees;
(iv) costs; and
(v) any other relief that the court considers proper.
(d) An action under this section must be commenced within two years after the date on which
the violation occurred or within two years after the person bringing the action discovered, or in
the exercise of reasonable diligence should have discovered, the occurrence of the violation.
(e) The remedies prescribed in this section are cumulative and in addition to any other
applicable criminal, civil, or administrative penalties.
    Subd. 3. Designation of agent for service of process. Any person who sells, markets,
promotes, advertises, or otherwise distributes any card or other purchasing mechanism or device
that is not insurance that purports to offer discounts or access to discounts from pharmacies for
prescription drug purchases in this state shall designate a resident of this state as an agent for
service of process and register the agent with the secretary of state.
    Subd. 4. Nonapplication. This section does not apply to:
(1) the following goods or services provided by an optometrist or ophthalmologist: eye or
vision care services, glasses, or contact lenses;
(2) any card or other purchasing mechanism or device that is not insurance and which is
administered in conjunction with a medical benefit by a health insurer, or nonprofit health service
plan corporation or health maintenance organization;
(3) a benefit administered by or under contract with, the state of Minnesota; or
(4) a customer discount or membership card issued by a store or buying club for use at
that store or buying club.
History: 2000 c 303 s 1

325F.785 SALES OF HIV HOME COLLECTION KITS AND HYPODERMIC SYRINGES
AND NEEDLES.
    Subdivision 1. Information to purchasers. A seller may provide each purchaser of an
HIV home collection kit or hypodermic syringes and needles as authorized in section 151.40,
at the time of purchase, with written information about the telephone numbers for public HIV
counseling and testing sites, the state's HIV hotline, disposal of used syringes, and general HIV
prevention and care.
    Subd. 2. Assistance for sellers. The commissioner of health shall provide technical
assistance and materials to pharmacies and to sellers related to compliance with this section
and section 151.40. The commissioner, in consultation with organizations specializing in HIV
prevention, shall provide printed materials, including the written information described under
subdivision 1, at no charge to pharmacies that sell hypodermic needles or syringes under
section 151.40, and sellers of HIV home collection kits under this section. A pharmacy or seller
may request and the commissioner may authorize use of other methods for providing written
information to purchasers. The commissioner may use funds appropriated under section 145.924,
to provide technical assistance and materials.
History: 1997 c 203 art 2 s 27

325F.79 DEFINITIONS.
For purposes of sections 325F.79 to 325F.792, the following definitions apply:
(a) "Animal" means a dog, wholly or in part of the species Canis familiaris, or a cat, wholly
or in part of the species Felis domesticus.
(b) "Pet dealer" means any person, firm, partnership, corporation, or association, including
breeders, that is required to collect sales tax for the sale of animals to the public. Pet dealer
does not include humane societies, nonprofit organizations performing the functions of humane
societies, or animal control agencies.
(c) "Breeder" means any person, firm, partnership, corporation, or association that breeds
animals for direct or indirect sale to the public.
(d) "Broker" means a person, firm, partnership, corporation, or association that purchases
animals for resale to other brokers or pet dealers.
(e) "Health problem" means any disease, illness, or congenital or hereditary condition which
would impair the health or function of the animal that is apparent at the time of sale, or which
should have been apparent to the seller from the veterinary history of the animal.
(f) "Veterinarian" means a licensed veterinarian in the state of Minnesota.
History: 1992 c 585 s 1

325F.791 SALES OF DOGS AND CATS.
    Subdivision 1. Disclosure. Every pet dealer shall deliver to each retail purchaser of an
animal written disclosure as follows:
(a) The name, address, and USDA license number of the breeder and any broker who has
had possession of the animal; the date of the animal's birth; the date the pet dealer received the
animal; the breed, sex, color, and identifying marks of the animal; the individual identifying
tag, tattoo, or collar number; the name and registration number of the sire and dam and the
litter number; and a record of inoculations, worming treatments, and medication received by the
animal while in the possession of the pet dealer.
(b) A statement signed by the pet dealer that the animal has no known health problem, or a
statement signed by the pet dealer disclosing any known health problem and a statement signed
by a veterinarian that recommends necessary treatment.
The disclosure shall be made part of the statement of consumer rights set forth in subdivision
10. The disclosure required in paragraph (a) need not be made for mixed breed animals if the
information is not available and cannot be determined by the pet dealer.
    Subd. 2. Records. The pet dealer shall maintain, for one year, a copy of the statement of
consumer rights delivered to the purchaser.
    Subd. 3. Registration. A pet dealer who represents an animal as eligible for registration
with an animal pedigree organization shall provide the retail purchaser, within 90 days of final
payment, the documents necessary for registration. If these documents are not received from the
pet dealer, the purchaser may retain the animal and receive a refund of 50 percent of the purchase
price, or return the animal, along with all documentation previously provided, and receive a full
refund. The pet dealer shall not be responsible for delays in registration which are the result of
persons other than the pet dealer.
    Subd. 4. Health. No animal may be offered for sale by a broker or pet dealer to a retail
purchaser until the animal has been examined by a veterinarian. The veterinarian used by the
broker shall not be the same veterinarian used by the pet dealer. If the pet dealer is not the breeder
of the animal, each animal shall be examined within two days after receipt of the animal by a pet
dealer and within four days of delivery of the animal to the purchaser by the pet dealer. The cost
of the examination shall be paid by the pet dealer.
    Subd. 5. Responsibilities of purchaser. To obtain the remedies provided in subdivision 6,
the purchaser shall with respect to an animal with a health problem:
(a) Notify the pet dealer, within two business days, of the diagnosis by a veterinarian of a
health problem and provide the pet dealer with the name and telephone number of the veterinarian
and a copy of the veterinarian's report on the animal.
(b) If the purchaser wishes to receive a full refund for the animal, return the animal no
later than two business days after receipt of a written statement from a veterinarian indicating
the animal is unfit due to a health problem.
With respect to a dead animal the purchaser must provide the pet dealer a written statement
from a veterinarian, indicating the animal died from a health problem which existed on or before
the receipt of the animal by the purchaser.
    Subd. 6. Rights of the purchaser. If, within ten days after receipt of the animal by the
purchaser, a veterinarian states, in writing, that the animal has a health problem which existed
in the animal at the time of delivery, or if within one year after receipt of the animal by the
purchaser, a veterinarian states, in writing, that the animal has died or is ill due to a hereditary
or congenital defect, or is not of the breed type represented, the animal shall be considered to
have been unfit for sale at the time of sale.
In the event an animal dies due to a health problem which existed in the animal at the
time of delivery to the purchaser, the pet dealer shall provide the purchaser with one of the
following remedies selected by the purchaser: receive an animal, of equal value, if available, and
reimbursement for reasonable veterinary fees, such reimbursements not to exceed the original
purchase price of the animal; or receive a refund of the full purchase price.
In the event of a health problem, which existed at the time of delivery to the purchaser,
the pet dealer shall provide the purchaser with one of the following remedies selected by the
purchaser: return the animal to the pet dealer for a refund of the full purchase price; exchange the
animal for an animal of the purchaser's choice of equivalent value, providing a replacement is
available; or retain the animal, and receive reimbursement for reasonable veterinary fees, such
reimbursements not to exceed the original purchase price of the animal.
The price of veterinary service shall be deemed reasonable if the service is appropriate for
the diagnosis and treatment of the health problem and the price of the service is comparable to
that of similar service rendered by other veterinarians in proximity to the treating veterinarian.
    Subd. 7. Rights of pet dealer. No refund, replacement, or reimbursement of veterinary fees
shall be required if any one or more of the following conditions exist:
(a) The health problem or death resulted from maltreatment, neglect, or a disease contracted
while in the possession of the purchaser, or from an injury sustained subsequent to receipt of
the animal by the purchaser.
(b) A veterinarian's statement was provided to the purchaser pursuant to subdivision 1,
paragraph (b), which disclosed the health problem for which the purchaser seeks to return the
animal.
(c) The purchaser fails to carry out recommended treatment prescribed by the examining
veterinarian, pursuant to subdivision 1, paragraph (b).
    Subd. 8. Contest. (a) In the event that a pet dealer wishes to contest a demand for the relief
specified in subdivision 3 or 6, the pet dealer may require the purchaser to produce the animal for
examination or autopsy by a veterinarian designated by the pet dealer. The pet dealer shall pay
the cost of this examination or autopsy. The pet dealer shall have a right of recovery against the
purchaser if the pet dealer is not obligated to provide a remedy under subdivision 6.
(b) If the pet dealer does not provide the relief selected by the purchaser set forth in
subdivision 3 or 6, the purchaser may initiate a court action.
(c) The prevailing party in the court action shall have the right to recover costs and
reasonable attorney fees not to exceed $500.
    Subd. 9. Posted notice. Every pet dealer shall post in a prominent location of the facility, a
notice, in 48-point boldface type, containing the following language:
"Information on all dogs and cats is available. You are entitled to a statement of consumer
rights. Make sure you receive this statement at the time of purchase."
    Subd. 10. Statement of consumer rights. Every pet dealer shall provide the retail purchaser
a written notice of rights, which shall be signed by the purchaser, acknowledging that the
purchaser has reviewed the notice, and signed by the pet dealer certifying the accuracy of the
information contained in it. A signed copy shall be retained by the pet dealer and one given to the
purchaser. The notice shall be in 16-point boldface type and shall state as follows:
THE SALE OF DOGS AND CATS
The sale of dogs and cats is subject to consumer protection regulations. Minnesota law
also provides safeguards to protect pet dealers and animal purchasers. Attached is a copy
of Minnesota Statutes, section 325F.79. Contained within this law is a statement of your
consumer rights."
The statement of consumer rights shall also contain or have attached the disclosures required
under subdivision 1.
    Subd. 11. Limitation. Nothing in this subdivision shall limit the rights or remedies which are
otherwise available to a purchaser under any other law. Any agreement or contract by a purchaser
to waive any rights under this chapter shall be null and void and shall be unenforceable.
History: 1992 c 585 s 2

325F.792 ADDITIONAL PENALTIES.
    Subdivision 1. Criminal penalty. A violation of any United States Department of
Agriculture statute or regulation covering animal breeders or groomers, pet dealers, or the
transportation of dogs or cats is a misdemeanor.
    Subd. 2. Civil penalty. (a) A pet dealer who:
(1) sells an animal without delivery of the disclosure required in section 325F.791,
subdivision 1 ;
(2) fails to maintain the records required by section 325F.791, subdivision 2;
(3) fails to provide registration papers as provided in section 325F.791, subdivision 3;
(4) fails to make or provide payment for the examinations required by section 325F.791,
subdivision 4 ;
(5) fails to post the notice required by section 325F.791, subdivision 9; or
(6) fails to provide the statement of consumer rights required by section 325F.791,
subdivision 10 ,
is subject to a civil fine of up to $1,000 per violation.
(b) Civil fines collected under this subdivision shall be collected by the court and turned over
to the prosecuting attorney.
History: 1992 c 585 s 3

325F.795 UNAUTHORIZED POSSESSION OF MERCHANDISE PALLETS.
    Subdivision 1. Definitions. (a) "Merchandise" means objects, wares, goods, or commodities.
(b) "Merchandise pallet" means a plastic carrier or plastic container, ranging in size from
36 inches to 54 inches with a forklift entry, used by a manufacturer or distributor to transport
merchandise, which has a notice permanently affixed to it by the owner that does all of the
following:
(1) identifies the company name of the owner of the pallet;
(2) notifies the public that the unauthorized possession of the pallet is a violation of state
law; and
(3) lists a telephone number or address for the owner.
(c) With respect to possession of a merchandise pallet, "unauthorized person" includes
anyone in possession of one or more merchandise pallets, except the following:
(1) the company owner;
(2) a person in lawful possession of the merchandise pallet; or
(3) a person who has temporary possession of the merchandise pallet as a result of the
purchase of the products or merchandise transported using the merchandise pallet.
    Subd. 2. Liability. An unauthorized person in possession of a merchandise pallet, or a
person, other than the owner, who maliciously, with intent to damage, obliterates, removes, or
distorts the owner's name on a merchandise pallet, shall be liable to the injured party as set
forth in subdivision 4.
    Subd. 3. Evidence of ownership or rightful possession. A person who purchases or
leases a merchandise pallet shall retain a copy of the bill of sale or other evidence that supports
the purchase or lease.
    Subd. 4. Remedy. A person injured by a violation of this section may recover damages
equal to three times the cost of the merchandise pallet, together with costs and disbursements,
including a reasonable attorney's fee.
History: 1998 c 282 s 1

325F.80 RETAIL SALES OF CONSUMER GOODS; REFUNDS.
    Subdivision 1. Definitions. For purposes of this section, the following terms have the
meanings given them under this subdivision:
(1) "consumer" means a natural person who buys goods for personal, family, or household
purposes and not for commercial, agricultural, or business purposes;
(2) "seller" means a person who regularly sells goods at retail to consumers;
(3) "acceptable" means that the goods returned are in a condition acceptable to the seller
using reasonable and objective standards, the goods are returned within a reasonable time from
the date of purchase, and proof of purchase is presented by the consumer at time of return;
(4) "cash refund" means the seller provides the consumer cash at the time of the return; or
the seller mails a check to the consumer within a reasonable time following return; or, for sales
involving financial transaction cards, as defined in section 325G.02, subdivision 2, or sales in
which the seller extends credit to the consumer, the seller credits the account that was charged.
    Subd. 2. Cash refunds required. A seller may not refuse to give a cash refund to a consumer
for goods that are acceptable for return unless the seller complies with subdivision 3.
    Subd. 3. Notice of refund policy. If a seller wishes to alter the cash refund policy required
by this section, written notice of the seller's cash refund policy must be clearly and conspicuously
displayed on the premises. The notice must be written in boldface type of a minimum size of
14 points.
    Subd. 4. Nonapplication. This section does not apply to home solicitation sales, as defined
in section 325G.06, goods custom ordered or special ordered by the consumer, sellers licensed
under section 168.27, or sales that are subject to a written agreement or contract under the
Uniform Commercial Code.
    Subd. 5. Violation. A seller who violates this section is subject to the remedies under section
8.31, except that a civil penalty imposed under that section may not exceed $500 per violation.
History: 1987 c 205 s 1

325F.81 REPLICA FIREARMS; WARNING LABEL.
    Subdivision 1. Definition. For purposes of this section, "replica firearm" means a device or
object that is not defined as a dangerous weapon, and that is a facsimile or toy version of, and
reasonably appears to be a pistol, revolver, shotgun, sawed-off shotgun, rifle, machine gun,
rocket launcher, or any other firearm.
    Subd. 2. Warning label required. A person may not in the regular course of business offer
for sale or sell a replica firearm unless it bears a warning label complying with this section. The
warning label must be affixed at the time of packaging to the replica firearm, or to the package or
box containing the replica firearm, so that it is clearly visible to the buyer.
    Subd. 3. Label requirements. The word "warning" must be printed clearly on the label in
uppercase letters that measure at least one-half inch in size centered over the body copy of the
actual warning. The warning label copy must be printed in letters that measure at least 3/32 of an
inch in size. The warning label must be printed in ink that strongly contrasts with the background.
The warning label must state the criminal penalties under state law that may arise from use of the
replica firearm, and describe the prohibited activities.
    Subd. 4. Enforcement. This section may be enforced by the attorney general under section
8.31, but a court may not impose a civil penalty of more than $500 for a violation of this section.
History: 1988 c 712 s 4

325F.82 DEFINITIONS.
    Subdivision 1. Scope. For the purposes of section 325F.83, the terms defined in this section
have the meanings given them.
    Subd. 2. Automatic garage door opening system. "Automatic garage door opening system"
means a system of devices and equipment that, when connected to a garage door, automatically
opens and closes a garage door.
    Subd. 3. Garage. "Garage" means a building, or a portion of a building, designed or used for
the storage, repair, or keeping of a motor vehicle.
    Subd. 4. Residential building. "Residential building" means a building such as a home or
apartment for one or more families or persons that includes an attached or unattached garage.
    Subd. 5. Automatic reversing requirement. "Automatic reversing requirement" means the
requirements specified in paragraphs 30.1 and 30.2 of Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., Standards
for Safety-UL 325, third edition, as revised May 4, 1988, for a residential automatic garage door
opening system or the requirements specified in paragraph 29.1 of Underwriters Laboratories,
Inc., Standards for Safety-UL 325, third edition, as revised May 4, 1988, for a commercial
vehicular door operator.
History: 1990 c 414 s 2; 1991 c 10 s 1,2

325F.83 REGULATION OF AUTOMATIC GARAGE DOOR OPENING SYSTEMS.
    Subdivision 1. Manufacturing, sales, purchases, or installations of systems. No person
shall manufacture, sell, offer for sale, purchase, or install in this state an automatic garage door
opening system for residential buildings that does not comply with subdivision 3.
    Subd. 1a. Service or repair of systems. No person shall service or repair an automatic
garage door opening system for residential buildings that does not comply with the automatic
reversing requirement. This paragraph does not prevent the servicing or repair of an automatic
garage door opening system if the system will be in compliance with the automatic reversing
requirement after the repair or service.
The person servicing or repairing the automatic garage door opening system shall determine
whether or not the system complies with the automatic reversing requirement by conducting an
on-site test of the system.
    Subd. 1b. Warning label. If the automatic garage door opening system does not pass
the on-site test required by subdivision 1a, the person conducting the test shall complete and
conspicuously attach to the automatic garage door opening system, a red label that states the
following:
This garage door opener was tested and does not meet the requirements for a working safety
reverse feature. This can be dangerous and may cause serious injury or death. You are advised to
disconnect the opener from the door immediately and operate the door manually until the opener
has been repaired or replaced with one that meets current safety standards relating to automatic
reversal as provided for in Minnesota Statutes, section 325F.83, subdivision 1a.

	Model		Name of Tester
	Manufacturer		Firm Name
	Serial Number		Firm Address/Phone Number
			Date"

The firm of the agent or employee who attached the red label shall notify within ten working
days in writing the occupant of the residence that the system did not comply with subdivision 1a.
    Subd. 2. Design and construction of residential buildings. No residential building shall
be designed or built in this state unless all automatic garage door opening systems comply with
subdivision 3.
    Subd. 3. Minimum standards. (a) No later than January 1, 1991, all automatic garage door
opening systems subject to subdivision 1, 1a, or 2 must conform to the applicable requirements of
Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., Standards for Safety-UL 325, third edition, as revised May 4,
1988.
(b) No later than January 1, 1993, all automatic garage door opening systems subject to
subdivision 1 or 2 must include an attached edge sensor, safety beam, or similar device that when
activated causes a closing door to open and prevents an open door from closing. This device is to
be designed and built so that a failure of the device prevents the door from closing.
    Subd. 4. Manufacturer's labeling requirements. On and after January 1, 1991, a
manufacturer selling or offering for sale automatic garage door opening systems in this state shall
clearly identify on the container and on the system, the month or week and year the system was
manufactured, and its conformance with UL 325, as required under subdivision 3, paragraph (a).
The display of the UL logo or listing mark and compliance with the date marking requirements of
UL 325 on both the container and the system fulfills the manufacturer's labeling requirements
specified under this subdivision.
    Subd. 5. Occupant to inform owner. For all residential buildings where the occupant is not
the owner, the occupant has a duty to inform the owner of a nonfunctioning or malfunctioning
reversing device or mechanism in an automatic garage door opening system within 24 hours of
discovery of the problem.
    Subd. 6. Remedies and penalties. A person who is found to have violated this section is
subject to the penalties and remedies, including a private right of action, as provided in section
8.31.
    Subd. 7. Local regulation. The governing body of a local unit of government may adopt, by
ordinance, rules for the installation and maintenance of automatic garage door opening systems
that are more restrictive than the standards imposed by this section. Rules adopted pursuant to this
subdivision may be enforced through a truth-in-housing inspection.
    Subd. 8. Application of other law. For the purposes of section 541.051, an automatic garage
door opening device is not an improvement to real property.
History: 1990 c 414 s 3; 1991 c 10 s 3-5

325F.84 DEFINITIONS.
    Subdivision 1. Applicability. As used in sections 325F.84 to 325F.97, the following terms
have the meanings given them.
    Subd. 2. Advertisement. "Advertisement" means a commercial message in any medium,
including signs, window displays, and price tags, that promotes, directly or indirectly, a
rental-purchase agreement.
    Subd. 3. Cash price. "Cash price" means an amount equal to the equivalent fair market value
for goods offered under a consumer credit sale as provided under section 325G.15.
    Subd. 4. Consummation. "Consummation" means the time at which the lessee enters into a
rental-purchase agreement.
    Subd. 5. Lessee. "Lessee" means a natural person who rents personal property under a
rental-purchase agreement for personal, family, or household use.
    Subd. 6. Lessor. "Lessor" means a person who, in the ordinary course of business, regularly
leases, offers to lease, or arranges for the leasing of property under a rental-purchase agreement.
    Subd. 7. Personal property. "Personal property" means property that is not real property
under the laws of this state when it is made available for a rental-purchase agreement.
    Subd. 8. Rental-purchase agreement. "Rental-purchase agreement" means an agreement
for the use of personal property in which all of the following apply:
(1) the lessor is regularly engaged in the rental-purchase business;
(2) the agreement is for an initial period of four months or less, whether or not there is any
obligation beyond the initial period, that is automatically renewable with each payment and that
permits the lessee to become the owner of the property;
(3) the lessee is a person other than an organization; and
(4) the lessee takes under the rental-purchase agreement primarily for a personal, family, or
household purpose.
History: 1990 c 527 s 1; 1997 c 7 art 2 s 71

325F.85 APPLICATION OF OTHER LAW.
If the consumer protection provisions of sections 325F.84 to 325F.97 conflict with sections
325G.15 and 325G.16, sections 325F.84 to 325F.97 apply to a rental-purchase agreement and
supersede sections 325G.15 and 325G.16.
History: 1990 c 527 s 2

325F.86 DISCLOSURES.
In a rental-purchase agreement, the lessor shall disclose the following items, as applicable:
(a) The total of payments necessary to acquire ownership of the property accompanied by an
explanation that this term means the "total dollar amount of payments you will have to make to
acquire ownership."
(b) The total number, amounts, and timing of all payments and other charges including taxes
or official fees paid to or through the lessor that are necessary to acquire ownership of the property.
(c) The difference between the amount disclosed under paragraph (a) and the cash price of
the leased property, using the term "cost of lease services" to mean the difference between these
amounts.
(d) Any initial or advance payment such as a delivery charge or trade-in allowance.
(e) A statement that the lessee will not own the property until the lessee has made the total
of payments necessary to acquire ownership of the property.
(f) A statement that the total of payments does not include additional charges such as late
payment charges, and a separate listing and explanation of these charges, as applicable.
(g) A statement that the lessee is liable for loss or damage to the property and the maximum
amount for which the lessee is liable, which in the case of loss shall in no event be greater than the
price the lessee would have paid to exercise an early purchase option. In the case of damage to the
property other than normal wear and tear, the lessee shall be liable for the lesser of the price the
lessee would have paid to exercise an early purchase option or the cost of repair as reasonably
determined by the lessor.
(h) A statement that the lessee is not required to purchase a liability damage waiver from
the lessor.
(i) A description of the goods or merchandise including model numbers as applicable and a
statement indicating whether the property is new or used. It is not a violation of this subdivision to
indicate that the property is used if it is actually new.
(j) A statement that the lessee has the option to purchase the leased property during the
terms of the rental-purchase agreement and at what price, formula, or by what method the price
is to be determined.
(k) The cash price of the merchandise.
(l) A statement of the following lessee rights: reinstatement rights under section 325F.90,
default notice under section 325F.89, and consumer warranties under sections 325G.17 to
325G.20.
The commissioner of commerce may prescribe the disclosure form by rule.
History: 1990 c 527 s 3

325F.87 FORM REQUIREMENTS.
    Subdivision 1. Generally. The disclosure information required by section 325F.86 must be
disclosed in a rental-purchase agreement and:
(1) must be made clearly and conspicuously with items appearing in logical order and
segregated as appropriate for readability and clarity;
(2) must be made in writing;
(3) need not be contained in a single writing or made in the order set forth in section
325F.86; and
(4) may be supplemented by additional information or explanations supplied by the lessor,
but none shall be stated, used, or placed so as to mislead or confuse the lessee or to contradict,
obscure, or detract attention from the information required by section 325F.86, and so long as
the additional information or explanations do not have the effect of circumventing, evading, or
unduly complicating the information required to be disclosed by section 325F.86.
    Subd. 2. Timing. The lessor shall disclose all information required by section 325F.86 before
the rental-purchase agreement is executed. These disclosures must be made on the face of the
writing evidencing the rental-purchase agreement.
    Subd. 3. Copy to lessee. Before any payment is due, the lessor shall furnish the lessee with an
exact copy of each rental-purchase agreement. The agreement shall be signed by the lessee and is
evidence of the lessee's agreement. If there is more than one lessee in a rental-purchase agreement,
delivery of a copy of the rental-purchase agreement to one of the lessees constitutes compliance
with this subdivision; however, a lessee not signing the agreement is not liable under it.
    Subd. 4. Type size. The terms of the rental-purchase agreement, except as otherwise provided
in this section, must be set forth in not less than eight-point standard type.
    Subd. 5. Blank spaces. All blank spaces on the rental-purchase agreement form must be
filled in before the rental-purchase agreement is executed. Blank spaces that are provided for
items or terms not applicable to the agreement must be crossed out.
History: 1990 c 527 s 4

325F.88 ADVERTISING.
    Subdivision 1. Prohibition. An advertisement for a rental-purchase agreement shall not state
or imply that a specific item is available at specific amounts or terms unless the lessor usually and
customarily offers or will offer that item at those amounts or terms.
    Subd. 2. Disclosures. (a) If an advertisement for a rental-purchase agreement refers to
or states the amount of any payment or the right to acquire ownership for a specific item, the
advertisement must also clearly and conspicuously state the following terms, as applicable:
(1) that the transaction advertised is a rental-purchase agreement;
(2) the total of payments necessary to acquire ownership; and
(3) that the lessee will not own the property until the total amount necessary to acquire
ownership is paid in full or by prepayment as provided for by law.
(b) Every item displayed or offered under a rental-purchase agreement shall have clearly and
conspicuously indicated in Arabic numerals, so as to be readable and understandable by visual
inspection, each of the following affixed to the item:
(1) the cash price of the item; and
(2) the amount of the lease payment and the total of lease payments required for ownership.
    Subd. 3. Nonapplication. This section does not apply to the owner or personnel, as such, of
any medium in which an advertisement appears or through which it is disseminated.
History: 1990 c 527 s 5

325F.89 DEFAULT.
    Subdivision 1. Enforceability. An agreement of the parties to a rental-purchase agreement
with respect to default is enforceable only to the extent that one of the following apply:
(1) the lessee both fails to renew an agreement and also fails to return the property or make
arrangements for its return as provided in the agreement; or
(2) the prospect of payment, performance, or return of the property is materially impaired
due to a breach of the rental-purchase agreement, with the burden of establishing the prospect of
material impairment on the lessor.
    Subd. 2. Authorization. If a lessee has been in default for three business days, the lessor
may give the lessee a default notice and request surrender of the property as provided under
subdivision 3. Mailing written notice to the last known address of the lessee meets the requirement
of giving written notice under subdivision 3.
    Subd. 3. Default notice. The first default notice and a subsequent default notice that is sent
more than 12 months after sending the last written notice must be in writing and conspicuously
state the following:
(1) the name, address, and telephone number of the lessor to whom payment is to be made;
(2) a brief identification of the transaction;
(3) the lessee's right to cure the default;
(4) the amount of payment and date by which payment must be made to cure the default;
(5) a statement of the lessee's reinstatement rights as provided under section 325F.90; and
(6) a request to voluntarily surrender the property if the payment is not made.
A subsequent default notice given within the 12 months after a written default notice may be
given orally and constitutes proper notice under this section.
    Subd. 4. Property recovery. A lessor may not bring a court action to recover the property
until seven days after a proper default notice has been given.
    Subd. 5. Voluntary surrender of property. This section does not prohibit a lessee from
voluntarily surrendering possession of the property or the lessor from enforcing a past due
obligation which the lessee may have at any time after default.
    Subd. 6. Compliance. If the lessee cures the default by taking the action required in the
default notice, a breach of the agreement is considered as not having occurred.
History: 1990 c 527 s 6

325F.90 LESSEE'S REINSTATEMENT RIGHTS.
    Subdivision 1. Generally. A lessee who fails to make timely lease payments may reinstate
the original rental-purchase agreement without losing any rights or options previously acquired
under the rental-purchase agreement if both of the following apply:
(1) after having failed to make a timely payment, the lessee has surrendered the property to
the lessor within seven days of a request to surrender the property made by the lessor as provided
in section 325F.89; and
(2) in the case of a lessee that has paid less than 60 percent of the total of payments necessary
to acquire ownership of the property, not more than 60 days have passed since the lessee returned
the property. If the lessee has paid more than 60 percent of the total of payments necessary to
acquire ownership of the property, the lessee's rights to reinstate shall be extended for a period of
not less than 180 days after the lessee has returned the property.
    Subd. 2. Charges. As a condition to reinstating a rental-purchase agreement, a lessor may
charge the outstanding balance of any accrued payments; a reinstatement fee not to exceed $5 for
each reinstatement; and a delivery charge not to exceed $15 for five items or less or $30 for more
than five items, if redelivery of the item is necessary.
    Subd. 3. Substitute items. If reinstatement occurs as provided in this section, the lessor shall
provide the lessee with the same item, if available, leased by the lessee before reinstatement. If
the same item is not available, a substitute item of comparable worth, quality, and condition may
be used. If a substitute item is provided, the lessor shall provide the lessee with all the information
required by section 325F.86.
History: 1990 c 527 s 7

325F.91 PROHIBITED PRACTICES.
    Subdivision 1. Prohibited rental agreement provisions. A rental-purchase agreement
may not contain a provision:
(1) requiring a confession of judgment;
(2) authorizing a lessor or an agent of the lessor to commit a breach of the peace in the
repossession of property;
(3) waiving a defense, counterclaim, or right the lessee may have against the lessor or an
agent of the lessor;
(4) requiring the payment of a late charge unless a lease payment is delinquent for more
than two business days for a weekly lease or three business days for a monthly lease, and the
charge or fee shall not be in an amount more than the greater of five percent of the delinquent
lease payment or $3;
(5) requiring a separate payment in addition to lease payments in order to acquire ownership
of the property, other than by exercising an early purchase option pursuant to section 325F.93; and
(6) authorizing a lessor to charge a penalty for early termination of a rental-purchase
agreement.
    Subd. 2.[Repealed, 1995 c 202 art 3 s 22]
    Subd. 3. Delivery charges; security deposits; collection fees. A lessor may not charge a
delivery charge that is greater than $15 for five items or less or $30 for more than five items. A
lessor may not charge a security deposit. A lessor may contract for and receive a charge for
picking up payments from the lessee if the lessor is required or requested to visit the lessee's
dwelling to pick up a payment. In a consumer rental-purchase agreement with payment or
renewal dates which are more frequent than monthly, this charge shall not be assessed more than
three times in any three-month period. In consumer rental-purchase agreements with payments
or renewal options which are at least monthly, this charge shall not be assessed more than three
times in any six-month period. A charge assessed pursuant to this subdivision shall not exceed $7.
This charge is in lieu of a late charge assessed for the applicable payment period.
History: 1990 c 527 s 8

325F.92 LESSOR'S COMMUNICATIONS CONCERNING LESSEE.
    Subdivision 1. Location information. A lessor in communication with any person other
than the lessee for the purpose of acquiring information as to the location of a lessee shall:
(1) identify the lessor and state that the lessor is confirming or correcting location information
concerning the lessee;
(2) not communicate with any person more than once unless requested to do so by the person
or unless the lessor reasonably believes that the earlier response is erroneous or incomplete and
that the person now had correct or complete location information;
(3) not communicate by postcard;
(4) not use any language or symbol on any envelope or in the contents of any communication
that indicates that the communication relates to the recovery or repossession of property; and
(5) not communicate with any person other than the lessee's attorney, after the lessor knows
the lessee is represented by an attorney with regard to the rental-purchase agreement and has
knowledge of, or can readily ascertain, the attorney's name and address, unless the attorney fails
to respond within a reasonable period of time to communication from the lessor or unless the
attorney consents to direct communication with the lessee.
    Subd. 2. Time and place. Without the prior consent of the lessee given directly to the lessor
or the express permission of a court of competent jurisdiction, a lessor may not communicate with
a lessee in connection with the recovery or repossession of property:
(1) at the lessee's place of employment; or
(2) at any unusual time or place or a time or place known or which should be known to be
inconvenient to the lessee. In the absence of knowledge of circumstances to the contrary, a lessor
shall assume that the convenient time for communicating with a lessee is after 8:00 a.m. and
before 9:00 p.m., local time, at the lessee's location.
    Subd. 3. Authorized communications. A lessor may not communicate, in connection with
the rental-purchase agreement, with any person other than the lessee, the lessee's attorney, or the
lessor's attorney, except as reasonably necessary to acquire location information concerning the
lessee as provided under subdivision 1, or upon prior consent of the lessee given directly to the
lessor, or upon express permission of a court of competent jurisdiction, or as reasonably necessary
to effectuate a postjudgment judicial remedy.
    Subd. 4. Ceasing communication. If a lessee notifies the lessor in writing that the lessee
wishes the lessor to cease further communication with the lessee, the lessor shall not communicate
further with the lessee with respect to the rental-purchase agreement, except:
(1) to advise the lessee that the lessor's further efforts are being terminated;
(2) to notify the lessee that the lessor may invoke specified remedies allowable by law
which are ordinarily invoked by the lessor; or
(3) where necessary to effectuate any postjudgment remedy.
    Subd. 5. Harassment or abuse. A lessor may not harass, oppress, or abuse any person
in connection with a rental-purchase agreement. The following conduct is a violation of this
subdivision:
(1) the use or threat of use of violence or the criminal means to harm the physical person,
reputation, or property of any person;
(2) the use of obscene, profane, or abusive language;
(3) causing a telephone to ring, or engaging any person in telephone conversation repeatedly
or continuously with intent to annoy, abuse, or harass any person; and
(4) the placement of telephone calls without disclosure of the caller's identity.
History: 1990 c 527 s 9

325F.93 EARLY PURCHASE OPTION.
At any time after the first periodic payment is made, the lessee may acquire ownership of the
property by tendering 55 percent of the difference between the total of scheduled payments and
the total amount paid on the account.
History: 1990 c 527 s 10

325F.94 CLAIMS AND DEFENSES.
An assignee of the contract or obligation relating to the rental-purchase lease transaction is
subject to all claims and defenses of the lessee against the lessor arising from the rental-purchase
lease transaction, notwithstanding any agreement to the contrary.
History: 1990 c 527 s 11

325F.95 LIABILITY; LIABILITY DAMAGE WAIVER.
    Subdivision 1. Liability of lessee. The lessee is liable for loss, destruction, or damage of the
rental property during the term of the rental agreement. The amount for which the lessee may
be held liable in the case of loss or destruction of the property may not exceed the price that
the lessee would have paid to exercise an early purchase option. In the case of damage to the
property other than normal wear and tear, the lessee is liable for the price that the lessee would
have paid to exercise an early purchase option or the cost of repair as reasonably determined by
the lessor, whichever is less.
    Subd. 2. Liability damage waiver. (a) The lessor must offer a liability damage waiver to the
lessee to cover the lessee's liability for any loss, destruction, or damage of the rental property. The
cost of the liability damage waiver may not exceed ten percent of the lessee's lease payment.
(b) The lessor must inform the lessee of the following options available to the lessee
regarding the property subject to a rental-purchase agreement:
(1) furnish insurance coverage on the property through an existing insurance policy that is
owned by the lessee;
(2) purchase insurance coverage on the property through any insurer authorized to transact
business in this state;
(3) purchase liability damage waiver coverage from the lessor; or
(4) decline to furnish or purchase insurance coverage or liability damage waiver coverage.
History: 1990 c 527 s 12

325F.96 EXEMPTED TRANSACTION.
Sections 325F.84 to 325F.97 do not apply to agreements for the rental of property in which
the person who rents the property has no legal right to become the owner of the rented property at
the end of the rental period.
History: 1990 c 527 s 13

325F.97 PENALTIES AND REMEDIES.
    Subdivision 1. Disclosure penalties and remedies. A lessor who is found to have violated
sections 325F.86 to 325F.88 is subject to the penalties and remedies provided in section 8.31.
    Subd. 2. Application of other law. A violation of section 325F.90, 325F.91, or 325F.93
shall be treated as a violation of section 325F.69. The remedies provided by section 325F.90,
325F.91, or 325F.93 are cumulative and shall not be construed as restricting any remedy that is
otherwise available.
    Subd. 3. Offsets limited. A lessee may not take any action to offset any amount for which a
lessor is potentially liable under this section against any amount owed by the lessee, unless the
amount of the liability of the lessor has been determined by a judgment of a court of competent
jurisdiction in an action in which the lessor was a party. This section does not bar a lessee in
default on an obligation arising from the rental-purchase agreement from asserting a violation of
this chapter in an original action, or as defense or counterclaim to an action brought by the lessor
to collect amounts owed by the lessee pursuant to the rental-purchase agreement.
    Subd. 4. Lessor's right to correct error. A lessor is not liable under this section for a
violation of sections 325F.84 to 325F.96 if, within 60 days after discovering an error and before
an action for damages is filed against the lessor pursuant to this section or written notice of the
error is received from the lessee, the lessor notifies the lessee of the error and makes adjustments
to the account of the lessee that are necessary to assure that the lessee is not required to pay an
amount in excess of the amounts actually disclosed. This subdivision applies whether the error
was discovered through the lessor's own procedures or by any other means.
    Subd. 5. Limitation of liability. A lessor is not liable under this section for damages in
excess of the actual damage sustained by the lessee if the lessor shows by a preponderance of
the evidence that the violation of sections 325F.84 to 325F.96 resulted from a bona fide error
notwithstanding the maintenance by the lessor of procedures reasonably adopted to avoid the
error. As used in this subdivision, "bona fide error" includes, but is not limited to: clerical,
calculation, computer malfunction and programming, and printing errors.
History: 1990 c 527 s 14

325F.98 [Repealed, 1997 c 7 art 2 s 67]

325F.981 CHECK CASHING PRACTICES.
    Subdivision 1. Provision of credit card number. A person shall not require as a condition
of acceptance of a check, or as a means of identification, that the person presenting the check
provide a credit card number.
    Subd. 2. Display without recordation. Subdivision 1 does not prohibit a person from
requesting the person presenting the check to display a credit card, but the only information
concerning a credit card which may be recorded is the type and issuer of the credit card and the
expiration date. Subdivision 1 does not require acceptance of a check whether or not a credit
card is presented.
    Subd. 3. Exception. A person may require production of and may record a credit card
number as a condition for cashing a check only if: (1) the person requesting the card number has
agreed with the issuer to cash or accept checks from the issuer's cardholders; (2) the issuer has
agreed to guarantee cardholder checks cashed or accepted by that person; and (3) the cardholder
has given actual, apparent, or implied authority for use of the card number in this manner and
for this purpose.
History: 1991 c 88 s 1

325F.982 CONSUMER IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION.
    Subdivision 1. Prohibited use. A person may not write down or request to be written down
the address or telephone number of a credit cardholder on a credit card transaction form as a
condition of accepting a credit card as payment for consumer credit, goods, or services.
    Subd. 2. Exception. A person may record the address or telephone number of a credit
cardholder if the information is necessary for the shipping, delivery, or installation of consumer
goods, or special orders of consumer goods or services.
History: 1991 c 88 s 2

325F.985 DEFINITIONS.
    Subdivision 1. Scope. For the purpose of sections 325F.986 and 325F.987, the terms defined
in this section have the meanings given them.
    Subd. 2. Private label goods. "Private label goods" means goods that are the subject of a
private label purchase or agreement for private label purchase.
    Subd. 3. Private label purchase. "Private label purchase" means a purchase of goods from a
manufacturer for resale under a brand, trademark, or other commercial indicia that identifies the
private label purchaser or its assignee as the origin of the goods for purposes of their resale.
    Subd. 4. Private label purchaser. "Private label purchaser" means a person who makes a
private label purchase from a manufacturer.
    Subd. 5. Exclusivity agreement. "Exclusivity agreement" means an agreement for private
label purchases which precludes the manufacturer of the private label goods from selling similar
goods as private label goods to any third person within a defined geographical territory.
History: 1993 c 372 s 4

325F.986 EXCLUSIVITY AGREEMENTS.
    Subdivision 1. Writing required. Every exclusivity agreement must be in writing and signed
by the party against whom the agreement is sought to be enforced.
    Subd. 2. Obligation. A lawful exclusivity agreement imposes, unless otherwise provided
in the agreement, an obligation by the private label purchaser to use reasonable efforts in the
development and promotion of the sale of the private label goods within the geographical territory
covered by that exclusivity agreement.
History: 1993 c 372 s 5

325F.987 LIMITATION ON ACTIONS.
No private label purchaser having the obligation, under section 325F.986 or otherwise, to use
reasonable efforts in the development and promotion of the sale of private label goods is entitled,
absent the employment of reasonable efforts, to maintain an action, suit, or proceeding at law, in
equity, in arbitration, or otherwise, to prevent the manufacturer of private label goods from selling
similar goods as private label goods to any third person. This attempt to prevent sales of private
label goods by the manufacturer to a third person, in the absence of the purchaser's employment
of reasonable efforts, is considered an unreasonable restraint of trade.
History: 1993 c 372 s 6

325F.988 NONAPPLICATION.
Sections 325F.985 to 325F.987 do not apply to private label goods manufactured according
to the purchaser's proprietary specifications. Sections 325F.986 and 325F.987 shall not be
construed to grant a private label manufacturer any rights of ownership or use of a brand,
trademark or commercial indicia that is owned by another person including a private label
purchaser or its assignee.
History: 1993 c 372 s 7

325F.99 TELEPHONE CALLS; FEES; LONG DISTANCE CARRIERS; NOTICE.
    Subdivision 1. Fees for calls. A hotel, motel, restaurant, lodging house, boarding house,
resort, or place of refreshment, licensed under chapter 157, that charges a separate fee for the use
of a telephone, other than immediate payment by coin, credit card, or other payment device on a
per call basis for the caller to complete the call, shall provide notice on or near each telephone
stating the separate fee charged for making a local, credit card, or other call.
    Subd. 2. Long distance carrier. Establishments governed by subdivision 1 shall provide
notice on or near each telephone stating the name of the carrier with which the establishment has
subscribed to provide long distance service to that telephone.
History: 1991 c 154 s 2

325F.991 911 EMERGENCY PHONE SERVICE REPRESENTATIONS.
    Subdivision 1. Definitions. For purposes of this section, the terms defined in this subdivision
have the meanings given them.
(a) "911 emergency telecommunications system" means a dedicated emergency
telecommunications system required by section 403.025.
(b) "Person" means an individual, corporation, firm, or other legal entity.
(c) "Service provider" means a person doing business in Minnesota who provides real time,
two-way voice service interconnected with the public switched telephone network using numbers
allocated for Minnesota by the North American Numbering Plan Administration.
    Subd. 2. Representations of 911 service. A person shall not advertise, market, or otherwise
represent that the person furnishes a service capable of providing access to emergency services by
dialing 911 unless the person provides a service that routes 911 calls through the 911 emergency
telecommunications system.
    Subd. 3. Disclosure. A service provider that does not provide 911 dialing that routes 911
calls through the 911 emergency telecommunications system must disclose that fact in all
advertisements, marketing materials, and contracts. The disclosure must be in capital letters, in
12-point font, and on the front page of the advertisement, marketing materials, and contracts.
The disclosure must state: "THIS SERVICE DOES NOT ROUTE 911 CALLS THROUGH
THE 911 EMERGENCY SYSTEM."
    Subd. 4. Certain calls not 911 calls. For purposes of this section, 911 calls routed to the
general access number at a public safety answering point do not qualify as being routed through a
911 emergency telecommunications system.
History: 1Sp2005 c 1 art 4 s 93