MN HF2924

Appropriates $515,000 in fiscal year 2012 from the general fund to the Department of Public Safety for soft body armor reimbursements under Minnesota Statutes section 299A.38.

Modifies motor vehicle registration tax rules effective March 1, 2013, including allowing owners to reregister vehicles for weights exceeding 80,000 pounds for 30-day periods and establishing a permit surcharge system in lieu of increased registration fees.

Appropriates $295,000 in fiscal year 2012 and $180,000 in fiscal year 2013 to the Board of Public Defense, and $235,000 in fiscal year 2012 and $4,500,000 in fiscal year 2013 to the Department of Public Safety for emergency management and fire marshal activities.

Expands the right to public defender representation to include persons charged with misdemeanors who are financially unable to obtain counsel, effective immediately upon enactment.

Extends public defender appellate representation to include persons appealing convictions of or pursuing postconviction proceedings for misdemeanors, in addition to existing felony and gross misdemeanor coverage.