MN HF1321

Authorizes the commissioner of natural resources to issue administrative penalty orders requiring correction of violations and assessing monetary penalties up to $10,000 per violator for violations of water-related statutes, rules, orders, agreements, settlements, licenses, registrations, or permits.

Establishes procedures for administrative penalty orders including required contents, penalty determination factors (willfulness, violation history, number of violations, economic benefit gained), and provisions for forgiveness of penalties if violations are corrected or acceptable corrective plans are developed.

Allows persons receiving penalty orders to request expedited administrative hearings within 30 days, with hearings to be held within 30 days of the request and administrative law judge recommendations issued within 30 days after the record closes.

Authorizes the attorney general to enforce unpaid penalties through collection procedures, district court filings, and civil actions seeking payment, injunctive relief, attorney fees, costs, and interest; permits commissioner to revoke or refuse to reissue permits, licenses, or registrations for unpaid penalties.

Requires the commissioner of natural resources to prepare and finalize an implementation plan by December 31, 2013, with a 30-day public comment period, exempting the plan from standard rulemaking procedures.