MN HF4039

Removes the requirement that the school trust lands director take an oath of office before assuming duties and replaces it with a requirement to act in a fiduciary capacity for trust beneficiaries in accordance with principles under section 127A.351.

Deletes the specific end date of December 31, 2020 for the first term of the school trust lands director, allowing four-year terms to continue without a fixed expiration date.

Expands the director's duty to advise state officials by specifying focus on school trust land management policies and policies affecting the permanent school fund goals.

Clarifies that the director must develop and implement a ten-year strategic plan and 25-year framework in conjunction with the commissioner of natural resources, with responsibility for updating every five years rather than implementation by the commissioner.

Changes the director's authority from "shall have the authority to" to "may" when establishing job descriptions and employing up to five staff members in the unclassified service.