MN HF980

Removes the requirement for the school trust lands director to take an oath of office and instead requires acting in a fiduciary capacity for trust beneficiaries in accordance with section 127A.351.

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

Removes the cap of five unclassified service employees, replacing it with authority to employ staff within appropriated budget limitations.

Adds new duties including serving as temporary trustee for school trust lands in eminent domain proceedings and implementing strategies to capitalize on ecosystem services markets.

Clarifies that the director "may" rather than "shall have the authority to" exercise certain powers regarding money, staffing, interdepartmental agreements, and real estate development projects.