Signed by Governor Tim Walz

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that authorizes the submission of certain documents and signatures electronically, by mail, or by facsimile, during a public health emergency.

Highlights:

• Authorizes a county to accept the submission of certain documents and signatures electronically, by mail, or by facsimile, during a peacetime public health emergency for (Sec. 1):

• Planning, zoning applications, and permits;

• Land use documents; 

• Documents requiring a signature; 

• Applications for birth and death certificates; and

• Recording a notary commission.

• Defines a “peacetime public health emergency” as a peacetime emergency declared by the governor in an executive order that relates to the infectious disease known as COVID-19 (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill expire January 6, 2021, or 60 days after the peacetime public health emergency is terminated, whichever is earlier (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text