DWI changes, service dog trainer protections among new laws taking effect Friday

Minnesota lawmakers toughened drunken driving penalties this past legislative session in response to a deadly crash at the Park Tavern in St. Louis Park.

They also made it easier to find and keep housing if you are training a service dog and boosted background check requirements for people opening an adult entertainment business.

The laws are among a slate of new legislation that takes effect Friday. Here’s what’s changing:

People who have multiple drunken driving offenses on their record must participate in an ignition interlock program to be licensed again. The new law extends the lookback period for prior offenses from 10 years to 20 years, lengthening the history used to determine whether a person must use a Breathalyzer device in their car.

The law also increases the time that drunken driving offenders must use ignition interlock systems and lengthens the license revocation periods.

Participants previously had to pay a $680 license reinstatement fee before starting the ignition interlock program. Now they can start the program without paying the fee, but they must pay it in full before their license can be reinstated.

The law was passed after two people were killed when a driver with a history of drunken driving offenses plowed into the Park Tavern patio last September.

Some service dog trainers have encountered homeowner association restrictions on pets.

Trainers cannot be charged extra to have a dog, but they will still be liable for any damage. Service dogs must be trained according to the guidance of an accredited organization.

Applicants who want to open an adult entertainment or massage business will be subject to national criminal background checks.

Cities and counties can now use a national database for background checks. They previously could only check state criminal records.

Participants in restorative justice programs, which allow an offender to meet with victims and community members to discuss their crime, will have a privilege similar to attorney-client and doctor-patient confidentiality.

Participants in restorative justice circles will be prohibited from disclosing communication, documents or other information used during the program, with exceptions for reporting maltreatment of children and vulnerable adults.

Vehicles carrying uncovered trash or debris will be allowed to drive up to 35 mph instead of 30 mph, as will vehicles for timber harvesting, agricultural, horticultural or livestock operations.

Minnesota’s Office of Ombudsperson for American Indian Families now will be exempt from court fees in cases such as custody and guardianship. Tribes and tribal representatives are already exempt under existing law.