(a) The Department of Commerce is under the supervision and control of the commissioner of commerce. The commissioner is appointed by the governor in the manner provided by section 15.06.

(b) Data that is received by the commissioner or the commissioner's designee by virtue of membership or participation in an association, group, or organization that is not otherwise subject to chapter 13 is confidential or protected nonpublic data but may be shared with the department employees as the commissioner considers appropriate. The commissioner may release the data to any person, agency, or the public if the commissioner determines that the access will aid the law enforcement process, promote public health or safety, or dispel widespread rumor or unrest.

(c) It is part of the department's mission that within the department's resources the commissioner shall endeavor to:

(1) prevent the waste or unnecessary spending of public money;

(2) use innovative fiscal and human resource practices to manage the state's resources and operate the department as efficiently as possible;

(3) coordinate the department's activities wherever appropriate with the activities of other governmental agencies;

(4) use technology where appropriate to increase agency productivity, improve customer service, increase public access to information about government, and increase public participation in the business of government;

(5) utilize constructive and cooperative labor-management practices to the extent otherwise required by chapters 43A and 179A;

(6) report to the legislature on the performance of agency operations and the accomplishment of agency goals in the agency's biennial budget according to section 16A.10, subdivision 1; and

(7) recommend to the legislature appropriate changes in law necessary to carry out the mission and improve the performance of the department.

(d) The commissioner also has all the powers and responsibilities and shall perform all the duties previously assigned to the commissioner of public service and the Department of Public Service under chapters 216, 216A, 216B, 216C, 237, 238, 239, and other statutes prior to the date of final enactment of Laws 2001, First Special Session chapter 4, except in the case where those powers, responsibilities, or duties have been specifically otherwise assigned by law.

History: 1983 c 289 s 12; 1992 c 564 art 1 s 1; 1995 c 248 art 11 s 5; 1998 c 366 s 52; 1Sp2001 c 4 art 6 s 14