Minnesota § 138.31 - DEFINITIONS
Full text of Minnesota Minnesota Statutes § 138.31 — DEFINITIONS, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 138.31. DEFINITIONS
Subdivision 1.Scope.
As used in sections 138.31 to 138.42, the terms defined in this section have the meanings given them.
Subd. 2.
MS 2000 [Renumbered subd 14]
Subd. 2.Archaeological methods.
"Archaeological methods" means scientific procedures used in field archaeology by recognized professional authorities on archaeology.
Subd. 3.
MS 2000 [Renumbered subd 13]
Subd. 3.Commissioner.
"Commissioner" means the commissioner of administration.
Subd. 4.
MS 2000 [Renumbered subd 9]
Subd. 4.Custodian.
"Custodian" means any school or scientific institution which has the physical possession of objects of archaeological significance or data belonging to the state.
Subd. 5.
MS 2000 [Renumbered subd 7]
Subd. 5.Data.
"Data" means field notes, photographs, maps, and other records relating to field archaeology.
Subd. 6.Director of the historical society.
"Director of the historical society" means the director of the Minnesota Historical Society.
Subd. 7.
MS 2000 [Renumbered subd 8]
Subd. 7.Field archaeology.
"Field archaeology" means the study of the traces of human culture at any land or water site by means of surveying, digging, sampling, excavating, or removing objects, or going on a site with that intent.
Subd. 8.
MS 2000 [Renumbered subd 15]
Subd. 8.Historical society.
"Historical society" means the Minnesota Historical Society.
Subd. 9.
MS 2000 [Renumbered subd 11]
Subd. 9.Object.
"Object" means a natural or artificial article, implement, skeleton, bone, or other item of archaeological interest.
Subd. 10.
MS 2000 [Renumbered subd 12]
Subd. 10.Qualified professional archaeologist.
"Qualified professional archaeologist" means an archaeologist who meets the United States Secretary of the Interior's professional qualification standards in Code of Federal Regulations, title 36, part 61, appendix A, or subsequent revisions.
Subd. 11.
MS 2000 [Renumbered subd 2]
Subd. 11.Schools.
"Schools" means universities, colleges, and community colleges, whether publicly or privately owned.
Subd. 12.
MS 2000 [Renumbered subd 5]
Subd. 12.Scientific institutions.
"Scientific institutions" means museums, historical societies, foundations for archaeological study, state agencies, and scholarly groups with professional standing and physical facilities for the display, study, and preservation of objects of archaeological interest.
Subd. 13.
MS 2000 [Renumbered subd 4]
Subd. 13.Site or archaeological site.
"Site" or "archaeological site" has the same meaning as "state site" or "state archaeological site."
Subd. 13a.State Historic Preservation Office.
"State Historic Preservation Office" means the State Historic Preservation Office at the Department of Administration.
Subd. 14.
MS 2000 [Renumbered subd 10]
Subd. 14.State site or state archaeological site.
"State site" or "state archaeological site" means a land or water area, owned or leased by or subject to the paramount right of the state, county, township, or municipality where there are objects or other evidence of archaeological interest. This term includes all aboriginal mounds and earthworks, ancient burial grounds, prehistoric ruins, historical remains, and other archaeological features on state land or on land subject to the paramount rights of the state. Historical remains do not include bottles or ceramics manufactured after 1875.
Subd. 15.The university.
"The university" means the University of Minnesota.
History:
1963 c 5 s 1; 1971 c 48 s 1; 1973 c 349 s 2; 1986 c 444; 1997 c 202 art 2 s 37; 2002 c 298 s 3; 2021 c 31 art 1 s 18
Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes
Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota § 138.31
What does Minnesota Statutes § 138.31 cover?
Section 138.31 ("DEFINITIONS") is part of the Minnesota Statutes, the codified statutory law of Minnesota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Minnesota § 138.31?
A common citation format is "Minnesota Statutes § 138.31" (Minnesota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Minnesota law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Minnesota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Minnesota attorney.
How does Minnesota § 138.31 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Minnesota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Minnesota.