Section 43A.047 - CONTRACTED SERVICES(a) Executive agencies, including the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, must demonstrate that they cannot use available staff before hiring outside consultants or services. If use of consultants is necessary, agencies are encouraged to negotiate contracts that will involve permanent staff, so as to upgrade and maximize training of state employees.(b) If agencies reduce operating budgets, agencies must give priority to reducing spending on professional and technical service contracts before laying off permanent employees.(c) This section does not apply to an agency's use of inmates pursuant to sections 241.20 to 241.23 or to an agency's use of persons required by a court to provide: (1) community service; or(2) conservation or maintenance services on lands under the jurisdiction and control of the state.1997 c 202 art 2 s 32; 1999 c 250 art 1 s 71; 1Sp2001 c 10 art 2 s 51; 2005 c 136 art 13 s 2