1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to natural resources; appropriating money for prescribed burning 
1.3 	certification-related activities.
1.4 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.5 	Section 1. PRESCRIBED BURNING; APPROPRIATION.
 1.6 	(a) $300,000 in fiscal year 2024 is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner 
1.7 	of natural resources to:
1.8 	(1) update the Department of Natural Resources' data systems to provide access to 
1.9 	open-burning variance permits to certified prescribed burners through the electronic 
1.10 	open-burning permit system;
1.11 	(2) develop and provide a certified prescribed burner short course and formal qualification 
1.12 	system open to all interested parties, including but not limited to agency staff, staff from 
1.13 	other organizations, volunteers, and private landowners, with input from the Minnesota 
1.14 	Prescribed Fire Council;
1.15 	(3) promote prescribed burner certification with input from the Minnesota Prescribed 
1.16 	Fire Council; and
1.17 	(4) annually maintain and publish a list of Minnesota-certified prescribed burners.
1.18 	(b) This is a onetime appropriation and is available until June 30, 2025.