SF 2077

1st Engrossment - 94th Legislature (2025 - 2026)

Posted on 04/23/2025 10:01 a.m.

A bill for an act
relating to state government; appropriating money for environment and natural
resources; appropriating money from environment and natural resources trust fund;
modifying prior appropriations; modifying fees and surcharges; modifying
disposition of certain funds; modifying permitting and environmental review
provisions; establishing a stewardship program for circuit boards, batteries, and
electrical products; modifying and establishing duties, authorities, and prohibitions
regarding environment and natural resources; modifying and creating environment
and natural resources programs; modifying and creating grant programs; providing
civil and criminal penalties; authorizing rulemaking; modifying requirements for
recreational vehicles; modifying state trail, state forest, and state park provisions;
authorizing sales, conveyances, and leases of certain state lands; modifying forestry
provisions; modifying game and fish provisions; making technical changes;
requiring reports; amending Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 84.027, by adding
a subdivision; 84.03; 84.8035, subdivision 1; 84D.01, by adding a subdivision;
84D.05, subdivision 1; 86B.415, subdivision 7; 97A.223, subdivision 1; 97A.421,
by adding a subdivision; 97A.465, by adding a subdivision; 97A.475, subdivisions
2, 6; 97B.001, subdivision 4; 97B.037; 97B.318, subdivision 1; 97B.405; 97B.667,
subdivision 3; 97B.945; 97C.395; 97C.835, subdivision 2; 103G.005, subdivision
15; 103G.201; 103G.271, subdivision 6; 103G.301, subdivision 2; 115.01, by
adding a subdivision; 115.071, subdivision 1; 115.542; 115A.121; 115A.554;
115B.421; 116.03, subdivision 2b; 116.07, subdivisions 4a, 4d, by adding a
subdivision; 116.073, subdivisions 1, 2; 116.182, subdivision 5; 116.92, subdivision
6, by adding a subdivision; 116.943, subdivisions 1, 5; 116D.04, subdivisions 2a,
2b, 5a; 116D.045, subdivision 1; 325E.3892, subdivisions 1, 2; 325F.072,
subdivision 3; 446A.07, subdivision 8; 473.355, subdivision 2; 473.859, subdivision
2; Laws 2023, chapter 60, article 1, sections 2, subdivisions 2, 7, 10; 3, subdivision
6; Laws 2024, chapter 83, section 2, subdivisions 3, 8; proposing coding for new
law in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 84; 86B; 97B; 115; 115A; 325F; repealing
Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 103E.067; 115A.1310, subdivisions 1, 2, 3, 4,
5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20; 115A.1312;
115A.1314; 115A.1316; 115A.1318; 115A.1320; 115A.1322; 115A.1323;
115A.1324; 115A.1326; 115A.1328; 115A.1330; 115A.9155; 115A.9157,
subdivisions 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9; 115A.961, subdivisions 1, 2, 3; 116C.04,
subdivision 11; 116C.991; 116D.04, subdivision 5b; 325E.125; 325E.1251.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

ARTICLE 1

ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES APPROPRIATIONS

Section 1. new text begin ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES APPROPRIATIONS. new text end

new text begin The sums shown in the columns marked "Appropriations" are appropriated to the agencies
and for the purposes specified in this article. The appropriations are from the general fund,
or another named fund, and are available for the fiscal years indicated for each purpose.
The figures "2026" and "2027" used in this article mean that the appropriations listed under
them are available for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, or June 30, 2027, respectively.
"The first year" is fiscal year 2026. "The second year" is fiscal year 2027. "The biennium"
is fiscal years 2026 and 2027.
new text end

			new text begin APPROPRIATIONS new text end
			new text begin Available for the Year new text end
			new text begin Ending June 30 new text end
				new text begin 2026 new text end		new text begin 2027 new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin POLLUTION CONTROL AGENCY new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end new text begin Total Appropriation new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 157,580,000 new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 163,566,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2026 new text end	new text begin 2027 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 9,122,000 new text end	new text begin 9,072,000 new text end
new text begin State Government Special Revenue new text end	new text begin 90,000 new text end	new text begin 90,000 new text end
new text begin Environmental new text end	new text begin 119,906,000 new text end	new text begin 125,675,000 new text end
new text begin Remediation new text end	new text begin 21,962,000 new text end	new text begin 22,229,000 new text end
new text begin Closed Landfill Investment new text end	new text begin 6,500,000 new text end	new text begin 6,500,000 new text end

new text begin The amounts that may be spent for each
purpose are specified in the following
subdivisions.
new text end

new text begin The commissioner must present the agency's
biennial budget for fiscal years 2028 and 2029
to the legislature in a transparent way by
agency division, including the proposed
budget bill and presentations of the budget to
committees and divisions with jurisdiction
over the agency's budget.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end new text begin Environmental Analysis and Outcomes new text end

new text begin 23,077,000 new text end

new text begin 25,027,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2026 new text end	new text begin 2027 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 283,000 new text end	new text begin 296,000 new text end
new text begin Environmental new text end	new text begin 22,575,000 new text end	new text begin 24,511,000 new text end
new text begin Remediation new text end	new text begin 219,000 new text end	new text begin 220,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $128,000 the first year and $131,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
for a municipal liaison to assist municipalities
with water quality standards and NPDES/SDS
permitting processes, including enhanced
economic analysis in the water quality
standards rulemaking processes, identification
of cost-effective permitting opportunities,
simplifying the variance process, and
coordinating with the Public Facilities
Authority to identify and advocate for needed
resources for municipalities to achieve permit
requirements.
new text end

new text begin (b) $1,182,000 the first year and $1,191,000
the second year are from the environmental
fund for an air-monitoring program under
Minnesota Statutes, section 116.454, including
ambient air for hazardous pollutants, and for
operating a mobile emissions regulatory
monitoring trailer.
new text end

new text begin (c) $144,000 the first year and $148,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
for monitoring water quality and operating
assistance programs.
new text end

new text begin (d) $109,000 the first year and $109,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
for duties related to harmful chemicals in
children's products under Minnesota Statutes,
sections 116.9401 to 116.9407. Of this
amount, $70,000 the first year and $70,000
the second year are transferred to the
commissioner of health.
new text end

new text begin (e) $137,000 the first year and $139,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
for registering wastewater laboratories.
new text end

new text begin (f) $1,527,000 the first year and $1,529,000
the second year are from the environmental
fund to continue perfluorochemical
biomonitoring in eastern metropolitan
communities, as recommended by the
Environmental Health Tracking and
Biomonitoring Advisory Panel, and to address
other environmental health risks, including air
quality. The communities must include Hmong
and other immigrant farming communities.
Of this amount, up to $1,248,000 the first year
and $1,248,000 the second year are for transfer
to the commissioner of health.
new text end

new text begin (g) $64,000 the first year and $65,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
for the listing procedures for impaired waters
required under this act.
new text end

new text begin (h) $79,000 the first year and $80,000 the
second year are from the remediation fund for
the leaking underground storage tank program
to investigate, clean up, and prevent future
releases from underground petroleum storage
tanks and for the petroleum remediation
program for vapor assessment and
remediation. These same annual amounts are
transferred from the petroleum tank fund to
the remediation fund.
new text end

new text begin (i) $283,000 the first year and $296,000 the
second year are from the general fund to
support communities in planning to implement
projects that will allow for adaptation for a
changing climate.
new text end

new text begin (j) $2,139,000 the first year and $2,160,000
the second year are from the environmental
fund to develop and implement a program
related to emerging issues, including
Minnesota's PFAS Blueprint.
new text end

new text begin (k) $1,893,000 the first year and $1,915,000
the second year are from the environmental
fund to support improved management of data
collected by the agency and its partners and
regulated parties to facilitate decision-making
and public access.
new text end

new text begin (l) $1,448,000 the second year is from the
environmental fund to adopt rules and
implement air toxics emissions requirements
under Minnesota Statutes, section 116.062.
new text end

new text begin (m) $904,000 the first year and $911,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
for monitoring ambient air for hazardous air
pollutants in Hennepin, Ramsey, Washington,
and Olmsted Counties.
new text end

new text begin (n) $175,000 the first year and $175,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
to address wastewater effluent limits and
variances for backlogged permits.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end new text begin Industrial new text end

new text begin 24,144,000 new text end

new text begin 27,443,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2026 new text end	new text begin 2027 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 782,000 new text end	new text begin 789,000 new text end
new text begin Environmental new text end	new text begin 21,376,000 new text end	new text begin 24,641,000 new text end
new text begin Remediation new text end	new text begin 1,986,000 new text end	new text begin 2,013,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $1,876,000 the first year and $1,902,000
the second year are from the remediation fund
for the leaking underground storage tank
program to investigate, clean up, and prevent
future releases from underground petroleum
storage tanks and for the petroleum
remediation program for vapor assessment
and remediation. These same annual amounts
are transferred from the petroleum tank fund
to the remediation fund.
new text end

new text begin (b) $457,000 the first year and $457,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
to further evaluate the use and reduction of
trichloroethylene around Minnesota and
identify its potential health effects on
communities. Of this amount, $149,000 the
first year and $149,000 the second year are
for transfer to the commissioner of health.
new text end

new text begin (c) $257,000 the first year and $264,000 the
second year are from the general fund for
implementation of the odor management
requirements under Minnesota Statutes,
section 116.064.
new text end

new text begin (d) $148,000 the second year is from the
environmental fund for the purposes of the
public informational meeting requirements
under Minnesota Statutes, section 116.07,
subdivision 4m.
new text end

new text begin (e) $2,698,000 the first year and $2,718,000
the second year are from the environmental
fund for prioritizing air regulatory program
work in environmental justice areas.
new text end

new text begin (f) $2,539,000 the second year is from the
environmental fund for implementing the
environmental justice cumulative impact
analysis and other requirements under
Minnesota Statutes, section 116.065.
new text end

new text begin (g) $730,000 the first year and $740,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
to improve the coordination, effectiveness,
transparency, and accountability of the
environmental review and permitting process.
new text end

new text begin (h) $700,00 the first year and $700,000 the
second year are to address backlogged permits.
Of this amount, $525,000 the first year and
$525,000 the second year are from the general
fund and $175,000 the first year and $175,000
the second year are from the environmental
fund.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end new text begin Municipal new text end

new text begin 11,271,000 new text end

new text begin 11,410,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2026 new text end	new text begin 2027 new text end
new text begin State Government Special Revenue new text end	new text begin 90,000 new text end	new text begin 90,000 new text end
new text begin Environmental new text end	new text begin 11,181,000 new text end	new text begin 11,320,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $228,000 the first year and $233,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
for a municipal liaison to assist municipalities
with water quality standards and NPDES/SDS
permitting processes, including enhanced
economic analysis in the water quality
standards rulemaking processes, identification
of cost-effective permitting opportunities,
simplifying the variance process, and
coordinating with the Public Facilities
Authority to identify and advocate for needed
resources for municipalities to achieve permit
requirements.
new text end

new text begin (b) $50,000 the first year and $50,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
for transfer to the Office of Administrative
Hearings to establish sanitary districts.
new text end

new text begin (c) $2,511,000 the first year and $2,535,000
the second year are from the environmental
fund for subsurface sewage treatment system
(SSTS) program administration; for
community technical assistance and education,
including grants and technical assistance to
communities for water-quality protection, new
technology review, and enforcement under
Minnesota Statutes, sections 115.55 to 115.58;
and to complete the requirements of Laws
2003, chapter 128, article 1, section 165. Of
this amount, $350,000 each year is for
assistance to counties through grants for SSTS
program administration. A county receiving
a grant from this appropriation must submit
the results achieved with the grant to the
commissioner as part of its annual SSTS
report. Any unexpended balance in the first
year does not cancel but is available in the
second year.
new text end

new text begin (d) Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes,
section 16A.28, the appropriations
encumbered on or before June 30, 2027, as
grants or contracts for subsurface sewage
treatment systems, surface water and
groundwater assessments, storm water, and
water-quality protection in this subdivision
are available until June 30, 2030.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end new text begin Operations new text end

new text begin 15,584,000 new text end

new text begin 15,650,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2026 new text end	new text begin 2027 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 4,219,000 new text end	new text begin 4,115,000 new text end
new text begin Environmental new text end	new text begin 8,733,000 new text end	new text begin 8,870,000 new text end
new text begin Remediation new text end	new text begin 2,632,000 new text end	new text begin 2,665,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $1,187,000 the first year and $1,201,000
the second year are from the remediation fund
for the leaking underground storage tank
program to investigate, clean up, and prevent
future releases from underground petroleum
storage tanks and for the petroleum
remediation program for vapor assessment
and remediation. These same annual amounts
are transferred from the petroleum tank fund
to the remediation fund.
new text end

new text begin (b) $3,204,000 the first year and $3,300,000
the second year are from the general fund to
support agency information technology
services provided at the enterprise and agency
level.
new text end

new text begin (c) $955,000 the first year and $965,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
to develop and maintain systems to support
permitting and regulatory business processes
and agency data.
new text end

new text begin (d) $278,000 the first year and $280,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
to support current and future career pathways
for underrepresented students.
new text end

new text begin (e) $375,000 the first year and $380,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
to support financial planning and analysis to
assist with risk and compliance management
across agency programs and financial systems.
new text end

new text begin (f) $538,000 the first year and $542,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
for Operations Division legal services that
support compliance programs.
new text end

new text begin (g) $815,000 the first year and $815,000 the
second year are from the general fund for
developing tools to improve permitting
issuance processes. This appropriation is
available until June 30, 2029. This is a onetime
appropriation.
new text end

new text begin (h) $200,000 the first year is from the general
fund to expand outreach under Minnesota
Statutes, section 116.07, subdivision 13. This
is a onetime appropriation.
new text end

new text begin (i) The total general fund base for the
Operations Division for fiscal year 2028 and
later is $3,300,000.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end new text begin Remediation new text end

new text begin 23,861,000 new text end

new text begin 24,068,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2026 new text end	new text begin 2027 new text end
new text begin Environmental new text end	new text begin 642,000 new text end	new text begin 646,000 new text end
new text begin Remediation new text end	new text begin 16,719,000 new text end	new text begin 16,922,000 new text end
new text begin Closed Landfill Investment new text end	new text begin 6,500,000 new text end	new text begin 6,500,000 new text end

new text begin (a) All money for environmental response,
compensation, and compliance in the
remediation fund not otherwise appropriated
is appropriated to the commissioners of the
Pollution Control Agency and agriculture for
purposes of Minnesota Statutes, section
115B.20, subdivision 2, clauses (1), (2), (3),
(6), and (7). At the beginning of each fiscal
year, the two commissioners must jointly
submit to the commissioner of management
and budget an annual spending plan that
maximizes resource use and appropriately
allocates the money between the two
departments.
new text end

new text begin (b) $4,965,000 the first year and $5,036,000
the second year are from the remediation fund
for the leaking underground storage tank
program to investigate, clean up, and prevent
future releases from underground petroleum
storage tanks and for the petroleum
remediation program for vapor assessment
and remediation. These same annual amounts
are transferred from the petroleum tank fund
to the remediation fund.
new text end

new text begin (c) $316,000 the first year and $316,000 the
second year are from the remediation fund for
transfer to the commissioner of health for
private water-supply monitoring and health
assessment costs in areas contaminated by
unpermitted mixed municipal solid waste
disposal facilities and drinking water
advisories and public information activities
for areas contaminated by hazardous releases.
new text end

new text begin (d) $350,000 the first year and $350,000 the
second year are from the remediation fund to
review and mitigate the impacts from the
backlog of high-priority sites in the Superfund
site assessment program.
new text end

new text begin (e) $6,500,000 the first year and $6,500,000
the second year are from the closed landfill
investment fund for costs not otherwise
covered with other resources under the landfill
cleanup program in Minnesota Statutes,
sections 115B.39 to 115B.444. This is a
onetime appropriation and is available until
June 30, 2029. The commissioner must report
on all work plans and expenditures from this
appropriation to the chairs and ranking
minority members of the legislative
committees having jurisdiction over
environment policy and finance by February
15, 2027.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end new text begin Resource Management and Assistance new text end

new text begin 46,830,000 new text end

new text begin 46,985,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2026 new text end	new text begin 2027 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 70,000 new text end	new text begin 70,000 new text end
new text begin Environmental new text end	new text begin 46,760,000 new text end	new text begin 46,915,000 new text end

new text begin (a) Up to $150,000 the first year and $150,000
the second year may be transferred from the
environmental fund to the small business
environmental improvement loan account
under Minnesota Statutes, section 116.993.
new text end

new text begin (b) $1,000,000 the first year and $1,000,000
the second year are from the environmental
fund for competitive recycling grants under
Minnesota Statutes, section 115A.565. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2029.
new text end

new text begin (c) $694,000 the first year and $694,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
for emission-reduction activities and grants to
small businesses and other
nonpoint-emission-reduction efforts. Of this
amount, $100,000 the first year and $100,000
the second year are to continue work with
Clean Air Minnesota, and the commissioner
may enter into an agreement with
Environmental Initiative to support this effort.
new text end

new text begin (d) $18,450,000 the first year and $18,450,000
the second year are from the environmental
fund for SCORE block grants to counties.
new text end

new text begin (e) $119,000 the first year and $119,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
for environmental assistance grants or loans
under Minnesota Statutes, section 115A.0716.
new text end

new text begin (f) $400,000 the first year and $400,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
for grants to develop and expand recycling
markets for Minnesota businesses. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2029.
new text end

new text begin (g) $770,000 the first year and $770,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
for reducing and diverting food waste,
redirecting edible food for consumption, and
removing barriers to collecting and recovering
organic waste. Of this amount, $500,000 each
year is for grants to increase food rescue and
waste prevention. This appropriation is
available until June 30, 2029.
new text end

new text begin (h) $2,829,000 the first year and $2,835,000
the second year are from the environmental
fund for the purposes of Minnesota Statutes,
section 473.844.
new text end

new text begin (i) $479,000 the first year and $481,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
to address chemicals in products, including to
implement and enforce flame retardant
provisions under Minnesota Statutes, section
325F.071, and perfluoroalkyl and
polyfluoroalkyl substances in food packaging
provisions under Minnesota Statutes, section
325F.075. Of this amount, $80,000 the first
year and $80,000 the second year are
transferred to the commissioner of health.
new text end

new text begin (j) $650,000 the first year and $650,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
for Minnesota GreenCorps investment.
new text end

new text begin (k) $1,143,000 the first year and $1,152,000
the second year are from the environmental
fund for implementation of the PFAS
requirements under Minnesota Statutes,
section 116.943. Of this amount, $468,000 the
first year and $468,000 the second year are
for transfer to the commissioner of health.
new text end

new text begin (l) $175,000 the first year and $175,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
to address land permitting activities.
new text end

new text begin (m) $215,000 the first year and $215,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
to enhance existing work to reduce or
eliminate mercury-containing skin-lightening
products. The base is $195,000 in fiscal year
2028 and thereafter.
new text end

new text begin (n) Any unencumbered grant and loan
balances in the first year do not cancel but are
available for grants and loans in the second
year. Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes,
section 16A.28, the appropriations
encumbered on or before June 30, 2027, as
contracts or grants for environmental
assistance awarded under Minnesota Statutes,
section 115A.0716; technical and research
assistance under Minnesota Statutes, section
115A.152; technical assistance under
Minnesota Statutes, section 115A.52; and
pollution prevention assistance under
Minnesota Statutes, section 115D.04, are
available until June 30, 2029.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 8. new text end new text begin Watershed new text end

new text begin 11,268,000 new text end

new text begin 11,401,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2026 new text end	new text begin 2027 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 2,459,000 new text end	new text begin 2,459,000 new text end
new text begin Environmental new text end	new text begin 8,403,000 new text end	new text begin 8,533,000 new text end
new text begin Remediation new text end	new text begin 406,000 new text end	new text begin 409,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $2,459,000 the first year and $2,459,000
the second year are from the general fund for
grants to delegated counties to administer the
county feedlot program under Minnesota
Statutes, section 116.0711, subdivisions 2 and
3. Money remaining after the first year is
available for the second year.
new text end

new text begin (b) $137,000 the first year and $138,000 the
second year are from the remediation fund for
the leaking underground storage tank program
to investigate, clean up, and prevent future
releases from underground petroleum storage
tanks and for the petroleum remediation
program for vapor assessment and
remediation. These same annual amounts are
transferred from the petroleum tank fund to
the remediation fund.
new text end

new text begin (c) Any unencumbered grant and loan balances
in the first year do not cancel but are available
for grants and loans in the second year.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 9. new text end new text begin Environmental Quality Board new text end

new text begin 1,545,000 new text end

new text begin 1,582,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2026 new text end	new text begin 2027 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 1,309,000 new text end	new text begin 1,343,000 new text end
new text begin Environmental new text end	new text begin 236,000 new text end	new text begin 239,000 new text end

new text begin Subd. 10. new text end new text begin Transfers new text end

new text begin The commissioner must transfer up to
$24,000,000 the first year and $24,000,000
the second year from the environmental fund
to the remediation fund for purposes of the
remediation fund under Minnesota Statutes,
section 116.155, subdivision 2. For fiscal years
2028 through 2031, the commissioner of
management and budget must include a
transfer of $24,000,000 each year from the
environmental fund to the remediation fund
when preparing each forecast from the
effective date of this section through the
February 2027 forecast under Minnesota
Statutes, section 16A.103.
new text end

Sec. 3. new text begin NATURAL RESOURCES new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end new text begin Total Appropriation new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 396,596,000 new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 397,706,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2026 new text end	new text begin 2027 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 130,981,000 new text end	new text begin 131,435,000 new text end
new text begin Natural Resources new text end	new text begin 133,926,000 new text end	new text begin 134,324,000 new text end
new text begin Game and Fish new text end	new text begin 130,852,000 new text end	new text begin 131,098,000 new text end
new text begin Remediation new text end	new text begin 117,000 new text end	new text begin 117,000 new text end
new text begin Permanent School new text end	new text begin 720,000 new text end	new text begin 732,000 new text end

new text begin The amounts that may be spent for each
purpose are specified in the following
subdivisions.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end new text begin Land and Mineral Resources Management new text end

new text begin 10,569,000 new text end

new text begin 10,615,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2026 new text end	new text begin 2027 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 5,069,000 new text end	new text begin 5,099,000 new text end
new text begin Natural Resources new text end	new text begin 4,929,000 new text end	new text begin 4,940,000 new text end
new text begin Game and Fish new text end	new text begin 344,000 new text end	new text begin 344,000 new text end
new text begin Permanent School new text end	new text begin 227,000 new text end	new text begin 232,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $319,000 the first year and $319,000 the
second year are for environmental research
relating to mine permitting, of which $200,000
each year is from the minerals management
account in the natural resources fund and
$119,000 each year is from the general fund.
new text end

new text begin (b) $3,639,000 the first year and $3,650,000
the second year are from the minerals
management account in the natural resources
fund for use as provided under Minnesota
Statutes, section 93.2236, paragraph (c), for
mineral resource management, projects to
enhance future mineral income, and projects
to promote new mineral-resource
opportunities.
new text end

new text begin (c) $227,000 the first year and $232,000 the
second year are from the permanent school
fund to secure maximum long-term economic
return from the school trust lands consistent
with fiduciary responsibilities and sound
natural resources conservation and
management principles.
new text end

new text begin (d) $573,000 the first year and $573,000 the
second year are from the water management
account in the natural resources fund for only
the purposes specified in Minnesota Statutes,
section 103G.27, subdivision 2.
new text end

new text begin (e) $160,000 the first year is from the general
fund for completing the condemnation of
certain land in Mille Lacs County authorized
under Laws 2024, chapter 116, article 8,
section 13. This is a onetime appropriation
and is available until June 30, 2027.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end new text begin Ecological and Water Resources new text end

new text begin 46,772,000 new text end

new text begin 48,202,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2026 new text end	new text begin 2027 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 22,470,000 new text end	new text begin 22,732,000 new text end
new text begin Natural Resources new text end	new text begin 18,478,000 new text end	new text begin 19,646,000 new text end
new text begin Game and Fish new text end	new text begin 5,824,000 new text end	new text begin 5,824,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $6,947,000 the first year and $6,952,000
the second year are from the invasive species
account in the natural resources fund and
$1,631,000 the first year and $1,631,000 the
second year are from the general fund for
management, public awareness, assessment
and monitoring research, and water access
inspection to prevent the spread of invasive
species; management of invasive plants in
public waters; and management of terrestrial
invasive species on state-administered lands.
new text end

new text begin (b) $7,801,000 the first year and $8,791,000
the second year are from the water
management account in the natural resources
fund for only the purposes specified in
Minnesota Statutes, section 103G.27,
subdivision 2.
new text end

new text begin (c) $124,000 the first year and $124,000 the
second year are for a grant to the Mississippi
Headwaters Board for up to 50 percent of the
cost of implementing the comprehensive plan
for the upper Mississippi within areas under
the board's jurisdiction.
new text end

new text begin (d) $264,000 the first year and $264,000 the
second year are for grants for up to 50 percent
of the cost of implementing the Red River
mediation agreement.
new text end

new text begin (e) $2,598,000 the first year and $2,598,000
the second year are from the heritage
enhancement account in the game and fish
fund for only the purposes specified in
Minnesota Statutes, section 297A.94,
paragraph (h), clause (1).
new text end

new text begin (f) $1,150,000 the first year and $1,150,000
the second year are from the nongame wildlife
management account in the natural resources
fund for nongame wildlife management.
Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section
290.431, $100,000 the first year and $100,000
the second year may be used for nongame
wildlife information, education, and
promotion.
new text end

new text begin (g) Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes,
section 84.943, $48,000 the first year and
$48,000 the second year from the critical
habitat private sector matching account may
be used to publicize the critical habitat license
plate match program.
new text end

new text begin (h) $4,555,000 the first year and $4,555,000
the second year are for the following activities:
new text end

new text begin (1) financial reimbursement and technical
support to soil and water conservation districts
or other local units of government for
groundwater-level monitoring;
new text end

new text begin (2) surface water monitoring and analysis,
including installing monitoring gauges;
new text end

new text begin (3) groundwater analysis to assist with
water-appropriation permitting decisions;
new text end

new text begin (4) permit application review incorporating
surface water and groundwater technical
analysis;
new text end

new text begin (5) precipitation data and analysis to improve
irrigation use;
new text end

new text begin (6) information technology, including
electronic permitting and integrated data
systems; and
new text end

new text begin (7) compliance and monitoring.
new text end

new text begin (i) $410,000 the first year and $410,000 the
second year are from the heritage enhancement
account in the game and fish fund, and
$500,000 the first year and $500,000 the
second year are from the general fund are for
the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species
Research Center at the University of
Minnesota to prioritize, support, and develop
research-based solutions that can reduce the
effects of aquatic invasive species in
Minnesota by preventing spread, controlling
populations, and managing ecosystems and to
advance knowledge to inspire action by others.
new text end

new text begin (j) $129,000 the first year is from the general
fund for providing research, policy review,
and assisting the Sustainable Foraging Task
Force. This is a onetime appropriation.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end new text begin Forest Management new text end

new text begin 60,623,000 new text end

new text begin 61,293,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2026 new text end	new text begin 2027 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 42,800,000 new text end	new text begin 43,383,000 new text end
new text begin Natural Resources new text end	new text begin 16,206,000 new text end	new text begin 16,293,000 new text end
new text begin Game and Fish new text end	new text begin 1,617,000 new text end	new text begin 1,617,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $7,521,000 the first year and $7,521,000
the second year are for prevention,
presuppression, and suppression costs of
emergency firefighting and other costs
incurred under Minnesota Statutes, section
88.12. The amount necessary to pay for
presuppression and suppression costs during
the biennium is appropriated from the general
fund. By January 15 each year, the
commissioner of natural resources must submit
a report to the chairs and ranking minority
members of the house and senate committees
and divisions having jurisdiction over
environment and natural resources finance that
identifies all firefighting costs incurred and
reimbursements received in the prior fiscal
year. These appropriations may not be
transferred. Any reimbursement of firefighting
expenditures made to the commissioner from
any source other than federal mobilizations
must be deposited into the general fund.
new text end

new text begin (b) $15,706,000 the first year and $15,793,000
the second year are from the forest
management investment account in the natural
resources fund for only the purposes specified
in Minnesota Statutes, section 89.039,
subdivision 2.
new text end

new text begin (c) $1,617,000 the first year and $1,617,000
the second year are from the heritage
enhancement account in the game and fish
fund to advance ecological classification
systems (ECS), forest habitat, and invasive
species management.
new text end

new text begin (d) $940,000 the first year and $947,000 the
second year are for the Forest Resources
Council to implement the Sustainable Forest
Resources Act.
new text end

new text begin (e) $500,000 the first year and $500,000 the
second year are from the forest management
investment account in the natural resources
fund for forest road maintenance on state
forest roads.
new text end

new text begin (f) $500,000 the first year and $500,000 the
second year are for forest road maintenance
on county forest roads.
new text end

new text begin (g) $400,000 the first year and $400,000 the
second year are for grants to local and Tribal
governments and nonprofit organizations to
enhance community forest ecosystem health
and sustainability under Minnesota Statutes,
section 88.82. The commissioner may use a
reasonable amount of this appropriation for
administering ReLeaf grants.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end new text begin Parks and Trails Management new text end

new text begin 115,352,000 new text end

new text begin 113,212,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2026 new text end	new text begin 2027 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 37,076,000 new text end	new text begin 36,474,000 new text end
new text begin Natural Resources new text end	new text begin 75,976,000 new text end	new text begin 74,438,000 new text end
new text begin Game and Fish new text end	new text begin 2,300,000 new text end	new text begin 2,300,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $8,925,000 the first year and $9,238,000
the second year are from the natural resources
fund for state trail, park, and recreation area
operations. This appropriation is from revenue
deposited in the natural resources fund under
Minnesota Statutes, section 297A.94,
paragraph (h), clause (2).
new text end

new text begin (b) $23,859,000 the first year and $23,615,000
the second year are from the state parks
account in the natural resources fund to
operate and maintain state parks and state
recreation areas.
new text end

new text begin (c) $1,300,000 the first year and $1,300,000
the second year are from the natural resources
fund for park and trail grants to local units of
government on land to be maintained for at
least 20 years for parks or trails. Priority must
be given for projects that are in underserved
communities or that increase access to persons
with disabilities. This appropriation is from
revenue deposited in the natural resources fund
under Minnesota Statutes, section 297A.94,
paragraph (h), clause (4). Any unencumbered
balance does not cancel at the end of the first
year and is available for the second year.
new text end

new text begin (d) $9,624,000 the first year and $9,624,000
the second year are from the snowmobile trails
and enforcement account in the natural
resources fund for the snowmobile
grants-in-aid program. Any unencumbered
balance does not cancel at the end of the first
year and is available for the second year.
new text end

new text begin (e) $2,610,000 the first year and $2,510,000
the second year are from the natural resources
fund for the off-highway vehicle grants-in-aid
program. Of this amount, $2,060,000 the first
year and $1,960,000 the second year are from
the all-terrain vehicle account, $225,000 each
year is from the off-highway motorcycle
account, and $325,000 each year is from the
off-road vehicle account. Any unencumbered
balance does not cancel at the end of the first
year and is available for the second year.
new text end

new text begin (f) $2,750,000 the first year and $2,750,000
the second year are from the state land and
water conservation account in the natural
resources fund for priorities established by the
commissioner for eligible state projects and
administrative and planning activities
consistent with Minnesota Statutes, section
84.0264, and the federal Land and Water
Conservation Fund Act. Any unencumbered
balance does not cancel at the end of the first
year and is available for the second year.
new text end

new text begin (g) $250,000 the first year and $250,000 the
second year are from the general fund for
matching grants for local parks and outdoor
recreation areas under Minnesota Statutes,
section 85.019, subdivision 2.
new text end

new text begin (h) $250,000 the first year and $250,000 the
second year are from the general fund for
matching grants for local trail connections
under Minnesota Statutes, section 85.019,
subdivision 4c.
new text end

new text begin (i) $600,000 the first year and $600,000 the
second year are from the natural resources
fund for projects and activities that connect
diverse and underserved Minnesotans through
expanding cultural environmental experiences,
exploration of their environment, and outdoor
recreational activities. This appropriation is
from revenue deposited in the natural
resources fund under Minnesota Statutes,
section 297A.94, paragraph (j).
new text end

new text begin (j) $400,000 the first year is from the general
fund for a grant to the city of Silver Bay for
construction of the Silver Bay Trailhead. This
is a onetime appropriation and is available
until June 30, 2028.
new text end

new text begin (k) $500,000 the first year is from the general
fund for a grant to the city of Chisholm for
trail development, maintenance, and related
amenities at Redhead Mountain Bike Park.
This is a onetime appropriation and is
available until June 30, 2028.
new text end

new text begin (l) $752,000 the first year is from the
all-terrain vehicle account in the natural
resources fund for a grant to St. Louis County
for all-terrain vehicle trail projects. This is a
onetime appropriation and is available until
June 30, 2028. The grant is for the following
projects:
new text end

new text begin (1) $75,000 for the Alborn Dirt Devils Club
to engineer, permit, and acquire right-of-way
for the County Road 166 to Ostman Road
ATV trail project;
new text end

new text begin (2) $480,000 for the Ranger Snowmobile/ATV
Club to engineer and construct the Seven
Beavers ATV trail project;
new text end

new text begin (3) $100,000 for the Twig Area Trail Riders
ATV Club to permit, design, engineer, and
acquire right-of-way for the Lumberjack to
Brookston ATV trail; and
new text end

new text begin (4) $97,000 for the Quad Cities ATV Club to
engineer, survey, test, design, and construct
the club trailhead project.
new text end

new text begin (m) $200,000 the first year is from the
all-terrain vehicle account in the natural
resources fund for a grant to the city of Duluth
and Head of the Lakes ATV Riders for a
Duluth area all-terrain vehicle route study to
establish connectivity to and through the
western part of the city of Duluth. This is a
onetime appropriation and is available until
June 30, 2028.
new text end

new text begin (n) $380,000 the first year is from the
all-terrain vehicle account in the natural
resources fund for a grant to St. Louis County
for design, right-of-way acquisition,
permitting, and construction of trails within
the Voyageur Country ATV trail system. This
is a onetime appropriation and is available
until June 30, 2028.
new text end

new text begin (o) $175,000 the first year is from the
all-terrain vehicle account in the natural
resources fund for a grant to St. Louis County
for design, right-of-way acquisition,
permitting, and construction of trails and a
new trail bridge within the Prospectors Loop
trail system. This is a onetime appropriation
and is available until June 30, 2028.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end new text begin Fish and Wildlife Management new text end

new text begin 97,566,000 new text end

new text begin 98,019,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2026 new text end	new text begin 2027 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 9,120,000 new text end	new text begin 9,185,000 new text end
new text begin Natural Resources new text end	new text begin 2,182,000 new text end	new text begin 2,424,000 new text end
new text begin Game and Fish new text end	new text begin 86,264,000 new text end	new text begin 86,410,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $12,125,000 the first year and $12,097,000
the second year are from the heritage
enhancement account in the game and fish
fund only for activities specified under
Minnesota Statutes, section 297A.94,
paragraph (h), clause (1). Notwithstanding
Minnesota Statutes, section 297A.94, five
percent of this appropriation may be used for
expanding hunter and angler recruitment and
retention.
new text end

new text begin (b) $8,546,000 the first year and $8,546,000
the second year are from the deer management
account in the game and fish fund for the
purposes identified in Minnesota Statutes,
section 97A.075, subdivision 1.
new text end

new text begin (c) $500,000 the first year and $500,000 the
second year are from the heritage enhancement
account in the game and fish fund for grants
for natural-resource-based education and
recreation programs serving youth under
Minnesota Statutes, section 84.976. The
commissioner may use a reasonable amount
of this appropriation for administering grants
authorized under Minnesota Statutes, section
84.976. Priority must be given to projects
benefiting underserved communities.
new text end

new text begin (d) Up to $2,225,000 the first year and up to
$2,225,000 the second year are available for
transfer from the critical habitat private sector
matching account to the reinvest in Minnesota
fund for wildlife management areas
acquisition, restoration, and enhancement
according to Minnesota Statutes, section
84.943, subdivision 5, paragraph (b).
new text end

new text begin (e) $3,032,000 the first year and $3,032,000
the second year are from the general fund and
$1,675,000 the first year and $1,675,000 the
second year are from the game and fish fund
for statewide response and management of
chronic wasting disease. Of this amount, up
to $2,750,000 each year from the general fund
is for inspections, investigations, and
enforcement activities taken for the
white-tailed deer farm program.
new text end

new text begin (f) $500,000 the first year and $348,000 the
second year are from the general fund for the
Outdoor School for All program under
Minnesota Statutes, section 84.9766.
new text end

new text begin (g) $225,000 the first year is from the general
fund to expand outreach under Minnesota
Statutes, section 84.027, subdivision 21. This
is a onetime appropriation.
new text end

new text begin (h) $177,000 the first year is from the game
and fish fund for a study of muskellunge
movement and survival in Leech Lake. The
study must be conducted in collaboration with
Bemidji State University. By October 1, 2028,
the commissioner of natural resources must
submit a report on the results of the study to
the chairs and ranking minority members of
the house and senate committees and divisions
having jurisdiction over environment and
natural resources. This appropriation is
available until June 30, 2028.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end new text begin Enforcement new text end

new text begin 63,890,000 new text end

new text begin 64,534,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2026 new text end	new text begin 2027 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 14,225,000 new text end	new text begin 14,341,000 new text end
new text begin Natural Resources new text end	new text begin 15,045,000 new text end	new text begin 15,473,000 new text end
new text begin Game and Fish new text end	new text begin 34,503,000 new text end	new text begin 34,603,000 new text end
new text begin Remediation new text end	new text begin 117,000 new text end	new text begin 117,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $1,718,000 the first year and $1,718,000
the second year are from the general fund for
enforcement efforts to prevent the spread of
aquatic invasive species.
new text end

new text begin (b) $2,980,000 the first year and $2,980,000
the second year are from the heritage
enhancement account in the game and fish
fund for only the purposes specified under
Minnesota Statutes, section 297A.94,
paragraph (h), clause (1).
new text end

new text begin (c) $1,442,000 the first year and $1,442,000
the second year are from the water recreation
account in the natural resources fund for grants
to counties for boat and water safety. Any
unencumbered balance does not cancel at the
end of the first year and is available for the
second year.
new text end

new text begin (d) $315,000 the first year and $315,000 the
second year are from the snowmobile trails
and enforcement account in the natural
resources fund for grants to local law
enforcement agencies for snowmobile
enforcement activities. Any unencumbered
balance does not cancel at the end of the first
year and is available for the second year.
new text end

new text begin (e) $250,000 the first year and $250,000 the
second year are from the all-terrain vehicle
account in the natural resources fund for grants
to qualifying organizations to assist in safety
and environmental education and monitoring
trails on public lands under Minnesota
Statutes, section 84.9011. Grants issued under
this paragraph must be issued through a formal
agreement with the organization. By
December 15 each year, an organization
receiving a grant under this paragraph must
report to the commissioner with details on
expenditures and outcomes from the grant. Of
this appropriation, $25,000 each year is for
administering these grants. Any unencumbered
balance does not cancel at the end of the first
year and is available for the second year.
new text end

new text begin (f) $510,000 the first year and $510,000 the
second year are from the natural resources
fund for grants to county law enforcement
agencies for off-highway vehicle enforcement
and public education activities based on
off-highway vehicle use in the county. Of this
amount, $498,000 each year is from the
all-terrain vehicle account, $11,000 each year
is from the off-highway motorcycle account,
and $1,000 each year is from the off-road
vehicle account. The county enforcement
agencies may use money received under this
appropriation to make grants to other local
enforcement agencies within the county that
have a high concentration of off-highway
vehicle use. Of this appropriation, $25,000
each year is for administering the grants. Any
unencumbered balance does not cancel at the
end of the first year and is available for the
second year.
new text end

new text begin (g) $262,000 the first year and $262,000 the
second year are from the water recreation
account in the natural resources fund for
investigating, notification, and removal of
abandoned watercraft on or adjacent to public
waters and public land.
new text end

new text begin (h) $20,000 the first year and ....... the second
year are from the off-highway motorcycle
account in the natural resources fund for grants
to qualifying off-highway motorcycle
organizations to assist in providing safety and
environmental education and monitoring trails
on public lands according to Minnesota
Statutes, section 84.9011. Grants awarded
under this paragraph must be issued through
a formal agreement with the organization. By
December 15 each year, an organization
receiving a grant under this paragraph must
report to the commissioner with details on how
the money was expended and what outcomes
were achieved.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 8. new text end new text begin Pass Through Funds new text end

new text begin 1,824,000 new text end

new text begin 1,831,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2026 new text end	new text begin 2027 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 221,000 new text end	new text begin 221,000 new text end
new text begin Natural Resources new text end	new text begin 1,110,000 new text end	new text begin 1,110,000 new text end
new text begin Permanent School new text end	new text begin 493,000 new text end	new text begin 500,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $510,000 the first year and $510,000 the
second year are from the natural resources
fund for grants to be divided equally between
the city of St. Paul for the Como Park Zoo and
Conservatory and the city of Duluth for the
Lake Superior Zoo. This appropriation is from
revenue deposited to the natural resources fund
under Minnesota Statutes, section 297A.94,
paragraph (h), clause (5).
new text end

new text begin (b) $221,000 the first year and $221,000 the
second year are from the general fund for the
Office of School Trust Lands.
new text end

new text begin (c) $150,000 the first year and $150,000 the
second year are from the permanent school
fund for transaction and project management
costs for divesting of school trust lands within
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
new text end

new text begin (d) $343,000 the first year and $350,000 the
second year are from the permanent school
fund for the Office of School Trust Lands.
new text end

new text begin (e) $600,000 the first year and $600,000 the
second year are from the natural resources
fund for parks and trails of regional
significance outside the seven-county
metropolitan area under Minnesota Statutes,
section 85.535, based on the recommendations
from the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks
and Trails Commission. This appropriation is
from revenue deposited in the natural
resources fund under Minnesota Statutes,
section 297A.94, paragraph (i).
new text end

new text begin Subd. 9. new text end new text begin Transfers new text end

new text begin $720,000 the first year and $732,000 the
second year are transferred from the forest
suspense account to the permanent school
fund. For fiscal years 2028 through 2031, the
commissioner of management and budget must
include a transfer of $732,000 each year from
the forest suspense account to the permanent
school fund when preparing each forecast from
the effective date of this section through the
February 2027 forecast under Minnesota
Statutes, section 16A.103.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 10. new text end new text begin Extensions new text end

new text begin The appropriation in Laws 2023, chapter 60,
article 1, section 3, subdivision 5, paragraph
(p), for a boat launch on the Mississippi River
is extended to June 30, 2026.
new text end

Sec. 4. new text begin BOARD OF WATER AND SOIL RESOURCES new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 15,945,000 new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 16,102,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $3,116,000 the first year and $3,116,000
the second year are for grants and payments
to soil and water conservation districts for
accomplishing the purposes of Minnesota
Statutes, chapter 103C, and for other general
purposes, nonpoint engineering, and
implementation and stewardship of the
reinvest in Minnesota reserve program.
Expenditures may be made from this
appropriation for supplies and services
benefiting soil and water conservation
districts. Any district receiving a payment
under this paragraph must maintain a website
that publishes, at a minimum, the district's
annual report, annual audit, annual budget,
and meeting notices.
new text end

new text begin (b) $1,560,000 the first year and $1,560,000
the second year are for the following:
new text end

new text begin (1) $1,460,000 the first year and $1,460,000
the second year are for cost-sharing programs
of soil and water conservation districts for
accomplishing projects and practices
consistent with Minnesota Statutes, section
103C.501, including perennially vegetated
riparian buffers, erosion control, water
retention and treatment, water quality
cost-sharing for feedlots and nutrient and
manure management projects in watersheds
where there are impaired waters, and other
high-priority conservation practices; and
new text end

new text begin (2) $100,000 the first year and $100,000 the
second year are for invasive species and weed
management programs and to restore native
plants at selected invasive species management
sites.
new text end

new text begin (c) $166,000 the first year and $166,000 the
second year are to provide technical assistance
to local drainage management officials and
for the costs of the Drainage Work Group. The
board must coordinate the activities of the
Drainage Work Group according to Minnesota
Statutes, section 103B.101, subdivision 13.
new text end

new text begin (d) $100,000 the first year and $100,000 the
second year are for a grant to the Red River
Basin Commission for water quality and
floodplain management, including program
administration. This appropriation must be
matched by nonstate funds.
new text end

new text begin (e) $140,000 the first year and $140,000 the
second year are for grants to Area II
Minnesota River Basin Projects for floodplain
management.
new text end

new text begin (f) $240,000 the first year and $240,000 the
second year are for a grant to the Lower
Minnesota River Watershed District to defray
the annual cost of sustaining the state, national,
and international commercial and recreational
navigation on the lower Minnesota River.
new text end

new text begin (g) $203,000 the first year and $203,000 the
second year are for soil health programming
consistent with Minnesota Statutes, section
103F.06, and for coordination with the
University of Minnesota Office for Soil
Health.
new text end

new text begin (h) $3,423,000 the first year and $3,423,000
the second year are for natural resources block
grants to local governments to implement the
Wetland Conservation Act and shoreland
management program under Minnesota
Statutes, chapter 103F, and local water
management responsibilities under Minnesota
Statutes, chapter 103B. The board may reduce
the amount of the natural resources block grant
to a county by an amount equal to any
reduction in the county's general services
allocation to a soil and water conservation
district from the county's previous year
allocation when the board determines that the
reduction was disproportionate.
new text end

new text begin (i) $6,997,000 the first year and $7,154,000
the second year are for agency administration
and operation of the Board of Water and Soil
Resources.
new text end

new text begin (j) The board may shift funds in this section
and may adjust the technical and
administrative assistance portion of the funds
to leverage federal or other nonstate funds or
to address accountability, oversight, local
government performance, or high-priority
needs.
new text end

new text begin (k) The appropriations for grants and payments
in this section are available until June 30,
2029, except returned grants and payments
are available for two years after they are
returned or regranted, whichever is later.
Funds must be used consistent with the
purposes of this section. If an appropriation
for grants in either year is insufficient, the
appropriation in the other year is available for
it.
new text end

new text begin (l) Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes,
section 16B.97, grants awarded from
appropriations in this section are exempt from
the Department of Administration, Office of
Grants Management Policy 08-08 Grant
Payments and 08-10 Grant Monitoring.
new text end

Sec. 5. new text begin METROPOLITAN COUNCIL new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 11,740,000 new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 11,740,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2026 new text end	new text begin 2027 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 2,540,000 new text end	new text begin 2,540,000 new text end
new text begin Natural Resources new text end	new text begin 9,200,000 new text end	new text begin 9,200,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $2,540,000 the first year and $2,540,000
the second year are for metropolitan-area
regional parks operation and maintenance
according to Minnesota Statutes, section
473.351.
new text end

new text begin (b) $9,200,000 the first year and $9,200,000
the second year are from the natural resources
fund for metropolitan-area regional parks and
trails maintenance and operations. This
appropriation is from revenue deposited in the
natural resources fund under Minnesota
Statutes, section 297A.94, paragraph (h),
clause (3).
new text end

Sec. 6. new text begin CONSERVATION CORPS MINNESOTA AND IOWA new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 1,070,000 new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 1,070,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2026 new text end	new text begin 2027 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 580,000 new text end	new text begin 580,000 new text end
new text begin Natural Resources new text end	new text begin 490,000 new text end	new text begin 490,000 new text end

new text begin Conservation Corps Minnesota and Iowa may
receive money appropriated from the natural
resources fund under this section only as
provided in an agreement with the
commissioner of natural resources.
new text end

Sec. 7. new text begin ZOOLOGICAL BOARD new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 14,180,000 new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 14,532,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2026 new text end	new text begin 2027 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 13,925,000 new text end	new text begin 14,277,000 new text end
new text begin Natural Resources new text end	new text begin 255,000 new text end	new text begin 255,000 new text end

new text begin $255,000 the first year and $255,000 the
second year are from the natural resources
fund from revenue deposited under Minnesota
Statutes, section 297A.94, paragraph (h),
clause (5).
new text end

Sec. 8. new text begin SCIENCE MUSEUM new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 1,260,000 new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 1,260,000 new text end

Sec. 9. new text begin LEGISLATIVE COORDINATING COMMISSION new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 198,000 new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 0 new text end

new text begin $198,000 the first year is for the administrative
costs of the Sustainable Foraging Task Force.
This is a onetime appropriation
new text end

Sec. 10.

Laws 2023, chapter 60, article 1, section 2, subdivision 10, is amended to read:

Subd. 10. Transfers

(a) The commissioner must transfer up to
$24,000,000 the first year and $24,000,000
the second year from the environmental fund
to the remediation fund for purposes of the
remediation fund under Minnesota Statutes,
section 116.155, subdivision 2. The base for
this transfer is $24,000,000 in fiscal year 2026
and beyond.

(b) By June 30, 2024, the commissioner of
management and budget must transfer
$27,397,000 from the general fund to the
metropolitan landfill contingency action trust
account in the remediation fund to restore the
money transferred from the account as
intended under Laws 2003, chapter 128, article
1, section 10, paragraph (e), and Laws 2005,
First Special Session chapter 1, article 3,
section 17, and to compensate the account for
the estimated lost investment income.

deleted text begin (c) Beginning in fiscal year 2024, the
commissioner of management and budget must
transfer $100,000 each year from the general
fund to the metropolitan landfill contingency
action trust account in the remediation fund
to restore the money transferred from the
account as intended under Laws 2003, chapter
128, article 1, section 10, paragraph (e), and
Laws 2005, First Special Session chapter 1,
article 3, section 17.
deleted text end

Sec. 11. new text begin CANCELLATION.
new text end

new text begin $3,915,000 of the unencumbered balance of the general fund appropriation from Laws
2022, chapter 95, article 3, section 6, paragraph (b), cancels no later than June 30, 2025.
new text end

ARTICLE 2

ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES TRUST FUND APPROPRIATIONS

Section 1. new text begin APPROPRIATIONS. new text end

new text begin The sums shown in the columns marked "Appropriations" are appropriated to the agencies
and for the purposes specified in this article. The appropriations are from the environment
and natural resources trust fund, or another named fund, and are available for the fiscal
years indicated for each purpose. The figures "2026" and "2027" used in this article mean
that the appropriations listed under them are available for the fiscal year ending June 30,
2026, or June 30, 2027, respectively. "The first year" is fiscal year 2026. "The second year"
is fiscal year 2027. "The biennium" is fiscal years 2026 and 2027. Any unencumbered
balance remaining in the first year does not cancel and is available for the second year or
until the end of the appropriation. These are onetime appropriations.
new text end

			new text begin APPROPRIATIONS new text end
			new text begin Available for the Year new text end
			new text begin Ending June 30 new text end
				new text begin 2026 new text end		new text begin 2027 new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin MINNESOTA RESOURCES new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end new text begin Total Appropriation new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 103,326,000 new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 0 new text end

new text begin This appropriation is from the environment
and natural resources trust fund. The amounts
that may be spent for each purpose are
specified in the following subdivisions.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end new text begin Definition new text end

new text begin "Trust fund" means the Minnesota
environment and natural resources trust fund
established under the Minnesota Constitution,
article XI, section 14.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end new text begin Foundational Natural Resource Data and Information new text end

new text begin 22,084,000 new text end

new text begin -0- new text end

new text begin (a) Fond du Lac Deer Study - Phase 1 new text end

new text begin $1,441,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Minnesota State Colleges and
Universities for Bemidji State University to
collect baseline deer demographic, movement,
and habitat-use data before elk restoration to
better inform management of both elk and deer
populations on the Fond du Lac Reservation
and surrounding areas.
new text end

new text begin (b) Are All Walleye Created Equal? Probably Not. new text end

new text begin $298,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to investigate Minnesota walleye
strain physiology and disease responses to
warming water and to build a tool to guide
adaptive management of walleye in a warming
climate.
new text end

new text begin (c) Deer Survival Within Minnesota's Densest Wolf Population new text end

new text begin $809,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to evaluate how wolves, winter
severity, and habitat affect deer mortality and
survival across space and time within the
Voyageurs region.
new text end

new text begin (d) Evaluating Anticoagulant Rodenticide Exposure in Minnesota's Carnivores new text end

new text begin $247,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota for the Natural Resources Research
Institute in Duluth to determine anticoagulant
rodenticide exposure rates and concentrations
in Minnesota bobcats and fishers, factors
influencing exposure risk, and negative effects
of rodenticide exposure on carnivore health.
new text end

new text begin (e) Digitizing the Science Museum of Minnesota's Mollusk Specimens new text end

new text begin $386,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Science Museum of Minnesota to make
the museum's Minnesota mollusk specimen
collection available for research and education
by identifying and organizing all relevant
specimens and digitizing the museum's data.
new text end

new text begin (f) Integrating Wildlife Objectives in Long-Term Forest Management Planning new text end

new text begin $316,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to develop a harvest-scheduling
model that integrates wildlife habitat metrics
with timber production objectives in the
forest-planning process for more sustainable
forest landscape-level outcomes.
new text end

new text begin (g) Surveying Minnesota's Secretive Marsh Birds new text end

new text begin $413,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the National Audubon
Society, Upper Mississippi River office, to
conduct a breeding marsh bird survey and
provide state and federal agencies with an
assessment of marsh bird population status
and wetland habitat. This appropriation is
available until June 30, 2029, by which time
the project must be completed and final
products delivered.
new text end

new text begin (h) Improving Conservation Outcomes for Imperiled Wood Turtles new text end

new text begin $242,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Minnesota Zoological Society to restore
imperiled wood turtles by increasing remnant
populations, quantifying effectiveness of
habitat management strategies, establishing
baseline information on disease prevalence,
and creating a new decision-support tool for
prioritizing future conservation actions.
new text end

new text begin (i) Maximizing the Impact of Wildlife Movement Data new text end

new text begin $216,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to create a centralized and
accessible database of wildlife movement data
from prior trust fund-supported studies and
demonstrate tools biologists can use to analyze
these data to benefit Minnesota wildlife.
new text end

new text begin (j) Expanding the Statewide Motus Wildlife Tracking Network new text end

new text begin $234,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Minnesota Zoological Society to expand
the statewide Motus Wildlife Tracking System
network into southwestern Minnesota and the
North Shore to guide the conservation of
imperiled grassland and boreal migratory birds
and other wildlife. This appropriation may
also be used to develop outreach and
interpretive materials for Motus sites.
new text end

new text begin (k) Updating and Sharing Information on Minnesota's Tick Biodiversity new text end

new text begin $186,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to collaborate with wildlife
organizations and community scientists to
survey the biodiversity and distribution of
ticks in Minnesota and create a publicly
accessible GIS dashboard to share results and
potential disease implications with the public
and wildlife managers.
new text end

new text begin (l) Small Mammals and Hunter Participation: Expanded Offal Wildlife Watching new text end

new text begin $563,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to expand and assess hunter
participation in monitoring scavenger use of
deer gut piles, assess small mammal
occurrence and contaminant and disease
exposure risk at offal sites, and study how
messaging impacts hunters' use of lead
ammunition.
new text end

new text begin (m) Green Heron as an Indicator of Wetland-Dependent Species new text end

new text begin $424,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to collect data on the year-round
habitat use and migratory movements of green
herons, assess potential factors leading to
population decline, and identify conservation
strategies to benefit the green heron and other
wetland-dependent bird species.
new text end

new text begin (n) Visualizing Minnesota's Natural Resources with CT Scanning new text end

new text begin $955,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota, Bell Museum of Natural History,
to acquire a CT scanner, scan Bell Museum
organismal specimens, create 3D prints from
the scans, and share the data and prints through
environmental education and research
programs. The CT scanner purchased with this
appropriation must prioritize use by and be
made available cost-free to other
Minnesota-focused researchers for the duration
of this appropriation. This appropriation may
also be used for equipment, tools, and supplies
needed to acquire, install, and use the scanner
and print 3D models of scanned organisms.
Net income generated as part of this
appropriation may be reinvested in the project
if a plan for reinvestment is approved in the
work plan as provided under Minnesota
Statutes, section 116P.10.
new text end

new text begin (o) Mapping Human-Carnivore Conflicts in Human-Dominated Landscapes new text end

new text begin $563,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota for the Natural Resources Research
Institute in Duluth to evaluate bear, bobcat,
and coyote habitat use, activity, and diet in
Duluth and surrounding areas to map hotspots
for human-carnivore conflicts and fill
knowledge gaps to reduce conflicts. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2029,
by which time the project must be completed
and final products delivered.
new text end

new text begin (p) Geologic Atlases for Water Resource Management new text end

new text begin $1,260,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota, Minnesota Geological Survey, to
continue to produce geologic atlas maps and
databases to inform management of
groundwater and surface water. This
appropriation is to complete Part A, which
focuses on the properties and distribution of
earth materials to define aquifer boundaries
and the connection of aquifers to the land
surface and surface water resources.
new text end

new text begin (q) Leveraging Statewide Datasets for Native Rough Fish new text end

new text begin $250,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to construct species distribution
models that predict presence and abundance
of native rough fish species and identify
potential areas for protection, additional
monitoring, or restoration across the state. This
appropriation may also be used to build an
interactive mapping tool and share results.
new text end

new text begin (r) The Impacts of Climate Change on Northeastern Minnesota new text end

new text begin $772,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Friends of the Boundary
Waters Wilderness to work with collaborators
to aggregate research, data, and other
information about the impacts of climate
change on the habitat and wildlife of
northeastern Minnesota into a publicly
available, web-based database. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2029,
by which time the project must be completed
and final products delivered.
new text end

new text begin (s) Health and Disease Monitoring in Minnesota Wildlife new text end

new text begin $750,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota, Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic
Laboratory, to collaborate with wildlife
rehabilitation organizations and other wildlife
health professionals throughout Minnesota to
enhance the state's health and disease
surveillance, preparedness, and response
efforts.
new text end

new text begin (t) Affordable Statewide Tracking of Forestry Fragmentation and Degradation new text end

new text begin $331,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to merge aircraft and satellite
LiDAR data to build a model and an
interactive real-time web dashboard of forest
boundaries that provides business-ready
information about statewide forest
fragmentation and degradation due to human
activities and natural disasters.
new text end

new text begin (u) Safeguarding Bees While Monitoring Pollinators and Nesting Habitats new text end

new text begin $590,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to pioneer low-mortality methods
for monitoring bee populations and to
investigate nest habitat materials and
antimicrobial properties in cooperation with
community scientists and management
agencies. This appropriation is available until
June 30, 2029, by which time the project must
be completed and final products delivered.
new text end

new text begin (v) Expanding the Application of Minnesota's Wetland Monitoring Data new text end

new text begin $312,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources to
use existing LiDAR and recurring aerial
photographs to determine state grassland
acreage and change over the last twenty years,
evaluate key drivers of wetland change, and
use technology to improve Minnesota's
wetland monitoring.
new text end

new text begin (w) Enhancing the Value of Minnesota Public Grasslands new text end

new text begin $390,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to evaluate a combination of
prescribed fire, brush mowing, and targeted
conservation grazing to develop ready-to-use
management strategies for public land
managers to mitigate woody species
encroachment and increase biodiversity and
carbon sequestration in public grasslands.
new text end

new text begin (x) Foundational Precision Agriculture Data to Reduce Environmental Impacts new text end

new text begin $1,255,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota for the West Central Research and
Outreach Center at Morris to establish data
collection systems and methods at sentinel
farm sites, develop and evaluate best
management practices, and provide outreach
and training to farmers to encourage adoption
of precision agriculture technologies that
reduce fertilizer and chemical use and improve
water and air quality.
new text end

new text begin (y) Continued Aggregate Resource Mapping new text end

new text begin $621,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources to
map the aggregate resource potential in the
state of Minnesota and to make the
information available in print and electronic
format to local units of government to support
informed land-use decisions and resource
conservation.
new text end

new text begin (z) Advancing Collaborative Wild Rice Monitoring Program Technologies new text end

new text begin $900,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources to
continue efforts to create a framework for
long-term wild rice monitoring for
conservation and collaborate with Tribal and
nongovernmental organizations to collect
additional data, improve collection and
analysis methods, and develop a statewide
estimate of wild rice abundance and coverage.
new text end

new text begin (aa) Conserving Natural Resources by Advancing Forever Green Agriculture new text end

new text begin $2,146,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota for the Forever Green Initiative to
fund research projects to develop new
perennial and winter-annual crops to protect
water, wildlife, soil, other natural resources,
and the climate. This appropriation is available
until June 30, 2030, by which time the project
must be completed and final products
delivered.
new text end

new text begin (bb) Minnesota's Priority Native Rough Fish: Gars and Bowfin new text end

new text begin $568,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to develop population dynamics,
habitat use, and food web models for
Minnesota gars and bowfins and conduct
outreach to inform conservation and
management and serve as a template for study
of Minnesota's other native rough fish species.
new text end

new text begin (cc) Understanding to Improve Minnesota's Future Lake Water Quality new text end

new text begin $595,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to use decade-long comprehensive
lake, watershed, and weather data and
high-resolution climate models to understand
lake-specific drivers of water quality and
predict the effects of future warming on
harmful algal blooms across Minnesota.
new text end

new text begin (dd) Operationalizing State Zooplankton Data to Support Lake Health new text end

new text begin $423,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to use long-term monitoring data
to determine the relationship between
zooplankton communities and ecosystem
services, like fisheries health and water
quality, and develop biotic indices for lake
health.
new text end

new text begin (ee) Trialing Climate-Ready Woodland Trees in Urban Areas new text end

new text begin $255,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to demonstrate performance of
climate-adaptive tree species and study land
manager and public perceptions of these
species to identify the best species and risk
tolerance for future plantings in metropolitan
areas of Minnesota.
new text end

new text begin (ff) Superior Shores: Protecting Our Great Lakes Coastal Habitats new text end

new text begin $675,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Science Museum of Minnesota for the
St. Croix Watershed Research Station to map
the locations and survey the biological
diversity and water quality of Lake Superior
coastal rock pools. This appropriation may
also be used to develop outreach materials and
host programs on rock pool understanding and
conservation.
new text end

new text begin (gg) Recruitment and Fecundity of Minnesota Moose new text end

new text begin $2,007,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
state and Tribal biologists to work
collaboratively to estimate survival and
fecundity of yearling and 2-year-old moose in
northeast Minnesota to inform future
management efforts. Of this amount, $841,000
is for an agreement with the 1854 Treaty
Authority. This appropriation is available until
June 30, 2031, by which time the project must
be completed and final products delivered.
new text end

new text begin (hh) Fighting Insect Decline: Minnesota Bumblebees to the Rescue new text end

new text begin $249,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to map historical and current
bumblebee distribution and develop an
identification tool using molecular barcodes
and an online resource hub to improve
conservation of Minnesota's native
bumblebees.
new text end

new text begin (ii) Trace Metals in Municipal Yard Waste and Compost new text end

new text begin $120,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to assess trace metal contamination
from collected residential yard waste, finished
compost, and compost leachate in municipal
yard waste recycling programs.
new text end

new text begin (jj) Chronic Wasting Disease Prions in Minnesota Waters new text end

new text begin $322,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to evaluate the movement of
chronic wasting disease in Minnesota waters,
assess the risk of spread, and share results with
wildlife and watershed managers.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end new text begin Water Resources new text end

new text begin 11,812,000 new text end

new text begin -0- new text end

new text begin (a) Enhancing Our Resources - Rural Health and Drinking Water new text end

new text begin $994,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Freshwater Society to
partner with the Mayo Clinic to educate well
owners and family health providers about the
geologic occurrence and risk of arsenic in
drinking water. This appropriation is also to
provide free arsenic testing to well owners in
southeast Minnesota.
new text end

new text begin (b) Restoration and Outreach for Minnesota's Native Mussels new text end

new text begin $1,258,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources to
propagate, rear, and restore native freshwater
mussel populations and the ecosystem services
they provide to Minnesota waters; to evaluate
reintroduction success; and to inform the
public on mussels and mussel conservation.
new text end

new text begin (c) Pristine to Green: Toxic Blooms Threaten Northern Lakes new text end

new text begin $1,362,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Science Museum of Minnesota for the
St. Croix Watershed Research Station to
evaluate drivers that contribute to the
formation of nuisance and toxic algal blooms
in relatively pristine and protected lakes across
Minnesota.
new text end

new text begin (d) Training Lake Communities to Track Chloride and Algae new text end

new text begin $274,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota for the Minnesota Sea Grant
college program in Duluth to develop and train
a network of community-based volunteers to
track chloride and harmful algal blooms in
rural Minnesota lakes.
new text end

new text begin (e) Clean Sweep Solution to Nonpoint Source Pollution new text end

new text begin $386,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota for the Water Resources Center to
enhance Clean Sweep programs, identify the
pollutants present in street-sweeping materials,
explore material reuse options, and quantify
benefits of enhanced street sweeping. This
appropriation may also be used to coordinate
county and regional collaborations, develop
resources, and provide training to increase
targeted street-sweeping practices to reduce
nonpoint source pollution to Minnesota's water
resources.
new text end

new text begin (f) Cyanotoxins in Minnesota Lakes: The Role of Sunlight new text end

new text begin $220,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to quantify degradation of
cyanobacterial toxins by sunlight to understand
how increasing frequency of harmful algal
blooms and changing environmental
conditions influence toxin persistence in
natural waters.
new text end

new text begin (g) Enhancing Degradation of Emerging Contaminants via Microbial Starvation new text end

new text begin $390,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to study how wastewater treatment
systems can be improved to more effectively
biodegrade mixtures of pharmaceuticals,
pesticides, and other contaminants of emerging
concern and protect Minnesota's water
resources.
new text end

new text begin (h) Soil Health Management for Water Storage new text end

new text begin $454,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota for the Water Resources Center to
conduct on-farm and model-based research
and develop guidance for watershed planners
and land managers to effectively use soil
health management to achieve water storage
and water quality goals.
new text end

new text begin (i) Predicting Contaminant Movement in Minnesota's Fractured Aquifers new text end

new text begin $650,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota, St. Anthony Falls Laboratory, to
develop a software program that predicts the
fate and movement of contaminants, such as
PFAS, chloride, nitrate, and pathogens, in
Minnesota's fractured aquifers.
new text end

new text begin (j) Documentation and Toxicity of Microplastics in Urban Ecosystems new text end

new text begin $300,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to research how land use and
toxicity affect the accumulation of
microplastics and associated contaminants of
concern in stormwater ponds and the wildlife
that use stormwater ponds.
new text end

new text begin (k) Terminating PFAS-Type Pesticides via Enzyme Cocktails new text end

new text begin $297,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to evaluate the ability of selected
enzymes and combinations of enzymes to
biodegrade per- and polyfluoroalkyl
substances (PFAS) found in pesticides and to
design a pilot-scale biofilter for effective
elimination of PFAS from water.
new text end

new text begin (l) Addressing 21st Century Challenges for the St. Croix new text end

new text begin $243,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Science Museum of Minnesota for the
St. Croix Watershed Research Station to
develop a watershed model to identify
potential hydrologic and water quality impacts
to the lower St. Croix River over the next 75
years and inform future planning and
management in the watershed.
new text end

new text begin (m) Impact of Statewide Conservation Practices on Stream Biodiversity new text end

new text begin $300,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to use existing monitoring data to
evaluate the effects of wetlands and riparian
buffers on stream and river biodiversity and
biological condition and develop tools and
materials to inform the public and natural
resource managers.
new text end

new text begin (n) Modeling the Future Mississippi River Gorge new text end

new text begin $427,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota, St. Anthony Falls Laboratory, to
construct a reduced-scale physical model of
Mississippi River Pool 1, Lock & Dam 1, and
adjacent upstream and downstream reaches;
analyze water flow and sediment movement
under various pool management strategies;
and share results with the public to inform
decisions on the future management of the
lock and dam.
new text end

new text begin (o) Highly Efficient Nutrient Removal Technology for Agricultural Drainage new text end

new text begin $453,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to conduct lab- and field-scale tests
of a novel bioreactor technology for removing
nutrients from agricultural drainage and
disseminate results to farmers and the public.
new text end

new text begin (p) Citizen Scientists Capture Microplastic Pollution Around State new text end

new text begin $419,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to develop adaptable microplastic
sampling and detection methods, develop a
public-access database, and leverage citizen
scientists to survey microplastic pollution
throughout the state to allow for data-driven
risk management decisions and solutions.
new text end

new text begin (q) Healthy Native Prairie Microbiomes for Cleaner Water new text end

new text begin $468,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to identify and characterize prairie
plant microbiomes and study the potential of
native prairie microbes to provide nitrogen for
agricultural crops and reduce industrial
fertilizer use and nitrate contamination of
water.
new text end

new text begin (r) Wastewater Chloride Reduction through Industrial Source Reduction Assistance new text end

new text begin $247,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota for the Minnesota Technical
Assistance Program to provide technical
assistance to businesses to cost-effectively
reduce industrial and commercial chloride use
in communities with high chloride effluent
concentrations.
new text end

new text begin (s) Pilot Water Budget Framework for Managing Water Withdrawals new text end

new text begin $198,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to develop a pilot water budget
framework to identify sensitive areas in
Minnesota where net water withdrawals have
a significant impact on surface water and
groundwater.
new text end

new text begin (t) Biofilm Mediated Destruction of PFAS in Groundwater new text end

new text begin $1,336,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Freshwater Society to
develop biofilm treatment technology and
demonstrate field-scale removal of per- and
polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from
contaminated groundwater. A fiscal
management plan must be approved in the
work plan before any trust fund money is
spent.
new text end

new text begin (u) Impact of Microplastics on Wastewater Treatment in Minnesota new text end

new text begin $506,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to quantify the abundance of
microplastics in wastewater treatment plants
in Minnesota, determine how microplastics
affect wastewater treatment plant performance,
and evaluate how different wastewater
treatment processes alter microplastics.
new text end

new text begin (v) Portable Arsenic and Nitrate Detector for Well Water new text end

new text begin $358,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to develop a small, cheap, and
easy-to-use system to detect arsenic and nitrate
in well water and determine whether well
water is safe to drink.
new text end

new text begin (w) Recovering Salts from Highly Saline Wastewater new text end

new text begin $272,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to develop a method to recover
useful salts from concentrated saline
wastewater to increase the economic
sustainability of high water-recovery
softening, sulfate removal, and industrial
wastewater treatment.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end new text begin Environmental Education new text end

new text begin 11,965,000 new text end

new text begin -0- new text end

new text begin (a) Eagle's Nest: Where the World Becomes Your Classroom new text end

new text begin $130,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Glacial Hills Elementary
School to create interactive natural playground
and landscaping features for children and
provide environmental education programming
outside of regular school hours.
new text end

new text begin (b) Advancing Equity in Environmental Education new text end

new text begin $700,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Camp Fire Minnesota to
provide needs-based scholarships for
Minnesota youth to attend
state-standards-aligned environmental and
outdoor education programs.
new text end

new text begin (c) Teacher Field School - Phase 2: Increasing Impact new text end

new text begin $712,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Hamline University to
continue the teacher field school program that
trains teachers how to connect academic
content with environmental stewardship,
natural resource conservation, and outdoor
recreation. This appropriation is also to pilot
a train-the-trainer model for nature-based
education practices.
new text end

new text begin (d) Creating Future Leaders in Outdoor and Environmental Leadership new text end

new text begin $330,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Trustees of the Minnesota
State Colleges and Universities for North
Hennepin Community College to collaborate
with K-12 education, higher education, and
outdoor organizations to increase
environmental education, leadership,
internship, and career opportunities for
underrepresented college and high school
students.
new text end

new text begin (e) Engaging our Diverse Public in Environmental Stewardship - Phase 2 new text end

new text begin $249,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Great River Greening to
increase participation in natural resources
conservation and restoration efforts and
careers through volunteer, internship, and
youth engagement activities, with a focus on
diverse audiences that more accurately reflect
local demographic and socioeconomic
conditions in Minnesota.
new text end

new text begin (f) Outdoor School for Minnesota K-12 Students new text end

new text begin $3,992,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Osprey Wilds
Environmental Learning Center to partner with
four other accredited residential environmental
learning centers in Minnesota to provide
needs-based scholarships to K-12 students
statewide for immersive multiday
environmental learning experiences.
new text end

new text begin (g) Statewide Environmental Education via PBS Outdoor Series new text end

new text begin $415,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Pioneer Public
Broadcasting Service to produce, distribute,
and promote new episodes of a statewide
public television series that inspires
Minnesotans to connect with the outdoors and
to restore and protect the state's natural
resources.
new text end

new text begin (h) Maajii-akii-gikenjigewin Conservation Crew Program new text end

new text begin $678,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Conservation Corps
Minnesota & Iowa to expand a conservation
corps program developed to provide natural
resources career development opportunities
for indigenous young adults and cultivate an
enduring action-based conservation ethic
through the integration of traditional
knowledge, nature immersion, and the
implementation of conservation and
restoration practices in the field.
new text end

new text begin (i) Reuse for the Future: Youth Education and Engagement new text end

new text begin $225,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Reuse Minnesota to provide
curriculum-based opportunities for students
to learn about the reuse economy, reuse skills,
and other opportunities to reduce waste. This
appropriation may also be used to align
materials to state standards and translate
materials to additional languages.
new text end

new text begin (j) River Bend Nature Center Outdoor Diversity Initiative new text end

new text begin $247,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with River Bend Nature Center
to lead a coalition of educational partners and
culturally specific organizations to expand
recognized environmental education
curriculum and provide conservation-based
career exploration and job placement
opportunities for diverse communities in
southern Minnesota.
new text end

new text begin (k) Camp Parsons Mississippi Summer new text end

new text begin $225,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the Phyllis Wheatley
Community Center to provide environmental
education to Minneapolis urban youth through
the Camp Parsons Mississippi Summer
program that fosters connections to nature and
encourages responsible stewardship of our
natural resources.
new text end

new text begin (l) Adult Outdoor Education for Minnesota's Underrepresented Communities new text end

new text begin $247,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Baztec Fishing & Outdoors
to create fishing and hunting education,
training, and opportunities for underserved
and underrepresented communities in
Minnesota. All fishing tackle purchased with
this appropriation must be lead-free. A fiscal
management plan must be approved in the
work plan before any trust fund money is
spent.
new text end

new text begin (m) Minnesota's Road Map for Sustainability and Climate Education new text end

new text begin $491,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Climate Generation to
convene community gatherings and partner
with institutions and organizations across the
education sector to develop a road map on
how to build capacity for equitable and
accessible sustainability and climate education
programs that align with the Minnesota
Climate Action Framework.
new text end

new text begin (n) ESTEP 2.0: Earth Science Teacher Education Project new text end

new text begin $643,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Minnesota Science
Teachers Association to provide professional
development for Minnesota science teachers
statewide in environmental and earth science
content to strengthen environmental education
in schools.
new text end

new text begin (o) Engaging Latine Communities in Conservation and Preservation new text end

new text begin $400,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Comunidades Organizando
el Poder y la Accion Latina to use
community-based partnerships and
communications platforms to host outdoor
events and conduct educational outreach
focused on Latine and BIPOC communities
about the need to protect Minnesota's
environment and natural resources.
new text end

new text begin (p) Inclusive Wildlife Engagement in Classrooms and Communities new text end

new text begin $712,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
the nongame wildlife program to provide three
wildlife conservation, action-based outdoor
educational opportunities to engage
needs-based schools, young adults, and
communities underrepresented in natural
resources through the Bird by Bird,
Empowering Pathways into Conservation, and
Community Science programs.
new text end

new text begin (q) Activating Youth and Family Environmental Stewardship through Raptors new text end

new text begin $228,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota for the Raptor Center to deliver
standards-based environmental education
featuring live raptors through school programs
and community events across Minnesota.
new text end

new text begin (r) Moving Minnesota toward a Lead-Free Sporting Future new text end

new text begin $250,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Trustees of the Minnesota
State Colleges and Universities for Bemidji
State University to conduct educational
outreach directed at hunters and anglers to
increase awareness of lead-free options for
big-game hunting, small-game hunting, and
fishing as a means of reducing wildlife
exposure to lead.
new text end

new text begin (s) Science Centers Supporting Northern Boys and Girls Clubs new text end

new text begin $1,091,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the Headwaters Science
Center to expand access to environmental
science education in northern Minnesota and
leverage partnerships between rural and urban
organizations to deliver culturally relevant,
hands-on learning experiences to underserved
students.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end new text begin Aquatic and Terrestrial Invasive Species new text end

new text begin 6,713,000 new text end

new text begin -0- new text end

new text begin (a) Aquatic Invasive Species: From Problems to Real-World Solutions new text end

new text begin $5,771,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota for the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive
Species Research Center to conduct
high-priority projects aimed at solving
Minnesota's aquatic invasive species problems
using rigorous science and a collaborative
process. This appropriation may also be used
to deliver research findings to end users
through strategic communication and outreach.
This appropriation is available until June 30,
2029, by which time the project must be
completed and final products delivered.
new text end

new text begin (b) Optimizing Nonnative Cattail Treatment Effectiveness in Prairie Wetlands new text end

new text begin $942,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources to
compare the effectiveness of invasive cattail
treatment methods and provide
recommendations for managers to maximize
benefits of conservation money for native
wetland plants and wildlife. This appropriation
is available until June 30, 2031, by which time
the project must be completed and final
products delivered.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end new text begin Air Quality, Climate Change, and Renewable Energy new text end

new text begin 11,744,000 new text end

new text begin -0- new text end

new text begin (a) Protecting Coldwater Fish Habitat in Minnesota Lakes new text end

new text begin $561,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to identify lake-specific watershed
protection targets and management practices
needed to maintain coldwater fish habitat
threatened by warming temperatures and
increasing extreme rain events and to integrate
this information into conservation planning
tools.
new text end

new text begin (b) Agrivoltaics 2.0 Building a Resilient E-Farm new text end

new text begin $535,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota for the West Central Research and
Outreach Center at Morris to evaluate
emerging solar system designs and solar
technology integration with vegetable and
livestock production systems to maximize
energy production and benefits to farmers.
new text end

new text begin (c) Pine Needles Reveal Past and Present Airborne PFAS new text end

new text begin $550,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of the Pollution Control
Agency to use current and historic pine
needles as a low-cost method to assess
statewide per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances
(PFAS) levels in ambient air.
new text end

new text begin (d) Facilitated Transport Hybrid Membranes for CO2 Separation new text end

new text begin $1,050,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to develop and test advanced
polymeric membranes for capture and reuse
of carbon dioxide at industrial sources.
new text end

new text begin (e) Renewable Energy Conversion for Farm Diesel and Ammonia new text end

new text begin $726,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to develop a novel charge-swing
catalytic condenser that will enable the
low-cost production of hydrogen from water
using rural electricity for on-the-farm energy
storage or renewable diesel and ammonia
fertilizer.
new text end

new text begin (f) Innovative Solution to Renewable Energy from Food Waste new text end

new text begin $5,167,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the Ramsey/Washington
Recycling and Energy Board to provide
reimbursements to offset the processing fees
for the public to divert organic materials from
landfills and produce renewable natural gas
through anaerobic digestion and sequestration
of carbon into biochar. Net income generated
as part of this appropriation may be reinvested
in the project if a plan for reinvestment is
approved in the work plan as provided under
Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.10. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2029,
by which time the project must be completed
and final products delivered.
new text end

new text begin (g) Fueling the Future: Decarbonizing Regional Transportation Project new text end

new text begin $3,155,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the city of St. Cloud to
install a green hydrogen production, storage,
and fueling station that provides a renewable,
carbon-free, alternate fuel source to
decarbonize community transportation and
manufacturing sectors. This appropriation may
also be used to convert city fleet and public
transit vehicles to hydrogen fuel. Net income
generated as part of this appropriation may be
reinvested in the project if a plan for
reinvestment is approved in the work plan as
provided under Minnesota Statutes, section
116P.10. This appropriation is available until
June 30, 2029, by which time the project must
be completed and final products delivered.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 8. new text end new text begin Methods to Protect or Restore Land, Water, and Habitat new text end

new text begin 12,188,000 new text end

new text begin -0- new text end

new text begin (a) Minnesota PlantWatch: Community Scientists Conserving Rare Plants new text end

new text begin $1,086,000 the first year is from the trust fund.
Of this amount, $518,000 is to the Board of
Regents of the University of Minnesota for
the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum and
$568,000 is to the commissioner of natural
resources to enhance the Minnesota
PlantWatch program to improve the
conservation of Minnesota's natural resources
and support community scientist-driven rare
plant surveys and seed banking and
preservation.
new text end

new text begin (b) Grassland Restoration for Pollinator Conservation and Demonstration new text end

new text begin $250,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota for the Minnesota Landscape
Arboretum to restore a degraded pasture to
grassland as a model for climate-resilient
pollinator habitat; provide interpretive signage,
education, and community engagement; and
conduct species monitoring. This appropriation
is available until June 30, 2031, by which time
the project must be completed and final
products delivered.
new text end

new text begin (c) Planning for Long-Term Natural Resources Protection in Hennepin County new text end

new text begin $250,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Hennepin County to
develop a publicly available interactive map
of natural systems, create a centralized
clearinghouse of data and best practices
toolkit, and provide ongoing technical
assistance for local communities with limited
resources to manage complex natural resources
challenges. Net income generated as part of
this appropriation may be reinvested in the
project if a plan for reinvestment is approved
in the work plan as provided under Minnesota
Statutes, section 116P.10.
new text end

new text begin (d) Native Forages: Growing Drought and Climate Resiliency new text end

new text begin $2,254,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Ducks Unlimited to
collaborate with livestock farmers to establish
native grassland wildlife habitat and enhance
native forages on working lands to improve
ecological, economic, and climate resiliency.
Notwithstanding subdivision 13, paragraph
(e), restoration efforts may be undertaken on
private lands but must occur on properties
enrolled in long-term agreements to protect
and maintain the restored areas in
conformance with approved restoration and
grazing plans as approved in the work plan.
This appropriation is available until June 30,
2031, by which time the project must be
completed and final products delivered.
new text end

new text begin (e) Accelerated Genetic Migration of Bur Oak - Ten-Year Data new text end

new text begin $223,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Great River Greening to
assess the growth and survival of previously
restored bur oak ecotypes to inform techniques
for improved climate resiliency. This
appropriation may also be used to enhance the
previous plantings and disseminate results of
the study to practitioners, students,
landowners, and others. This appropriation is
available until June 30, 2029, by which time
the project must be completed and final
products delivered.
new text end

new text begin (f) Superior Hiking Trail Bridge, Boardwalk, and Trailhead Renewal new text end

new text begin $532,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the Superior Hiking Trail
Association to renew Superior Hiking Trail
bridges, boardwalks, and trailheads to increase
user safety, improve the user experience, and
protect adjacent land and water.
new text end

new text begin (g) Mississippi Gateway Shoreline Stabilization and Fishing Improvements new text end

new text begin $735,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Three Rivers Park District
to improve water quality and shoreline fishing
access through shoreline stabilization and
construction of accessible trails and fishing
platforms within Mississippi Gateway
Regional Park.
new text end

new text begin (h) Phytoremediation of PFAS from Soil new text end

new text begin $1,066,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to use interdisciplinary research in
biology, nanotechnology, chemistry, and
genetic engineering to develop technology to
remediate soils contaminated with per- and
polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). This
appropriation may also be used to convene
stakeholders to coordinate and advance PFAS
remediation research in Minnesota. This
appropriation is subject to Minnesota Statutes,
section 116P.10.
new text end

new text begin (i) Removing Mercury from Minnesota Waters new text end

new text begin $247,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to test and refine a biotechnology
approach to remove mercury from the food
chain in Minnesota's lakes and rivers and
potentially make fish consumption in
Minnesota safer. This appropriation is subject
to Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.10.
new text end

new text begin (j) Evaluating Native Seed Mixes for Grazing new text end

new text begin $208,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Restoravore to assess the
use of native hay and pasture mixes to benefit
biodiversity, soil health, and Minnesota
farmers. A fiscal management plan must be
approved in the work plan before any trust
fund money is spent.
new text end

new text begin (k) Improving Minnesota Forest Health via Post-Duff-Burning Soil Analysis new text end

new text begin $646,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to thoroughly investigate the impact
of forest floor duff fires on soil dynamics,
nutrient cycles, invasive shrubs, earthworms,
and root systems to improve fire management
for Minnesota's forest preservation. This
appropriation may also be used to develop an
outdoor lab-scale duff-burning device.
new text end

new text begin (l) Minnesota Riverbank Protection and Parks Improvements new text end

new text begin $1,400,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the city of Shakopee to
restore Minnesota River shoreline at Huber
Park by regrading and establishing native
vegetation to protect fish and wildlife habitat,
reduce erosion, and provide public access to
the river. This appropriation is available until
June 30, 2029, by which time the project must
be completed and final products delivered.
new text end

new text begin (m) Restoration at Wakan Tipi and Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary new text end

new text begin $669,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the Lower Phalen Creek
Project to conduct citizen-science natural
resource data collection events, recruit and
train volunteer site stewards, and enhance
habitat at Wakan Tipi and the Bruce Vento
Nature Sanctuary.
new text end

new text begin (n) Promoting Pollinators on Corporate Campuses new text end

new text begin $547,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the University of St.
Thomas to use experimental bee lawn
installations on corporate campuses, combined
with landscape modeling and employee
surveys, to determine potential ecological,
economic, and societal benefits of widespread
commercial lawn habitat transformation. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2029,
by which time the project must be completed
and final products delivered.
new text end

new text begin (o) Riparian Area Adaptation Strategy for Southeast Minnesota new text end

new text begin $243,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with The Nature Conservancy,
in partnership with the University of
Minnesota, to assess an alternative adaptation
strategy to restore riparian areas by excavating
and planting riparian shrubs to reconnect the
floodplains. This appropriation may also be
used for outreach materials and educational
activities.
new text end

new text begin (p) Minnehaha Park South Plateau Oak Savanna Restoration new text end

new text begin $242,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the Minneapolis Park and
Recreation Board to improve wildlife habitat,
enhance recreational experiences, and restore
an area of urban parkland in Minnehaha Park
to an oak savanna ecosystem. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2029,
by which time the project must be completed
and final products delivered.
new text end

new text begin (q) Tree Protection for Minnesota's Tamarack Against Larch Beetle new text end

new text begin $321,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota to evaluate new insect management
techniques and key factors for predicting
future infestations to protect and preserve trees
from native eastern larch beetle infestations.
new text end

new text begin (r) Shoreline Restoration and Enhancement at Minneapolis Lakes new text end

new text begin $819,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the Minneapolis Park and
Recreation Board to restore and enhance areas
of turf-dominated, eroding, and low habitat
value lakeshore that impacts the water quality
of the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes.
new text end

new text begin (s) Developing Markets for CLC Crops new text end

new text begin $450,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of agriculture to provide
grants to organizations in Minnesota to
develop enterprises, supply chains, and
markets for continuous living cover crops and
cropping systems in the early stage of
commercial development. This appropriation
is exempt from the income repayment
requirements in Minnesota Statutes, section
116P.10, paragraph (c).
new text end

new text begin Subd. 9. new text end new text begin Land Acquisition, Habitat, and Recreation new text end

new text begin 19,553,000 new text end

new text begin -0- new text end

new text begin (a) Cannon River Preservation and Access new text end

new text begin $2,717,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Dakota County to
rehabilitate the historic Waterford Bridge for
the Mill Towns State Trail; restore and
enhance upland shoreline, forest, and prairie
habitats; and develop a trailhead and
recreational access to the Cannon River.
new text end

new text begin (b) Mesabi Trail: Aurora to Hoyt Lakes new text end

new text begin $1,325,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with St. Louis and Lake
Counties Regional Railroad Authority for
environmental review and permitting and to
engineer, design, and construct a segment of
the Mesabi Trail beginning at the intersection
of Main Street and Forestry Road in Aurora
toward Hoyt Lakes.
new text end

new text begin (c) RTA Maintenance Trail Stabilization Project new text end

new text begin $500,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the city of Eden Prairie to
construct a retaining wall and restore adjacent
remnant prairie along the maintenance trail at
Richard T. Anderson (RTA) Conservation
Area to mitigate ongoing erosion and protect
native habitat and plant communities.
new text end

new text begin (d) Local Parks, Trails, and Natural Areas Grant Programs new text end

new text begin $4,769,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources to
solicit, rank, and fund competitive matching
grants for local parks, trail connections, and
natural and scenic areas under Minnesota
Statutes, section 85.019. This appropriation is
for local nature-based recreation, connections
to regional and state natural areas, and
recreation facilities and may not be used for
athletic facilities such as sport fields, courts,
and playgrounds. This appropriation is exempt
from subdivision 13, paragraph (k).
new text end

new text begin (e) Boardwalk Over Boggy Land for Recreational Purposes new text end

new text begin $148,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the city of Battle Lake to
design and construct a boardwalk over city
land to protect wetlands and to increase
community access to natural areas and wildlife
habitat.
new text end

new text begin (f) Lake Zumbro Park Water Access and Site Improvements new text end

new text begin $1,978,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Olmsted County to enhance
the Lake Zumbro Park water access and the
federal Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA) accessibility for boating, fishing, and
viewing, while creating new user-friendly and
accessible amenities for individuals and
families. This may include new fishing docks
or piers, restored shoreline, improved parking,
and ADA accessible access to an existing
kayak and canoe launch.
new text end

new text begin (g) Scientific and Natural Area (SNA) Biodiversity Protection new text end

new text begin $1,104,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
the scientific and natural area program to
conserve Minnesota's most unique places and
rare species and strategically acquire lands
that meet criteria for SNAs under Minnesota
Statutes, section 86A.05. This appropriation
is available until June 30, 2029, by which time
the project must be completed and final
products delivered.
new text end

new text begin (h) Scandia Gateway Trail Connection: Recreation, Wetlands, and Environmental Education new text end

new text begin $907,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the city of Scandia to
engineer, design, and construct a bike and
pedestrian trail to connect recreational,
cultural, and environmental resources in
Scandia to the state Gateway Trail. This
appropriation is also to create and install
educational interpretive signage about
wetlands and rain gardens near the trail.
new text end

new text begin (i) Lake Byllesby Regional Park Restoration and Recreation new text end

new text begin $1,120,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Dakota County to restore
prairie, woodland, and shoreline habitat and
design and install trails, birding and picnic
areas, and other recreational amenities to
enhance the visitor experience and stewardship
at Lake Byllesby Regional Park. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2029,
by which time the project must be completed
and final products delivered.
new text end

new text begin (j) Thompson County Park Restoration and Accessibility Improvements new text end

new text begin $867,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Dakota County to develop
a pollinator promenade with accessible natural
surface paths, native plantings, and interpretive
signage at Thompson County Park. This
appropriation may also be used to conduct
stream restoration to enhance visitor
experience and provide stormwater storage,
sediment and nutrient reduction, and increased
habitat and species diversity within the park.
This appropriation is available until June 30,
2029, by which time the project must be
completed and final products delivered.
new text end

new text begin (k) Thom Storm Chalet and Outdoor Recreation Center new text end

new text begin $2,312,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the city of Duluth to
construct a new building and accessible
parking for the Thom Storm Chalet and
Outdoor Recreation Center at Chester Park to
expand high-quality outdoor recreation and
environmental education opportunities that
enhance youth and family understanding of
the importance of natural resource protection,
conservation, and preservation. Net income
generated as part of this appropriation may be
reinvested in the project if a plan for
reinvestment is approved in the work plan as
provided under Minnesota Statutes, section
116P.10.
new text end

new text begin (l) Enhancing Preservation and Accessibility at Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve new text end

new text begin $155,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the city of Duluth to
develop accessible trails and remove invasive
species to enhance outdoor recreation and
education opportunities that promote
conservation of raptors and preservation of
natural resources at Hawk Ridge Nature
Reserve.
new text end

new text begin (m) Echo Bay County Park - Phase 1 Construction new text end

new text begin $1,122,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Otter Tail County to
construct, in accordance with the Echo Bay
County Park Master Plan, access roads, trails,
parking, and bathroom facilities that create
designated public access and use corridors for
outdoor recreation and limit natural resource
impacts in Echo Bay County Park.
new text end

new text begin (n) Chaska Big Woods Property Acquisition new text end

new text begin $529,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the city of Chaska to
acquire property that contains remnant Big
Woods to protect Minnesota forests and
wetlands and to increase community access
to natural areas.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 10. new text end new text begin Administration, Emerging Issues, and Contract Agreement Reimbursement new text end

new text begin 7,267,000 new text end

new text begin -0- new text end

new text begin (a) Emerging Issues Account new text end

new text begin $2,984,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Legislative-Citizen Commission on
Minnesota Resources to an emerging issues
account authorized in Minnesota Statutes,
section 116P.08, subdivision 4, paragraph (d).
new text end

new text begin (b) 2025 Contract Agreement Reimbursement new text end

new text begin $280,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources, at
the direction of the Legislative-Citizen
Commission on Minnesota Resources, for
expenses incurred in preparing and
administering contracts, including for the
agreements specified in this section.
new text end

new text begin (c) LCCMR Administrative Budget new text end

new text begin $4,000,000 the first year is from the trust fund
to the Legislative-Citizen Commission on
Minnesota Resources for administration in
fiscal years 2026 and 2027 as provided in
Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.09,
subdivision 5. This appropriation is available
until June 30, 2027. Notwithstanding
Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.11,
paragraph (b), Minnesota Statutes, section
16A.281, applies to this appropriation.
new text end

new text begin (d) Legislative Coordinating Commission Legacy Website new text end

new text begin $3,000 the first year is from the trust fund to
the Legislative Coordinating Commission for
the website required in Minnesota Statutes,
section 3.303, subdivision 10.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 11. new text end new text begin Availability of appropriations new text end

new text begin Money appropriated in this section may not
be spent on activities unless they are directly
related to and necessary for a specific
appropriation and are specified in the work
plan approved by the Legislative-Citizen
Commission on Minnesota Resources. Money
appropriated in this section must not be spent
on indirect costs or other institutional overhead
charges that are not directly related to and
necessary for a specific appropriation. Costs
that are directly related to and necessary for
an appropriation, including financial services,
human resources, information services, rent,
and utilities, are eligible only if the costs can
be clearly justified and individually
documented specific to the appropriation's
purpose and would not be generated by the
recipient but for receipt of the appropriation.
No broad allocations for costs in either dollars
or percentages are allowed. Unless otherwise
provided, the amounts in this section are
available for three years beginning July 1,
2025, and ending June 30, 2028, when projects
must be completed and final products
delivered. For acquisition of real property, the
appropriations in this section are available for
an additional fiscal year if a binding contract
for acquisition of the real property is entered
into before the expiration date of the
appropriation. If a project receives a federal
award, the period of the appropriation is
extended to equal the federal award period to
a maximum trust fund appropriation length of
six years.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 12. new text end new text begin Data availability requirements new text end

new text begin Data collected by the projects funded under
this section must conform to guidelines and
standards adopted by Minnesota IT Services.
Spatial data must also conform to additional
guidelines and standards designed to support
data coordination and distribution that have
been published by the Minnesota Geospatial
Information Office. Descriptions of spatial
data must be prepared as specified in the state's
geographic metadata guidelines and final data
must be uploaded to the Minnesota Geospatial
Commons upon project completion. All data
must be accessible and free to the public
unless made private under the Data Practices
Act, Minnesota Statutes, chapter 13. To the
extent practicable, summary data and results
of projects funded under this section should
be readily accessible on the Internet and
identified as having received funding from the
environment and natural resources trust fund.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 13. new text end new text begin Project requirements new text end

new text begin (a) As a condition of accepting an
appropriation under this section, an agency or
entity receiving an appropriation or a party to
an agreement from an appropriation must
comply with paragraphs (b) to (m) and
Minnesota Statutes, chapter 116P, and must
submit a work plan and annual or semiannual
progress reports in the form determined by the
Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota
Resources for any project funded in whole or
in part with money from the appropriation.
Modifications to the approved work plan and
budget expenditures must be made through
the amendment process established by the
Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota
Resources.
new text end

new text begin (b) A recipient of money appropriated in this
section that conducts a restoration using
money appropriated in this section must use
native plant species according to the Board of
Water and Soil Resources' native vegetation
establishment and enhancement guidelines
and include an appropriate diversity of native
species selected to provide habitat for
pollinators throughout the growing season as
required under Minnesota Statutes, section
84.973.
new text end

new text begin (c) For all restorations conducted with money
appropriated under this section, a recipient
must prepare an ecological restoration and
management plan that, to the degree
practicable, is consistent with the
highest-quality conservation and ecological
goals for the restoration site. Consideration
should be given to soil, geology, topography,
and other relevant factors that would provide
the best chance for long-term success and
durability of the restoration project. The plan
must include the proposed timetable for
implementing the restoration, including site
preparation, establishment of diverse plant
species, maintenance, and additional
enhancement to establish the restoration;
identify long-term maintenance and
management needs of the restoration and how
the maintenance, management, and
enhancement will be financed; and take
advantage of the best-available science and
include innovative techniques to achieve the
best restoration.
new text end

new text begin (d) An entity receiving an appropriation in this
section for restoration activities must provide
an initial restoration evaluation at the
completion of the appropriation and an
evaluation three years after the completion of
the expenditure. Restorations must be
evaluated relative to the stated goals and
standards in the restoration plan, current
science, and, when applicable, the Board of
Water and Soil Resources' native vegetation
establishment and enhancement guidelines.
The evaluation must determine whether the
restorations are meeting planned goals,
identify any problems with implementing the
restorations, and, if necessary, give
recommendations on improving restorations.
The evaluation must be focused on improving
future restorations.
new text end

new text begin (e) All restoration and enhancement projects
funded with money appropriated in this section
must be on land permanently protected by a
conservation easement or public ownership.
new text end

new text begin (f) A recipient of money from an appropriation
under this section must give consideration to
contracting with Conservation Corps
Minnesota for contract restoration and
enhancement services.
new text end

new text begin (g) All conservation easements acquired with
money appropriated under this section must:
new text end

new text begin (1) be permanent;
new text end

new text begin (2) specify the parties to the easement in the
easement document;
new text end

new text begin (3) specify all provisions of an agreement that
are permanent;
new text end

new text begin (4) be sent to the Legislative-Citizen
Commission on Minnesota Resources in an
electronic format at least 20 business days
before closing;
new text end

new text begin (5) include a long-term monitoring and
enforcement plan and funding for monitoring
and enforcing the easement agreement; and
new text end

new text begin (6) include requirements in the easement
document to protect the quantity and quality
of groundwater and surface water through
specific activities, such as keeping water on
the landscape, reducing nutrient and
contaminant loading, and not permitting
artificial hydrological modifications.
new text end

new text begin (h) For any acquisition of lands or interest in
lands, a recipient of money appropriated under
this section must not agree to pay more than
100 percent of the appraised value for a parcel
of land using this money to complete the
purchase, in part or in whole, except that up
to ten percent above the appraised value may
be allowed to complete the purchase, in part
or in whole, using this money if permission is
received in advance of the purchase from the
Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota
Resources.
new text end

new text begin (i) For any acquisition of land or interest in
land, a recipient of money appropriated under
this section must give priority to high-quality
natural resources or conservation lands that
provide natural buffers to water resources.
new text end

new text begin (j) For new lands acquired with money
appropriated under this section, a recipient
must prepare an ecological restoration and
management plan in compliance with
paragraph (c), including sufficient funding for
implementation unless the work plan addresses
why a portion of the money is not necessary
to achieve a high-quality restoration.
new text end

new text begin (k) To ensure public accountability for using
public money, a recipient of money
appropriated under this section must, within
60 days of a land acquisition, provide to the
Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota
Resources documentation of the selection
process used to identify parcels acquired and
provide documentation of all related
transaction costs, including but not limited to
appraisals, legal fees, recording fees,
commissions, other similar costs, and
donations. This information must be provided
for all parties involved in the transaction. The
recipient must also report to the
Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota
Resources any difference between the
acquisition amount paid to the seller and the
state-certified or state-reviewed appraisal, if
a state-certified or state-reviewed appraisal
was conducted.
new text end

new text begin (l) A recipient of an appropriation from the
trust fund under this section must acknowledge
financial support from the environment and
natural resources trust fund in project
publications, signage, and other public
communications and outreach related to work
completed using the appropriation.
Acknowledgment may occur, as appropriate,
through use of the trust fund logo or inclusion
of language attributing support from the trust
fund. Each direct recipient of money
appropriated in this section, as well as each
recipient of a grant awarded pursuant to this
section, must satisfy all reporting and other
requirements incumbent upon constitutionally
dedicated funding recipients as provided in
Minnesota Statutes, section 3.303, subdivision
10, and chapter 116P.
new text end

new text begin (m) A recipient of an appropriation from the
trust fund under this section that is receiving
funding to conduct children's services, as
defined in Minnesota Statutes, section
299C.61, subdivision 7, must certify to the
Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota
Resources, as part of the required work plan,
that criminal background checks for
background check crimes, as defined in
Minnesota Statutes, section 299C.61,
subdivision 2, are performed on all employees,
contractors, and volunteers that have or may
have access to a child to whom the recipient
provides children's services using the
appropriation.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 14. new text end new text begin Payment conditions and capital equipment expenditures new text end

new text begin (a) All agreements, grants, or contracts
referred to in this section must be administered
on a reimbursement basis unless otherwise
provided in this section. Notwithstanding
Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.41,
expenditures made on or after July 1, 2025,
or the date the work plan is approved,
whichever is later, are eligible for
reimbursement unless otherwise provided in
this section. Periodic payments must be made
upon receiving documentation that the
deliverable items articulated in the approved
work plan have been achieved, including
partial achievements as evidenced by approved
progress reports. Reasonable amounts may be
advanced to projects to accommodate
cash-flow needs or match federal money. The
advances must be approved as part of the work
plan. No expenditures for capital equipment
are allowed unless expressly authorized in the
project work plan.
new text end

new text begin (b) Single-source contracts as specified in the
approved work plan are allowed.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 15. new text end new text begin Purchasing recycled and recyclable materials new text end

new text begin A political subdivision, public or private
corporation, or other entity that receives an
appropriation under this section must use the
appropriation in compliance with Minnesota
Statutes, section 16C.0725, regarding
purchasing recycled, repairable, and durable
materials, and Minnesota Statutes, section
16C.073, regarding purchasing and using
paper stock and printing.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 16. new text end new text begin Accessibility new text end

new text begin Structural and nonstructural facilities must
meet the design standards in the Americans
with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility
guidelines.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 17. new text end new text begin Carryforward; extensions new text end

new text begin (a) The availability of the appropriations for
the following projects is extended to June 30,
2026:
new text end

new text begin (1) Laws 2021, First Special Session chapter
6, article 5, section 2, subdivision 3, paragraph
(d), Foundational Hydrology Data for Wetland
Protection and Restoration;
new text end

new text begin (2) Laws 2021, First Special Session chapter
6, article 5, section 2, subdivision 6, paragraph
(b), Protect Community Forests by Managing
Ash for Emerald Ash Borer;
new text end

new text begin (3) Laws 2021, First Special Session chapter
6, article 5, section 2, subdivision 9, paragraph
(t), Chippewa County Acquisition, Recreation,
and Education;
new text end

new text begin (4) Laws 2021, First Special Session chapter
6, article 6, section 2, subdivision 3, paragraph
(g), Geologic Atlases for Water Resource
Management;
new text end

new text begin (5) Laws 2021, First Special Session chapter
6, article 6, section 2, subdivision 3, paragraph
(n), Bioacoustics for Broad-Scale Species
Monitoring and Conservation;
new text end

new text begin (6) Laws 2022, chapter 94, section 2,
subdivision 4, paragraph (f), Water and
Climate Information to Enhance Community
Resilience;
new text end

new text begin (7) Laws 2022, chapter 94, section 2,
subdivision 4, paragraph (i), Is the Tire
Chemical 6PPDq Killing Minnesota's Fish?;
new text end

new text begin (8) Laws 2022, chapter 94, section 2,
subdivision 7, paragraph (a), Green Solar Cells
from a Minnesota Natural Resource;
new text end

new text begin (9) Laws 2022, chapter 94, section 2,
subdivision 8, paragraph (d), Hastings Lake
Rebecca Park Area;
new text end

new text begin (10) Laws 2022, chapter 94, section 2,
subdivision 9, paragraph (a), as amended by
Laws 2023, chapter 60, article 2, section 15,
Mesabi Trail: Wahlsten Road (CR 26) to
Tower; and
new text end

new text begin (11) Laws 2022, chapter 94, section 2,
subdivision 9, paragraph (j), as amended by
Laws 2024, chapter 83, section 5, Silver Bay
Multimodal Trailhead Project.
new text end

new text begin (b) The availability of the appropriations for
the following projects is extended to June 30,
2027:
new text end

new text begin (1) Laws 2022, chapter 94, section 2,
subdivision 4, paragraph (g), Catch and
Reveal: Discovering Unknown Fish
Contamination Threats;
new text end

new text begin (2) Laws 2022, chapter 94, section 2,
subdivision 9, paragraph (e), Native Prairie
Stewardship and Prairie Bank Easement
Acquisition;
new text end

new text begin (3) Laws 2022, chapter 94, section 2,
subdivision 9, paragraph (h), SNA Habitat
Restoration and Public Engagement; and
new text end

new text begin (4) Laws 2022, chapter 94, section 2,
subdivision 9, paragraph (n), Ranier Safe
Harbor/Transient Dock - Phase 2.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 17 is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Sec. 3.

Laws 2024, chapter 83, section 2, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Foundational Natural Resource Data and Information

-0-

14,993,000

(a) Native Plant Community Data in the City of Duluth

$198,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with Minnesota Land Trust
to develop field-verified native plant
community data and maps for the city of
Duluth and the St. Louis River estuary to
support conservation and restoration activities.

(b) Reconstructing Historical Wild Rice to Understand Its Future

$200,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Science Museum of Minnesota for
the St. Croix Watershed Research Station to
characterize environmental drivers
contributing to the decline of wild rice using
lake sediment cores to reconstruct historical
wild rice abundance in relation to lake and
watershed stressors.

(c) Characterizing Tree Cavities and Use by Minnesota's Wildlife

$349,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota for the Natural Resources
Research Institute in Duluth to assess the
effects of forest management on Minnesota's
primary cavity engineer, the pileated
woodpecker, and on the wildlife that rely on
the cavities that pileated woodpeckers create.
This appropriation is also to develop
management guidelines.

(d) Fate of Minnesota's Lakes in the Next Century

$453,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to use new modeling techniques
to quantify how water quality of Minnesota's
lakes will change in the next century under
future land use and climate change scenarios
and to create an online web tool to display the
results. This appropriation is subject to
Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.10.This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2028,
by which time the project must be completed
and final products delivered.

(e) Turtle Island Skywatchers - Minnesota Research and Data Visualization

$200,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with Native Skywatchers
Inc. to engage youth in environmental
stewardship by collecting images and acoustic
data from turtles and other culturally
significant animals and their habitats,
evaluating the differences in these soundscapes
across landscapes, and sharing the results
through scientific storytelling and online
platforms.

(f) Monitoring Minnesota's Insects: Connecting Habitat to Insect Prey

$199,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to investigate the ecological
roles of and energy transfer by certain
Minnesota insects throughout their life cycles
and to train future insect researchers on field
techniques.

(g) Determining Ambient Background PFAS Concentrations in Minnesota Soils

$621,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of the Pollution
Control Agency to determine ambient
background per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance
(PFAS) levels in urban and nonurban soils to
help Minnesota develop management
strategies for PFAS-contaminated soils. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2028,
by which time the project must be completed
and final products delivered.

(h) Investigating Life History Characteristics of Minnesota Elk

$933,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
to assess Minnesota elk herd health and
genetic diversity, movements, survival, and
causes of mortality and to develop a
noninvasive, safer, and more accurate method
to estimate population size. This appropriation
is available until June 30, 2028, by which time
the project must be completed and final
products delivered.

(i) Foundational Data for Moth and Butterfly Conservation

$195,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
to perform field surveys and consolidate
existing data to create the first comprehensive
list of Minnesota moths and butterflies. This
appropriation is also to conduct outreach to
inform land managers and to facilitate public
appreciation of these species.

(j) DNR County Groundwater Atlas

$3,200,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
to continue producing county groundwater
atlases to inform management of surface water
and groundwater resources for drinking and
other purposes. This appropriation is for Part
B, to characterize the potential water yields of
aquifers and aquifers' sensitivity to
contamination.

(k) Voyageurs Wolf Project - Phase III

$996,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to continue to study summertime
wolf predation on deer, moose, and other
species in the greater Voyageurs ecosystem
to inform wildlife management and to share
natural history of this species with the public.
This appropriation is available until June 30,
2028, by which time the project must be
completed and final products delivered.

(l) Distribution and Population Status of Weasels in Minnesota

$400,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota for the Natural Resources
Research Institute in Duluth to determine the
distribution, relative abundance, and spatial
occupancy patterns of small weasel species in
Minnesota to fill key knowledge gaps in
weasel distribution and status in Minnesota.

(m) Improving Aquatic Plant Knowledge for Healthy Waters

$198,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
to collect foundational data on Minnesota's
native aquatic plant biodiversity through new
and enhanced lake surveys and to disseminate
results to state resource managers, scientists,
and the public.

(n) New Small Mammal Monitoring Methods for Minnesota

$199,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota for the Natural Resources
Research Institute in Duluth to develop camera
trapping methods as a new tool to collect
foundational data and fill key knowledge gaps
in the status of small mammal species in
Minnesota.

(o) Status of Bats and Roost Trees after White-Nose Syndrome

$195,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota for the Natural Resources
Research Institute in Duluth to study changes
in maternity roost trees and bat populations in
the forested areas of Minnesota and to evaluate
the effects of years of white-nose syndrome
on Minnesota bats.

(p) Sublethal Effects of Pesticides on the Invertebrate Community

$387,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to provide data on pesticide
contamination in soil and the insect
community across the state and the effect of
insecticide exposure on insect reproduction.
This appropriation is available until June 30,
2029, by which time the project must be
completed and final products delivered.

(q) Modernizing Minnesota's Plant Community Classification and Field Guides

$1,800,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
to collect additional vegetation and
environmental data and update the state's
20-year-old native plant community
classification guides to incorporate new data,
streamline user application and access to
products, and include analysis of climate and
vegetation trends. Net income generated as
part of this appropriation may be reinvested
in the project if a plan for reinvestment is
approved in the work plan. This appropriation
is subject to Minnesota Statutes, section
116P.10.

(r) Assessing Prairie Health to Inform Pollinator Conservation

$297,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Minnesota Zoological Society to
assess habitat quality and pesticide occurrence
in Minnesota prairies to help inform
management actions, endangered species
recovery plans, and pollinator reintroduction
efforts for endangered and threatened
butterflies and other wildlife.

(s) Understanding Native Fishes in the Bowfishing Era

$588,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota, Duluth, to collect foundational
biological information on a selection of native
Minnesota fish to aid in sustainable
management, improve recreational
opportunities, and educate the public about
these shared aquatic resources. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2028,
by which time the project must be completed
and final products delivered.

(t) Preserving Minnesota Wildflower Information

$199,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota, Bell Museum of Natural
History, to preserve and enhance Minnesota
Wildflowers Information, an online tool for
plant identification, by integrating the content
and functionality of the website with the
Minnesota Biodiversity Atlas for public use
as required by Laws 2017, chapter 96, section
2, subdivision 3, paragraph (e).

(u) White-Tailed Deer Movement and Disease in Suburban Areas

$699,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to better understand white-tailed
deer movement, habitat use, and disease
dynamics at the suburban-agricultural interface
to inform more efficient deer management and
disease control.

(v) Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and Minnesota Raptors

$187,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota for the Raptor Center to evaluate
Minnesota raptors for current or past infections
with highly pathogenic avian influenza virus
to better understand disease transmission and
outbreak impacts on raptor populations.

(w) Geologic Atlases for Water Resource Management

$1,236,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota, Minnesota Geological Survey,
to continue producing county geologic atlases
to inform management of surface water and
groundwater resources. This appropriation is
to complete Part A, which focuses on the
properties and distribution of earth materials
to define aquifer boundaries and the
connection of aquifers to the land surface and
surface water resources.

(x) Remote Sensing for Pollinator Habitat

$180,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with Monarch Joint Venture
to use remote sensing technology to evaluate
pollinator habitat on energy and transportation
corridors across Minnesota and to host
field-day training workshops. new text begin Net income
generated as part of this appropriation may be
reinvested in the project if a plan for
reinvestment is approved in the work plan as
provided under Minnesota Statutes, section
116P.10.
new text end

(y) Harnessing Cover Crops and Roots for Sustainable Cropping

$375,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to determine carbon
sequestration, nitrogen credit potential, water
use, and performance of cover crops in
corn-soybean and corn-soybean-wheat
rotations in southern Minnesota.

(z) Effects of Conservation Grazing on Solar Sites Managed for Pollinator Habitat

$88,000 the second year is from the trust fund
to the commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with Minnesota Native
Landscapes, in partnership with Temple
University, to analyze the effects of sheep
grazing and mowing on the vegetation and
soils of solar sites managed for pollinator
habitat and to improve understanding of the
environmental outcomes from the colocation
of solar panels; grazing; and native,
pollinator-friendly vegetation. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2029,
by which time the project must be completed
and final products delivered.

(aa) Genetic Detection of Endangered Mussels in the Mississippi

$241,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the United States
Geological Survey, Ohio Water Microbiology
Lab, to create, optimize, and use eDNA assays
to detect the presence of endangered or
threatened mussel species around Buffalo
Slough near the Prairie Island Indian
Community.

(bb) Integrated Population Modeling for Trumpeter Swans

$180,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to compile and use all available
data to model historical population abundance
and estimate future population dynamics of
Minnesota trumpeter swans.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective retroactively from July 1, 2024.
new text end

Sec. 4.

Laws 2024, chapter 83, section 2, subdivision 8, is amended to read:

Subd. 8. Methods to Protect or Restore Land, Water, and Habitat

-0-

10,910,000

(a) Long-Term Preservation of Minnesota's Ball Cactus Population

$100,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota for the Minnesota Landscape
Arboretum to protect Minnesota's only
population of ball cactus by supporting
population expansion and establishment,
monitoring transferred plants, and training
long-term volunteer monitors. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2029,
by which time the project must be completed
and final products delivered.

(b) Morrison County Historical Society Streambank Stabilization and Restoration

$519,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the Morrison Soil and
Water Conservation District to stabilize and
restore land along the Mississippi River owned
by the Morrison County Historical Society
within the statutory boundaries of Charles A.
Lindbergh State Park to improve water quality
and improve aquatic and terrestrial habit. For
purposes of this appropriation, subdivision 13,
paragraph (e), does not apply. The
commissioner of natural resources may make
reasonable amounts of this appropriation
available on an advance basis to accommodate
the Morrison Soil and Water Conservation
District's cash-flow needs if a plan for the
advances is approved as part of the work plan.

(c) Can Increased Tree Diversity Increase Community Diversity?

$415,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to evaluate impacts of increasing
tree diversity on wildlife, plant and fungal
communities, and carbon storage within aspen
forests in northern Minnesota to develop best
management practices for mixed woodland
systems.

(d) Restoration of Riverside Park

$141,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the city of Long Prairie
to improve water retention, increase native
habitat, and enhance footpaths for recreation
at Riverside Park in Todd County, Minnesota.
The project must create a net increase in
habitat, and this appropriation may not be used
to meet the conditions of any permits received
for the project.

(e) Pollinator Central IV: Habitat Improvement with Public Engagement

$698,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with Great River Greening
to partner with municipalities, educational
organizations, and volunteers to create and
enhance pollinator habitat along public
corridors from Lakeville to St. Cloud and to
engage youth and the public through education
and monitoring the impact of habitat
improvements. This appropriation is available
until June 30, 2028, by which time the project
must be completed and final products
delivered.

(f) Conservation Grazing for Birds, Beef, and Better Soil

$342,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the National Audubon
Society, Minnesota office, to assess Audubon
Conservation Ranching as a strategic approach
to improve grassland biodiversity, soils, and
ecosystem resilience. This appropriation is
available until June 30, 2028, by which time
the project must be completed and final
products delivered.

(g) Minnesota Microbes for Enhanced Biodegradation of Microplastics

$524,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to investigate the potential of
natural and indigenous microbes to biodegrade
conventional plastics in contaminated soils
and waters across the state. This appropriation
is subject to Minnesota Statutes, section
116P.10.

(h) Completing the Mississippi River Greenway: Dakota County

$657,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with Dakota County to
restore and enhance habitat on public lands,
establish linear native plantings, and install
electric-vehicle charging stations within and
along the 27-mile Mississippi River Greenway
in Dakota County. Net income generated as
part of this appropriation may be reinvested
in the project if a plan for reinvestment is
approved in the work plan. This appropriation
is subject to Minnesota Statutes, section
116P.10, and is available until June 30, 2028,
by which time the project must be completed
and final products delivered.

(i) Enabling Nature to Destroy Environmental PFAS Contaminants

$378,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to identify enzymes and
microbes that can break down soil-based per-
and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) into
nontoxic elements. This appropriation is
subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.10.

(j) Bioacoustics for Species Monitoring and Conservation - Phase 2

$568,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to assess avian diversity at the
statewide scale by developing a citizen science
bioacoustics monitoring program with an
initial focus on private lands.

(k) Preventing PFAS and Microplastics Contaminants Across Minnesota

$656,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to help stop the flow of per- and
polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and
microplastics contaminants into Minnesota's
environment by developing strategies and
technologies to manage solid waste streams
on site. This appropriation is subject to
Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.10.

(l) Shingle Creek Aquatic and Shoreline Habitat Enhancement

$1,100,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the Minneapolis Park
and Recreation Board to plan and restore a
section of Shingle Creek in north Minneapolis
with native aquatic and shoreline vegetation,
channel and bank modification, and natural
stream features. This appropriation is also to
monitor plant and animal health following
construction to ensure that the ecological
functioning of the creek corridor is restored.
This appropriation is available until June 30,
2030, by which time the project must be
completed and final products delivered.

(m) LiDAR Technology to Help Prevent Wildlife Fatalities from Wind Turbines

$525,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to create a low-cost and
advanced LiDAR system to detect bats and
birds approaching wind turbines that may be
used in concert with deterrence or impact
avoidance methods to prevent collisions. This
appropriation is subject to Minnesota Statutes,
section 116P.10.

(n) Road Salt Pollution of Surface Waters from Groundwater

$622,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota to inform source-reduction
efforts by developing a model to identify hot
spots where road-salt-contaminated
groundwater leads to chloride pollution of
surface waters.

(o) Growing the Minnesota Bison Conservation Herd

$1,775,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
to reintroduce bison to Camden State Park as
part of a statewide effort to preserve the
American Plains bison genome.
Reintroduction includes the design,
construction, and installation of fencing, a
handling facility, signage, exhibits, and other
site improvements. This appropriation is
available until June 30, 2030, by which time
the project must be completed and final
products delivered.

(p) Priority Lakes: Meeting Protection Goals and Multiplying Benefits

$1,890,000 the second year is from the trust
fund to the commissioner of natural resources
for an agreement with the Hubbard County
Soil and Water Conservation District, in
cooperation with Minnesota Land Trust, to
protect habitat, forest health, and water quality
in the best fishing lakes by creating lake
implementation action plans, conducting
community-based habitat restorations and
improvements, and protecting forest lands with
conservation easements and Sustainable Forest
Incentive Act (SFIA) enrollments within
prioritized areas of the upper Mississippi River
basin deleted text begin in Hubbard County deleted text end . Of this amount, up
to $168,000 is for deposit in a monitoring fund
to be used by Minnesota Land Trust as
approved in the work plan and subject to
Minnesota Statutes, section 116P.20.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective retroactively from July 1, 2024.
new text end

ARTICLE 3

ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES TRUST FUND COMMUNITY
GRANTS APPROPRIATIONS

Section 1. new text begin APPROPRIATION; ENRTF COMMUNITY GRANT PROGRAM.
new text end

new text begin $28,180,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $28,180,000 in fiscal year 2027 are appropriated
from the environment and natural resources trust fund to the commissioner of natural
resources to make grants under the environment and natural resources trust fund community
grant program established in Minnesota Statutes, section 116X.03. These are onetime
appropriations and are available until June 30, 2029.
new text end

ARTICLE 4

ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES POLICY

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 84.027, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:

new text begin Subd. 21. new text end

new text begin Outreach to culturally diverse communities. new text end

new text begin The commissioner must ensure
that, to the maximum extent practicable, the commissioner's work and the work of the
department are carried out in a manner that facilitates outreach to and communication with
Minnesotans of diverse backgrounds, cultures, and languages. To the maximum extent
practicable, public hearings, solicitations for grant proposals, and other interactions with
the public must include audiovisual communication components and must not rely exclusively
on written forms of communication.
new text end

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 84.03, is amended to read:

84.03 ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND POWERS.

(a) So far as practicable the commissioner shall collect and arrange statistics and other
information in reference to the lands and general and special resources of the state.

(b) The commissioner is hereby authorized and empowered to take such measures as
the commissioner may deem advisable to advertise, both within and without the state, sales
of all state lands, and to secure, compile, and issue such valuable statistics of the resources
of the state.

(c) The commissioner may adopt and promulgate reasonable rules, not inconsistent with
law, governing the use and enjoyment of state land reserved from sale, state parks, state
water-access sites, state trails, state monuments, state scientific and natural areas, state
wilderness areas, and recreational areas owned by other state, local and federal agencies
and operated under agreement by the Department of Natural Resources, which shall have
the force and effect of law. A reasonable fee may be fixed, charged, and collected by the
commissioner for the privilege of the use of any or all of the foregoing privileges and
facilities.

deleted text begin (d) The commissioner, on or before November 15 of each even-numbered year, shall
report to the legislature the commissioner's acts and doings, with recommendation for the
improvement or conservation of state parks, state water-access sites, state trails, and state
monuments, state scientific and natural areas, state forests, state wildlife management areas,
public hunting grounds, public shooting grounds, food and cover planting areas, wildlife
lands, recreational or public hunting areas, state wild and scenic rivers, state wilderness
areas, and all other recreational lands under the jurisdiction of the Department of Natural
Resources, and for desirable accessions thereto, such report to include an inventory of the
tracts and parcels of land, and rights, interests, and easements therein, held by the state or
withdrawn from sale for any of these purposes, with the value thereof, and a list of the name,
location, size, and description of each state trail, state scientific and natural area, state wildlife
management area, state water-access site, and state wild, scenic, or recreational river
designated by the commissioner, and each public hunting grounds, public shooting grounds,
food and cover planting area, wildlife lands, and recreational or public hunting area acquired
by the commissioner since the last report. The commissioner shall maintain a long range
plan governing the use of the public domain under the commissioner's jurisdiction.
deleted text end

Sec. 3.

new text begin [84.1515] WILD RICE POLICY.
new text end

new text begin It is the policy of the state to recognize the innate significance of uncultivated wild rice's
ability to exist and thrive in Minnesota. The legislature finds that wild rice:
new text end

new text begin (1) is a nutrient-rich, natural food source that has been sustainably harvested in this state
for centuries;
new text end

new text begin (2) is sacred to Indian Tribes and is a core component of their cultural identity;
new text end

new text begin (3) thrives in clean, shallow water, without requiring pesticides, fertilizers, or harmful
chemicals;
new text end

new text begin (4) supports rural economies by providing jobs, fostering local businesses, and supporting
ecotourism;
new text end

new text begin (5) plays a crucial role in preventing toxic algae blooms, absorbing carbon dioxide,
fostering vital habitat for fish, and stabilizing lake beds; and
new text end

new text begin (6) is essential for safeguarding Tribal food security and upholding Tribal treaty rights.
new text end

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 84.8035, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Pass required; fee.

(a) Except as provided under paragraph (c), a person
may not operate an off-road vehicle on a state or grant-in-aid off-road vehicle trail or use
area unless the deleted text begin vehicle displays an deleted text end new text begin operator carries a valid new text end off-road vehicle state trail pass
issued according to this section. The pass must be available deleted text begin to be viewed deleted text end new text begin for inspection new text end by
a peace officer, a conservation officer, or an employee designated under section 84.0835.

(b) The commissioner of natural resources shall issue a pass upon application and payment
of the fee. Fees collected under this section, except for the issuing fee for licensing agents,
shall be deposited in the state treasury and credited to the off-road vehicle account in the
natural resources fund and, except for the electronic licensing system commission established
by the commissioner under section 84.027, subdivision 15, must be used for grants-in-aid
to counties and municipalities for off-road vehicle organizations to construct and maintain
off-road vehicle trails and use areas.

(c) An off-road vehicle state trail pass is not required for:

(1) an off-road vehicle that is owned and used by the United States, another state, or a
political subdivision thereof that is exempt from registration under section 84.798, subdivision
2;

(2) a person operating an off-road vehicle only on the portion of a trail that is owned by
the person or the person's spouse, child, or parent; or

(3) a person operating an off-road vehicle that is registered according to section 84.798.

(d) The fee for an annual nonresident off-road vehicle state trail pass is $20. The
nonresident pass is valid from January 1 through December 31. The fee for a nonresident
three-year pass is $30.

(e) The fee for a resident off-road vehicle state trail pass is $20. The resident pass is
valid for 30 consecutive days after the date of issuance.

Sec. 5.

new text begin [84.9766] OUTDOOR SCHOOL FOR ALL; GRANT PROGRAM.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Establishment. new text end

new text begin The commissioner of natural resources must establish
and administer a program to provide grants to learning centers eligible under subdivision
2 for outdoor education programs serving students in grades 4 through 12.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Eligibility. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner may award grants under this section to
overnight outdoor school experience providers accredited by a state-recognized school
accrediting agency and to other outdoor school experience accredited providers offering
similar programming.
new text end

new text begin (b) To be eligible for a grant under this section, the outdoor education program must:
new text end

new text begin (1) provide a multiday, overnight educational experience that is comprised mainly of
outdoor-based learning activities;
new text end

new text begin (2) provide students with opportunities to directly experience and understand nature and
the natural world, including field study opportunities for student learning;
new text end

new text begin (3) use a research-based environmental, ecological, agricultural, or other
natural-resource-based educational curriculum;
new text end

new text begin (4) be integrated with local school curricula to help students meet academic standards;
new text end

new text begin (5) provide students with opportunities to develop:
new text end

new text begin (i) leadership;
new text end

new text begin (ii) critical thinking;
new text end

new text begin (iii) self-sufficiency;
new text end

new text begin (iv) decision-making skills; and
new text end

new text begin (v) social and emotional skills; and
new text end

new text begin (6) address accessibility of outdoor educational opportunities for underserved students,
including students with disabilities.
new text end

Sec. 6.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 84D.01, is amended by adding a subdivision to
read:

new text begin Subd. 6a. new text end

new text begin Eviscerated. new text end

new text begin "Eviscerated" means to have the internal organs removed from
the body cavity or to have the gills severed to ensure that an organism is dead.
new text end

Sec. 7.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 84D.05, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Prohibited activities.

A person may not possess, import, purchase, sell,
propagate, transport, or introduce a prohibited invasive species, except:

(1) under a permit issued by the commissioner under section 84D.11;

(2) in the case of purple loosestrife, as provided by sections 18.75 to 18.88;

(3) under a restricted species permit issued under section 17.457;

new text begin (4) a person may possess, import, purchase, sell, and transport bighead carp, grass carp,
and silver carp if they are dead and eviscerated;
new text end

deleted text begin (4) deleted text end new text begin (5) new text end when being transported to the department, or another destination as the
commissioner may direct, in a sealed container for purposes of identifying the species or
reporting the presence of the species;

deleted text begin (5) deleted text end new text begin (6) new text end when being transported for disposal as part of a harvest or control activity when
specifically authorized under a permit issued by the commissioner according to section
103G.615, when being transported for disposal as specified under a commercial fishing
license issued by the commissioner according to section 97A.418, 97C.801, 97C.811,
97C.825, 97C.831, or 97C.835, or when being transported as specified by the commissioner;

deleted text begin (6) deleted text end new text begin (7) new text end when being removed from watercraft and equipment, or caught while angling,
and immediately returned to the water from which they came;

deleted text begin (7) deleted text end new text begin (8) new text end when being transported from riparian property to a legal disposal site that is at
least 100 feet from any surface water, ditch, or seasonally flooded land, provided the
prohibited invasive species are in a covered commercial vehicle specifically designed and
used for hauling trash; or

deleted text begin (8) deleted text end new text begin (9) new text end as the commissioner may otherwise prescribe by rule.

Sec. 8.

new text begin [86B.109] ABANDONED WATERCRAFT.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Tagging authority; notice to owner. new text end

new text begin (a) A peace officer or an employee
designated by the commissioner under section 84.0835 may place a tag on a watercraft
unlawfully located on public accesses, public lands, and waters of this state or unlawfully
located on property adjacent to waters of this state. A watercraft is unlawfully located if the
watercraft appears to be:
new text end

new text begin (1) inoperative and neglected, wrecked, stranded, or substantially dismantled;
new text end

new text begin (2) in immediate danger of sinking; or
new text end

new text begin (3) unmoored and unattended.
new text end

new text begin (b) A peace officer or employee who places a tag on a watercraft under this subdivision
must notify the commissioner of placing the tag within 48 hours. The notification must
include a statement of the basis for the decision to place a tag on the watercraft.
new text end

new text begin (c) Upon receiving notification under paragraph (b), the commissioner must send a notice
by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the registered owner of the watercraft. The
notice must state that:
new text end

new text begin (1) the watercraft has been tagged and the condition that resulted in the watercraft being
tagged must be remedied immediately; and
new text end

new text begin (2) failure to remedy within 14 days of the notice being sent is a criminal violation that
may result in civil and criminal penalties and the forfeiture of the watercraft.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Failure to remedy. new text end

new text begin The registered owner of a watercraft who knowingly fails
to remedy the condition that resulted in the watercraft being tagged within 14 days of the
commissioner sending the notice required by subdivision 1, paragraph (c), is guilty of a
misdemeanor. In addition, the owner is liable to the Department of Natural Resources for
all costs incurred by the commissioner in enforcing this section against the owner and is
subject to a civil penalty of not less than two times nor more than five times the costs incurred
by the commissioner to remove, process, and dispose of the watercraft. Civil penalties
imposed under this subdivision may be enforced and distributed as provided in section
115A.99.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Seizure of abandoned watercraft. new text end

new text begin Fourteen days after the commissioner sends
the notice required by subdivision 1, paragraph (c), to the registered owner, or concludes
that there is no registered owner, the commissioner must investigate the watercraft. If, upon
inspection, the watercraft has not been removed and the condition that prompted the peace
officer or employee to tag it has not been substantially remedied, the watercraft is considered
abandoned and the commissioner must seize and forfeit the watercraft according to section
97A.223.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Relation to other law. new text end

new text begin An abandoned watercraft that becomes submerged and
subject to section 86B.107 must be removed and disposed of in accordance with that section.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Exceptions. new text end

new text begin This section does not apply to previously sunk watercraft of
historical significance or that are currently a destination for scuba divers or commercial
tourism that do not pose an ongoing environmental or public safety risk.
new text end

Sec. 9.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 86B.415, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Subd. 7.

Watercraft surcharge.

A deleted text begin $10.60 deleted text end surcharge is placed on each watercraft licensed
under subdivisions 1 to 5 for control, public awareness, law enforcement, monitoring, and
research of aquatic invasive species such as zebra mussel, purple loosestrife, and Eurasian
watermilfoil in public waters and public wetlands. new text begin The surcharge is:
new text end

new text begin (1) for a watercraft 19 feet or less in length, other than a watercraft listed in clauses (2)
to (8), $29;
new text end

new text begin (2) for a watercraft, other than personal watercraft, 19 feet in length or less that is offered
for rent or lease, $25;
new text end

new text begin (3) for a sailboat 19 feet in length or less, $20;
new text end

new text begin (4) for a watercraft used by a nonprofit corporation for teaching boat and water safety,
$14;
new text end

new text begin (5) for a watercraft owned by a dealer under a dealer's license, $50;
new text end

new text begin (6) for a personal watercraft, including one offered for rent or lease, $25;
new text end

new text begin (7) for a watercraft less than 17 feet in length, other than a watercraft listed in clauses
(2) to (6), $25;
new text end

new text begin (8) for a canoe, kayak, sailboard, paddleboard, paddleboat, or rowing shell over ten feet
in length, $20;
new text end

new text begin (9) for a watercraft more than 19 feet but less than 26 feet in length, other than a
watercraft listed in clauses (4), (5), (8), and (12), $38;
new text end

new text begin (10) for a watercraft 26 feet but less than 40 feet in length, other than a watercraft listed
in clauses (4), (5), (8), and (12), $50;
new text end

new text begin (11) for a watercraft 40 feet in length or longer, other than a watercraft listed in clauses
(4), (5), (8), and (12), $62; and
new text end

new text begin (12) for a watercraft used primarily for charter fishing, commercial fishing, commercial
passenger carrying, or other commercial operation, $50.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective January 1, 2026.
new text end

Sec. 10.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 97A.223, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Property subject to seizure and forfeiture.

(a) An enforcement officer
must seize:

(1) firearms possessed in violation of state or federal law or court order; deleted text begin and
deleted text end

(2) property described in section 97A.221, subdivision 1, where no owner can be
determined deleted text begin . deleted text end new text begin ; and
new text end

new text begin (3) a watercraft that is abandoned according to section 86B.109, subdivision 3.
new text end

(b) Property seized under this section is subject to administrative forfeiture.

Sec. 11.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 97A.421, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:

new text begin Subd. 3c. new text end

new text begin Restrictions after conviction; abandoned watercraft. new text end

new text begin (a) After a conviction
under section 86B.109, subdivision 2, the following license and registration restrictions
remain in effect until the person reimburses the Department of Natural Resources for all
the department's costs under section 86B.109, subdivision 2:
new text end

new text begin (1) all the person's annual game and fish licenses are void;
new text end

new text begin (2) the person may not act under any lifetime game and fish license;
new text end

new text begin (3) all the person's watercraft licenses and registrations that are required to operate
watercraft in the state are void;
new text end

new text begin (4) all the person's off-highway vehicle and snowmobile licenses and registrations that
are required to operate those vehicles in the state are void; and
new text end

new text begin (5) the person may not obtain any of the licenses or registrations described in clauses
(1) to (4).
new text end

new text begin (b) If a conviction under section 86B.109, subdivision 2, was for abandoning a watercraft
in a boundary water of the state, the commissioner must coordinate with neighboring
jurisdictions to ensure that, to the maximum extent practicable, the person is subject to
similar consequences in the neighboring jurisdiction as those imposed under paragraph (a).
new text end

Sec. 12.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 97A.465, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:

new text begin Subd. 9. new text end

new text begin Resident disabled veterans; reduced fee licenses. new text end

new text begin A person authorized to
issue licenses must issue the following licenses for the reduced fee specified under section
97A.475 to a resident who is a veteran, as defined in section 197.447, and who has a 50 to
99 percent service-connected disability as defined by the United States Department of
Veterans Affairs upon being furnished satisfactory evidence:
new text end

new text begin (1) a license to take deer by firearms, archery, or muzzleloader;
new text end

new text begin (2) a license to take small game; and
new text end

new text begin (3) a license to take fish by angling.
new text end

Sec. 13.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 97A.475, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Resident hunting.

Fees for the following licenses, to be issued to residents
only, are:

(1) for persons age 18 or over and under age 65 to take small game, $15.50;

(2) for persons age 65 or over, $7 to take small game;

(3) for persons age 18 or over to take turkey, $26;

(4) for persons age 13 or over and under age 18 to take turkey, $5;

(5) for persons age 18 or over to take deer with firearms during the regular firearms
season, $34;

(6) for persons age 18 or over to take deer by archery, $34;

(7) for persons age 18 or over to take deer by muzzleloader during the muzzleloader
season, $34;

(8) to take moose, for a party of not more than six persons, $356;

(9) for persons age 18 or over to take bear, $44;

(10) to take elk, for a party of not more than two persons, $287;

(11) to take light geese during the light goose conservation order, $2.50;

(12) to take sandhill crane during the sandhill crane season, $3;

(13) to take prairie chickens, $23;

(14) for persons age 13 or over and under age 18 to take deer with firearms during the
regular firearms season, $5;

(15) for persons age 13 or over and under age 18 to take deer by archery, $5;

(16) for persons age 13 or over and under age 18 to take deer by muzzleloader during
the muzzleloader season, $5;

(17) for persons age 10, 11, or 12 to take bear, no fee;

(18) for persons age 13 or over and under age 18 to take bear, $5;

(19) for persons age 18 or over to take small game for a consecutive 72-hour period
selected by the licensee, $19, of which an amount equal to one-half of the fee for the
migratory-waterfowl stamp under subdivision 5, clause (1), shall be deposited in the
waterfowl habitat improvement account under section 97A.075, subdivision 2; one-half of
the fee for the pheasant stamp under subdivision 5, clause (2), shall be deposited in the
pheasant habitat improvement account under section 97A.075, subdivision 4; and one-half
of the small-game surcharge under subdivision 4, shall be deposited in the wildlife acquisition
account;

(20) for persons age 16 or over and under age 18 to take small game, $5;

(21) to take wolf, $30;

(22) for persons age 12 and under to take turkey, no fee;

(23) for persons age 10, 11, or 12 to take deer by firearm, no fee;

(24) for persons age 10, 11, or 12 to take deer by archery, no fee; deleted text begin and
deleted text end

(25) for persons age 10, 11, or 12 to take deer by muzzleloader during the muzzleloader
season, no fee deleted text begin . deleted text end new text begin ; and
new text end

new text begin (26) for disabled veterans to take deer or small game under section 97A.465, subdivision
9, $5.
new text end

Sec. 14.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 97A.475, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6.

Resident fishing.

Fees for the following licenses, to be issued to residents only,
are:

(1) for persons age 18 or over to take fish by angling, $25;

(2) for persons age 18 or over to take fish by angling, for a combined license for a married
couple, $40;

(3) for persons age 18 or over to take fish by spearing from a dark house, $6, and the
person must possess an angling license;

(4) for persons age 18 or over to take fish by angling for a 24-hour period selected by
the licensee, $12;

(5) for persons age 18 or over to take fish by angling for a consecutive 72-hour period
selected by the licensee, $14;

(6) for persons age 18 or over to take fish by angling for three consecutive years, $71;
deleted text begin and
deleted text end

(7) for persons age 16 or over and under age 18 to take fish by angling, $5 deleted text begin . deleted text end new text begin ; and
new text end

new text begin (8) for disabled veterans to take fish by angling under section 97A.465, subdivision 9,
$5.
new text end

Sec. 15.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 97B.001, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Entering posted land prohibited; signs.

(a) Except as provided in subdivision
6, a person may not:

(1) enter, for outdoor recreation purposes, any land that is posted under this subdivision
without first obtaining permission of the owner, occupant, or lessee; or

(2) knowingly enter, for outdoor recreation purposes, any land that is posted under this
subdivision without first obtaining permission of the owner, occupant, or lessee. A person
who violates this clause is subject to the penalty provided in section 97A.315, subdivision
1, paragraph (b).

(b) The owner, occupant, or lessee of private land, or an authorized manager of public
land may prohibit outdoor recreation on the land by posting signs once each year that:

(1) state "no trespassing" or similar terms;

(2) display letters at least two inches high;

(3) either:

(i) are signed by the owner, occupant, lessee, or authorized manager; or

(ii) include the legible name and telephone number of the owner, occupant, lessee, or
authorized manager; and

(4) either:

(i) are at intervals of 1,000 feet or less along the boundary of the area, or in a wooded
area where boundary lines are not clear, at intervals of 500 feet or less; or

(ii) mark the primary corners of each parcel of land and access roads and trails at the
point of entrance to each parcel of land except that corners only accessible through
agricultural land need not be posted.

(c) A person may not deleted text begin erect a sign that prohibits outdoor recreation or trespassing deleted text end new text begin act
under paragraph (b) or (d) new text end where the person does not have a property right, title, or interest
to use the land.

new text begin (d) As an alternative to posting signage under paragraph (b), the owner, occupant, or
lessee of private land or an authorized manager of public land may prohibit outdoor recreation
on the land by:
new text end

new text begin (1) applying purple paint to trees along the perimeter of the area to which the person
wants to prohibit entrance. Paint applied under this paragraph must be applied:
new text end

new text begin (i) at least three feet off the ground;
new text end

new text begin (ii) to trees that are at least one inch wide; and
new text end

new text begin (iii) in a strip that is at least eight inches tall; and
new text end

new text begin (2) posting signs once each year that mark the primary corners of the area to which the
person wants to prohibit entrance.
new text end

Sec. 16.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 97B.037, is amended to read:

97B.037 CROSSBOW HUNTING AND FISHING.

(a) Notwithstanding section 97B.035, subdivisions 1 and 2, a person may take deer,
bear, turkey, common carp, or native rough fish by crossbow during the respective regular
archery seasons. The transportation requirements of section 97B.051 apply to crossbows
during the regular archery deer, bear, turkey, common carp, or native rough fish season.
Crossbows must meet the requirements of section 97B.106, subdivision 2. A person taking
deer, bear, turkey, common carp, or native rough fish by crossbow under this section must
have a valid license to take the respective game.

(b) This section expires June 30, deleted text begin 2025 deleted text end new text begin 2026 new text end .

Sec. 17.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 97B.318, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Shotgun use area.

new text begin (a) new text end During the regular firearms season in the shotgun
use area, only legal shotguns loaded with single-slug shotgun shells, legal muzzle-loading
long guns, and legal handguns may be used for taking deer. Legal shotguns include those
with rifled barrels. The shotgun use area deleted text begin is that portion of the state lying within the following
described boundary: Beginning on the west boundary of the state at the northern boundary
of Clay County; thence along the northern boundary of Clay County to State Trunk Highway
(STH) 32; thence along STH 32 to STH 34; thence along STH 34 to Interstate Highway 94
(I-94); thence along I-94 to County State-Aid Highway (CSAH) 40, Douglas County; thence
along CSAH 40 to CSAH 82, Douglas County; thence along CSAH 82 to CSAH 22, Douglas
County; thence along CSAH 22 to CSAH 6, Douglas County; thence along CSAH 6 to
CSAH 14, Douglas County; thence along CSAH 14 to STH 29; thence along STH 29 to
CSAH 46, Otter Tail County; thence along CSAH 46, Otter Tail County, to CSAH 22, Todd
County; thence along CSAH 22 to U.S. Highway 71; thence along U.S. Highway 71 to STH
27; thence along STH 27 to the Mississippi River; thence along the east bank of the
Mississippi River to STH 23; thence along STH 23 to STH 95; thence along STH 95 to
U.S. Highway 8; thence along U.S. Highway 8 to the eastern boundary of the state; thence
along the east, south, and west boundaries of the state to the point of beginning deleted text end new text begin consists of
the counties that have passed a resolution as provided under paragraph (b) new text end .

new text begin (b) A county board may adopt an ordinance after notice and public hearing to limit the
type of firearms that may be used to hunt deer within the county. To be included in the
shotgun use area beginning January 1, the county board must submit the resolution to the
commissioner of natural resources on or before October 1 of the prior year.
new text end

Sec. 18.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 97B.405, is amended to read:

97B.405 COMMISSIONER MAY LIMIT NUMBER OF BEAR HUNTERS.

(a) The commissioner may limit the number of persons that may hunt bear in an area,
if it is necessary to prevent an overharvest or improve the distribution of hunters. The
commissioner may establish, by rule, a method, including a drawing, to impartially select
the hunters for an area. The commissioner shall give preference to hunters that have
previously applied and have not been selected. new text begin Additionally, the commissioner may award
points toward a preference under this section to a person who is at least six years of age, so
that by the time the person is old enough to be a bear hunter the person has accumulated a
number of preference points.
new text end

(b) If the commissioner limits the number of persons that may hunt bear in an area under
paragraph (a), the commissioner must reserve one permit and give first preference for that
permit to a resident of a Minnesota veterans home.

(c) A person selected through a drawing must purchase a license by August 1. Any
remaining available licenses not purchased shall be issued to any eligible person as prescribed
by the commissioner on a first-come, first-served basis beginning three business days after
August 1.

Sec. 19.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 97B.667, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Permits and notice; requirements.

(a) Before killing or arranging to kill a
beaver under this section, the road authority or government unit must contact a conservation
officer for a special beaver permit if the beaver will be killed within two weeks before or
after the trapping season for beaver, and the conservation officer must issue the permit for
any beaver subject to this section. A permit is not required:

(1) for a licensed trapper during the open trapping season for beaver; or

(2) when the trapping season for beaver is closed and it is not within two weeks before
or after the trapping season for beaver.

(b) A road authority or government unit that kills or arranges to have killed a beaver
under this section must notify a conservation officer or employee of the Fish and Wildlife
Division within ten days after the animal is killed.

(c) Unless otherwise directed by a conservation officer, the road authority, local
government unit, the landowner, or their agent may dispose of or retain beaver killed under
this section. deleted text begin Human consumption of a retained beaver is prohibited.
deleted text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Sec. 20.

new text begin [97B.902] OPENING HOUR FOR TRAPPING SEASONS.
new text end

new text begin A season for taking fur-bearing animals by trapping begins at sunrise on the opening
day prescribed by rule adopted by the commissioner.
new text end

Sec. 21.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 97B.945, is amended to read:

97B.945 SETTING TRAPS NEAR WATER RESTRICTED.

new text begin (a) new text end new text begin Except as provided in paragraph (b), new text end a person may not set a trap within 50 feet of
any water other than temporary surface water within 30 days before the open season for
mink and muskrat without a special permit by the commissioner.

new text begin (b) A person may set a foot-encapsulating trap within 50 feet of any water other than
temporary surface water within 30 days before the open season for mink and muskrat without
a special permit by the commissioner. For purposes of this paragraph, "foot-encapsulating
trap" means a trap for which:
new text end

new text begin (1) the triggering and restraining mechanisms are enclosed within a housing and are
only accessible through a single opening when set; and
new text end

new text begin (2) the opening does not exceed two inches in diameter.
new text end

Sec. 22.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 97C.395, is amended to read:

97C.395 OPEN SEASONS FOR ANGLING.

Subdivision 1.

Dates for certain species.

(a) The open seasons to take fish by angling
are as follows:

(1) for walleye, sauger, northern pike, new text begin and new text end muskellunge, deleted text begin largemouth bass, and smallmouth
bass, deleted text end the Saturday two weeks prior to the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through the
last Sunday in February;

(2) for brown trout, brook trout, lake trout, rainbow trout, and splake, between January
1 through October 31 as prescribed by the commissioner by rule except as provided in
section 97C.415, subdivision 2; and

(3) for salmon, as prescribed by the commissioner by rule.

(b) The commissioner shall close the season in areas of the state where fish are spawning
and closing the season will protect the resource.

Subd. 2.

Continuous season for certain species.

For new text begin largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, new text end
sunfish, white crappie, black crappie, yellow perch, channel catfish, rock bass, white bass,
yellow bass, burbot, cisco (tullibee), lake whitefish, common carp, and native rough fish,
the open season is continuous.

Sec. 23.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 97C.835, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Types of fish permitted.

Lake trout, ciscoes, chubs, alewives, lake whitefish,
round whitefish, pygmy whitefish, rainbow smelt, common carp, new text begin burbot, new text end and native rough
fish may be taken by licensed commercial fishing operators from Lake Superior, in
accordance with this section.

Sec. 24.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 103G.005, subdivision 15, is amended to read:

Subd. 15.

Public waters.

(a) "Public waters" means:

(1) water basins assigned a shoreland management classification by the commissioner
under sections 103F.201 to 103F.221;

(2) waters of the state that have been finally determined to be public waters or navigable
waters by a court of competent jurisdiction;

(3) meandered lakes, excluding lakes that have been legally drained;

(4) water basins previously designated by the commissioner for management for a
specific purpose such as trout lakes and game lakes pursuant to applicable laws;

(5) water basins designated as scientific and natural areas under section 84.033;

(6) water basins located within and totally surrounded by publicly owned lands;

(7) water basins where the state of Minnesota or the federal government holds title to
any of the beds or shores, unless the owner declares that the water is not necessary for the
purposes of the public ownership;

(8) water basins where there is a publicly owned and controlled access that is intended
to provide for public access to the water basin;

(9) natural and altered watercourses with a total drainage area greater than two square
miles;

(10) natural and altered watercourses designated by the commissioner as trout streams;
and

(11) public waters wetlands, unless the statute expressly states otherwise.

(b) Public waters are not determined exclusively by:

(1) the proprietorship of the underlying, overlying, or surrounding land; new text begin or
new text end

(2) whether it is a body or stream of water that was navigable in fact or susceptible of
being used as a highway for commerce at the time this state was admitted to the union deleted text begin ; or deleted text end new text begin .
new text end

deleted text begin (3) their inclusion in or exclusion from the public waters inventory required under section
103G.201. This clause is effective July 1, 2027.
deleted text end

Sec. 25.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 103G.201, is amended to read:

103G.201 PUBLIC WATERS INVENTORY.

(a) The commissioner shall maintain a public waters inventory map of each county that
shows the waters of this state that are designated as public waters under the public waters
inventory and classification procedures prescribed under Laws 1979, chapter 199, and shall
provide access to a copy of the maps. As county public waters inventory maps are revised
according to this section, the commissioner shall send a notification or a copy of the maps
to the auditor of each affected county.

(b) The commissioner deleted text begin must deleted text end new text begin may new text end revise the map of public waters established under Laws
1979, chapter 199, to reclassify those types 3, 4, and 5 wetlands previously identified as
public waters wetlands under Laws 1979, chapter 199, as public waters or as wetlands under
section 103G.005, subdivision 19. The commissioner may only reclassify public waters
wetlands as public waters if:

(1) they are assigned a shoreland management classification by the commissioner under
sections 103F.201 to 103F.221;

(2) they are classified as lacustrine wetlands or deepwater habitats according to
Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States (Cowardin, et al.,
1979 edition); or

(3) the state or federal government has become titleholder to any of the beds or shores
of the public waters wetlands, subsequent to the preparation of the public waters inventory
map filed with the auditor of the county, pursuant to paragraph (a), and the responsible state
or federal agency declares that the water is necessary for the purposes of the public
ownership.

(c) The commissioner must provide notice of the reclassification to the local government
unit, the county board, the watershed district, if one exists for the area, and the soil and
water conservation district. Within 60 days of receiving notice from the commissioner, a
party required to receive the notice may provide a resolution stating objections to the
reclassification. If the commissioner receives an objection from a party required to receive
the notice, the reclassification is not effective. If the commissioner does not receive an
objection from a party required to receive the notice, the reclassification of a wetland under
paragraph (b) is effective 60 days after the notice is received by all of the parties.

(d) The commissioner shall give priority to the reclassification of public waters wetlands
that are or have the potential to be affected by public works projects.

(e) The commissioner deleted text begin may deleted text end new text begin must new text end revise the public waters inventory map of each county:

(1) to reflect the changes authorized in paragraph (b); and

(2) as needed, to:

(i) correct errors in the original inventory;

(ii) add or subtract trout stream tributaries within sections that contain a designated trout
stream following written notice to the landowner;

(iii) add depleted quarries, and sand and gravel pits, when the body of water exceeds 50
acres and the shoreland has been zoned for residential development; and

(iv) add or subtract public waters that have been created or eliminated as a requirement
of a permit authorized by the commissioner under section 103G.245.

(f) $1,000,000 is appropriated from the general fund each year in fiscal years 2025
through 2032 to the commissioner to update the public water inventory as required in this
section. The commissioner must develop and implement a process to update the public
water inventory. This paragraph expires June 30, 2032.

Sec. 26.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 103G.271, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6.

Water-use permit; processing fee.

(a) Except as described in paragraphs (b)
to (g), a water-use permit processing fee must be prescribed by the commissioner in
accordance with the schedule of fees in this subdivision for each water-use permit in force
at any time during the year. Fees collected under this paragraph are credited to the water
management account in the natural resources fund. The schedule is as follows, with the
stated fee in each clause applied to the total amount appropriated:

(1) deleted text begin $140 deleted text end new text begin $200 new text end for amounts not exceeding 50,000,000 gallons per year;

(2) deleted text begin $3.50 deleted text end new text begin $6 new text end per 1,000,000 gallons for amounts greater than 50,000,000 gallons but less
than 100,000,000 gallons per year;

(3) deleted text begin $4 deleted text end new text begin $7 new text end per 1,000,000 gallons for amounts greater than 100,000,000 gallons but less
than 150,000,000 gallons per year;

(4) deleted text begin $4.50 deleted text end new text begin $8 new text end per 1,000,000 gallons for amounts greater than 150,000,000 gallons but
less than 200,000,000 gallons per year;

(5) deleted text begin $5 deleted text end new text begin $9 new text end per 1,000,000 gallons for amounts greater than 200,000,000 gallons but less
than 250,000,000 gallons per year;

(6) deleted text begin $5.50 deleted text end new text begin $10 new text end per 1,000,000 gallons for amounts greater than 250,000,000 gallons but
less than 300,000,000 gallons per year;

(7) deleted text begin $6 deleted text end new text begin $11 new text end per 1,000,000 gallons for amounts greater than 300,000,000 gallons but less
than 350,000,000 gallons per year;

(8) deleted text begin $6.50 deleted text end new text begin $12 new text end per 1,000,000 gallons for amounts greater than 350,000,000 gallons but
less than 400,000,000 gallons per year;

(9) deleted text begin $7 deleted text end new text begin $13 new text end per 1,000,000 gallons for amounts greater than 400,000,000 gallons but less
than 450,000,000 gallons per year;

(10) deleted text begin $7.50 deleted text end new text begin $14 new text end per 1,000,000 gallons for amounts greater than 450,000,000 gallons but
less than 500,000,000 gallons per year; and

(11) deleted text begin $8 deleted text end new text begin $15 new text end per 1,000,000 gallons for amounts greater than 500,000,000 gallons per
year.

(b) For once-through cooling systems, a water-use processing fee must be prescribed
by the commissioner in accordance with the following schedule of fees for each water-use
permit in force at any time during the year:

(1) for nonprofit corporations and school districts, $200 per 1,000,000 gallons; and

(2) for all other users, $420 per 1,000,000 gallons.

(c) The fee is payable based on the amount of water appropriated during the year and deleted text begin ,
except as provided in paragraph (f), deleted text end the minimum fee is $100.

(d) For water-use processing fees other than once-through cooling systems:

(1) the fee for a city of the first class may not exceed deleted text begin $250,000 deleted text end new text begin $325,000 new text end per year;

(2) the fee for other entities for any permitted use may not exceed:

(i) deleted text begin $60,000 deleted text end new text begin $75,000 new text end per year for an entity holding three or fewer permits;

(ii) deleted text begin $90,000 deleted text end new text begin $125,000 new text end per year for an entity holding four or five permits; or

(iii) deleted text begin $300,000 deleted text end new text begin $400,000 new text end per year for an entity holding more than five permits;

(3) the fee for agricultural irrigation may not exceed deleted text begin $750 deleted text end new text begin $1,500 new text end per year;

(4) the fee for a municipality that furnishes electric service and cogenerates steam for
home heating may not exceed $10,000 for its permit for water use related to the cogeneration
of electricity and steam;

(5) the fee for a facility that temporarily diverts a water of the state from its natural
channel to produce hydroelectric or hydromechanical power may not exceed $5,000 per
year. A permit for such a facility does not count toward the number of permits held by an
entity as described in this paragraph; and

(6) no fee is required for a project involving the appropriation of surface water to prevent
flood damage or to remove floodwaters during a period of flooding, as determined by the
commissioner.

(e) Failure to pay the fee is sufficient cause for revoking a permit. A penalty of ten
percent per month calculated from the original due date must be imposed on the unpaid
balance of fees remaining 30 days after the sending of a second notice of fees due. A fee
may not be imposed on an agency, as defined in section 16B.01, subdivision 2, or federal
governmental agency holding a water appropriation permit.

(f) The minimum water-use processing fee for a permit issued for irrigation of agricultural
land is deleted text begin $20 deleted text end new text begin $100 new text end for years in which:

(1) there is no appropriation of water under the permit; or

(2) the permit is suspended for more than seven consecutive days between May 1 and
October 1.

(g) The commissioner shall waive the water-use permit fee for installations and projects
that use stormwater runoff or where public entities are diverting water to treat a water quality
issue and returning the water to its source without using the water for any other purpose,
unless the commissioner determines that the proposed use adversely affects surface water
or groundwater.

(h) A surcharge of $50 per million gallons in addition to the fee prescribed in paragraph
(a) deleted text begin shall be deleted text end new text begin is new text end applied to the volume of water used in each of the months of May, June, July,
August, and September that exceeds the volume of water used in January for municipal
water use, irrigation of golf courses, and landscape irrigation. The surcharge for
municipalities with more than one permit deleted text begin shall be deleted text end new text begin is new text end determined based on the total
appropriations from all permits that supply a common distribution system.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective January 1, 2026.
new text end

Sec. 27.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 103G.301, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Permit application and notification fees.

(a) A fee to defray the costs of
receiving, recording, and processing must be paid for a permit application authorized under
this chapter, except for a general permit application, for each request to amend or transfer
an existing permit, and for a notification to request authorization to conduct a project under
a general permit. Fees established under this subdivision, unless specified in paragraph (c),
must comply with section 16A.1285.

(b) Proposed projects that require water in excess of 100 million gallons per year must
be assessed fees to recover the costs incurred to evaluate the project and the costs incurred
for environmental review. Fees collected under this paragraph must be credited to an account
in the natural resources fund and are appropriated to the commissioner.

(c) The fee to apply for a permit to appropriate water, in addition to any fee under
paragraph (b), is deleted text begin $150 deleted text end new text begin $600 new text end . The application fee for a permit to construct or repair a dam
that is subject to a dam safety inspection, to work in public waters, or to divert waters for
mining must be at least $1,200, but not more than $12,000. The fee for a notification to
request authorization to conduct a project under a general permit is $400, except that the
fee for a notification to request authorization to appropriate water under a general permit
is $100.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective January 1, 2026.
new text end

Sec. 28.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 115.01, is amended by adding a subdivision to
read:

new text begin Subd. 2a. new text end

new text begin Commissioner. new text end

new text begin "Commissioner" means the commissioner of the Pollution
Control Agency.
new text end

Sec. 29.

new text begin [115.033] OUTDOOR USE OF RAINWATER AND STORMWATER.
new text end

new text begin (a) A state agency, political subdivision of the state, joint powers organization, or special
purpose unit of government with authority to establish water-quality standards may allow
using untreated rainwater or stormwater for outdoor purposes when the probability of
consumption or immersion by humans or animals is low or nonexistent.
new text end

new text begin (b) For purposes of this section, "using untreated rainwater or stormwater for outdoor
purposes" does not include using the water:
new text end

new text begin (1) as a source of drinking water;
new text end

new text begin (2) for swimming or immersion; or
new text end

new text begin (3) for agricultural activities that produce food crops for humans or livestock.
new text end

Sec. 30.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 115B.421, is amended to read:

115B.421 CLOSED LANDFILL INVESTMENT FUND.

Subdivision 1.

Establishment.

deleted text begin (a) deleted text end The closed landfill investment fund is established in
the state treasury. The fund consists of money credited to the fund and interest and other
earnings on money in the fund. Funds must be deposited as described in section 115B.445.
The fund must be managed to maximize long-term gain through the State Board of
Investment.

deleted text begin (b) Each fiscal year, up to $4,500,000 is appropriated from the closed landfill investment
fund to the commissioner for the purposes of sections 115B.39 to 115B.444.
deleted text end

deleted text begin (c) If the commissioner determines that a release or threatened release from a qualified
facility for which the commissioner has assumed obligations for environmental response
actions under section 115B.40 or 115B.406 constitutes an emergency requiring immediate
action to prevent, minimize, or mitigate damage either to the public health or welfare or the
environment or to a system designed to protect the public health or welfare or the
environment, up to $9,000,000 in addition to the amount appropriated under paragraph (b)
is appropriated to the commissioner in the first year of the biennium and may be spent by
the commissioner to take reasonable and necessary emergency response actions. Money
not spent in the first year of the biennium may be spent in the second year. If money is
appropriated under this paragraph, the commissioner must notify the chairs of the senate
and house of representatives committees having jurisdiction over environment policy and
finance as soon as possible. The commissioner must maintain the fund balance to ensure
long-term viability of the fund and reflect the responsibility of the landfill cleanup program
in perpetuity.
deleted text end

deleted text begin (d) Paragraphs (b) and (c) expire June 30, 2025.
deleted text end

Subd. 2.

Local notification.

If money in the closed landfill investment fund is spent or
transferred for purposes other than the purposes provided under sections 115B.39 to
115B.444, the commissioner new text begin of the Pollution Control Agency new text end must provide written
notification to each county with a qualified facility within 30 days of the transfer or
expenditure that includes the amount, purpose, and authority used to spend or transfer the
money.

Sec. 31.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 116.07, is amended by adding a subdivision to
read:

new text begin Subd. 13. new text end

new text begin Outreach to culturally diverse communities. new text end

new text begin The commissioner must ensure
that, to the maximum extent practicable, the commissioner's work and the work of the agency
are carried out in a manner that facilitates outreach to and communication with Minnesotans
of diverse backgrounds, cultures, and languages. To the maximum extent practicable, public
hearings, solicitations for grant proposals, and other interactions with the public must include
audiovisual communication components and must not rely exclusively on written forms of
communication.
new text end

Sec. 32.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 116.073, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Authority to issue.

(a) Pollution Control Agency staff designated by the
commissioner and Department of Natural Resources conservation officers may issue citations
to a person who:

(1) disposes of solid waste as defined in section 116.06, subdivision 22, at a location
not authorized by law for the disposal of solid waste without permission of the owner of
the property;

(2) fails to report or recover discharges as required under section 115.061;

(3) fails to take discharge preventive or preparedness measures required under chapter
115E;

(4) fails to install or use vapor recovery equipment during the transfer of gasoline from
a transport delivery vehicle to an underground storage tank as required in section 116.49,
subdivisions 3 and 4;

(5) performs labor or services designing, installing, constructing, inspecting, servicing,
repairing, or operating a subsurface sewage treatment system (SSTS) as defined in chapter
115 and has violated rules adopted under chapters 115 and 116 in any of the following
categories:

(i) failure to acquire or maintain a current state-issued SSTS license;

(ii) failure to acquire or maintain a current surety bond for SSTS activities;

(iii) failure to acquire or maintain a required local permit for SSTS activities; or

(iv) failure to submit SSTS as-built plans or compliance inspection forms to the local
governmental unit; deleted text begin or
deleted text end

(6) performs labor or services pumping, hauling, treating, spreading, dumping,
discharging, or land applying septage as defined in Minnesota Rules, part 7080.1100, subpart
69, and has violated rules adopted under chapters 115 and 116 or Code of Federal
Regulations, title 40, section 503, in any of the following categories:

(i) failure to acquire or maintain a current state-issued SSTS license;

(ii) failure to acquire or maintain a current surety bond for SSTS activities;

(iii) failure to provide control measures to prevent the pollution of underground waters
from the discharge of septage into the saturated or unsaturated zone;

(iv) failure to produce records or maintain records in accordance with Code of Federal
Regulations, title 40, section 503; or

(v) failure to treat septage for pathogens and vectors in accordance with Code of Federal
Regulations, title 40, section 503 new text begin ; or
new text end

new text begin (7) fails to self-certify that they have received the skin-lightener notice and will comply
with the law, as required by section 325F.998 new text end .

new text begin (b) Agency staff designated by the commissioner may issue citations to facility owners
and operators who fail to produce, within 30 days or within a reasonable alternative time
frame as determined and required by the commissioner, information or reports necessary
for developing and reissuing permits and permit amendments under chapters 114C and 115
to 116. If the owner or operator cannot produce the information or reports within 30 days
or according to an alternative time frame required by the commissioner, the owner or operator
may request an extension within 30 days of the request for information or reports. The
commissioner must keep records of citations issued under this paragraph that identify the
facility, the owner or operator, and any person hired by or representing the owner or operator
to prepare or assist in preparing the permit application or other information or report requested
by the commissioner.
new text end

deleted text begin (b) deleted text end new text begin (c) new text end In addition, Pollution Control Agency staff designated by the commissioner may
issue citations to owners and operators of facilities who violate sections 116.46 to 116.50
and Minnesota Rules, chapters 7150 and 7151 and parts 7001.4200 to 7001.4300. A citation
issued under this subdivision must include a requirement that the person cited remove and
properly dispose of or otherwise manage the waste or discharged oil or hazardous substance,
reimburse any government agency that has disposed of the waste or discharged oil or
hazardous substance and contaminated debris for the reasonable costs of disposal, or correct
any storage tank violations.

deleted text begin (c) deleted text end new text begin (d) new text end Citations for violations of sections 115E.045 and 116.46 to 116.50 and Minnesota
Rules, chapters 7150 and 7151, may be issued only after the owners and operators have had
a 60-day period to correct violations stated in writing by Pollution Control Agency staff,
unless there is a discharge associated with the violation or the violation is a repeat violation
from a previous inspection.

Sec. 33.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 116.073, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Penalty amount.

The citation must impose the following penalty amounts:

(1) $100 per major appliance, as defined in section 115A.03, subdivision 17a, up to a
maximum of $2,000;

(2) $25 per waste tire, as defined in section 115A.90, subdivision 11, up to a maximum
of $2,000;

(3) $25 per lead acid battery governed by section 115A.915, up to a maximum of $2,000;

(4) $1 per pound of other solid waste or $20 per cubic foot up to a maximum of $2,000;

(5) up to $200 for any amount of waste that escapes from a vehicle used for the
transportation of solid waste if, after receiving actual notice that waste has escaped the
vehicle, the person or company transporting the waste fails to immediately collect the waste;

(6) $50 per violation of rules adopted under section 116.49, relating to underground
storage tank system design, construction, installation, and notification requirements, up to
a maximum of $2,000;

(7) $500 per violation of rules adopted under section 116.49, relating to upgrading of
existing underground storage tank systems, up to a maximum of $2,000 per tank system;

(8) $250 per violation of rules adopted under section 116.49, relating to underground
storage tank system general operating requirements, up to a maximum of $2,000;

(9) $250 per violation of rules adopted under section 116.49, relating to underground
storage tank system release detection requirements, up to a maximum of $2,000;

(10) $50 per violation of rules adopted under section 116.49, relating to out-of-service
underground storage tank systems and closure, up to a maximum of $2,000;

(11) $50 per violation of sections 116.48 to 116.491 relating to underground storage
tank system notification, monitoring, environmental protection, and tank installers training
and certification requirements, up to a maximum of $2,000;

(12) $25 per gallon of oil or hazardous substance discharged which is not reported or
recovered under section 115.061, up to a maximum of $2,000;

(13) $1 per gallon of oil or hazardous substance being stored, transported, or otherwise
handled without the prevention or preparedness measures required under chapter 115E, up
to a maximum of $2,000;

(14) $250 per violation of Minnesota Rules, parts 7001.4200 to 7001.4300 or chapter
7151, related to aboveground storage tank systems, up to a maximum of $2,000;

(15) $250 per delivery made in violation of section 116.49, subdivision 3 or 4, levied
against:

(i) the retail location if vapor recovery equipment is not installed or maintained properly;

(ii) the carrier if the transport delivery vehicle is not equipped with vapor recovery
equipment; or

(iii) the driver for failure to use supplied vapor recovery equipment;

(16) $500 per violation of rules adopted under chapters 115 and 116 relating to failure
to comply with state subsurface sewage treatment system (SSTS) license requirements, up
to a maximum of $2,000;

(17) $500 per violation of rules adopted under chapters 115 and 116 relating to failure
to comply with SSTS surety bond requirements, up to a maximum of $2,000;

(18) $500 per violation of rules adopted under chapters 115 and 116 relating to failure
to provide control measures to prevent the pollution of underground waters from the discharge
of septage into the saturated or unsaturated zone, up to a maximum of $2,000;

(19) $500 per violation of rules adopted under chapters 115 and 116 or Code of Federal
Regulations, title 40, section 503, relating to failure to treat septage for pathogens and
vectors, up to a maximum of $2,000;

(20) $250 per violation of rules adopted under chapters 115 and 116 or Code of Federal
Regulations, title 40, section 503, relating to failure to produce records or maintain records,
up to a maximum of $2,000;

(21) $250 per violation of rules adopted under chapters 115 and 116 or Code of Federal
Regulations, title 40, section 503, relating to failure to submit as-built plans or compliance
inspection forms to the local governmental unit, up to a maximum of $2,000; deleted text begin and
deleted text end

(22) $500 per violation of rules adopted under chapters 115 and 116 relating to failure
to obtain required local permits, up to a maximum of $2,000 new text begin ;
new text end

new text begin (23) $100 per violation of section 325F.998, relating to certification that businesses will
comply with skin-lightener requirements; and
new text end

new text begin (24) $50 per day under subdivision 1, paragraph (b), for each information item or report
requested for the first 30 days delinquent and $500 per day thereafter, up to a maximum of
$20,000 for each information item or report requested, until the commissioner determines
the request for information or report is complete new text end .

Sec. 34.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 116.182, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Rules.

new text begin (a) new text end The agency shall adopt rules for the administration of the financial
assistance program. For wastewater treatment projects, the rules must include:

(1) application requirements;

(2) criteria for the ranking of projects in order of priority based on factors including the
type of project and the degree of environmental impact, and scenic and wild river standards;
and

(3) criteria for determining essential project components.

new text begin (b) Notwithstanding any provision in Minnesota Rules, chapter 7077, to the contrary,
for purposes of Minnesota Rules, parts 7077.0117, 7077.0118, and 7077.0119, the
commissioner must assign 40 points if a municipality is proposing a project to address
emerging contaminants, as defined by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
This paragraph expires June 30, 2030.
new text end

Sec. 35.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 116.943, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Definitions.

(a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have
the meanings given.

(b) "Adult mattress" means a mattress other than a crib mattress or toddler mattress.

(c) "Air care product" means a chemically formulated consumer product labeled to
indicate that the purpose of the product is to enhance or condition the indoor environment
by eliminating odors or freshening the air.

(d) "Automotive maintenance product" means a chemically formulated consumer product
labeled to indicate that the purpose of the product is to maintain the appearance of a motor
vehicle, including products for washing, waxing, polishing, cleaning, or treating the exterior
or interior surfaces of motor vehicles. Automotive maintenance product does not include
automotive paint or paint repair products.

(e) "Carpet or rug" means a fabric marketed or intended for use as a floor covering.

(f) "Cleaning product" means a finished product used primarily for domestic, commercial,
or institutional cleaning purposes, including but not limited to an air care product, an
automotive maintenance product, a general cleaning product, or a polish or floor maintenance
product.

(g) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency.

(h) "Cookware" means durable houseware items used to prepare, dispense, or store food,
foodstuffs, or beverages. Cookware includes but is not limited to pots, pans, skillets, grills,
baking sheets, baking molds, trays, bowls, and cooking utensils.

(i) "Cosmetic" means articles, excluding soap:

(1) intended to be rubbed, poured, sprinkled, or sprayed on, introduced into, or otherwise
applied to the human body or any part thereof for the purpose of cleansing, beautifying,
promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance; and

(2) intended for use as a component of any such article.

(j) "Currently unavoidable use" means a use of PFAS that the commissioner has
determined by rule under this section to be essential for health, safety, or the functioning
of society and for which alternatives are not reasonably available.

(k) "Fabric treatment" means a substance applied to fabric to give the fabric one or more
characteristics, including but not limited to stain resistance or water resistance.

(l) "Intentionally added" means PFAS deliberately added during the manufacture of a
product where the continued presence of PFAS is desired in the final product or one of the
product's components to perform a specific function.

(m) "Juvenile product" means a product designed or marketed for use by infants and
children under 12 years of age:

(1) including but not limited to a baby or toddler foam pillow; bassinet; bedside sleeper;
booster seat; changing pad; child restraint system for use in motor vehicles and aircraft;
co-sleeper; crib mattress; highchair; highchair pad; infant bouncer; infant carrier; infant
seat; infant sleep positioner; infant swing; infant travel bed; infant walker; nap cot; nursing
pad; nursing pillow; play mat; playpen; play yard; polyurethane foam mat, pad, or pillow;
portable foam nap mat; portable infant sleeper; portable hook-on chair; soft-sided portable
crib; stroller; and toddler mattress; deleted text begin and
deleted text end

(2) not including a children's electronic product such as a personal computer, audio and
video equipment, calculator, wireless phone, game console, handheld device incorporating
a video screen, or any associated peripheral such as a mouse, keyboard, power supply unit,
or power cord; or an adult mattress new text begin ; and
new text end

new text begin (3) not including:
new text end

new text begin (i) an off-highway vehicle made for children;
new text end

new text begin (ii) an all-terrain vehicle made for children;
new text end

new text begin (iii) an off-highway motorcycle made for children;
new text end

new text begin (iv) a snowmobile made for children;
new text end

new text begin (v) an electric-assisted bicycle made for children; or
new text end

new text begin (vi) a replacement part for a vehicle described in items (i) through (v) new text end .

(n) "Manufacturer" means the person that creates or produces a product or whose brand
name is affixed to the product. In the case of a product imported into the United States,
manufacturer includes the importer or first domestic distributor of the product if the person
that manufactured or assembled the product or whose brand name is affixed to the product
does not have a presence in the United States.

(o) "Medical device" has the meaning given "device" under United States Code, title
21, section 321, subsection (h).

(p) "Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances" or "PFAS" means a class of
fluorinated organic chemicals containing at least one fully fluorinated carbon atom.

(q) "Product" means an item manufactured, assembled, packaged, or otherwise prepared
for sale to consumers, including but not limited to its product components, sold or distributed
for personal, residential, commercial, or industrial use, including for use in making other
products.

(r) "Product component" means an identifiable component of a product, regardless of
whether the manufacturer of the product is the manufacturer of the component.

(s) "Ski wax" means a lubricant applied to the bottom of snow runners, including but
not limited to skis and snowboards, to improve their grip or glide properties. Ski wax includes
related tuning products.

(t) "Textile" means an item made in whole or part from a natural or synthetic fiber, yarn,
or fabric. Textile includes but is not limited to leather, cotton, silk, jute, hemp, wool, viscose,
nylon, and polyester.

(u) "Textile furnishings" means textile goods of a type customarily used in households
and businesses, including but not limited to draperies, floor coverings, furnishings, bedding,
towels, and tablecloths.

(v) "Upholstered furniture" means an article of furniture that is designed to be used for
sitting, resting, or reclining and that is wholly or partly stuffed or filled with any filling
material.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Sec. 36.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 116.943, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Prohibitions.

(a) Beginning January 1, 2025, a person may not sell, offer for
sale, or distribute for sale in this state the following products if the product contains
intentionally added PFAS:

(1) carpets or rugs;

(2) cleaning products;

(3) cookware;

(4) cosmetics;

(5) dental floss;

(6) fabric treatments;

(7) juvenile products;

(8) menstruation products;

(9) textile furnishings;

(10) ski wax; or

(11) upholstered furniture.

new text begin (b) Paragraph (a) does not prohibit the sale, offering for sale, or distribution of a product
that contains intentionally added PFAS only in internal components that do not come into
direct contact with a person's skin or mouth during reasonably foreseeable use or abuse of
the product.
new text end

deleted text begin (b) deleted text end new text begin (c) new text end The commissioner may by rule identify additional products by category or use
that may not be sold, offered for sale, or distributed for sale in this state if they contain
intentionally added PFAS and designate effective dates. A prohibition adopted under this
paragraph must be effective no earlier than January 1, 2025, and no later than January 1,
2032. The commissioner must prioritize the prohibition of the sale of product categories
that, in the commissioner's judgment, are most likely to contaminate or harm the state's
environment and natural resources if they contain intentionally added PFAS.

deleted text begin (c) deleted text end new text begin (d) new text end Beginning January 1, 2032, a person may not sell, offer for sale, or distribute for
sale in this state any product that contains intentionally added PFAS, unless the commissioner
has determined by rule that the use of PFAS in the product is a currently unavoidable use.
The commissioner may specify specific products or product categories for which the
commissioner has determined the use of PFAS is a currently unavoidable use. The
commissioner may not determine that the use of PFAS in a product is a currently unavoidable
use if the product is listed in paragraph (a).

deleted text begin (d) deleted text end new text begin (e) new text end The commissioner may not take action under paragraph deleted text begin (b) deleted text end new text begin (c) new text end or deleted text begin (c) deleted text end new text begin (d) new text end with
respect to a pesticide, as defined under chapter 18B, a fertilizer, an agricultural liming
material, a plant amendment, or a soil amendment as defined under chapter 18C, unless the
commissioner of agriculture approves the action.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Sec. 37.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 325E.3892, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Definitions.

new text begin (a) new text end For purposes of this section, new text begin the following terms have
the meanings given.
new text end

new text begin (b) new text end "Covered product" means any of the following products or product components:

(1) jewelry;

(2) toys;

(3) cosmetics and personal care products;

(4) puzzles, board games, card games, and similar games;

(5) play sets and play structures;

(6) outdoor games;

(7) school supplies new text begin , except ink pens and mechanical pencils new text end ;

(8) pots and pans;

(9) cups, bowls, and other food containers;

(10) craft supplies and jewelry-making supplies;

(11) chalk, crayons, new text begin children's new text end paints, and other art supplies new text begin except professional artist
materials, including but not limited to oil-based paints, water-based paints, paints, pastels,
pigments, ceramic glazes, and markers new text end ;

(12) fidget spinners;

(13) costumes, costume accessories, and children's and seasonal party supplies;

(14) deleted text begin keys, deleted text end key chains deleted text begin , deleted text end and key rings; and

(15) clothing, footwear, headwear, and accessories.

new text begin (c) "Pastels" means a crayon composed of powdered pigments bonded with gum or resin.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Sec. 38.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 325E.3892, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Prohibition.

(a) A person must not import, manufacture, sell, hold for sale, or
distribute or offer for use in this state any covered product containing:

(1) lead at more than 0.009 percent by total weight (90 parts per million); or

(2) cadmium at more than 0.0075 percent by total weight (75 parts per million).

(b) This section does not apply to new text begin :
new text end

new text begin (1) new text end covered products containing lead or cadmium, or both, when regulation is preempted
by federal law new text begin ; or
new text end

new text begin (2) covered products that contain lead only in solder used in internal components or in
pen tips so long as:
new text end

new text begin (i) the product is not imported, manufactured, sold, held for sale, distributed, or offered
for use in this state after July 1, 2028; and
new text end

new text begin (ii) the manufacturer of the product submits biennial reports to the commissioner of the
Pollution Control Agency that explain the barriers to removing lead from the product,
progress toward adoption of lead-free alternatives, and a timeline for full adoption of those
alternatives new text end .

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Sec. 39.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 325F.072, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Prohibition.

(a) No person, political subdivision, or state agency shall
manufacture or knowingly sell, offer for sale, distribute for sale, or distribute for use in this
state, and no person shall use in this state, class B firefighting foam containing PFAS
chemicals.

(b) This subdivision does not apply to the manufacture, sale, distribution, or use of class
B firefighting foam for which the inclusion of PFAS chemicals is required by federal law,
including but not limited to Code of Federal Regulations, title 14, section 139.317. If a
federal requirement to include PFAS chemicals in class B firefighting foam is revoked after
January 1, 2024, class B firefighting foam subject to the revoked requirements is no longer
exempt under this paragraph effective one year after the day of revocation.

(c) This subdivision does not apply to the manufacture, sale, distribution, or use of class
B firefighting foam for purposes of use at an airport, as defined under section 360.013,
subdivision 39, until the state fire marshal makes a determination that:

(1) the Federal Aviation Administration has provided policy guidance on the transition
to fluorine-free firefighting foam;

(2) a fluorine-free firefighting foam product is included in the Federal Aviation
Administration's Qualified Product Database; and

(3) a firefighting foam product included in the database under clause (2) is commercially
available in quantities sufficient to reliably meet the requirements under Code of Federal
Regulations, title 14, part 139.

(d) Until the state fire marshal makes a determination under paragraph (c), the operator
of an airport using class B firefighting foam containing PFAS chemicals must, on or before
December 31 each calendar year, submit a report to the state fire marshal regarding the
status of the airport's conversion to class B firefighting foam products without intentionally
added PFAS, the disposal of class B firefighting foam products with intentionally added
PFAS, and an assessment of the factors listed in paragraph (c) as applied to the airport.

new text begin (e) Until January 1, 2028, this subdivision does not apply to the manufacture, sale,
distribution, or use of class B firefighting foam for use in hangar fixed firefighting systems
at an airport, as defined under section 360.013, subdivision 39. The commissioner of the
Pollution Control Agency, in consultation with the state fire marshal, may provide the
operator of an airport using class B firefighting foam containing PFAS chemicals one year
extensions beyond this date upon a showing that the need for additional time is beyond the
operator's control and that public safety and the environment will be protected during the
period of the extension.
new text end

Sec. 40.

new text begin [325F.998] SKIN-LIGHTENER NOTICE REQUIRED.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Notice required. new text end

new text begin After August 1, 2026, and annually thereafter, the
commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency must send a notice to retailers who sell
skin-lightening products that states that selling skin-lightening products that contain mercury
is illegal and subject to penalties. Additionally, the commissioner must engage in outreach
to retailers who sell skin-lightening products in order to convey the dangers of using
skin-lightening products that contain mercury.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Certification. new text end

new text begin Businesses who receive notice from the commissioner must
self-certify on a form prescribed by the commissioner that they have received the notice
and will comply with the law.
new text end

Sec. 41.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 446A.07, subdivision 8, is amended to read:

Subd. 8.

Other uses of revolving fund.

(a) The clean water revolving fund may be used
as provided in title VI of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, including the following
uses:

(1) to buy or refinance the debt obligation of governmental units for treatment works
where debt was incurred and construction begun after March 7, 1985, at or below market
rates;

(2) to guarantee or purchase insurance for local obligations to improve credit market
access or reduce interest rates;

(3) to provide a source of revenue or security for the payment of principal and interest
on revenue or general obligation bonds issued by the authority if the bond proceeds are
deposited in the fund;

(4) to provide loan guarantees, loans, or set-aside for similar revolving funds established
by a governmental unit other than state agencies, or state agencies under sections 17.117,
103F.725, subdivision 1a, and 116J.617;

(5) to earn interest on fund accounts; new text begin and
new text end

(6) to pay the reasonable costs incurred by the authority and the Pollution Control Agency
of administering the fund and conducting activities required under the Federal Water Pollution
Control Act, including water quality management planning under section 205(j) of the act
and water quality standards continuing planning under section 303(e) of the act deleted text begin ; deleted text end new text begin .
new text end

new text begin (b) The clean water revolving fund may be used to provide additional subsidization as
permitted under the federal Water Pollution Control Act and other federal law to provide
principal forgiveness or grants:
new text end

deleted text begin (7) to provide principal forgiveness or grants to the extent permitted under the Federal
Water Pollution Control Act and other federal law, deleted text end new text begin (1) new text end based on deleted text begin the deleted text end new text begin affordability new text end criteria
and requirements established for the deleted text begin wastewater deleted text end new text begin water new text end infrastructure funding program under
section 446A.072; deleted text begin and
deleted text end

deleted text begin (8) to provide loans, principal forgiveness, or grants to the extent permitted under the
Federal Water Pollution Control Act and other federal law deleted text end new text begin (2) for 25 percent of project costs
up to a maximum of $1,000,000 for projects new text end to address green infrastructure, water or energy
efficiency improvements, or other environmentally innovative activities deleted text begin . deleted text end new text begin ; and
new text end

new text begin (3) for 50 percent of project costs up to a maximum of $3,000,000 for projects that
address emerging contaminants as defined by the United States Environmental Protection
Agency.
new text end

deleted text begin (b) Amounts spent under paragraph (a), clause (6), may not exceed the amount allowed
under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act.
deleted text end

deleted text begin (c) Principal forgiveness or grants provided under paragraph (a), clause (8), may not
exceed 25 percent of the eligible project costs as determined by the Pollution Control Agency
for project components directly related to green infrastructure, water or energy efficiency
improvements, or other environmentally innovative activities, up to a maximum of
$1,000,000.
deleted text end

Sec. 42.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 473.355, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Grants.

(a) The Metropolitan Council must establish a grant program to provide
grants to cities, counties, townships, new text begin Tribal governments, new text end and implementing agencies for
the following purposes:

(1) removing and planting shade trees on public land to provide environmental benefits;

(2) replacing trees lost to forest pests, disease, or storms; and

(3) establishing a more diverse community forest better able to withstand disease and
forest pests.

(b) Any tree planted with money granted under this section must be a climate-adapted
species to Minnesota.

Sec. 43.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 473.859, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Land use plan.

(a) A land use plan must include the water management plan
required by section 103B.235, and shall designate the existing and proposed location,
intensity and extent of use of land and water, including lakes, wetlands, rivers, streams,
natural drainage courses, and adjoining land areas that affect water natural resources, for
agricultural, residential, commercial, industrial and other public and private purposes, or
any combination of such purposes.

(b) A land use plan must contain a protection element, as appropriate, for historic sites,
the matters listed in the water management plan required by section 103B.235, and an
element for protection and development of access to direct sunlight for solar energy systems.

(c) A land use plan must also include a housing element containing standards, plans and
programs for providing adequate housing opportunities to meet existing and projected local
and regional housing needs, including but not limited to the use of official controls and land
use planning to promote the availability of land for the development of low and moderate
income housing.

(d) A land use plan must also include new text begin an assessment of the impact of all land use
designations and easements on access to aggregate resources and new text end the local government's
goals, intentions, and priorities concerning aggregate and other natural resources,
transportation infrastructure, land use compatibility, habitat, agricultural preservation, and
other planning priorities, considering information regarding supply from the Minnesota
Geological Survey Information Circular No. 46.

(e) A land use plan must also include an inventory and projections pertaining to
greenhouse gas emissions and vehicle miles traveled that are generated from activity that
occurs within the local government's jurisdiction. The inventory and projections must include
the emission sources from transportation, land use, energy use, solid waste, and, where
available and applicable, livestock and agriculture. The inventory and projections must
include the estimated impact of strategies, including efficient land use and compact growth,
that reduce or naturally sequester greenhouse gas emissions across sectors.

Sec. 44.

Laws 2023, chapter 60, article 1, section 2, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Environmental Analysis and Outcomes

79,311,000

72,785,000

Appropriations by Fund
	2024	2025
General	60,103,000	53,047,000
Environmental	18,959,000	19,533,000
Remediation	249,000	205,000

(a) $122,000 the first year and $125,000 the
second year are from the general fund for:

(1) a municipal liaison to assist municipalities
in implementing and participating in the
rulemaking process for water quality standards
and navigating the NPDES/SDS permitting
process;

(2) enhanced economic analysis in the
rulemaking process for water quality
standards, including more-specific analysis
and identification of cost-effective permitting;

(3) developing statewide economic analyses
and templates to reduce the amount of
information and time required for
municipalities to apply for variances from
water quality standards; and

(4) coordinating with the Public Facilities
Authority to identify and advocate for the
resources needed for urban, suburban, and
Greater Minnesota municipalities to achieve
permit requirements.

(b) $216,000 the first year and $219,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
for a monitoring program under Minnesota
Statutes, section 116.454.

(c) $132,000 the first year and $137,000 the
second year are for monitoring water quality
and operating assistance programs.

(d) $390,000 the first year and $399,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
for monitoring ambient air for hazardous
pollutants.

(e) $106,000 the first year and $109,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
for duties related to harmful chemicals in
children's products under Minnesota Statutes,
sections 116.9401 to 116.9407. Of this
amount, $68,000 the first year and $70,000
the second year are transferred to the
commissioner of health.

(f) $128,000 the first year and $132,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
for registering wastewater laboratories.

(g) $1,492,000 the first year and $1,519,000
the second year are from the environmental
fund to continue perfluorochemical
biomonitoring in eastern metropolitan
communities, as recommended by the
Environmental Health Tracking and
Biomonitoring Advisory Panel, and to address
other environmental health risks, including air
quality. The communities must include Hmong
and other immigrant farming communities.
Of this amount, up to $1,226,000 the first year
and $1,248,000 the second year are for transfer
to the commissioner of health.

(h) $61,000 the first year and $62,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
for the listing procedures for impaired waters
required under this act.

(i) $72,000 the first year and $74,000 the
second year are from the remediation fund for
the leaking underground storage tank program
to investigate, clean up, and prevent future
releases from underground petroleum storage
tanks and for the petroleum remediation
program for vapor assessment and
remediation. These same annual amounts are
transferred from the petroleum tank fund to
the remediation fund.

(j) $500,000 the first year is to facilitate the
collaboration and modeling of greenhouse gas
impacts, costs, and benefits of strategies to
reduce statewide greenhouse gas emissions.
This is a onetime appropriation.

(k) $50,266,000 the first year and $50,270,000
the second year are to establish and implement
a local government climate resiliency and
water infrastructure grant program for local
governmental units and Tribal governments.
Of this amount, $49,100,000 each year is for
grants to support communities in planning and
implementing projects that will allow for
adaptation for a changing climate. At least 40
percent of the money granted under this
paragraph must be for projects in areas that
meet environmental justice criteria. By
December 30, 2027, the commissioner must
submit a report on the use of grant money to
the chairs and ranking minority members of
the legislative committees with jurisdiction
over environment and natural resources
finance. This appropriation is available until
June 30, 2027. The base for this appropriation
in fiscal year 2026 and beyond is $270,000.

(l) $75,000 the first year is for a grant to the
city of Fergus Falls to address water-quality
concerns at Lake Alice.

(m) $150,000 the first year is for a grant to
Rice County to address water-quality concerns
at French Lake.

(n) $75,000 the first year is for a grant to
Ramsey County to address water-quality
concerns at Round Lake.

(o) Recipients of money appropriated in
paragraphs (l), (m), and (n) may use the grants
to contract for water-quality improvement
services, testing, necessary infrastructure,
training, and maintenance.

(p) $2,070,000 the first year and $2,070,000
the second year are from the environmental
fund to develop and implement a program
related to emerging issues, including
Minnesota's PFAS Blueprint.

(q) $1,820,000 the first year and $1,820,000
the second year are from the environmental
fund to support improved management of data
collected by the agency and its partners and
regulated parties to facilitate decision-making
and public access.

(r) $500,000 the first year is from the general
fund for the report on firefighter turnout gear
and biomonitoring required under this act. Of
this amount, up to deleted text begin $250,000 deleted text end new text begin $425,000 new text end may be
transferred to the commissioner of health for
biomonitoring of firefighters. new text begin This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2027.
new text end

(s) $500,000 the first year is to develop
protocols to be used by agencies and
departments for sampling and testing
groundwater, surface water, public drinking
water, and private wells for microplastics and
nanoplastics and to begin implementation. The
commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency
may transfer money appropriated under this
paragraph to the commissioners of agriculture,
natural resources, and health to implement the
protocols developed. This is a onetime
appropriation and is available until June 30,
2025.

(t) $50,000 the first year is from the
remediation fund for the work group on PFAS
manufacturer fees and report required under
this act.

(u) $387,000 the first year and $90,000 the
second year are to develop and implement the
requirements for fish kills under Minnesota
Statutes, sections 103G.216 and 103G.2165.
Of this amount, up to $331,000 the first year
and $90,000 the second year may be
transferred to the commissioners of health,
natural resources, agriculture, and public
safety and to the Board of Regents of the
University of Minnesota as necessary to
implement those sections. The base for this
appropriation for fiscal year 2026 and beyond
is $7,000.

(v) $63,000 the first year and $92,000 the
second year are for transfer to the
commissioner of health for amending the
health risk limit for PFOS. This is a onetime
appropriation and is available until June 30,
2026.

(w) $5,000,000 the first year is for community
air-monitoring grants as provided in this act.
This is a onetime appropriation and is
available until June 30, 2027.

(x) $2,333,000 the first year and $2,333,000
the second year are to adopt rules and
implement air toxics emissions requirements
under Minnesota Statutes, section 116.062.
The general fund appropriations are onetime
and are available until June 30, 2027. The base
for this appropriation is $0 in fiscal year 2026
and $1,400,000 from the environmental fund
in fiscal year 2027 and beyond.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective retroactively from July 1, 2023.
new text end

Sec. 45.

Laws 2023, chapter 60, article 1, section 2, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Subd. 7. Resource Management and Assistance

82,000,000

57,974,000

Appropriations by Fund
	2024	2025
General	38,464,000	13,850,000
Environmental	43,536,000	44,124,000

(a) Up to $150,000 the first year and $150,000
the second year may be transferred from the
environmental fund to the small business
environmental improvement loan account
under Minnesota Statutes, section 116.993.

(b) $1,000,000 the first year and $1,000,000
the second year are for competitive recycling
grants under Minnesota Statutes, section
115A.565. Of this amount, $300,000 the first
year and $300,000 the second year are from
the general fund, and $700,000 the first year
and $700,000 the second year are from the
environmental fund. This appropriation is
available until June 30, 2027.

(c) $694,000 the first year and $694,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
for emission-reduction activities and grants to
small businesses and other
nonpoint-emission-reduction efforts. Of this
amount, $100,000 the first year and $100,000
the second year are to continue work with
Clean Air Minnesota, and the commissioner
may enter into an agreement with
Environmental Initiative to support this effort.

(d) $18,450,000 the first year and $18,450,000
the second year are from the environmental
fund for SCORE block grants to counties.

(e) $119,000 the first year and $119,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
for environmental assistance grants or loans
under Minnesota Statutes, section 115A.0716.

(f) $400,000 the first year and $400,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
for grants to develop and expand recycling
markets for Minnesota businesses. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2027.

(g) $767,000 the first year and $770,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
for reducing and diverting food waste,
redirecting edible food for consumption, and
removing barriers to collecting and recovering
organic waste. Of this amount, $500,000 each
year is for grants to increase food rescue and
waste prevention. This appropriation is
available until June 30, 2027.

(h) $2,797,000 the first year and $2,811,000
the second year are from the environmental
fund for the purposes of Minnesota Statutes,
section 473.844.

(i) $318,000 the first year and $324,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
to address chemicals in products, including to
implement and enforce flame retardant
provisions under Minnesota Statutes, section
325F.071, and perfluoroalkyl and
polyfluoroalkyl substances in food packaging
provisions under Minnesota Statutes, section
325F.075. Of this amount, $78,000 the first
year and $80,000 the second year are
transferred to the commissioner of health.

(j) $180,000 the first year and $140,000 the
second year are for quantifying climate-related
impacts from projects for environmental
review. This is a onetime appropriation. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2026.

(k) $1,790,000 the first year and $70,000 the
second year are for accelerating pollution
prevention at small businesses. Of this amount,
$1,720,000 the first year is new text begin for transfer to the
environmental fund new text end for zero-interest loans new text begin
under Minnesota Statutes, section 116.993, new text end to
phase out high-polluting equipment, products,
and processes and replace with new options.
This appropriation is available until June 30,
2027. This is a onetime appropriation.

(l) $190,000 the first year and $190,000 the
second year are to support the Greenstep Cities
program. This is a onetime appropriation. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2026.

(m) $420,000 the first year is to complete a
study on the viability of recycling solar energy
equipment. This is a onetime appropriation
and is available until June 30, 2026.

(n) $650,000 the first year and $650,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
for Minnesota GreenCorps investment.

(o) $4,210,000 the first year and $210,000 the
second year are for PFAS reduction grants.
Of this amount, $4,000,000 the first year is
for grants to industry and public entities to
identify sources of PFAS entering facilities
and to develop pollution prevention and
reduction initiatives to reduce PFAS entering
facilities, prevent releases, and monitor the
effectiveness of these projects. Priority must
be given to projects in underserved
communities. This is a onetime appropriation
and is available until June 30, 2027.

(p) $12,940,000 the first year and $12,940,000
the second year are for a waste prevention and
reduction grants and loan program. This is a
onetime appropriation and is available until
June 30, 2027. Of this amount in the first year,
$7,950,000 is for waste prevention and
reduction grants and loans and $3,000,000 is
for a grant to the owner of a biomass energy
generation plant in Shakopee that uses waste
heat from the generation of electricity in the
malting process to purchase a wood dehydrator
to facilitate disposal of wood that is infested
by the emerald ash borer. Of this amount in
the second year, $10,950,000 is for waste
prevention and reduction grants and loans new text begin ,
including $1,000,000 for transfer to the
environmental fund for the purposes of
Minnesota Statutes, section 115A.0716 new text end . By
October 1, 2024, the commissioner of the
Pollution Control Agency must report to the
chairs and ranking minority members of the
legislative committees and divisions with
jurisdiction over environment and natural
resources on the use of money appropriated
for the wood dehydrator under this paragraph.

(q) $16,562,000 the first year is for grants to
a Minnesota nonprofit corporation that owns
a cogeneration facility that serves a St. Paul
district heating and cooling system to preserve
existing biomass energy infrastructure for
purposes of local and regional emerald ash
borer response efforts. The commissioner of
the Pollution Control Agency may require the
nonprofit corporation to charge a fee per ton
of wood waste delivered to the facility. This
is a onetime appropriation and is available
until June 30, 2030.

(r) $1,163,000 the first year and $1,115,000
the second year are from the environmental
fund for rulemaking and implementation of
the new PFAS requirements under Minnesota
Statutes, section 116.943. Of this amount,
$312,000 the first year and $468,000 the
second year are for transfer to the
commissioner of health.

(s) $680,000 the first year is for the resource
management report required in this act. This
is a onetime appropriation and is available
until June 30, 2026.

(t) $35,000 the second year is from the
environmental fund for the compostable
labeling requirements under Minnesota
Statutes, section 325E.046. The base for this
appropriation in fiscal year 2026 and beyond
is $68,000 from the environmental fund.

(u) $175,000 the first year is for the
rulemaking required under this act providing
for the safe and lawful disposal of waste
treated seed. This appropriation is available
until June 30, 2025.

(v) $1,000,000 the first year is for a lead tackle
reduction program that provides outreach,
education, and opportunities to safely dispose
of and exchange lead tackle throughout the
state. This is a onetime appropriation and is
available until June 30, 2027.

(w) $17,000 the first year is for rulemaking
for the capital assistance program. This is a
onetime appropriation.

(x) Any unencumbered grant and loan
balances in the first year do not cancel but are
available for grants and loans in the second
year. Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes,
section 16A.28, the appropriations
encumbered on or before June 30, 2025, as
contracts or grants for environmental
assistance awarded under Minnesota Statutes,
section 115A.0716; technical and research
assistance under Minnesota Statutes, section
115A.152; technical assistance under
Minnesota Statutes, section 115A.52; and
pollution prevention assistance under
Minnesota Statutes, section 115D.04, are
available until June 30, 2027.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective retroactively from July 1, 2023.
new text end

Sec. 46.

Laws 2023, chapter 60, article 1, section 3, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6. Fish and Wildlife Management

111,125,000

96,963,000

Appropriations by Fund
	2024	2025
General	23,643,000	9,888,000
Natural Resources	2,082,000	2,082,000
Game and Fish	85,400,000	84,993,000

(a) $11,158,000 the first year and $11,158,000
the second year are from the heritage
enhancement account in the game and fish
fund only for activities specified under
Minnesota Statutes, section 297A.94,
paragraph (h), clause (1). Notwithstanding
Minnesota Statutes, section 297A.94, five
percent of this appropriation may be used for
expanding hunter and angler recruitment and
retention.

(b) $982,000 the first year and $982,000 the
second year are from the general fund and
$1,675,000 the first year and $1,675,000 the
second year are from the game and fish fund
for statewide response and management of
chronic wasting disease. The commissioner
and the Board of Animal Health must each
submit annual reports on chronic wasting
disease activities funded in this biennium to
the chairs and ranking minority members of
the legislative committees and divisions with
jurisdiction over environment and natural
resources and agriculture. The general fund
base for this appropriation in fiscal year 2026
and beyond is $282,000.

(c) $5,150,000 the first year and $3,250,000
the second year are for inspections,
investigations, and enforcement activities
taken for the white-tailed deer farm program
and for statewide response and management
of chronic wasting disease. This appropriation
is available until June 30, 2029.

(d) $8,546,000 the first year and $8,546,000
the second year are from the deer management
account for the purposes identified in
Minnesota Statutes, section 97A.075,
subdivision 1.

(e) $268,000 the first year and $268,000 the
second year are for increased capacity for
broadband utility licensing for state lands and
public waters. This is a onetime appropriation
and is available until June 30, 2028.

(f) $10,000,000 the first year is for enhancing
prairies and grasslands and restoring wetlands
on state-owned wildlife management areas to
sequester more carbon and enhance climate
resiliency. This is a onetime appropriation and
is available until June 30, 2027.

(g) $500,000 the first year and $500,000 the
second year are from the general fund and
$500,000 the first year and $500,000 the
second year are from the heritage enhancement
account in the game and fish fund for grants
for natural-resource-based education and
recreation programs serving youth under
Minnesota Statutes, section 84.976, and for
grant administration. Priority must be given
to projects benefiting underserved
communities. The base for this appropriation
in fiscal year 2026 and beyond is $500,000
from the heritage enhancement account in the
game and fish fund. The general fund
appropriation is onetime.

(h) $2,300,000 the first year is for a grant to
the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior
Chippewa to expand Minnesota's wild elk
population and range. Consideration must be
given to moving elk from existing herds in
northwest Minnesota to the area of the Fond
du Lac State Forest and the Fond du Lac
Reservation in Carlton and southern St. Louis
Counties. The Fond du Lac Band of Lake
Superior Chippewa's elk reintroduction efforts
must undergo thorough planning with the
Department of Natural Resources to develop
necessary capture and handling protocols,
including protocols related to cervid disease
management, and to produce postrelease state
and Tribal elk comanagement plans. Of this
amount, $300,000 is for the department for
the purposes of this paragraph. This is a
onetime appropriation and is available until
June 30, 2026.

(i) $767,000 the first year is from the heritage
enhancement account in the game and fish
fund to examine the effects of neonicotinoid
exposure on the reproduction and survival of
Minnesota's game species, including deer and
prairie chicken. This is a onetime
appropriation and is available until June 30,
2027.

(j) $134,000 the first year and $134,000 the
second year are from the heritage enhancement
account in the game and fish fund for native
fish conservation and classification.

(k) $82,000 the first year is for the native fish
reports required under this act. This is a
onetime appropriation.

(l) $65,000 the first year is for preparing the
report on feral pigs and mink required under
this act and holding at least one public meeting
on the topic.

(m) Up to $5,750,000 the first year and up to
$2,225,000 the second year are available for
transfer from the critical habitat private sector
matching account to the reinvest in Minnesota
fund for wildlife management areas
acquisition, restoration, and enhancement
according to Minnesota Statutes, section
84.943, subdivision 5b.

(n) Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes,
section 297A.94, $300,000 the first year and
$300,000 the second year are from the heritage
enhancement account in the game and fish
fund for shooting sports facility grants under
Minnesota Statutes, section 87A.10, including
grants for archery facilities. Grants must be
matched with a nonstate match, which may
include in-kind contributions. This is a
onetime appropriation and is available until
June 30, deleted text begin 2026 deleted text end new text begin 2028 new text end . deleted text begin This appropriation must
be allocated as follows:
deleted text end

deleted text begin (1) $200,000 each fiscal year is for grants of
$25,000 or less; and
deleted text end

deleted text begin (2) $100,000 each fiscal year is for grants in
excess of $25,000.
deleted text end

(o) $75,000 the first year is from the heritage
enhancement account in the game and fish
fund for enhanced fish stocking of white bass
and crappies in lakes in the metropolitan area
that have pier and shore fishing opportunities
where communities are currently underserved.

(p) $1,633,000 the first year is for a grant to
the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota for chronic wasting disease
contingency plans developed by the Center
for Infectious Disease Research and Policy.
This is a onetime appropriation.

(q) $900,000 the first year is to create new or
expand existing outreach and education
programs for non-native English-speaking
communities. Of this amount, $250,000 is for
the commissioner of the Pollution Control
Agency and $250,000 is for the Board of
Water and Soil Resources for this purpose. Up
to $400,000 may be used to expand the
Fishing in the Neighborhood program for
outreach to new and underserved audiences.
This appropriation may be used for community
outreach consultants for reaching new
audiences. This is a onetime appropriation and
is available until June 30, 2027.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Sec. 47. new text begin MINNESOTA SUSTAINABLE FORAGING TASK FORCE.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Membership. new text end

new text begin (a) The task force shall consist of the following members:
new text end

new text begin (1) two members of the senate, one appointed by the majority leader of the senate and
one appointed by the minority leader of the senate;
new text end

new text begin (2) two members of the house of representatives, one appointed by the speaker of the
house of representatives and one appointed by the minority leader of the house of
representatives;
new text end

new text begin (3) two members appointed by the Minnesota Mycological Society, of which one member
must be an owner of a small business;
new text end

new text begin (4) two members appointed by the Minnesota Foraging Alliance, of which one member
must be from an underrepresented cultural group;
new text end

new text begin (5) two scientists with expertise in botany, ecology, and environmental science appointed
by the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota;
new text end

new text begin (6) three representatives of the Department of Natural Resources involved with managing
state parks, forestry, fish and wildlife, and public lands appointed by the commissioner of
natural resources;
new text end

new text begin (7) one member of the Minnesota Ojibwe Tribe appointed by the Minnesota Indian
Affairs Council;
new text end

new text begin (8) one member of the Minnesota Dakota Tribe appointed by the Minnesota Indian
Affairs Council; and
new text end

new text begin (9) two representatives with expertise on local ecosystems, species recovery, and
sustainable harvesting appointed by the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota
Extension.
new text end

new text begin (b) A member appointed under paragraph (a) may not be a registered lobbyist.
new text end

new text begin (c) The appointing authorities must make the appointments by August 1, 2025.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Duties. new text end

new text begin The task force must:
new text end

new text begin (1) gather and review data and information, including traditional ecological knowledge,
on the impact of foraging on species resilience, ecosystem health, and other aspects of
Minnesota's diverse biomes;
new text end

new text begin (2) review existing regulations governing foraging activities on state lands;
new text end

new text begin (3) develop recommendations for science-based, including traditional ecological
knowledge, foraging guidelines for state lands that balance public access with conservation
needs, setting limits on foraging activities only where supported by data. The
recommendations must be in the form of draft statutory or rule language and must be
consistent with Indigenous and other cultural practices and traditions;
new text end

new text begin (4) develop recommendations for increasing public understanding of sustainable foraging
practices that include safety and ecological considerations;
new text end

new text begin (5) solicit public input, when appropriate; and
new text end

new text begin (6) develop recommendations for reduced-priced foraging permits.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Administrative support; meetings. new text end

new text begin (a) The Legislative Coordinating
Commission must provide administrative support and convene the first meeting by September
1, 2025.
new text end

new text begin (b) The commissioner of natural resources must provide subject matter resources and
expertise, including information on the management of, and flora and fauna on, state lands,
as requested by the task force.
new text end

new text begin (c) The task force must meet at regular intervals as often as necessary to accomplish the
goals enumerated under subdivision 2. Meetings of the task force are subject to the Minnesota
Open Meeting Law under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 13D.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Chair. new text end

new text begin The task force must elect a chair at its first meeting from among the
legislative members.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Legislative recommendations; expiration. new text end

new text begin By February 28, 2026, the task
force must submit a written report containing its findings and recommendations to the
commissioner of natural resources and to the chairs and ranking minority members of the
legislative committees with primary jurisdiction over natural resources policy. The
recommendations in the report must be specific and actionable. The report must detail the
proposals for changes or additions to statute or rules to effectuate the task force's
recommendations. The task force expires March 15, 2026, or upon submission of the report
required by this subdivision, whichever occurs later.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Compensation; expense reimbursement. new text end

new text begin Members of the task force appointed
under subdivision 1, paragraph (a), clauses (1) and (2), may receive per diem and
reimbursement for expenses as provided in the rules of their respective bodies. Other
members of the task force may be compensated and have expenses reimbursed as provided
in Minnesota Statutes, section 15.059, subdivision 3.
new text end

Sec. 48. new text begin MORATORIUM ON FORAGING RULES.
new text end

new text begin The commissioner of natural resources shall not commence or complete any rulemaking
on foraging before July 1, 2027.
new text end

Sec. 49. new text begin EXTENSION OF CERTAIN TIMBER PERMITS.
new text end

new text begin If the holder of a timber permit that expires in 2025 has been unable to cut and remove
some or all of the timber described in the permit, then, notwithstanding any provisions to
the contrary in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 90, the commissioner of natural resources must
grant an extension of the permit for two years without penalty or interest upon written
request to the commissioner by the holder of the permit.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Sec. 50. new text begin AUDIT OF AGGREGATE TAX AND THE USE OF THE REVENUES
COLLECTED BY COUNTIES.
new text end

new text begin The Office of the Legislative Auditor is directed to conduct a program audit of the
aggregate production tax established by Minnesota Statutes, section 298.75, to include the
following by individual participating county and covering all fiscal years since the county
established the tax:
new text end

new text begin (1) a report on total revenues collected by fiscal year;
new text end

new text begin (2) a report on how revenues are distributed between maintenance, construction, and
reconstruction of roads, highways, and bridges;
new text end

new text begin (3) a report as to the funding priority given to roads, highways, and bridges that service
or are impacted by aggregate operations;
new text end

new text begin (4) a report as to whether the county distributes aggregate tax revenues on a project or
formula basis;
new text end

new text begin (5) a report as to distribution and expenditure of funds for aggregate mine reclamation
activities; and
new text end

new text begin (6) a report on how tax revenue deposited in the special reserve fund established in
Minnesota Statutes, section 298.75, subdivision 7, paragraph (c), clause (3), has been
expended since each county began collecting the tax.
new text end

Sec. 51. new text begin RECOMMENDATIONS FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT PERMITTING
CHANGES TO PROTECT AGGREGATE RESOURCES.
new text end

new text begin By February 1, 2027, the commissioner of natural resources, in consultation with the
Minnesota Asphalt Paving Association, the Aggregate and Ready Mix Association of
Minnesota, the Association of Minnesota Counties, and other interested stakeholders, must
make recommendations to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative
committees with primary jurisdiction over environment and local government for statutory
changes that would facilitate local government permitting processes that adequately protect
the state's aggregate resources and foster environmentally responsible reclamation of former
aggregate mining sites.
new text end

Sec. 52. new text begin REPEALER.
new text end

new text begin Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 103E.067; 116C.04, subdivision 11; 116C.991; and
116D.04, subdivision 5b, new text end new text begin are repealed.
new text end

ARTICLE 5

STATE LANDS

Section 1. new text begin ADDITION TO STATE PARK.
new text end

new text begin [85.012] [Subd. 11] Carley State Park, Wabasha County. The following area is added
to Carley State Park: That part of Section 32, Township 108 North, Range 11 West, Wabasha
County, Minnesota, described as follows: Beginning at the South Quarter corner stake of
said Section 32; thence North 15-1/2 degrees East along road 425 feet; thence North 17
degrees East 290 feet; thence North 53 degrees East 280 feet; thence North 17 degrees East
115 feet; thence North 6-1/2 degrees West 643 feet; thence North 72-1/2 degrees West 720
feet; thence North across river 690 feet; thence South 62 degrees East 263 feet along northerly
bank of river; thence North 250 feet to center of said Section 32; thence East 1,320 feet;
thence North 440 feet to river; thence North 54-1/2 degrees East 224 feet along center of
river; thence North 75 degrees East 192 feet; thence South 49 degrees East 115 feet; thence
North 79 degrees East 155 feet; thence North 62 degrees East 232 feet; thence North 86
degrees East 293 feet; thence North 64 degrees East 255 feet; thence South 3,368 feet, more
or less to the southeast corner of Section 32; thence West 2,643.13 feet to the place of
beginning.
new text end

new text begin EXCEPTING therefrom that portion lying West of the centerline of Wabasha County
Road No. 4 owned by the State of Minnesota and A. M. Christenson.
new text end

new text begin ALSO EXCEPTING that part of the East Half of Section 32, Township 108 North,
Range 11 West, Wabasha County, Minnesota, described as follows: Beginning at the South
Quarter corner stake of said Section 32; thence North 15-1/2 degrees East along road 425
feet; thence North 17 degrees East 290 feet; thence North 53 degrees East 280 feet; thence
South 80 degrees 02 minutes 23 seconds East 304.46 feet; thence North 6 degrees 12 minutes
49 seconds West 483.31 feet; thence South 89 degrees 54 minutes 25 seconds East 386.31
feet; thence North 1 degree 39 minutes 32 seconds East 358.66 feet; thence North 36 degrees
14 minutes 35 seconds East 693.46 feet; thence North 81 degrees 03 minutes 15 seconds
East 349.81 feet; thence North 1 degree 49 minutes 43 seconds West 298.16 feet; thence
North 79 degrees 04 minutes 47 seconds East 529.39 feet; thence South 35 degrees 46
minutes 01 seconds East to the east line of the Southeast Quarter of Section 32; thence
southerly along the east line of said Southeast Quarter to the southeast corner of said
Southeast Quarter of Section 32; thence on a bearing of West along the south line of said
Southeast Quarter 2,643.13 feet to the point of beginning.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin PRIVATE SALE OF TAX-FORFEITED LAND; AITKIN COUNTY.
new text end

new text begin (a) Notwithstanding the public sale provisions of Minnesota Statutes, chapter 282, or
other law to the contrary, Aitkin County may sell by private sale the tax-forfeited land
described in paragraph (c).
new text end

new text begin (b) The conveyance must be in a form approved by the attorney general. The attorney
general may make changes to the land description to correct errors and ensure accuracy.
new text end

new text begin (c) The land to be sold is located in Aitkin County and is described as: the West 20 feet
of the East 932 feet of the South 208 feet of the Southeast Quarter of the Southeast Quarter,
as in DOC 203542, Section 32, Township 46 North, Range 25 West (0.1 acres) (parcel
number 09-0-054803).
new text end

new text begin (d) The county has determined that the county's land management interests would best
be served if the lands were returned to private ownership.
new text end

Sec. 3. new text begin PRIVATE SALE OF TAX-FORFEITED LAND; AITKIN COUNTY.
new text end

new text begin (a) Notwithstanding the public sale provisions of Minnesota Statutes, chapter 282, or
other law to the contrary, Aitkin County may sell by private sale the tax-forfeited lands
described in paragraph (c).
new text end

new text begin (b) The conveyance must be in a form approved by the attorney general. The attorney
general may make changes to the land description to correct errors and ensure accuracy.
new text end

new text begin (c) The land to be sold is located in Aitkin County and is described as: the East 32 feet
of the West 250 feet of Lot 5 and the East 32 feet of the West 250 feet of the North 10 feet
of Lot 3, Hill City Realty Cos Fourth Addition, Section 14, Township 52 North, Range 26
West, Aitkin County, Minnesota (0.1 acres) (parcel number 57-1-073003).
new text end

new text begin (d) The county has determined that the county's land management interests would best
be served if the lands were returned to private ownership.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Sec. 4. new text begin PRIVATE SALE OF TAX-FORFEITED LAND; ITASCA COUNTY.
new text end

new text begin (a) Notwithstanding the public sale provisions of Minnesota Statutes, chapter 282, or
other law to the contrary, Itasca County may sell by private sale the tax-forfeited lands
described in paragraph (c).
new text end

new text begin (b) The conveyance must be in a form approved by the attorney general. The attorney
general may make changes to the land description to correct errors and ensure accuracy.
new text end

new text begin (c) The lands to be sold are located in Itasca County and are described as: That part of
the Southwest Quarter of the Southeast Quarter, Section 15, Township 59 North, Range 24
west of the Fourth Principal Meridian, Itasca County, Minnesota, further described as
follows: Commencing at the northwest corner of said Southwest Quarter of the Southeast
Quarter; thence North 89 degrees 01 minutes 34 seconds East, assigned bearing, along the
north line of said Southwest Quarter of the Southeast Quarter a distance of 255.80 feet to
the point of beginning; thence South 10 degrees 50 minutes 31 seconds East a distance of
604.37 feet; thence North 55 degrees 26 minutes 17 seconds East a distance of 672.63 feet,
more or less to the centerline of County Road 52; thence North 51 degrees 32 minutes 12
seconds West along said centerline a distance of 351.56 feet to said north line of the
Southwest Quarter of the Southeast Quarter; thence South 89 degrees 01 minutes 34 seconds
West along said north line a distance of 392.39 feet to the point of beginning.
new text end

new text begin (d) The county has determined that the county's land management interests would best
be served if the lands were returned to private ownership.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Sec. 5. new text begin PRIVATE SALE OF TAX-FORFEITED LAND; ST. LOUIS COUNTY.
new text end

new text begin (a) Notwithstanding the public sale provisions of Minnesota Statutes, chapter 282, or
other law to the contrary, St. Louis County may sell by private sale the tax-forfeited land
described in paragraph (c).
new text end

new text begin (b) The conveyance must be in a form approved by the attorney general. The attorney
general may make changes to the land description to correct errors and ensure accuracy.
new text end

new text begin (c) The land to be sold is located in St. Louis County and is described as:
new text end

new text begin (1) the easterly 15 feet of Lot 5, Block 47, West Duluth 6th Division, Section 7, Township
49, Range 14 (parcel number 010-4520-06505); and
new text end

new text begin (2) that part of the Northwest Quarter of the Northwest Quarter described as follows:
beginning at the northwest corner continue due East parallel with the north boundary line
a distance of 330 feet to a point of beginning; thence due South parallel with the west
boundary line a distance of 400 feet to a point; thence due East parallel with the north
boundary line a distance of 190 feet to a point; thence due North parallel with the west
boundary a distance of 60 feet to a point; thence due East parallel with the north boundary
line a distance of 140 feet to a point; thence due North parallel with the west boundary line
a distance of 340 feet to a point; thence due West parallel with the north boundary line a
distance of 330 feet to the point of beginning, Section 14, Township 54, Range 20 (parcel
number 550-0020-02294).
new text end

new text begin (d) The county has determined that the county's land management interests would best
be served if the lands were returned to private ownership.
new text end

ARTICLE 6

ELECTRONIC WASTE AND BATTERY STEWARDSHIP

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 115.071, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Remedies available.

The provisions of sections 103F.701 to 103F.755,
this chapter and chapters 114C, 115A, and 116, and sections 325E.10 to deleted text begin 325E.1251 deleted text end new text begin 325E.12 new text end
and 325E.32 and all rules, standards, orders, stipulation agreements, schedules of compliance,
and permits adopted or issued by the agency thereunder or under any other law now in force
or hereafter enacted for the prevention, control, or abatement of pollution may be enforced
by any one or any combination of the following: criminal prosecution; action to recover
civil penalties; injunction; action to compel or cease performance; or other appropriate
action, in accordance with the provisions of said chapters and this section.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective January 1, 2028.
new text end

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 115A.121, is amended to read:

115A.121 TOXICS AND POLLUTION PREVENTION EVALUATION;
CONSOLIDATED REPORT.

The commissioner shall prepare and adopt a report on pollution prevention activities
required in chapters 115A, 115D, and 325E. deleted text begin The report must include activities required
under section 115A.1320. deleted text end The commissioner must submit the report to the senate and house
of representatives committees having jurisdiction over environment and natural resources
by December 31, 2013, and every four years thereafter.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective January 1, 2027.
new text end

Sec. 3.

new text begin [115A.1331] STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM FOR CIRCUIT BOARDS,
BATTERIES, AND ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS; DEFINITIONS.
new text end

new text begin (a) The terms used in sections 115A.1331 to 115A.1347 have the meanings given in this
section.
new text end

new text begin (b) "Battery" means one or more galvanic cells, including any structural members,
insulative casing, and terminals.
new text end

new text begin (c) "Board" means the Covered Products Reimbursement Board established under section
115A.1333.
new text end

new text begin (d) "Brand" means a trademark, including both a registered and an unregistered trademark;
a logo; a name; a symbol; a word; an identifier; or a traceable mark that identifies a covered
product or other electrical product and identifies the owner or licensee of the brand as the
producer of the product.
new text end

new text begin (e) "Circuit board" means a nonconductive substrate onto which one or more layers of
conductive paths have been printed or wires attached for mounting and interconnecting
electronic components, such as resistors, capacitors, diodes, transistors, integrated circuit
chips, and connecting wires. Circuit boards include printed circuit boards, printed wiring
boards, and any other style or type of circuit board.
new text end

new text begin (f) "Collection site" means a physical location where a collector collects covered products
and other electrical products from members of the public and businesses. Collection site
includes a location regardless of whether it is operated permanently, temporarily, or for
purposes of a collection event.
new text end

new text begin (g) "Collector" means a person that collects covered products and other electrical products
on behalf of the stewardship organization and receives reimbursement from the stewardship
organization for the collector's costs to collect and manage the products.
new text end

new text begin (h) "Covered battery" means a battery of any type, physical size, or energy capacity
including but not limited to batteries designed and marketed for sale or resale for use in
lawn care equipment as defined in section 181A.116, off-highway vehicles, snowmobiles,
watercraft, tools, household items, lights, or devices powered by an internal combustion
engine. A covered battery does not include:
new text end

new text begin (1) a lead acid battery subject to sections 325E.115 and 325E.1151;
new text end

new text begin (2) a battery designed, manufactured, and intended solely for use in manufacturing,
industrial, or other commercial settings; or
new text end

new text begin (3) a battery designed, manufactured, and intended solely for use in a medical device,
as defined in the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, United States Code, title 21, section
301 et seq.
new text end

new text begin (i) "Covered circuit board" means any circuit board except a circuit board from:
new text end

new text begin (1) a major appliance;
new text end

new text begin (2) an appliance or tool powered by electrical power of equal to or greater than 240 volts
alternating current; or
new text end

new text begin (3) an appliance or tool designed, manufactured, and intended solely for use in
manufacturing, industrial, or other commercial settings.
new text end

new text begin (j) "Covered product" means:
new text end

new text begin (1) a covered circuit board;
new text end

new text begin (2) a covered battery;
new text end

new text begin (3) a cathode-ray tube; or
new text end

new text begin (4) a product that has a covered circuit board, a covered battery, or a cathode-ray tube
contained within it or otherwise attached or connected to it, except:
new text end

new text begin (i) a medical device, as defined in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, United
States Code, title 21, section 301 et seq.;
new text end

new text begin (ii) any device powered by an internal combustion engine;
new text end

new text begin (iii) an off-highway vehicle, watercraft, or snowmobile; and
new text end

new text begin (iv) a motor vehicle, as defined in section 168.002.
new text end

new text begin (k) "Covered services" means collection, sorting, storage, transport, processing, repair,
refurbishment, reuse, recycling, reclamation of useful materials from, or disposal of covered
products, other electrical products, and residual materials.
new text end

new text begin (l) "De minimis producer" means a producer that, in the most recent calendar year, had
fewer than 100 covered products that were sold in or into the state and for which the producer
was responsible.
new text end

new text begin (m) "Facilitate a sale" means to assist a person in transferring title or possession of a
covered product or other electrical product, regardless of whether title or possession is ever
acquired by the person facilitating a sale, such as by operating an online marketplace,
publishing an offer for sale on a website, physically storing inventory of products, entering
into a contract to allow another person to list a product for sale, processing payment on
behalf of another person, entering into a contract with a buyer or a seller related to a sale,
or otherwise providing a sales process. Facilitate a sale does not include acting solely as:
new text end

new text begin (1) an advertiser;
new text end

new text begin (2) a payment processor; or
new text end

new text begin (3) a common carrier.
new text end

new text begin (n) "Full collection site" means a collection site that meets the requirements of section
115A.1341, subdivision 1, paragraph (b).
new text end

new text begin (o) "Household hazardous waste collection program" means a program established under
section 115A.96 to collect and manage household hazardous waste as defined in that section.
new text end

new text begin (p) "Independent auditor" means an independent and actively licensed certified public
accountant that is:
new text end

new text begin (1) retained by the stewardship organization;
new text end

new text begin (2) not otherwise employed by or affiliated with the stewardship organization; and
new text end

new text begin (3) qualified to conduct an audit under section 115A.1337, subdivision 5, paragraph (b),
clause (8).
new text end

new text begin (q) "Off-highway vehicle" has the meaning given in section 84.771.
new text end

new text begin (r) "Organohalogenated chemical" has the meaning given in section 325F.071.
new text end

new text begin (s) "Other electrical product" means an appliance or tool that is powered by electricity
provided through a flexible cord with an attached standardized plug intended for temporary,
manual connection to the electrical distribution system in a residential or commercial
structure. Other electrical product does not include:
new text end

new text begin (1) a covered product;
new text end

new text begin (2) a major appliance;
new text end

new text begin (3) an appliance or tool powered by electrical power of greater than 240 volts alternating
current; or
new text end

new text begin (4) an appliance or tool designed, manufactured, and intended solely for use in
manufacturing, industrial, or other commercial settings.
new text end

new text begin (t) "Partial collection site" means a collection site that meets the requirements of section
115A.1341, subdivision 1, paragraph (c), and does not meet the requirements of paragraph
(b) of that subdivision.
new text end

new text begin (u) "Participant" means a producer that is named by the stewardship organization as
meeting the producer's obligations under sections 115A.1331 to 115A.1347 to contract with
a stewardship organization and to pay for a stewardship program that meets the producer's
obligations on the producer's behalf.
new text end

new text begin (v) "Producer" means, with respect to a covered product or other electrical product that
is sold, including online sales; offered for sale or promotional purposes; or distributed in
or into the state:
new text end

new text begin (1) a person that manufactured:
new text end

new text begin (i) the covered product;
new text end

new text begin (ii) any component of the covered product if the component is also a covered product;
or
new text end

new text begin (iii) the other electrical product;
new text end

new text begin (2) a person that imported into the United States:
new text end

new text begin (i) the covered product;
new text end

new text begin (ii) any component of the covered product if the component is also a covered product;
or
new text end

new text begin (iii) the other electrical product; and
new text end

new text begin (3) a person that owns or controls or is licensed to use a brand under which the covered
product or other electrical product is sold, including online sales; offered for sale or
promotional purposes; or distributed in or into the state.
new text end

new text begin (w) "Responsible market" means a market for covered products and other electrical
products, for reusable or repairable components of covered products and other electrical
products, for reclaimed materials from covered products and other electrical products, or
for any other recyclable residues from covered products and other electrical products that:
new text end

new text begin (1) reuses, recycles, or otherwise recovers materials and disposes of contaminants in a
manner that protects the environment and minimizes risks to public health and worker health
and safety;
new text end

new text begin (2) complies with all applicable federal, state, and local statutes, rules, ordinances, and
other laws governing environmental, health, safety, and financial responsibility;
new text end

new text begin (3) possesses all licenses and permits required by a federal or state agency or political
subdivision;
new text end

new text begin (4) if operating in the state, recycles covered products and other electrical products to
the maximum extent practicable in accordance with section 115A.02, paragraph (b); and
new text end

new text begin (5) minimizes adverse impacts to environmental justice areas.
new text end

new text begin (x) "Snowmobile" has the meaning given in section 84.81, subdivision 3.
new text end

new text begin (y) "Specialized battery or circuit board recycler" means a person that, if and as
applicable, is properly authorized by the commissioner or, if operating in another state, an
equivalent state or federal governmental body, to process, repair, refurbish, facilitate reuse
of, recycle, or reclaim useful materials from covered products.
new text end

new text begin (z) "Stewardship organization" means a nonprofit organization as described in section
501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code that enters into a contract with producers to draft
and submit a plan for a stewardship program under sections 115A.1331 to 115A.1347, and
to be responsible for administering and implementing that plan on the producers' behalf.
new text end

new text begin (aa) "Stewardship plan" means a plan that is prepared according to section 115A.1335
and submitted to the commissioner by a stewardship organization.
new text end

new text begin (bb) "Stewardship program" means a system implemented by a stewardship organization
that provides and pays for covered services and all other activities described in a stewardship
plan approved by the commissioner under section 115A.1335, subdivision 4.
new text end

new text begin (cc) "Watercraft" has the meaning given in section 86B.005, subdivision 18,
notwithstanding the exceptions contained therein.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Sec. 4.

new text begin [115A.1333] COVERED PRODUCTS REIMBURSEMENT BOARD.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Establishment. new text end

new text begin The Covered Products Reimbursement Board is
established to recommend reimbursement rates to the commissioner. Except as provided in
this section, chapter 15 does not apply to the board.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Membership. new text end

new text begin (a) By January 1, 2027, the commissioner must appoint the initial
membership of the Covered Products Reimbursement Board. Membership must consist of:
new text end

new text begin (1) two members representing household hazardous waste collection programs;
new text end

new text begin (2) two members representing collectors, according to paragraph (c); and
new text end

new text begin (3) four members representing and nominated by the stewardship organization.
new text end

new text begin (b) In making appointments under paragraph (a), the commissioner may not appoint
persons who are:
new text end

new text begin (1) current or elected Minnesota state representatives or senators;
new text end

new text begin (2) required to register as lobbyists under section 10A.03; or
new text end

new text begin (3) employees of the agency.
new text end

new text begin (c) Initial appointments under paragraph (a), clause (2), must represent potential
collectors. After January 1, 2028, whenever the terms of these members expire according
to subdivision 3, the new appointments must represent collectors. Members appointed under
paragraph (a), clause (2), must not represent household hazardous waste collection programs.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Terms; removal. new text end

new text begin Members serve for a term of four years, except that one
member appointed under subdivision 2, paragraph (a), clause (1); one member appointed
under subdivision 2, paragraph (a), clause (2); and two members appointed under subdivision
2, paragraph (a), clause (3), must be appointed to serve an initial term of two years, so that
membership terms are staggered. Members may be reappointed to another term following
the end of a term. The removal of members is governed by section 15.059, subdivision 4.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Quorum; voting. new text end

new text begin Meetings of the board must have at least a quorum of
members, consisting of six members. Recommendations of the board require the affirmative
vote of at least five members.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Administrative support; facilitator. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner must provide
administrative support to the board. The commissioner must ensure that all activities of the
board that require public notice, such as notice of meetings, agendas and materials related
to agenda items, and minutes, are published on the agency's publicly accessible website.
The commissioner must provide meeting space and public access for meetings conducted
by telephone or interactive technology.
new text end

new text begin (b) The commissioner must contract for a professional facilitator for the board. The
facilitator must schedule and chair the meetings of the board but is not a member for purposes
of quorum or voting. The facilitator must ensure that all activities of the board that require
public notice are timely provided to the commissioner for publication.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Meetings. new text end

new text begin (a) The board must meet at least biannually and as necessary to meet
the requirements of subdivisions 7 to 9. Meetings may be scheduled at the request of the
facilitator or a majority of the members.
new text end

new text begin (b) The board must comply with the Open Meeting Law under chapter 13D.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin Recommendations for reimbursement rates. new text end

new text begin (a) By July 1, 2027, and annually
thereafter, the board must submit to the commissioner a recommendation for reimbursement
rates to collectors for the following calendar year.
new text end

new text begin (b) Recommended rates must be differentiated by methods recommended by the board
under subdivision 4, such as local property lease or purchase costs, prevailing local wages,
or other factors to ensure convenient collection statewide according to section 115A.1335,
subdivision 3, and that all costs of collection are covered according to paragraph (c).
new text end

new text begin (c) Recommended rates must cover all costs of collecting covered products and other
electrical products incurred by collectors, including at least:
new text end

new text begin (1) labor and overhead;
new text end

new text begin (2) covered services performed by a collector in accordance with section 115A.1337,
subdivision 1, paragraph (b);
new text end

new text begin (3) necessary collection and storage structures and containers as provided in section
115A.1347, subdivision 1, paragraph (d);
new text end

new text begin (4) employee training;
new text end

new text begin (5) necessary safety equipment, including appropriate fire protection and suppression
equipment and supplies; and
new text end

new text begin (6) any other costs determined necessary by the commissioner.
new text end

new text begin (d) In making determinations under paragraph (c), clause (6), the commissioner may
consider data submitted according to section 115A.1337, subdivision 5; the volume of
covered products collected; the estimated volume of covered products sold in or into the
state; the estimated volume of covered products disposed of in the state; and other information
related to the effectiveness of the stewardship program.
new text end

new text begin (e) The board must also consider any additional financial incentives necessary to induce
collectors to join the stewardship program in locations that would otherwise not be served,
so that the stewardship organization can meet or exceed the required convenience standards
under section 115A.1335, subdivision 3.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 8. new text end

new text begin Review and approval of reimbursement rates. new text end

new text begin (a) Within 90 days after
receiving a recommendation on reimbursement rates submitted under subdivision 7, the
commissioner must review the recommendation and approve or reject the recommendation.
new text end

new text begin (b) In conducting a review of a recommendation, the commissioner may consult with
interested parties.
new text end

new text begin (c) For at least 30 days and before approving a recommendation under this subdivision,
the commissioner must post the recommendation on the agency's publicly accessible website
for public review and comment.
new text end

new text begin (d) If the commissioner determines that a recommendation does not meet the requirements
of this section, the commissioner must reject the recommendation. The commissioner must
provide a written notice of determination describing the reasons for the rejection to the
board. The board must meet as necessary to submit a revised recommendation to the
commissioner.
new text end

new text begin (e) After consultation under paragraph (b) and review of public comments under
paragraph (c), if the commissioner determines that a recommendation meets the requirements
of this section, the commissioner may approve the recommendation. The commissioner
must provide a written notice of approval to the board and to the stewardship organization.
In the notice, the commissioner must specify the effective date of the approved reimbursement
rates.
new text end

new text begin (f) The stewardship organization must publish approved reimbursement rates on its
publicly accessible website within 30 days after receiving the commissioner's written notice
of approval. The commissioner may also publish the approved reimbursement rates on the
agency's publicly accessible website.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 9. new text end

new text begin More-frequent rate changes. new text end

new text begin The board may, for good cause, submit a
recommendation for reimbursement rates to the commissioner at less than an annual interval.
The commissioner must review the recommendation according to subdivision 8. If the
commissioner rejects the recommendation, then the previously approved reimbursement
rates for that calendar year continue to be in effect.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Sec. 5.

new text begin [115A.1335] STEWARDSHIP PLAN AND BUDGET.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Due date. new text end

new text begin By October 1, 2027, all producers must contract with a single
stewardship organization to act on the producers' behalf. By that date, the stewardship
organization must submit a single stewardship plan meeting the requirements of subdivision
2 to the commissioner to review for approval or rejection.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Plan content; budget requirement. new text end

new text begin (a) The stewardship plan must include:
new text end

new text begin (1) identification of and contact information for the stewardship organization;
new text end

new text begin (2) identification of and contact information for all other persons that the stewardship
organization has contracted, subcontracted, or partnered with to administer and implement
the stewardship program that are not participants identified in clause (3) or collectors or
persons providing covered services identified in clause (4), unless such participants,
collectors, or persons providing covered services are also in any way administering or
implementing the stewardship program beyond participation, collection, or provision of
covered services. The relationship of the other organizations and role in administration and
implementation of the stewardship program must be described;
new text end

new text begin (3) identification of and contact information for all participants in the stewardship
program;
new text end

new text begin (4) identification of and contact information for each collector; each person providing
covered services for covered products or other electrical products, including any collector
that will perform covered services other than collection; and each facility at which covered
products and other electrical products will be managed under the stewardship plan;
new text end

new text begin (5) the address; county of location; and, in a form prescribed by the commissioner,
geolocation data for each collection site to be served by the stewardship organization under
the stewardship program and identification of the site as a full collection site, as a partial
collection site, or as operated by a household hazardous waste collection program;
new text end

new text begin (6) a list of the brands covered under the stewardship program;
new text end

new text begin (7) eligibility criteria for prospective collectors of covered products and other electrical
products under the stewardship program according to section 115A.1337, subdivision 3,
paragraph (c);
new text end

new text begin (8) a description of how the stewardship program will accept and provide covered services
and reimbursement under this section to any household hazardous waste collection program
in a manner that is equal to the services and reimbursement provided to all other collectors,
if the operator of the household hazardous waste collection program requests covered
services and reimbursement;
new text end

new text begin (9) a description of how the stewardship program will provide convenient, statewide
collection according to subdivision 3;
new text end

new text begin (10) a description of how the stewardship organization will annually monitor and ensure
continuing compliance with the convenience standards under subdivision 3;
new text end

new text begin (11) a description of how the stewardship organization will provide each collector served
by the stewardship program with the materials specified in section 115A.1337, subdivision
1, including specifications for appropriate containers, signage templates, and a copy of all
training and educational materials to be provided;
new text end

new text begin (12) a description of how collection sites will be accessible according to section
115A.1337, subdivision 2;
new text end

new text begin (13) the performance standards for persons providing covered services for covered
products and other electrical products on behalf of the stewardship organization and the
oversight methods by which the stewardship organization will ensure continuing compliance
with the performance standards. The performance standards must:
new text end

new text begin (i) meet the requirements of section 115A.1337, subdivision 3;
new text end

new text begin (ii) ensure that covered products and materials resulting from recycling covered products
are managed only by specialized battery or electronics recyclers and through responsible
markets; and
new text end

new text begin (iii) ensure that other electrical products and materials resulting from recycling of other
electrical products are managed through responsible markets;
new text end

new text begin (14) a description of methods by which the stewardship organization will ensure that
covered products and any other electrical products that are waste for which the stewardship
organization is responsible are managed while in the state in compliance with rules adopted
under section 116.07 for managing solid waste and hazardous waste and, when outside the
state, with all federal, state, and local requirements applicable to managing solid waste and
hazardous waste, as applicable;
new text end

new text begin (15) a description of methods by which the stewardship organization will ensure that
covered products and any other electrical products for which the stewardship organization
is responsible are managed in compliance with safety and health requirements for employees
administered by the Department of Labor and Industry and with fire protection requirements
administered by the Department of Public Safety while in the state and, when outside the
state, with all federal, state, and local requirements applicable to safety and health
requirements for employees and fire protection requirements;
new text end

new text begin (16) a description of methods by which the stewardship organization will ensure that
covered products and other electrical products for which the stewardship organization is
responsible are transported in compliance with applicable regulations incorporated by
reference under section 221.033 for transporting hazardous materials while in the state and,
when outside the state, with all federal, state, and local requirements applicable to
transportation of hazardous materials;
new text end

new text begin (17) a statement of indemnification by the stewardship organization to collectors for
potential liability for improper downstream management of covered products and other
electrical products or residual materials by providers of covered services contracted for by
the stewardship organization and identified in the stewardship plan under clause (3);
new text end

new text begin (18) a description of how the stewardship organization will determine the mass of covered
products and other electrical products for which it has provided covered services under the
stewardship program by county of collection and, for covered batteries and covered products
that have covered batteries contained within them or otherwise attached or connected to
them, by battery chemistry;
new text end

new text begin (19) a description of the outreach and education methods and activities that the
stewardship organization will provide according to section 115A.1337, subdivision 4;
new text end

new text begin (20) a description of how the stewardship organization will employ at least one full-time
employee who is solely dedicated to implementing the stewardship program in this state
and serving as the primary contact between the stewardship organization and the agency;
new text end

new text begin (21) a description of the system by which the stewardship organization will provide
advance funding of or reimbursement to collectors in a manner that provides:
new text end

new text begin (i) a clear process for submitting and paying invoices;
new text end

new text begin (ii) reasonable timelines for reimbursement, at intervals no longer than monthly unless
otherwise agreed to by the person providing covered services to be reimbursed; and
new text end

new text begin (iii) a third-party mediator to resolve disputes that arise between the stewardship
organization and a person providing covered services regarding determining or paying
reimbursements;
new text end

new text begin (22) identification of groups of producers, such as by industry, covered product and
other electrical product type, or other method proposed by the stewardship organization,
and the proposed allocation of stewardship program costs among the groups of producers,
such that the costs of managing covered products or other electrical products produced by
a group of producers are not borne by other groups of producers;
new text end

new text begin (23) a description of how the stewardship organization will comply with subdivision 6,
paragraph (b);
new text end

new text begin (24) a description of how the stewardship organization will assist producers in complying
with the labeling requirements of section 115A.1347, subdivision 2, paragraph (a);
new text end

new text begin (25) a description of how the stewardship organization will ensure that covered products
and other electrical products managed under the stewardship program are recycled to the
maximum extent practicable in accordance with section 115A.02, paragraph (b);
new text end

new text begin (26) a description of how the stewardship organization will incentivize investment in
processes, product design and material use, technology, and personnel training that could
raise the future maximum extent practicable for recycling described in clause (25), including
consideration of covered product reuse, repair, and product life cycle;
new text end

new text begin (27) a description of how the stewardship organization will annually report to the
commissioner the number, type, and volume of covered products and other electrical products
collected during each calendar year, specifying the categories of the covered products and
other electrical products and the chemistries of the covered batteries collected;
new text end

new text begin (28) a description of how the stewardship organization will annually report to the
commissioner the end management, through reuse, repair, reclamation, recycling, or disposal,
of the covered products and other electrical products shipped from collection sites under
the stewardship program during each calendar year;
new text end

new text begin (29) a description of how the stewardship organization will take action to decrease the
incidence of covered products in solid waste in the state according to section 115A.1337,
subdivision 4, paragraph (c), including providing collection opportunities under section
115A.1337, subdivision 2, paragraph (b);
new text end

new text begin (30) a description of how the stewardship organization will assist persons providing
covered services after collection to identify, segregate, and properly manage
organohalogenated chemicals contained in or separated from covered products and reduce
the prevalence of organohalogenated chemicals in products derived from recycled covered
products; and
new text end

new text begin (31) a description of how the stewardship organization will, where feasible, assist
producers in reducing the occurrence of organohalogenated chemicals in covered products.
new text end

new text begin (b) By January 1, 2028, and by April 1 each year thereafter, the stewardship organization
must submit an anticipated annual budget for the stewardship program, broken down into
the stewardship program's estimated costs for administration, collection, sorting, storage,
transportation, processing, refurbishment, repair, reuse, recycling, disposal, and
communication costs, including the cost of fees under section 115A.1339 but not including
costs for lobbying, costs associated with litigation against the state, or penalties imposed
by the state. The budget is not subject to review and approval under subdivisions 4 and 5.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Convenience standards. new text end

new text begin (a) The stewardship plan must provide convenient,
statewide collection for all covered products that are offered to collectors by a person in the
state, regardless of:
new text end

new text begin (1) a covered product's brand;
new text end

new text begin (2) a covered battery's energy capacity or chemistry;
new text end

new text begin (3) whether the producer of a covered product is a participant in the stewardship program;
or
new text end

new text begin (4) whether the brand of a covered product is covered under the stewardship program.
new text end

new text begin (b) The stewardship plan must meet the following convenience standards:
new text end

new text begin (1) for each county with a population of 10,000 or less, maintain at least two full
collection sites;
new text end

new text begin (2) for each county with a population greater than 10,000 but less than or equal to
100,000, maintain at least two full collection sites and at least one additional full collection
site for each additional 10,000 in population above a population of 10,000;
new text end

new text begin (3) for each county with a population greater than 100,000, maintain at least 11 full
collection sites and at least one additional full collection site for each additional 50,000 in
population above a population of 100,000;
new text end

new text begin (4) maintain a full collection site located within ten miles of the household of at least
95 percent of the residents of the state;
new text end

new text begin (5) ensure no net loss in estimated collection convenience and capacity for covered
products of any type; and
new text end

new text begin (6) any additional convenience standards that the commissioner determines are necessary
to provide convenient, statewide collection for covered products, including operation of
partial collection sites and additional full collection sites.
new text end

new text begin (c) In making a determination under paragraph (b), clause (6), the commissioner may
consider data submitted according to section 115A.1337, subdivision 5; the volume of
covered products collected; the estimated volume of covered products sold in or into the
state; the estimated volume of covered products disposed of in the state; the stewardship
organization's plans under subdivision 2, paragraph (a), clause (28); and other information
related to the effectiveness of the stewardship program.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Review of stewardship plan; implementation. new text end

new text begin (a) Within 120 days after
receiving a complete stewardship plan submitted under this section, the commissioner must
determine whether the stewardship plan complies with the requirements of this section and
will ensure that elements required by subdivision 2, paragraph (a), will be met to the
maximum extent practicable. The commissioner must provide a written notice of
determination according to this subdivision.
new text end

new text begin (b) In conducting a review of a stewardship plan, the commissioner may consult with
interested parties.
new text end

new text begin (c) For at least 30 days and before approving a stewardship plan, the commissioner must
place the stewardship plan on the agency's publicly accessible website for public review
and comment.
new text end

new text begin (d) If the commissioner determines that a stewardship plan fails to meet the requirements
of this section or will not ensure that elements required by subdivision 2, paragraph (a), will
be met to the maximum extent practicable, the commissioner must reject the stewardship
plan. The commissioner must provide a written notice of determination to the stewardship
organization describing the reasons for the rejection.
new text end

new text begin (e) After any consultation under paragraph (b) and review of public comments received
under paragraph (c), if the commissioner determines that a stewardship plan meets the
requirements of subdivision 2, the commissioner must approve the stewardship plan. The
commissioner must provide a written notice of determination to the stewardship organization.
new text end

new text begin (f) The stewardship organization must publish its approved stewardship plan on its
publicly accessible website within 30 days after receiving written notice of approval but is
not required to publish nonpublic data as defined under chapter 13. The commissioner may
publish the approved stewardship plan on the agency's publicly accessible website but must
not publish nonpublic data.
new text end

new text begin (g) The stewardship organization must implement the stewardship plan approved by the
commissioner, including any amendments to the stewardship plan that are approved by the
commissioner according to subdivision 5, within 60 days after receiving written notice of
approval.
new text end

new text begin (h) For each stewardship plan or amendment submitted to the commissioner for review,
the commissioner may consider the data submitted according to section 115A.1337,
subdivision 5, and other relevant information to establish requirements to improve the
effectiveness, performance, and awareness of the stewardship program.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Amending or terminating stewardship plan. new text end

new text begin (a) The stewardship organization
may amend a stewardship plan approved under subdivision 4 without review or approval
by the commissioner to make the changes specified in clauses (1) to (3). Within 30 days
after adopting an amendment under this paragraph, the stewardship organization must report
the amendment to the commissioner and must publish the amended stewardship plan on the
stewardship organization's publicly accessible website. The stewardship organization must
implement amendments made to a stewardship plan under this paragraph within 60 days
after adopting the amendment. The stewardship organization may:
new text end

new text begin (1) add, terminate, or replace a collector, collection site, person providing covered
services, or facility at which covered services will be performed;
new text end

new text begin (2) add or remove participants or brands covered under the stewardship plan; or
new text end

new text begin (3) change contact staff or contact staff information for the stewardship organization,
participants, collectors, persons transporting covered products or other electrical products,
or facilities to be used for storage, processing, recycling, or disposal.
new text end

new text begin (b) Except for an amendment under paragraph (a), a proposed amendment to a
stewardship plan approved under subdivision 4 must be submitted to and reviewed and
approved by the commissioner before it may be implemented by the stewardship organization.
The commissioner must review and approve or reject the proposed amendment according
to subdivision 4.
new text end

new text begin (c) The stewardship organization with an approved stewardship plan must submit an
amended stewardship plan for review at least every five years according to this subdivision
and subdivision 4 if the commissioner has not during that time approved amendments
submitted for review under paragraph (b).
new text end

new text begin (d) The stewardship organization may terminate a stewardship plan by providing at least
90 days' written notice to the commissioner and to all participants in the stewardship program.
Before the stewardship plan is terminated, each participant must meet the requirements of
section 115A.1335, subdivision 1, by contracting with a new stewardship organization,
which must submit and obtain the commissioner's approval for a stewardship plan.
new text end

new text begin (e) The commissioner may terminate a stewardship plan for good cause, such as
significant noncompliance with this section; failure to ensure that covered products and
other electrical products collected in the state are being managed in responsible markets
and according to subdivision 2, paragraph (a), clauses (13) to (15); failure to timely submit
a stewardship plan for review according to paragraph (c); or failure to pay fees assessed
under section 115A.1339. If the commissioner terminates a stewardship plan, the
commissioner must provide the stewardship organization with written notice of termination
describing the good cause for termination. The commissioner must also notify all participants
in the stewardship program in writing using the contact information for the participants
provided in the stewardship plan.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Compliance. new text end

new text begin (a) The stewardship organization must comply with its stewardship
plan approved by the commissioner, including any amendments to the stewardship plan
that are made according to subdivision 5, paragraph (a) or (b).
new text end

new text begin (b) The stewardship organization must comply with the reimbursement rates approved
by the commissioner.
new text end

new text begin (c) The stewardship organization must ensure that all costs of the stewardship program
are fully paid for by producers as a whole, except for de minimis producers. All costs of
the stewardship program must be allocated fairly between groups of producers without any
fee, charge, surcharge, or any other cost to:
new text end

new text begin (1) any member of the public;
new text end

new text begin (2) any business other than a producer;
new text end

new text begin (3) any collector;
new text end

new text begin (4) any person providing covered services;
new text end

new text begin (5) the state or any political subdivision;
new text end

new text begin (6) de minimis producers; or
new text end

new text begin (7) any other person who is not a producer.
new text end

new text begin (d) In implementing paragraph (c), the stewardship organization must ensure that costs
of managing covered products and other electrical products produced by a group of producers
are not shifted to nor borne by any other group of producers.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Sec. 6.

new text begin [115A.1337] STEWARDSHIP ORGANIZATION DUTIES.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Duties to collectors. new text end

new text begin (a) The stewardship organization must provide the
following to each collector:
new text end

new text begin (1) reimbursement at the rates approved by the commissioner;
new text end

new text begin (2) all covered services after the initial collection of covered products and other electrical
products by the collector;
new text end

new text begin (3) containers as described in section 115A.1347, subdivision 1, paragraph (d);
new text end

new text begin (4) consistent signage identifying a collection site;
new text end

new text begin (5) training for collection site employees on identifying and safely handling and storing
covered batteries and covered products that have covered batteries contained within them
or otherwise attached or connected to them, including damaged, defective, or recalled
batteries, also known as DDR batteries;
new text end

new text begin (6) educational materials that address the information described in subdivision 4,
paragraph (a), clause (3), for distribution to members of the public and businesses in
Minnesota. The educational materials must be made available in English and at least the
three most frequent languages spoken at home in the state other than English, according to
the state demographer; and
new text end

new text begin (7) direction to an alternate collector whenever a collector determines and reports to the
stewardship organization, according to section 115A.1341, subdivision 1, paragraph (e),
that the collector cannot safely collect a covered product. The stewardship organization
must ensure that the covered product is collected by another collector.
new text end

new text begin (b) The stewardship organization must allow a collector to perform covered services
other than collection if the collector meets the performance standards in the stewardship
plan under section 115A.1335, subdivision 2, paragraph (a), clause (13), and the collector
is identified in the stewardship plan as providing covered services other than collection
according to section 115A.1335, subdivision 2, paragraph (a), clause (4).
new text end

new text begin (c) For covered services provided under paragraph (b), the stewardship organization
must reimburse the collector for the cost of the performed covered services according to
section 115A.1335, subdivision 2, paragraph (a), clause (21).
new text end

new text begin (d) A collector may request the stewardship organization to add a person to provide
covered services to the stewardship plan as an amendment under section 115A.1335,
subdivision 5, paragraph (a), and the stewardship organization must consider the request if
the person meets the performance standards in the stewardship plan.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Accessibility. new text end

new text begin (a) The stewardship organization must provide convenient,
equitable, and accessible service to all Minnesotans, including but not limited to people of
color; Minnesota Tribal governments as defined in section 10.65, subdivision 2; those that
are non-English speaking; immigrant and refugee communities; those with limited access
to transportation; and those in environmental justice areas.
new text end

new text begin (b) The stewardship program must include collection opportunities beyond those required
under section 115A.1335, subdivision 3, to better serve populations under paragraph (a),
such as additional partial collection sites, individual pickup from households, and temporary
events to provide enhanced collection availability.
new text end

new text begin (c) Where feasible, the stewardship organization must encourage establishing collection
sites in proximity to local public transit.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Oversight; eligibility of persons providing covered services. new text end

new text begin (a) The
stewardship organization must ensure that:
new text end

new text begin (1) covered products and other electrical products managed under the stewardship
program are recycled to the maximum extent practicable in accordance with section 115A.02,
paragraph (b); and
new text end

new text begin (2) residual materials are managed in compliance with applicable hazardous waste or
solid waste requirements by:
new text end

new text begin (i) each person transporting covered products or other electrical products; and
new text end

new text begin (ii) each facility listed in the stewardship plan at which storage, processing, recycling,
or disposal of covered products and other electrical products is performed.
new text end

new text begin (b) To ensure that covered products and other electrical products are managed to the
maximum extent practicable in accordance with section 115A.02, paragraph (b), the
commissioner may require performance standards and oversight methods in lieu of or in
addition to the performance standards and oversight methods used by a stewardship
organization under paragraph (a) and section 115A.1335, subdivision 2, paragraph (a),
clause (13), for persons providing covered services for covered products and other electrical
products. The commissioner may consider data submitted under subdivision 5; the availability
and feasibility of technology, processes, and methods for managing covered products and
other electrical products; and other information related to the effectiveness of the stewardship
program.
new text end

new text begin (c) The stewardship organization must allow any person that agrees to operate or
continues to operate a full collection site in compliance with section 115A.1341 and any
household hazardous waste collection program to serve as a collector. The stewardship
organization must consider allowing any person that agrees to operate or continues to operate
a partial collection site in compliance with section 115A.1341 to serve as a collector. Except
for a household hazardous waste collection program, a stewardship organization may
terminate a collector and cease payment to the collector for good cause.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Stewardship program effectiveness. new text end

new text begin (a) To support the effectiveness of the
stewardship program, the stewardship organization must provide outreach and education
to:
new text end

new text begin (1) persons that might sell, offer for sale or promotional purposes, or distribute covered
products or other electrical products in or into the state, to inform the persons of the
requirements of section 115A.1347, subdivision 2;
new text end

new text begin (2) potential collectors and persons who are collecting covered products before the
effective date of this section to inform the collectors how to request coverage by the
stewardship program; and
new text end

new text begin (3) members of the public to raise awareness of:
new text end

new text begin (i) public health and safety and environmental risks caused by improperly charging,
storing, and disposing of covered batteries and covered products that have covered batteries
contained within them or otherwise attached or connected to them;
new text end

new text begin (ii) public health and environmental risks caused by improperly disposing of covered
products;
new text end

new text begin (iii) methods to safely charge and store covered batteries and covered products that have
covered batteries contained within them or otherwise attached or connected to them;
new text end

new text begin (iv) the benefits of repairing, reusing, and recycling covered products and other electrical
products in contrast to disposal; and
new text end

new text begin (v) the existence of the stewardship program and the ability to recycle covered products
and other electrical products at no cost, including the location and convenience of collection
sites in the state.
new text end

new text begin (b) The stewardship organization must maintain a publicly accessible website to locate
collection sites through map-based and text-based searches.
new text end

new text begin (c) The stewardship organization must, in addition to the requirements of paragraphs
(a) and (b), take action to decrease the incidence of covered products in solid waste generated
in the state as soon as practicable and to the maximum extent achievable. The commissioner
may determine the effectiveness of the stewardship program using information from waste
composition studies conducted under section 115A.412 and other information available to
the commissioner and may require the stewardship organization to submit information and
implement actions to decrease the incidence of covered products in solid waste in accordance
with section 115A.1335, subdivisions 2, paragraph (a), clause (29); and 3, paragraph (b),
clause (6).
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Reporting. new text end

new text begin (a) The stewardship organization must report an amendment to the
stewardship plan made under section 115A.1335, subdivision 5, paragraph (a), to the
commissioner within 30 days after making the amendment.
new text end

new text begin (b) By April 1 each year, the stewardship organization must report to the commissioner,
in a form and manner prescribed by the commissioner, on the stewardship organization's
activities during the preceding calendar year. The stewardship organization must also submit
a copy of the report to the board. The report must include:
new text end

new text begin (1) the address, county of location, and geolocation data for each collection site used by
the stewardship organization under the stewardship program during the preceding calendar
year;
new text end

new text begin (2) the number, type, and volume of covered products and other electrical products
collected during each calendar year, specifying the categories of the covered products and
other electrical products and the chemistries of the covered batteries collected, in accordance
with section 115A.1335, subdivision 2, paragraph (a), clause (27);
new text end

new text begin (3) the end management, through reuse, repair, reclamation, recycling, or disposal, of
the covered products and other electrical products shipped from collection sites under the
stewardship program, in accordance with section 115A.1335, subdivision 2, paragraph (a),
clause (28);
new text end

new text begin (4) the effectiveness of the stewardship organization's actions to decrease the incidence
of covered products in solid waste in the state, in accordance with section 115A.1335,
subdivision 2, paragraph (a), clause (29), including the support of partial collection sites;
new text end

new text begin (5) a description of the actions taken by the stewardship organization regarding
identification, management, and reduction in prevalence of organohalogenated chemicals
in covered products under section 115A.1335, subdivision 2, paragraph (a), clauses (30)
and (31);
new text end

new text begin (6) the results of the oversight according to section 115A.1335, subdivision 2, paragraph
(a), clause (13), verifying that the performance standards were met by each of the persons
providing covered services;
new text end

new text begin (7) a description of outreach and education activities performed by the stewardship
organization during the preceding calendar year according to subdivision 4;
new text end

new text begin (8) a financial report on the stewardship program, including actual costs and funding
compared to the budget for the year submitted under section 115A.1335, subdivision 2,
paragraph (b). The financial report must include an audit report of the stewardship program
by an independent auditor. The independent auditor must be selected by the stewardship
organization and approved or rejected by the commissioner. If the commissioner rejects an
independent auditor, the stewardship organization must select a different independent auditor
for approval or rejection by the commissioner. The independent audit must meet the
requirements of Accounting Standards Update 2018-08, Not-for-Profit Entities (Topic 958),
Financial Accounting Standards Board, as amended;
new text end

new text begin (9) the proposed and actual budget for the year in which the report is submitted; and
new text end

new text begin (10) starting on the second April after the stewardship organization's first stewardship
plan is approved by the commissioner, and then every third year thereafter, a performance
audit of the stewardship program. The performance audit must conform to audit standards
established by the United States Government Accountability Office; the National Association
of State Auditors, Comptrollers and Treasurers; or another nationally recognized organization
approved by the commissioner.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Organization of the stewardship organization. new text end

new text begin (a) The stewardship
organization may function as a coordinating board and contract, subcontract, or partner with
any other person to administer and implement the stewardship program.
new text end

new text begin (b) A contract, subcontract, or partnership established according to paragraph (a) must
be described under section 115A.1335, subdivision 2, paragraph (a), clause (2).
new text end

new text begin (c) Notwithstanding any contract, subcontract, or partnership established according to
paragraph (a), the stewardship organization must:
new text end

new text begin (1) remain responsible for compliance with sections 115A.1331 to 115A.1347;
new text end

new text begin (2) submit a single stewardship plan meeting the requirements of sections 115A.1331
to 115A.1347;
new text end

new text begin (3) submit a single report according to subdivision 5 meeting the requirements of sections
115A.1331 to 115A.1347;
new text end

new text begin (4) serve as the single point of contact for reporting and reimbursement for:
new text end

new text begin (i) each collector;
new text end

new text begin (ii) each person providing covered services for covered products or other electrical
products, including any collector that will perform covered services other than collection;
and
new text end

new text begin (iii) each facility at which covered products and other electrical products will be managed
under the stewardship plan; and
new text end

new text begin (5) serve as the single point of contact for the agency.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective January 1, 2028.
new text end

Sec. 7.

new text begin [115A.1339] FEES.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Administrative fees. new text end

new text begin (a) By January 1, 2028, and by July 1 each year
thereafter, the commissioner must calculate the sum of all costs that the agency incurs under
sections 115A.1331 to 115A.1347, exclusive of recovery and management of covered
products under subdivision 2. The sum calculated for the period preceding January 1, 2028,
must include the agency's costs of implementing sections 115A.1331 to 115A.1347. For
the purposes of this paragraph, costs of the board are considered costs incurred by the
agency.
new text end

new text begin (b) Notwithstanding section 16A.1283, the commissioner must assess administrative
fees at an amount that is adequate to reimburse the agency's sum costs of administering
sections 115A.1331 to 115A.1347. The stewardship organization must pay the assessed
administrative fees by the due dates set by the commissioner.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Recovery and proper management fees. new text end

new text begin (a) When the commissioner intends
to spend money for the recovery and proper management of covered products under section
115A.1343, subdivision 1, notwithstanding section 16A.1283, the commissioner must assess
the estimated cost of recovery and proper management of covered products to the stewardship
organization.
new text end

new text begin (b) The cost under paragraph (a) must not include any subsequent remediation of the
real properties where the covered products are located nor the cost of any environmental
assessment of the properties to determine appropriate subsequent remediation under other
law. Such costs must not be paid from any funds assessed, collected, or appropriated under
this section. The stewardship organization must pay the assessed recovery and management
fee by the due date set by the commissioner.
new text end

new text begin (c) If, after the covered products have been recovered and properly managed, the actual
cost of recovery and proper management of the recovered products is less than the fee paid
by the stewardship organization, the commissioner must refund the excess payment. If the
cost of recovery and proper management exceeds the fee paid by the stewardship
organization, the commissioner must assess the stewardship organization for the deficit.
The stewardship organization must pay the assessed recovery and management fee deficit
by the due date set by the commissioner.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Disposition of fees. new text end

new text begin The total amount of net fees collected under this section
must not exceed the amount necessary to reimburse agency costs as calculated under
subdivisions 1 and 2. All fees received under subdivisions 1 and 2 must be deposited in the
state treasury and credited to a product stewardship account in the special revenue fund.
The amount collected under this section is annually appropriated to the commissioner to
implement and enforce sections 115A.1331 to 115A.1347.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective January 1, 2027.
new text end

Sec. 8.

new text begin [115A.1341] COLLECTOR DUTIES.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Accepting covered products. new text end

new text begin (a) All collectors must accept covered
products without imposing a fee, charge, surcharge, or other cost to any person other than
the stewardship organization.
new text end

new text begin (b) At a full collection site, a collector must accept from any person at least ten covered
products daily of any brand, any type, any physical size, and, in the case of covered batteries
and covered products that have covered batteries contained within them or otherwise attached
or connected to them, any energy capacity or chemistry, unless the collector determines a
specific covered product cannot be safely collected by the collector at a specific collection
site at a specific time under paragraph (e). A full collection site must be open to receiving
covered products at least 12 operating hours per week, 50 weeks each calendar year.
new text end

new text begin (c) At a partial collection site, a collector must accept from any person covered products
of any brand, but may limit the number, type, physical size, and, in the case of covered
batteries and covered products that have covered batteries contained within them or otherwise
attached or connected to them, the energy capacity or chemistry of the covered battery of
the covered products accepted.
new text end

new text begin (d) A household hazardous waste collection program may accept covered products at
any collection site it operates. The household hazardous waste collection program may limit
the persons from which it will accept covered products and may limit the number, type,
physical size, and, in the case of covered batteries and covered products that have covered
batteries contained within them or otherwise attached or connected to them, the energy
capacity or chemistry of the covered battery of the covered products accepted. The
stewardship organization may count a collection site operated by the household hazardous
waste collection program as a full collection site when demonstrating compliance with the
convenience standards of section 115A.1335, subdivision 3, if the household hazardous
waste collection program voluntarily agrees in writing with the stewardship organization
to comply with paragraph (b) at the site.
new text end

new text begin (e) A collector that determines that it cannot safely accept a specific covered product
must document the reason for not accepting the covered product and immediately notify
the stewardship organization of the nonacceptance in order to allow the stewardship
organization to arrange for alternate collection of the covered product under section
115A.1337, subdivision 1, paragraph (a), clause (7).
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Accepting other electrical products. new text end

new text begin A collector may accept other electrical
products from a person. If a collector accepts other electrical products, the collector may
not impose a fee, charge, surcharge, or other cost to any person other than the stewardship
organization.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Storing accepted products. new text end

new text begin A collector must manage and store all accepted
covered products and other electrical products safely and in compliance with section
115A.1347, subdivision 1, paragraphs (c) and (d).
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Training. new text end

new text begin A collector must ensure and document that training is provided for
collection site employees on identifying and safely handling and storing covered batteries
and covered products that have covered batteries contained within them or otherwise attached
or connected to them, including damaged, defective, or recalled batteries, also known as
DDR batteries. The collector may provide the training or may receive training from the
stewardship organization or the stewardship organization's representative.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Recordkeeping. new text end

new text begin A collector must maintain the following records for at least
three years and make them available to the commissioner for inspection:
new text end

new text begin (1) records of covered products and other electrical products accepted at a collection
site;
new text end

new text begin (2) records of covered products and other electrical products shipped from a collection
site; and
new text end

new text begin (3) documentation of employee training. The three-year record retention period for
employee documentation begins on the day following the last day the employee worked for
the collector.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective January 1, 2028.
new text end

Sec. 9.

new text begin [115A.1343] COVERED PRODUCTS RECOVERY AND PROPER
MANAGEMENT.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Recovery and proper management. new text end

new text begin (a) In addition to any authority
granted by other law and without limiting that authority, whenever the commissioner
determines that covered products have been abandoned, improperly disposed of, or stored
on real property within the state in a manner not in compliance with sections 115A.1331 to
115A.1347 or with applicable rules adopted under section 116.07, subdivision 2, paragraph
(d), or 4, paragraph (g), the commissioner may issue an order under section 115.071,
subdivision 5; 116.07, subdivision 9; or 116.072, subdivision 1, requiring a person responsible
for the abandonment, improper disposal, or noncompliant storage of the covered products
to recover and properly manage the covered products according to sections 115A.1331 to
115A.1347 and applicable rules. An order under this paragraph must notify the person of
the provisions of this subdivision.
new text end

new text begin (b) If a person that receives an order under paragraph (a) fails to complete the ordered
actions to recover and properly manage the covered products within the time specified in
the order, then after that time or upon expiration of the appeal period for the order, whichever
is later, the commissioner must notify the stewardship organization in writing of:
new text end

new text begin (1) the commissioner's determination that the covered products have been abandoned,
improperly disposed of, or stored in a noncompliant manner;
new text end

new text begin (2) the name of the person that was issued the order under paragraph (a) and the location
of the covered products;
new text end

new text begin (3) the actions required to recover and properly manage the covered products; and
new text end

new text begin (4) the amount of time that the stewardship organization may, with the consent of the
person, attempt to complete the actions to recover and properly manage the covered products
on behalf of the person.
new text end

new text begin (c) If the stewardship organization intends to recover and properly manage the covered
products, the stewardship organization must notify the commissioner of its intent and submit
a plan to recover and properly manage the covered products to the commissioner. The
stewardship organization must comply with its submitted recovery and management plan.
new text end

new text begin (d) If, after the period specified in paragraph (b), the ordered actions to recover and
properly manage the covered products have not been completed, or upon earlier notice from
the stewardship organization that it does not intend to take the actions, the commissioner
may recover and properly manage the covered products. The commissioner must estimate
the cost for a person contracted to the agency to perform the recovery and management.
The commissioner must assess the estimated cost to the stewardship organization according
to section 115A.1339, subdivision 2. After the stewardship organization pays the assessed
fee, the commissioner may recover and properly manage the covered products. Money
appropriated to the commissioner from the product stewardship account may be spent by
the commissioner to recover and properly manage the covered products.
new text end

new text begin (e) In addition to the authority to enter upon any public or private property for the purpose
of obtaining information or conducting surveys or investigations under section 115A.06,
the commissioner or any designee or agent may enter upon the property to recover covered
products when acting under this subdivision.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Limited private right of action for recovery and proper management. new text end

new text begin (a)
The stewardship organization that recovers and properly manages covered products under
subdivision 1, paragraph (c), may maintain a civil action against a person issued an order
to recover and properly manage those covered products under subdivision 1, paragraph (a).
The stewardship organization is entitled to damages under this paragraph of twice its actual
cost of recovery and proper management of the covered products. Additional amounts
recoverable under this paragraph include an award of reasonable attorney fees and costs.
new text end

new text begin (b) When the stewardship organization is assessed and pays the cost to recover and
properly manage covered products under subdivision 1, paragraph (d), and section
115A.1339, subdivision 2, the stewardship organization may maintain a civil action against
a person issued an order to recover and properly manage those covered products under
subdivision 1, paragraph (a). The stewardship organization is entitled to damages under this
paragraph equal to the cost of recovery and proper management of covered products assessed
by the commissioner to the stewardship organization. Additional amounts recoverable under
this paragraph include an award of reasonable attorney fees and costs.
new text end

new text begin (c) The commissioner may not be a party to or be required to provide assistance or
otherwise participate in a civil action authorized under this subdivision unless subject to a
subpoena before a court of jurisdiction.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective January 1, 2028.
new text end

Sec. 10.

new text begin [115A.1345] OTHER AUTHORITIES AND DUTIES.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Limited private right of action against producers. new text end

new text begin (a) Except as
provided in paragraph (d), the stewardship organization may maintain a civil action against
one or more producers, except a de minimis producer, to recover a portion of the stewardship
organization's costs and additional amounts according to this subdivision.
new text end

new text begin (b) Damages recoverable under this subdivision may not exceed a fair share of the actual
costs incurred by the plaintiff stewardship organization in managing covered products or
other electrical products of a defendant producer subject to section 115A.1347, subdivision
2, paragraph (b), and covered products or other electrical products of other producers that
were not participants. Additional amounts recoverable under this subdivision include an
award of reasonable attorney fees and costs. If a defendant producer did not participate in
the stewardship program established under sections 115A.1331 to 115A.1347 during the
period in which covered products or other electrical products of the defendant producer
were managed by the plaintiff stewardship organization, a punitive sum of up to three times
the damages awarded may be assessed.
new text end

new text begin (c) A plaintiff stewardship organization may establish a defendant producer's fair share
of the plaintiff's actual costs by providing the court with information establishing the process
by which the defendant producer's share of stewardship program costs would have been
allocated had the defendant producer been a participant in the program or paid its allocated
share if it was a participant. The plaintiff stewardship organization may use data from
producers similar in covered product, financial status, or market share to the defendant
producer to provide the information.
new text end

new text begin (d) An action may not be commenced under this subdivision against a potential defendant
producer until 60 days after the plaintiff stewardship organization provides to all potential
defendants a written notice of the claim setting forth the amount of the claim and the basis
for the calculation of the amount.
new text end

new text begin (e) No action may be brought under this subdivision against a person other than a
producer.
new text end

new text begin (f) The commissioner may not be a party to or be required to provide assistance or
otherwise participate in a civil action authorized under this subdivision unless subject to a
subpoena before a court of jurisdiction.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Conduct authorized. new text end

new text begin A producer or stewardship organization that organizes
covered services for covered products or other electrical products under sections 115A.1331
to 115A.1347 is immune from liability for the conduct under state laws relating to antitrust,
restraint of trade, unfair trade practices, and other regulation of trade or commerce only to
the extent that the conduct is necessary to plan and implement the producer's or stewardship
organization's chosen system.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Duty to provide information. new text end

new text begin Upon request of the commissioner for purposes
of implementing sections 115A.1331 to 115A.1347, a person must furnish to the
commissioner any information that the person has or may reasonably obtain.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Contracts. new text end

new text begin (a) Any person awarded a contract under chapter 16C for purchase
or lease of covered products or other electrical products that is found to be in violation of
sections 115A.1331 to 115A.1347 is subject to the following sanctions:
new text end

new text begin (1) the contract must be voided if the commissioner of administration determines that
the potential adverse impact to the state is exceeded by the benefit obtained from voiding
the contract; and
new text end

new text begin (2) the contractor is subject to suspension and disbarment under Minnesota Rules, part
1230.1150.
new text end

new text begin (b) If the attorney general establishes that any money, property, or benefit was obtained
by a contractor as a result of violating sections 115A.1331 to 115A.1347, the court may, in
addition to any other remedy, order the disgorgement of the unlawfully obtained money,
property, or benefit.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Multistate implementation. new text end

new text begin The commissioner may participate in establishing
a regional multistate organization or compact to assist in carrying out the requirements of
sections 115A.1331 to 115A.1347.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Rules. new text end

new text begin The commissioner may adopt rules to implement sections 115A.1331
to 115A.1347. The 18-month time limit under section 14.125 does not apply to rulemaking
under this subdivision.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective January 1, 2028.
new text end

Sec. 11.

new text begin [115A.1347] DISPOSAL PROHIBITIONS; BATTERY LABELING;
COVERED PRODUCT SALES RESTRICTION.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Disposal prohibition. new text end

new text begin (a) A person may not place a covered product
into:
new text end

new text begin (1) solid waste; or
new text end

new text begin (2) a recycling container that a collector has not clearly marked for use for collecting
covered products.
new text end

new text begin (b) A person must manage a covered product that is discarded by delivering the covered
product to a collection site or to a recycling facility for covered products.
new text end

new text begin (c) Until recycled, covered products are not exempt from any applicable rules adopted
under section 116.07 for managing hazardous waste.
new text end

new text begin (d) Covered batteries and covered products that have covered batteries contained within
them or otherwise attached or connected to them must be stored in containers that are:
new text end

new text begin (1) designed, constructed, and used in a manner to suppress battery fires in the container
or to prevent ignition of materials outside the container; and
new text end

new text begin (2) held in structures compliant with the local fire code.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Labeling and sale; requirements. new text end

new text begin (a) A person may not sell, including online
sales; offer for sale or promotional purposes; distribute in or into the state; or facilitate a
sale of a covered battery or covered product that has a covered battery contained within it
or otherwise attached or connected to it unless the covered battery and covered product is
labeled to identify the chemistry employed to store energy in the battery. Labeling under
this paragraph must be permanently marked on or affixed to the covered battery and covered
product and must use either language or graphics that identifies the battery chemistry
employed or a QR code compliant with International Organization of Standardization
18004:2015, that accesses equivalent data via the Internet that is available without fee or
requirement to create an account.
new text end

new text begin (b) A person may not sell, including online sales; offer for sale or promotional purposes;
distribute in or into the state; or facilitate a sale of a covered product or other electrical
product unless the producer of the covered product or other electrical product is named as
a participant in a stewardship plan published under section 115A.1335, subdivision 4,
paragraph (f), or the brand is named as covered in a stewardship plan published under section
115A.1335, subdivision 4, paragraph (f), and the stewardship plan has not been terminated
under section 115A.1335, subdivision 5.
new text end

new text begin (c) This subdivision does not apply to isolated and occasional sales of a covered product
or other electrical product that are not made in the normal course of business, as exempted
from sales tax under section 297A.67, subdivision 23.
new text end

new text begin (d) This subdivision does not apply to sales, including online sales; offers for sale or
promotional purposes; distribution; or facilitation of a sale of a used covered product or
used other electrical product.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective January 1, 2028.
new text end

Sec. 12.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 115A.554, is amended to read:

115A.554 AUTHORITY OF SANITARY DISTRICTS.

A sanitary district has the authorities and duties of counties within the district's boundary
for purposes of sections 115A.0716; 115A.46, subdivisions 4 and 5; 115A.48; 115A.551;
115A.552; 115A.553; 115A.919; 115A.929; 115A.93; 115A.96, subdivision 6; deleted text begin 115A.961; deleted text end
116.072; 375.18, subdivision 14; 400.04; 400.06; 400.07; 400.08; 400.16; and 400.161.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective January 1, 2028.
new text end

Sec. 13.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 116.92, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6.

Mercury thermometers prohibited.

(a) A manufacturer, wholesaler, or retailer
may not sell or distribute at no cost a thermometer containing mercury that was manufactured
after June 1, 2001.

(b) Paragraph (a) does not apply to an electronic thermometer with a battery containing
mercury if the battery is in compliance with deleted text begin section 325E.125 deleted text end new text begin subdivision 8l new text end .

(c) A manufacturer is in compliance with this subdivision if the manufacturer:

(1) has received an exclusion or exemption from a state that is a member of the Interstate
Mercury Education and Reduction Clearinghouse (IMERC) for replacement parts when no
alternative is available or for an application when no feasible alternative is available;

(2) submits a copy of the approved exclusion or exemption to the commissioner; and

(3) meets all of the requirements in the approved exclusion or exemption for the
manufacturer's activities within the state.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective January 1, 2028.
new text end

Sec. 14.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 116.92, is amended by adding a subdivision to
read:

new text begin Subd. 8l. new text end

new text begin Ban; mercury in batteries. new text end

new text begin A person may not sell, offer for sale, or distribute
in or into the state:
new text end

new text begin (1) an alkaline manganese battery that contains mercury that is not a button cell
nonrechargeable battery;
new text end

new text begin (2) a nonrechargeable button cell battery that contains more than 25 milligrams of
mercury; or
new text end

new text begin (3) a dry cell battery containing a mercuric oxide electrode.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective January 1, 2028.
new text end

Sec. 15. new text begin REPEALER.
new text end

new text begin Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 115A.1310, subdivisions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,
11, 12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, and 20; 115A.1312; 115A.1314; 115A.1316;
115A.1318; 115A.1320; 115A.1322; 115A.1323; 115A.1324; 115A.1326; 115A.1328;
115A.1330; 115A.9155; 115A.9157, subdivisions 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9; 115A.961,
subdivisions 1, 2, and 3; 325E.125; and 325E.1251, new text end new text begin are repealed.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective January 1, 2028.
new text end

ARTICLE 7

ENVIRONMENTAL PERMITTING REFORM

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 115.542, is amended to read:

115.542 NOTICE REQUIREMENTS FOR PUBLICLY OWNED WASTEWATER
TREATMENT FACILITIES.

Subdivision 1.

Definitions.

For the purpose of this section, the following terms have
the meanings given:

(1) "permit" means a national pollutant discharge elimination system (NPDES) permit
or state disposal system (SDS) permit; and

(2) "permit applicant" means a person or entity submitting an application for a new
permit or renewal, modification, or revocation of an existing permit for a publicly owned
wastewater treatment facility.

Subd. 2.

Applicability.

This section applies to all draft permits and permits for publicly
owned wastewater treatment facilities for which the commissioner of the Pollution Control
Agency makes a preliminary determination whether to issue or deny.

Subd. 3.

new text begin Prepublic new text end notice new text begin review new text end requirements.

new text begin Unless waived by the permit applicant,
new text end the commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency must provide a permit applicant with a
copy of the draft permit and any fact sheets required by agency rules at least 30 days before
the distribution and public notice of the permit application and preliminary determination.

Subd. 4.

deleted text begin Permitting efficiency deleted text end new text begin Public notice requirements new text end .

The commissioner must
prepare and issue a public notice of a completed application and the commissioner's
preliminary determination as to whether the permit should be issued or denied. The public
comment period must be at least 60 days for permit applications under this section new text begin but may
be reduced to 30 days if:
new text end

new text begin (1) a request for the reduction is made by the permit applicant; and
new text end

new text begin (2) the commissioner approves the request based on consideration of public or Tribal
interest in the permit action new text end .

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Permitting efficiency. new text end

Notwithstanding section 116.03, it is the goal of the
state that tier 2 permits for publicly owned wastewater treatment facilities be issued or
denied within 210 days following submission of a permit application.

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 116.03, subdivision 2b, is amended to read:

Subd. 2b.

Permitting efficiency.

(a) It is the goal of the state that environmental and
resource management permits be issued or denied within 90 days for tier 1 permits or 150
days for tier 2 permits following submission of a permit application. The commissioner deleted text begin of
the Pollution Control Agency shall deleted text end new text begin must new text end establish management systems designed to achieve
the goal. For the purposes of this section, "tier 1 permits" are permits that do not require
individualized actions or public comment periods, and "tier 2 permits" are permits that
require individualized actions or public comment periods. new text begin Goals established in this paragraph
do not apply to permit applications required due to agency enforcement actions.
new text end

(b) The commissioner deleted text begin shall deleted text end new text begin must new text end prepare an annual permitting efficiency report that
includes statistics on meeting the new text begin tier 2 new text end goal in paragraph (a) and the criteria for tier 2 by
permit categories. new text begin The report must also provide information on consultants regarding
achievement of the performance standards under paragraph (e), clauses (1) to (4). new text end The report
deleted text begin is due deleted text end new text begin must be submitted to the governor and to the chairs and ranking minority members
of the house of representatives and senate committees having jurisdiction over environment
policy and finance by October 1 new text end deleted text begin August 1 deleted text end each year new text begin and must be posted on the agency's
website new text end . new text begin Each report must include:
new text end

new text begin (1) new text end for new text begin each new text end permit deleted text begin applications deleted text end new text begin application new text end that deleted text begin have deleted text end new text begin has new text end not met the goal, deleted text begin the report
must state the reasons for not meeting the goal. In stating the reasons for not meeting the
goal, the commissioner shall separately identify delays deleted text end new text begin an explanation of whether the delay
was new text end caused by the responsiveness of the proposer, lack of staff, scientific or technical
disagreements, or the level of public engagement deleted text begin . The report must specify deleted text end new text begin ;
new text end

new text begin (2) for each permit that has not met the goal, new text end the number of days from initial submission
of the application to the day of determination that the application is complete deleted text begin . The report
must aggregate deleted text end new text begin ;
new text end

new text begin (3) a summary of new text end the data for the deleted text begin year deleted text end new text begin reporting period new text end and deleted text begin assess deleted text end new text begin an assessment of new text end
whether program or system changes are necessary to achieve the new text begin tier 2 new text end goal deleted text begin . The report
must be posted on the agency's website and submitted to the governor and the chairs and
ranking minority members of the house of representatives and senate committees having
jurisdiction over environment policy and finance. deleted text end new text begin in paragraph (a);
new text end

new text begin (4) a statement of the number of tier 2 permits completed within the reporting period
and, immediately following in parentheses, a statement of the percentage of total applications
received for that tier 2 permit category that the number represents, stated separately for
industrial and municipal permits; and
new text end

new text begin (5) for permits that did not meet the goal due to lack of staff, a combined estimate of
the aggregate staff resources that would have been necessary for all affected permits to meet
the goal.
new text end

(c) The commissioner deleted text begin shall deleted text end new text begin must new text end allow electronic submission of environmental review
and permit documents to the agency.

(d) Within 30 business days of application for a permit subject to paragraph (a), the
commissioner deleted text begin of the Pollution Control Agency shall deleted text end new text begin must new text end notify the permit applicant, in
writing, deleted text begin whether the application is complete or incomplete. If the commissioner determines
that an application is incomplete, the notice to the applicant must enumerate deleted text end new text begin of new text end all
deficiencies deleted text begin , deleted text end new text begin while new text end citing specific provisions of the applicable rules and statutes, and new text begin must new text end
advise the applicant on how the deficiencies can be remedied. new text begin The applicant shall have five
business days to remedy all identified deficiencies before the commissioner determines that
the application is complete or incomplete. new text end If the commissioner determines that the application
is complete, the deleted text begin notice deleted text end new text begin commissioner new text end must confirm the application's tier 1 or tier 2 permit
status. If the commissioner believes that a complete application for a tier 2 construction
permit cannot be issued within the 150-day goal, the commissioner must provide notice to
the applicant with the commissioner's notice that the application is complete and, upon
request of the applicant, provide the permit applicant with a schedule estimating when the
agency will begin drafting the permit and issue the public notice of the draft permit. This
paragraph does not apply to an application for a permit that is subject to a grant or loan
agreement under chapter 446A.

new text begin (e) The commissioner must credential consultants who meet the requirements of this
paragraph and must provide a logo or similar indicator with the credential that can be used
by a consultant in marketing their services. For purposes of this section, "consultant" means
a third-party professional representing a facility owner or operator to prepare or assist in
preparing a permit application or other similar documentation required by the commissioner
for authorizations under chapters 115 to 116. A consultant is credentialed on January 1 each
odd-numbered year if, in the preceding two years, the consultant:
new text end

new text begin (1) submitted permit applications deemed complete under paragraph (d) at a rate of at
least 80 percent;
new text end

new text begin (2) when applicable, met agreed-upon deadlines as part of a plan designed to increase
the coordination and efficiency of regulatory activities, such as a plan described under
section 116.035;
new text end

new text begin (3) did not represent an owner or operator to prepare or assist in preparing a permit
application or other similar documentation when the owner or operator received a citation
under section 116.073, subdivision 1, paragraph (b); and
new text end

new text begin (4) was not found in violation of Minnesota Rules, part 7000.0300, relating to duty of
candor.
new text end

new text begin (f) If, after notifying the permit applicant that the application is complete, the
commissioner determines that additional information is needed, the commissioner must
notify the applicant. Upon notice under this paragraph, counting days toward the 90- or
150-day goal described in paragraph (a) stops until the applicant has responded with the
additional information. Once the applicant has responded with all the additional information
required, counting resumes from where it stopped. The applicant has 30 business days to
provide the additional information to the commissioner, but the commissioner may extend
the time upon the applicant's request.
new text end

deleted text begin (e) deleted text end new text begin (g) new text end For purposes of this subdivision, "permit professional" means an individual not
employed by the Pollution Control Agency who:

(1) has a professional license issued by the state of Minnesota in the subject area of the
permit;

(2) has at least ten years of experience in the subject area of the permit; and

(3) abides by the duty of candor applicable to employees of the Pollution Control Agency
under agency rules and complies with all applicable requirements under chapter 326.

deleted text begin (f) deleted text end new text begin (h) new text end Upon the agency's request, an applicant relying on a permit professional must
participate in a meeting with the agency before submitting an application:

(1) at least two weeks prior to the preapplication meeting, the applicant must submit at
least the following:

(i) project description, including, but not limited to, scope of work, primary emissions
points, discharge outfalls, and water intake points;

(ii) location of the project, including county, municipality, and location on the site;

(iii) business schedule for project completion; and

(iv) other information requested by the agency at least four weeks prior to the scheduled
meeting; and

(2) during the preapplication meeting, the agency deleted text begin shall deleted text end new text begin must new text end provide for the applicant
at least the following:

(i) an overview of the permit review program;

(ii) a determination of which specific application or applications will be necessary to
complete the project;

(iii) a statement notifying the applicant if the specific permit being sought requires a
mandatory public hearing or comment period;

(iv) a review of the timetable established in the permit review program for the specific
permit being sought; and

(v) a determination of what information must be included in the application, including
a description of any required modeling or testing.

deleted text begin (g) deleted text end new text begin (i) new text end The applicant may select a permit professional to undertake the preparation of
the permit application and draft permit.

deleted text begin (h) deleted text end new text begin (j) new text end If a preapplication meeting was held, the agency deleted text begin shall deleted text end new text begin must new text end , within seven business
days of receipt of an application, notify the applicant and submitting permit professional
that the application is complete or is denied, specifying the deficiencies of the application.

deleted text begin (i) deleted text end new text begin (k) new text end Upon receipt of notice that the application is complete, the permit professional
deleted text begin shall deleted text end new text begin must new text end submit to the agency a timetable for submitting a draft permit. The permit
professional deleted text begin shall deleted text end new text begin must new text end submit a draft permit on or before the date provided in the timetable.
Within 60 days after the close of the public comment period, the commissioner deleted text begin shall deleted text end new text begin must new text end
notify the applicant whether the permit can be issued.

deleted text begin (j) deleted text end new text begin (l) new text end Nothing in this section shall be construed to modify:

(1) any requirement of law that is necessary to retain federal delegation to or assumption
by the state; or

(2) the authority to implement a federal law or program.

deleted text begin (k) deleted text end new text begin (m) new text end The permit application and draft permit deleted text begin shall deleted text end new text begin must new text end identify or include as an
appendix all studies and other sources of information used to substantiate the analysis
contained in the permit application and draft permit. The commissioner deleted text begin shall deleted text end new text begin must new text end request
additional studies, if needed, and the permit applicant deleted text begin shall deleted text end new text begin must new text end submit all additional studies
and information necessary for the commissioner to perform the commissioner's responsibility
to review, modify, and determine the completeness of the application and approve the draft
permit.

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 116.07, subdivision 4a, is amended to read:

Subd. 4a.

Permits.

(a) The Pollution Control Agency may issue, continue in effect or
deny permits, under such conditions as it may prescribe for the prevention of pollution, for
the emission of air contaminants, or for the installation or operation of any emission facility,
air contaminant treatment facility, treatment facility, potential air contaminant storage
facility, or storage facility, or any part thereof, or for the sources or emissions of noise
pollution. new text begin The Pollution Control Agency may issue separate permits for constructing a
facility described in this paragraph and for its operation, except for a facility required to
complete a mandatory environmental impact statement under Minnesota Rules, part
4410.4400. The Pollution Control Agency must prioritize these permits in a manner that
minimizes the time required to construct and begin operation of the permitted facility while
complying with state and federal requirements.
new text end

(b) The Pollution Control Agency may also issue, continue in effect or deny permits,
under such conditions as it may prescribe for the prevention of pollution, for the storage,
collection, transportation, processing, or disposal of waste, or for the installation or operation
of any system or facility, or any part thereof, related to the storage, collection, transportation,
processing, or disposal of waste.

(c) The agency may not issue a permit to a facility without analyzing and considering
the cumulative levels and effects of past and current environmental pollution from all sources
on the environment and residents of the geographic area within which the facility's emissions
are likely to be deposited, provided that the facility is located in a community in a city of
the first class in Hennepin County that meets all of the following conditions:

(1) is within a half mile of a site designated by the federal government as an EPA
superfund site due to residential arsenic contamination;

(2) a majority of the population are low-income persons of color and American Indians;

(3) a disproportionate percent of the children have childhood lead poisoning, asthma,
or other environmentally related health problems;

(4) is located in a city that has experienced numerous air quality alert days of dangerous
air quality for sensitive populations between February 2007 and February 2008; and

(5) is located near the junctions of several heavily trafficked state and county highways
and two one-way streets which carry both truck and auto traffic.

(d) The Pollution Control Agency may revoke or modify any permit issued under this
subdivision and section 116.081 whenever it is necessary, in the opinion of the agency, to
prevent or abate pollution.

(e) The Pollution Control Agency has the authority for approval over the siting, expansion,
or operation of a solid waste facility with regard to environmental issues. However, the
agency's issuance of a permit does not release the permittee from any liability, penalty, or
duty imposed by any applicable county ordinances. Nothing in this chapter precludes, or
shall be construed to preclude, a county from enforcing land use controls, regulations, and
ordinances existing at the time of the permit application and adopted pursuant to Minnesota
Statutes 2020, sections 366.10 to 366.181, or sections 394.21 to 394.37, or 462.351 to
462.365, with regard to the siting, expansion, or operation of a solid waste facility.

(f) Except as prohibited by federal law, a person may commence construction,
reconstruction, replacement, or modification of any facility prior to the issuance of a
construction permit by the agency.

new text begin (g) For the purposes of this subdivision, the Pollution Control Agency may require the
owners and operators of any emission facility, air containment treatment facility, treatment
facility, potential air containment storage facility, or storage facility, or any part thereof, to
conduct air dispersion modeling of air contaminants.
new text end

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 116.07, subdivision 4d, is amended to read:

Subd. 4d.

Permit fees.

(a) The agency may collect permit fees in amounts not greater
than those necessary to cover the reasonable costs of developing, reviewing, and acting
upon applications for agency permits and implementing and enforcing the conditions of the
permits pursuant to agency rules. Permit fees shall not include the costs of litigation. The
fee schedule must reflect reasonable and routine direct and indirect costs associated with
permitting, implementation, and enforcement. The agency may impose an additional
enforcement fee to be collected for a period of up to two years to cover the reasonable costs
of implementing and enforcing the conditions of a permit under the rules of the agency.
Any money collected under this paragraph shall be deposited in the environmental fund.

(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), the agency shall collect an annual fee from the owner
or operator of all stationary sources, emission facilities, emissions units, air contaminant
treatment facilities, treatment facilities, potential air contaminant storage facilities, or storage
facilities subject to a notification, permit, or license requirement under this chapter,
subchapters I and V of the federal Clean Air Act, United States Code, title 42, section 7401
et seq., or rules adopted thereunder. The annual fee shall be used to pay for all direct and
indirect reasonable costs, including legal costs, required to develop and administer the
notification, permit, or license program requirements of this chapter, subchapters I and V
of the federal Clean Air Act, United States Code, title 42, section 7401 et seq., or rules
adopted thereunder. Those costs include the reasonable costs of reviewing and acting upon
an application for a permit; implementing and enforcing statutes, rules, and the terms and
conditions of a permit; emissions, ambient, and deposition monitoring; preparing generally
applicable regulations; responding to federal guidance; modeling, analyses, and
demonstrations; preparing inventories and tracking emissions; and providing information
to the public about these activities.

(c) The agency shall set fees that:

(1) will result in the collection, in the aggregate, from the sources listed in paragraph
(b), of an amount not less than $25 per ton of each volatile organic compound; pollutant
regulated under United States Code, title 42, section 7411 or 7412 (section 111 or 112 of
the federal Clean Air Act); and each pollutant, except carbon monoxide, for which a national
primary ambient air quality standard has been promulgated;

(2) may result in the collection, in the aggregate, from the sources listed in paragraph
(b), of an amount not less than $25 per ton of each pollutant not listed in clause (1) that is
regulated under this chapter or air quality rules adopted under this chapter; and

(3) shall collect, in the aggregate, from the sources listed in paragraph (b), the amount
needed to match grant funds received by the state under United States Code, title 42, section
7405 (section 105 of the federal Clean Air Act).

The agency must not include in the calculation of the aggregate amount to be collected
under clauses (1) and (2) any amount in excess of 4,000 tons per year of each air pollutant
from a source. The increase in air permit fees to match federal grant funds shall be a surcharge
on existing fees. The commissioner may not collect the surcharge after the grant funds
become unavailable. In addition, the commissioner shall use nonfee funds to the extent
practical to match the grant funds so that the fee surcharge is minimized.

(d) To cover the reasonable costs described in paragraph (b), the agency shall provide
in the rules promulgated under paragraph (c) for an increase in the fee collected in each
year by the percentage, if any, by which the Consumer Price Index for the most recent
calendar year ending before the beginning of the year the fee is collected exceeds the
Consumer Price Index for the calendar year 1989. For purposes of this paragraph the
Consumer Price Index for any calendar year is the average of the Consumer Price Index for
all-urban consumers published by the United States Department of Labor, as of the close
of the 12-month period ending on August 31 of each calendar year. The revision of the
Consumer Price Index that is most consistent with the Consumer Price Index for calendar
year 1989 shall be used.

(e) Any money collected under paragraphs (b) to (d) must be deposited in the
environmental fund and must be used solely for the activities listed in paragraph (b).

(f) Permit applicants who wish to construct, reconstruct, or modify a project may deleted text begin offer deleted text end new text begin
request expedited permitting under this paragraph. An applicant requesting expedited
permitting under this paragraph must agree new text end to reimburse the agency for the costs of staff
time or consultant services needed to expedite the preapplication process and permit
development process through the final decision on the permit, including the analysis of
environmental review documents. The reimbursement deleted text begin shall be deleted text end new text begin is new text end in addition to permit
application fees imposed by law. deleted text begin When the agency determines that it needs additional
resources to develop the permit application in an expedited manner, and that expediting the
development is consistent with permitting program priorities, the agency may accept the
reimbursement. deleted text end The commissioner must give the applicant an estimate of new text begin the timeline and
new text end costs to be incurred by the commissioner. The estimate must include a brief description of
the tasks to be performed, a schedule for completing the tasks, and the estimated cost for
each task. new text begin If the applicant agrees to the estimated timeline and costs negotiated with the
commissioner, new text end the applicant and the commissioner must enter into a written agreement
deleted text begin detailing the estimated costs for the expedited permit decision-making process to be incurred
by the agency deleted text end new text begin to proceed accordingly new text end . The agreement must deleted text begin also deleted text end identify staff anticipated
to be assigned to the project. new text begin The agreement may provide that, if permitting is completed
ahead of the schedule set forth in the written agreement, the commissioner may retain any
fees that would have been due if the permitting had taken the time contemplated in the
written agreement. Fees retained by the commissioner under this paragraph are appropriated
to the commissioner for administering the commissioner's permitting duties. new text end The
commissioner must not issue a permit until the applicant has paid all fees in full. The
commissioner must refund any unobligated balance of fees paid. Reimbursements accepted
by the agency are appropriated to the agency for the purpose of developing the permit or
analyzing environmental review documents. Reimbursement by a permit applicant shall
precede and not be contingent upon issuance of a permit; shall not affect the agency's decision
on whether to issue or deny a permit, what conditions are included in a permit, or the
application of state and federal statutes and rules governing permit determinations; and shall
not affect final decisions regarding environmental review.

(g) The fees under this subdivision are exempt from section 16A.1285.

Sec. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 116D.04, subdivision 2a, is amended to read:

Subd. 2a.

When prepared.

(a) Where there is potential for significant environmental
effects resulting from any major governmental action, the action must be preceded by a
detailed environmental impact statement prepared by the responsible governmental unit.
The environmental impact statement must be an analytical rather than an encyclopedic
document that describes the proposed action in detail, analyzes its significant environmental
impacts, discusses appropriate alternatives to the proposed action and their impacts, and
explores methods by which adverse environmental impacts of an action could be mitigated.
The environmental impact statement must also analyze those economic, employment, and
sociological effects that cannot be avoided should the action be implemented. To ensure its
use in the decision-making process, the environmental impact statement must be prepared
as early as practical in the formulation of an action.

(b) The board shall by rule establish categories of actions for which environmental
impact statements and for which environmental assessment worksheets must be prepared
as well as categories of actions for which no environmental review is required under this
section. A mandatory environmental assessment worksheet is not required for the expansion
of an ethanol plant, as defined in section 41A.09, subdivision 2a, paragraph (b), or the
conversion of an ethanol plant to a biobutanol facility or the expansion of a biobutanol
facility as defined in section 41A.15, subdivision 2d, based on the capacity of the expanded
or converted facility to produce alcohol fuel, but must be required if the ethanol plant or
biobutanol facility meets or exceeds thresholds of other categories of actions for which
environmental assessment worksheets must be prepared. The responsible governmental unit
for an ethanol plant or biobutanol facility project for which an environmental assessment
worksheet is prepared is the state agency with the greatest responsibility for supervising or
approving the project as a whole.

(c) A mandatory environmental impact statement is not required for a facility or plant
located outside the seven-county metropolitan area that produces less than 125,000,000
gallons of ethanol, biobutanol, or cellulosic biofuel annually, or produces less than 400,000
tons of chemicals annually, if the facility or plant is: an ethanol plant, as defined in section
41A.09, subdivision 2a, paragraph (b); a biobutanol facility, as defined in section 41A.15,
subdivision 2d; or a cellulosic biofuel facility. A facility or plant that only uses a cellulosic
feedstock to produce chemical products for use by another facility as a feedstock is not
considered a fuel conversion facility as used in rules adopted under this chapter.

(d) The responsible governmental unit shall promptly publish notice of the completion
of an environmental assessment worksheet by publishing the notice in at least one newspaper
of general circulation in the geographic area where the project is proposed, by posting the
notice on a website that has been designated as the official publication site for publication
of proceedings, public notices, and summaries of a political subdivision in which the project
is proposed, or in any other manner determined by the board and shall provide copies of
the environmental assessment worksheet to the board and its member agencies. Comments
on the need for an environmental impact statement may be submitted to the responsible
governmental unit during a 30-day period following publication of the notice that an
environmental assessment worksheet has been completed. The responsible governmental
unit may extend the 30-day comment period for an additional 30 days one time. Further
extensions of the comment period may not be made unless approved by the project's proposer.
The responsible governmental unit's decision on the need for an environmental impact
statement must be based on the environmental assessment worksheet and the comments
received during the comment period, and must be made within 15 days after the close of
the comment period. The board's chair may extend the 15-day period by not more than 15
additional days upon the request of the responsible governmental unit.

(e) An environmental assessment worksheet must also be prepared for a proposed action
whenever material evidence accompanying a petition deleted text begin by not less than 100 individuals who
reside or own property in the state deleted text end , submitted before the proposed project has received final
approval by the appropriate governmental units, demonstrates that, because of the nature
or location of a proposed action, there may be potential for significant environmental effects. new text begin
Petitions may be submitted by:
new text end

new text begin (1) a Minnesota Tribal government as defined under section 10.65, subdivision 2; or
new text end

new text begin (2) not less than 100 individuals who reside or own property in the state.
new text end

new text begin (f) new text end Petitions requesting the preparation of an environmental assessment worksheet new text begin under
paragraph (e) new text end must be submitted to the board. The chair of the board new text begin or designee new text end shall
determine the appropriate responsible governmental unit and forward the petition to it. A
decision on the need for an environmental assessment worksheet must be made by the
responsible governmental unit within 15 days after the petition is received by the responsible
governmental unit. The board's chair new text begin or designee new text end may extend the 15-day period by not more
than 15 additional days upon request of the responsible governmental unit.

deleted text begin (f) deleted text end new text begin (g) new text end Except in an environmentally sensitive location where Minnesota Rules, part
4410.4300, subpart 29, item B, applies, the proposed action is exempt from environmental
review under this chapter and rules of the board, if:

(1) the proposed action is:

(i) an animal feedlot facility with a capacity of less than 1,000 animal units; or

(ii) an expansion of an existing animal feedlot facility with a total cumulative capacity
of less than 1,000 animal units;

(2) the application for the animal feedlot facility includes a written commitment by the
proposer to design, construct, and operate the facility in full compliance with Pollution
Control Agency feedlot rules; and

(3) the county board holds a public meeting for citizen input at least ten business days
before the Pollution Control Agency or county issuing a feedlot permit for the animal feedlot
facility unless another public meeting for citizen input has been held with regard to the
feedlot facility to be permitted. The exemption in this paragraph is in addition to other
exemptions provided under other law and rules of the board.

deleted text begin (g) deleted text end new text begin (h) new text end The board may, before final approval of a proposed project, require preparation
of an environmental assessment worksheet by a responsible governmental unit selected by
the board for any action where environmental review under this section has not been
specifically provided for by rule or otherwise initiated.

deleted text begin (h) deleted text end new text begin (i) new text end An early and open process must be used to limit the scope of the environmental
impact statement to a discussion of those impacts that, because of the nature or location of
the project, have the potential for significant environmental effects. The same process must
be used to determine the form, content, and level of detail of the statement as well as the
alternatives that are appropriate for consideration in the statement. In addition, the permits
that will be required for the proposed action must be identified during the scoping process.
Further, the process must identify those permits for which information will be developed
concurrently with the environmental impact statement. The board shall provide in its rules
for the expeditious completion of the scoping process. The determinations reached in the
process must be incorporated into the order requiring the preparation of an environmental
impact statement.

deleted text begin (i) deleted text end new text begin (j) new text end The responsible governmental unit shall, to the extent practicable, avoid duplication
and ensure coordination between state and federal environmental review and between
environmental review and environmental permitting. Whenever practical, information
needed by a governmental unit for making final decisions on permits or other actions required
for a proposed project must be developed in conjunction with the preparation of an
environmental impact statement. When an environmental impact statement is prepared for
a project requiring multiple permits for which two or more agencies' decision processes
include either mandatory or discretionary hearings before a hearing officer before the
agencies' decision on the permit, the agencies may, notwithstanding any law or rule to the
contrary, conduct the hearings in a single consolidated hearing process if requested by the
proposer. All agencies having jurisdiction over a permit that is included in the consolidated
hearing shall participate. The responsible governmental unit shall establish appropriate
procedures for the consolidated hearing process, including procedures to ensure that the
consolidated hearing process is consistent with the applicable requirements for each permit
regarding the rights and duties of parties to the hearing, and shall use the earliest applicable
hearing procedure to initiate the hearing. All agencies having jurisdiction over a permit
identified in the draft environmental assessment worksheet scoping document must begin
reviewing any permit application upon publication of the notice of preparation of the
environmental impact statement.

deleted text begin (j) deleted text end new text begin (k) new text end An environmental impact statement must be prepared and its adequacy determined
within 280 days after notice of its preparation unless the time is extended by consent of the
parties or by the governor for good cause. The responsible governmental unit shall determine
the adequacy of an environmental impact statement, unless within 60 days after notice is
published that an environmental impact statement will be prepared, the board chooses to
determine the adequacy of an environmental impact statement. If an environmental impact
statement is found to be inadequate, the responsible governmental unit has 60 days to prepare
an adequate environmental impact statement.

deleted text begin (k) deleted text end new text begin (l) new text end The proposer of a specific action may include in the information submitted to the
responsible governmental unit a preliminary draft environmental impact statement under
this section on that action for review, modification, and determination of completeness and
adequacy by the responsible governmental unit. A preliminary draft environmental impact
statement prepared by the project proposer and submitted to the responsible governmental
unit must identify or include as an appendix all studies and other sources of information
used to substantiate the analysis contained in the preliminary draft environmental impact
statement. The responsible governmental unit shall require additional studies, if needed,
and obtain from the project proposer all additional studies and information necessary for
the responsible governmental unit to perform its responsibility to review, modify, and
determine the completeness and adequacy of the environmental impact statement.

Sec. 6.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 116D.04, subdivision 2b, is amended to read:

Subd. 2b.

Project prerequisites.

new text begin (a) new text end If an environmental assessment worksheet or an
environmental impact statement is required for a governmental action under subdivision
2a, a project may not be started and a final governmental decision may not be made to grant
a permit, approve a project, or begin a project, until:

(1) a petition for an environmental assessment worksheet is dismissed;

(2) a negative declaration has been issued on the need for an environmental impact
statement;

(3) the environmental impact statement has been determined adequate; or

(4) a variance has been granted from making an environmental impact statement by the
environmental quality board.

new text begin (b) Nothing in this subdivision precludes a local unit of government from beginning to
review a feedlot permit application for a feedlot subject to environmental review under this
chapter.
new text end

Sec. 7.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 116D.04, subdivision 5a, is amended to read:

Subd. 5a.

Rules.

The board shall, by January 1, 1981, promulgate rules in conformity
with this chapter and the provisions of chapter 15, establishing:

(1) the governmental unit which shall be responsible for environmental review of a
proposed action;

(2) the form and content of environmental assessment worksheets;

(3) a scoping process in conformance with subdivision 2a, paragraph deleted text begin (h) deleted text end new text begin (i) new text end ;

(4) a procedure for identifying during the scoping process the permits necessary for a
proposed action and a process for coordinating review of appropriate permits with the
preparation of the environmental impact statement;

(5) a standard format for environmental impact statements;

(6) standards for determining the alternatives to be discussed in an environmental impact
statement;

(7) alternative forms of environmental review which are acceptable pursuant to
subdivision 4a;

(8) a model ordinance which may be adopted and implemented by local governmental
units in lieu of the environmental impact statement process required by this section, providing
for an alternative form of environmental review where an action does not require a state
agency permit and is consistent with an applicable comprehensive plan. The model ordinance
shall provide for adequate consideration of appropriate alternatives, and shall ensure that
decisions are made in accordance with the policies and purposes of Laws 1980, chapter
447;

(9) procedures to reduce paperwork and delay through intergovernmental cooperation
and the elimination of unnecessary duplication of environmental reviews;

(10) procedures for expediting the selection of consultants by the governmental unit
responsible for the preparation of an environmental impact statement; and

(11) any additional rules which are reasonably necessary to carry out the requirements
of this section.

Sec. 8.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 116D.045, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Assessment.

The board must by rule adopt procedures to:

(1) assess the proposer of a specific action for the responsible governmental unit's
reasonable costs of preparing, reviewing, and distributing the environmental impact statement.
The costs must be determined by the responsible governmental unit according to the rules
adopted by the board; and

(2) authorize a responsible governmental unit to allow a proposer of a specific action to
prepare a draft environmental impact statement according to section 116D.04, subdivision
2a, paragraph deleted text begin (k) deleted text end new text begin (l) new text end .

Sec. 9. new text begin SCOPING ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT WORKSHEET NOT
REQUIRED FOR PROJECTS THAT REQUIRE A MANDATORY
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT.
new text end

new text begin (a) The Environmental Quality Board must amend Minnesota Rules, part 4410.2100, as
follows:
new text end

new text begin (1) to provide that an environmental assessment worksheet does not need to be prepared
for a project that falls within a mandatory environmental impact statement category under
Minnesota Rules, part 4410.4400, or other applicable law; and
new text end

new text begin (2) to provide that a scoping process undertaken under Minnesota Rules, part 4410.2100,
must be completed no later than 280 days after the process begins.
new text end

new text begin (b) The board may use the good-cause exemption under Minnesota Statutes, section
14.388, subdivision 1, clause (3), to adopt rules under this section, and Minnesota Statutes,
section 14.386, does not apply except as provided under Minnesota Statutes, section 14.388.
new text end

Sec. 10. new text begin STATE IMPLEMENTATION PLAN REVISIONS.
new text end

new text begin The commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency must seek approval from the federal
Environmental Protection Agency for revisions to the state's federal Clean Air Act state
implementation plan if changes are needed to reflect the requirements of Minnesota Statutes,
section 116.07, subdivision 4a, as amended by this act.
new text end

Sec. 11. new text begin REPORT ON USE OF AUTHORITY TO EXTEND TIMELINE FOR
CERTAIN AGENCY ACTIONS.
new text end

new text begin By February 15, 2028, the Board of Water and Soil Resources must report to the chairs
and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over
environment and natural resources policy on the number of extensions noticed under
Minnesota Statutes, section 15.99, subdivision 3, paragraph (f), that are made for any decision
under Minnesota Rules, chapter 8420, between January 1, 2026, and December 31, 2027.
A local government unit must supply the board with information necessary to prepare the
report required by this section.
new text end

APPENDIX

Repealed Minnesota Statutes: S2077-1

103E.067 DITCH BUFFER STRIP; ANNUAL REPORTING.

The drainage authority shall annually submit a report to the Board of Water and Soil Resources for the calendar year including:

(1) the number and types of actions for which viewers were appointed;

(2) the number of miles of buffer strips established according to section 103E.021;

(3) the number of drainage system inspections conducted; and

(4) the number of violations of section 103E.021 identified and enforcement actions taken.

115A.1310 DEFINITIONS.

Subdivision 1.

Scope.

For the purposes of sections 115A.1310 to 115A.1330, the following terms have the meanings given.

Subd. 2.

Cathode-ray tube or CRT.

"Cathode-ray tube" or "CRT" means a vacuum tube or picture tube used to convert an electronic signal into a visual image.

Subd. 3.

Collection.

"Collection" means the aggregation of covered electronic devices from households and includes all the activities up to the time the covered electronic devices are delivered to a recycler.

Subd. 4.

Collector.

"Collector" means a public or private entity that receives covered electronic devices from households and arranges for the delivery of the devices to a recycler.

Subd. 5.

Computer.

"Computer" means an electronic, magnetic, optical, electrochemical, or other high-speed data processing device performing logical, arithmetic, or storage functions, but does not include an automated typewriter or typesetter, a portable handheld calculator or device, or other similar device.

Subd. 6.

Computer monitor.

"Computer monitor" means an electronic device that is a cathode-ray tube or flat panel display primarily intended to display information from a central processing unit or the Internet.

Subd. 7.

Covered electronic device.

"Covered electronic device" means computers, including tablet computers and laptop computers, peripherals, facsimile machines, DVD players, video cassette recorders, and video display devices that are sold to a household by means of retail, wholesale, or electronic commerce.

Subd. 8.

Department.

"Department" means the Department of Revenue.

Subd. 9.

Dwelling unit.

"Dwelling unit" has the meaning given in section 238.02, subdivision 21a.

Subd. 10.

Household.

"Household" means an occupant of a single detached dwelling unit or a single unit of a multiple dwelling unit located in this state who has used a video display device at a dwelling unit primarily for personal use.

Subd. 11.

Manufacturer.

"Manufacturer" means a person who:

(1) manufactures video display devices to be sold under its own brand as identified by its own brand label; or

(2) sells video display devices manufactured by others under its own brand as identified by its own brand label.

Subd. 12.

Peripheral.

"Peripheral" means a keyboard, printer, or any other device sold exclusively for external use with a computer that provides input or output into or from a computer.

Subd. 12a.

Phase I recycling credits.

"Phase I recycling credits" means the number of pounds of covered electronic devices recycled by a manufacturer from households during program years one through nine, less the product of the number of pounds of video display devices sold to households during the same program year, multiplied by the proportion of sales a manufacturer is required to recycle.

Subd. 12b.

Phase II recycling credits.

"Phase II recycling credits" means an amount calculated in a program year beginning July 1, 2019, and in each program year thereafter, according to the formula (1.5 x A) - (B - C), where:

A = the number of pounds of covered electronic devices a manufacturer recycled or arranged to have collected and recycled during a program year from households located outside the 11-county metropolitan area, as defined in section 115A.1314, subdivision 2;

B = the manufacturer's recycling obligation calculated for the same program year in section 115A.1320, subdivision 1, paragraph (g); and

C = the number of pounds of covered electronic devices a manufacturer recycled or arranged to have collected and recycled, up to but not exceeding B, during the same program year from households in the 11-county metropolitan area.

Subd. 12c.

Portable battery.

"Portable battery" means a rechargeable battery as defined in section 115A.9157.

Subd. 13.

Program year.

"Program year" means the period from July 1 through June 30.

Subd. 14.

Recycler.

"Recycler" means a public or private individual or entity who accepts covered electronic devices from households and collectors for the purpose of recycling. A manufacturer who takes products for refurbishment or repair is not a recycler.

Subd. 15.

Recycling.

"Recycling" means the process of collecting and preparing video display devices or covered electronic devices for use in manufacturing processes or for recovery of usable materials followed by delivery of such materials for use. Recycling does not include the destruction by incineration or other process or land disposal of recyclable materials nor reuse, repair, or any other process through which video display devices or covered electronic devices are returned to use for households in their original form.

Subd. 17.

Retailer.

"Retailer" means a person who sells, rents, or leases, through sales outlets, catalogs, or the Internet, a video display device to a household and not for resale in any form.

Subd. 18.

Sell or sale.

"Sell" or "sale" means any transfer for consideration of title or of the right to use, by lease or sales contract, including, but not limited to, transactions conducted through sales outlets, catalogs, or the Internet, or any other similar electronic means either inside or outside of the state, by a person who conducts the transaction and controls the delivery of a video display device to a consumer in the state, but does not include a manufacturer's or distributor's wholesale transaction with a distributor or a retailer.

Subd. 19.

Television.

"Television" means an electronic device that is a cathode-ray tube or flat panel display primarily intended to receive video programming via broadcast, cable, or satellite transmission or video from surveillance or other similar cameras.

Subd. 20.

Video display device.

"Video display device" means a television or computer monitor that contains a cathode-ray tube or a flat panel screen that is marketed by manufacturers for use by households. Video display device does not include any of the following:

(1) a video display device that is part of a motor vehicle or any component part of a motor vehicle assembled by, or for, a vehicle manufacturer or franchised dealer, including replacement parts for use in a motor vehicle;

(2) a video display device, including a touch-screen display, that is functionally or physically part of a larger piece of equipment or is designed and intended for use in an industrial; commercial, including retail; library checkout; traffic control; kiosk; security, other than household security; border control; or medical setting, including diagnostic, monitoring, or control equipment;

(3) a video display device that is contained within a clothes washer, clothes dryer, refrigerator, refrigerator and freezer, microwave oven, conventional oven or range, dishwasher, room air conditioner, dehumidifier, or air purifier; or

(4) a telephone of any type.

115A.1312 REGISTRATION PROGRAM.

Subdivision 1.

Requirements for sale.

(a) On or after September 1, 2007, a manufacturer must not sell or offer for sale or deliver to retailers for subsequent sale a new video display device unless:

(1) the video display device is labeled with the manufacturer's brand, which label is permanently affixed and readily visible; and

(2) the manufacturer has filed a registration with the agency, as specified in subdivision 2.

(b) A retailer must not sell, offer for sale, rent, or lease a video display device unless the video display device is labeled according to this subdivision and listed as registered on the agency website according to subdivision 2.

(c) A retailer is not responsible for an unlawful sale under this subdivision if the manufacturer's registration expired or was revoked and the retailer took possession of the video display device prior to the expiration or revocation of the manufacturer's registration and the unlawful sale occurred within six months after the expiration or revocation.

Subd. 2.

Manufacturer registration.

(a) By August 15 each year, a manufacturer of video display devices sold or offered for sale to households in the state must submit a registration to the agency that includes:

(1) a list of the manufacturer's brands of video display devices offered for sale in this state;

(2) the name, address, and contact information of a person responsible for ensuring compliance with this chapter; and

(3) a certification that the manufacturer has complied and will continue to comply with the requirements of sections 115A.1312 to 115A.1318.

(b) A manufacturer of video display devices sold or offered for sale to a household must include in the registration submitted under paragraph (a), a statement disclosing whether:

(1) any video display devices sold to households exceed the maximum concentration values established for lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyls (PBB's), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE's) under the RoHS (restricting the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment) Directive 2002/95/EC of the European Parliament and Council and any amendments thereto; or

(2) the manufacturer has received an exemption from one or more of those maximum concentration values under the RoHS Directive that has been approved and published by the European Commission.

(c) A manufacturer who begins to sell or offer for sale video display devices to households after August 15, 2016, and has not filed a registration under this subdivision must submit a registration to the agency within ten days of beginning to sell or offer for sale video display devices to households.

(d) A registration must be updated within ten days after a change in the manufacturer's brands of video display devices sold or offered for sale to households.

(e) A registration is effective upon receipt by the agency and is valid until August 15 each year.

(f) The agency must review each registration and notify the manufacturer of any information required by this section that is omitted from the registration. Within 30 days of receipt of a notification from the agency, the manufacturer must submit a revised registration providing the information noted by the agency.

(g) The agency must maintain on its website the names of manufacturers and the manufacturers' brands listed in registrations filed with the agency. The agency must update the website information promptly upon receipt of a new or updated registration. The website must contain prominent language stating, in effect, that sections 115A.1310 to 115A.1330 are directed at household equipment and the manufacturers' brands list is, therefore, not a list of manufacturers qualified to sell to industrial, commercial, or other markets identified as exempt from the requirements of sections 115A.1310 to 115A.1330.

Subd. 3.

Collector registration.

No person may operate as a collector of covered electronic devices from households unless that person has submitted a registration with the agency by July 15 each year on a form prescribed by the commissioner. Registration information must include the name, address, telephone number, and location of the business and a certification that the collector has complied and will continue to comply with the requirements of sections 115A.1312 to 115A.1318 and any regulations adopted by a local government unit for the jurisdiction in which the collector operates. A collector must indicate any end-of-life fees that will be charged at the collection point. A registration is effective upon receipt by the agency and is valid until July 15 each year.

Subd. 4.

Recycler registration.

No person may recycle video display devices generated by households unless that person has submitted a registration with the agency by July 15 each year on a form prescribed by the commissioner. Registration information must include the name, address, telephone number, and location of all recycling facilities under the direct control of the recycler that may receive covered electronic devices from households and a certification that the recycler has complied and will continue to comply with the requirements of sections 115A.1312 to 115A.1318. A registered recycler must conduct recycling activities that are consistent with this chapter. A registration is effective upon receipt by the agency and is valid until July 15 each year.

115A.1314 MANUFACTURER REGISTRATION FEE.

Subdivision 1.

Registration fee.

(a) Each manufacturer who registers under section 115A.1312 must, by August 15 each year, pay to the commissioner of revenue an annual registration fee, on a form and in a manner prescribed by the commissioner of revenue. The commissioner of revenue must deposit the fee in the state treasury and credit the fee to the environmental fund.

(b) The registration fee for manufacturers that sell 100 or more video display devices to households in the state during the previous calendar year is $2,500, plus a variable recycling fee. The registration fee for manufacturers that sell fewer than 100 video display devices in the state during the previous calendar year is a variable recycling fee. The variable recycling fee is calculated according to the formula:

[A - (B + C)] x D, where:

A = the manufacturer's recycling obligation as determined under section 115A.1320;

B = the number of pounds of covered electronic devices that a manufacturer recycled or arranged to have collected and recycled from households during the immediately preceding program year, as reported under section 115A.1316, subdivision 1;

C = the number of phase I or phase II recycling credits a manufacturer elects to use to calculate the variable recycling fee; and

D = the estimated per-pound cost of recycling, initially set at $0.50 per pound for manufacturers who recycle less than 50 percent of the manufacturer's recycling obligation; $0.40 per pound for manufacturers who recycle at least 50 percent but less than 90 percent of the manufacturer's recycling obligation; $0.30 per pound for manufacturers who recycle at least 90 percent but less than 100 percent of the manufacturer's recycling obligation; and $0.00 per pound for manufacturers who recycle 100 percent or more of the manufacturer's recycling obligation.

(c) A manufacturer may petition the agency to waive the per-pound cost of recycling fee, element D in the formula in paragraph (b), required under this section. The agency shall direct the commissioner of revenue to waive the per-pound cost of recycling fee if the manufacturer demonstrates to the agency's satisfaction a good faith effort to meet its recycling obligation as determined under section 115A.1320. The petition must include:

(1) documentation that the manufacturer has met at least 75 percent of its recycling obligation as determined under section 115A.1320;

(2) a list of political subdivisions and public and private collectors with whom the manufacturer had a formal contract or agreement in effect during the previous program year to recycle or collect covered electronic devices;

(3) the total amounts of covered electronic devices collected from both within and outside of the 11-county metropolitan area, as defined in subdivision 2;

(4) a description of the manufacturer's best efforts to meet its recycling obligation as determined under section 115A.1320; and

(5) any other information requested by the agency.

(d) A manufacturer may retain phase I and phase II recycling credits to be added, in whole or in part, to the actual value of C, as reported under section 115A.1316, subdivision 2, during any succeeding program year, provided that no more than 25 percent of a manufacturer's recycling obligation A for any program year may be met with phase I and phase II recycling credits, separately or in combination, generated in a prior program year. A manufacturer may sell any portion or all of its phase I and phase II recycling credits to another manufacturer, at a price negotiated by the parties, who may use the credits in the same manner.

(e) For the purpose of determining B in calculating a manufacturer's variable recycling fee using the formula under paragraph (b), starting with the program year beginning July 1, 2019, and continuing each year thereafter, the weight of covered electronic devices that a manufacturer recycled or arranged to have collected and recycled from households located outside the 11-county metropolitan area, as defined in subdivision 2, paragraph (b), is calculated at 1.5 times their actual weight.

Subd. 2.

Use of registration fees.

(a) Registration fees may be used by the commissioner for:

(1) implementing sections 115A.1312 to 115A.1330, including transfer to the commissioner of revenue to carry out the department's duties under section 115A.1320, subdivision 2, and transfer to the commissioner of administration for responsibilities under section 115A.1324; and

(2) grants to counties outside the 11-county metropolitan area, as defined in paragraph (b), and to private entities that collect for recycling covered electronic devices in counties outside the 11-county metropolitan area, where the collection and recycling is consistent with the respective county's solid waste plan, for the purpose of carrying out the activities under sections 115A.1312 to 115A.1330. In awarding competitive grants under this clause, the commissioner must give preference to counties and private entities that are working cooperatively with manufacturers to help them meet their recycling obligations under section 115A.1318, subdivision 1.

(b) The 11-county metropolitan area consists of the counties of Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Hennepin, Isanti, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, Washington, and Wright.

115A.1316 REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.

Subdivision 1.

Manufacturer reporting requirements.

(a) By March 1 each year, each manufacturer must report to the agency using the form prescribed:

(1) the total weight of each specific model of its video display devices sold to households during the previous calendar year; and

(2) either:

(i) the total weight of its video display devices sold to households during the previous calendar year; or

(ii) an estimate of the total weight of its video display devices sold to households during the previous calendar year, calculated by multiplying the weight of its video display devices sold nationally times the quotient of Minnesota's population divided by the national population. All manufacturers with sales of 99 or fewer video display devices to households in the state during the previous calendar year must report using the method under this item for calculating sales.

A manufacturer must submit with the report required under this paragraph a description of how the information or estimate was calculated.

(b) By August 15 each year, each manufacturer must report to the agency:

(1) the total weight of covered electronic devices the manufacturer collected from households and recycled or arranged to have collected and recycled during the preceding program year;

(2) the number of phase I and phase II recycling credits the manufacturer has purchased and sold during the preceding program year;

(3) the number of phase I and phase II recycling credits possessed by the manufacturer that the manufacturer elects to use in the calculation of its variable recycling fee under section 115A.1314, subdivision 1; and

(4) the number of phase I and phase II recycling credits the manufacturer retains at the beginning of the current program year.

(c) Upon request of the commissioner of revenue, the agency shall provide a copy of each report to the commissioner of revenue.

Subd. 2.

Recycler reporting requirements.

(a) By July 15 each year, a recycler of covered electronic devices must report to the agency:

(1) the total weight of covered electronic devices recycled during the preceding program year and must certify that the recycler has complied with section 115A.1318, subdivision 2;

(2) the weight of video display devices recycled as part of covered electronic devices recycled during the previous program year; and

(3) an estimate of the weight of portable batteries and any mercury-containing lamps that are associated with the covered electronic devices managed.

(b) Upon request of the commissioner of revenue, the agency shall provide a copy of each report to the commissioner of revenue.

Subd. 3.

Collector reporting requirements.

By July 15 each year, a collector must report separately to the agency using the form prescribed by the commissioner:

(1) the total pounds of covered electronic devices collected in the state;

(2) a list of all recyclers to whom collectors delivered covered electronic devices; and

(3) whether the collector had a contract with a recycler or manufacturer to provide pounds toward meeting a manufacturer's obligation.

115A.1318 RESPONSIBILITIES.

Subdivision 1.

Manufacturer responsibilities.

(a) In addition to fulfilling the requirements of sections 115A.1310 to 115A.1330, a manufacturer must comply with paragraphs (b) to (f).

(b) A manufacturer must annually recycle or arrange for the collection and recycling of an amount of video display devices as determined by the agency in section 115A.1320, subdivision 1. A manufacturer must assume all financial responsibility associated with transporting and recycling covered electronic devices that are used to meet the manufacturer's recycling obligation determined under section 115A.1320 or that are counted as phase I or II recycling credits, including any necessary supplies. This excludes costs that are associated with receiving and aggregating covered electronic devices from households and all the activities up to the time that covered electronic devices are loaded for transport to a recycler or arranged for transportation to a recycler.

(c) The obligations of a manufacturer apply only to video display devices received from households and do not apply to video display devices received from sources other than households.

(d) A manufacturer must conduct and document due diligence assessments of collectors and recyclers it contracts with, including an assessment of items specified under subdivision 2. A manufacturer is responsible for maintaining, for a period of three years, documentation that all covered electronic devices recycled, partially recycled, or sent to downstream recycling operations comply with the requirements of subdivision 2.

(e) A manufacturer must provide the agency with contact information for a person who can be contacted regarding the manufacturer's activities under sections 115A.1310 to 115A.1320.

(f) Only the covered electronic devices that are recycled by a registered recycler that is certified by an ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board-accredited third-party certification body to an environmentally sound management standard are eligible to meet the manufacturer's obligation.

Subd. 1a.

Collector responsibilities.

(a) Collection sites must be:

(1) staffed; and

(2) open to the public at a frequency adequate to meet the needs of the area being served.

(b) A collector may limit the number of covered electronic devices or covered electronic devices by product type accepted per customer per day or per delivery at a collection site or service.

(c) A collector must use only registered recyclers.

Subd. 2.

Recycler responsibilities.

(a) As part of the report submitted under section 115A.1316, subdivision 2, a recycler must certify, except as provided in paragraph (b), that facilities that recycle covered electronic devices, including all downstream recycling operations:

(1) use only registered collectors;

(2) comply with all applicable health, environmental, safety, and financial responsibility regulations;

(3) are licensed by all applicable governmental authorities;

(4) use no prison labor to recycle video display devices;

(5) possess liability insurance of not less than $1,000,000 for environmental releases, accidents, and other emergencies;

(6) provide a report annually to each registered collector regarding the video display devices received from that entity; and

(7) do not charge collectors for transporting, recycling, or any necessary supplies related to transporting or recycling covered electronic devices that meet a manufacturer's recycling obligation as determined under section 115A.1320, unless otherwise mutually agreed upon.

(b) A nonprofit corporation that contracts with a correctional institution to refurbish and reuse donated computers in schools is exempt from paragraph (a), clauses (4) and (5).

(c) Except to the extent otherwise required by law and unless agreed upon otherwise by the recycler or manufacturer, a recycler has no responsibility for any data that may be contained in a covered electronic device if an information storage device is included in the covered electronic device.

Subd. 3.

Retailer responsibilities.

A retailer who sells new video display devices shall provide information to households describing where and how they may recycle video display devices and advising them of opportunities and locations for the convenient collection of video display devices for the purpose of recycling. This requirement may be met by providing to households the agency's toll-free number and website address. Retailers selling through catalogs or the Internet may meet this requirement by including the information in a prominent location on the retailer's website.

115A.1320 AGENCY AND DEPARTMENT DUTIES.

Subdivision 1.

Duties of agency.

(a) The agency shall administer sections 115A.1310 to 115A.1330.

(b) The agency shall establish procedures for:

(1) receipt and maintenance of the registration statements and certifications filed with the agency under section 115A.1312; and

(2) making the statements and certifications easily available to manufacturers, retailers, and members of the public.

(c) The agency shall annually review the following variables that are used to calculate a manufacturer's annual registration fee under section 115A.1314, subdivision 1:

(1) the obligation-setting mechanism for manufacturers as specified under paragraph (g);

(2) the estimated per-pound price of recycling covered electronic devices sold to households; and

(3) the base registration fee.

(d) If the agency determines that any of these values must be changed in order to improve the efficiency or effectiveness of the activities regulated under sections 115A.1312 to 115A.1330, or if the revenues exceed the amount that the agency determines is necessary, the agency shall submit recommended changes and the reasons for them to the chairs of the senate and house of representatives committees with jurisdiction over solid waste policy.

(e) By May 1 each year, the agency shall publish a statewide recycling goal for all video display device waste that is the weight of all video display devices collected for recycling during each of the three most recently completed program years, excluding the most recently concluded program year, divided by two.

(f) By May 1 each year, the agency shall determine each registered manufacturer's market share of video display devices to be collected and recycled based on the manufacturer's percentage share of the total weight of video display devices sold as reported to the agency under section 115A.1316, subdivision 1.

(g) By May 1 each year, the agency shall provide each manufacturer with a determination of the manufacturer's share of video display devices to be collected and recycled. A manufacturer's market share of video display devices as specified in paragraph (f) is applied proportionally to the statewide recycling goal as specified in paragraph (e) to determine an individual manufacturer's recycling obligation. Upon request by the commissioner of revenue, the agency must provide the information submitted to manufacturers under this paragraph to the commissioner of revenue.

(h) The agency shall provide a report to the governor and the legislature on the implementation of sections 115A.1310 to 115A.1330. For each program year, the report must discuss the total weight of covered electronic devices recycled and a summary of information in the reports submitted by manufacturers and recyclers under section 115A.1316. The report must also discuss the various collection programs used by manufacturers to collect covered electronic devices; information regarding covered electronic devices that are being collected by persons other than registered manufacturers, collectors, and recyclers; and information about covered electronic devices, if any, being disposed of in landfills in this state. The report must examine which covered electronic devices, based on economic and environmental considerations, should be subject to the obligation-setting mechanism under paragraph (g). The report must include a description of enforcement actions under sections 115A.1310 to 115A.1330. The agency may include in its report other information received by the agency regarding the implementation of sections 115A.1312 to 115A.1330. The report must be done in conjunction with the report required under section 115A.121.

(i) The agency shall promote public participation in the activities regulated under sections 115A.1312 to 115A.1330 through public education and outreach efforts.

(j) The agency shall enforce sections 115A.1310 to 115A.1330 in the manner provided by sections 115.071, subdivisions 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6; and 116.072, except for those provisions enforced by the department, as provided in subdivision 2. The agency may revoke a registration of a collector or recycler found to have violated sections 115A.1310 to 115A.1330.

(k) The agency shall facilitate communication between counties, collection and recycling centers, and manufacturers to ensure that manufacturers are aware of video display devices available for recycling.

(l) The agency shall post on its website the contact information provided by each manufacturer under section 115A.1318, subdivision 1, paragraph (e).

Subd. 2.

Additional duties.

(a) The agency must collect the data submitted to it annually by each manufacturer on the total weight of each specific model of video display device sold to households, if provided; the total weight of video display devices sold to households; the total weight of covered electronic devices collected from households that are recycled; and data on phase I and phase II recycling credits, as required under section 115A.1316. The department must use this data to review each manufacturer's annual registration fee submitted to the department to ensure that the fee was calculated accurately.

(b) The agency must estimate, for each registered manufacturer, the sales of video display devices to households during the previous program year, based on:

(1) data provided by a manufacturer on sales of video display devices to households, including documentation describing how that amount was calculated and certification that the amount is accurate; or

(2) if a manufacturer does not provide the data specified in clause (1), national data on sales of video display devices.

The department must use the data specified in this subdivision to review each manufacturer's annual registration fee submitted to the department to ensure that the fee was calculated accurately according to the formula in section 115A.1314, subdivision 1.

(c) The department must enforce section 115A.1314, subdivision 1. The audit, assessment, appeal, collection, enforcement, disclosure, and other administrative provisions of chapters 270B, 270C, and 289A that apply to the taxes imposed under chapter 297A apply to the fee imposed under section 115A.1314, subdivision 1. To enforce section 115A.1314, subdivision 1, the commissioner of revenue may grant extensions to pay, and impose and abate penalties and interest on, the fee due under section 115A.1314, subdivision 1, in the manner provided in chapters 270C and 289A as if the fee were a tax imposed under chapter 297A.

(d) The department may disclose nonpublic data to the agency only when necessary for the efficient and effective administration of the activities regulated under sections 115A.1310 to 115A.1330. Any data disclosed by the department to the agency retains the classification it had when in the possession of the department.

115A.1322 OTHER RECYCLING PROGRAMS.

A city, county, or other public agency may not require households to use public facilities to recycle their covered electronic devices to the exclusion of other lawful programs available. Cities, counties, and other public agencies, including those awarded contracts by the agency under section 115A.1314, subdivision 2, are encouraged to work with manufacturers to assist them in meeting their recycling obligations under section 115A.1318, subdivision 1. Nothing in sections 115A.1310 to 115A.1330 prohibits or restricts the operation of any program recycling covered electronic devices in addition to those provided by manufacturers or prohibits or restricts any persons from receiving, collecting, transporting, or recycling covered electronic devices, provided that those persons are registered under section 115A.1312.

115A.1323 ANTICOMPETITIVE CONDUCT.

(a) A manufacturer that organizes collection or recycling under sections 115A.1310 to 115A.1322 is authorized to engage in anticompetitive conduct to the extent necessary to plan and implement its chosen organized collection or recycling system and is immune from liability under state laws relating to antitrust, restraint of trade, unfair trade practices, and other regulation of trade or commerce.

(b) An organization of manufacturers, an individual manufacturer, and its officers, members, employees, and agents who cooperate with a political subdivision that organizes collection or recycling under this section are authorized to engage in anticompetitive conduct to the extent necessary to plan and implement the organized collection or recycling system, provided that the political subdivision actively supervises the participation of each entity. An organization, entity, or person covered by this paragraph is immune from liability under state law relating to antitrust, restraint of trade, unfair trade practices, and other regulation of trade or commerce.

115A.1324 REQUIREMENTS FOR PURCHASES BY STATE AGENCIES.

(a) The Department of Administration must ensure that acquisitions of video display devices under chapter 16C are in compliance with or not subject to sections 115A.1310 to 115A.1318.

(b) The solicitation documents must specify that the prospective responder is required to cooperate fully in providing reasonable access to its records and documents that evidence compliance with paragraph (a) and sections 115A.1310 to 115A.1318.

(c) Any person awarded a contract under chapter 16C for purchase or lease of video display devices that is found to be in violation of paragraph (a) or sections 115A.1310 to 115A.1318 is subject to the following sanctions:

(1) the contract must be voided if the commissioner of administration determines that the potential adverse impact to the state is exceeded by the benefit obtained from voiding the contract;

(2) the contractor is subject to suspension and disbarment under Minnesota Rules, part 1230.1150; and

(3) if the attorney general establishes that any money, property, or benefit was obtained by a contractor as a result of violating paragraph (a) or sections 115A.1310 to 115A.1318, the court may, in addition to any other remedy, order the disgorgement of the unlawfully obtained money, property, or benefit.

115A.1326 REGULATING VIDEO DISPLAY DEVICES.

If the United States Environmental Protection Agency adopts regulations under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act regarding the handling, storage, or treatment of any type of video display device being recycled, those regulations are automatically effective in this state on the same date and supersede any rules previously adopted by the agency regarding the handling, storage, or treatment of all video display devices being recycled.

115A.1328 MULTISTATE IMPLEMENTATION.

The agency and department are authorized to participate in the establishment of a regional multistate organization or compact to assist in carrying out the requirements of this chapter.

115A.1330 LIMITATIONS.

Sections 115A.1310 to 115A.1330 expire if a federal law, or combination of federal laws, take effect that is applicable to all video display devices sold in the United States and establish a program for the collection and recycling or reuse of video display devices that is applicable to all video display devices discarded by households.

115A.9155 DISPOSING OF CERTAIN DRY CELL BATTERIES.

Subdivision 1.

Prohibition.

A person may not place in mixed municipal solid waste a dry cell battery containing mercuric oxide electrode, silver oxide electrode, nickel-cadmium, or sealed lead-acid that was purchased for use or used by a government agency, or an industrial, communications, or medical facility.

Subd. 2.

Manufacturer responsibility.

(a) A manufacturer of batteries subject to subdivision 1 shall:

(1) ensure that a system for the proper collection, transportation, and processing of waste batteries exists for purchasers in Minnesota; and

(2) clearly inform each final purchaser of the prohibition on disposal of waste batteries and of the system or systems for proper collection, transportation, and processing of waste batteries available to the purchaser.

(b) To ensure that a system for the proper collection, transportation, and processing of waste batteries exists, a manufacturer shall:

(1) identify collectors, transporters, and processors for the waste batteries and contract or otherwise expressly agree with a person or persons for the proper collection, transportation, and processing of the waste batteries; or

(2) accept waste batteries returned to its manufacturing facility.

(c) At the time of sale of a battery subject to subdivision 1, a manufacturer shall provide in a clear and conspicuous manner a telephone number that the final consumer of the battery can call to obtain information on specific procedures to follow in returning the battery for recycling or proper disposal. The manufacturer may include the telephone number and notice of return procedures on an invoice or other transaction document held by the purchaser. The manufacturer shall provide the telephone number to the commissioner of the agency.

(d) A manufacturer shall ensure that the cost of proper collection, transportation, and processing of the waste batteries is included in the sales transaction or agreement between the manufacturer and any purchaser.

(e) A manufacturer that has complied with this subdivision is not liable under subdivision 1 for improper disposal by a person other than the manufacturer of waste batteries.

115A.9157 RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES AND PRODUCTS.

Subdivision 1.

Definition.

For the purpose of this section, "rechargeable battery" means a sealed nickel-cadmium battery, a sealed lead acid battery, or any other rechargeable battery, except a rechargeable battery governed by section 115A.9155 or exempted by the commissioner under subdivision 9.

Subd. 2.

Prohibition.

Effective August 1, 1991, a person may not place in mixed municipal solid waste a rechargeable battery, a rechargeable battery pack, a product with a nonremovable rechargeable battery, or a product powered by rechargeable batteries or rechargeable battery pack, from which all batteries or battery packs have not been removed.

Subd. 3.

Collection and management costs.

A manufacturer of rechargeable batteries or products powered by rechargeable batteries is responsible for the costs of collecting and managing its waste rechargeable batteries and waste products to ensure that the batteries are not part of the solid waste stream.

Subd. 5.

Collection and management programs.

(a) By September 20, 1995, the manufacturers or their representative organization shall implement permanent programs, based on the results of the pilot projects required in Minnesota Statutes 1994, section 115A.9157, subdivision 4, that may be reasonably expected to collect 90 percent of the waste rechargeable batteries and the participating manufacturers' products powered by rechargeable batteries that are generated in the state. The batteries and products collected must be recycled or otherwise managed or disposed of properly.

(b) In every odd-numbered year after 1995, each manufacturer or a representative organization shall provide information to the senate and house of representatives committees having jurisdiction over environment and natural resources and environment and natural resources finance that specifies at least the estimated amount of rechargeable batteries subject to this section sold in the state by each manufacturer and the amount of batteries each collected during the previous two years. A representative organization may report the amounts in aggregate for all the members of the organization.

Subd. 6.

List of participants.

A manufacturer or its representative organization shall inform the committees listed in subdivision 5 when they begin participating in the projects and programs and immediately if they withdraw participation.

Subd. 7.

Contracts.

A manufacturer or a representative organization of manufacturers may contract with the state or a political subdivision to provide collection services under this section. The manufacturer or organization shall fully reimburse the state or political subdivision for the value of any contractual services rendered under this subdivision.

Subd. 8.

Anticompetitive conduct.

A manufacturer or organization of manufacturers and its officers, members, employees, and agents who participate in projects or programs to collect and properly manage waste rechargeable batteries or products powered by rechargeable batteries are immune from liability under state law relating to antitrust, restraint of trade, unfair trade practices, and other regulation of trade or commerce for activities related to the collection and management of batteries and products required under this section.

Subd. 9.

Exemptions.

To ensure that new types of batteries do not add additional hazardous or toxic materials to the mixed municipal solid waste stream, the commissioner of the agency may exempt a new type of rechargeable battery from the requirements of this section if it poses no unreasonable hazard when placed in and processed or disposed of as part of a mixed municipal solid waste.

115A.961 HOUSEHOLD BATTERIES; COLLECTION, PROCESSING, AND DISPOSAL.

Subdivision 1.

Definition.

For the purposes of this section, "household batteries" means disposable or rechargeable dry cells commonly used as power sources for household or consumer products including, but not limited to, nickel-cadmium, alkaline, mercuric oxide, silver oxide, zinc oxide, lithium, and carbon-zinc batteries, but excluding lead acid batteries.

Subd. 2.

Program.

(a) The commissioner, in consultation with other state agencies, political subdivisions, and representatives of the household battery industry, may develop household battery programs. The commissioner must coordinate the programs with the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources study on batteries.

(b) The commissioner shall investigate options and develop guidelines for collection, processing, and disposal of household batteries. The options the commissioner may investigate include:

(1) establishing a grant program for counties to plan and implement household battery collection, processing, and disposal projects;

(2) establishing collection and transportation systems;

(3) developing and disseminating educational materials regarding environmentally sound battery management; and

(4) developing markets for materials recovered from the batteries.

(c) The commissioner may also distribute funds to political subdivisions to develop battery management plans and implement those plans.

Subd. 3.

Participation.

A political subdivision, on its own or in cooperation with others, may implement a program to collect, process, or dispose of household batteries. A political subdivision may provide financial incentives to any person, including public or private civic groups, to collect the batteries.

116C.04 POWERS AND DUTIES.

Subd. 11.

Coordination.

The Environmental Quality Board shall coordinate the implementation of an interagency compliance with existing state and federal lead regulations and report to the legislature by January 31, 1992, on the changes in programs needed to comply.

116C.991 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW; SILICA SAND PROJECTS.

(a) Until a final rule is adopted pursuant to Laws 2013, chapter 114, article 4, section 105, paragraph (d), an environmental assessment worksheet must be prepared for any silica sand project that meets or exceeds the following thresholds, unless the project meets or exceeds the thresholds for an environmental impact statement under rules of the Environmental Quality Board and an environmental impact statement must be prepared:

(1) excavates 20 or more acres of land to a mean depth of ten feet or more during its existence. The local government is the responsible governmental unit; or

(2) is designed to store or is capable of storing more than 7,500 tons of silica sand or has an annual throughput of more than 200,000 tons of silica sand and is not required to receive a permit from the Pollution Control Agency. The Pollution Control Agency is the responsible governmental unit.

(b) In addition to the contents required under statute and rule, an environmental assessment worksheet completed according to this section must include:

(1) a hydrogeologic investigation assessing potential groundwater and surface water effects and geologic conditions that could create an increased risk of potentially significant effects on groundwater and surface water;

(2) for a project with the potential to require a groundwater appropriation permit from the commissioner of natural resources, an assessment of the water resources available for appropriation;

(3) an air quality impact assessment that includes an assessment of the potential effects from airborne particulates and dust;

(4) a traffic impact analysis, including documentation of existing transportation systems, analysis of the potential effects of the project on transportation, and mitigation measures to eliminate or minimize adverse impacts;

(5) an assessment of compatibility of the project with other existing uses; and

(6) mitigation measures that could eliminate or minimize any adverse environmental effects for the project.

116D.04 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENTS.

Subd. 5b.

Review of environmental assessment worksheets and environmental impact statements.

By December 1, 2018, and every three years thereafter, the Environmental Quality Board, Pollution Control Agency, Department of Natural Resources, and Department of Transportation, after consultation with political subdivisions, shall submit to the governor and the chairs of the house of representatives and senate committees having jurisdiction over environment and natural resources a list of mandatory environmental assessment worksheet and mandatory environmental impact statement categories for which the agency or a political subdivision is designated as the responsible government unit, and for each worksheet or statement category, a document including:

(1) intended historical purposes of the category;

(2) whether projects that fall within the category are also subject to local, state, or federal permits; and

(3) an analysis of and recommendations for whether the mandatory category should be modified, eliminated, or unchanged based on its intended outcomes and relationship to existing permits or other federal, state, or local laws or ordinances.

325E.125 GENERAL AND SPECIAL PURPOSE BATTERY REQUIREMENTS.

Subdivision 1.

Labeling.

(a) The manufacturer of a button cell battery that is to be sold in this state shall ensure that each battery contains no intentionally introduced mercury or is labeled to clearly identify for the final consumer of the battery the type of electrode used in the battery.

(b) The manufacturer of a rechargeable battery that is to be sold in this state shall ensure that each rechargeable battery is labeled to clearly identify for the final consumer of the battery the type of electrode and the name of the manufacturer. The manufacturer of a rechargeable battery shall also provide clear instructions for properly recharging the battery.

Subd. 2.

Mercury content.

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (c), a manufacturer may not sell, distribute, or offer for sale in this state an alkaline manganese battery that contains more than 0.025 percent mercury by weight.

(b) On application, the commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency may exempt a specific type of battery from the requirements of paragraph (a) or (d) if there is no battery meeting the requirements that can be reasonably substituted for the battery for which the exemption is sought. A battery exempted by the commissioner under this paragraph is subject to the requirements of section 115A.9155, subdivision 2.

(c) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), a manufacturer may not sell, distribute, or offer for sale in this state a button cell nonrechargeable battery not subject to paragraph (a) that contains more than 25 milligrams of mercury.

(d) A manufacturer may not sell, distribute, or offer for sale in this state a dry cell battery containing a mercuric oxide electrode.

(e) After January 1, 1996, a manufacturer may not sell, distribute, or offer for sale in this state an alkaline manganese battery, except an alkaline manganese button cell, that contains mercury unless the commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency determines that compliance with this requirement is not technically and commercially feasible.

Subd. 2a.

Approval of new batteries.

A manufacturer may not sell, distribute, or offer for sale in this state a nonrechargeable battery other than a zinc air, zinc carbon, silver oxide, lithium, or alkaline manganese battery, without first having received approval of the battery from the commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency. The commissioner shall approve only batteries that comply with subdivision 1 and do not pose an undue hazard when disposed of. This subdivision is intended to ensure that new types of batteries do not add additional hazardous or toxic materials to the state's mixed municipal waste stream.

Subd. 3.

Rechargeable tools and appliances.

(a) A manufacturer may not sell, distribute, or offer for sale in this state a rechargeable consumer product unless:

(1) the battery can be easily removed by the consumer or is contained in a battery pack that is separate from the product and can be easily removed; and

(2) the product and the battery are both labeled in a manner that is clearly visible to the consumer indicating that the battery must be recycled or disposed of properly and the battery must be clearly identifiable as to the type of electrode used in the battery.

(b) "Rechargeable consumer product" as used in this subdivision means any product that contains a rechargeable battery and is primarily used or purchased to be used for personal, family, or household purposes.

(c) On application by a manufacturer, the commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency may exempt a rechargeable consumer product from the requirements of paragraph (a) if:

(1) the product cannot be reasonably redesigned and manufactured to comply with the requirements prior to the effective date of Laws 1990, chapter 409, section 2;

(2) the redesign of the product to comply with the requirements would result in significant danger to public health and safety; or

(3) the type of electrode used in the battery poses no unreasonable hazards when placed in and processed or disposed of as part of mixed municipal solid waste.

(d) An exemption granted by the commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency under paragraph (c), clause (1), must be limited to a maximum of two years and may be renewed.

Subd. 4.

Rechargeable batteries and products; notice.

(a) A person who sells rechargeable batteries or products powered by rechargeable batteries governed by section 115A.9157 at retail shall post the notice in paragraph (b) in a manner clearly visible to a consumer making purchasing decisions.

(b) The notice must be at least four inches by six inches and state:

"ATTENTION USERS OF RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES AND CORDLESS PRODUCTS:

Under Minnesota law, manufacturers of rechargeable batteries, rechargeable battery packs, and products powered by nonremovable rechargeable batteries will provide a special collection system for these items by April 15, 1994. It is illegal to put rechargeable batteries in the garbage. Use the special collection system that will be provided in your area. Take care of our environment.

DO NOT PUT RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES OR PRODUCTS POWERED BY NONREMOVABLE RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES IN THE GARBAGE."

(c) Notice is not required for home solicitation sales, as defined in section 325G.06, or for catalogue sales.

Subd. 5.

Prohibitions.

A manufacturer of rechargeable batteries or products powered by rechargeable batteries that does not participate in the pilot projects and programs required in section 115A.9157 may not sell, distribute, or offer for sale in this state rechargeable batteries or products powered by rechargeable batteries after January 1, 1992.

After January 1, 1992, a person who first purchases rechargeable batteries or products powered by rechargeable batteries for importation into the state for resale may not purchase rechargeable batteries or products powered by rechargeable batteries made by any person other than a manufacturer that participates in the projects and programs required under section 115A.9157.

325E.1251 PENALTY ENFORCEMENT.

Subdivision 1.

Penalty.

Violation of section 325E.125 is a misdemeanor. A manufacturer who violates section 325E.125 is also subject to a minimum fine of $100 per violation.

Subd. 2.

Recovery of costs.

Section 325E.125 may be enforced under section 115.071. In an enforcement action under this section in which the state prevails, the state may recover reasonable administrative expenses, court costs, and attorney fees incurred to take the enforcement action, in an amount to be determined by the court.