HF 2310

as introduced - 93rd Legislature (2023 - 2024) Posted on 03/06/2023 04:23pm

A bill for an act
relating to state government; appropriating money for environment and natural
resources; modifying utilities license and permit provisions; modifying
commissioner's duties; modifying disposition of certain receipts; modifying and
providing for fees; modifying provisions for water and soil conservation; modifying
requirements to notify of water pollution; modifying provisions for waste
management assistance; modifying certain environmental stewardship and grant
programs; providing for environmental justice considerations in certain permitting;
prohibiting lead and cadmium in certain consumer products; modifying report
requirements; requiring reports; requiring rulemaking; amending Minnesota Statutes
2022, sections 84.415, subdivisions 3, 6, 7, by adding a subdivision; 84D.15,
subdivision 2; 85.055, subdivision 1; 86B.005, by adding a subdivision; 86B.415,
subdivisions 1, 1a, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7; 97A.473, subdivisions 2, 2a, 2b, 5, 5a; 97A.474,
subdivision 2; 97A.475, subdivisions 6, 7, 8, 10, 10a, 11, 12, 13; 97C.087,
subdivision 2; 103B.101, subdivisions 9, 16, by adding a subdivision; 103B.103;
103C.501, subdivisions 1, 4, 5, 6; 103D.605, subdivision 5; 103F.505; 103F.511,
by adding a subdivision; 103G.2242, subdivision 1; 103G.271, subdivision 6;
103G.301, subdivision 2; 115.03, subdivision 1; 115.061; 115A.03, by adding a
subdivision; 115A.1415; 115A.49; 115A.51; 115A.54, subdivisions 1, 2, 2a;
115A.565, subdivisions 1, 3; 115B.17, subdivision 14; 115B.171, subdivision 3;
115B.52, subdivision 4; 116.06, by adding subdivisions; 116.07, subdivision 6,
by adding a subdivision; 168.1295, subdivision 1; proposing coding for new law
in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 103B; 103F; 116; 325E; repealing Minnesota
Statutes 2022, sections 103C.501, subdivisions 2, 3; 115.44, subdivision 9; 116.011;
325E.389; 325E.3891; Minnesota Rules, parts 8400.0500; 8400.0550; 8400.0600,
subparts 4, 5; 8400.0900, subparts 1, 2, 4, 5; 8400.1650; 8400.1700; 8400.1750;
8400.1800; 8400.1900.

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 "2024" and "2025" used in this article mean that the appropriations listed under
them are available for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, or June 30, 2025, respectively.
"The first year" is fiscal year 2024. "The second year" is fiscal year 2025. "The biennium"
is fiscal years 2024 and 2025.
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 2024 new text end		new text begin 2025 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 322,044,000 new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 272,186,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2024 new text end	new text begin 2025 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 189,887,000 new text end	new text begin 136,676,000 new text end
new text begin State Government Special Revenue new text end	new text begin 85,000 new text end	new text begin 90,000 new text end
new text begin Environmental new text end	new text begin 108,027,000 new text end	new text begin 110,673,000 new text end
new text begin Remediation new text end	new text begin 19,545,000 new text end	new text begin 20,247,000 new text end
new text begin Closed Landfill Investment new text end	new text begin 4,500,000 new text end	new text begin 4,500,000 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 2026 and 2027
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 107,973,000 new text end

new text begin 107,550,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2024 new text end	new text begin 2025 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 87,960,000 new text end	new text begin 87,472,000 new text end
new text begin Environmental new text end	new text begin 19,814,000 new text end	new text begin 19,873,000 new text end
new text begin Remediation new text end	new text begin 199,000 new text end	new text begin 205,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $122,000 the first year and $125,000 the
second year are from the general fund for:
new text end

new text begin (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;
new text end

new text begin (2) enhanced economic analysis in the
rulemaking process for water quality
standards, including more-specific analysis
and identification of cost-effective permitting;
new text end

new text begin (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
new text end

new text begin (4) coordinating with the Public Facilities
Authority to identify and advocate for the
resources needed for municipalities to achieve
permit requirements.
new text end

new text begin (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.
new text end

new text begin (c) $132,000 the first year and $137,000 the
second year are for monitoring water quality
and operating assistance programs.
new text end

new text begin (d) $390,000 the first year and $399,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
for monitoring ambient air for hazardous
pollutants.
new text end

new text begin (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.
new text end

new text begin (f) $128,000 the first year and $132,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
for registering wastewater laboratories.
new text end

new text begin (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.
new text end

new text begin (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.
new text end

new text begin (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.
new text end

new text begin (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.
new text end

new text begin (k) $87,206,000 the first year and $87,210,000
the second year are to establish and implement
a local government water infrastructure grant
program for local governmental units and
Tribal governments. Of this amount,
$86,380,000 each year is for grants to support
communities in planning and implementing
projects that will allow for adaptation for a
changing climate. This appropriation is
available until June 30, 2027. The base is
$1,390,000 in fiscal year 2026 and beyond.
new text end

new text begin (l) $715,000 the first year and $200,000 the
second year are for developing a cumulative
impacts framework. The base is $200,000 in
fiscal year 2026 and beyond.
new text end

new text begin (m) $2,070,000 the first year and $2,070,000
the second year are to develop and implement
a program related to emerging issues,
including Minnesota's PFAS Blueprint.
new text end

new text begin (n) $1,960,000 the first year and $1,960,000
the second year are to support improved
management of data collected by the agency
and its partners and regulated parties.
new text end

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

new text begin 42,583,000 new text end

new text begin 23,538,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2024 new text end	new text begin 2025 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 23,784,000 new text end	new text begin 4,084,000 new text end
new text begin Environmental new text end	new text begin 17,078,000 new text end	new text begin 17,681,000 new text end
new text begin Remediation new text end	new text begin 1,721,000 new text end	new text begin 1,773,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $1,621,000 the first year and $1,670,000
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) $448,000 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, $145,000 the
first year and $149,000 the second year are
transferred to the commissioner of health.
new text end

new text begin (c) $4,000 the first year and $4,000 the second
year are from the environmental fund to
purchase air emissions monitoring equipment
to support compliance and enforcement
activities.
new text end

new text begin (d) $3,200,000 the first year and $3,200,000
the second year are to provide air emission
reduction grants. Of this amount, $2,800,000
each year is for grants to reduce air pollution
at regulated facilities within environmental
justice areas of concern. This appropriation is
available until June 30, 2027, and is a onetime
appropriation.
new text end

new text begin (e) $40,000 the first year and $40,000 the
second year are for air compliance equipment
maintenance.
new text end

new text begin (f) $20,000,000 the first year and $300,000
the second year are to support research on
innovative technologies to treat
difficult-to-manage pollutants and for
implementation grants based on this research
at taconite facilities. Of this amount,
$2,100,000 is for research and $17,600,000 is
for grants. This appropriation is available until
June 30, 2027. The base is $300,000 in fiscal
year 2026 and beyond.
new text end

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

new text begin 10,725,000 new text end

new text begin 11,373,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2024 new text end	new text begin 2025 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 761,000 new text end	new text begin 767,000 new text end
new text begin State Government Special Revenue new text end	new text begin 85,000 new text end	new text begin 90,000 new text end
new text begin Environmental new text end	new text begin 9,879,000 new text end	new text begin 10,516,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $217,000 the first year and $223,000 the
second year are for:
new text end

new text begin (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;
new text end

new text begin (2) enhanced economic analysis in the
rulemaking process for water quality
standards, including more-specific analysis
and identification of cost-effective permitting;
new text end

new text begin (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
new text end

new text begin (4) coordinating with the Public Facilities
Authority to identify and advocate for the
resources needed 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) $1,240,000 the first year and $1,338,000
the second year are from the environmental
fund for subsurface sewage treatment system
(SSTS) program administration and
community technical assistance and education,
including grants and technical assistance to
communities for water-quality protection. 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) $994,000 the first year and $1,094,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
to address the need for continued increased
activity in new technology review, technical
assistance for local governments, 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.
new text end

new text begin (e) Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes,
section 16A.28, the appropriations
encumbered on or before June 30, 2025, 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, 2028.
new text end

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

new text begin 34,788,000 new text end

new text begin 33,493,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2024 new text end	new text begin 2025 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 23,250,000 new text end	new text begin 21,859,000 new text end
new text begin Environmental new text end	new text begin 8,921,000 new text end	new text begin 9,143,000 new text end
new text begin Remediation new text end	new text begin 2,617,000 new text end	new text begin 2,491,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $1,154,000 the first year and $1,124,000
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) $3,000,000 the first year and $3,109,000
the second year are to support agency
information technology services provided at
the enterprise and agency level.
new text end

new text begin (c) $906,000 the first year and $919,000 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) $2,000,000 the first year and $2,000,000
the second year are to provide technical
assistance to Tribal governments.
new text end

new text begin (e) $18,250,000 the first year and $16,750,000
the second year are to support modernizing
and automating agency environmental
programs and data systems and how the
agency provides services to regulated parties,
partners, and the public. This appropriation is
available until June 30, 2027. This is a onetime
appropriation.
new text end

new text begin (f) $1,960,000 the first year and $1,960,000
the second year are for workforce innovation.
new text end

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

new text begin 44,742,000 new text end

new text begin 20,522,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2024 new text end	new text begin 2025 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 25,000,000 new text end	new text begin -0- new text end
new text begin Environmental new text end	new text begin 607,000 new text end	new text begin 628,000 new text end
new text begin Remediation new text end	new text begin 14,635,000 new text end	new text begin 15,394,000 new text end
new text begin Closed Landfill Investment new text end	new text begin 4,500,000 new text end	new text begin 4,500,000 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. This appropriation is available
until June 30, 2025.
new text end

new text begin (b) $415,000 the first year and $426,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
to manage contaminated sediment projects at
multiple sites identified in the St. Louis River
remedial action plan to restore water quality
in the St. Louis River Area of Concern.
new text end

new text begin (c) $4,476,000 the first year and $4,622,000
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 (d) $308,000 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 (e) $25,000,000 the first year is for grants to
support planning, designing, and preparing for
solutions for public water treatment systems
contaminated with PFAS. The grants are to
reimburse local public water supply operators
for source investigations, sampling and
treating private drinking water wells, and
evaluating solutions for treating private
drinking water wells. This appropriation is
available until June 30, 2027, and is a onetime
appropriation.
new text end

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

new text begin 68,070,000 new text end

new text begin 62,474,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2024 new text end	new text begin 2025 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 24,047,000 new text end	new text begin 17,850,000 new text end
new text begin Environmental new text end	new text begin 44,023,000 new text end	new text begin 44,624,000 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 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.
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.
new text end

new text begin (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.
new text end

new text begin (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.
new text end

new text begin (i) $318,000 the first year and $474,000 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.
new text end

new text begin (j) $180,000 the first year and $140,000 the
second year are for quantifying climate-related
impacts from projects for environmental
review. The base is $140,000 in fiscal year
2026 and beyond.
new text end

new text begin (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 for zero-interest
loans to phase out high-polluting equipment,
products, and processes and replace with new
options. This appropriation is available until
June 30, 2027. The base is $70,000 in fiscal
year 2026 and beyond.
new text end

new text begin (l) $190,000 the first year and $190,000 the
second year are to support the Greenstep Cities
program.
new text end

new text begin (m) $420,000 the first year is to complete a
study on the viability of recycling solar energy
equipment. This is a onetime appropriation.
new text end

new text begin (n) $17,000 the first year is for rulemaking for
the capital assistance program. This is a
onetime appropriation.
new text end

new text begin (o) $1,950,000 the first year and $1,950,000
the second year are for Minnesota GreenCorps
investment.
new text end

new text begin (p) $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. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2027.
The base is $210,000 in fiscal year 2026 and
is $0 in fiscal year 2027.
new text end

new text begin (q) $16,940,000 the first year and $16,940,000
the second year are for a waste prevention and
reduction grants and loans program. Of this
amount, $15,960,000 each year is for grants
and loans to reduce the generation and disposal
of waste. This appropriation is available until
June 30, 2027. The base is $2,000,000 in fiscal
year 2026 and beyond.
new text end

new text begin (r) 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 end

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

new text begin 11,088,000 new text end

new text begin 11,597,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2024 new text end	new text begin 2025 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 3,231,000 new text end	new text begin 3,231,000 new text end
new text begin Environmental new text end	new text begin 7,484,000 new text end	new text begin 7,982,000 new text end
new text begin Remediation new text end	new text begin 373,000 new text end	new text begin 384,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $2,959,000 the first year and $2,959,000
the second year are 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) $236,000 the first year and $241,000 the
second year are from the environmental fund
for the costs of implementing general
operating permits for feedlots over 1,000
animal units.
new text end

new text begin (c) $125,000 the first year and $129,000 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 Subd. 9. new text end new text begin Environmental Quality Board new text end

new text begin 2,075,000 new text end

new text begin 1,639,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2024 new text end	new text begin 2025 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 1,854,000 new text end	new text begin 1,413,000 new text end
new text begin Environmental new text end	new text begin 221,000 new text end	new text begin 226,000 new text end

new text begin $620,000 the first year and $140,000 the
second year are to develop a Minnesota-based
greenhouse gas sector and source-specific
guidance, including climate information, a
greenhouse gas calculator, and technical
assistance for users. This is a onetime
appropriation.
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
$25,000,000 the first year and each fiscal year
thereafter from the environmental fund to the
remediation fund for purposes of the
remediation fund under Minnesota Statutes,
section 116.155, subdivision 2.
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 403,018,000 new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 402,257,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2024 new text end	new text begin 2025 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 148,770,000 new text end	new text begin 145,892,000 new text end
new text begin Natural Resources new text end	new text begin 123,871,000 new text end	new text begin 124,166,000 new text end
new text begin Game and Fish new text end	new text begin 129,469,000 new text end	new text begin 131,380,000 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 791,000 new text end	new text begin 702,000 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 9,695,000 new text end

new text begin 9,428,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2024 new text end	new text begin 2025 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 4,695,000 new text end	new text begin 4,428,000 new text end
new text begin Natural Resources new text end	new text begin 4,438,000 new text end	new text begin 4,438,000 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 218,000 new text end	new text begin 218,000 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) $3,383,000 the first year and $3,383,000
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) $218,000 the first year and $218,000 the
second year are transferred from the forest
suspense account to the permanent school fund
and are appropriated 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) $338,000 the first year and $338,000 the
second year are from the water management
account in the natural resources fund for
mining hydrology.
new text end

new text begin (e) $1,052,000 the first year and $242,000 the
second year are for modernizing utility
licensing for state lands and public waters.
The first year appropriation is available
through fiscal year 2026.
new text end

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

new text begin 45,458,000 new text end

new text begin 46,727,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2024 new text end	new text begin 2025 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 24,728,000 new text end	new text begin 25,972,000 new text end
new text begin Natural Resources new text end	new text begin 15,006,000 new text end	new text begin 15,031,000 new text end
new text begin Game and Fish new text end	new text begin 5,724,000 new text end	new text begin 5,724,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $5,397,000 the first year and $5,422,000
the second year are from the invasive species
account in the natural resources fund and
$2,831,000 the first year and $2,831,000 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) $6,056,000 the first year and $6,056,000
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) $10,000 the first year and $10,000 the
second year are for payment to the Leech Lake
Band of Chippewa Indians to implement the
band's portion of the comprehensive plan for
the upper Mississippi River.
new text end

new text begin (e) $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 (f) $2,498,000 the first year and $2,498,000
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 (g) $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 (h) Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes,
section 84.943, $28,000 the first year and
$28,000 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 (i) $6,000,000 the first year and $6,000,000
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 (j) $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 for
grants to 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 (k) $134,000 the first year and $134,000 the
second year are for increased capacity for
broadband utility licensing for state lands and
public waters.
new text end

new text begin (l) $998,000 the first year and $568,000 the
second year are for protecting and restoring
carbon storage in state-administered peatlands.
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 69,423,000 new text end

new text begin 71,765,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2024 new text end	new text begin 2025 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 51,770,000 new text end	new text begin 54,087,000 new text end
new text begin Natural Resources new text end	new text begin 16,161,000 new text end	new text begin 16,161,000 new text end
new text begin Game and Fish new text end	new text begin 1,492,000 new text end	new text begin 1,517,000 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) $15,386,000 the first year and $15,386,000
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) $1,492,000 the first year and $1,517,000
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) $906,000 the first year and $926,000 the
second year are for the Forest Resources
Council to implement the Sustainable Forest
Resources Act.
new text end

new text begin (e) $1,143,000 the first year and $1,143,000
the second year are for the Next Generation
Core Forestry data system. Of this
appropriation, $868,000 each year is from the
general fund and $275,000 each year is from
the forest management investment account in
the natural resources fund.
new text end

new text begin (f) $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 (g) $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 (h) $2,086,000 the first year and $2,086,000
the second year are to support forest
management, cost-share assistance, and
inventory on private woodlands. The base for
this appropriation is $1,320,000 beginning in
fiscal year 2026.
new text end

new text begin (i) $400,000 the first year and $400,000 the
second year are to accelerate tree seed
collection to support a growing demand for
tree planting on public and private lands.
new text end

new text begin (j) $7,998,000 the first year and $7,998,000
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
Minnesota ReLeaf program. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2027.
Money appropriated for grants under this
paragraph may be used to pay reasonable costs
incurred by the commissioner of natural
resources to administer the grants. The base
is $802,000 beginning in fiscal year 2026.
new text end

new text begin (k) $1,500,000 the first year and $1,500,000
the second year are for forest stand
improvement and to meet the reforestation
requirements of Minnesota Statutes, section
89.002, subdivision 2.
new text end

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

new text begin 109,187,000 new text end

new text begin 113,070,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2024 new text end	new text begin 2025 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 34,994,000 new text end	new text begin 38,707,000 new text end
new text begin Natural Resources new text end	new text begin 71,893,000 new text end	new text begin 72,063,000 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) $7,985,000 the first year and $7,985,000
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) $23,828,000 the first year and $23,828,000
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) $1,140,000 the first year and $1,140,000
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. 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) $2,435,000 the first year and $2,435,000
the second year are from the natural resources
fund for the off-highway vehicle grants-in-aid
program. Of this amount, $1,960,000 each
year is from the all-terrain vehicle account;
$150,000 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) $2,250,000 the first year and $2,250,000
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 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 for matching grants for local
trail connections under Minnesota Statutes,
section 85.019, subdivision 4c.
new text end

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

new text begin 100,985,000 new text end

new text begin 94,546,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2024 new text end	new text begin 2025 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 11,616,000 new text end	new text begin 1,616,000 new text end
new text begin Natural Resources new text end	new text begin 2,082,000 new text end	new text begin 2,082,000 new text end
new text begin Game and Fish new text end	new text begin 87,287,000 new text end	new text begin 90,848,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $10,458,000 the first year and $10,658,000
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) $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.
new text end

new text begin (c) $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.
new text end

new text begin (d) $134,000 the first year and $134,000 the
second year are for increased capacity for
broadband utility licensing for state lands and
public waters.
new text end

new text begin (e) $10,000,000 the first year is for enhancing
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.
new text end

new text begin (f) $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.
new text end

new text begin (g) $400,000 the first year and $400,000 the
second year are for the walk-in access program
under Minnesota Statutes, section 97A.126.
new text end

new text begin (h) $1,000,000 the first year and $1,000,000
the second year are from the game and fish
fund for investments in fish management
activities.
new text end

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

new text begin 64,672,000 new text end

new text begin 64,228,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2024 new text end	new text begin 2025 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 18,322,000 new text end	new text begin 19,453,000 new text end
new text begin Natural Resources new text end	new text begin 13,911,000 new text end	new text begin 14,011,000 new text end
new text begin Game and Fish new text end	new text begin 32,322,000 new text end	new text begin 30,647,000 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) $2,080,000 the first year and $1,892,000
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) $2,250,000 the first year and $2,250,000
the second year are appropriated for
inspections, investigations, and enforcement
activities taken in conjunction with the Board
of Animal Health for the white-tailed deer
farm program and for statewide response and
management of chronic wasting disease.
new text end

new text begin (h) $3,050,000 the first year is for modernizing
the enforcement aviation fleet. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2027.
new text end

new text begin (i) $360,000 the first year and $360,000 the
second year are for training department
enforcement officers and for maintaining and
storing equipment for conservation officer
public safety responses.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 8. new text end new text begin Operations Support new text end

new text begin 2,434,000 new text end

new text begin 1,408,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $1,684,000 the first year and $1,408,000
second year are for information technology
security and modernization.
new text end

new text begin (b) $750,000 the first year is for legal costs.
The unencumbered amount of the general fund
appropriation in Laws 2019, First Special
Session chapter 4, article 1, section 3,
subdivision 8, for legal costs, estimated to be
$750,000, is canceled no later than June 29,
2023.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 9. new text end new text begin Pass Through Funds new text end

new text begin 1,164,000 new text end

new text begin 1,085,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2024 new text end	new text begin 2025 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 211,000 new text end	new text begin 221,000 new text end
new text begin Natural Resources new text end	new text begin 380,000 new text end	new text begin 380,000 new text end
new text begin Permanent School new text end	new text begin 573,000 new text end	new text begin 484,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $380,000 the first year and $380,000 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) $211,000 the first year and $211,000 the
second year are for the Office of School Trust
Lands.
new text end

new text begin (c) $250,000 the first year and $150,000 the
second year are transferred from the forest
suspense account to the permanent school fund
and are appropriated 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) $323,000 the first year and $334,000 the
second year are transferred from the forest
suspense account to the permanent school fund
and are appropriated from the permanent
school fund for the Office of School Trust
Lands.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 10. new text end new text begin Get Out MORE (Modernizing Outdoor Recreation Experiences) new text end

new text begin 118,000,000 new text end

new text begin -0- new text end

new text begin $118,000,000 the first year is for modernizing
Minnesota's state-managed outdoor recreation
experiences. Of this amount:
new text end

new text begin (1) $28,000,000 is for enhancing access and
welcoming new users to public lands and
outdoor recreation facilities;
new text end

new text begin (2) $5,000,000 is for modernizing camping
and related infrastructure;
new text end

new text begin (3) $35,000,000 is for modernizing boating
access;
new text end

new text begin (4) $35,000,000 is for modernizing fish
hatcheries and fishing infrastructure; and
new text end

new text begin (5) $15,000,000 is for restoring streams and
modernizing water-related infrastructure.
new text end

new text begin The commissioner may reallocate across these
purposes based on project readiness and
priority. $1,000,000 is added to the
department's base in fiscal year 2026 for
improvements to wildlife management areas.
This appropriation is available until June 30,
2029.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 8 is effective the day following final enactment.
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 65,466,000 new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 65,654,000 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) $761,000 the first year and $761,000 the
second year are to implement, enforce, and
provide oversight for the Wetland
Conservation Act, including administering the
wetland banking program and in-lieu fee
mechanism.
new text end

new text begin (c) $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 each year is 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 under 500 animal
units 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 each year is for county
cooperative weed management programs and
to restore native plants at selected invasive
species management sites.
new text end

new text begin (d) $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 (e) $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 (f) $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 (g) $125,000 the first year and $125,000 the
second year are for conservation easement
stewardship.
new text end

new text begin (h) $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 operating and maintaining
sites for dredge spoil to sustain the state,
national, and international commercial and
recreational navigation on the lower Minnesota
River.
new text end

new text begin (i) $2,000,000 the first year and $2,000,000
the second year are for the lawns to legumes
program under Minnesota Statutes, section
103B.104. The board may enter into
agreements with local governments, Metro
Blooms, and other organizations to support
this effort. This appropriation is available until
June 30, 2029. The base for fiscal year 2026
and each year thereafter is $800,000.
new text end

new text begin (j) $500,000 the first year and $500,000 the
second year are for the habitat-friendly utilities
program under Minnesota Statutes, section
103B.105. This appropriation is available until
June 30, 2029. The base for fiscal year 2026
and each year thereafter is $100,000.
new text end

new text begin (k) $2,000,000 the first year and $2,000,000
the second year are for the habitat
enhancement landscape program under
Minnesota Statutes, section 103B.106. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2029.
The base for fiscal year 2026 and each year
thereafter is $100,000.
new text end

new text begin (l) $13,783,000 the first year and $13,783,000
the second year are for soil health activities to
achieve water quality, soil productivity,
climate change resiliency, or carbon
sequestration benefits consistent with
Minnesota Statutes, section 103F.06. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2029.
The board may use grants to local
governments, including soil and water
conservation districts, and agreements with
the United States Department of Agriculture;
the University of Minnesota, Office for Soil
Health; AgCentric, Minnesota State Northern
Center of Excellence; and other practitioners
and partners to accomplish this work.
new text end

new text begin (m) $11,000,000 the first year and
$11,000,000 the second year are for
conservation easements and to restore and
enhance grasslands and adjacent lands
consistent with Minnesota Statutes, sections
103F.501 to 103F.531, for the purposes of
climate resiliency, adaptation, carbon
sequestration, and related benefits. Of this
amount, up to $422,500 is for deposit in the
water and soil conservation easement
stewardship account established under
Minnesota Statutes, section 103B.103. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2029.
The base for fiscal year 2026 and each year
thereafter is $400,000.
new text end

new text begin (n) $7,500,000 the first year and $7,500,000
the second year are to acquire conservation
easements and to restore and enhance
peatlands and adjacent lands consistent with
Minnesota Statutes, sections 103F.501 to
103F.531, for the purposes of climate
resiliency, adaptation, carbon sequestration,
and related benefits. Of this amount, up to
$299,000 is for deposit in the water and soil
conservation easement stewardship account
established under Minnesota Statutes, section
103B.103. This appropriation is available until
June 30, 2029. The base for fiscal year 2026
and each year thereafter is $710,000.
new text end

new text begin (o) $3,550,000 the first year and $3,550,000
the second year are to enhance existing
easements established under Minnesota
Statutes, sections 103F.501 to 103F.531.
Enhancements are for the purposes of climate
resiliency, adaptation, and carbon
sequestration and include but are not limited
to increasing biodiversity and mitigating the
effects of rainfall and runoff events. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2029.
The base for fiscal year 2026 and each year
thereafter is $480,000.
new text end

new text begin (p) $8,500,000 the first year and $8,500,000
the second year are for water quality and
storage practices and projects to protect
infrastructure, improve water quality and
related public benefits, and mitigate climate
change impacts consistent with Minnesota
Statutes, section 103F.05. This appropriation
is available until June 30, 2029. The base for
fiscal year 2026 and each year thereafter is
$480,000.
new text end

new text begin (q) $4,673,000 the first year and $4,673,000
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 (r) $129,000 the first year and $136,000 the
second year are to accomplish the objectives
of Minnesota Statutes, section 10.65, and
related Tribal government coordination. The
base for fiscal year 2026 and each year
thereafter is $144,000.
new text end

new text begin (s) The board may shift money 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 (t) Returned grants and payments are available
for two years after they are returned or
regranted, whichever is later. Funds must be
regranted 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 (u) 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 29,490,000 new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 12,490,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2024 new text end	new text begin 2025 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 22,040,000 new text end	new text begin 5,040,000 new text end
new text begin Natural Resources new text end	new text begin 7,450,000 new text end	new text begin 7,450,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $5,040,000 the first year and $5,040,000
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) $7,450,000 the first year and $7,450,000
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

new text begin (c) $5,000,000 the first year is for developing
a decision-making support toolset to help local
partners quantify the risks of a changing
climate and prioritize strategies that mitigate
those risks. This is a onetime appropriation
and is available until June 30, 2027.
new text end

new text begin (d) $12,000,000 the first year is to modernize
regional parks and trails. This is a onetime
appropriation and is available until June 30,
2027.
new text end

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

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 945,000 new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 945,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2024 new text end	new text begin 2025 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 455,000 new text end	new text begin 455,000 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 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 14,179,000 new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 13,747,000 new text end

new text begin Appropriations by Fund new text end
	new text begin 2024 new text end	new text begin 2025 new text end
new text begin General new text end	new text begin 13,989,000 new text end	new text begin 13,557,000 new text end
new text begin Natural Resources new text end	new text begin 190,000 new text end	new text begin 190,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $190,000 the first year and $190,000 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

new text begin (b) $850,000 the first year is to improve safety
and security at the Minnesota Zoo. This is a
onetime appropriation.
new text end

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

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 1,200,000 new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 1,260,000 new text end

ARTICLE 2

ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES POLICY

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 84.415, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Application, form.

The application for license or permit deleted text begin shall be in
quadruplicate, and shall deleted text end new text begin must new text end include deleted text begin with each copy deleted text end a legal description of the lands or
waters affected, a metes and bounds description of the required right-of-way, a map showing
said features, and a detailed design of any structures necessary, or in lieu thereof shall be
in such other form, and include such other descriptions, maps or designs, as the commissioner
may require. The commissioner may at any time order such changes or modifications
respecting construction or maintenance of structures or other conditions of the license or
permit as the commissioner deems necessary to protect the public health and safety.

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 84.415, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6.

Supplemental application fee and monitoring fee.

(a) In addition to the
application fee and utility crossing fees specified in Minnesota Rules, the commissioner of
natural resources shall assess the applicant for a utility license the following fees:

(1) deleted text begin a deleted text end new text begin to cover reasonable costs for reviewing an application and preparing a license,
new text end supplemental application deleted text begin fee of deleted text end new text begin fees as follows:
new text end

new text begin (i) new text end $1,750 for a public water crossing license and deleted text begin a supplemental application fee of deleted text end
$3,000 for a public lands crossing license deleted text begin , to cover reasonable costs for reviewing the
application and preparing the license deleted text end new text begin for electric power lines, cables, or conduits of 100
kilovolts or more and for main pipelines for gas, liquids, or solids in suspension;
new text end

new text begin (ii) $1,000 for a public water crossing license and $1,000 for a public lands crossing
license for applications to which item (i) does not apply; and
new text end

new text begin (iii) for all applications, an additional $500 for each water crossing or land crossing in
excess of two crossings new text end ; and

(2) a monitoring fee to cover the projected reasonable costs for monitoring the
construction of the utility line and preparing special terms and conditions of the license to
ensure proper construction. The commissioner must give the applicant an estimate of the
monitoring fee before the applicant submits the fee.

(b) The applicant shall pay fees under this subdivision to the commissioner of natural
resources. The commissioner shall not issue the license until the applicant has paid all fees
in full.

(c) Upon completion of construction of the improvement for which the license or permit
was issued, the commissioner shall refund the unobligated balance from the monitoring fee
revenue. The commissioner shall not return the application fees, even if the application is
withdrawn or denied.

deleted text begin (d) If the fees collected under paragraph (a), clause (1), are not sufficient to cover the
costs of reviewing the applications and preparing the licenses, the commissioner shall
improve efficiencies and otherwise reduce department costs and activities to ensure the
revenues raised under paragraph (a), clause (1), are sufficient, and that no other funds are
necessary to carry out the requirements.
deleted text end

new text begin (d) For purposes of this subdivision:
new text end

new text begin (1) "water crossing" means each location where the proposed utility will cross a public
water between banks or shores; and
new text end

new text begin (2) "land crossing" means each quarter-quarter section or government lot where the
proposed utility will cross public land.
new text end

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 84.415, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Subd. 7.

Application fee exemption.

(a) A utility license for crossing public lands or
public waters is exempt from all application fees specified deleted text begin in this section and deleted text end in rules adopted
under this section.

(b) This subdivision does not apply to electric power lines, cables, or conduits 100
kilovolts or greater or to main pipelines for gas, liquids, or solids in suspension.

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 84.415, is amended by adding a subdivision to
read:

new text begin Subd. 9. new text end

new text begin Fees for renewing license. new text end

new text begin At the end of the license period, if both parties wish
to renew a license, the commissioner must assess the applicant for all fees in this section
as if the renewal is an application for a new license.
new text end

Sec. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 84D.15, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Receipts.

Money received from surcharges on watercraft licenses under section
86B.415, subdivision 7, civil penalties under section 84D.13, and service provider permits
under section 84D.108, must be deposited in the invasive species account. Each year, the
commissioner of management and budget must transfer from the game and fish fund to the
invasive species account, the annual surcharge collected on nonresident fishing licenses
under section 97A.475, subdivision 7, paragraph (b). deleted text begin Each fiscal year, the commissioner of
management and budget shall transfer $375,000 from the water recreation account under
section 86B.706 to the invasive species account.
deleted text end

Sec. 6.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 85.055, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Fees.

(a) The fee for state park permits for:

(1) an annual use of state parks is deleted text begin $35 deleted text end new text begin $45 new text end ;

(2) a second or subsequent vehicle state park permit is deleted text begin $26 deleted text end new text begin $35 new text end ;

(3) a state park permit valid for one day is deleted text begin $7 deleted text end new text begin $10 new text end ;

(4) a daily vehicle state park permit for groups is deleted text begin $5 deleted text end new text begin $8 new text end ;

(5) an annual permit for motorcycles is deleted text begin $30 deleted text end new text begin $40 new text end ;

(6) an employee's state park permit is without charge; and

(7) a state park permit for persons with disabilities under section 85.053, subdivision 7,
paragraph (a), clauses (1) to (3), is deleted text begin $12 deleted text end new text begin $20 new text end .

(b) The fees specified in this subdivision include any sales tax required by state law.

Sec. 7.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 86B.005, is amended by adding a subdivision to
read:

new text begin Subd. 11a. new text end

new text begin Other commercial operation. new text end

new text begin "Other commercial operation" means use of
a watercraft for work, rather than recreation, to transport equipment, goods, and materials
on public waters.
new text end

Sec. 8.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 86B.415, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Watercraft 19 feet or less.

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) and
subdivision 1a, the fee for a watercraft license for watercraft 19 feet or less in length is deleted text begin $27 deleted text end new text begin
$59 new text end .

(b) The watercraft license fee new text begin is new text end :

(1) for watercraft, other than personal watercraft, 19 feet in length or less that is offered
for rent or lease, deleted text begin the fee is $9 deleted text end new text begin $14 new text end ;

(2) for a sailboat, 19 feet in length or less, deleted text begin the fee is $10.50 deleted text end new text begin $23 new text end ;

(3) for a watercraft 19 feet in length or less used by a nonprofit corporation for teaching
boat and water safety, deleted text begin the fee is deleted text end as provided in subdivision 4;

(4) for a watercraft owned by a dealer under a dealer's license, deleted text begin the fee is deleted text end as provided in
subdivision 5;

(5) for a personal watercraft, deleted text begin the fee is $37.50 deleted text end new text begin including one offered for rent or lease,
$85 new text end ; and

(6) for a watercraft less than 17 feet in length, other than a watercraft listed in clauses
(1) to (5), deleted text begin the fee is $18 deleted text end new text begin $36 new text end .

Sec. 9.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 86B.415, subdivision 1a, is amended to read:

Subd. 1a.

Canoes, kayaks, sailboards, paddleboards, paddleboats, or rowing
shells.

The fee for a watercraft license for a canoe, kayak, sailboard, paddleboard, paddleboat,
or rowing shell over ten feet in length is deleted text begin $10.50 deleted text end new text begin $23 new text end .

Sec. 10.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 86B.415, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Watercraft over 19 feet.

Except as provided in subdivisions 1a, 3, 4, and 5,
the watercraft license fee:

(1) for a watercraft more than 19 feet but less than 26 feet in length is deleted text begin $45 deleted text end new text begin $113 new text end ;

(2) for a watercraft 26 feet but less than 40 feet in length is deleted text begin $67.50 deleted text end new text begin $164 new text end ; and

(3) for a watercraft 40 feet in length or longer is deleted text begin $90 deleted text end new text begin $209 new text end .

Sec. 11.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 86B.415, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Watercraft deleted text begin over 19 feet deleted text end for deleted text begin hire deleted text end new text begin commercial use new text end .

The license fee for deleted text begin a deleted text end
watercraft deleted text begin more than 19 feet in length for hire with an operator deleted text end new text begin used primarily for charter
fishing, commercial fishing, commercial passenger carrying, or other commercial operation new text end
is deleted text begin $75 deleted text end new text begin $164 new text end each.

Sec. 12.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 86B.415, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Watercraft used by nonprofit corporation for teaching.

The watercraft
license fee for a watercraft used by a nonprofit organization for teaching boat and water
safety is deleted text begin $4.50 deleted text end new text begin $8 new text end each.

Sec. 13.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 86B.415, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Dealer's license.

There is no separate fee for watercraft owned by a dealer
under a dealer's license. The fee for a dealer's license is deleted text begin $67.50 deleted text end new text begin $142 new text end .

Sec. 14.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 86B.415, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Subd. 7.

Watercraft surcharge.

A deleted text begin $10.60 deleted text end new text begin $20 new 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.

Sec. 15.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97A.473, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Lifetime angling license; fee.

(a) A resident lifetime angling license authorizes
a person to take fish by angling in the state. The license authorizes those activities authorized
by the annual resident angling license. The license does not include a trout-and-salmon
stamp validation, a walleye stamp validation, or other stamps required by law.

(b) The fees for a resident lifetime angling license are:

(1) age 3 and under, deleted text begin $344 deleted text end new text begin $413 new text end ;

(2) age 4 to age 15, deleted text begin $469 deleted text end new text begin $563 new text end ;

(3) age 16 to age 50, deleted text begin $574 deleted text end new text begin $689 new text end ; and

(4) age 51 and over, deleted text begin $379 deleted text end new text begin $455 new text end .

Sec. 16.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97A.473, subdivision 2a, is amended to read:

Subd. 2a.

Lifetime spearing license; fee.

(a) A resident lifetime spearing license
authorizes a person to take fish by spearing in the state. The license authorizes those activities
authorized by the annual resident spearing license.

(b) The fees for a resident lifetime spearing license are:

(1) age 3 and under, deleted text begin $90 deleted text end new text begin $108 new text end ;

(2) age 4 to age 15, deleted text begin $124 deleted text end new text begin $149 new text end ;

(3) age 16 to age 50, deleted text begin $117 deleted text end new text begin $141 new text end ; and

(4) age 51 and over, deleted text begin $61 deleted text end new text begin $74 new text end .

Sec. 17.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97A.473, subdivision 2b, is amended to read:

Subd. 2b.

Lifetime angling and spearing license; fee.

(a) A resident lifetime angling
and spearing license authorizes a person to take fish by angling or spearing in the state. The
license authorizes those activities authorized by the annual resident angling and spearing
licenses.

(b) The fees for a resident lifetime angling and spearing license are:

(1) age 3 and under, deleted text begin $432 deleted text end new text begin $519 new text end ;

(2) age 4 to age 15, deleted text begin $579 deleted text end new text begin $695 new text end ;

(3) age 16 to age 50, deleted text begin $678 deleted text end new text begin $814 new text end ; and

(4) age 51 and over, deleted text begin $439 deleted text end new text begin $527 new text end .

Sec. 18.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97A.473, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Lifetime sporting license; fee.

(a) A resident lifetime sporting license authorizes
a person to take fish by angling and hunt and trap small game, other than wolves, in the
state. The license authorizes those activities authorized by the annual resident angling and
resident small-game-hunting licenses and the resident trapping license for fur-bearing
animals other than wolves. The license does not include a trout-and-salmon stamp validation,
a turkey stamp validation, a walleye stamp validation, or any other hunting stamps required
by law.

(b) The fees for a resident lifetime sporting license are:

(1) age 3 and under, deleted text begin $522 deleted text end new text begin $573 new text end ;

(2) age 4 to age 15, deleted text begin $710 deleted text end new text begin $779 new text end ;

(3) age 16 to age 50, deleted text begin $927 deleted text end new text begin $1,017 new text end ; and

(4) age 51 and over, deleted text begin $603 deleted text end new text begin $662 new text end .

Sec. 19.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97A.473, subdivision 5a, is amended to read:

Subd. 5a.

Lifetime sporting with spearing option license; fee.

(a) A resident lifetime
sporting with spearing option license authorizes a person to take fish by angling or spearing
and hunt and trap small game, other than wolves, in the state. The license authorizes those
activities authorized by the annual resident angling, spearing, and resident
small-game-hunting licenses and the resident trapping license for fur-bearing animals other
than wolves. The license does not include a trout-and-salmon stamp validation, a turkey
stamp validation, a walleye stamp validation, or any other hunting stamps required by law.

(b) The fees for a resident lifetime sporting with spearing option license are:

(1) age 3 and under, deleted text begin $612 deleted text end new text begin $676 new text end ;

(2) age 4 to age 15, deleted text begin $833 deleted text end new text begin $921 new text end ;

(3) age 16 to age 50, deleted text begin $1,046 deleted text end new text begin $1,153 new text end ; and

(4) age 51 and over, deleted text begin $666 deleted text end new text begin $733 new text end .

Sec. 20.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97A.474, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Nonresident lifetime angling license; fee.

(a) A nonresident lifetime angling
license authorizes a person to take fish by angling in the state. The license authorizes those
activities authorized by the annual nonresident angling license. The license does not include
a trout-and-salmon stamp validation, a walleye stamp validation, or other stamps required
by law.

(b) The fees for a nonresident lifetime angling license are:

(1) age 3 and under, deleted text begin $821 deleted text end new text begin $1,068 new text end ;

(2) age 4 to age 15, deleted text begin $1,046 deleted text end new text begin $1,360 new text end ;

(3) age 16 to age 50, deleted text begin $1,191 deleted text end new text begin $1,549 new text end ; and

(4) age 51 and over, deleted text begin $794 deleted text end new text begin $1,033 new text end .

Sec. 21.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, 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, deleted text begin $25 deleted text end new text begin $30 new text end ;

(2) for persons age 18 or over to take fish by angling, for a combined license for a married
couple, deleted text begin $40 deleted text end new text begin $48 new text end ;

(3) for persons age 18 or over to take fish by spearing from a dark house, deleted text begin $6 deleted text end new text begin $8 new text end , 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, deleted text begin $12 deleted text end new text begin $15 new text end ;

(5) for persons age 18 or over to take fish by angling for a consecutive 72-hour period
selected by the licensee, deleted text begin $14 deleted text end new text begin $17 new text end ;

(6) for persons age 18 or over to take fish by angling for three consecutive years, deleted text begin $71 deleted text end new text begin
$86 new text end ; and

(7) for persons age 16 or over and under age 18 to take fish by angling, deleted text begin $5 deleted text end new text begin $6 new text end .

Sec. 22.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97A.475, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Subd. 7.

Nonresident fishing.

(a) Fees for the following licenses, to be issued to
nonresidents, are:

(1) for persons age 18 or over to take fish by angling, deleted text begin $46 deleted text end new text begin $62 new text end ;

(2) for persons age 18 or over to take fish by angling limited to seven consecutive days
selected by the licensee, deleted text begin $38 deleted text end new text begin $51 new text end ;

(3) for persons age 18 or over to take fish by angling for a consecutive 72-hour period
selected by the licensee, deleted text begin $31 deleted text end new text begin $42 new text end ;

(4) for persons age 18 or over to take fish by angling for a combined license for a family
for one or both parents and dependent children under the age of 16, deleted text begin $63 deleted text end new text begin $84 new text end ;

(5) for persons age 18 or over to take fish by angling for a 24-hour period selected by
the licensee, deleted text begin $14 deleted text end new text begin $19 new text end ;

(6) to take fish by angling for a combined license for a married couple, limited to 14
consecutive days selected by one of the licensees, deleted text begin $49 deleted text end new text begin $66 new text end ;

(7) for persons age 18 or over to take fish by spearing from a dark house, deleted text begin $12 deleted text end new text begin $18 new text end , and
the person must possess an angling license; and

(8) for persons age 16 or over and under age 18 to take fish by angling, deleted text begin $5 deleted text end new text begin $6 new text end .

(b) A $5 surcharge shall be added to all nonresident fishing licenses, except licenses
issued under paragraph (a), clauses (5) and (8). An additional commission may not be
assessed on this surcharge.

Sec. 23.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97A.475, subdivision 8, is amended to read:

Subd. 8.

Minnesota sporting; supersports.

(a) The commissioner shall issue Minnesota
sporting licenses to residents only. The licensee may take fish by angling and small game.
The fee for the license is:

(1) for an individual, deleted text begin $34.50 deleted text end new text begin $40.50 new text end ; and

(2) for a combined license for a married couple to take fish and for one spouse to take
small game, deleted text begin $50.50 deleted text end new text begin $61.50 new text end .

(b) The commissioner shall issue Minnesota supersports licenses to residents only. The
licensee may take fish by angling, including trout; small game, including pheasant and
waterfowl; and deer by firearms or muzzleloader or by archery. The fee for the supersports
license, including all required stamp validations is:

(1) for an individual age 18 or over, deleted text begin $93.50 deleted text end new text begin $102.50 new text end ; and

(2) for a combined license for a married couple to take fish, including the
trout-and-salmon stamp validation, and for one spouse to take small game, including pheasant
and waterfowl, and deer, deleted text begin $119.50 deleted text end new text begin $137.50 new text end .

(c) Revenue for the stamp endorsements under paragraph (b) shall be deposited according
to section 97A.075, subdivisions 2, 3, and 4.

(d) Revenue for the deer license endorsement under paragraph (b) shall be deposited
according to section 97A.075, subdivision 1.

Sec. 24.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97A.475, subdivision 10, is amended to read:

Subd. 10.

Trout-and-salmon stamp validation.

The fee for a trout-and-salmon stamp
validation is deleted text begin $10 deleted text end new text begin $12 new text end .

Sec. 25.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97A.475, subdivision 10a, is amended to read:

Subd. 10a.

Walleye stamp validation.

A person may agree to purchase a walleye stamp
validation for deleted text begin $5 deleted text end new text begin $6 new text end .

Sec. 26.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97A.475, subdivision 11, is amended to read:

Subd. 11.

Fish houses, dark houses, and shelters; residents.

Fees for the following
licenses are:

(1) annual for a fish house, dark house, or shelter that is not rented, deleted text begin $15 deleted text end new text begin $18 new text end ;

(2) annual for a fish house, dark house, or shelter that is rented, deleted text begin $30 deleted text end new text begin $36 new text end ;

(3) three-year for a fish house, dark house, or shelter that is not rented, deleted text begin $42 deleted text end new text begin $51 new text end ; and

(4) three-year for a fish house, dark house, or shelter that is rented, deleted text begin $87 deleted text end new text begin $105 new text end .

Sec. 27.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97A.475, subdivision 12, is amended to read:

Subd. 12.

Fish houses, dark houses, and shelters; nonresident.

Fees for fish house,
dark house, and shelter licenses for a nonresident are:

(1) annual, deleted text begin $37 deleted text end new text begin $49 new text end ;

(2) seven consecutive days selected by the licensee, deleted text begin $21 deleted text end new text begin $28 new text end ; and

(3) three-year, deleted text begin $111 deleted text end new text begin $145 new text end .

Sec. 28.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97A.475, subdivision 13, is amended to read:

Subd. 13.

Netting whitefish and ciscoes for personal consumption.

The fee for a
license to net whitefish and ciscoes in inland lakes and international waters for personal
consumption is, for each net, deleted text begin $10 deleted text end new text begin $12 new text end .

Sec. 29.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97C.087, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Application for tag.

Application for special fish management tags must be
accompanied by a deleted text begin $5 deleted text end new text begin $6 new text end , nonrefundable application fee for each tag. A person may not
make more than one tag application each calendar year. If a person makes more than one
application, the person is ineligible for a special fish management tag for that calendar year
after determination by the commissioner, without a hearing.

Sec. 30.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 103B.101, subdivision 9, is amended to read:

Subd. 9.

Powers and duties.

(a) In addition to the powers and duties prescribed
elsewhere, the board shall:

(1) coordinate the water and soil resources planning and implementation activities of
counties, soil and water conservation districts, watershed districts, watershed management
organizations, and any other local units of government through its various authorities for
approval of local plans, administration of state grants, contracts and easements, and by other
means as may be appropriate;

(2) facilitate communication and coordination among state agencies in cooperation with
the Environmental Quality Board, and between state and local units of government, in order
to make the expertise and resources of state agencies involved in water and soil resources
management available to the local units of government to the greatest extent possible;

(3) coordinate state and local interests with respect to the study in southwestern Minnesota
under United States Code, title 16, section 1009;

(4) develop information and education programs designed to increase awareness of local
water and soil resources problems and awareness of opportunities for local government
involvement in preventing or solving them;

(5) provide a forum for the discussion of local issues and opportunities relating to water
and soil resources management;

(6) adopt an annual budget and work program that integrate the various functions and
responsibilities assigned to it by law; and

(7) report new text begin assessments new text end to the governor and the legislature deleted text begin by October 15 of each
even-numbered year with an assessment deleted text end of board programs and recommendations for any
program changes and board membership changes necessary to improve state and local efforts
in water and soil resources management.

(b) The board may accept grants, gifts, donations, or contributions in money, services,
materials, or otherwise from the United States, a state agency, or other source to achieve
an authorized or delegated purpose. The board may enter into a contract or agreement
necessary or appropriate to accomplish the transfer. The board may conduct or participate
in local, state, or federal programs or projects that have as one purpose or effect the
preservation or enhancement of water and soil resources and may enter into and administer
agreements with local governments or landowners or their designated agents as part of those
programs or projects. The board may receive and expend money to acquire conservation
easements, as defined in chapter 84C, on behalf of the state and federal government consistent
with deleted text begin the deleted text end Camp Ripley's Army Compatible Use Buffer Project new text begin , Sentinel Landscape program,
or related conservation programs new text end . new text begin The board may enter into agreements, including grant
agreements, with Tribal nations, federal agencies, higher education institutions, local
governments, and private sector organizations to carry out programs and other responsibilities
prescribed or allowed by statute.
new text end

(c) Any money received is hereby deposited in an account in a fund other than the general
fund and appropriated and dedicated for the purpose for which it is granted.

Sec. 31.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 103B.101, subdivision 16, is amended to read:

Subd. 16.

deleted text begin Water quality deleted text end new text begin Conservation new text end practices; standardized specifications.

new text begin (a)
new text end The board deleted text begin of Water and Soil Resources shall deleted text end new text begin must new text end work with state and federal agencies, new text begin
Tribal nations, new text end academic institutions, local governments, practitioners, and stakeholders to
foster mutual understanding and provide recommendations for standardized specifications
for deleted text begin water quality and soil deleted text end conservation deleted text begin protection and improvement deleted text end practices deleted text begin and deleted text end new text begin , new text end projects deleted text begin . deleted text end new text begin ,
and systems for:
new text end

new text begin (1) erosion or sedimentation control;
new text end

new text begin (2) improvements to water quality or water quantity;
new text end

new text begin (3) habitat restoration and enhancement;
new text end

new text begin (4) energy conservation; and
new text end

new text begin (5) climate adaptation, resiliency, or mitigation.
new text end

new text begin (b) new text end The board may convene working groups or work teams to develop information,
education, and recommendations.

Sec. 32.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 103B.101, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:

new text begin Subd. 18. new text end

new text begin Guidelines for establishing and enhancing native vegetation. new text end

new text begin (a) The board
must work with state and federal agencies, Tribal nations, academic institutions, local
governments, practitioners, and stakeholders to foster mutual understanding and to provide
recommendations for standardized specifications to establish and enhance native vegetation
to provide benefits for:
new text end

new text begin (1) water quality;
new text end

new text begin (2) soil conservation;
new text end

new text begin (3) habitat enhancement;
new text end

new text begin (4) energy conservation; and
new text end

new text begin (5) climate adaptation, resiliency, or mitigation.
new text end

new text begin (b) The board may convene working groups or work teams to develop information,
education, and recommendations.
new text end

Sec. 33.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 103B.103, is amended to read:

103B.103 EASEMENT STEWARDSHIP ACCOUNTS.

Subdivision 1.

Accounts established; sources.

(a) The water and soil conservation
easement stewardship account and the mitigation easement stewardship account are created
in the special revenue fund. The accounts consist of money credited to the accounts and
interest and other earnings on money in the accounts. The State Board of Investment must
manage the accounts to maximize long-term gain.

(b) Revenue from contributions and money appropriated for any purposes of the account
as described in subdivision 2 must be deposited in the water and soil conservation easement
stewardship account. Revenue from contributions, deleted text begin wetland banking deleted text end new text begin mitigation new text end fees designated
for stewardship purposes by the board, easement stewardship payments authorized under
subdivision 3, and money appropriated for any purposes of the account as described in
subdivision 2 must be deposited in the mitigation easement stewardship account.

Subd. 2.

Appropriation; purposes of accounts.

Five percent of the balance on July 1
each year in the water and soil conservation easement stewardship account and five percent
of the balance on July 1 each year in the mitigation easement stewardship account are
annually appropriated to the board and may be spent deleted text begin only deleted text end to cover the costs of managing
easements held by the board, including costs associated with new text begin :
new text end

new text begin (1) repairing or replacing structures;
new text end

new text begin (2) new text end monitoring deleted text begin , deleted text end new text begin ;
new text end

new text begin (3) new text end landowner contacts deleted text begin , deleted text end new text begin ;
new text end

new text begin (4) new text end records storage and management deleted text begin , deleted text end new text begin ;
new text end

new text begin (5) new text end processing landowner notices deleted text begin , deleted text end new text begin ;
new text end

new text begin (6) new text end requests for approval or amendments deleted text begin , deleted text end new text begin ;
new text end

new text begin (7) new text end enforcement deleted text begin , deleted text end new text begin ; new text end and

new text begin (8) new text end legal services associated with easement management activities.

Subd. 3.

Financial contributions.

The board shall seek a financial contribution to the
water and soil conservation easement stewardship account for each conservation easement
acquired by the board. The board shall seek a financial contribution or assess an easement
stewardship payment to the mitigation easement stewardship account for each wetland
deleted text begin banking deleted text end new text begin mitigation new text end easement acquired by the board. Unless otherwise provided by law, the
board shall determine the amount of the contribution or payment, which must be an amount
calculated to earn sufficient money to meet the costs of managing the easement at a level
that neither significantly overrecovers nor underrecovers the costs. In determining the
amount of the financial contribution, the board shall consider:

(1) the estimated annual staff hours needed to manage the conservation easement, taking
into consideration factors such as easement type, size, location, and complexity;

(2) the average hourly wages for the class or classes of state and local employees expected
to manage the easement;

(3) the estimated annual travel expenses to manage the easement;

(4) the estimated annual miscellaneous costs to manage the easement, including supplies
and equipment, information technology support, and aerial flyovers;

(5) the estimated annualized costs of legal services, including the cost to enforce the
easement in the event of a violation;

new text begin (6) the estimated annualized costs for repairing or replacing water control structures; new text end
and

deleted text begin (6) deleted text end new text begin (7) new text end the expected rate of return on investments in the account.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

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

Sec. 34.

new text begin [103B.104] LAWNS TO LEGUMES PROGRAM.
new text end

new text begin (a) The Board of Water and Soil Resources may provide financial and technical assistance
to plant residential landscapes and community spaces with native vegetation and
pollinator-friendly forbs and legumes to:
new text end

new text begin (1) protect a diversity of pollinators with declining populations; and
new text end

new text begin (2) provide additional benefits for water management, carbon sequestration, and landscape
and climate resiliency.
new text end

new text begin (b) The board must establish criteria for grants or payments awarded under this section.
Grants or payments awarded under this section may give priority consideration for proposals
in areas identified by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service as areas where there is a
high potential for rusty patched bumble bees and other priority species to be present.
new text end

new text begin (c) The board may collaborate with and enter into agreements with federal, state, and
local agencies; Tribal nations; nonprofit organizations; and contractors to implement and
promote the program.
new text end

Sec. 35.

new text begin [103B.105] HABITAT-FRIENDLY UTILITIES PROGRAM.
new text end

new text begin (a) The Board of Water and Soil Resources may provide financial and technical assistance
to promote the successful establishment of native vegetation as part of utility projects,
including solar and wind projects, pipelines, and electrical transmission corridors, to:
new text end

new text begin (1) ensure the integrity and resiliency of Minnesota landscapes; and
new text end

new text begin (2) protect habitat and water resources.
new text end

new text begin (b) The board must establish criteria for grants or payments awarded under this section.
Grants or payments awarded under this section may prioritize proposals in areas identified
by state and federal agencies and conservation partners for protecting high-priority natural
resources and wildlife species.
new text end

new text begin (c) The board may collaborate with and enter into agreements with federal, state, and
local agencies; Tribal nations; utility companies; nonprofit organizations; and contractors
to implement and promote the program.
new text end

Sec. 36.

new text begin [103B.106] HABITAT ENHANCEMENT LANDSCAPE PROGRAM.
new text end

new text begin (a) The Board of Water and Soil Resources may provide financial and technical assistance
to establish or enhance areas of diverse native vegetation to:
new text end

new text begin (1) support declining populations of bees, butterflies, dragonflies, birds, and other wildlife
species that are essential for ecosystems and food production across conservation lands,
open spaces, and natural areas; and
new text end

new text begin (2) provide additional benefits for water management, carbon sequestration, and landscape
and climate resiliency.
new text end

new text begin (b) The board must establish criteria for grants or payments awarded under this section.
Grants or payments awarded under this section may prioritize proposals in areas identified
by state and federal agencies and conservation partners as high priority for protecting
endangered or threatened pollinator and other species.
new text end

new text begin (c) The board may collaborate with and enter into agreements with federal, state, and
local agencies; Tribal nations; nonprofit organizations; and contractors to implement and
promote the program.
new text end

Sec. 37.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 103C.501, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

deleted text begin Cost-share deleted text end new text begin Program new text end authorization.

The state board may allocate
available funds to districts deleted text begin to share the cost of systems or deleted text end new text begin for new text end practices new text begin , projects, and systems new text end
for new text begin :
new text end

new text begin (1) new text end erosion or sedimentation control deleted text begin or deleted text end new text begin ;
new text end

new text begin (2) improvements to new text end water quality deleted text begin improvement that are designed to protect and improve
soil and water resources. deleted text end new text begin or water quantity;
new text end

new text begin (3) habitat enhancement;
new text end

new text begin (4) plant biodiversity;
new text end

new text begin (5) energy conservation; or
new text end

new text begin (6) climate adaptation, resiliency, or mitigation.
new text end

Sec. 38.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 103C.501, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

deleted text begin Cost-sharing deleted text end new text begin Use of new text end funds.

deleted text begin (a) The state board shall allocate cost-sharing funds
to areas with high-priority erosion, sedimentation, or water quality problems or water quantity
problems due to altered hydrology. The areas must be selected based on priorities established
by the state board.
deleted text end

deleted text begin (b) deleted text end The allocated funds must be used deleted text begin for deleted text end new text begin :
new text end

new text begin (1) for new text end conservation deleted text begin practices for high-priority problems deleted text end new text begin activities, including technical
and financial assistance, new text end identified in deleted text begin the comprehensive and annual work plans of the
districts, for the technical assistance portion of the grant funds deleted text end new text begin state-approved plans that are
related to water and natural resources and established under chapters 103B, 103C, 103D,
103F, 103G, and 114D;
new text end

new text begin (2) new text end to leverage federal or other nonstate funds deleted text begin , deleted text end new text begin ; new text end or

new text begin (3) new text end to address high-priority needs identified deleted text begin in local water management plans or
comprehensive watershed management plans deleted text end new text begin by the district based on public input new text end .

Sec. 39.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 103C.501, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Contracts by districts.

(a) A district deleted text begin board deleted text end may deleted text begin contract on a cost-share basis
to furnish financial aid to deleted text end new text begin provide technical and financial assistance to new text end a land occupier or
to a state new text begin or federal new text end agency for deleted text begin permanent systems deleted text end new text begin practices and projects new text end for new text begin :
new text end

new text begin (1) new text end erosion or sedimentation control deleted text begin or deleted text end new text begin ;
new text end

new text begin (2) improvements to new text end water quality or water quantity deleted text begin improvements that are consistent
with the district's comprehensive and annual work plans. deleted text end new text begin ;
new text end

new text begin (3) habitat enhancement;
new text end

new text begin (4) plant biodiversity;
new text end

new text begin (5) energy conservation; or
new text end

new text begin (6) climate adaptation, resiliency, or mitigation.
new text end

(b) A district deleted text begin board, with approval from the state board and deleted text end new text begin , new text end consistent with state board deleted text begin
deleted text end rules and policies, may contract deleted text begin on a cost-share basis to furnish financial aid to a land
occupier for deleted text end new text begin to provide technical and financial assistance for structural and new text end nonstructural
deleted text begin land management deleted text end practices deleted text begin that are part of a planned erosion control or water quality
improvement plan deleted text end new text begin and projects new text end .

deleted text begin (c) The duration of the contract must, at a minimum, be the time required to complete
the planned systems. A contract must specify that the land occupier is liable for monetary
damages and penalties in an amount up to 150 percent of the financial assistance received
from the district, for failure to complete the systems or practices in a timely manner or
maintain the systems or practices as specified in the contract.
deleted text end

deleted text begin (d) A contract may provide for cooperation or funding with federal agencies. A land
occupier or state agency may provide the cost-sharing portion of the contract through services
in kind.
deleted text end

deleted text begin (e) deleted text end new text begin (c) new text end The state board or the district deleted text begin board deleted text end may not furnish any financial deleted text begin aid deleted text end new text begin assistance new text end
for practices designed only to increase land productivity.

deleted text begin (f) deleted text end new text begin (d) new text end When a district deleted text begin board deleted text end determines that long-term maintenance of a system or
practice is desirable, the new text begin district or the state new text end board may require that maintenance be made
a covenant upon the land for the effective life of the practice. A covenant under this
subdivision shall be construed in the same manner as a conservation restriction under section
84.65.

Sec. 40.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 103C.501, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6.

Policies and rules.

deleted text begin (a) deleted text end The state board may adopt rules and shall adopt policies
prescribing:

(1) procedures and criteria for allocating funds deleted text begin for cost-sharing contracts deleted text end ; new text begin and
new text end

(2) standards and guidelines for deleted text begin cost-sharing deleted text end new text begin implementing the conservation new text end contracts deleted text begin ; deleted text end new text begin
program.
new text end

deleted text begin (3) the scope and content of district comprehensive plans, plan amendments, and annual
work plans;
deleted text end

deleted text begin (4) standards and methods necessary to plan and implement a priority cost-sharing
program, including guidelines to identify high priority erosion, sedimentation, and water
quality problems and water quantity problems due to altered hydrology;
deleted text end

deleted text begin (5) the share of the cost of conservation practices to be paid from cost-sharing funds;
and
deleted text end

deleted text begin (6) requirements for districts to document their efforts to identify and contact land
occupiers with high priority problems.
deleted text end

deleted text begin (b) The rules may provide that cost sharing may be used for windbreaks and shelterbelts
for the purposes of energy conservation and snow protection.
deleted text end

Sec. 41.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 103D.605, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Establishment order.

After the project hearing, if the managers find that the
project will be conducive to public health, new text begin will new text end promote the general welfare, and deleted text begin is in
compliance deleted text end new text begin complies new text end with the watershed management plan and the provisions of this chapter,
the deleted text begin board deleted text end new text begin managers new text end must, by order, establish the project. The establishment order must
include the findings of the managers.

Sec. 42.

new text begin [103F.06] SOIL HEALTH PRACTICES PROGRAM.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin (a) In this section, the following terms have the meanings
given:
new text end

new text begin (1) "board" means the Board of Water and Soil Resources;
new text end

new text begin (2) "local units of government" has the meaning given under section 103B.305,
subdivision 5; and
new text end

new text begin (3) "soil health" has the meaning given under section 103C.101, subdivision 10a.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Establishment. new text end

new text begin (a) The board must administer a financial and technical support
program to produce soil health practices that achieve water quality, soil productivity, climate
change resiliency, or carbon sequestration benefits.
new text end

new text begin (b) The program must include but is not limited to no till, field borders, prairie strips,
cover crops, and other practices sanctioned by the board or the United States Department
of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Financial and technical assistance. new text end

new text begin (a) The board may provide financial and
technical support to local units of government, private sector organizations, and farmers to
establish soil health practices and related practices with climate and water-quality benefits.
new text end

new text begin (b) The board must establish practices and costs that are eligible for financial and technical
support under this section.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Program implementation. new text end

new text begin (a) The board may employ staff or enter into external
agreements to implement this section.
new text end

new text begin (b) The board must assist local units of government in achieving the objectives of the
program, including assessing practice standards and program effectiveness.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Federal aid availability. new text end

new text begin The board must regularly review availability of federal
funds and programs to supplement or complement state and other efforts consistent with
the purposes of this section.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Soil health practices. new text end

new text begin The board, in consultation with the commissioner of
agriculture, may cooperate with the United States Department of Agriculture, other federal
and state agencies, local governments, and private sector organizations to establish soil
health goals for the state that will achieve water quality, soil productivity, climate change
resiliency, and carbon sequestration benefits.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin Carbon market applicability. new text end

new text begin The board, in consultation with the commissioner
of agriculture, may cooperate with the United States Department of Agriculture, other federal
and state agencies, local governments, and private sector organizations to align or incorporate
soil health practices with carbon trading, mitigation, or offset markets and related tracking
or recognition efforts.
new text end

Sec. 43.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 103F.505, is amended to read:

103F.505 PURPOSE AND POLICY.

new text begin (a) new text end It is the purpose of sections 103F.505 to 103F.531 to restore certain marginal
agricultural land and protect environmentally sensitive areas to new text begin :
new text end

new text begin (1) new text end enhance soil and water quality deleted text begin , deleted text end new text begin ;
new text end

new text begin (2) new text end minimize damage to flood-prone areas deleted text begin , deleted text end new text begin ;
new text end

new text begin (3) new text end sequester carbon deleted text begin , and deleted text end new text begin ;
new text end

new text begin (4) new text end support native plant, fish, and wildlife habitats deleted text begin . deleted text end new text begin ; and
new text end

new text begin (5) establish perennial vegetation.
new text end

new text begin (b) new text end It is state policy to encourage deleted text begin the deleted text end new text begin :
new text end

new text begin (1) new text end restoration of wetlands and riparian lands deleted text begin and promote the retirement deleted text end new text begin ;
new text end

new text begin (2) restoration and protection new text end of marginal, highly erodible land, particularly land adjacent
to public waters, drainage systems, wetlands, and locally designated priority waters deleted text begin . deleted text end new text begin ; and
new text end

new text begin (3) protection of environmentally sensitive areas, including wellhead protection areas,
grasslands, peatlands, shorelands, and forest lands in priority areas.
new text end

Sec. 44.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 103F.511, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:

new text begin Subd. 5a. new text end

new text begin Grasslands. new text end

new text begin "Grasslands" means landscapes that are or were formerly
dominated by grasses, that have a low percentage of trees and shrubs, and that provide
economic and ecosystem services such as grazing, wildlife habitat, carbon sequestration,
and water filtration and retention.
new text end

Sec. 45.

new text begin [103F.519] REINVEST IN MINNESOTA WORKING LANDS PROGRAM.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Establishment. new text end

new text begin The board may establish and administer a reinvest in
Minnesota working lands program that is in addition to the program established under
section 103F.515. Selecting land for the program must be based on the land's potential for:
new text end

new text begin (1) protecting or improving water quality;
new text end

new text begin (2) reducing erosion;
new text end

new text begin (3) improving soil health;
new text end

new text begin (4) reducing chemical inputs;
new text end

new text begin (5) improving carbon storage; and
new text end

new text begin (6) increasing biodiversity and habitat for fish, wildlife, and native plants.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Applicability. new text end

new text begin Section 103F.515 applies to this section except as otherwise
provided in subdivisions 1, 3, and 4.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Nature of property rights acquired. new text end

new text begin Notwithstanding section 103F.515,
subdivision 4, paragraph (a), the board may authorize haying and livestock grazing, perennial
or winter annual cover crop production, forest management, or other activities that the board
determines are consistent with section 103F.505 or appropriation conditions or criteria.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Payments for easements. new text end

new text begin The board must establish payment rates for acquiring
easements and for related practices. The board must consider market factors as well as
easement terms, including length and allowable uses, when establishing rates.
new text end

Sec. 46.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 103G.2242, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Rules.

(a) The board, in consultation with the commissioner, shall adopt
rules governing the approval of wetland value replacement plans under this section and
public-waters-work permits affecting public waters wetlands under section 103G.245. These
rules must address the criteria, procedure, timing, and location of acceptable replacement
of wetland values and may address the state establishment and administration of a wetland
banking program for public and private projects, including provisions for an in-lieu fee
program; new text begin mitigating and banking other water and water-related resources; new text end the administrative,
monitoring, and enforcement procedures to be used; and a procedure for the review and
appeal of decisions under this section. In the case of peatlands, the replacement plan rules
must consider the impact on carbon. Any in-lieu fee program established by the board must
conform with Code of Federal Regulations, title 33, section 332.8, as amended.

(b) After the adoption of the rules, a replacement plan must be approved by a resolution
of the governing body of the local government unit, consistent with the provisions of the
rules or a comprehensive wetland protection and management plan approved under section
103G.2243.

(c) If the local government unit fails to apply the rules, or fails to implement a local
comprehensive wetland protection and management plan established under section
103G.2243, the government unit is subject to penalty as determined by the board.

(d) When making a determination under rules adopted pursuant to this subdivision on
whether a rare natural community will be permanently adversely affected, consideration of
measures to mitigate any adverse effect on the community must be considered.

Sec. 47.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, 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) $140 for amounts not exceeding 50,000,000 gallons per year;

(2) $3.50 per 1,000,000 gallons for amounts greater than 50,000,000 gallons but less
than 100,000,000 gallons per year;

(3) $4 per 1,000,000 gallons for amounts greater than 100,000,000 gallons but less than
150,000,000 gallons per year;

(4) $4.50 per 1,000,000 gallons for amounts greater than 150,000,000 gallons but less
than 200,000,000 gallons per year;

(5) $5 per 1,000,000 gallons for amounts greater than 200,000,000 gallons but less than
250,000,000 gallons per year;

(6) $5.50 per 1,000,000 gallons for amounts greater than 250,000,000 gallons but less
than 300,000,000 gallons per year;

(7) $6 per 1,000,000 gallons for amounts greater than 300,000,000 gallons but less than
350,000,000 gallons per year;

(8) $6.50 per 1,000,000 gallons for amounts greater than 350,000,000 gallons but less
than 400,000,000 gallons per year;

(9) $7 per 1,000,000 gallons for amounts greater than 400,000,000 gallons but less than
450,000,000 gallons per year;

(10) $7.50 per 1,000,000 gallons for amounts greater than 450,000,000 gallons but less
than 500,000,000 gallons per year; and

(11) $8 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,
except as provided in paragraph (f), 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 $250,000 per year;

(2) the fee for other entities for any permitted use may not exceed:

(i) $60,000 per year for an entity holding three or fewer permits;

(ii) $90,000 per year for an entity holding four or five permits; or

(iii) $300,000 per year for an entity holding more than five permits;

(3) the fee for agricultural irrigation may not exceed $750 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 flood waters 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 $20 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 deleted text begin $30 deleted text end new text begin $50 new text end per million gallons in addition to the fee prescribed in
paragraph (a) shall be applied to the volume of water used in each of the months of new text begin May,
new text end June, July, deleted text begin and deleted text end August new text begin , and September new text end 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 shall be determined based on the total
appropriations from all permits that supply a common distribution system.

Sec. 48.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, 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 $150. 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 deleted text begin $300 deleted text end new text begin $1,200 new text end , but not more than deleted text begin $3,000 deleted text end new text begin $12,000 new text end . The fee for a notification
to request authorization to conduct a project under a general permit is deleted text begin $100 deleted text end new text begin $400 new text end .

Sec. 49.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 115.03, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Generally.

new text begin (a) new text end The deleted text begin agency deleted text end new text begin commissioner new text end is deleted text begin hereby deleted text end given and charged
with the following powers and duties:

deleted text begin (a) deleted text end new text begin (1) new text end to administer and enforce all laws relating to the pollution of any of the waters
of the state;

deleted text begin (b) deleted text end new text begin (2) new text end to investigate the extent, character, and effect of the pollution of the waters of
this state and to gather data and information necessary or desirable in the administration or
enforcement of pollution laws, and to make such classification of the waters of the state as
it may deem advisable;

deleted text begin (c) deleted text end new text begin (3) new text end to establish and alter such reasonable pollution standards for any waters of the
state in relation to the public use to which they are or may be put as it shall deem necessary
for the purposes of this chapter and, with respect to the pollution of waters of the state,
chapter 116;

deleted text begin (d) deleted text end new text begin (4) new text end to encourage waste treatment, including advanced waste treatment, instead of
stream low-flow augmentation for dilution purposes to control and prevent pollution;

deleted text begin (e) deleted text end new text begin (5) new text end to adopt, issue, reissue, modify, deny, or revoke, enter into or enforce reasonable
orders, permits, variances, standards, rules, schedules of compliance, and stipulation
agreements, under such conditions as it may prescribe, in order to prevent, control or abate
water pollution, or for the installation or operation of disposal systems or parts thereof, or
for other equipment and facilities:

deleted text begin (1) deleted text end new text begin (i) new text end requiring the discontinuance of the discharge of sewage, industrial waste or other
wastes into any waters of the state resulting in pollution in excess of the applicable pollution
standard established under this chapter;

deleted text begin (2) deleted text end new text begin (ii) new text end prohibiting or directing the abatement of any discharge of sewage, industrial
waste, or other wastes, into any waters of the state or the deposit thereof or the discharge
into any municipal disposal system where the same is likely to get into any waters of the
state in violation of this chapter and, with respect to the pollution of waters of the state,
chapter 116, or standards or rules promulgated or permits issued pursuant thereto, and
specifying the schedule of compliance within which such prohibition or abatement must be
accomplished;

deleted text begin (3) deleted text end new text begin (iii) new text end prohibiting the storage of any liquid or solid substance or other pollutant in a
manner which does not reasonably assure proper retention against entry into any waters of
the state that would be likely to pollute any waters of the state;

deleted text begin (4) deleted text end new text begin (iv) new text end requiring the construction, installation, maintenance, and operation by any person
of any disposal system or any part thereof, or other equipment and facilities, or the
reconstruction, alteration, or enlargement of its existing disposal system or any part thereof,
or the adoption of other remedial measures to prevent, control or abate any discharge or
deposit of sewage, industrial waste or other wastes by any person;

deleted text begin (5) deleted text end new text begin (v) new text end establishing, and from time to time revising, standards of performance for new
sources taking into consideration, among other things, classes, types, sizes, and categories
of sources, processes, pollution control technology, cost of achieving such effluent reduction,
and any nonwater quality environmental impact and energy requirements. Said standards
of performance for new sources shall encompass those standards for the control of the
discharge of pollutants which reflect the greatest degree of effluent reduction which the
agency determines to be achievable through application of the best available demonstrated
control technology, processes, operating methods, or other alternatives, including, where
practicable, a standard permitting no discharge of pollutants. New sources shall encompass
buildings, structures, facilities, or installations from which there is or may be the discharge
of pollutants, the construction of which is commenced after the publication by the agency
of proposed rules prescribing a standard of performance which will be applicable to such
source. Notwithstanding any other provision of the law of this state, any point source the
construction of which is commenced after May 20, 1973, and which is so constructed as to
meet all applicable standards of performance for new sources shall, consistent with and
subject to the provisions of section 306(d) of the Amendments of 1972 to the Federal Water
Pollution Control Act, not be subject to any more stringent standard of performance for new
sources during a ten-year period beginning on the date of completion of such construction
or during the period of depreciation or amortization of such facility for the purposes of
section 167 or 169, or both, of the Federal Internal Revenue Code of 1954, whichever period
ends first. Construction shall encompass any placement, assembly, or installation of facilities
or equipment, including contractual obligations to purchase such facilities or equipment, at
the premises where such equipment will be used, including preparation work at such
premises;

deleted text begin (6) deleted text end new text begin (vi) new text end establishing and revising pretreatment standards to prevent or abate the discharge
of any pollutant into any publicly owned disposal system, which pollutant interferes with,
passes through, or otherwise is incompatible with such disposal system;

deleted text begin (7) deleted text end new text begin (vii) new text end requiring the owner or operator of any disposal system or any point source to
establish and maintain such records, make such reports, install, use, and maintain such
monitoring equipment or methods, including where appropriate biological monitoring
methods, sample such effluents in accordance with such methods, at such locations, at such
intervals, and in such a manner as the agency shall prescribe, and providing such other
information as the agency may reasonably require;

deleted text begin (8) deleted text end new text begin (viii) new text end notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, and with respect to the
pollution of waters of the state, chapter 116, requiring the achievement of more stringent
limitations than otherwise imposed by effluent limitations in order to meet any applicable
water quality standard by establishing new effluent limitations, based upon section 115.01,
subdivision 13, clause (b), including alternative effluent control strategies for any point
source or group of point sources to insure the integrity of water quality classifications,
whenever the agency determines that discharges of pollutants from such point source or
sources, with the application of effluent limitations required to comply with any standard
of best available technology, would interfere with the attainment or maintenance of the
water quality classification in a specific portion of the waters of the state. Prior to
establishment of any such effluent limitation, the agency shall hold a public hearing to
determine the relationship of the economic and social costs of achieving such limitation or
limitations, including any economic or social dislocation in the affected community or
communities, to the social and economic benefits to be obtained and to determine whether
or not such effluent limitation can be implemented with available technology or other
alternative control strategies. If a person affected by such limitation demonstrates at such
hearing that, whether or not such technology or other alternative control strategies are
available, there is no reasonable relationship between the economic and social costs and
the benefits to be obtained, such limitation shall not become effective and shall be adjusted
as it applies to such person;

deleted text begin (9) deleted text end new text begin (ix) new text end modifying, in its discretion, any requirement or limitation based upon best
available technology with respect to any point source for which a permit application is filed
after July 1, 1977, upon a showing by the owner or operator of such point source satisfactory
to the agency that such modified requirements will represent the maximum use of technology
within the economic capability of the owner or operator and will result in reasonable further
progress toward the elimination of the discharge of pollutants; and

deleted text begin (10) deleted text end new text begin (x) new text end requiring that applicants for wastewater discharge permits evaluate in their
applications the potential reuses of the discharged wastewater;

deleted text begin (f) deleted text end new text begin (6) new text end to require to be submitted and to approve plans and specifications for disposal
systems or point sources, or any part thereof and to inspect the construction thereof for
compliance with the approved plans and specifications thereof;

deleted text begin (g) deleted text end new text begin (7) new text end to prescribe and alter rules, not inconsistent with law, for the conduct of the
agency and other matters within the scope of the powers granted to and imposed upon it by
this chapter and, with respect to pollution of waters of the state, in chapter 116, provided
that every rule affecting any other department or agency of the state or any person other
than a member or employee of the agency shall be filed with the secretary of state;

deleted text begin (h) deleted text end new text begin (8) new text end to conduct such investigations, issue such notices, public and otherwise, and hold
such hearings as are necessary or which it may deem advisable for the discharge of its duties
under this chapter and, with respect to the pollution of waters of the state, under chapter
116, including, but not limited to, the issuance of permits, and to authorize any member,
employee, or agent appointed by it to conduct such investigations or, issue such notices and
hold such hearings;

deleted text begin (i) deleted text end new text begin (9) new text end for the purpose of water pollution control planning by the state and pursuant to
the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended, to establish and revise planning areas,
adopt plans and programs and continuing planning processes, including, but not limited to,
basin plans and areawide waste treatment management plans, and to provide for the
implementation of any such plans by means of, including, but not limited to, standards, plan
elements, procedures for revision, intergovernmental cooperation, residual treatment process
waste controls, and needs inventory and ranking for construction of disposal systems;

deleted text begin (j) deleted text end new text begin (10) new text end to train water pollution control personnel deleted text begin , deleted text end and charge deleted text begin such deleted text end new text begin training new text end fees deleted text begin therefor deleted text end
as are necessary to cover the agency's costs. All such fees received deleted text begin shall deleted text end new text begin must new text end be paid into
the state treasury and credited to the Pollution Control Agency training account;

new text begin (11) to provide chloride reduction training and charge training fees as necessary to cover
the agency's costs. All training fees received must be paid into the state treasury and credited
to the Pollution Control Agency training account;
new text end

deleted text begin (k) deleted text end new text begin (12) new text end to impose as additional conditions in permits to publicly owned disposal systems
appropriate measures to insure compliance by industrial and other users with any pretreatment
standard, including, but not limited to, those related to toxic pollutants, and any system of
user charges ratably as is hereby required under state law or said Federal Water Pollution
Control Act, as amended, or any regulations or guidelines promulgated thereunder;

deleted text begin (l) deleted text end new text begin (13) new text end to set a period not to exceed five years for the duration of any national pollutant
discharge elimination system permit or not to exceed ten years for any permit issued as a
state disposal system permit only;

deleted text begin (m) deleted text end new text begin (14) new text end to require each governmental subdivision identified as a permittee for a
wastewater treatment works to evaluate in every odd-numbered year the condition of its
existing system and identify future capital improvements that will be needed to attain or
maintain compliance with a national pollutant discharge elimination system or state disposal
system permit; and

deleted text begin (n) deleted text end new text begin (15) new text end to train subsurface sewage treatment system personnel, including persons who
design, construct, install, inspect, service, and operate subsurface sewage treatment systems,
and charge fees as necessary to pay the agency's costs. All fees received must be paid into
the state treasury and credited to the agency's training account. Money in the account is
appropriated to the agency to pay expenses related to training.

new text begin (b) new text end The information required in new text begin paragraph (a), new text end clause deleted text begin (m) deleted text end new text begin (14), new text end must be submitted in
every odd-numbered year to the commissioner on a form provided by the commissioner.
The commissioner shall provide technical assistance if requested by the governmental
subdivision.

new text begin (c) new text end The powers and duties given the agency in this subdivision also apply to permits
issued under chapter 114C.

Sec. 50.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 115.061, is amended to read:

115.061 DUTY TO NOTIFY; AVOIDING WATER POLLUTION.

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), it is the duty of every person to notify the agency
immediately of the discharge, accidental or otherwise, of any substance or material under
its control which, if not recovered, may cause pollution of waters of the state, and the
responsible person shall recover as rapidly and as thoroughly as possible such substance or
material and take immediately such other action as may be reasonably possible to minimize
or abate pollution of waters of the state caused thereby.

(b) Notification is not required under paragraph (a) for a discharge of five gallons or
less of petroleum, as defined in section 115C.02, subdivision 10. This paragraph does not
affect the other requirements of paragraph (a).

new text begin (c) Promptly after notifying the agency of a discharge under paragraph (a), a publicly
owned treatment works or a publicly or privately owned domestic sewer system owner must
provide notice to the potentially impacted public and to any downstream drinking water
facility that may be impacted by the discharge. Notice to the public and to any drinking
water facility must be made using the most efficient communications system available to
the facility owner such as in person, telephone call, radio, social media, web page, or another
expedited form. In addition, signage must be posted at all impacted public use areas within
the same jurisdiction or notification must be provided to the entity that has jurisdiction over
any impacted public use areas. A notice under this paragraph must include the date and time
of the discharge, a description of the material released, a warning of the potential public
health risk, and the permittee's contact information.
new text end

new text begin (d) The agency must provide guidance that includes but is not limited to methods and
protocols for providing timely notice under this section.
new text end

Sec. 51.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 115A.03, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:

new text begin Subd. 22c. new text end

new text begin Overburdened area. new text end

new text begin "Overburdened area" means one or more census tracts
in the state:
new text end

new text begin (1) in which, based on the most recent data published by the United States Census Bureau:
new text end

new text begin (i) 40 percent or more of the population is nonwhite;
new text end

new text begin (ii) 35 percent or more of the households have an income at or below 200 percent of the
federal poverty level; or
new text end

new text begin (iii) 40 percent or more of the population over the age of five have limited English
proficiency; or
new text end

new text begin (2) that is in Indian Country, as defined in United States Code, title 18, section 1151.
new text end

Sec. 52.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 115A.1415, is amended to read:

115A.1415 ARCHITECTURAL PAINT; PRODUCT STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM;
STEWARDSHIP PLAN.

Subdivision 1.

Definitions.

For purposes of this section, the following terms have the
meanings given:

(1) "architectural paint" means interior and exterior architectural coatings sold in
containers of five gallons or less. Architectural paint does not include industrial coatings,
original equipment coatings, or specialty coatings;

(2) "brand" means a name, symbol, word, or mark that identifies architectural paint,
rather than its components, and attributes the paint to the owner or licensee of the brand as
the producer;

(3) "discarded paint" means architectural paint that is no longer used for its manufactured
purpose;

(4) "producer" means a person that:

(i) has legal ownership of the brand, brand name, or cobrand of architectural paint sold
in the state;

(ii) imports architectural paint branded by a producer that meets item (i) when the
producer has no physical presence in the United States;

(iii) if items (i) and (ii) do not apply, makes unbranded architectural paint that is sold in
the state; or

(iv) sells architectural paint at wholesale or retail, does not have legal ownership of the
brand, and elects to fulfill the responsibilities of the producer for the architectural paint by
certifying that election in writing to the commissioner;

(5) "recycling" means the process of collecting and preparing recyclable materials and
reusing the materials in their original form or using them in manufacturing processes that
do not cause the destruction of recyclable materials in a manner that precludes further use;

(6) "retailer" means any person who offers architectural paint for sale at retail in the
state;

(7) "reuse" means donating or selling collected architectural paint back into the market
for its original intended use, when the architectural paint retains its original purpose and
performance characteristics;

(8) "sale" or "sell" means transfer of title of architectural paint for consideration, including
a remote sale conducted through a sales outlet, catalog, website, or similar electronic means.
Sale or sell includes a lease through which architectural paint is provided to a consumer by
a producer, wholesaler, or retailer;

(9) "stewardship assessment" means the amount added to the purchase price of
architectural paint sold in the state deleted text begin that is necessary to cover the cost of collecting,
transporting, and processing postconsumer architectural paint by the producer or stewardship
organization pursuant to a product stewardship program deleted text end new text begin to implement a product stewardship
program according to an approved stewardship plan new text end ;

(10) "stewardship organization" means an organization appointed by one or more
producers to act as an agent on behalf of the producer to design, submit, and administer a
product stewardship program under this section; and

(11) "stewardship plan" means a detailed plan describing the manner in which a product
stewardship program under subdivision 2 will be implemented.

Subd. 2.

Product stewardship program.

For architectural paint sold in the state,
producers must, individually or through a stewardship organization, implement and finance
a statewide product stewardship program that manages the architectural paint by reducing
the paint's waste generation, promoting its reuse and recycling, and providing for negotiation
and execution of agreements to collect, transport, and process the architectural paint for
end-of-life recycling and reuse.

Subd. 3.

Participation required to sell.

(a) deleted text begin On and after July 1, 2014, or three months
after program plan approval, whichever is sooner, deleted text end No producer, wholesaler, or retailer may
sell or offer for sale in the state architectural paint unless the paint's producer participates
in an approved stewardship plan, either individually or through a stewardship organization.

(b) Each producer must operate a product stewardship program approved by the deleted text begin agency deleted text end new text begin
commissioner new text end or enter into an agreement with a stewardship organization to operate, on the
producer's behalf, a product stewardship program approved by the deleted text begin agency deleted text end new text begin commissioner new text end .

Subd. 4.

Stewardship plan required.

(a) deleted text begin On or before March 1, 2014, and deleted text end Before
offering architectural paint for sale in the state, a producer must submit a stewardship plan
to the deleted text begin agency deleted text end new text begin commissioner new text end and receive approval of the plan or must submit documentation
to the deleted text begin agency deleted text end new text begin commissioner new text end that demonstrates the producer has entered into an agreement
with a stewardship organization to be an active participant in an approved product
stewardship program as described in subdivision 2. A stewardship plan must include all
elements required under subdivision 5.

(b) deleted text begin An deleted text end new text begin A proposed new text end amendment to the plan, if determined necessary by the commissioner,
must be submitted new text begin to the commissioner for review and approval or rejection new text end every five
years.

(c) deleted text begin It is the responsibility of deleted text end The entities responsible for each stewardship plan deleted text begin to deleted text end new text begin must new text end
notify the deleted text begin agency deleted text end new text begin commissioner new text end within 30 days of any significant new text begin proposed new text end changes deleted text begin or
modifications deleted text end to the plan or its implementation. Within 30 days of the notification, a written
new text begin proposed new text end plan deleted text begin revision deleted text end new text begin amendment new text end must be submitted to the deleted text begin agency deleted text end new text begin commissioner new text end for
review and approval new text begin or rejection new text end .

Subd. 5.

Plan content.

A stewardship plan must contain:

(1) certification that the product stewardship program will accept all discarded paint
regardless of which producer produced the architectural paint and its individual components;

(2) contact information for the individual and the entity submitting the new text begin stewardship new text end plan,
a list of all producers participating in the product stewardship program, and the brands
covered by the product stewardship program;

(3) a description of the methods by which the discarded paint will be collected in all
areas in the state without relying on end-of-life fees, including an explanation of how the
collection system will be convenient and adequate to serve the needs of small businesses
and residents in both urban and rural areas on an ongoing basis and a discussion of how the
existing household hazardous waste infrastructure will be considered when selecting
collection sites;

(4) a description of how the adequacy of the collection program will be monitored and
maintained;

(5) the names and locations of collectors, transporters, and recyclers that will manage
discarded paint;

(6) a description of how the discarded paint and the paint's components will be safely
and securely transported, tracked, and handled from collection through final recycling and
processing;

(7) a description of the method that will be used to reuse, deconstruct, or recycle the
discarded paint to ensure that the paint's components, to the extent feasible, are transformed
or remanufactured into finished products for use;

(8) a description of the promotion and outreach activities that will be used to encourage
participation in the collection and recycling programs and how the activities' effectiveness
will be evaluated and the program modified, if necessary;

(9) the proposed stewardship assessment deleted text begin . The producer or stewardship organization
shall propose a uniform stewardship assessment for any architectural paint sold in the state.
The proposed stewardship assessment shall be reviewed by an independent auditor to ensure
that the assessment does not exceed the costs of the product stewardship program and the
independent auditor shall recommend an amount for the stewardship assessment. The agency
must approve the stewardship assessment deleted text end new text begin established according to subdivision 5a new text end ;

(10) evidence of adequate insurance and financial assurance that may be required for
collection, handling, and disposal operations;

(11) five-year performance goals, including an estimate of the percentage of discarded
paint that will be collected, reused, and recycled during each of the first five years of the
stewardship plan. The performance goals must include a specific goal for the amount of
discarded paint that will be collected and recycled and reused during each year of the plan.
The performance goals must be based on:

(i) the most recent collection data available for the state;

(ii) the estimated amount of architectural paint disposed of annually;

(iii) the weight of the architectural paint that is expected to be available for collection
annually; and

(iv) actual collection data from other existing stewardship programs.

The stewardship plan must state the methodology used to determine these goals; and

(12) a discussion of the status of end markets for collected architectural paint and what,
if any, additional end markets are needed to improve the functioning of the program.

new text begin Subd. 5a. new text end

new text begin Stewardship assessment. new text end

new text begin The producer or stewardship organization must
propose a uniform stewardship assessment for any architectural paint sold in the state that
covers but does not exceed the costs of developing the stewardship plan, operating and
administering the program in accordance with the stewardship plan and the requirements
of this section, and maintaining a financial reserve. A stewardship organization or producer
must not maintain a financial reserve in excess of 75 percent of the organization's annual
operating expenses. The producer or stewardship organization must retain an independent
auditor to review the proposed stewardship assessment to ensure that the assessment meets
the requirements of this section. The independent auditor must recommend an amount for
the stewardship assessment. If the financial reserve exceeds 75 percent of the producer or
stewardship organization's annual operating expenses, the producer or stewardship
organization must submit a proposed plan amendment according to subdivision 4, paragraph
(c), to comply with this subdivision. The commissioner must review and approve or reject
the stewardship assessment according to subdivision 7.
new text end

Subd. 6.

Consultation required.

Each stewardship organization or individual producer
submitting a stewardship plan new text begin or plan amendment new text end must consult with stakeholders including
retailers, contractors, collectors, recyclers, local government, and customers during the
development of the plan new text begin or plan amendment new text end .

Subd. 7.

deleted text begin Agency deleted text end new text begin Commissioner new text end review and approval.

(a) Within 90 days after deleted text begin receipt
of deleted text end new text begin receiving new text end a proposed stewardship plan, the deleted text begin agency shall deleted text end new text begin commissioner must new text end determine
whether the plan complies with deleted text begin subdivision 4 deleted text end new text begin this section new text end . If the deleted text begin agency deleted text end new text begin commissioner new text end
approves a plan, the deleted text begin agency shall deleted text end new text begin commissioner must new text end notify the applicant of the plan approval
in writing. If the deleted text begin agency deleted text end new text begin commissioner new text end rejects a plan, the deleted text begin agency shall deleted text end new text begin commissioner must new text end
notify the applicant in writing of the reasons for rejecting the plan.

new text begin (b) new text end An applicant whose plan is rejected by the deleted text begin agency deleted text end new text begin commissioner new text end must submit a
revised new text begin stewardship new text end plan to the deleted text begin agency deleted text end new text begin commissioner new text end within 60 days after receiving notice
of rejection. new text begin A stewardship organization may submit a revised stewardship plan to the
commissioner on not more than two consecutive occasions. If, after the second consecutive
submission, the commissioner determines that the revised stewardship plan still does not
meet the requirements of this section, the commissioner must modify the stewardship plan
as necessary to meet the requirements of this section and approve the stewardship plan.
new text end

deleted text begin (b) deleted text end new text begin (c) new text end Any proposed deleted text begin changes deleted text end new text begin amendment new text end to a stewardship plan must be new text begin reviewed and
new text end approved new text begin or rejected new text end by the deleted text begin agency deleted text end new text begin commissioner new text end in writing new text begin according to this subdivision new text end .

Subd. 8.

Plan availability.

All deleted text begin draft deleted text end new text begin proposed stewardship plans and amendments new text end and
approved stewardship plans deleted text begin shall deleted text end new text begin and amendments must new text end be placed on the agency's website
for at least 30 days and made available at the agency's headquarters for public review and
comment.

Subd. 9.

Conduct authorized.

A producer or stewardship organization that organizes
collection, transport, and processing of architectural paint under this section 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 organization's chosen organized collection
or recycling system.

Subd. 10.

Producer responsibilities.

(a) On and after the date of implementation of a
product stewardship program according to this section, a producer of architectural paint
must add the stewardship assessment, as established under subdivision deleted text begin 5, clause (9) deleted text end new text begin 5a new text end , to
the cost of architectural paint sold to retailers and distributors in the state by the producer.

(b) Producers of architectural paint or the stewardship organization deleted text begin shall deleted text end new text begin must new text end provide
consumers with educational materials regarding the stewardship assessment and product
stewardship program. The materials must include, but are not limited to, information
regarding available end-of-life management options for architectural paint offered through
the product stewardship program and information that notifies consumers that a charge for
the operation of the product stewardship program is included in the purchase price of
architectural paint sold in the state.

Subd. 11.

Retailer responsibilities.

(a) deleted text begin On and after July 1, 2014, or three months after
program plan approval, whichever is sooner, deleted text end No architectural paint may be sold in the state
unless the paint's producer is participating in an approved stewardship plan.

(b) On and after the implementation date of a product stewardship program according
to this section, each retailer or distributor, as applicable, must ensure that the full amount
of the stewardship assessment added to the cost of architectural paint by producers under
subdivision 10 is included in the purchase price of all architectural paint sold in the state.

(c) Any retailer may participate, on a voluntary basis, as a designated collection point
pursuant to a product stewardship program under this section and in accordance with
applicable law.

(d) No retailer or distributor shall be found to be in violation of this subdivision if, on
the date the architectural paint was ordered from the producer or its agent, the producer was
listed as compliant on the agency's website according to subdivision 14.

Subd. 12.

Stewardship reports.

deleted text begin Beginning October 1, 2015, deleted text end new text begin By April 1 each year, new text end
producers of architectural paint sold in the state must individually or through a stewardship
organization submit an annual report to the deleted text begin agency deleted text end new text begin commissioner new text end describing the product
stewardship program new text begin for the preceding calendar year new text end . At a minimum, the report must contain:

(1) a description of the methods used to collect, transport, and process architectural paint
in all regions of the state;

(2) the weight of all architectural paint collected in all regions of the state and a
comparison to the performance goals and recycling rates established in the stewardship
plan;

(3) the amount of unwanted architectural paint collected in the state by method of
disposition, including reuse, recycling, and other methods of processing;

(4) samples of educational materials provided to consumers and an evaluation of the
effectiveness of the materials and the methods used to disseminate the materials; and

(5) an independent financial audit.

Subd. 13.

Data classification.

Trade secret and sales information, as defined under
section 13.37, submitted to the deleted text begin agency deleted text end new text begin commissioner new text end under this section are private or
nonpublic data under section 13.37.

Subd. 14.

deleted text begin Agency deleted text end new text begin Commissioner new text end responsibilities.

The deleted text begin agency shall deleted text end new text begin commissioner must new text end
provide, on deleted text begin its deleted text end new text begin the agency's new text end website, a list of all compliant producers and brands participating
in stewardship plans that the deleted text begin agency deleted text end new text begin commissioner new text end has approved and a list of all producers
and brands the deleted text begin agency deleted text end new text begin commissioner new text end has identified as noncompliant with this section.

Subd. 15.

Local government responsibilities.

(a) A city, county, or other public agency
may choose to participate voluntarily in a product stewardship program.

(b) Cities, counties, and other public agencies are encouraged to work with producers
and stewardship organizations to assist in meeting product stewardship program reuse and
recycling obligations, by providing education and outreach or using other strategies.

(c) A city, county, or other public agency that participates in a product stewardship
program must report for the first year of the program to the deleted text begin agency deleted text end new text begin commissioner new text end using the
reporting form provided by the deleted text begin agency deleted text end new text begin commissioner new text end on the cost savings as a result of
participation and new text begin must new text end describe how the savings were used.

Subd. 16.

Administrative fee.

(a) The stewardship organization or individual producer
submitting a stewardship plan deleted text begin shall deleted text end new text begin must new text end pay an annual administrative fee to the
commissioner. The deleted text begin agency deleted text end new text begin commissioner new text end may establish a variable fee based on relevant
factors, including deleted text begin , deleted text end but not limited to deleted text begin , deleted text end the portion of architectural paint sold in the state by
members of the organization compared to the total amount of architectural paint sold in the
state by all organizations submitting a stewardship plan.

(b) deleted text begin Prior to July 1, 2014, and deleted text end Before July 1 deleted text begin annually thereafter deleted text end new text begin each year new text end , the deleted text begin agency
shall deleted text end new text begin commissioner must new text end identify the costs deleted text begin it deleted text end new text begin the agency new text end incurs under this section. The
deleted text begin agency shall deleted text end new text begin commissioner must new text end set the fee at an amount that, when paid by every
stewardship organization or individual producer that submits a stewardship plan, is adequate
to reimburse the agency's full costs of administering this section. The total amount of annual
fees collected under this subdivision must not exceed the amount necessary to reimburse
costs incurred by the agency to administer this section.

(c) A stewardship organization or individual producer subject to this subdivision must
pay the deleted text begin agency's deleted text end new text begin commissioner's new text end administrative fee under paragraph (a) on or before July
1 deleted text begin , 2014, and annually thereafter deleted text end new text begin each year new text end . Each year after the initial payment, the annual
administrative fee may not exceed five percent of the aggregate stewardship assessment
added to the cost of all architectural paint sold by producers in the state for the preceding
calendar year.

(d) All fees received under this section deleted text begin shall deleted text end new text begin must new text end be deposited in the state treasury and
credited to a product stewardship account in the special revenue fund. deleted text begin For fiscal years 2014,
2015, 2016, and 2017, deleted text end The amount collected under this section is annually appropriated to
the deleted text begin agency deleted text end new text begin commissioner new text end to implement and enforce this section.

new text begin Subd. 17. new text end

new text begin Duty to provide information. new text end

new text begin Upon request of the commissioner for purposes
of determining compliance with this section, a person must furnish to the commissioner
any information that the person has or may reasonably obtain.
new text end

Sec. 53.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 115A.49, is amended to read:

115A.49 deleted text begin SOLID deleted text end WASTE MANAGEMENT deleted text begin PROJECTS deleted text end new text begin CAPITAL ASSISTANCE
PROGRAM new text end .

new text begin (a) new text end There is established a program to encourage and assist cities, counties, solid waste
management districts, and sanitary districts in the development and implementation of solid
waste management projects and to transfer the knowledge and experience gained from such
projects to other communities in the state.

new text begin (b) new text end The program must be administered to encourage local communities to develop
feasible and prudent alternatives to disposal, including new text begin :
new text end

new text begin (1) new text end waste reduction;

new text begin (2) reuse;
new text end

new text begin (3) recycling;
new text end

new text begin (4) composting source-separated compostable materials or yard waste;
new text end

new text begin (5) resource recovery;
new text end

new text begin (6) new text end waste separation by generators, collectors, and other persons; and

new text begin (7) new text end waste processing.

new text begin (c) new text end The commissioner shall administer the program deleted text begin in accordance with the requirements
of deleted text end new text begin according to new text end sections 115A.49 to 115A.54 and rules deleted text begin promulgated deleted text end new text begin adopted new text end under chapter
14. In administering the program, the commissioner shall give priority to projects in the
order of preference of the waste management practices listed in section 115A.02. The
commissioner shall give special consideration to areas where natural geologic and soil
conditions are especially unsuitable for land disposal of solid waste; areas where the capacity
of existing solid waste disposal facilities is determined by the commissioner to be less than
five years; and projects serving more than one local government unit.

Sec. 54.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 115A.51, is amended to read:

115A.51 APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS.

(a) Applications for assistance under the program must demonstrate:

(1) that the project is conceptually and technically feasible;

(2) that affected political subdivisions are committed to implement the project, to provide
necessary local financing, and to accept and exercise the government powers necessary to
the project;

(3) that operating revenues from the project, considering the availability and security of
sources of solid waste and of markets for recovered resources new text begin or the availability of materials
for waste reduction or reuse new text end , together with any proposed federal, state, or local financial
assistance, will be sufficient to pay all costs over the projected life of the project;

(4) that the applicant has evaluated the feasible and prudent alternatives to disposal,
including using existing solid waste management facilities new text begin and facilities conducting waste
reduction or reuse new text end with reasonably available capacity sufficient to accomplish the goals of
the proposed project, and has compared and evaluated the costs of the alternatives, including
capital and operating costs, and the effects of the alternatives on the cost to generators;

(5) that the applicant has identified:

(i) waste management objectives in applicable county and regional solid waste
management plans consistent with section 115A.46, subdivision 2, paragraphs (e) and (f),
or 473.149, subdivision 1; and

(ii) other solid waste new text begin management new text end facilities new text begin and facilities conducting waste reduction or
reuse new text end identified in the county and regional plans; deleted text begin and
deleted text end

(6) that the applicant has conducted a comparative analysis of the project against existing
public and private solid waste new text begin management new text end facilities new text begin and facilities conducting waste reduction
or reuse new text end , including an analysis of potential displacement of those facilities, to determine
whether the project is the most appropriate alternative to achieve the identified waste
management objectives that considers:

(i) conformity with approved county or regional solid waste management plans;

(ii) consistency with the state's solid waste hierarchy and section 115A.46, subdivision
2, paragraphs (e) and (f), or 473.149, subdivision 1; and

(iii) environmental standards related to public health, air, surface water, and groundwater deleted text begin . deleted text end new text begin ;
new text end

new text begin (7) that the applicant has evaluated the project's environmental impact on climate change,
including greenhouse gas emissions; and
new text end

new text begin (8) that the applicant has reviewed the project's impact on overburdened areas, conducted
stakeholder engagement, and assessed community input.
new text end

(b) The commissioner deleted text begin may deleted text end new text begin must new text end require completion of a comprehensive solid waste
management plan conforming to the requirements of section 115A.46, before accepting an
application. Within five days of filing an application with the agency, the applicant must
submit a copy of the application to each solid waste management facility new text begin , including each
facility used for waste reduction or reuse, new text end mentioned in the portion of the application
addressing the requirements of paragraph (a), clauses (5) and (6).

Sec. 55.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 115A.54, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Purposes; public interest; declaration of policy.

The legislature finds
that deleted text begin the establishment of waste processing deleted text end new text begin acquiring, establishing, and improving new text end facilities
new text begin that conduct waste reduction, reuse, recycling, composting source-separated compostable
materials or yard waste, resource recovery, and waste processing new text end and transfer stations serving
such facilities is needed to new text begin reduce and new text end manage properly the solid waste generated in the
state and to conserve and protect the natural resources in the state and the health, safety,
and welfare of its citizens; that opportunities to new text begin acquire, new text end establish new text begin , and improve new text end the facilities
and transfer stations are not being fully realized by individual political subdivisions or by
agreements among subdivisions; and that therefore it is necessary to provide capital assistance
to stimulate and encourage the acquisition new text begin , establishment, new text end and deleted text begin betterment deleted text end new text begin improvement new text end of
the facilities and transfer stations.

Sec. 56.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 115A.54, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Administration; assurance of funds.

The commissioner shall provide technical
and financial assistance deleted text begin for the acquisition and betterment of deleted text end new text begin to acquire, establish, and
improve new text end the facilities and transfer stations from revenues derived from deleted text begin the issuance of deleted text end new text begin
issuing new text end bonds authorized by section 115A.58. Facilities for deleted text begin the incineration of deleted text end new text begin incinerating new text end
solid waste without resource recovery are not eligible for assistance. Money appropriated
for the purposes of the deleted text begin demonstration deleted text end program may be distributed as grants or loans. An
individual project may receive assistance totaling up to 100 percent of the capital cost of
the project and grants up to deleted text begin 50 deleted text end new text begin 75 new text end percent of the capital cost of the project. No grant or loan
shall be disbursed to any recipient until the commissioner has determined the total estimated
capital cost of the project and ascertained that financing of the cost is assured by funds
provided by the state, by an agency of the federal government within the amount of funds
then appropriated to that agency and allocated by it to projects within the state, by any
person, or by the appropriation of proceeds of bonds or other funds of the recipient to a fund
for deleted text begin the construction of deleted text end new text begin constructing new text end the project.

Sec. 57.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 115A.54, subdivision 2a, is amended to read:

Subd. 2a.

Solid waste management projects.

(a) The commissioner shall provide
technical and financial assistance deleted text begin for the acquisition and betterment of deleted text end new text begin to acquire, establish,
and improve new text end solid waste management projects as provided in this subdivision and section
115A.52. Money appropriated for the purposes of this subdivision must be distributed as
grants.

(b) Except as provided in paragraph (c), a project may receive grant assistance up to 25
percent of the capital cost of the project or deleted text begin $2,000,000 deleted text end new text begin $5,000,000 new text end , whichever is less, except
that projects constructed as a result of intercounty cooperative agreements may receive new text begin the
lesser of:
new text end

(1) grant assistance up to 25 percent of the capital cost of the project; or

(2) deleted text begin $2,000,000 deleted text end new text begin $5,000,000 new text end times the number of participating counties deleted text begin , whichever is less deleted text end .

(c) A recycling project deleted text begin or deleted text end new text begin , new text end a project to compost deleted text begin or cocompost deleted text end new text begin source-separated
compostable material or yard new text end waste new text begin , or a project to manage household hazardous waste new text end may
receive grant assistance up to 50 percent of the capital cost of the project or deleted text begin $2,000,000 deleted text end new text begin
$5,000,000 new text end , whichever is less, except that projects completed as a result of intercounty
cooperative agreements may receive new text begin the lesser of:
new text end

(1) grant assistance up to 50 percent of the capital cost of the project; or

(2) deleted text begin $2,000,000 deleted text end new text begin $5,000,000 new text end times the number of participating counties deleted text begin , whichever is less deleted text end .

new text begin (d) new text end The following projects may also receive grant assistance in the amounts specified
in deleted text begin this deleted text end paragraph new text begin (c) new text end :

(1) a project to improve control of or reduce air emissions at an existing resource recovery
facility; and

(2) a project to substantially increase the recovery of materials or energy, substantially
reduce the amount or toxicity of waste processing residuals, or expand the capacity of an
existing resource recovery facility to meet the resource recovery needs of an expanded
region if each county from which waste is or would be received has achieved a recycling
rate in excess of the goals in section 115A.551, and is implementing aggressive waste
reduction and household hazardous waste management programs.

new text begin (e) A waste reduction project or reuse project may receive grant assistance up to 75
percent of the capital cost of the project or $5,000,000, whichever is less, except that projects
completed as a result of intercounty cooperative agreements may receive the lesser of:
new text end

new text begin (1) grant assistance up to 75 percent of the capital cost of the project; or
new text end

new text begin (2) $5,000,000 times the number of participating counties.
new text end

deleted text begin (d) deleted text end new text begin (f) new text end Notwithstanding paragraph deleted text begin (e) deleted text end new text begin (g) new text end , the commissioner may award grants for transfer
stations that will initially transfer waste to landfills if the transfer stations are part of a
planned resource recovery project, the county where the planned resource recovery facility
will be located has a comprehensive solid waste management plan approved by the
commissioner, and the solid waste management plan proposes the development of the
resource recovery facility. If the proposed resource recovery facility is not in place and
operating within 16 years of the date of the grant award, the recipient shall repay the grant
amount to the state.

deleted text begin (e) deleted text end new text begin (g) new text end Projects without new text begin waste reduction, reuse, recycling, composting source-separated
compostable material or yard waste, or new text end resource recovery are not eligible for assistance. new text begin
Solid waste disposal facilities and equipment are not eligible for assistance.
new text end

deleted text begin (f) deleted text end new text begin (h) new text end In addition to any assistance received under paragraph (b) deleted text begin or deleted text end new text begin , new text end (c), new text begin (d), or (e), new text end a
project may receive grant assistance for the cost of tests necessary to determine the
appropriate pollution control equipment for the project or the environmental effects of the
use of any product or material produced by the project.

deleted text begin (g) deleted text end new text begin (i) new text end In addition to the application requirements of section 115A.51, an application for
a project serving eligible jurisdictions in only a single county must demonstrate that
cooperation with jurisdictions in other counties to develop the project is not needed or not
feasible. Each application must also demonstrate that the project is not financially prudent
without the state assistance, because of the applicant's financial capacity and the problems
inherent in the waste management situation in the area, particularly transportation distances
and limited waste supply and markets for resources recovered.

deleted text begin (h) deleted text end new text begin (j) new text end For the purposes of this subdivision, deleted text begin a deleted text end "project" means new text begin acquisition, establishment,
or improvement of new text end a deleted text begin processing deleted text end facility deleted text begin , deleted text end new text begin that conducts waste reduction, reuse, recycling,
composting source-separated compostable materials or yard waste, resource recovery, or
waste processing, new text end together with any transfer stations, transmission facilities, and other related
and appurtenant facilities primarily serving the deleted text begin processing deleted text end facility.

new text begin (k) new text end The commissioner shall adopt rules for the program deleted text begin by July 1, 1985 deleted text end .

deleted text begin (i) deleted text end new text begin (l) new text end Notwithstanding anything in this subdivision to the contrary, a project to construct
a new deleted text begin mixed municipal deleted text end solid waste transfer station that has an enforceable commitment of
at least ten years, or of sufficient length to retire bonds sold for the facility, to serve an
existing resource recovery facility may receive grant assistance up to 75 percent of the
capital cost of the project if addition of the transfer station will increase substantially the
geographical area served by the resource recovery facility and the ability of the resource
recovery facility to operate more efficiently on a regional basis and the facility meets the
criteria in paragraph deleted text begin (c) deleted text end new text begin (d) new text end , deleted text begin the second deleted text end clause (2). A transfer station eligible for assistance
under this paragraph is not eligible for assistance under any other paragraph of this
subdivision.

Sec. 58.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 115A.565, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Grant program established.

The commissioner must make competitive
grants to political subdivisions or federally recognized Tribes deleted text begin to establish curbside recycling
or composting, increase deleted text end new text begin for waste reduction, reuse, new text end recycling deleted text begin or deleted text end new text begin , and new text end composting deleted text begin , reduce
the amount of recyclable materials entering disposal facilities, or reduce the costs associated
with hauling waste by locating collection sites as close as possible to the site where the
waste is generated deleted text end new text begin of source-separated compostable materials or yard waste new text end . To be eligible
for grants under this section, a political subdivision or federally recognized Tribe must be
located outside the seven-county metropolitan area and a city must have a population of
less than 45,000.

Sec. 59.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 115A.565, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Priorities; eligible projects.

(a) If applications for grants exceed the available
appropriations, grants must be made for projects that, in the commissioner's judgment,
provide the highest return in public benefits.

(b) To be eligible to receive a grant, a project must:

(1) be locally administered;

(2) have an educational component and measurable outcomes;

(3) request $250,000 or less;

(4) demonstrate local direct and indirect matching support of at least a quarter amount
of the grant request; deleted text begin and
deleted text end

(5) include at least one of the following elements:

deleted text begin (i) transition to residential recycling through curbside or centrally located collection
sites;
deleted text end

deleted text begin (ii) development of local recycling systems to support curbside recycling; or
deleted text end

deleted text begin (iii) development or expansion of local recycling systems to support recycling bulk
materials, including, but not limited to, electronic waste.
deleted text end

new text begin (i) waste reduction;
new text end

new text begin (ii) reuse;
new text end

new text begin (iii) recycling; or
new text end

new text begin (iv) composting of source-separated compostable materials or yard waste; and
new text end

new text begin (6) demonstrate that the project will reduce waste generation through waste reduction
or reuse or that the project will increase the amount of recyclable materials or
source-separated compostable materials diverted from a disposal facility.
new text end

Sec. 60.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 115B.17, subdivision 14, is amended to read:

Subd. 14.

Requests for review, investigation, and oversight.

(a) The commissioner
may, upon request, assist a person in determining whether real property has been the site
of a release or threatened release of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant. The
commissioner may also assist in, or supervise, the development and implementation of
reasonable and necessary response actions. Assistance may include review of agency records
and files, and review and approval of a requester's investigation plans and reports and
response action plans and implementation.

(b) Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, the person requesting assistance
under this subdivision shall pay the agency for the agency's cost, as determined by the
commissioner, of providing assistance. A state agency, political subdivision, or other public
entity is not required to pay for the agency's cost to review agency records and files. deleted text begin Money
received by the agency for assistance under this section deleted text end new text begin The first $350,000 received annually
by the agency for assistance under this subdivision from persons who are not otherwise
responsible under sections 115B.01 to 115B.18 new text end must be deposited in the remediation fund
and is exempt from section 16A.1285. new text begin Money received after the first $350,000 must be
deposited in the state treasury and credited to an account in the special revenue fund. Money
in the account is annually appropriated to the commissioner for the purposes of administering
this subdivision.
new text end

(c) When a person investigates a release or threatened release in accordance with an
investigation plan approved by the commissioner under this subdivision, the investigation
does not associate that person with the release or threatened release for the purpose of section
115B.03, subdivision 3, paragraph (a), clause (4).

Sec. 61.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 115B.171, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Test reporting.

(a) By deleted text begin January deleted text end new text begin March new text end 15 each year, the commissioner of the
Pollution Control Agency must report to each community in the east metropolitan area a
summary of the results of the testing for private wells in the community. The report must
include information on the number of wells tested and trends of PFC contamination in
private wells in the community. Reports to communities under this section must also be
published on the Pollution Control Agency's website.

(b) By deleted text begin January deleted text end new text begin March new text end 15 each year, the commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency
must report to the legislature, as provided in section 3.195, on the testing for private wells
conducted in the east metropolitan area, including copies of the community reports required
in paragraph (a), the number of requests for well testing in each community, and the total
amount spent for testing private wells in each community.

Sec. 62.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 115B.52, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Reporting.

The commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency and the
commissioner of natural resources must jointly submit:

(1) by April 1, 2019, an implementation plan detailing how the commissioners will:

(i) determine how the priorities in the settlement will be met and how the spending will
move from the first priority to the second priority and the second priority to the third priority
outlined in the settlement; and

(ii) evaluate and determine what projects receive funding;

(2) by deleted text begin February 1 and August 1 deleted text end new text begin October 1 new text end each year, a deleted text begin biannual deleted text end report to the chairs and
ranking minority members of the legislative policy and finance committees with jurisdiction
over environment and natural resources on expenditures from the water quality and
sustainability account during the previous deleted text begin six months deleted text end new text begin fiscal year new text end ; and

(3) by deleted text begin August deleted text end new text begin October new text end 1, deleted text begin 2019 deleted text end new text begin 2023 new text end , and each year thereafter, a report to the legislature
on expenditures from the water quality and sustainability account during the previous fiscal
year and a spending plan for anticipated expenditures from the account during the current
fiscal year.

Sec. 63.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 116.06, is amended by adding a subdivision to
read:

new text begin Subd. 6a. new text end

new text begin Commissioner. new text end

new text begin "Commissioner" means the commissioner of the Minnesota
Pollution Control Agency.
new text end

Sec. 64.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 116.06, is amended by adding a subdivision to
read:

new text begin Subd. 6c. new text end

new text begin Cumulative impacts. new text end

new text begin "Cumulative impacts" means the potential public health
and environmental impacts from combined pollutant exposures and risks, incorporating the
context of community vulnerabilities, assessed from publicly accessible data based on the
past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future levels, emissions, and discharges affecting
a geographical area.
new text end

Sec. 65.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 116.06, is amended by adding a subdivision to
read:

new text begin Subd. 10a. new text end

new text begin Environmental justice. new text end

new text begin "Environmental justice" means that nonwhite
communities, indigenous communities, low-income communities, and communities with
limited English proficiency have a healthy environment and are treated fairly when
environmental statutes, rules, and policies are developed, adopted, implemented, and
enforced.
new text end

Sec. 66.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 116.06, is amended by adding a subdivision to
read:

new text begin Subd. 10b. new text end

new text begin Environmental justice area. new text end

new text begin "Environmental justice area" means one or
more census tracts in Minnesota:
new text end

new text begin (1) in which, based on the most recent data published by the United States Census Bureau:
new text end

new text begin (i) 40 percent or more of the population is defined as nonwhite;
new text end

new text begin (ii) 35 percent or more of the households have an income at or below 200 percent of the
federal poverty level; or
new text end

new text begin (iii) 40 percent or more of the population over the age of five have limited English
proficiency; or
new text end

new text begin (2) that are located within Indian Country, as defined in United States Code, title 18,
section 1151.
new text end

Sec. 67.

new text begin [116.065] ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE AREAS; PERMITS.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Issuing permits. new text end

new text begin (a) When a new facility or a proposed expansion of an
existing facility requires a permit under chapters 115 to 116 and is located in an
environmental justice area, the commissioner may require an owner or operator to conduct
an analysis of the cumulative impacts that the new facility or proposed expansion would
cause or contribute to the environmental justice area. The commissioner must require an
owner or operator to conduct an analysis of the cumulative impacts if:
new text end

new text begin (1) the facility or proposed expansion exceeds the benchmarks established in rules
adopted under subdivision 2; or
new text end

new text begin (2) at least 100 individuals who reside or own property in the environmental justice area
sign a petition that is:
new text end

new text begin (i) supported by material evidence that demonstrates a potential adverse cumulative
impact to the community caused by the new facility or proposed expansion; and
new text end

new text begin (ii) submitted to the commissioner within 30 days after the public meeting required
under paragraph (b).
new text end

new text begin (b) An owner or operator of a facility that requires a permit under chapters 115 to 116
and that is located in an environmental justice area must hold at least one public meeting
in the environmental justice area before the commissioner issues or denies a permit.
new text end

new text begin (c) At least 30 days before the public meeting required under paragraph (b), the owner
or operator must post a notice of the meeting in the environmental justice area and publish
a notice in a newspaper of general circulation within the environmental justice area. The
notice must contain the date, time, and location of the public meeting, as well as a brief
description of the permit or expansion to be discussed. The owner or operator must provide
the commissioner with notice of the public meeting and a copy of any cumulative impacts
analysis at least 30 days before the public meeting. The commissioner must post the notice
and cumulative impacts analysis on the agency website at least 30 days before the public
meeting.
new text end

new text begin (d) At the public meeting, the owner or operator must accept written and oral comments
from any interested party and must provide an opportunity for robust public and Tribal
engagement. The owner or operator must provide an electronic copy of all written comments
and a transcript of oral comments to the commissioner within 30 days after the public
meeting.
new text end

new text begin (e) The owner or operator of the facility may request that the commissioner consolidate
the public meeting with any other public meetings or hearings held or required as part of
the permitting process under chapters 115 to 116. The commissioner may approve or deny
the request to consolidate the public meetings or hearings.
new text end

new text begin (f) If an owner or operator is applying for more than one permit for a proposed new or
expanded facility in the same environmental justice area, the owner or operator may request
that the commissioner require the owner or operator to comply only once with this
subdivision. The commissioner may approve or deny the request.
new text end

new text begin (g) The commissioner must consider the public testimony presented and comments
submitted in determining whether to issue or deny a permit. The commissioner must wait
30 days after the public meeting required under paragraph (b) before issuing or denying a
permit.
new text end

new text begin (h) The commissioner must deny a permit required under chapter 115 or 116 if the
commissioner finds that a new facility or proposed expansion of an existing facility would
cause or contribute to adverse cumulative impacts in the environmental justice area, unless
the commissioner determines that there is a compelling public interest to issue the permit
and the commissioner enters into a community development agreement with the owner or
operator. If the commissioner determines a compelling public interest exists and enters into
a community development agreement, the commissioner may grant a permit that imposes
conditions on the construction and operation of the facility to protect public health and the
environment. The community development agreement must be signed on or before the date
the new permit, or permit amendment for an expansion, is issued in the environmental justice
area.
new text end

new text begin (i) The commissioner must publish and maintain a list of environmental justice areas in
the state on the agency website.
new text end

new text begin (j) The commissioner may require a permitted facility located in an environmental justice
area to hold in-person meetings with neighbors to share information and discuss community
concerns. The commissioner may set the number and frequency of required meetings as
permit conditions.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Rulemaking required. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner must adopt rules to implement
this section, and section 14.125 does not apply.
new text end

new text begin (b) The commissioner must comply with chapter 14 and must complete the statement
of need and reasonableness according to chapter 14 and section 116.07, subdivision 2,
paragraph (f).
new text end

Sec. 68.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 116.07, is amended by adding a subdivision to
read:

new text begin Subd. 4m. new text end

new text begin Aboveground storage tanks; fees. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner must collect permit
fees for aboveground storage tank facilities in amounts not greater than 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. The fee schedule
must reflect reasonable and routine direct and indirect costs associated with permitting,
implementation, enforcement, and other activities necessary to operate the aboveground
storage tank program.
new text end

new text begin (b) Each fiscal year, the commissioner must adjust the fees as necessary to maintain an
annual income that covers the legislative appropriation needed to administer the aboveground
storage tank program according to paragraph (a). The commissioner must adjust fees
according to the criteria established under paragraph (c) and as required under paragraph
(d). Fees established under this subdivision are exempt from section 16A.1285.
new text end

new text begin (c) The commissioner must adopt rules that specify criteria for establishing:
new text end

new text begin (1) an annual fee from permitted aboveground storage tank facilities; and
new text end

new text begin (2) a permit application fee for aboveground storage tank facility permit applications.
new text end

new text begin (d) The commissioner must annually increase the fees under this subdivision 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 calendar year 2022. 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 2022 must be used.
new text end

new text begin (e) Fees collected under this subdivision must be deposited in the state treasury and
credited to the environmental fund and must be used for the purposes specified in paragraph
(a).
new text end

new text begin (f) This paragraph expires when the commissioner adopts the initial rules required under
paragraph (c). Until the commissioner adopts the initial rules under paragraph (c):
new text end

new text begin (1) the annual fee for major aboveground storage tank facilities is equal to the quotient
of dividing the legislative appropriation under paragraph (b) by the number of major
aboveground storage tank facilities; and
new text end

new text begin (2) there is no permit application fee for aboveground storage tank facilities.
new text end

Sec. 69.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 116.07, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6.

Pollution Control Agency; exercise of powers.

In exercising all deleted text begin its deleted text end powers new text begin ,
the commissioner of new text end the Pollution Control Agency deleted text begin shall give due consideration to deleted text end new text begin must:
new text end

new text begin (1) consider new text end the establishment, maintenance, operation and expansion of business,
commerce, trade, industry, traffic, and other economic factors and other material matters
affecting the feasibility and practicability of any proposed action, including, but not limited
to, the burden on a municipality of any tax which may result therefrom, and deleted text begin shall deleted text end new text begin must new text end take
or provide for such action as may be reasonable, feasible, and practical under the
circumstances deleted text begin . deleted text end new text begin ; and
new text end

new text begin (2) to the extent reasonable, feasible, and practical under the circumstances:
new text end

new text begin (i) ensure that actions or programs that have a direct, indirect, or cumulative impact on
environmental justice areas incorporate community-focused practices and procedures in
agency processes, including communication, outreach, engagement, and education to enhance
meaningful, timely, and transparent community access;
new text end

new text begin (ii) collaborate with other state agencies to identify, develop, and implement means to
eliminate and reverse environmental and health inequities and disparities;
new text end

new text begin (iii) promote the utility and availability of environmental data and analysis for
environmental justice areas, other agencies, federally recognized Tribal governments, and
the public;
new text end

new text begin (iv) encourage coordination and collaboration with residents of environmental justice
areas to address environmental and health inequities and disparities; and
new text end

new text begin (v) ensure environmental justice values are represented to the agency from a
commissioner-appointed environmental justice advisory committee that is composed of
diverse members and that is developed and operated in a manner open to the public and in
accordance with the duties described in the bylaws and charter adopted and maintained by
the commissioner.
new text end

Sec. 70.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 168.1295, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

General requirements and procedures.

(a) The commissioner shall
issue state parks and trails plates to an applicant who:

(1) is a registered owner of a passenger automobile, recreational vehicle, one-ton pickup
truck, or motorcycle;

(2) pays a fee in the amount specified for special plates under section 168.12, subdivision
5;

(3) pays the registration tax required under section 168.013;

(4) pays the fees required under this chapter;

(5) contributes a minimum of deleted text begin $60 deleted text end new text begin $70 new text end annually to the state parks and trails donation
account established in section 85.056; and

(6) complies with this chapter and rules governing registration of motor vehicles and
licensing of drivers.

(b) The state parks and trails plate application must indicate that the contribution specified
under paragraph (a), clause (5), is a minimum contribution to receive the plate and that the
applicant may make an additional contribution to the account.

(c) State parks and trails plates may be personalized according to section 168.12,
subdivision 2a.

Sec. 71.

new text begin [325E.3892] LEAD AND CADMIUM IN CONSUMER PRODUCTS;
PROHIBITION.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin For purposes of this section, "covered product" means any
of the following products or product components:
new text end

new text begin (1) jewelry;
new text end

new text begin (2) toys;
new text end

new text begin (3) cosmetics and personal care products;
new text end

new text begin (4) puzzles, board games, card games, and similar games;
new text end

new text begin (5) play sets and play structures;
new text end

new text begin (6) outdoor games;
new text end

new text begin (7) school supplies;
new text end

new text begin (8) pots and pans;
new text end

new text begin (9) cups, bowls, and other food containers;
new text end

new text begin (10) craft supplies and jewelry-making supplies;
new text end

new text begin (11) chalk, crayons, paints, and other art supplies;
new text end

new text begin (12) fidget spinners;
new text end

new text begin (13) costumes, costume accessories, and children's and seasonal party supplies;
new text end

new text begin (14) keys, key chains, and key rings; and
new text end

new text begin (15) clothing, footwear, headwear, and accessories.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Prohibition. new text end

new text begin (a) A person must not import, manufacture, sell, hold for sale, or
distribute or offer for use in this state any covered product containing:
new text end

new text begin (1) lead at more than 0.009 percent by total weight (90 parts per million); or
new text end

new text begin (2) cadmium at more than 0.0075 percent by total weight (75 parts per million).
new text end

new text begin (b) This section does not apply to covered products containing lead or cadmium, or both,
when regulation is preempted by federal law.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Enforcement. new text end

new text begin The commissioners of the Pollution Control Agency, commerce,
and health may coordinate to enforce this section. The commissioner of the Pollution Control
Agency or commerce may, with the attorney general, enforce any federal restrictions on
the sale of products containing lead or cadmium, or both, as allowed under federal law. The
commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency may enforce this section under sections
115.071 and 116.072. The commissioner of commerce may enforce this section under
section 45.027, subdivisions 1 to 6, 325F.10 to 325F.12, and 325F.14 to 325F.16. The
attorney general may enforce this section under section 8.31.
new text end

Sec. 72. new text begin REPORT REQUIRED; RECYCLING AND REUSING SOLAR
PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULES AND INSTALLATION COMPONENTS.
new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency, in consultation with the
commissioners of commerce and employment and economic development, must coordinate
preparation of a report on developing a statewide system to reuse and recycle solar
photovoltaic modules and installation components in the state.
new text end

new text begin (b) The report must include options for a system to collect, reuse, and recycle solar
photovoltaic modules and installation components at end of life. Any system option included
in the report must be convenient and accessible throughout the state, recover 100 percent
of discarded components, and maximize value and materials recovery. Any system option
developed must include analysis of:
new text end

new text begin (1) the reuse and recycling values of solar photovoltaic modules, installation components,
and recovered materials;
new text end

new text begin (2) system infrastructure and technology needs;
new text end

new text begin (3) how to maximize in-state employment and economic development;
new text end

new text begin (4) net costs for the program; and
new text end

new text begin (5) potential benefits and negative impacts of the plan on environmental justice and
Tribal communities.
new text end

new text begin (c) The report must include a survey of solar photovoltaic modules and installation
components that are currently coming out of service and those projected to come out of
service in the future in Minnesota. The report must include a description of how solar
photovoltaic modules and installation components are currently being managed at end of
life and how they would likely be managed in the future without the proposed reuse and
recycling system.
new text end

new text begin (d) After completing the report, the commissioner must convene a working group to
advise on developing policy recommendations for a statewide system to manage solar
photovoltaic modules and installation components. The working group must include, but
is not limited to:
new text end

new text begin (1) the commissioners of commerce and employment and economic development or
their designees;
new text end

new text begin (2) representatives of the solar industry and electric utilities;
new text end

new text begin (3) representatives of state, local, and Tribal governments; and
new text end

new text begin (4) other relevant stakeholders.
new text end

new text begin (e) By January 15, 2025, the commissioner must submit the report and the policy
recommendations developed under this section to the chairs and ranking minority members
of the legislative committees and divisions with jurisdiction over environment and natural
resources policy and finance and energy policy and finance.
new text end

Sec. 73. new text begin RULEMAKING; CAPITAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
new text end

new text begin Using the expedited rulemaking process under Minnesota Statutes, section 14.389, the
commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency must amend Minnesota Rules, parts 9210.0100
to 9210.0180, related to the capital assistance program, to conform with and implement the
changes made in Minnesota Statutes, sections 115A.03 and 115A.49 to 115A.54.
new text end

Sec. 74. new text begin RULEMAKING REQUIREMENTS.
new text end

new text begin (a) During the initial rulemaking required under Minnesota Statutes, section 116.065,
the commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency must engage in robust public engagement,
including Tribal consultation and hosting public engagement meetings that are located in
environmental justice areas as defined under Minnesota Statutes, section 116.06, subdivision
10b; in greater Minnesota; and in the seven-county metropolitan area.
new text end

new text begin (b) The commissioner must provide applicable translation services and materials at all
Tribal consultations and public engagement meetings held under this section. The
commissioner must provide notice of public engagement meetings held under this section.
The notice must include the date, time, and location of each meeting. The notice must be
posted on the agency's website at least seven calendar days before a scheduled meeting.
new text end

new text begin (c) All public engagement meetings must be open to the public. Public engagement
meetings and Tribal consultations must address:
new text end

new text begin (1) the proposed rule and rulemaking process;
new text end

new text begin (2) defining conditions, criteria, or circumstances that qualify as a compelling public
interest under Minnesota Statutes, section 116.065, subdivision 1, paragraph (h), which
must include but is not limited to:
new text end

new text begin (i) considerations other than or in addition to economic considerations; and
new text end

new text begin (ii) consideration of public comments accepted under Minnesota Statutes, section 116.065,
subdivision 1, paragraph (d);
new text end

new text begin (3) establishing procedures for entering into community development agreements under
Minnesota Statutes, section 116.065, subdivision 1, paragraph (h), which must include
consultation with members of the public who reside in the affected environmental justice
area;
new text end

new text begin (4) establishing a petition process and form to be submitted to the agency by residents
of an affected environmental justice area to support the need for a cumulative impacts
analysis under Minnesota Statutes, section 116.065, subdivision 1, paragraph (a), clause
(2);
new text end

new text begin (5) establishing and defining benchmarks for completing a cumulative impacts analysis
under Minnesota Statutes, section 116.065, subdivision 1, paragraph (a);
new text end

new text begin (6) defining factors that contribute to adverse cumulative impacts and adopting rule
provisions to address cumulative impacts affecting environmental justice areas; and
new text end

new text begin (7) questions and comments received from residents of the environmental justice area
where a meeting is held.
new text end

new text begin (d) The commissioner must perform public outreach to solicit comments on the rules
adopted according to this section.
new text end

Sec. 75. new text begin REPEALER.
new text end

new text begin (a) new text end new text begin Minnesota Statutes 2022, sections 103C.501, subdivisions 2 and 3; 115.44, subdivision
9; 116.011; 325E.389; and 325E.3891, new text end new text begin are repealed.
new text end

new text begin (b) new text end new text begin Minnesota Rules, parts 8400.0500; 8400.0550; 8400.0600, subparts 4 and 5;
8400.0900, subparts 1, 2, 4, and 5; 8400.1650; 8400.1700; 8400.1750; 8400.1800; and
8400.1900, new text end new text begin are repealed.
new text end

APPENDIX

Repealed Minnesota Statutes: 23-03299

103C.501 COST-SHARING CONSERVATION CONTRACTS FOR EROSION CONTROL AND WATER MANAGEMENT.

Subd. 2.

Request by district board.

A district board requesting funds of the state board must submit an application in a form prescribed by the board containing:

(1) a comprehensive plan;

(2) an annual work plan; and

(3) an application for cost-sharing funds.

Subd. 3.

Approving application.

If the state board approves the comprehensive plan, including the plan's most recent amendment, the annual work plan, and the application of the district, the state board shall determine the specific amount of funds to allocate to the district for cost-sharing contracts.

115.44 CLASSIFICATION OF WATERS; STANDARDS OF QUALITY AND PURITY.

Subd. 9.

Annual report.

(a) By January 15 each year, the commissioner shall post on the Pollution Control Agency's website a report on the agency's activities the previous calendar year to implement standards and classification requirements into national pollutant discharge elimination system and state disposal system permits held by municipalities. The report must include:

(1) a summary of permits issued or reissued over the previous calendar year, including any changes to permitted effluent limits due to water quality standards adopted or revised during the previous permit term;

(2) highlights of innovative approaches employed by the agency and municipalities to develop and achieve permit requirements in a cost-effective manner;

(3) a summary of standards development and water quality rulemaking activities over the previous calendar year, including economic analyses;

(4) a summary of standards development and water quality rulemaking activities anticipated for the next three years, including economic analyses;

(5) a process and timeframe for municipalities to provide input to the agency regarding their needs based on the information provided in the report; and

(6) a list of anticipated permitting initiatives in the next calendar year that may impact municipalities and the agency's plan for involving the municipalities throughout the planning and decision-making process. The plan must include opportunities for input and public comment from municipalities on rulemaking initiatives prior to preparation of a statement of need and reasonableness required under section 14.131. The commissioner must ensure the agency's plan under this clause is implemented.

(b) For the purposes of this section, "economic analyses" must include assessments of the potential costs to regulated municipalities associated with water quality standards or rules proposed by the agency.

116.011 POLLUTION REPORT.

A goal of the Pollution Control Agency is to reduce the amount of pollution that is emitted in the state. By April 1 of each even-numbered year, the Pollution Control Agency shall report the best estimate of the agency of the total volume of water and air pollution that was emitted in the state in the previous two calendar years for which data are available. The agency shall report its findings for both water and air pollution:

(1) in gross amounts, including the percentage increase or decrease over the previously reported two calendar years; and

(2) in a manner which will demonstrate the magnitude of the various sources of water and air pollution.

325E.389 ITEMS CONTAINING LEAD PROHIBITED.

Subdivision 1.

Definitions.

For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply.

(a) "Body piercing jewelry" means any part of jewelry that is manufactured or sold for placement in a new piercing or a mucous membrane, but does not include any part of that jewelry that is not placed within a new piercing or a mucous membrane.

(b) "Children" means children age six and younger.

(c) "Children's jewelry" means jewelry that is made for, marketed for use by, or marketed to children. For purposes of this section, children's jewelry includes, but is not limited to, jewelry that meets any of the following conditions:

(1) is represented in its packaging, display, or advertising as appropriate for use by children;

(2) is sold in conjunction with, attached to, or packaged together with other products that are packaged, displayed, or advertised as appropriate for use by children;

(3) is sized for children and not intended for use by adults; or

(4) is sold in any of the following:

(i) a vending machine;

(ii) retail store, catalog, or website in which a person exclusively offers for sale products that are packaged, displayed, or advertised as appropriate for use by children; or

(iii) a discrete portion of a retail store, catalog, or website in which a person offers for sale products that are packaged, displayed, or advertised as appropriate for use by children.

(d) "Class 1 material" means any of the following materials:

(1) stainless or surgical steel;

(2) karat gold;

(3) sterling silver;

(4) platinum, palladium, iridium, ruthenium, rhodium, or osmium;

(5) natural or cultured pearls;

(6) glass, ceramic, or crystal decorative components including cat's eye; cubic zirconia, including cubic zirconium or CZ; rhinestones; and cloisonne;

(7) a gemstone that is cut and polished for ornamental purposes, except that the following gemstones are not Class 1 materials: aragonite, bayldonite, boleite, cerussite, crocoite, ekanite, linarite, mimetite, phosgenite, samarskite, vanadinite, and wulfenite;

(8) elastic, fabric, ribbon, rope, or string, unless it contains intentionally added lead and is listed as a Class 2 material;

(9) all natural decorative material including amber, bone, coral, feathers, fur, horn, leather, shell, and wood that is in its natural state and is not treated in a way that adds lead; or

(10) adhesive.

(e) "Class 2 material" means any of the following materials:

(1) electroplated metal that meets the following standards:

(i) on and before August 30, 2009, a metal alloy with less than ten percent lead by weight that is electroplated with suitable under and finish coats; or

(ii) on and after August 31, 2009, a metal alloy with less than six percent lead by weight that is electroplated with suitable under and finish coats;

(2) unplated metal with less than 1.5 percent lead that is not otherwise listed as a Class 1 material;

(3) plastic or rubber including acrylic, polystyrene, plastic beads and stones, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) that meets the following standards:

(i) on and before August 30, 2009, less than 0.06 percent (600 parts per million) lead by weight; and

(ii) on and after August 31, 2009, less than 0.02 percent (200 parts per million) lead by weight; and

(4) a dye or surface coating containing less than 0.06 percent (600 parts per million) lead by weight.

(f) "Class 3 material" means any portion of jewelry that meets both of the following criteria:

(1) is not a Class 1 or Class 2 material; and

(2) contains less than 0.06 percent (600 parts per million) lead by weight.

(g) "Component" means any part of jewelry.

(h) "EPA reference methods 3050B (Acid Digestion of Sediments, Sludges, and Soils) or 3051 (Microwave Assisted Digestion/Sludge, Soils)" means those test methods incorporated by reference in Code of Federal Regulations, title 40, section 260.11, paragraph (11), subdivision (a).

(i) "Jewelry" means:

(1) any of the following ornaments worn by a person: anklet, arm cuff, bracelet, brooch, chain, crown, cuff link, decorated hair accessories, earring, necklace, pin, ring, or body piercing jewelry; or

(2) any bead, chain, link, pendant, or other component of such an ornament.

(j) "Surface coating" means a fluid, semifluid, or other material, with or without a suspension of finely divided coloring matter, that changes to a solid film when a thin layer is applied to a metal, wood, stone, paper, leather, cloth, plastic, or other surface. Surface coating does not include a printing ink or a material that actually becomes a part of the substrate including, but not limited to, pigment in a plastic article or a material that is actually bonded to the substrate, such as by electroplating or ceramic glazing.

Subd. 2.

Sale prohibited.

(a) No person shall manufacture any jewelry that is offered for sale in Minnesota unless the jewelry is made entirely from a Class 1, Class 2, or Class 3 material, or any combination thereof.

(b) No person shall offer for sale, sell, label, or distribute for free any jewelry represented to contain safe levels of lead, unless the jewelry is made entirely from a Class 1, Class 2, or Class 3 material, or any combination thereof.

(c) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), no person shall manufacture any children's jewelry that is offered for sale in Minnesota unless the children's jewelry is made entirely from one or more of the following materials:

(1) a nonmetallic material that is a Class 1 material;

(2) a nonmetallic material that is a Class 2 material;

(3) a metallic material that is either a Class 1 material or contains less than 0.06 percent (600 parts per million) lead by weight;

(4) glass or crystal decorative components that weigh in total no more than one gram, excluding any glass or crystal decorative component that contains less than 0.02 percent (200 parts per million) lead by weight and has no intentionally added lead;

(5) printing ink or ceramic glaze that contains less than 0.06 percent (600 parts per million) lead by weight; or

(6) Class 3 material that contains less than 0.02 percent (200 parts per million) lead by weight.

(d) Notwithstanding paragraph (b), no person shall offer for sale, sell, distribute for free, or label any jewelry as children's jewelry represented to contain safe levels of lead, unless the jewelry is made entirely from one or more of the following materials:

(1) a nonmetallic material that is a Class 1 material;

(2) a nonmetallic material that is a Class 2 material;

(3) a metallic material that is either a Class 1 material or contains less than 0.06 percent (600 parts per million) lead by weight;

(4) glass or crystal decorative components that weigh in total no more than one gram, excluding any glass or crystal decorative component that contains less than 0.02 percent (200 parts per million) lead by weight and has no intentionally added lead;

(5) printing ink or ceramic glaze that contains less than 0.06 percent (600 parts per million) lead by weight; or

(6) Class 3 material that contains less than 0.02 percent (200 parts per million) lead by weight.

(e) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), no person shall manufacture any body piercing jewelry that is offered for sale in Minnesota unless the body piercing jewelry is made of one or more of the following materials:

(1) surgical implant stainless steel; or

(2) surgical implant grade of titanium, niobium (Nb), solid 14-karat or higher white or yellow nickel-free gold, solid platinum, or a dense low-porosity plastic including, but not limited to, Tygon or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), if the plastic contains no intentionally added lead.

(f) No person shall offer for sale, sell, label, or distribute for free any body piercing jewelry represented to contain safe levels of lead unless the body piercing jewelry is made of one or more of the following materials:

(1) surgical implant stainless steel; or

(2) surgical implant grade of titanium, niobium (Nb), solid 14-karat or higher white or yellow nickel-free gold, solid platinum, or a dense low-porosity plastic including, but not limited to, Tygon or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), if the plastic contains no intentionally added lead.

(g) The prohibitions under this section do not apply to sales or free distribution of jewelry by a nonprofit organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or to isolated and occasional sales of jewelry not made in the normal course of business.

Subd. 3.

Testing methods.

(a) The testing methods for determining compliance with this section must be conducted using EPA reference method 3050B or 3051 for the material being tested, except as otherwise provided in subdivision 4 and in accordance with all of the following procedures:

(1) when preparing a sample, the laboratory shall make every effort to ensure that the sample removed from a jewelry piece is representative of the component to be tested, and is free of contamination from extraneous dirt and material not related to the component to be tested;

(2) all component samples must be washed before testing using standard laboratory detergent, rinsed with laboratory reagent-grade deionized water, and dried in a clean ambient environment;

(3) if a component is required to be cut or scraped to obtain a sample, the metal snips, scissors, or other cutting tools used for the cutting or scraping must be made of stainless steel and washed and rinsed before each use and between samples;

(4) a sample must be digested in a container that is known to be free of lead and with the use of an acid that is not contaminated by lead, including analytical reagent-grade digestion acids and reagent-grade deionized water;

(5) method blanks, consisting of all reagents used in sample preparation handled, digested, and made to volume in the same exact manner and in the same container type as samples, must be tested with each group of 20 or fewer samples tested; and

(6) the results for the method blanks must be reported with each group of sample results and must be below the stated reporting limit for sample results to be considered valid.

(b) A material does not meet an applicable lead standard set forth in this section if any of the following occurs:

(1) the mean lead level of one or two samples of the material exceeds 300 percent of the applicable limit for a component;

(2) the mean lead level of three samples of the material exceeds 200 percent of the applicable limit for a component; or

(3) the mean lead level of four or more samples of the material exceeds the applicable limit for a component.

Subd. 4.

Additional testing procedures.

In addition to the requirements of subdivision 3, the following procedures must be used for testing the following materials:

(1) for testing a metal plated with suitable undercoats and finish coats, the following protocols must be observed:

(i) digestion must be conducted using hot concentrated nitric acid with the option of using hydrochloric acid or hydrogen peroxide;

(ii) the sample size must be 0.050 gram to one gram;

(iii) the digested sample may require dilution prior to analysis;

(iv) the digestion and analysis must achieve a reported detection limit no greater than 0.1 percent for samples; and

(v) all necessary dilutions must be made to ensure that measurements are made within the calibrated range of the analytical instrument;

(2) for testing unplated metal and metal substrates that are not a Class 1 material, the following protocols must be observed:

(i) digestion must be conducted using hot concentrated nitric acid with the option of using hydrochloric acid and hydrogen peroxide;

(ii) the sample size must be 0.050 gram to one gram;

(iii) the digested sample may require dilution prior to analysis;

(iv) the digestion and analysis must achieve a reported detection limit no greater than 0.01 percent for samples; and

(v) all necessary dilutions must be made to ensure that measurements are made within the calibrated range of the analytical instrument;

(3) for testing polyvinyl chloride (PVC), the following protocols must be observed:

(i) the digestion must be conducted using hot concentrated nitric acid with the option of using hydrochloric acid and hydrogen peroxide;

(ii) the sample size must be a minimum of 0.05 gram if using microwave digestion or 0.5 gram if using hotplate digestion, and must be chopped or comminuted prior to digestion;

(iii) digested samples may require dilution prior to analysis;

(iv) digestion and analysis must achieve a reported detection limit no greater than 0.001 percent (10 parts per million) for samples; and

(v) all necessary dilutions must be made to ensure that measurements are made within the calibrated range of the analytical instrument;

(4) for testing plastic or rubber that is not polyvinyl chloride (PVC), including acrylic, polystyrene, plastic beads, or plastic stones, the following protocols must be observed:

(i) the digestion must be conducted using hot concentrated nitric acid with the option of using hydrochloric acid or hydrogen peroxide;

(ii) the sample size must be a minimum of 0.05 gram if using microwave digestion or 0.5 gram if using hotplate digestion, and must be chopped or comminuted prior to digestion;

(iii) plastic beads or stones must be crushed prior to digestion;

(iv) digested samples may require dilution prior to analysis;

(v) digestion and analysis must achieve a reported detection limit no greater than 0.001 percent (10 parts per million) for samples; and

(vi) all necessary dilutions must be made to ensure that measurements are made within the calibrated range of the analytical instrument;

(5) for testing coatings on glass and plastic pearls, the following protocols must be observed:

(i) the coating of glass or plastic beads must be scraped onto a surface free of dust, including a clean weighing paper or pan, using a clean stainless steel razor blade or other clean sharp instrument that will not contaminate the sample with lead. The substrate pearl material must not be included in the scrapings;

(ii) the razor blade or sharp instrument must be rinsed with deionized water, wiped to remove particulate matter, rinsed again, and dried between samples;

(iii) the scrapings must be weighed and not less than 50 micrograms of scraped coating must be used for analysis. If less than 50 micrograms of scraped coating is obtained from an individual pearl, multiple pearls from that sample must be scraped and composited to obtain a sufficient sample amount;

(iv) the number of pearls used to make the composite must be noted;

(v) the scrapings must be digested according to EPA reference method 3050B or 3051 or an equivalent procedure for hot acid digestion in preparation for trace lead analysis;

(vi) the digestate must be diluted in the minimum volume practical for analysis;

(vii) the digested sample must be analyzed according to specification of an approved and validated methodology for inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry;

(viii) a reporting limit of 0.001 percent (10 parts per million) in the coating must be obtained for the analysis; and

(ix) the sample result must be reported within the calibrated range of the instrument. If the initial test of the sample is above the highest calibration standard, the sample must be diluted and reanalyzed within the calibrated range of the instrument;

(6) for testing dyes, paints, coatings, varnish, printing inks, ceramic glazes, glass, or crystal, the following testing protocols must be observed:

(i) the digestion must use hot concentrated nitric acid with the option of using hydrochloric acid or hydrogen peroxide;

(ii) the sample size must be not less than 0.050 gram, and must be chopped or comminuted prior to digestion;

(iii) the digested sample may require dilution prior to analysis;

(iv) the digestion and analysis must achieve a reported detection limit no greater than 0.001 percent (10 parts per million) for samples; and

(v) all necessary dilutions must be made to ensure that measurements are made within the calibrated range of the analytical instrument; and

(7) for testing glass and crystal used in children's jewelry, the following testing protocols for determining weight must be used:

(i) a component must be free of any extraneous material, including adhesive, before it is weighed;

(ii) the scale used to weigh a component must be calibrated immediately before the components are weighed using S-class weights of one and two grams, as certified by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) of the United States Department of Commerce; and

(iii) the calibration of the scale must be accurate to within 0.01 gram.

325E.3891 CADMIUM IN CHILDREN'S JEWELRY.

Subdivision 1.

Definitions.

(a) As used in this section, the term:

(1) "accessible" has the meaning given in section 3.1.2 of the ASTM International Safety Specification on Toy Safety, F-963;

(2) "child" means an individual who is six years of age or younger; and

(3) "children's jewelry" shall have the meaning set forth in section 325E.389, subdivision 1, paragraph (c).

Subd. 2.

Prohibitions.

Cadmium in any surface coating or accessible substrate material of metal or plastic components of children's jewelry shall not exceed 75 parts per million, as determined through solubility testing for heavy metals defined in the ASTM International Safety Specification on Toy Safety, ASTM standard F-963 and subsequent versions of this standard, if the product is sold in this state unless this requirement is superseded by a federal standard regulating cadmium in children's jewelry. This section shall not regulate any product category for which an existing federal standard regulates cadmium exposure in surface coatings and accessible substrate materials as required under ASTM F-963.

Subd. 3.

Manufacturer or wholesaler.

No manufacturer or wholesaler may sell or offer for sale in this state children's jewelry that fails to meet the requirements of subdivision 2.

Subd. 4.

Retailer.

No retailer may sell or offer for sale in this state children's jewelry that fails to meet the requirements of subdivision 2. This subdivision does not apply to sales or free distribution of jewelry by a nonprofit organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or to isolated and occasional sales of jewelry not made in the normal course of business.

Subd. 5.

Enforcement.

The attorney general shall enforce this section under section 8.31.

Repealed Minnesota Rule: 23-03299

8400.0500 MAXIMUM COST-SHARE RATES.

The maximum cost-share rates established by the state board represent the maximum percent or amount of the total cost of a conservation practice that may be funded using state cost-share funds.

8400.0550 RECORDING CONSERVATION PRACTICES.

The state board may determine that long-term maintenance of a conservation practice is desirable and may require that maintenance be made a covenant upon the land for the effective life of the practice. A covenant under this part shall be construed in the same manner as a conservation restriction under Minnesota Statutes, section 84.65.

8400.0600 STATE BOARD ALLOCATION OF FUNDS TO DISTRICTS.

Subp. 4.

Grants to districts.

The state board shall allocate cost-share funds to district boards that have fully complied with Minnesota Statutes, section 103C.501, subdivision 3; all erosion control and water management program rules; and program policies.

Subp. 5.

Other funds.

Other funds received by the state board may be allocated to districts for the treatment of erosion, sedimentation, water quality problems, or water quantity problems due to altered hydrology. These additional funds may be incorporated with existing erosion control and water management program funds and their use may be governed by the program policy or may be subject to other policies or guidelines required to fully implement the intent for which these additional funds were appropriated.

8400.0900 DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION OF PROGRAM FUNDS.

Subpart 1.

General.

Following receipt of grant funds from the state board, a district is responsible for administration of the funds in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, chapter 103C, parts 8400.0050 to 8400.1900, program policies, and all other applicable laws. All funds allocated to districts must be used for the purposes designated by the state board.

Subp. 2.

Maximum cost-share rate.

Prior to considering any applications from land occupiers for cost-share assistance, the district board shall establish cost-share rates for conservation practices to be installed under the program, up to the maximum rates established by the state board.

Subp. 4.

Criteria for district board review.

The district board shall use the factors in items A to D to determine practice eligibility and to review applications for conservation practice funding.

A.

The application must be signed by the land occupier and the landowner, if different, indicating their agreement to:

(1)

grant the district's representatives access to the parcel where the conservation practice will be located;

(2)

obtain all permits required in conjunction with the installation and establishment of the practice prior to starting construction of the practice; and

(3)

be responsible for operation and maintenance of conservation practices applied under this program according to an operation and maintenance plan prepared or approved by a district technical representative or the district's delegate.

B.

Costs to repair damage to conservation practices installed with state cost-share dollars are eligible if the damage was caused by reasons beyond the control of the land occupier.

C.

If the practice has fully met or exceeded its designed effective life, the cost to reconstruct the practice is eligible for cost-share assistance.

D.

Conservation practices where construction has begun prior to district approval are ineligible for financial assistance. The board may waive this requirement for emergency needs.

Subp. 5.

Entering into contract.

After review of practice eligibility, the district board, or its delegate, shall approve or deny the application. If the application is approved, the district board, or its delegate, may enter into a contract with the land occupier.

8400.1650 RECORDING CONSERVATION PRACTICES.

When a district board, or its delegate, determines that long-term maintenance of a conservation practice is desirable, the board, or its delegate, may require that maintenance be made a covenant upon the land for the effective life of the conservation practice. A covenant under this part shall be construed in the same manner as a conservation restriction under Minnesota Statutes, section 84.65.

8400.1700 MAINTENANCE.

Subpart 1.

Land occupier maintenance responsibilities.

The land occupier is responsible for operation and maintenance of conservation practices applied under this program to ensure that their conservation objective is met and the effective life is achieved. Should the land occupier fail to maintain the conservation practices during their effective life, the land occupier is liable to the district for up to 150 percent of financial assistance received to install and establish the conservation practice. The land occupier is not liable for cost-share assistance received if the failure was caused by reasons beyond the land occupier's control, or if conservation practices are applied at the land occupier's expense which provide equivalent protection of the soil and water resources.

Subp. 2.

Reapplication of conservation practices.

In no case shall a district provide cost-share assistance to a land occupier for the reapplication of conservation practices which were removed by the land occupier during their effective life or that failed due to improper maintenance.

8400.1750 PRACTICE SITE INSPECTIONS.

The district or the district's delegate shall conduct site inspections of conservation practices installed with cost-share funds to determine if the land occupier is in compliance with the operation and maintenance requirements under part 8400.1700 and the policy, guidelines, and requirements of the state board.

8400.1800 APPEALS.

Land occupiers may appeal a district's action within 60 days of receiving notice of the action by submitting a written request to the district board asking the board to reconsider its decision. Should the land occupier and the district board reach an impasse, the land occupier may petition to appeal the district board's decision to the state board within 60 days of receiving notice of the district board's final decision. The state board or its executive director, as delegated, shall review and grant the petition, unless it is deemed without sufficient merit, within 30 days of the receipt of the petition. The state board shall make its decision on the appeal, if granted, within 60 days of a hearing date. The state board's decision may uphold, remand, reverse, or amend the decision of the district board.

8400.1900 REPORTS TO STATE BOARD.

For the purpose of reporting and monitoring the progress of the program and use of funds, each district shall submit an accomplishments report according to the guidelines and requirements established by the state board.