as introduced - 91st Legislature (2019 - 2020) Posted on 03/14/2019 04:11pm
A bill for an act
relating to natural resources; creating the Reinvest in Fish Hatcheries
Citizen-Legislative Advisory Group; providing appointments; requiring a report.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:
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(a) A 12-member Reinvest in Fish
Hatcheries Citizen-Legislative Advisory Group is created to study the status of Minnesota's
fish hatchery system, the commissioner of natural resources' programs on stocking walleye
and other fish, and natural fish reproduction.
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(b) The advisory group must study the public priorities and life cycle of Minnesota's
fish hatchery system and a cost-benefit analysis, consider issues of accountability and
transparency, and examine reviews and analyses of:
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(1) the economics of Minnesota's fish- and angling-related activities and the tax revenue
to the state's general fund;
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(2) any Department of Natural Resources surveys and polling of Minnesota angler
priorities;
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(3) past and present fisheries long-range plans, legislative auditor reports, and other
fisheries plans; and
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(4) the status of the following proposed, closed, and currently operating Minnesota fish
hatchery systems: Mille Lacs, Minnesota Fishing Museum and Hall of Fame, Lanesboro,
Crystal Springs, Bemidji, Brainerd, Detroit Lakes, French River, Glenwood, Grand Rapids,
New London, Park Rapids, Peterson, Pike River, Spire Valley, St. Paul, Walker Lake, and
Waterville.
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(c) The advisory group must prepare a plan and select fish hatchery sites for on-site
visits and reviews.
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(d) The advisory group must implement an action plan, develop priorities for fish
hatcheries, and review and recommend priorities of species for fish stocking to maximize
statewide opportunities for angling.
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(e) The advisory group must study alternatives to current fish hatchery stocking, including
private-sector stocking vendors.
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(a) The advisory group must consult with advisory
committees of the commissioner of natural resources, game and fish oversight committees,
and fishery-related interests, including but not limited to counties, lake associations, small
businesses, resort owners, guides, and other industry-related interests.
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(b) In developing recommendations, the advisory group must consult with the
commissioner of natural resources, experts in managing a fishery, and affected stakeholders.
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(a) The Reinvest in Fish Hatcheries
Citizen-Legislative Advisory Group includes:
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(1) the chair of the house of representatives Environment and Natural Resources Finance
Division, a minority member of the committee, and four citizens appointed by the speaker
of the house; and
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(2) the chair of the senate Environment and Natural Resources Finance Committee, a
minority member of the committee, and four citizens appointed by the senate Subcommittee
on Committees of the Committee on Rules and Administration.
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(b) Appointments to the advisory group must be made by November 1, 2019. If a vacancy
occurs, the leader of the caucus in the body that appointed the vacating member or to which
the member belonged must fill the vacancy.
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(a) The chairs of the senate and house of
representatives committees with jurisdiction over environment and natural resources finance
must convene the first meeting of the Reinvest in Fish Hatcheries Citizen-Legislative
Advisory Group. The advisory group must elect a chair or co-chairs from among the members
at the first meeting. The Reinvest in Fish Hatcheries Citizen-Legislative Advisory Group
must meet periodically.
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(b) The Legislative Coordinating Commission must provide technical and administrative
assistance to the advisory group upon request.
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The Reinvest in Fish Hatcheries Citizen-Legislative
Advisory Group must submit a report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the
legislative committees with jurisdiction over environment and natural resources policy and
finance no later than January 15, 2021, describing its work and recommendations. The
advisory group is encouraged to identify and include in the report any statutory changes,
funding requests, and bonding requests needed to implement the advisory group's
recommendations.
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This section expires June 30, 2021.
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