HF 820

as introduced - 94th Legislature (2025 - 2026) Posted on 04/02/2025 12:30pm

A bill for an act
relating to natural resources; authorizing certain Chippewa Bands to establish open
seasons for big game in accordance with 1854 treaty; appropriating money;
amending Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 97A.157, subdivision 4; proposing
coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 97B.

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

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 97A.157, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Commissioner's powers and duties.

The commissioner of natural resources,
on behalf of the state of Minnesota, shall take all actions, by rule or otherwise, necessary
to carry out the duties and obligations of the state of Minnesota arising from the
Memorandum of Agreement new text begin , as amended new text end . Powers and duties provided by this subdivision
apply to payment of money under the Memorandum of Agreement only to the extent and
to the amount specifically appropriated by the legislature to carry out the terms of the
Memorandum of Agreement.

Sec. 2.

new text begin [97B.202] TREATY OPEN SEASONS.
new text end

new text begin If the commissioner does not establish an open season for taking a species of big game,
a Chippewa Band identified in section 97A.157, subdivision 1, may establish an open season,
independently of the state, for members of the band to take the species.
new text end

Sec. 3. new text begin APPROPRIATION; 1854 TREATY AREA PAYMENTS.
new text end

new text begin $3,000,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $3,000,000 in fiscal year 2027 are appropriated from
the general fund to the commissioner of natural resources for proportional payments to
Tribes receiving payments under Minnesota Statutes, section 97A.157. The commissioner
must work with the signatory Tribes to update and amend the affected agreement.
new text end