This bill proposes an amendment to the Minnesota Constitution to renew the environment and natural resources trust fund, which is designed to enhance the protection, conservation, and preservation of the state's natural resources. It establishes a permanent trust fund in the state treasury, explicitly prohibiting the use of its assets for certain expenses, such as wastewater facility costs, while allowing for research related to wastewater. Additionally, the bill extends the requirement for at least 40% of the net proceeds from the state-operated lottery to be credited to the fund until December 31, 2050. The proposed amendment will be presented to voters during the 2024 general election.

The bill also creates the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund Community Grant Program, administered by the commissioner of natural resources, to provide grants for projects benefiting current and future generations, particularly in underserved communities. It includes provisions for an advisory council to assist in grant administration and financial oversight to ensure accountability. New management provisions require the agency to allow grantees to address concerns before grant awards are finalized, and stipulate that the agency must be involved in agreements if grantees allocate funds to other organizations. The bill clarifies that these new requirements are supplementary to existing legal obligations and policies, ensuring they enhance rather than replace current grant management frameworks.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 349A.08
1st Engrossment: 349A.08
1st Engrossment: 349A.08