This bill amends various sections of Minnesota Statutes concerning the taxation and distribution of excess proceeds from the sale of tax-forfeited property. It mandates that counties notify interested parties about potential excess proceeds and establishes a public auction process for these properties. New definitions, such as "interested party" and "minimum bid," are introduced, along with detailed procedures for repurchasing properties before public sale, distributing auction proceeds, and filing claims for surplus proceeds. The bill also clarifies the roles of the county auditor and the commissioner of natural resources in managing these sales, ensuring that all proceeds are allocated appropriately and that interested parties are informed of their rights.

Significant insertions include a framework for handling surplus proceeds, which encompasses notification requirements for interested parties and the claims process. The bill specifies that iron-bearing stockpiles, minerals, and mineral interests will be sold to the state for a nominal fee, allowing interested parties to claim any excess value. Additionally, it stipulates that applications to repurchase properties must be submitted before the sale date and requires the county auditor to provide receipts for payments made during the repurchase process. The bill also appropriates $1,537,000 from the general fund to the commissioner of natural resources for fiscal year 2025, with the same amount set as the base for subsequent years. The new provisions regarding notices will take effect the day after final enactment, while changes related to forfeitures will apply to those occurring after December 31, 2023.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 281.23, 282.01, 282.08
1st Engrossment: 281.23, 282.01, 282.08
2nd Engrossment: 281.23, 282.08, 282.241
3rd Engrossment: 281.23, 282.241
4th Engrossment: 281.23, 282.01, 282.241, 282.301