This bill amends Minnesota Statutes to enhance the sustainable building guidelines by modifying the purposes, processes, and responsibilities of related agencies. Key changes include the addition of definitions for terms such as "capital project," "major renovation," and "new building," as well as the establishment of new objectives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving indoor environmental quality, and promoting resilience to climate change. The guidelines will now be mandatory for all new buildings and major renovations receiving state funding after May 1, 2025. Additionally, the bill requires the Commissioner of Administration to develop procedures for guideline administration and to report annually on project compliance and the effectiveness of the guidelines.

The bill also appropriates $1,564,000 for fiscal year 2026 to the Department of Administration for the development and oversight of these sustainable building guidelines, which includes contracting with the Center for Sustainable Building Research at the University of Minnesota. The funding is intended to support the implementation of the guidelines and ensure that state projects comply with sustainable practices. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 16B.325, 16B.335