The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 17.118, which governs the livestock investment grant program. It modifies the grant awards structure, allowing the commissioner to award grants equal to 50 percent of the first $20,000 of qualifying expenditures and 20 percent of the next $220,000, replacing the previous structure that provided only ten percent of the first $500,000 of qualifying expenditures. Additionally, the bill specifies that the commissioner may award multiple grants to a single applicant over the program's duration and will prioritize applicants who have not previously received a grant.

Furthermore, the bill expands the definition of "livestock" to include rabbits, donkeys, and alpacas, in addition to the previously listed animals. It also introduces a new eligibility criterion, allowing representatives of Minnesota Tribal governments to qualify for the livestock investment grant. The bill maintains the requirement for applicants to be residents of Minnesota or eligible entities, be the principal operator of the farm, hold a feedlot registration if necessary, and submit a statement of qualifying expenditures along with required documentation.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 17.118