This bill designates the giant beaver, scientifically known as Castoroides ohioensis, as the official state fossil of Minnesota. The new legal language establishes this designation under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 1, and includes provisions for the preservation and potential display of a photograph of the giant beaver, which must be approved by the commissioner of natural resources.

The bill aims to promote state heritage and education by recognizing the giant beaver, a significant prehistoric species that once inhabited the region. By officially designating a state fossil, the legislation seeks to enhance public awareness of Minnesota's natural history and foster a sense of pride in the state's unique geological past.