The bill S.F. No. 2077 appropriates funds for environmental and natural resource initiatives in Minnesota for the fiscal years 2026 and 2027, with a total of $50 million allocated for various conservation projects. Key initiatives include land acquisition, habitat restoration, and wildlife management, with specific funding directed towards partnerships with organizations such as Ducks Unlimited and Pheasants Forever. The bill also establishes monitoring and enforcement funds for certain projects and mandates reporting on the outcomes of funded initiatives. Additionally, it modifies existing laws related to the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council, including changes to the council's structure, terms for public members, and the appointment of nonpartisan staff.

Furthermore, the bill introduces provisions for managing and administering appropriations, emphasizing that funds must be used for specified purposes and that all agreements will be on a reimbursement basis. It extends the availability of certain appropriations for projects like the St. Louis River Restoration Initiative and the Daylighting Phalen Creek project, while also facilitating the sale of surplus land for public use. The bill includes provisions for an unemployment benefits program for individuals laid off from the iron ore mining industry, outlining eligibility criteria and application processes. Overall, the bill aims to enhance Minnesota's natural resources while ensuring accountability and effective use of allocated funds.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 85.055, 86B.415, 103G.271, 103G.301, 115.01, 115.071, 115.072, 115A.121, 115A.554, 115B.421, 115C.02, 115C.09, 116.03, 116.073, 116.182, 116.92, 168.1295, 446A.07, 473.167, 473.355, 473.5491, 115A.9157
1st Engrossment: 84.027, 84.03, 84.8035, 84D.01, 84D.05, 86B.415, 97A.223, 97A.421, 97A.465, 97A.475, 97B.001, 97B.037, 97B.318, 97B.405, 97B.667, 97B.945, 97C.395, 97C.835, 103G.005, 103G.201, 103G.271, 103G.301, 115.01, 115B.421, 116.07, 116.073, 116.182, 116.943, 325E.3892, 325F.072, 446A.07, 473.355, 473.859, 115.071, 115A.121, 115A.554, 116.92, 115.542, 116.03, 116D.04, 116D.045, 115A.9157
2nd Engrossment: 84.027, 86B.415, 97A.223, 97A.421, 97A.465, 97A.475, 103G.271, 103G.301, 115B.421, 116.07, 116.073
3rd Engrossment: 85.536, 97A.056, 84.0272, 84.96
1st Unofficial Engrossment: 115B.421
CCR-SF2077: 97A.056, 85.536, 84.0272, 84.96