The bill modifies the livestock investment grant program in Minnesota by amending Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 17.118. It changes the grant award 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 of ten percent of the first $500,000 of qualifying expenditures. Additionally, the bill specifies that the commissioner may award multiple grants to a person over the program's lifetime 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, and it clarifies eligibility criteria for applicants. Now, individuals representing Minnesota Tribal governments are also eligible for the grant, alongside residents of Minnesota or entities defined under specific statutes. The bill maintains the requirement for applicants to be the principal operator of the farm and to hold a feedlot registration if necessary, while also requiring documentation of qualifying expenditures during the application process.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 17.118