This bill proposes the appropriation of funds for a Southeast Regional Groundwater Protection and Soil Health Initiative in Minnesota. Specifically, it allocates an unspecified amount of money for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 from the general fund to the commissioner of agriculture. The funds are designated for grants to soil and water conservation districts in several counties, including Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha, and Winona. The initiative aims to reduce the leaching of excess crop nutrients into groundwater, immobilize unused nitrogen from the rooting zone, and decrease erosion.

Additionally, the bill allows soil and water conservation districts that receive these grants to make subgrants for projects that align with the Olmsted County groundwater protection and soil health initiative. This includes programs focused on cover crops, alternative crops, and enhancements for haying, grazing, and pasture management. The bill includes a provision that overrides certain restrictions in Minnesota Statutes, section 17.134, to facilitate these subgrants.