The bill proposes an 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. These funds are intended 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, and decrease erosion.

Additionally, the bill allows soil and water conservation districts that receive these grants to make subgrants for projects aligned 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 legislation overrides certain provisions of Minnesota Statutes, section 17.134, to facilitate these subgrants, thereby promoting more flexible and effective use of the allocated funds.