The proposed bill introduces an outdoor recreation license plate endorsement in Minnesota, allowing motor vehicle access to state parks and recreation areas. To enter these areas, vehicles must display a valid outdoor recreation endorsement sticker, as specified in the amended Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 85.053. The bill establishes an outdoor recreation endorsement account within the natural resources fund to collect and allocate revenue from the endorsement for the operation and maintenance of the state park system. The effective date for these provisions is set for January 1, 2027, for endorsements issued on or after that date.

The legislation outlines the fee structure for the endorsement, which will be $15 for registrations from January 1, 2027, to December 31, 2028, and increase to $19 for registrations on or after January 1, 2031. It also includes provisions for issuing stickers through self-service kiosks, ensures temporary vehicle registration permits include the endorsement, and mandates vehicle dealers to provide information about the endorsement. Certain exemptions are made for veterans regarding the endorsement fee, and the bill specifies that the stickers must be distinct in design and color from standard registration stickers, cannot be transferred between vehicles, and includes provisions for replacing lost or damaged stickers. An appropriation is included to fund the implementation of the outdoor recreation endorsement, effective January 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 85.053, 168.002, 168.012, 168.0135, 168.09, 168.12, 168.27, 168.29, 169.79