The bill appropriates funds for various environmental and natural resource initiatives in Minnesota for the fiscal years 2026 and 2027, with a focus on enhancing water and air quality, addressing perfluorochemicals (PFAS), and supporting community adaptation to climate change. Key allocations include $1,959,000 annually for county feedlot program grants, $24 million each year from the environmental fund to the remediation fund, and funding for environmental research and invasive species management. The bill also establishes a foraging task force, modifies game and fish provisions, and introduces reforms to environmental permitting processes, while outlining civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance and mandating reporting requirements for various programs.

Significant changes include a reduction in funding for reforestation from $5 million to $2.195 million, the extension of a previous appropriation for a boat launch on the Mississippi River to June 30, 2026, and the introduction of new legal language requiring districts receiving payments to maintain a website for essential documents. The bill also emphasizes transparency in budget presentations and includes specific reporting requirements for organizations receiving grants. Additionally, it amends existing laws to facilitate fund transfers for remediation efforts and establishes new regulations regarding PFAS in consumer products, while enhancing the efficiency of environmental permitting processes and ensuring public involvement. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen Minnesota's environmental policies and promote sustainable management of natural resources.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 116X.03, 84.027, 84.705, 86B.415, 88.82, 97A.223, 97A.421, 97A.465, 97A.475, 97B.031, 97B.318, 97B.037, 97C.395, 103G.271, 103G.301, 115B.421, 116.07, 116.943, 325F.072, 473.355, 103E.067, 116.03, 116D.04