This bill amends various sections of the Minnesota Statutes to enhance protections for wild-rice waters from pesticide impacts. It introduces a new definition for "wild-rice water," which includes bodies of water identified by the Pollution Control Agency or the Department of Natural Resources as supporting wild rice, those that flow into Indian country, and those where uncultivated wild rice grows. The bill also empowers the commissioner to enforce regulations against violations that adversely affect wild-rice waters, ensuring that penalties collected are deposited into the pesticide regulatory account.

Additionally, the bill mandates the development of a pesticide management plan that includes strategies for preventing and mitigating pesticide contamination in wild-rice waters. It emphasizes the need for educational programs addressing pesticide concerns, particularly regarding water quality and wild-rice protection. The bill also requires the state to take special care to prevent pesticides from entering wild-rice waters and encourages collaboration with Minnesota Tribal governments in these efforts. Overall, the legislation aims to safeguard wild-rice ecosystems while regulating pesticide use more effectively.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 18B.01, 18B.03, 18B.04, 18B.045, 18B.063, 18B.305