The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 298.28, subdivision 4, to modify the distribution of production taxes from minerals, specifically taconite. It establishes a new allocation of 32.15 cents per taxable ton to qualifying school districts, with specific provisions for distribution based on the location of mining activities. Notably, the bill introduces a new provision that allocates proceeds from Mesabi Metallics or its successor to Independent School Districts Nos. 316, Greenway, and 319, Nashwauk-Keewatin, or their successor districts. Additionally, it retains existing provisions for other taconite facilities while deleting the previous allocation for United Taconite, which is now included in the new distribution framework.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the distribution of additional funds to school districts qualifying as tax relief areas and specifies the conditions under which these districts will receive aid. It includes provisions for districts that experienced levy increases due to referendums and ensures that any remaining funds after required payments are directed to the taconite environmental protection fund and the Douglas J. Johnson economic protection trust fund. The effective date of the changes is set for the day following final enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 298.28