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HF1012 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Commissioner of natural resources required to consider decommissioning a road or trail designated for off-highway vehicle use; land, water quality, aquatic life, and wildlife protected from effects of using motorized recreational trails; environmental assessment worksheet required to construct or expand off-highway vehicle trails; rulemaking required; and money appropriated.

Related bill: SF1245

AI Generated Summary

House File No. 1012 is a legislative proposal focused on the management and regulation of off-highway vehicle (OHV) trails in Minnesota, particularly concerning their environmental impact. The key aspects of the bill include:

  1. Amendments to Current Laws: The bill proposes amendments to Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 84.777, which restricts the use of off-highway vehicles on state public lands, detailing specific rules about where and when these vehicles can be used. For instance, it specifies conditions under which off-highway vehicles can use designated trails and roads.

  2. Environmental Considerations: The bill requires that off-highway vehicle trails avoid certain sensitive areas, like tribal lands without approval, areas near waters with aquatic life, and lands infested with certain types of noxious weeds.

  3. Seasonal and Zone Restrictions: The bill outlines seasonal restrictions on OHV use during deer hunting season to minimize disturbances and also defines forest lands under various management zones.

  4. Mapping Requirements: Before allowing OHVs in certain areas, these areas must be officially mapped and designated for specific types of OHV use. This requirement is aimed at managing the environmental impact better.

  5. Petition for Decommissioning Trails: Under new rules, a trail can be considered for decommissioning if there's significant environmental impact, supported by a petition from residents or local government.

  6. Regulatory Changes: Some regulatory changes include exemptions from certain rulemaking processes, but require that any substantial decisions be noted in the State Register, ensuring a degree of transparency.

  7. Uniform Statewide Regulations: The legislation finds that OHV use rules should be uniformly applied across the state to simplify compliance and enforcement.

Overall, the bill seeks to balance the recreational use of off-highway vehicles with the need to protect sensitive environmental areas, ensuring that the use of OHVs is sustainable and does not harm Minnesota’s natural resources. This includes stricter control and monitoring of where and how trails are used and a mechanism to respond to environmental concerns through public petitions.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
February 16, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toEnvironment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
February 18, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthor added
February 25, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthor added

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "New seasonal restrictions during firearms deer-hunting season.",
        "Requirement for environmental assessment worksheets for trail expansions.",
        "Provision for decommissioning roads or trails based on environmental evidence."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Exemption from rulemaking provisions of chapter 14 for decisions made under this section."
      ],
      "summary": "This bill modifies the use of state lands by off-highway vehicles as regulated under section 84.777.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarification of designated trails and restrictions on off-highway vehicles.",
        "Updated definitions and conditions under which petitions may be submitted for decommissioning."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "84.777"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "References included in the amendment of 84.777 regarding general restrictions for off-highway vehicles.",
      "modified": [
        "These sections are part of the restrictions referenced but remain unchanged directly by this bill."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "84.787 to 84.804"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Part of referenced sections in amending 84.777 related to off-highway vehicles.",
      "modified": [
        "These sections accompany the restrictions under discussion within the bill, with no direct changes."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "84.92 to 84.928"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Referenced in the prohibition of trails through land containing noxious weeds.",
      "modified": [
        "Referenced to explain land management concerning noxious weeds."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "18.76 to 18.91"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Defines motor vehicles within the context of the bill's trail restrictions.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarified definition of motor vehicles as contrasted with unpaved trails."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "168.002, subdivision 18"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Referenced in the definition of state forest lands.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies the commissioner-managed lands for off-highway vehicle regulation."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "282.011"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Used to define state forest lands in amending 84.777.",
      "modified": [
        "Provides the authoritative scope of state forest lands impacted by the regulations."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "89.001, subdivision 13"
  }
]

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