HF2481

HF2481 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Clean Water Council membership, structure, and duties modified.

Related bill: SF1736

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to modify the structure and duties of Minnesota's Clean Water Council. It seeks to enhance the council's effectiveness in advising and implementing policies related to water quality management.

Main Provisions

Modification of Council Membership: The composition of the Clean Water Council will now include nonvoting members from specific state agencies and increased representation from various organizational sectors. This includes farm organizations, environmental groups, business organizations, and representatives of local governments and tribal entities.
Appointments: Governor-appointed members are required to have expertise in relevant fields like science or water quality. They must not be lobbyists or legislators, ensuring impartiality and expertise.
Leadership and Support: The council members elect their chair and vice-chair. They receive administrative support primarily from the Pollution Control Agency, among other state bodies.
Recommendations and Reporting: The council must submit funding recommendations for the Clean Water Fund, aligning with state law and constitutional requirements. They are also tasked with reporting on their activities, impact on economic development, and the effectiveness of funding in water restoration efforts.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

Repeal of Prior Provisions: The bill repeals existing law sections that previously governed the council's implementation plan and educational strategies, suggesting a shift toward a new framework and strategy.
Roles and Responsibilities: The bill outlines new responsibilities for the council in advising the governor and the legislature on water fund allocations. It emphasizes outcome-based funding with accountability measures for grant recipients.

Relevant Terms

Clean Water Council
Water quality
Council membership
Funding recommendations
Environmental organizations
Expertise in science and hydrology
Accountability and outcomes

Bill text versions

Introduction PDF file

Actions

Date	Chamber	Where	Type	Name	Committee Name
March 16, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading, referred to	Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Citations

[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Consideration of risks to human health and endangered species."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Previous non-specified guidelines."
      ],
      "summary": "This bill modifies the priorities for scheduling and preparing WRAPSs and TMDLs as requested from various agencies under section 114D.20 subdivision 5.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarified sources of input for setting priorities."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "114D.20 subdivision 5"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Details on council's authority to advise on expert scientific review processes."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Non-formally defined advisory roles."
      ],
      "summary": "This bill amends the establishment and duties of the Clean Water Council under section 114D.30 subdivision 1.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarified council's administrative support provisions."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "114D.30 subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "New member categories and roles."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Past requirements on appointment details."
      ],
      "summary": "This bill revises the membership and appointment process for the Clean Water Council under section 114D.30 subdivision 2.",
      "modified": [
        "Process to provide geographical balance in appointments."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "114D.30 subdivision 2"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Increased compensation rate for non-legislative members."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Vague duration terms."
      ],
      "summary": "This bill modifies the terms and compensation for members of the Clean Water Council under section 114D.30 subdivision 4.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarified conditions for member replacement."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "114D.30 subdivision 4"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Requirement for at least 5% of funds to protect drinking water sources."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Unspecified allocation protocols."
      ],
      "summary": "This bill modifies the recommended appropriation process for the Clean Water Fund under section 114D.30 subdivision 6.",
      "modified": [
        "Explicit guidelines on fund allocation priorities."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "114D.30 subdivision 6"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Biennial reporting schedule and content details."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Generalized reporting formats."
      ],
      "summary": "This bill outlines the reporting requirements to the legislature by the Clean Water Council under section 114D.30 subdivision 7.",
      "modified": [
        "Inclusion of past appropriation effectiveness analysis."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "114D.30 subdivision 7"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "N/A"
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Education and participation strategies."
      ],
      "summary": "This bill repeals the education strategies related to clean water under section 114D.35 subdivision 3.",
      "modified": [
        "N/A"
      ]
    },
    "citation": "114D.35 subdivision 3"
  }
]