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HF2613 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Transfer of unused water-use permit gallons allowed, irrigators allowed to use excess water in drought conditions, and additional water use allowed for cover crops.

Related bill: SF2793

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to enhance water management for agricultural purposes in Minnesota. It allows greater flexibility in transferring water-use permits and using water resources effectively during drought conditions or for specific agricultural practices like cover cropping.

Main Provisions

  1. Transfer of Water-Use Permits:

    • Water-use permits can be transferred to a new property owner if the associated land is sold. The new owner must notify the commissioner for the permit transfer.
    • The commissioner cannot impose new conditions, reduce the permit's capacity, or shorten its term during the transfer.

  2. Transfer of Unused Water Gallons:

    • Permit holders can transfer their unused water capacity to other users with permits for irrigation, provided they draw from the same water source (aquifer or surface water).
    • Such transfers must be approved by the commissioner, verifying compliance with all permit conditions.

  3. Water Use During Droughts:

    • Permit holders may use surplus water (unused from the prior year) in areas experiencing extreme drought conditions (classified as D3 or D4 on the US Drought Monitor).
    • The commissioner must ensure that such use is sustainable and meets specific regulatory standards.

  4. Increased Water Use for Cover Crops:

    • Farmers planning to plant cover crops in late summer or fall can apply to increase their water usage beyond the permitted amount.
    • Approval for increased use depends on sustainability assessments and cannot be granted to those currently or previously facing enforcement actions.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

  • Allows new flexibility for irrigation permit holders to optimize water use by transferring unused allocations.
  • Introduces provisions to support irrigation adjustments in response to drought conditions and agricultural practices, enhancing support for sustainable farming.

Relevant Terms

  • Natural resources, water-use permit, irrigation, drought conditions, cover crops, sustainable water use, aquifer, surface water, permit compliance.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 19, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toEnvironment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Subdivisions clarifying the transfer of unused permit gallons and conditions for transfers."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Potentially no components explicitly removed, but changes may adjust prior interpretations."
      ],
      "summary": "Amendments made to section 103G.271 impacting water use permits and their transfer process.",
      "modified": [
        "Specifies terms for transferring water use permits among property owners."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "103G.271"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Referenced to support sustainability determinations for increased water use in drought or for cover crops."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "References the requirements for sustainable water use, relevant to several sections in the bill.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "103G.287"
  }
]

Sponsors