Purpose

• This bill provides funding to support a program aimed at slowing the spread of spongy moths (also known as the spongy moth, Lymantria dispar) in Minnesota. The funds are designated for the Slow the Spread program and will be used for monitoring, control, and treatment of spongy moth populations.

Main Provisions

• Section 1 establishes an appropriation from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund to the Commissioner of Agriculture.
• Amounts: $954,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $954,000 in fiscal year 2027.
• Purpose of funds: For the Slow the Spread program to monitor, control, and treat spongy moth populations.

Funding Source and Administration

• Source: Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF).
• Administered by: Commissioner of Agriculture (Minnesota Department of Agriculture).
• Program focus: Monitoring, control, and treatment activities related to spongy moth populations.

Fiscal Details

• Total two-year funding: $1,908,000 (sum of $954,000 for FY2026 and $954,000 for FY2027).

Significance and Changes to Law

• Creates a targeted appropriation to support the Slow the Spread program.
• Represents a new funding allocation from ENRTF to the Department of Agriculture for spongy moth management; does not outline broader statutory changes beyond the appropriation.

Expected Impact

• Enables enhanced monitoring, control, and treatment efforts to slow the spread of spongy moth populations in Minnesota.

Relevant Terms - spongy moth - Slow the Spread program - monitoring - control - treatment - spongy moth populations - Lymantria dispar - Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF) - Commissioner of Agriculture - appropriation - fiscal year 2026 - fiscal year 2027