HF3387
Hunter-harvested venison donation program modified.
Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026)
Related bill: SF3808
AI Generated Summary
Purpose
- The bill changes the hunter-harvested venison donation program to allow deer hunters to donate their deer to charitable food assistance programs through a meat processor that is licensed under chapter 28A.
- It aims to support charitable food programs by increasing access to donated venison while ensuring proper processing and traceability.
Main Provisions
- A deer hunter who legally takes a deer may donate the deer to a meat processor licensed under chapter 28A, for distribution to charitable food assistance programs.
- The donor must provide the processor with the DNR license number under which the deer was taken.
- The donor must supply the processor with the entire deer carcass with the hide attached.
- The processor may process a portion of the deer carcass for the donor’s own use if the donor requests a portion and pays the processing cost for the portion requested.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Adds requirements for hunter-harvested deer donations:
- Donation must go through a licensed meat processor and be distributed to charitable food programs.
- Donor must supply the DNR license number and the entire carcass with the hide.
- Donor can obtain a portion of the processed meat for personal use, but only if they request it and pay the processing costs.
- Clarifies the process is tied to Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 97B.303, updating how venison donations are handled and tracked.
Practical Implications
- Increases accountability and traceability by requiring the DNR number and full carcass delivery.
- Maintains safety and regulatory oversight by directing donations through licensed processors.
- Provides a mechanism for donors to receive a portion of processed meat if they cover processing costs.
Relevant Terms venison donations, deer, hunter-harvested, charitable food assistance programs, meat processor, licensed under chapter 28A, DNR number, deer carcass, hide, processing, donor, processing costs, Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 97B.303
Bill text versions
- Introduction PDF PDF file
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| February 17, 2026 | House | Action | Introduction and first reading, referred to | Agriculture Finance and Policy | |
| March 23, 2026 | House | Action | Author added |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Allows a donor to donate a legally taken deer to charitable food assistance programs through a meat processor licensed under chapter 28A."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "This bill adds a provision under Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 97B.303 (Venison Donations) allowing an individual who legally takes a deer to donate the deer to charitable food assistance programs via a meat processor licensed under chapter 28A.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "97B.303",
"subdivision": "a"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Donor must supply the processor with the entire deer carcass with the hide attached."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "This bill requires that an individual donating a deer supply the processor with the entire deer carcass with the hide attached.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "97B.303",
"subdivision": "b"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Processor may process a portion of the deer carcass for the donor's use upon request and payment of processing costs."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "This bill authorizes the processor to process a portion of the deer carcass for the donor's use if the donor requests a portion and pays the processing costs.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "97B.303",
"subdivision": "c"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "The bill references licensing of meat processors under chapter 28A; it does not, by itself, amend Chapter 28A provisions.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "28A",
"subdivision": ""
}
]Progress through the legislative process
In Committee