HF4019
Mt. Simon-Hinckley aquifer appropriation permits eligibility criteria expanded.
Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026)
Related bill: SF4192
AI Generated Summary
Purpose
- To change how new water-use permits for the Mt. Simon-Hinckley aquifer are approved, adding requirements and conditions to protect this water source.
Main Provisions
- Scope: Applies to new water-use permits that would withdraw water from the Mt. Simon-Hinckley aquifer.
- Conditions for approval:
- The permit must be for potable water use (drinking water) or for agricultural irrigation outside a metropolitan county (as defined in section 473.121 subdivision 4).
- There must be no feasible or practical alternatives to using this aquifer.
- A water conservation plan must be included with the permit.
- Legal reference: These rules update Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 103G.271 subdivision 4a, specifically regarding the Mt. Simon-Hinckley aquifer.
What changes from existing law
- Adds tighter restrictions on issuing new water-use permits for the Mt. Simon-Hinckley aquifer.
- Requires a determination that no feasible or practical alternatives exist before approval.
- Requires incorporation of a water conservation plan with the permit.
Implications
- The state will more carefully limit new withdrawals from this aquifer.
- Preference is given to potable water use or outdoor farming irrigation outside certain metropolitan areas only when no other options exist.
- Encourages or requires conservation planning to accompany any permitted use.
Definitions and Terms Used
- Mt. Simon-Hinckley aquifer
- water-use permit
- potable water
- agricultural irrigation outside a metropolitan county
- metropolitan county (as defined in section 473.121 subdivision 4)
- feasible or practical alternatives
- water conservation plan
- commissioner (state official responsible for natural resources)
Relevant Terms - Mt. Simon-Hinckley aquifer - water-use permits - potable water - agricultural irrigation outside a metropolitan county - metropolitan county - feasible alternatives - practical alternatives - water conservation plan - Minnesota Statutes 2024 - section 103G.271 - subdivision 4a - commissioner
Past committee meetings
- Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy on: March 12, 2026 13:00
- Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy on: March 24, 2026 13:00
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 05, 2026 | House | Action | Introduction and first reading, referred to | Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy | |
| April 07, 2026 | House | Action | Committee report, to adopt as amended | ||
| April 07, 2026 | House | Action | Second reading |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "This bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, §103G.271, subd. 4a, to expand eligibility criteria for Mt. Simon Hinckley aquifer water-use permits and to require a water conservation plan be incorporated with the permit.",
"modified": [
"Expands eligibility criteria for Mt. Simon Hinckley aquifer water-use permits.",
"Requires incorporation of a water conservation plan with the permit."
]
},
"citation": "103G.271",
"subdivision": "4a"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "This provision references the definition of metropolitan counties from Minnesota Statutes 473.121, subd. 4, as part of the eligibility criteria for Mt. Simon Hinckley aquifer permits.",
"modified": [
"Cross-references Minn. Stat. 473.121, subd. 4 for the definition of 'metropolitan county' used in section 103G.271, subd. 4a."
]
},
"citation": "473.121",
"subdivision": "4"
}
]Progress through the legislative process
In Committee