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HF647 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Mt. Simon-Hinckley aquifer water appropriations authorized.

Related bill: SF840

AI Generated Summary

This legislative bill, authored by Schultz and Gordon, proposes changes to how water can be appropriated from the Mt. Simon-Hinckley aquifer in Minnesota. Specifically, the bill outlines that:

  1. New Permits for Potable Water Use: The bill allows the issuance of new water use permits to take water from the Mt. Simon-Hinckley aquifer for drinking purposes only if:

    • No other reasonable water sources are available.
    • The water-use permit includes a water conservation plan that utilizes the best available technology and practices.
    • The permit complies with existing water-related laws and regulations.

  2. New Permits for Non-Potable Water Use: The bill also allows issuing new permits for non-drinking purposes, but only if:

    • The permit meets the same strict criteria as those for potable water.
    • The water appropriation is proposed outside of designated metropolitan counties.

Overall, this bill aims to regulate the appropriation of water from the Mt. Simon-Hinckley aquifer more strictly, prioritizing sustainable and essential uses, particularly in ensuring clean drinking water. It also encourages the adoption of advanced water conservation practices.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
February 12, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toEnvironment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Includes consideration criteria for issuing permits related to potable water use."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "No new removal mentioned."
      ],
      "summary": "This bill modifies water appropriation rules specifically related to the Mt. Simon-Hinckley aquifer under section 103G.271 subdivision 4a.",
      "modified": [
        "Updates applicability of sections 103G.255 to 103G.299 and 103G.301 to 103G.111 in relation to water use permits."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "103G.271 subdivision 4a"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Clarifies that nonpotable use appropriations must be outside a metropolitan county as defined."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "No previously existing conditions removed."
      ],
      "summary": "This bill references section 473.121 subdivision 4 to clarify definitions related to metropolitan counties, relevant for nonpotable water use appropriations.",
      "modified": [
        "Adjusts conditions for issuing nonpotable water use permits linked to specific geographic definitions."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "473.121 subdivision 4"
  }
]

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