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SF2359 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Advanced Tribal review of proposed mining projects requirement provision

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of the bill is to involve Native American tribes in the review process for proposed mining projects in Minnesota. It aims to ensure that tribes have the opportunity to conduct archeological and cultural assessments before any mining permits are considered by the state.

Main Provisions

  • Advance Tribal Review: The bill mandates that affected tribes must conduct and complete an archeological and cultural review along with any necessary preservation work before the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) can begin reviewing an application for a mining permit.

  • Timeline: The DNR cannot start the review of a mining permit application until one of two conditions is met:

    1. All affected tribes have completed their assessments and submitted their project reviews.
    2. 24 months have passed since the application was submitted.

  • Affected Tribes Definition: An affected tribe is defined as any tribe whose reservation land is located within the same county or an adjoining county to where the mining project is proposed.

  • Project Review by Tribes: When a mining permit application is received, the DNR must notify the affected tribes and share all relevant materials with them. Tribes have the right to examine the project and make recommendations concerning its approval, suggest permit conditions, or comment on other relevant aspects of the project.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

The bill introduces a requirement for tribal involvement in the mining permit process, which is not currently mandated by sections related to mining permits. This inclusion underscores the respect for tribal knowledge and sovereignty over natural and culturally significant resources.

Relevant Terms

  • Tribal review
  • Mining permit
  • Cultural preservation
  • Archeological assessment
  • Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
  • Affected tribes

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 09, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 09, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toEnvironment, Climate, and Legacy

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The bill references section 93.481 regarding mining permits.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "93.481"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The bill references section 93.513 about permits for the production of gas or oil.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "93.513"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The bill references sections 138.31 to 138.42 concerning archaeological and cultural review requirements.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "138.31 to 138.42"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Section 307.08 is mentioned concerning inadvertent discoveries.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "307.08"
  }
]

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