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SF2793 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Unused water-permit gallons transfer authorization provision, irrigators usage of excess water in drought conditions authorization provision, and cover crops additional water usage authorization provision

Related bill: HF2613

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

This bill aims to update and clarify the rules around water use permits in Minnesota, particularly concerning the transfer and utilization of unused water allocations for irrigation. It addresses conditions for transferring water permits, using excess water during droughts, and increasing water usage for cover crops.

Main Provisions

  • Transfer of Water Use Permits: The bill introduces a provision allowing the transfer of unused water permit gallons between permit holders, provided they withdraw from the same aquifer or surface water source. The transfer must be approved by the commissioner, ensuring both parties comply with all permit conditions.

  • Excess Water Use During Drought: This bill allows water use permit holders to utilize excess water in drought conditions. Drought conditions are defined according to classifications provided by the U.S. Drought Monitor (D3 for extreme drought and D4 for exceptional drought). Permit holders can only use excess water if they did not meet their full water allocation in the previous year, and this is deemed sustainable.

  • Increased Water Use for Cover Crops: Permit holders who plan to plant late summer or fall cover crops can apply to increase water use beyond their normal permit limits for necessary irrigation. Approval of this increase depends on sustainability assessments. However, permit holders currently or previously subject to enforcement actions under the water use laws are not eligible for increased usage.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

  • This bill proposes a new subdivision to existing statutes, explicitly allowing for the transfer of unused water permit gallons and clarifying the conditions under which this can occur.
  • It sets provisions for the use of excess and increased water use during specific conditions like droughts and for certain agricultural practices, ensuring sustainability remains a deciding factor.

Relevant Terms

  • Water use permits
  • Transfer of permits
  • Unused permit gallons
  • Irrigation
  • Drought conditions
  • Excess water
  • Cover crops
  • Sustainable water use

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 19, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 19, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toEnvironment, Climate, and Legacy

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "A new subdivision allowing for the transfer of unused water use permit gallons between holders."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill modifies regulations regarding water-use permits, specifically the transfer of unused permit gallons.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies conditions under which water-use permits can be transferred to new property owners."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "103G.271"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The bill references standards for sustainable water use that must be met for increased water use during drought conditions.",
      "modified": [
        "Specifies that additional water use approvals are contingent on meeting standards defined in this section."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "103G.287"
  }
]

Sponsors