Purpose of the Bill

The main aim of this bill is to provide financial assistance to local governments and homeowners in Minnesota for dealing with the impact of the emerald ash borer, a pest that infests and damages ash trees. The bill sets up a grant program to help cover the costs associated with treating or removing infested trees, thereby helping those affected absorb these unexpected expenses.

Main Provisions

• Aid Program Establishment: The bill mandates the Commissioner of Revenue to distribute financial aid to eligible local governments. This aid is to be certified by January 31, 2026, and paid by February 15, 2026.

• Eligible Costs and Homeowners: It defines eligible costs as expenses incurred from 2020 onwards for the treatment or removal of infested trees. Eligible homeowners must have incurred these costs on their property and must qualify under certain income guidelines to receive aid.

• Eligible Local Governments: The bill specifies that eligible local governments include towns with a population of at least 10,000, statutory or home rule charter cities, and Minnesota Tribal governments.

• Grant Allocation Process: The grant distribution is a competitive merit-based process prioritizing areas with high infestation rates and lower resident income levels.

• Reimbursement Use: Local governments are required to use the grants to reimburse homeowners making under 200% of the federal poverty guideline.

• Funding: The bill appropriates $1,000,000 for this purpose in fiscal year 2026, with a small percentage allowable for administrative costs by the Department of Revenue.

Significant Changes

This bill introduces a new grant program specifically targeted at aiding communities and individuals affected by the emerald ash borer, representing a new state-funded initiative to address this environmental challenge. It also creates a structured system for financial support distribution, prioritizing areas and individuals most in need.

Relevant Terms

• Emerald Ash Borer
• Infestation
• Grant Program
• Financial Assistance
• Local Governments
• Homeowners
• Eligible Costs
• Federal Poverty Guideline