SF95 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))
Hennepin and Anoka Counties Mississippi River wake surfing restrictions provision; requires rulemaking
AI Generated Summary
Senate SF No 95 is a legislative bill introduced in Minnesota that focuses on regulating wake surfing activities on a specific portion of the Mississippi River in Hennepin and Anoka Counties. The bill directs the Commissioner of Natural Resources to create new rules under existing environmental regulations. Specifically, these rules would limit the use of ballast systems or added weights in boats designed to enhance wake size for the purposes of wake surfing. The rules apply to a six-mile section of the river, extending from the United States Highway 169 bridge in Champlin to the Coon Rapids Dam.
The proposed regulation also clarifies that local governments have the authority to enforce additional regulations on wake surfing within 450 feet from the shoreline and outlines penalties for violations as per existing state statutes. The bill allows the Commissioner to adopt these rules swiftly using a simplified process that bypasses some usual procedural requirements.
Bill text versions
- Introduction PDF file
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January 15, 2025 | Senate | Floor | Action | Introduction and first reading | |
| January 15, 2025 | Senate | Floor | Action | Referred to | Environment, Climate, and Legacy |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"A new rule adoption requirement specific to wake surfing in a defined section of the Mississippi River."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "This bill amends existing statutes related to the applicability of rules governing watercraft operations under section 86B.205.",
"modified": [
"Clarifies limitations on existing watercraft operation rules within this segment of the river."
]
},
"citation": "86B.205"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "This bill refers to penalties under existing statute section 86B.811 for violations of the new rules regarding wake surfing.",
"modified": [
"Specifies that the penalties for rule violations are as provided in section 86B.811."
]
},
"citation": "86B.811"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "The bill allows the commissioner to use good cause exempt procedures under section 14.388 for rulemaking.",
"modified": [
"Allows use of section 14.388 procedures for expedited rule adoption."
]
},
"citation": "14.388"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "This bill states that section 14.386 does not apply, except as provided in section 14.388.",
"modified": [
"Limits the applicability of section 14.386 except as related to the use of 14.388 procedures."
]
},
"citation": "14.386"
}
]