Minnesota Legislature
Working group strikes agreement on environment and natural resources finance, policy package
By Tim Walker
In this tight two-year budget cycle, it’s not surprising that several budget agreements have turned to raising fees or adding surcharges to state services to meet their lean targets for the 2026-27 biennium.
That includes environment and natural resources budget and policy.
An agreement would increase the aquatic invasive species surcharge for watercraft from a flat $10.60. Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, surcharges would range from $14 to $62 depending on the size, type and use of the watercraft.
The DNR would also increase large groundwater-use permit fees and water appropriation permit application fees, including a rise from $150 to $600 for a business to apply for a permit to appropriate groundwater.
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Legislature — with budget incomplete — gavels out, prepares for special session
By Rob Hubbard
Some years, state legislative sessions surge to a climax on their final day, a flurry of activity providing a sustained adrenaline rush, culminating in smiles of satisfaction as...
Walz, lawmakers strike budget deal in session's final days
By Lisa Kaczke
With five days to go in the 2025 session, three of four legislative leaders announced a budget agreement Thursday that would sunset unemployment insurance for hourly school empl...
