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.
Recent Dailies
Lawmakers pass bill boosting pensions for Minnesota teachers, police and firefighters
By Mike Cook
Educators and public safety personnel would benefit greatly from the omnibus pension and retirement bill.
“With the passage of this bill, those Minnesotans that keep us safe...
Human services policy bill handily passed by House, Senate
By Todd Abeln The right to a designated support person for nursing home residents, prohibiting county boards from charging for emergency services provided to clients experiencing emotion...House, Senate give green light to Legacy funding agreement
By Todd Abeln
The conference committee report for the omnibus went from conferee approval to a trip to the governor’s office in less time than many folks may have spent on their boat on a sun...
Judiciary and public safety agreement clears House, heads to Senate
By Tim Walker
Rep. Paul Novotny (R-Elk River) describes the omnibus judiciary and public safety bill as “a bare bones, keep-the-lights-on public safety budget” that he wishes would do more to...
House moves quickly to pass agriculture budget, policy bill
By Tim Walker
The last-minute rush of legislation was on full display Sunday when the House passed the conference committee report on the omnibus agriculture finance and policy bill.
The ...
Housing budget agreement headed to governor, but calls for more action persist
By Margaret Stevens
To its supporters, the housing omnibus budget bill passed by the House Sunday represents a step in the right direction. Many of those same legislators, however, say a giant leap...
House passes cannabis policy agreement, sends it to governor
By Lisa Kaczke
The omnibus cannabis policy bill that makes law changes as Minnesota’s adult-use cannabis market gets off the ground is on its way to Gov. Tim Walz.
The House passed the con...
House, Senate sign off on omnibus veterans and military affairs agreement
By Mike Cook It may not be marched to the governor’s office, but heading there is an agreement that would provide a $50.5 million increase over base for veterans and military affairs funding...Housing bill would boost aid but fall short of demand, supporters say
By Margaret Stevens
A bill advancing through the Legislature would increase funding for affordable housing programs, infrastructure grants and rental assistance though some lawmakers argue it falls...
Judiciary, public safety conference committee announces $3.5 billion budget deal
By Tim Walker The overall budget deal announced Thursday by legislative leaders and Gov. Tim Walz outlined a $107.42 million increase in spending over current budget levels to fund Minnesota ...Session Daily Home
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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...
