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
House backs education finance bill with $44 million boost for Minnesota schools
By Brian Basham
The omnibus education finance bill has graduated from the House Floor.
After weeks of leadership dealmaking, HF2433 was passed 93-41 Friday and sent to the Senate.
Spons...
House votes to add $100 million to fund unemployment insurance for hourly school workers
By Brian Basham
In the next few weeks, summer unemployment insurance for hourly and temporary school workers will kick in.
A newly crafted plan to invest $100 million for the program in fis...
Substitute teacher program, charter school PSEO access in education policy bill that clears House
By Brian Basham
Post-secondary eligibility options, substitute teachers and epinephrine delivery systems are parts of a bill getting a favorable grade Friday night.
Sponsored by Rep. Sydney...
Toughened DWI restrictions approach legislative finish line
By Rob Hubbard A bill born from a tragedy is likely to become law. Inspired by an incident in which a drunken driver with several prior convictions for driving while impaired killed t...Veterans conferees sign off on $50 million funding increase, policy changes
By Mike Cook A veterans homes funding bump, enlistment and retention bonuses, and honoring people who fought alongside United States military members are all part of a bill that could get le...Conferees OK cannabis agreement as Minnesota readies for adult-use market
By Lisa Kaczke
Tweaks are needed to the existing cannabis laws as Minnesota gears up for the launch of the cannabis licenses.
To that end, the Office of Cannabis Management has requested a...
House OKs health policy bill with optometry expansion, new borrowing option
By Margaret Stevens
A whirlwind Thursday marked by a brief tornado warning at the Capitol Complex and a long-awaited announcement of a budget agreement ended with subdued floor session and the Hous...
House bill proposes diverting funds from rail project to fund school worker unemployment aid
By Brian Basham House members have found a way to fund unemployment insurance for hourly and temporary school workers through the 2027-28 school year. Sponsored by Rep. Emma Greenman (DFL-M...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...
Conferees come to agreement on human services policy bill
By Todd Abeln The first conference committee agreement has been reached. The omnibus human services policy conference committee came to an agreement on HF2115 Wednesday night after a...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...
