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
Compromise bill funding state government, elections passes off House Floor
By Mike Cook
Votes were plentiful Thursday for the omnibus state government finance and elections bill.
Passed 113-21 by the House Thursday, HF2783/SF3045*, as amended largely to include...
House passes increased requirements for repeat DWI offenders
By Rob Hubbard
If you’re arrested for driving while impaired — especially if it’s happened more than once — getting back behind the wheel could soon prove more difficult.
Sponsored by Rep....
House passes overdose education bill with bipartisan support
By Brian Basham
Minnesota students attending a Changemakers Forum in November 2024 identified overdose prevention education as their top legislative priority.
Rep. Nolan West (R-Blaine) was...
House bill seeks to require maintenance plans for state-funded capital projects
By Brian Basham
Rep. Brad Tabke (DFL-Shakopee) wants to save Minnesota time and future money by encouraging municipalities to have a plan for maintaining capital projects for which they receive...
Housing policy bill passes House with broad support
By Margaret Stevens Tweaks to a high-rise sprinkler grant program, requirements to post information about laws around rental units, and adjustments to Minnesota Housing Finance Agency programs are ...House OKs bill with new funding aimed at tackling Minnesota's affordable housing shortage
By Margaret Stevens At $75 million above the February forecast base, the House Housing Finance and Policy Committee claimed the largest budget target increase of any committee. This allocation ...House supports new HOA ombudsperson in commerce budget bill
By Lisa Kaczke The omnibus commerce finance bill continued to garner little controversy or debate. The House passed HF2443/SF2216* on a 122-10 vote Tuesday after a few minutes of encourage...Minnesota poised to honor veterans of 'Secret War' in wide-ranging finance, policy bill that passes House
By Mike Cook
In a highly partisan environment, the omnibus veterans and military affairs finance and policy bill traditionally supersedes party lines.
That continues in 2025.
Sponsor...
Summer unemployment benefits included in education finance bill headed for House Floor
By Brian Basham Legislators played a three-shell game with their omnibus education finance bill this week. One shell was ultimately chosen, sending the bill to the House Floor. ...'Seconds matter': House bill seeks to equip MN schools with emergency lock boxes
By Brian Basham
After school shootings like those in Sandy Hook, Connecticut and Uvalde, Texas, Rep. Jeff Witte (R-Lakeville) emphasizes it is essential for law enforcement have access to schoo...
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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...
