Minnesota House Passes Environment and Natural Resources Policy Bill
SAINT PAUL, Minn. - Today, the Minnesota House passed SF 2904/HF 2774, the 2024 Environment and Natural Resources Policy bill, authored by Representative Rick Hansen (DFL—South St. Paul), on a bipartisan vote of 72-58. The policy package includes nation-leading legislation modernizing statutes on native rough fish, expanding opportunities to protect native prairies, and preparing Minnesota for a new Electronic Licensing System, including a mobile phone app, for issuing angling and hunting licenses, visitor permits, and outdoor recreation vehicle registrations.
The Environment and Natural Resources Policy bill builds on last year’s success when lawmakers passed the largest investment in protecting our environment in state history, including a nation-leading PFAS prevention package, and funding to address emerald ash borer, aquatic invasive species, and chronic wasting disease.
“We are passing first-in-the-nation legislation to support our native fish, modernizing our laws and recognizing their vital role in Minnesota’s ecosystem,” said Rep. Hansen. “House DFLers are taking action to prepare for an electronic licensing system that will improve the outdoor recreation experience for Minnesotans across our state, expand opportunities to protect native prairies, and address the threat of feral hogs.”
The legislation also includes provisions consolidating Department of Natural Resources (DNR) citizen oversight committees into one Fish and Wildlife Advisory Committee, strengthening manure management plans, and providing additional protections for wetlands.
The House also passed HF 3508, the 2024 State Lands bill, also authored by Rep. Hansen, on a bipartisan vote of 76-55.
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