HF1402

HF1402 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Wolf depredation compensation program modified, compensation program for crop or fence damage caused by elk modified, and money appropriated.

Related bill: SF1193

AI Generated Summary

The bill proposes modifications to Minnesota’s wolf depredation compensation program and the compensation program for crop or fence damage caused by elk. Key provisions of the bill include:

Wolf Depredation Compensation Program Changes:
- Expands compensation to include both livestock and pets that are killed or seriously injured by wolves.
- Updates the process for determining fair market valuation of lost animals.
- Limits compensation per fiscal year to a minimum claim of $100 and a maximum per owner of $20,000.
- Requires investigations to be conducted by an approved agent, such as a university extension agent, conservation officer, USDA official, county sheriff’s officer, or licensed veterinarian.
- Requires periodic updates to best management practices for preventing wolf depredation.
Compensation for Elk-Related Crop and Fence Damage:
- Defines the responsibilities of "approved agents" who verify and assess damage caused by elk.
- Establishes valuation methods for crop and fence damage.
- Requires detailed reporting by approved agents, including photographic evidence and other factors for validating claims.
- Limits annual compensation to a minimum claim of $100, with a maximum of $20,000 per owner for crop or fence damage and a separate cap of $1,800 for fence damage.
- Allows landowners who receive compensation to decide whether to permit hunting on their land.
Funding Allocations:
- Appropriates $2.5 million for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 for livestock compensation due to wolf depredation.
- Allocates an additional $2.5 million for each of those fiscal years for crop and fence damage due to elk.
Repeal of Prior Appeal Processes:
- Eliminates provisions allowing livestock and crop owners to appeal compensation denials through a trial de novo in court.
- Removes the requirement for the commissioner to issue a detailed written denial decision for claims.

The proposed changes centralize the claims process, update valuation procedures, set spending limits, and remove previous appeal mechanisms. The bill aims to provide more structured compensation while ensuring funds are allocated through the state's budgetary process.

Bill text versions

Introduction PDF file

Actions

Date	Chamber	Where	Type	Name	Committee Name
February 23, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading, referred to	Agriculture Finance and Policy
February 23, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading, referred to	Agriculture Finance and Policy
February 23, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading, referred to	Agriculture Finance and Policy
February 25, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Author added
February 25, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Author added

Citations

[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill modifies provisions related to the wolf depredation compensation program under section 3.737.",
      "modified": [
        "Changes in the compensation process for livestock or pets destroyed by wolves."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "3.737",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Amendments to the rulemaking authority and criteria for livestock loss evaluation under section 3.737.",
      "modified": [
        "Updates to the rules concerning valuation and determination of livestock loss."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "3.737",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 3"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill modifies the section regarding best management practices for preventing wolf depredation under section 3.737.",
      "modified": [
        "Updates and periodic review of best management practices for wolf depredation."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "3.737",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 5"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill modifies definitions related to compensation for crop or fence damage caused by elk under section 3.7371.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies roles and definitions concerning who can assess damage caused by elk."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "3.7371",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1a"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill modifies the investigation and crop valuation procedures for elk damage under section 3.7371.",
      "modified": [
        "Changes in the process for investigating and reporting crop or fence damage caused by elk."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "3.7371",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2a"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill modifies the claim form requirements for elk damage claims under section 3.7371.",
      "modified": [
        "Adjustment in procedure for completing and submitting claim forms for elk damage."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "3.7371",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2b"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill modifies compensation procedures and limits for elk damage under section 3.7371.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies the compensation eligibility and limits for crop or fence damage caused by elk."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "3.7371",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 3"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill addresses decisions on claims and potential opening of lands to hunting under section 3.7371.",
      "modified": [
        "Details the process for claim decisions and optional hunting permissions on private lands."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "3.7371",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 5"
  }
]