This bill, H.F. No. 2297, introduced in the Minnesota House of Representatives, proposes the creation of a special license plate to support solar pollinator programs and agrivoltaic solar sites. It includes the following key provisions:

1. Issuance of Plates:

   • The Minnesota Commissioner of Motor Vehicles must issue solar pollinator program special license plates for eligible vehicles, including passenger automobiles, noncommercial one-ton pickup trucks, motorcycles, and recreational motor vehicles.
   • Applicants must pay a standard special plate fee, registration tax, and contribute a minimum of $60 annually to the Board of Water and Soil Resources pollinator account.
   • Additional voluntary contributions are permitted.

2. Plate Design:

   • The Commissioner, in consultation with the Board of Water and Soil Resources and other environmental groups, will develop a suitable plate design.

3. Plate Transferability:

   • The special plates may be transferred to another qualified vehicle owned by the same individual for a $5 transfer fee.

4. Fee Allocation:

   • Contributions collected will be credited to the pollinator account managed by the Board of Water and Soil Resources.
   • Other fees related to the plates will be deposited into the Driver and Vehicle Services Operating Account.

The bill also amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 216B.1642, by adding provisions to support agrivoltaic solar sites (which integrate agricultural activities with solar energy production) under solar site management practices.

Essentially, this bill seeks to promote pollinator-friendly solar energy projects and agrivoltaic habitats through a specialty license plate program that funds conservation initiatives.