HF2481

HF2481 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Clean Water Council membership, structure, and duties modified.

Related bill: SF1736

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to restructure and modify the membership and duties of the Clean Water Council in Minnesota. It revises the processes involved in managing water resources, setting priorities for water assessments, and providing recommendations for fund appropriations related to water quality.

Main Provisions

Modification of Clean Water Council Structure: The bill changes how members are appointed to the Clean Water Council, including the introduction of non-voting members from various state agencies and legislative bodies. It also sets forth the criteria for appointing members with scientific expertise in relevant fields.
Council Duties and Recommendations: The Clean Water Council is tasked with advising on water resource management and fund appropriations. It will make recommendations for spending from the Clean Water Fund, focusing on protecting and restoring water quality in lakes, rivers, streams, and groundwater.
Implementation and Reporting: The bill requires the council to submit biennial reports to the legislature, summarizing activities and providing recommendations for future funding. These reports must evaluate the economic impact and effectiveness of implemented water protection and restoration efforts.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

Repeal of Existing Provisions: Certain subdivisions of Minnesota statutes related to the implementation plan and public education regarding clean water have been repealed.
Enhanced Cooperation and Coordination: The bill emphasizes increased coordination among state agencies, local governments, and other organizations to achieve the water management goals.
Expanded Scope of Responsibilities: The council's responsibilities are broadened to include a more strategic approach to fund allocation and achievement measurements.

Relevant Terms

Clean Water Council
Water assessments
Water quality
Clean Water Fund
Legislative recommendations
Public agency coordination
Environmental organizations
Groundwater protection
Impaired waters

Bill text versions

Introduction PDF file

Actions

Date	Chamber	Where	Type	Name	Committee Name
March 16, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading, referred to	Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Citations

[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Consultation with additional agencies for scheduling WRAPSs and TMDLs."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This bill modifies duties related to scheduling and preparing watershed restoration and protection strategies under section 114D.20.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies prioritization considerations for planning efforts."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "114D.20",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 5"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Allows recommendation to the legislature on appropriations from the clean water fund."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This bill modifies the Clean Water Council's duties as outlined in section 114D.30.",
      "modified": [
        "Adjustment of administrative support provisions."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "114D.30",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Formalizes nonvoting membership from designated agencies."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Restricts the council's nonvoting members to only appointed roles."
      ],
      "summary": "This amendment modifies the membership appointment process for the Clean Water Council under section 114D.30.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies the appointment and expertise requirements for council members."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "114D.30",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        ""
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "Changes are made to the terms and compensation for members of the Clean Water Council under section 114D.30.",
      "modified": [
        "Adjustments to term limits and compensation rate adjustments."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "114D.30",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 4"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Clarification on allocating resources for water protection efforts."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This section revises the recommendation process for clean water fund appropriations as outlined in 114D.30.",
      "modified": [
        "Sets criteria for grant evaluations and outlines fund allocation processes."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "114D.30",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 6"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Mandates inclusion of specific economic development impact statements in reports."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "Reporting requirements for the Clean Water Council are updated under section 114D.30.",
      "modified": [
        "Defines expanded content for biennial reports to the legislature."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "114D.30",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 7"
  }
]