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HF601 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Depredation compensation payment funding provided, and money appropriated.

Related bill: SF1647

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to allocate state funds to compensate farmers for damages caused by wildlife, specifically focusing on damages from wolves and elk. The goal is to provide financial relief to those who have suffered losses due to livestock and crop damage.

Main Provisions

  • Wolf-Related Livestock Compensation:

    • An appropriation of $125,000 from the general fund for fiscal year 2025 is designated for compensation to farmers whose livestock has been destroyed or injured by wolves.
    • Up to $5,000 of this fund can be used to cover the costs incurred by university extension educators for determining fair market values of the affected livestock.
    • If federal funding is available for these claims, the state funds can instead be used for nonlethal wolf prevention efforts.

  • Elk-Related Crop and Fence Damage Compensation:

    • Another appropriation of $125,000 is allocated for fiscal year 2025 to compensate for damage to crops and fences by elk.
    • Up to $10,000 is available for the costs related to investigating and resolving these claims, which includes training for approved investigation agents.
    • Up to $40,000 can be used for grants to farmers to help protect stored crops from elk damage.

  • Transferability of Funds:

    • If claims under either the wolf or elk programs are particularly high, funds can be reallocated between the two programs as necessary.

  • Duration of Appropriations:

    • These appropriations are one-time and will remain available until June 30, 2026.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

The bill does not introduce new laws but provides additional financial resources to existing programs under Minnesota Statutes sections 3.737 and 3.7371, which govern compensation for wildlife-related damages.

Relevant Terms

  • Depredation compensation
  • Livestock damage
  • Crop damage
  • Wolf prevention
  • Elk damage
  • Agriculture finance
  • Minnesota Statutes 3.737
  • Minnesota Statutes 3.7371

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
April 21, 2025SenateFloorActionReceived from House
February 12, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toAgriculture Finance and Policy
February 12, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toAgriculture Finance and Policy
April 21, 2025SenateFloorActionReceived from House
February 18, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthor added
April 21, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
April 21, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
February 18, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthor added
April 21, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toAgriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development
March 02, 2025HouseFloorActionCommittee report, to adopt and re-refer toWays and Means
April 02, 2025HouseFloorActionCommittee report, to adopt
April 02, 2025HouseFloorActionCommittee report, to adopt
April 02, 2025HouseFloorActionSecond reading
April 02, 2025HouseFloorActionSecond reading
April 09, 2025HouseFloorActionHouse rule 1.21, placed on Calendar for the Day
April 09, 2025HouseFloorActionHouse rule 1.21, placed on Calendar for the Day
April 09, 2025HouseFloorActionAmended
April 09, 2025HouseFloorActionAmended
April 09, 2025HouseFloorActionThird reading as amended
April 09, 2025HouseFloorActionThird reading as amended
April 09, 2025HouseFloorActionBill was passed as amended
April 09, 2025HouseFloorActionBill was passed as amended

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Appropriation for compensation for destroyed or crippled livestock."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This bill appropriates funds for compensation related to livestock affected by wolves under section 3.737.",
      "modified": [
        ""
      ]
    },
    "citation": "3.737",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Appropriation for compensation for crop or fence damage caused by elk."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This legislation appropriates funds for damage compensation related to crops or fences caused by elk under section 3.7371.",
      "modified": [
        ""
      ]
    },
    "citation": "3.7371",
    "subdivision": ""
  }
]

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