Minneslate Logo

SF2793 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Unused water-permit gallons transfer authorization provision, irrigators usage of excess water in drought conditions authorization provision, and cover crops additional water usage authorization provision

Related bill: HF2613

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

This bill is designed to modify water use regulations in Minnesota, particularly for those using water permits for irrigation. It aims to allow more flexibility in water usage during drought conditions and to support agricultural practices involving cover crops.

Main Provisions

  1. Transfer of Water Permits:

    • Water use permits can be transferred to new property owners without additional conditions if they comply with existing permit terms.
    • No reductions in water allocation or additional testing will be required upon transfer.

  2. Transfer of Unused Water:

    • Holders of irrigation permits can transfer unused water allotments to other permit holders, provided both are pulling water from the same source (aquifer or surface water).
    • This transfer does not involve monetary exchanges or other compensations, and the commissioner must verify and approve the transfer.

  3. Water Use During Drought:

    • Permit holders can use excess water from previous years if the area is classified under severe drought conditions (D3 and D4) based on the U.S. Drought Monitor.
    • This usage is permitted only if it meets sustainability standards.

  4. Increased Water for Cover Crops:

    • Permit holders intending to plant cover crops in late summer or fall can apply to use an additional 27,154 gallons of water per acre.
    • Such requests will be approved if they meet sustainability standards and the permit holder is not under enforcement actions for water misuse.

Significant Changes

  • The law introduces new provisions for inter-permit water transfer and expanded usage during droughts and for cover cropping.
  • These changes aim to provide more adaptive water use management for agricultural purposes while maintaining sustainable use.

Relevant Terms

  • Water use permits
  • Irrigation
  • Drought conditions
  • Excess water
  • Cover crops
  • Water sustainability

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 19, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 19, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toEnvironment, Climate, and Legacy

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Allows transfer of unused water permit gallons under certain conditions."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This bill amends the process for transferring unused water use permit gallons under section 103G.271, subdivision 7.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies that the commissioner's denial of transfer is contingent upon compliance with sections 103G.255 to 103G.301."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "103G.271",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 7"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        ""
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This bill references standards for sustainable water use under section 103G.287, subdivision 5.",
      "modified": [
        ""
      ]
    },
    "citation": "103G.287",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 5"
  }
]

Sponsors