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SF3517 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Aid to local governments establishment for emerald ash borer financial assistance

Related bill: HF2584

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The bill is designed to provide financial aid to local governments in Minnesota to help with the costs associated with managing and removing trees infested by the emerald ash borer. The focus is on aiding local communities to manage this environmental issue without overwhelming local resources.

Main Provisions

  • Aid Program Establishment: The bill mandates the Minnesota Commissioner of Revenue to distribute monetary aid to eligible local governments. This aid is specifically for addressing the financial burden caused by emerald ash borer infestations.

  • Definitions:

    • "Eligible costs" are expenses incurred since 2020 for treating or removing infected trees from residential or agricultural properties.
    • "Eligible homeowner" refers to property owners who have incurred these costs.
    • "Eligible local government" includes towns with populations over 10,000, statutory and home rule charter cities, and Minnesota Tribal governments.

  • Aid Distribution: Aid amounts must be certified by January 31, 2026, and fully paid to eligible local governments by February 15, 2026. The program uses a merit-based competitive grant process prioritizing the degree of infestation, residents' ability to cover costs, and the population size of the local government.

  • Use of Funds: Local governments must use received aid to reimburse homeowners who earn below 200% of the federal poverty guideline for their eligible costs.

Significant Changes

  • New Financial Support: This introduces a specific financial support framework for handling the emerald ash borer problem, targeting local governments and low-income homeowners.

  • Funding Allocation: An appropriation of $1,000,000 from the general fund is provided for the fiscal year 2026 to support this program, with up to 3% allowed for administrative costs by the Department of Revenue.

Relevant Terms

  • Emerald ash borer
  • Financial assistance
  • Local government aid
  • Competitive grant program
  • Federal poverty guideline

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
May 13, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
May 13, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toTaxes

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "References included for identifying Minnesota Tribal governments in new local aid legislation.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "10.65",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill exempts the new financial assistance program from the administrative retention requirements usually outlined in Minnesota Statutes section 16B.98 subdivision 14.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "16B.98",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 14"
  }
]

Progress through the legislative process

17%
In Committee

Sponsors