Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Minnesota Senate Bill SF2793

Introduced
3/20/25  

Caption

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

Impact

Under the provisions of SF2793, permit holders will have the opportunity to utilize excess water during periods of local drought, defined by the United States Drought Monitor's classifications. This allows those who did not fully utilize their water allocation in the prior year to take advantage of otherwise unused resources, with regulatory approval to ensure sustainable practices are maintained. Furthermore, the bill permits additional water usage for cover crops, promoting agricultural resilience against drought by enabling farmers to irrigate beyond their typically allotted amounts during crucial growing periods.

Summary

SF2793 is a legislative bill focused on water use regulations in Minnesota, specifically addressing the transfer of unused water-use permit gallons and increasing water usage for irrigation during drought conditions. The bill allows irrigators to transfer unused gallons of their water permits to other permit holders withdrawing from the same aquifer or surface water, provided both are in compliance with permit conditions. This change aims to enhance water resource management by encouraging the efficient use of water during times of shortage.

Contention

While advocates of SF2793 argue that it provides much-needed flexibility and support to farmers and agricultural stakeholders, there may be concerns regarding the overarching impact on water sustainability and potential over-extraction of resources during drought periods. Legislators and stakeholders involved in natural resource management might debate the balance between empowering agricultural practices and safeguarding water supplies for future needs. Overall, the bill represents a critical approach to adapting water use regulations to current environmental challenges.

Companion Bills

MN HF2613

Similar To Transfer of unused water-use permit gallons allowed, irrigators allowed to use excess water in drought conditions, and additional water use allowed for cover crops.

Previously Filed As

MN SF5059

City attorneys authorizations provisions modifications and conforming changes

MN HF1828

Water and soil conservation provisions modified.

MN SF5435

Mineral taxes, property taxes and related provisions modification; transfers and distributions of proceeds authorization; revenue bonds authorization

MN SF1983

Water and soil conservation provisions modifications

MN SF4273

City and county attorney authorizations and provisions modifications and making conforming changes

MN SF2047

Issuance authorization and modification prohibition of certain water use permits

MN HF3550

Watersheds, soil and water conservation districts, and wetland management provisions modified; wetland banking program and conservation easement programs modified; riparian protection and water quality jurisdiction clarified; provisions extended to apportion drainage repair costs; beaver damage control grants eliminated; Board of Water and Soil Resources authority and duties modified; and rulemaking required.

MN SF3837

Additional firearms usage during the muzzleloader deer season authorization

MN SF91

Mt. Simon-Hinckley aquifer water appropriations authorization

MN SF5330

Sports betting provisions and authorization, establishing licenses, local restrictions prohibition, sports betting taxation provisions, civil and criminal penalties provision, and appropriation

Similar Bills

TX HB4498

Relating to the transfer and statutory novation of insurance policies from a transferring insurer to an assuming insurer through an insurance business transfer plan; authorizing fees.

TX HB3999

Relating to the transfer and statutory novation of insurance policies from a transferring insurer to an assuming insurer through an insurance business transfer plan; authorizing fees.

LA HB383

Requires each insurer subject to the Louisiana Insurance Guaranty Association Law to provide for a data transfer plan and file such plan with the commissioner of insurance

ME LD1719

An Act Regarding Superintendent Agreements for Transfer Students

CT SB00453

An Act Concerning The Department Of Public Health's Recommendations Regarding Transfers And Discharges Of Residential Care Home Residents.

CT SB00922

An Act Concerning Revisions To The Statutes Pertaining To Discharges In A Residential Care Home.

NJ S2820

Requires appropriate official file information on deaths in county with county clerk; provides additional ways for transferring deceased voter's record to Statewide voter registration system's death file.

NJ A4351

Requires appropriate official file information on deaths in county with county clerk; provides additional ways for transferring deceased voter's record to Statewide voter registration system's death file.