Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

Minnesota House Bill HF1999

Introduced
2/20/23  
Refer
2/20/23  
Refer
2/27/23  
Refer
3/30/23  
Report Pass
4/4/23  
Engrossed
4/13/23  
Refer
4/13/23  
Report Pass
4/14/23  
Report Pass
5/9/23  
Report Pass
5/9/23  
Report Pass
5/10/23  
Report Pass
5/10/23  
Enrolled
5/18/23  
Passed
5/19/23  
Passed
5/19/23  
Chaptered
5/19/23  

Caption

Legacy finance and policy bill.

Impact

The proposed appropriations under HF1999 are expected to significantly enhance Minnesota's environmental landscape by facilitating funding for projects that directly address habitat protection, water quality enhancement, and the ecological restoration of critical areas. The allocation of $171 million from the outdoor heritage fund is particularly noteworthy, as it represents a concerted effort to secure the state’s natural resources against contamination and degradation while supporting biodiversity. The funding aimed at wildlife habitats and conservation easements will promote sustainable land use practices and comprehensive watershed management.

Summary

HF1999 is a legislative proposal aimed at appropriating funds for various environmental initiatives in Minnesota. The bill is structured to allocate substantial resources from outdoor heritage and clean water funds to support the acquisition and restoration of land, diverse habitat conservation efforts, and improvements in water quality. Notably, it includes funding for the Minnesota Prairie Recovery Program, which focuses on enhancing native prairie and grassland areas, as well as initiatives aimed at supporting local watershed health and restoration programs for aquatic habitats across the state.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment surrounding HF1999 appears to be supportive among environmental advocacy groups and concerned citizens who prioritize ecological health. Many view the bill as a crucial step toward safeguarding Minnesota's natural resources and enhancing the quality of life for current and future generations. However, some critics express concerns about the efficiency of fund allocation and whether the proposed initiatives will be adequately monitored to ensure accountability and effectiveness. The sentiment reflects an eagerness for proactive environmental stewardship, tempered by desires for thorough oversight of the spending.

Contention

Debate over HF1999 has highlighted various points of contention, particularly regarding the scale and scope of appropriations. Some lawmakers have raised questions about how effectively funds will be utilized in local contexts and whether specific projects will yield measurable benefits. Concerns have also been raised regarding the need for sufficient reporting and accountability measures linked to the funding processes. This ongoing discourse underscores a challenge in balancing ambitious conservation goals with practical governance and resource management.

Companion Bills

MN SF1682

Similar To Omnibus Legacy appropriations

Similar Bills

MN SF1682

Omnibus Legacy appropriations

MN SF2865

Omnibus Legacy appropriations

MN HF2563

Legacy finance bill.

MN HF4124

Outdoor heritage legacy finance bill.

MN SF5116

Omnibus Legacy appropriations

MN HF1250

Outdoor heritage fund; leveraging of certain land for federal grant funds provided, and money appropriated.

MN SF770

Outdoor Heritage Fund appropriation and certain land leveraging for federal grant funds authorization provision

MN HF3377

Environment and natural resources trust fund; previous appropriations modified, and money appropriated.