Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

Minnesota Senate Bill SF2789

Introduced
3/9/23  

Caption

Deposit of waste outside a shelter, motor vehicle, or any other conveyance on the ice of state waters prohibition; options for funding of additional enforcement of laws on ice of state waters report requirement

Impact

The introduction of SF2789 is expected to significantly impact state laws concerning the handling of waste in vulnerable ecosystems. By establishing clear prohibitions on waste disposal in ice fishing locations, this legislation aims to mitigate the ecological impact and preserve fish habitats. Violators of this regulation would face a civil penalty of $25, classified as a petty misdemeanor. This monetary fine serves to deter potential offenders and promote compliance among anglers and other visitors to Minnesota's lakes and rivers.

Summary

SF2789 aims to enhance environmental standards related to ice fishing in Minnesota. The bill prohibits the deposit of various types of waste outside of shelters, vehicles, or other conveyances on the ice of state waters. This regulation is implemented to protect water quality and ensure a cleaner environment for fish and other wildlife. The bill also amends existing statutes to strengthen the framework governing waste disposal practices in these recreational areas, thereby encouraging responsible behavior among users of state waters.

Contention

While the bill generally receives support for its ecological intent, there may be points of contention regarding its implementation and the effectiveness of the penalties outlined. Some stakeholders might argue that the penalties are too lenient to foster real change in waste disposal habits. Additionally, discussions may arise about how the enforcement of these new regulations will be funded, as the bill includes a requirement for a report from the commissioner of natural resources on options for funding additional enforcement efforts. There could be differing opinions on the best approaches to fund these initiatives and ensure that they are adequately enforced.

Companion Bills

MN HF2745

Similar To Deposit of waste prohibited outside a shelter, motor vehicle, or any other conveyance on ice of state waters; and report on options for funding additional enforcement of laws on ice of state waters required.

Previously Filed As

MN HF2745

Deposit of waste prohibited outside a shelter, motor vehicle, or any other conveyance on ice of state waters; and report on options for funding additional enforcement of laws on ice of state waters required.

MN SF980

Conservation officers requirement to coordinate investigation and enforcement activity with sheriffs

MN SF956

Searches and seizures without a warrant or court order by conservation officers prohibition and requiring receipts to be provided for persons from whom property is seized

MN HF2564

Snowmobile registration provisions modified; state parks and trails provisions modified; Minnesota Naturalist Corps eligibility modified; timber provisions modified; water permit application requirements modified; resident license requirements modified; walk-in access program modified; various provisions related to use of motorized vehicles, hunting and fishing, and elk management modified; open season dates clarified; and money appropriated.

MN SF75

Requirements for conveying easements and leasing state lands modification; state forest and state park modifications; sales and conveyances of certain land authorization

MN HF1595

Conservation officers required to coordinate investigation and enforcement activity with sheriffs.

MN HF50

Easement and state land conveying and leasing requirements modified, state forests added to and deleted from, state parks added to, and sale and conveyance of land authorized.

MN SF760

Victim of a crime charging for towing or impounding of vehicle prohibition, sale of crime victim's vehicle prohibition for 180 days, reimbursement for sale of a crime victim's vehicle by the government provision, charging the victim of a crime any fine or fee prohibition and law enforcement agencies investigation of reports of stolen vehicles and providing of updates requirement.

MN HF1594

Conservation officers prohibited from conducting searches or seizures without a warrant or court order, and receipts to be provided to persons from whom property is seized required.

MN SF68

Reporting of fish kills requirement and protocol development for state response

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.