Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Minnesota Senate Bill SF2393

Introduced
3/10/25  
Refer
3/10/25  
Refer
3/13/25  

Caption

Omnibus, Energy, Utilities, Environment and Climate policy and appropriations

Impact

The impact of SF2393 is manifold, particularly for households seeking weatherization assistance to improve energy efficiency. For example, the funding designated for weatherization and preweatherization work addresses barriers that low-income households face when seeking energy-efficient upgrades. Additionally, by establishing a robust premium security plan, the bill aims to stabilize the health insurance market by providing reinsurance options, which are designed to lower premiums and ensure broader access to healthcare. This effectively mitigates risks for health insurance providers while also seeking federal funding to enhance program effectiveness.

Summary

Senate File 2393 serves as the biennial budget establishment for the state of Minnesota, focusing on the commerce and energy sectors. It outlines appropriations to various departments, notably the Department of Commerce, which receives significant funding to support multiple initiatives including financial service programs for underserved populations, energy efficiency improvements, and solar energy production incentives. The bill aims to enhance the provision of essential services and bolster economic stability within vulnerable sectors through these appropriations, especially in light of ongoing challenges across the economy due to rising energy costs and financial instability.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the allocation of funding for particular programs and the potential complexities in administering the premium security plan. Critics may express concerns over the sustainability of funds allocated to the solar energy production incentive program, particularly in light of prior decisions that affected similar initiatives. Furthermore, questions may arise regarding how closely the appropriations align with the stated objectives of addressing low-income financial stability and energy efficiency. There may be value placed by stakeholders on transparency regarding the use of funds and operational efficiency across the various programs supported by this bill.

Companion Bills

MN HF2442

Similar To Biennial budget for commerce and energy established, various energy provisions modified, provisions governing consumer small loans and lending modified, Minnesota premium security plan modified, state innovation waiver submission required, provisions governing cannabis licenses modified, and money appropriated.

Similar Bills

MN HF1226

Natural gas utilities authorized to sell extraordinary event bonds under certain circumstances, account established, and money appropriated.

MN SF999

Natural gas utilities authorization to sell extraordinary event bonds under certain circumstances

MN HF1738

Renewable development account repealed, conforming changes made in associated statutes, utility solar production incentive program sunset, accounts established, and money appropriated.

MN SF2369

Renewable development account repeal; solar production initiative program sunset establishment; appropriating money

TX HB1520

Relating to certain extraordinary costs incurred by certain gas utilities relating to Winter Storm Uri and a study of measures to mitigate similar future costs; providing authority to issue bonds and impose fees and assessments.

TX SB1579

Relating to the recovery and securitization of extraordinary costs incurred by certain gas utilities; authority to issue bonds.

MN HF2928

Preapplication filings for large water appropriation projects required, permit application information for large water appropriation projects added, level of environmental review for data centers specified, data centers exempted from making financial contributions to an energy conservation and optimization plan, and other data center provisions modified.

MO SB6

Modifies and creates new provisions relating to electric utilities