HF4019

HF4019 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Mt. Simon-Hinckley aquifer appropriation permits eligibility criteria expanded.

Related bill: SF4192

AI Generated Summary

Purpose

To change how new water-use permits for the Mt. Simon-Hinckley aquifer are approved, adding requirements and conditions to protect this water source.

Main Provisions

Scope: Applies to new water-use permits that would withdraw water from the Mt. Simon-Hinckley aquifer.
Conditions for approval:
- The permit must be for potable water use (drinking water) or for agricultural irrigation outside a metropolitan county (as defined in section 473.121 subdivision 4).
- There must be no feasible or practical alternatives to using this aquifer.
- A water conservation plan must be included with the permit.
Legal reference: These rules update Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 103G.271 subdivision 4a, specifically regarding the Mt. Simon-Hinckley aquifer.

What changes from existing law

Adds tighter restrictions on issuing new water-use permits for the Mt. Simon-Hinckley aquifer.
Requires a determination that no feasible or practical alternatives exist before approval.
Requires incorporation of a water conservation plan with the permit.

Implications

The state will more carefully limit new withdrawals from this aquifer.
Preference is given to potable water use or outdoor farming irrigation outside certain metropolitan areas only when no other options exist.
Encourages or requires conservation planning to accompany any permitted use.

Definitions and Terms Used

Mt. Simon-Hinckley aquifer
water-use permit
potable water
agricultural irrigation outside a metropolitan county
metropolitan county (as defined in section 473.121 subdivision 4)
feasible or practical alternatives
water conservation plan
commissioner (state official responsible for natural resources)

Relevant Terms - Mt. Simon-Hinckley aquifer - water-use permits - potable water - agricultural irrigation outside a metropolitan county - metropolitan county - feasible alternatives - practical alternatives - water conservation plan - Minnesota Statutes 2024 - section 103G.271 - subdivision 4a - commissioner

Bill text versions

Introduction PDF PDF file

Upcoming committee meetings

Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy on: March 24, 2026 13:00

Past committee meetings

Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy on: March 12, 2026 13:00

Actions

Date	Chamber	Where	Type	Name	Committee Name
March 05, 2026	House		Action	Introduction and first reading, referred to	Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Citations

[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, §103G.271, subd. 4a, to expand eligibility criteria for Mt. Simon Hinckley aquifer water-use permits and to require a water conservation plan be incorporated with the permit.",
      "modified": [
        "Expands eligibility criteria for Mt. Simon Hinckley aquifer water-use permits.",
        "Requires incorporation of a water conservation plan with the permit."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "103G.271",
    "subdivision": "4a"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This provision references the definition of metropolitan counties from Minnesota Statutes 473.121, subd. 4, as part of the eligibility criteria for Mt. Simon Hinckley aquifer permits.",
      "modified": [
        "Cross-references Minn. Stat. 473.121, subd. 4 for the definition of 'metropolitan county' used in section 103G.271, subd. 4a."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "473.121",
    "subdivision": "4"
  }
]

Progress through the legislative process

17%

In Committee