Purpose

The bill creates a one-time funding provision to study whether microplastics are present in meat and poultry sold or offered for sale in Minnesota. The study is to be conducted in consultation with the Minnesota Commissioner of Health and the University of Minnesota, aiming to identify presence and provide recommendations based on the findings.

Main Provisions

• Funding: appropriates $1,500,000 from the general fund in fiscal year 2026 to the Commissioner of Agriculture to conduct the study.
• Collaboration: the study must be done in consultation with the Commissioner of Health and the University of Minnesota.
• Implementation: the Commissioner of Agriculture may contract with private laboratories or other entities as needed to perform the study.
• Reporting requirement: no later than February 1, 2026, the Commissioner of Agriculture must report findings and recommendations to the legislative committees with jurisdiction over agriculture and health.
• Scope: this is a one-time appropriation; no ongoing funding is created.

Significance and Changes to Law

• This bill does not create ongoing statutory changes; it authorizes a one-time study funded by a general fund appropriation.
• Establishes a formal reporting requirement to legislative committees, coordinating with health and higher education stakeholders.

Agencies and Stakeholders Involved

• Commissioner of Agriculture (lead agency for the study)
• Commissioner of Health (consulted)
• University of Minnesota (consulted)
• Private laboratories or other entities (contracts as needed)

Timeline and Deliverables

• Study funded in FY 2026.
• Report due by February 1, 2026 to relevant legislative committees.

Relevant Terms microplastics, meat and poultry, general fund, Commissioner of Agriculture, Commissioner of Health, University of Minnesota, private laboratory, one-time appropriation, fiscal year 2026, report, findings, recommendations, Minnesota, sold or offered for sale, legislative committees, agriculture, health.