Purpose

This bill would temporarily pause changes to the public waters inventory and require a formal report to the Legislature about how such modifications are handled, including recommendations for any needed legislative changes to ensure local governments and the public have a say.

Main Provisions

• Moratorium on modifications: The commissioner of natural resources may not modify the public waters inventory under Minnesota Statutes section 103G.201 until July 1, 2027.
• Reporting requirement: By January 15, 2027, the commissioner must submit to the Legislature a report on the public waters inventory modification process. The report should discuss any needed legislative changes to ensure that all modifications allow for local government involvement and public comment.
• Stakeholder consultation: In preparing the report, the commissioner must consult with counties, cities, townships, watershed districts, soil and water conservation districts, and other interested parties.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Adds a temporary halt (moratorium) on modifying the public waters inventory through the current process.
• Introduces a mandated report to evaluate the modification process and identify potential legislative changes to increase local government involvement and public comment in any future modifications.

Process and Involvement

• Emphasizes local government involvement and public comment in any modifications to the public waters inventory.
• Requires broad consultation with local governments and other interested parties as part of the reporting and potential process changes.

Timeline and Reporting

• Moratorium end date: July 1, 2027.
• Reporting deadline: January 15, 2027, for the required legislative report outlining the modification process and suggested changes.

Summary of Focus

• The bill aims to slow or pause changes to the public waters inventory and to overhaul the modification process to ensure transparent public engagement and local government participation before any future changes are made.

Relevant Terms public waters inventory; modifications; moratorium; commissioner of natural resources; Minnesota Statutes section 103G.201; local government involvement; public comment; report to the legislature; January 15, 2027; July 1, 2027; counties; cities; townships; watershed districts; soil and water conservation districts; consultation; interested parties.