SF3808 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))
Hunter-harvested venison donation program modifications
Related bill: HF3387
AI Generated Summary
Purpose
- The bill updates the hunter-harvested venison donation program to allow individuals who legally take a deer to donate it to charitable food assistance programs through a meat processor licensed under chapter 28A. It requires the donor to provide the processor with the DNR number (license number) under which the deer was taken and to supply the processor with the entire deer carcass with the hide attached.
Main Provisions
- A hunter who legally takes a deer may donate the deer to charitable food assistance programs via a meat processor licensed under chapter 28A.
- The donor must supply the processor with the licensee's DNR number under which the deer was taken.
- The donor must supply the processor with the entire deer carcass with the hide attached.
- The processor may process a portion of the deer carcass for the donor's own use if the donor requests a portion and pays the cost to process that portion.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Codifies and clarifies how hunter-harvested venison can be donated to charitable food programs through licensed processors.
- Establishes explicit requirements for donation, including providing the DNR number and delivering the entire carcass with the hide.
- Allows processors to process a portion of the deer for the donor’s own use at the donor’s cost, integrating consumer access with donation activities.
Practical Implications
- Hunters gain a clear pathway to support charitable food programs while maintaining the option to obtain processed portions for personal use, subject to paying processing costs.
- Licensed meat processors have a defined role and requirements in the venison donation process.
- Charitable food assistance programs may benefit from a more formalized flow of venison donations.
Relevant Terms
venison donations deer charitable food assistance programs meat processor licensed under chapter 28A DNR number deer carcass hide processing costs portion donor Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 97B.303
Bill text versions
- Introduction PDF PDF file
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| February 23, 2026 | Senate | Action | Introduction and first reading | ||
| February 23, 2026 | Senate | Action | Referred to | Environment, Climate, and Legacy |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Requires the meat processor to be licensed under chapter 28A.",
"Requires the donor to supply the processor with the licensee's DNR number under which the deer was taken.",
"Authorizes the processor to process a portion of the deer carcass for the donor's use if the donor requests a portion and pays the processing cost."
],
"removed": [],
"summary": "This bill amends Minn. Stat. 97B.303 to modify the hunter-harvested venison donation program, including requirements involving processors and donors.",
"modified": [
"Reframes the venison donation provisions under 97B.303, naming the program provisions as 'VENISON DONATIONS' within the statute."
]
},
"citation": "97B.303",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "References to Minnesota Statutes chapter 28A appear in relation to processor licensing for venison donations; the excerpt does not indicate separate amendments to chapter 28A itself.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "28A",
"subdivision": ""
}
]Progress through the legislative process
In Committee