SF4192 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))
Mt. Simon-Hinckley aquifer appropriation permits eligibility criteria expansion
Related bill: HF4019
AI Generated Summary
Purpose
This bill sets rules for issuing new water-use permits that would take water from the Mt. Simon-Hinckley aquifer. Its goal is to protect the aquifer by requiring stronger limits and planning before permits can be granted.
Main Provisions
- The commissioner may not issue new water-use permits for water from the Mt. Simon-Hinckley aquifer unless certain conditions are met.
- The permit must be for potable water use or for agricultural irrigation outside a metropolitan county (as defined by Minnesota law).
- There must be no feasible or practical alternatives to using this aquifer.
- A water conservation plan must be included with the permit.
- These changes amend Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 103G.271 subdivision 4a to specify when and how Mt. Simon-Hinckley aquifer permits can be issued.
Changes to Existing Law and Impact
- Adds specific gating criteria that effectively limit new permits from this aquifer to only certain uses and situations.
- Places emphasis on using alternative water sources if available and on conserving water through a formal plan.
- Ties the geographic scope to the metropolitan county definition in section 473.121 subdivision 4.
- Represents a shift toward more cautious and planned management of the Mt. Simon-Hinckley aquifer.
Practical Implications
- Municipalities or farmers seeking new withdrawals from the Mt. Simon-Hinckley aquifer will need to demonstrate no viable alternatives and must implement a conservation plan.
- The bill may slow or limit new withdrawals from this aquifer unless the specified conditions are satisfied.
Relevant Terms - Mt. Simon-Hinckley aquifer - water-use permits - appropriation - potable water - agricultural irrigation - metropolitan county - feasible alternatives - practical alternatives - water conservation plan - Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 103G.271 subdivision 4a
Bill text versions
- Introduction PDF PDF file
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 09, 2026 | Senate | Action | Introduction and first reading | ||
| March 09, 2026 | Senate | Action | Referred to | Environment, Climate, and Legacy |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"A requirement that a water conservation plan be incorporated with the permit."
],
"removed": [
"Any broad permissive language allowing issuance of Mt. Simon Hinckley aquifer permits without explicit consideration of alternatives or conservation planning."
],
"summary": "Amends Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 103G.271, subdivision 4a, to restrict new water-use permits from the Mt. Simon Hinckley aquifer to potable water use or agricultural irrigation outside a metropolitan county, only if there are no feasible or practical alternatives, and to require a water conservation plan to be incorporated with the permit.",
"modified": [
"The eligibility criteria for Mt. Simon Hinckley aquifer permits are narrowed and conditioned by feasibility considerations and a conservation plan."
]
},
"citation": "103G.271",
"subdivision": "4a"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "References Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 473.121, subdivision 4, for the definition of a metropolitan county; the bill does not amend this statute.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "473.121",
"subdivision": "4"
}
]Progress through the legislative process
In Committee