Bill > SF1211

This bill eliminates the automatic annual appropriation for the pollinator account and repeals the Lawns to Legumes grant program, which previously allowed the Board of Water and Soil Resources to provide financial and technical assistance for planting native vegetation and pollinator-friendly plants in residential and community spaces. Specifically, the bill changes the language around the pollinator account from "annually appropriated" to "available for appropriation," which means the money in the account will no longer be automatically allocated each year and will instead require explicit legislative approval. The bill also completely eliminates the Lawns to Legumes program, which was designed to support pollinator populations (particularly the rusty patched bumble bee) by helping residents and communities plant native, pollinator-friendly vegetation. Both changes will take effect on July 1, 2025, giving state agencies time to adjust to the new funding and program status. The bill appears to be part of a broader effort to modify how certain environmental and conservation programs are funded and implemented in Minnesota.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF1211&ssn=0&y=2025